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Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare celebrates World Mental Health Day and two years of Tele MANAS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Health & Family Welfare celebrates World Mental Health Day and two years of Tele MANAS

    Theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day Prioritises Mental Health at Workplace

    Tele MANAS Mobile App, WHO’s Tele MANAS Rapid Assessment Report and a Selfcare Module for Employees released

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Health Ministry celebrated the completion of two years of National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele MANAS) on World Mental Health Day, here today. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is: “It is time to prioritize Mental Health at Workplace”.

    Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary, MoHFW & Managing Director, National Health Mission (NHM) launched the Tele MANAS app and Tele MANAS video call facility in the presence of Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to India, Shri Saurabh Jain, Joint Secretary, MoHFW, Dr. Partima Murthy, Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and other senior officers from the Ministry.

    Tele MANAS app is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed for providing support for mental health issues. The app has a library of information including tips on self-care, recognizing distress signals, managing early signs of stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. It facilitates engagement of the user through mind challenges, games and mindfulness practices providing a user-friendly experience. The app will help users connect for free and get confidential mental health support through trained mental health professionals across India, 24×7 for immediate counseling.

    Video consultations in Tele MANAS is another upgrade to the already existing audio calling facility. This will be undertaken by the mental health professionals who are taking audio call escalations to get further information about the caller as part of history taking and clarification. This can also enable a brief physical examination or a Mental State Examination (MSE) for the caller to confirm any findings. This facility will be initially launched in the states of Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu and later scaled up to the whole country.

     

    In her inaugural address, Smt. Aradhana Patnaik stated that “Mental health is fundamental to health and plays a crucial role in enabling individuals, families and communities to function at their highest level, work productively and contribute to society. Unhealthy work environments and other unfavorable working conditions have an impact on one’s general health, well-being, mental health, and involvement or productivity at work. There is a need for creating a good work environment and work-life balance for more productive results in the workplace.”

     

    She stated that “Tele MANAS has reached a significant milestone, having handled over 14.5 lakh calls since its launch.”

    Underlining the importance of adolescent mental health and issues faced by the adolescent population, Smt. Patnaik stressed “the need for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)  to ensure awareness about the Tele MANAS App”. 

    Talking about mental health in the workplace, Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, stated that issues like gender inequity, disrespectful unsupportive colleagues, lack of work-life balance, and job satisfaction lead to mental health challenges for the employees in the workplace. He emphasized the responsibility of employers and managers to create a supportive work environment.

    Congratulating the Ministry for two years with the successful implementation of Tele-MANAS, he stated that “WHO review of Tele-MANAS has shown a successful model for mental health. It has the potential to work well. The primary healthcare especially the Ayushmann Arogya Mandirs have proven to be successful in improving mental health and well-being of the people”. He also highlighted the importance of collective efforts of all stakeholders to enhance mental health at the workplace. 

    Tele MANAS reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing the nation’s mental well-being. The Tele MANAS toll-free helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 offer multi-language support in 20 languages and have been pivotal in facilitating communication between callers and mental health professionals.

    The Report of Tele MANAS rapid assessment by World Health Organizations (WHO) and a Selfcare Module for Employees titled ‘Taking charge of your mental health- because it matters” was also released at the event.

     

    In order to evaluate the performance and progress of Tele MANAS, a rapid assessment was organized by MoHFW in coordination with WHO India, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for South-East Asia (WHO SEARO), WHO Headquarters & NIMHANS. The assessment was based on desk reviews of national data and primary data collected from four states/Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. The report appreciates the novel initiative of the Government of India and highlights some significant milestones achieved by Tele MANAS in providing mental health support and its robust technological architecture.

    The booklet ‘Taking Charge of Your Mental Health- Because It Matters” focuses on the efforts that individuals could make to maintain mental health and well-being. The booklet attempts to clear some of the misconceptions regarding mental health and offers a few strategies that individuals could try to explore by themselves. It also specifically focuses on stress arising out of difficult workplace situations.

     

    The event further had roundtable discussions with a variety of panelists coming from a diversified group of people that include Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Institutions such as National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), WHO, Industry associations such as Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NAT Health (Healthcare Federation of India), Development partners such as Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), organizations promoting wellness such as Art of Living Foundation and Arogya World, and Civil society organization like Jan Sahas.

    The topics discussed during the sessions included policies and frameworks to foster mental health resilience at workplaces; Mental Wellbeing at Informal Workplaces / Challenges, Opportunities, and Inclusive Solutions; and Preventive Mental Health- The Role of Holistic Practices in Promoting Well-being. The panelists also explored the role of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) & Tele MANAS in promoting mental health support. Furthermore, Union Health Ministry has sought active participation from other Ministries of the Government to implement employee engagement activities designed to support mental health in the workplace.

     

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    MV

    HFW/Tele MANAS app launched at World Mental Health Day Celebration/10th October 2024/1

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region in the context of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with the support of India’s Act East Policy (AEP)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of India, gathered on the occasion of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to promote the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the fundamental principles, shared values and norms that have steered the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations since its establishment in 1992, including those enunciated in the Vision Statement of ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit (2012), the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations (2018), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region (2021), the Joint Statement on ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation (2023) and ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises (2023);

    WELCOMING the Decade of Act East Policy of India, where ASEAN is at the heart and of utmost priority, which has contributed to advancing ASEAN-India relations through cooperation in areas of political-security, economic, cultural and people-to-people relations;

    ACKNOWLEDGING the deep civilisational linkages and cross-cultural exchanges, facilitated through both land and maritime routes between Southeast Asia and India, encompassing the various seas and oceans of the Indo-Pacific, providing a strong foundation for the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership;

    WELCOMING the activities and initiatives held in the year 2024 on the occasion of the decade of Act East Policy to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership;

    RECOGNISING India’s support for ASEAN Centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture and its commitment to work closely through ASEAN-led mechanisms and fora including the ASEAN-India Summit, East Asia Summit (EAS), Post Ministerial Conference with India (PMC+1), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) as well as support to ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Community building process including Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP);

    NOTING the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/78/69 which emphasises, in the Preamble, the universal and unified character of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and reaffirms that the Convention sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector, and that its integrity needs to be maintained;

    APPRECIATING efforts towards implementation of the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region through trust and confidence based on shared democratic values, strong belief in sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a shared commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to upholding multilateralism, the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and respect for international law, while recognising ASEAN’s rising global relevance and unique convening power amid the emerging multipolar global architecture and noting the growing and active role of India in major international economic and political affairs.

    Do hereby declare to

    1. Reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and other lawful uses of the seas, including unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In this regard, we support the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS;

    2. Build on ongoing collaboration in defense and security within the framework of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus, including the first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in 2023 and co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (2024-2027), as well as noting the two initiatives announced at the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in 2022;

    3. Strengthen cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, military medicine, transnational crime, defence industry, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping and demining operations and confidence building measures. This will be achieved through the exchange of visits, joint military exercise, maritime exercise, port calls by naval ships and defence scholarships;

    4. Advance the implementation of ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation and continue to cooperate on areas such as maritime security, blue economy, sustainable fisheries, marine environmental protection, marine biodiversity, and climate change issues, among others;

    5. Promote and work towards the strengthening of multilateralism through the UN and the multilateral processes to address global concerns, pursue shared goals and complementary initiatives, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of our peoples;

    6. Build on the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region by advancing cooperation between the AOIP and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI);

    7. Expedite the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more effective, user-friendly, simple, and trade-facilitative for businesses and relevant to the current global trading practices and promote mutually beneficial arrangements and strengthen economic cooperation between ASEAN and India;

    8. Promote diverse, secure, transparent and resilient supply chains while exchanging information on identifying and proactively addressing potential risks in supply chains in areas of mutual interest to promote sustainable development;

    9. Cooperate on emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technology, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Quantum Computing, 6-G technology, building and strengthening of startups ecosystem with special emphasis on digital connectivity and financial technology;

    10. Welcome the launch of the ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future to support joint activities;

    11. Cooperate to unlock the full potential of safe, secure, responsible, trustworthy AI by promoting international cooperation and further discussions on international governance for AI, considering that the rapid progress of AI has the potential for prosperity and expansion of the global digital economy. We should endeavor to leverage AI for public good by solving challenges in a responsible, inclusive and human-centric manner while protecting people’s rights and safety;

    12. Note the proposal to celebrate the year 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism to further strengthen people-to-people ties while recognising the crucial role of tourism in promoting sustainable socioeconomic development and economic prosperity, and as one of the vehicles for achieving the SDGs. In this endeavour, we support the implementation of the ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027, and to explore deeper cooperation to support joint programs for tourism education, training and research to build capacity and ensure a high-quality tourism industry. We also encourage the expansion of business networks among travel stakeholders, the practice of sustainable and responsible tourism, as well as the exchange of tourism trends and information. In addition, we support the enhancement of crisis communications, promotion of tourism investment opportunities, as well as development and joint promotion of niche markets, cruise tourism and tourism standards;

    13. Strengthen health systems by enhancing collaboration on public health including, inter alia, in the areas of research and development (R&D), public health emergency preparedness, training of healthcare professionals, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, vaccine security and self-reliance, vaccine development and production, as well as general and traditional medicine;

    14. Enhance cooperation in the field of environment, including biodiversity and climate change as well as explore cooperation in the field of energy security, including cooperation on clean, renewable, and low-carbon energy in line with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2021-2025 and India’s renewable energy priorities, as well as other national models and priorities such as bio-circular-green development;

    15. Promote disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure systems through knowledge sharing and best practices, capacity building and technical assistance, which can be pursued such as through the framework of Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as well as the proposed Memorandum of Intent (MOI) between ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) and National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of India;

    16. Enhance connectivity between ASEAN and India in line with the “Connecting the Connectivities” approach, by exploring synergies between the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its successor document, the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) and India’s connectivity initiatives in the region under India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision to ensure seamless connectivity in the Indo-Pacific by collaborating for quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure and enhancing cooperation in transport in land, air, and maritime domains including through the early completion and operationalisation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway while looking forward to its eastward extension to Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam;

    17. Stressing the importance of strengthening multilateralism and comprehensive reform of the multilateral global governance architecture, including the United Nations and international financial architecture, international financial institutions, and multilateral development banks, to make them fit for purpose, democratic, equitable, representative and responsive to the current global realities and the needs and aspirations of the Global South;

    18. Call for an inclusive and balanced international agenda, that responds to the concerns and priorities of the Global South, recognising that the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’ (CBDR-RC) within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) applies to all relevant global challenges;

    19. Explore potential synergies with sub-regional frameworks, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), Singapore-Johor-Riau (SIJORI) Growth Triangle, Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and Mekong sub-regional cooperation frameworks, including Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and Ayeyawady Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), and to support ASEAN and India’s efforts in promoting equitable development by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive, mutual growth and development of ASEAN and India;

    20. Continue to work together on regional and global issues of common concern while endeavouring to strengthen our partnership through the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of India, on the occasion of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to promote the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the fundamental principles, shared values and norms that have steered the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations since its establishment in 1992, including those enunciated in the Vision Statement of ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit (2012), the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations (2018), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region (2021), the Joint Statement on ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022), the ASEAN- India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation (2023) and ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises (2023);

    RECOGNISING the significant role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in catalysing digital transformation and promoting inclusivity, efficiency, and innovation in public service delivery; connecting individuals, communities, industries, organizations and countries across geographies, taking into account different domestic and international contexts;

    RECOGNISING that technology can enable rapid transformations for bridging the existing digital divides in the region and accelerate progress for inclusive and sustainable development while promoting region’s economic integration;

    APPRECIATING the contribution made by India towards implementation of ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025) and noteworthy achievements of cooperation activities in the successive ASEAN-India Digital Work Plans including through knowledge sharing and capacity building programmes and the establishment of Centers of Excellence in Software Development and Training in CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam) countries;

    ACKNOWLEDGING the leadership and significant advancements made by India in developing and implementing successful DPI initiatives, which have resulted in substantial social and economic benefits;

    ACKNOWLEDGING the development of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2026-2030 (ADM 2030), to build upon the accomplishments of the ADM 2025, which aims to expedite digital transformation across ASEAN, to facilitate the seamless transition into the next phase of digital advancement by 2030, in line with the common goals of ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

    APPRECIATING India for setting up the ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future focusing on cooperation in digital transformation in ASEAN countries;

    Do hereby declare to strengthen cooperation in:

    1. Digital Public Infrastructure

    1.1 We acknowledge the opportunities for collaboration, with the mutual consent of ASEAN Member States and India, to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the development, implementation, and governance of DPI by utilizing various kinds of platforms to promote DPI development across the region;

    1.2 We recognise potential opportunities for joint initiatives and projects that leverage DPI for regional development and integration;

    1.3 We shall explore collaboration to leverage DPI across sectors in addressing diverse challenges such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate action.

    2. Financial Technology

    2.1 We recognise that Financial Technology (FinTech) and innovation as vital drivers for the bilateral economic partnership:

    2.2 We aim to:

    a. Explore potential collaboration of cross-border linkages between payment systems in ASEAN and India through innovative digital solutions enabling digital service delivery available in India and ASEAN.

    b. Explore partnerships between national agencies for fintech innovations and support digital solutions, including digital financial solutions.

    3. Cybersecurity

    3.1 We recognize that cooperation in cybersecurity is a crucial part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    3.2 We welcome the establishment of the ASEAN India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue and look forward to its first meeting in October this year;

    3.3 We intend to expand our cyber security cooperation to support digital economy. As we gradually move towards growing digital economies, we shall endeavour to ensure the security and resilience of digital infrastructure and services;

    4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    4.1 We support collaboration the development of necessary knowledge, skills, infrastructure, risk management frameworks and policies to effectively and responsibly leverage AI technologies and applications to harness the potential of AI advancements.

    4.2 We recognize that access to AI technologies including, but not limited to, computing, data-sets and foundational models is key to achieving sustainable development through AI. Therefore, we shall collaborate for democratisation of AI resources for social good in accordance with respective national laws, rules and regulations.

    4.3 We recognize that AI is changing job landscapes rapidly and there is a need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. We support collaboration in capacity building on AI education initiatives, develop Al-focused vocational training programs, and create platforms for knowledge exchange to prepare the workforce for the future job market.

    4.4 We welcome collaboration to develop studies on governance, standards and tools to support and assess the achievement of fairness, robustness, equitable access and other mutually agreed principles of responsible AI to promote trustworthiness in artificial intelligence systems.

    5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

    5.1. We shall use the existing frameworks including the ASEAN India Digital Ministers’ Meeting for regular exchanges, workshops, seminars, training programs and other capacity building exercises focusing on relevant topics aimed at facilitating digital transformation;

    5.2. We support sharing knowledge about our respective digital solutions including DPI for mutual study and adaptation to our needs.

    6. Sustainable Financing and Investment

    6.1. While initially the activities shall be financed under ASEAN India Fund for Digital Future, being launched this year, we shall explore mechanisms for financing digital initiatives, including through public-private partnerships, international funding, and innovative financing models.

    7. Implementation Mechanism

    7.1. Task the relevant bodies of ASEAN-India to follow-up and implement this Joint Statement, in order to ensure cooperation between ASEAN and India for the advancement of digital transformation.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eighteen Individuals and Entities Charged in International Operation Targeting Widespread Fraud and Manipulation in the Cryptocurrency Markets

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    First-ever criminal charges against financial services firms for market manipulation and “wash trading” in the cryptocurrency industry

    BOSTON – Eighteen individuals and entities have been charged for widespread fraud and manipulation in the cryptocurrency markets. Charges were unsealed in Boston against the leaders of four cryptocurrency companies, four cryptocurrency financial services firms (known as “market makers”) and employees at those firms.

    Four defendants have pleaded guilty, another defendant has agreed to plead guilty, and authorities apprehended three other defendants in Texas, the United Kingdom and Portugal this week. More than $25 million in cryptocurrency has been seized and multiple trading bots responsible for millions of dollars’ worth of wash trades for approximately 60 different cryptocurrencies have been deactivated.

    According to the charging documents, the defendants who created cryptocurrency companies made false statements about their cryptocurrencies (“tokens”) and executed sham trades in those tokens (“wash trades”) to create the appearance of trading activity that would make the tokens look like good investments. These deceptive tactics allegedly attracted new investors and purchasers, which resulted in an increase in the tokens’ trading prices. The defendants are then alleged to have sold their tokens at the artificially inflated prices, a fraud commonly known as a “pump and dump.” The largest of these cryptocurrency companies, Saitama, at one point had a multi-billion-dollar market value.

    The cryptocurrency companies also allegedly hired financial services firms ( “market makers”) to wash trade their tokens in exchange for payment. As one market maker defendant, who has agreed to plead guilty, described the practice to a prospective client: the “objective on the secondary markets” is to find “other buyers from the community, people you don’t know about or don’t care about” because “we have to make [the other buyers] lose money in order to make profit.”

    Three market makers—ZM Quant, CLS Global and MyTrade—along with their employees are charged with allegedly wash trading and/or conspiring to wash trade on behalf of NexFundAI, a cryptocurrency company and token created at the direction of law enforcement as part of the government’s investigation. A fourth market maker, Gotbit, its CEO, and two of its directors are also charged for perpetrating a similar scheme.

    Specifics regarding the defendants and conduct are detailed in Attachment A below.

    “This investigation, the first of its kind, identified numerous fraudsters in the cryptocurrency industry. Wash trading has long been outlawed in the financial markets, and cryptocurrency is no exception. These are cases where an innovative technology – cryptocurrency – met a century old scheme – the pump and dump. The message today is, if you make false statements to trick investors, that’s fraud. Period. Our Office will aggressively pursue fraud, including in the cryptocurrency industry,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy. “These charges are also a stark reminder of how vigilant online investors must be and that doing your homework before diving into the digital frontier is critical. People considering making investments in the cryptocurrency industry should understand how these scams work so that they can protect themselves.”

    “What the FBI uncovered in this case is essentially a new twist to old-school financial crime. ‘Operation Token Mirrors’ targeted nefarious token developers, promoters, and market makers in the crypto space. What we uncovered has resulted in charges against the leadership of four cryptocurrency companies, and four crypto ‘market makers’ and their employees who are accused of spearheading a sophisticated trading scheme that allegedly bilked honest investors out of millions of dollars,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI took the unprecedented step of creating its very own cryptocurrency token and company to identify, disrupt, and bring these alleged fraudsters to justice.”

    If you bought or sold any of the tokens referenced below, please fill out this form.

    The Securities & Exchange Commission has filed civil complaints alleging violations of the securities laws in relation to the conduct at Gotbit, CLS, ZM Quant, Saitama and Robo Inu. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Legal Attachés (Madrid and London), Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria European Network of Fugitive Active Search Team (ENFAST), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.  

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.  

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    ATTACHMENT A

    The following individuals and entities have been charged in U.S. District Court in Boston, Mass.:

    Aleksei Andriunin, Fedor Kedrov, Qawi Jalili, Gotbit Consulting LLC (Gotbit) – According to court documents, Gotbit was a well-known “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry. Aleksei Andriunin, 26, of Russia and Portugal, was Gotbit’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder. Andriunin was arrested on Oct. 8, 2024 in Portugal and awaits extradition. Fedor Kedrov, of Russia, was Gotbit’s Director of Market Making. Qawi Jalili, of Russia was Gotbit’s Director of Sales. Gotbit, Kedrov and Jalili are each charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud. Andriunin is also charged in a separate criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    It is alleged that between 2018 and 2024, Gotbit provided market manipulation and wash trading services to several cryptocurrency companies, including companies located in the United States. Gotbit allegedly made wash trades worth millions of dollars on behalf of clients and received tens of millions of dollars in proceeds for these illicit services. In a 2019 interview published online, Andriunin allegedly described how he developed a code to wash trade and artificially inflate cryptocurrency trading volume. Andriunin allegedly kept track of Gotbit’s market manipulation, including with spreadsheets that compared “Created Volume” from wash trades with naturally occurring “Market Volume.” Gotbit’s employees, including Jalili and Kedrov, allegedly described these wash trading tactics to prospective clients and how to avoid detection. Jalili and Kedrov also allegedly provided these services to multiple cryptocurrencies, including the Saitama and Robo Inu cryptocurrencies.

    Riqui Liu, Baijun Ou, ZM Quant Investment LTD (ZM Quant) – ZM Quant was a “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that allegedly advertised illicit market manipulation services to clients. Riqui Liu, 26, of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, was an employee of ZM Quant. Baijun Ou, 32, of Hong Kong, was also an employee of ZM Quant. ZM Quant, Liu and Ou are each charged in a superseding indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    According to court documents, ZM Quant allegedly advertised a “trading bot” that could “create volume.” ZM Quant employees allegedly discussed these illicit services with clients through Telegram messages and during video teleconferences. For example, as alleged in the charging documents, during a video teleconference in March 2024, Liu and Ou described how ZM Quant would trade “maybe ten times per minute or twenty times a minute” to “increase the trading volume” and “pump the price.” Liu and Ou also described how ZM Quant allegedly used multiple trading wallets to avoid having the trading look “fake.” It is further alleged that ZM Quant provided market manipulation services for multiple cryptocurrency companies, including Saitama and NexFundAI.

    Andrey Zhorzhes, CLS Global FZC, LLC (CLS) – CLS was a “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that allegedly advertised illicit market manipulation services to its clients. Andrey Zhorzhes, of the United Arab Emirates, was an employee of CLS. Both CLS and Zhorzhes are charged in an indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    It is alleged that Zhorzhes described to a prospective client how CLS’s algorithm generated trading volume on multiple cryptocurrency exchanges, as follows: 

    • “We have an algorithm that . . . basically does self-trades, buying and selling.”
    • “The idea of volume generation is . . . so the token looks organic and looks live and people get interested in trading it.”
    • “It’s very hard to track. . ..We’ve been doing that for many clients.”
    • “I know that it’s wash trading and I know people might not be happy about it.”

    Zhorzhes and other CLS traders allegedly provided these market manipulation services for NexFundAI.

    Liu Zhou, MyTrade MM – MyTrade MM was another “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that advertised illicit market manipulation services to its clients, including “pump and dump” consulting services and “wash trades” facilitated by “bots.” Liu Zhou, 39, of China and Canada, was the founder of MyTrade MM. Zhou is charged and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    MyTrade MM’s clients had access to a dashboard on MyTrade MM’s website through which clients specified the desired amount of daily wash trades on identified cryptocurrency exchanges. MyTrade MM’s dashboard described the service as “Volume Support” and allowed for millions in wash trades per day for each client cryptocurrency, for example:

    In conversations with purported promoters of NexFundAI, Zhou allegedly described MyTrade MM as superior to “CLS” and “Gotbit” because those market makers “keep clients in the dark” and “control the pump and dump,” which means “they can do inside trading easily.” Zhou allegedly also described the various purposes for wash trading, including showing “continuous trading activity every hour”; generating large enough trading volumes for cryptocurrency exchanges to waive listing fees; and executing “pump and dumps.” According to court documents, Zhou further described that the “objective on the secondary markets” was to find “other buyers from the community, people you don’t know about or don’t care about” because “we have to make [the other buyers] lose money in order to make profit.”

    Manpreet Kohli, Haroon Mohsini, Nam Tran, Max Hernandez, Russell Armand, Vy Pham, Saitama LLC (Saitama) – Saitama was a cryptocurrency company, originally incorporated in Massachusetts in August 2021.

    Manpreet Kohli, 43, of the United Kingdom, was the CEO of Saitama. Kohli was arrested in the United Kingdom on Oct. 7, 2024 and is awaiting extradition. Haroon Mohsini, 37, of Texas, also worked at Saitama. Mohsini was arrested on Oct. 7, 2024 in the Southern District of Texas. Nam Tran, 32, of Vietnam, worked at Saitama and is currently in Vietnam. Kohli, Mohsini and Tran are each charged in a superseding indictment with wire fraud, market manipulation, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, commit market manipulation and conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business. Max Hernandez, 36, of Massachusetts, and Russell Armand, 42, of Texas, also worked at Saitama and are charged separately and have both pleaded guilty to market manipulation and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Vy Pham, 32, of California, is also charged for conduct at a different cryptocurrency company but, as part of that guilty plea, admitted to certain conduct involving Saitama.

    Saitama allegedly purported to create a series of products that could be used with its token and, at its peak, boasted a market value of $7.5 billion. Saitama’s leadership allegedly made a variety of false public statements, including that Saitama’s business plan had been reviewed by regulators, that its leadership was not selling the Saitama tokens they owned and that the Saitama token was coded in a way that prevented market manipulation. According to charging documents, in reality Saitama’s leadership was actively manipulating the market for the Saitama token and secretly selling their Saitama tokens for tens of millions in profits.

    Saitama’s market manipulation campaign allegedly began in or about July 2021, when leadership coordinated a series of small purchases spread across multiple cryptocurrency wallets. These trades were coordinated on Telegram, where Armand allegedly explained that the goal was to “create an illusion of massive buys and new holders” to “incite ppl [people] to buy 
    more…W[e] want list of small buys to look like it’s mor[e] buyers. That’s the idea.” Saitama’s leadership allegedly confirmed their purchases to one another, discussed how they were successfully getting others to purchase the Saitama cryptocurrency and exchanged “pump it” memes and GIFs:

    Thereafter, the Saitama leadership allegedly paid several market makers to wash trade the Saitama cryptocurrency on cryptocurrency exchanges, including BitMart, LBank and XT.com. The market makers that Saitama paid allegedly included ZM Quant and Gotbit.

    Robo Inu Finance (Robo Inu) – Robo Inu was a cryptocurrency company and token that Vy Pham created after she left Saitama in 2021. Pham has been charged and agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation, to commit wire fraud and to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Pham founded and promoted Robo Inu from the United States. Like Saitama, Robo Inu allegedly purported to create a series of products that could be used with its cryptocurrency. Beginning in or about 2022, Robo Inu allegedly paid Gotbit to artificially inflate the trading volume of the Robo Inu token through wash trades on cryptocurrency exchanges such as Bitmart.

    Michael Thompson, VZZN – VZZN was a cryptocurrency company and token that Armand created after he left Saitama in 2023. Michael Thompson, 50, of Virginia, also worked at VZZN. As with Armand, Thompson is charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation. VZZN allegedly purported to be a video streaming service that could be used with the VZZN token. While promoting that service, Armand and Thompson allegedly also made misleading public statements about VZZN and artificially inflated the trading volume of the VZZN token through wash trades.

    Bradley Beatty, Lillian Finance LLC (Lillian Finance) – Lillian Finance was a cryptocurrency company and token founded by Bradley Beatty, 48, of Florida. Beatty is charged in an indictment with wire fraud. Lillian Finance allegedly purported to use blockchain technology in the healthcare industry and to use a portion of proceeds generated from token sales for charitable purposes. Beatty allegedly made a series of false statements about Lillian Finance to attract investors, for example, that he was a defense contractor and that he had addressed Congress on the topic of cryptocurrency. Thereafter, it is alleged that Beatty generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds from retail sales of the Lillian Finance token and misappropriated a portion of Lillian Finance’s profits that were supposed to be used for charity.

    The charge of market manipulation provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $5 million or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense and forfeiture. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, market manipulation and/or to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 to twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro As-Written Remarks at the San Francisco Fleet Week Office of Small Business Programs Event

    Source: United States Navy

    Introduction/Thank You

    Good afternoon, everyone!

    It is great to be here with you all here in San Francisco.

    Ms. Washington, thank you for your kind introduction, and for your work removing barriers to entry for our small business partners—and for your tireless efforts growing their number.

    Mr. Horton, Mr. Manalisay, thank you for helping coordinate this wonderful event and all the work you do on behalf of our small business partners.

    Most importantly, I would like to thank you all—the members of our nation’s small businesses—for being here and engaging with us. 

    From my vantage point as Secretary of the Navy, a healthy, diverse industrial base made up of companies of all sizes—founded by American entrepreneurs from all walks of life—is absolutely crucial to the success of our Navy and our Marine Corps.

    I look forward to meeting with several of you today—to hear your business stories and to learn more about your products and services. 

    I encourage all of you to engage with our DON Office of Small Business Programs team to identify ways we can work together.

    We in the Department of the Navy are laser-focused on building and maintaining relationships with the small businesses that comprise our defense ecosystem.

    DON Small Business Goals FY24/FY25

    We are committed to investing in your businesses, procuring the goods and services our Department needs to be successful in our assigned missions.

    In Fiscal Year 2024, we spent nearly $21 billion on contracts with small businesses. Breaking that number down further, we spent:

    $7.9 billion on contracts with Small Disadvantaged Businesses,

    $3 billion on contracts with Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses,

    $3 billion on contracts with Women Owned Small Businesses,

    and $2 billion on HUBZone prime contracts with small businesses.

    The overall, Small Disadvantaged Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and HUBZone amounts are all records for the Department of the Navy.

    We didn’t just break records—we exceeded our goals for the percentage of contract dollars awarded to small businesses across all four of the subcategories.

    Those are the facts—and we aim to set new records and exceed our goals again in Fiscal Year 2025.

    And these contracts didn’t just go to companies that already have existing contracts or relationships with the Navy either.

    In Fiscal Year 2024, we had 1,538 new small businesses join our ecosystem nationwide—and they were awarded contracts worth a total of $1.22 billion.

    Here in the Bay Area, the Office of Naval Research is working with companies like Atomic—headquartered in Pleasanton—for the design, development, and building of atomic clocks to reduce the size, weight, and power of the clocks while ensuring it still operates at peak performance at sea.

    That contract alone is worth $2.89 million.

    Or, as another example, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command is working with Arize AI—headquartered in Berkeley—for AI machine learning to develop algorithms for underwater threat detection.

    That contract is worth $451 thousand.

    While the Fiscal Year 2024 numbers aren’t finalized yet for this area, I can tell you that in Fiscal Year 2023, we partnered with Small Businesses here on contracts worth a total of $526 million.

    I don’t know how many of you remember the total nationwide number I mentioned earlier—but contracts awarded to Bay Area small businesses make up a full two percent of Department of the Navy small business contracts.

    Closing

    There are very few areas of our country as critical to the success of our Navy and Marine Corps—and the health and wellbeing of our Sailors and Marines—than this area.

    There are no shortages of engagements on the horizon between our Department and this community.

    I look forward to working with our small businesses to provide our Navy and Marine Corps team with the support, systems, and platforms we need to confront the global challenges we face today.

    I’m excited to meet with all of you today and learning about what the Department of the Navy can do to remove the barriers to entry for your businesses—and what you can do to help the Department!

    Thank you again, and may God bless our Sailors, Marines, civilians, and their families.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Teams Up with AARP & RI State Police for Elder Fraud Prevention Summit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – Older adults are a growing population in Rhode Island, and a growing target for criminals seeking to scam them out of their hard-earned savings.
    In an effort to protect older Americans from financial exploitation and the proliferation of evolving scams, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today teamed up with AARP Rhode Island and the Rhode Island State Police’s Financial Crimes Unit for an Elder Fraud Prevention Summit at the East Providence Senior Center.  The presentation and Q&A session focused on a range of fraud and scams that criminals are using to target older adults and included tips for detection, prevention, and advice on how to report and recover if you or a loved one is victimized.
    According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), elder fraud complaints rose by 14 percent in 2023, and losses grew by 11 percent. The report found that elder fraud resulted in losses of over $3.4 billion in 2023, including $7.4 million lost by Rhode Islanders over age sixty due to scams.
    Senator Reed says public education and outreach is needed to lower that number, which is likely underreported because many victims are too embarrassed to notify the authorities or don’t know where to turn.  He credited AARP, the Rhode Island State Police, and local TV stations and the news media for helping to raise awareness and enable older Americans protect themselves, recognize telltale signs of scams, reduce victimization, and combat the financial exploitation.
    “Two of the most important things people can do to protect themselves against fraud is to stay informed and have open lines of communication with trusted sources.  And if you do get scammed, report it to the authorities right away so they can help you.  Criminals targeting older Americans try to scare victims and create a false sense of urgency.  Know the signs, stay informed, and never be embarrassed if you ever get caught up in a scam.  The criminals are master manipulators and with Artificial Intelligence and new technology, anyone can get scammed.  Brilliant people of all ages and from all walks of life have been victimized.  The one thing most victims have in common is: They didn’t tell anyone else what was happening.  Don’t let it happen to you.  Be forewarned and help stop these crimes by reporting them.  Local, state, and federal law enforcement are working together to go after the bad guys and bring them to justice,” said Senator Reed.
    To help older Rhode Islanders stay informed about evolving scams and equip them with tools to stop the latest fraud techniques, AARP offers a free Fraud Watch Network’s Watchdog Alert, a twice monthly notification that lets users know about the latest trending scams and how to spot and avoid them. It’s also easy to share with friends and family.
    AARP Rhode Island’s State Director Catherine Taylor stated: “There’s a false narrative that older people are gullible or forgetful. That’s not true. If you are the victim of a scam, it’s not your fault. The fact is many of these scams are being perpetrated by usually offshore criminals who are well organized, well resourced, and highly skilled. And they have a playbook with three common elements: make unexpected contact, yield high emotion, and create a sense of urgency. AARP Rhode Island has a host of resources, information and support that equip older Rhode Islanders to fight back against the crime of fraud.”
    Nationwide, the FBI reports that tech support scams were the most widely reported type of scam last year.  The top five varieties of scams include: personal data breaches, confidence and romance scams, non-payment or non-delivery scams, and investment scams. Investment scams were the costliest type of elder fraud.
    The Rhode Island State Police offers an Identity Theft, Fraud & Scams resource page with detailed tips on detecting and preventing a range of financial crimes. 
    “Romance scams, investment scams, pop-up scams on computers, and others are all things we’ve seen in Rhode Island. Although they may differ in tactics, the goal is the same: to take your money,” said Lieutenant Richard Ptaszek, head of Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit. “To help prevent scams, you must take your time, think about the request being made, trust your judgement and follow up with a trusted source.”
    If fraud occurs, please help the authorities track and prosecute it by reporting it to both the local police and using the Federal Trade Commission’s online reporting portal: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov  Last year, Rhode Islanders reported 11,906 fraud complaints to the FTC.
    To reach the Rhode Island State Police’s Financial Crimes Unit directly, call: (401) 764-5179.
    The U.S. Department of Justice also has a toll-free National Elder Fraud Hotline available to help at: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  The hotline is staffed during business hours by caseworkers trained in elder abuse and offers translation services for non-English speakers.
    The presentation focused on combatting several types of schemes that the FBI says are among the most prevalent today, including:
    Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.
    Grandparent scam: A type of confidence scam where criminals pose as a relative—usually a child or grandchild—claiming to be in immediate financial need.
    Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.
    Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust. Or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstake, which they can collect for a “fee.”
    Home repair scam: Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that they never provide.
    Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companions.
    TV/radio scam: Criminals target potential victims using illegitimate advertisements about legitimate services, such as reverse mortgages or credit repair.
    Family/caregiver scam: Relatives or acquaintances of the elderly victims take advantage of them or otherwise get their money.
    In many of these scams, the criminal impersonates someone else and tricks the victim over the phone or email, claiming there’s an issue with their bank account and they must make a crypto investment in order to resolve the problem. The scammer instructs the target to convert cash to cryptocurrency and upload it to an unsecured account that the scammer can access. 
    No legitimate entity will contact you over the phone and urge you to pay with crypto currency, gift cards, or precious metals.  Any time someone does this, hang up or cut off contact and report the incident.
    For more information, visit Senator Reed’s scam prevention page: https://www.reed.senate.gov/seniorscams

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – A girl marries every 30 seconds in countries ranked fragile and child marriage hotspots – New Report

    Source: Save the Children

    A girl is married every 30 seconds in countries ranked as fragile states and with high child marriage rates, with about 32 million adolescent girls living in these emergency hotspots, according to new analysis released today by Save the Children [1].
    Save the Children’s latest Global Girlhood Report 2024: Fragile Futures set out to analyse if there was a link between fragility and child marriage and found some 32 million girls are living in countries rated ‘extremely fragile’ or ‘fragile’ and with high child marriage rates – so called “fragility-child marriage hotspots”.
    Eight of 10 of the worst fragility-child marriage hotspots are located in Africa with the Central African Republic, Chad and South Sudan the worst affected, followed by Somalia and Eritrea [2].
    The report, released on International Day of the Girl, also found that the 36 million girls living in 15 countries ranked ‘extremely fragile’ by the OECD were twice as likely to marry under the age of 17 than girls in more stable countries. One in 10 children marriages occurs in these states [3].
    In extremely fragile countries, almost 558,000 girls – or one-in-four – give birth before their 18th birthday. Many of those girls will not have access to skilled birth attendants to support them through the heightened risks associated with adolescent pregnancy.
    The number of countries ranked as fragile has increased in recent years with the OECD listing 60 countries as fragile in its 2022 States of Fragility report. Of these 15 countries were ranked as ‘extremely fragile’ and 45 countries as ‘fragile’, with 170 million adolescent girls living in these countries. This was an increase from a total of 57 fragile countries in 2020 and 58 in 2018.
    Fragile countries are those where the government does not have enough control over responsibilities like law-making, law enforcement, managing the economy and the services that people need to be safe and healthy. They are also countries more often affected by crises like wars and climate disasters, which contribute to fragility and its consequences. Extremely fragile countries are those where these factors are the most extreme.
    Child marriage has devastating consequences for a girl’s life by depriving them of their rights to health, education, safety and participation. Girls married young are far less likely to stay in school, impacting their economic independence and decision-making, at higher risk of physical and sexual violence, and face more complications in pregnancy and child birth and infection with HIV/AIDS.
    Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, said:
    “Our latest report reveals a devastating link between child marriage and fragile states, with girls living in extremely fragile countries twice as likely to marry than girls in countries experiencing periods of greater stability. The picture is bleak for these children; right now, no fragile country is on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on ending hunger, ensure education and health for all, or gender equality.
    “Fragility has also increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and is linked to many of the new crises we see today, eroding the systems communities rely on for healthcare, safety, education and income.
    “Persistent and unaddressed inequalities, the climate crisis and the erosion of children’s and human rights mean that girls’ lives continue to be shaped by a cycle of crisis and recovery. And this will continue unless urgent action is taken.
    “Governments are ultimately responsible for guaranteeing the rights of all people within their borders. For governments in fragile settings this is more difficult as they face the dual challenge of needing to do more to protect girls rights at a time when they are less able to deliver that support. More resources are needed to support the governments, civil society organisations and communities – including girls – in fragile settings to ensure they can respond to the needs. The governments of the fragile countries, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and donors must work together to ensure girls’ rights are protected.”
    To uphold girls’ rights and address child marriage in fragile settings, Save the Children is calling on governments, UN Agencies, civil society organisations and donors focused on development and humanitarian settings to collaborate across development and humanitarian contexts for girls’ rights. In doing so they must develop policy guidance to address child marriage and support girls’ rights in fragile settings, and must invest more in research and trialing new responses.
    As a child rights organisation dedicated to ensuring all children have an equal opportunity to survive, learn, and live free from violence, Save the Children works around the world to prevent and respond to child, early, forced marriage and unions around the world.
    Our key strategies include supporting girls’ empowerment, including through meaningful participation in decision-making; mobilising families and communities as allies for gender equality; providing improved and inclusive gender-responsive access to services; conducting research and budget analysis to inform technical guidance on good practice programming, laws and policies; and advocating to ensure governments and other decision-makers are accountable to girls.
    [1] The figures are calculations done by Save the Children UK’s research and data hub using publicly available demographic and health statistics. We use the latest available data points on child marriage (%) from UNICEF, skilled birth attendance for ages 15 to 19 (%) and birth under 18 (%) from UNICEF Data, and data on out of school girls from UNESCO UIS. Data on fragility is taken from OECD States of Fragility index 2022 which categorised countries as “Extremely fragile”, “Other Fragile”, and “Rest of the World”. Projections of female population by age groups in 2024 is taken from World Population Prospects – Population Division – United Nations. Adolescent girls refer to girl population from age 10 to 17 years of age. To find the absolute number of child marriages in fragile contexts, child marriage numbers are calculated using weighted average of girl population in the age group of 20-24 by country before aggregating the countries into the respective fragility context. Similarly, the same is done for maternal health statistics by the appropriate age groups.
    [2] Eight of 10 of the worst fragility-child marriage hotspots are located in Africa with the Central African Republic, Chad and South Sudan the worst affected, followed by Somalia and Eritrea. The other hotspots listed were Sudan, Yemen, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Afghanistan.
    [3] From OECD’s Fragile States Index – 36 million girls live in “extremely” fragile countries; 134 million girls live in ‘other’ fragile’ countries – meaning those that aren’t fragile enough to be ranked ‘extreme’; and a total of 170 million girls live in countries consider fragile in total (extremely + other fragile).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tenth Annual 43North Startup Competition Winners

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the tenth annual 43North Finals, New York State’s $5 million startup competition held in Buffalo, in which five innovative startup companies were each awarded a $1 million investment and the opportunity to grow their business in Buffalo. This year’s applicant pool spanned 36 countries and five continents, eventually narrowing to eight finalists who traveled to Buffalo to pitch their business to a panel of esteemed judges and a captive audience at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.

    “New York remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering the growth of innovative and forward-thinking startups, and our 43North competition is a key part of the State’s efforts to drive revolutionary solutions to today’s challenges,” Governor Hochul said. “I was pleased to present the awards and to congratulate our five dynamic winners who will bring their transformative businesses to Western New York, creating jobs, attracting capital, and investing in our community. With New York’s unprecedented support of 43North, we are continuing to strengthen Buffalo’s reputation as one of the nation’s fastest-growing startup hubs.”

    In January 2025, the five winning companies will relocate to Buffalo, establishing their operations at 43North’s headquarters in Seneca One Tower. This move will create new jobs and further strengthen Buffalo’s thriving innovation ecosystem, reinforcing New York State’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth and driving economic development across the region.

    This year’s high-energy event marked a decade of 43North’s commitment to furthering innovation and entrepreneurship in the City of Good Neighbors. The program’s remarkable success since its inception in 2014 has brought over 69 companies to Western New York, raising over $965 million and creating over 3,000 jobs globally and nearly 1,000 in Buffalo.

    The Winners of the 2024 43North Competition are:

    CoverRight – Brooklyn, NY
    CoverRight is on a mission to improve the lives of older adults by guiding them through health, finance and lifestyle options that benefit them.

    FoodNerd – Buffalo, NY
    FoodNerd is a food technology platform redefining the processing of shelf-stable foods. Its patent-pending technology produces nutraceutical-grade food with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients preserved intact.

    HeronAI – Cambridge, MA
    HeronAI has created the only Growth Opportunity Tool designed for accounting firms to streamline month-end advisory reporting. HeronAI helps reduce reporting time from weeks to under 5 minutes.

    Rarebird – San Francisco, CA
    Rarebird makes Px (paraxanthine) coffee, a patented coffee with the world’s first caffeine replacement.

    Spiky.ai – Brookline, MAv
    Spiky empowers revenue teams with real-time AI-driven customer insights for enhanced selling effectiveness.
    You can watch the 43North Finals live online at 43North.org starting at 6:00 p.m tomorrow, Oct. 10.

    43North’s winners were selected by the following Finals Judges:

    Over the last decade, 43North has invested in a diverse, industry-agnostic portfolio of 69 companies, over 50 percent of which have a continued presence in Buffalo, 46 percent of which have founders of color and 26 percent having female founders. This year’s applicants made up 43North’s most diverse candidate pool to date: 78 percent of CEOs were females or came from underrepresented backgrounds, and 30.6 percent of applicant founders were black, making up the largest ethnicity represented. This year’s semifinalists come from various industries, including AI, edtech, fintech, food tech, health tech and more.

    For the second year in a row, one winner received the $25,000 People’s Choice Award, funded by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. This year’s prize went to FoodNerd, selected by the live audience.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Empire State Development is honored to lead 43North’s efforts to bring high-quality startups and nearly a thousand jobs to Buffalo. This new class of winners represents the next generation of entrepreneurship in Western New York and we look forward to watching their successes as they plant their business roots in Seneca One.”

    43North Chairman Mike Wisler said, “This year’s cohort represents the next wave of innovation and talent that Buffalo is proud to attract. Over the past decade, 43North has thrived on a community-first approach, and I’m excited to see how these exceptional teams will contribute to Buffalo’s dynamic and growing startup ecosystem.”

    43North President Colleen Heidinger said, “This year’s applicant pool was one of the most competitive and diverse I’ve seen in my decade with 43North. We’re excited to welcome these five standout companies into our dynamic portfolio and help them make Buffalo their new home. Their arrival strengthens the momentum we’ve built in growing Buffalo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we can’t wait to see them thrive and succeed in the City of Good Neighbors.”

    43North’s success and its portfolio companies have played a major role in establishing Buffalo as one of the fastest-growing startup cities. New York State funds the accelerator program, with direct support coming from Empire State Development, to continue operating high-intensity competitions year after year.

    About 43North
    43North is an accelerator program that hosts an annual startup competition, investing $5 million per year to attract and cultivate high-growth companies in Buffalo, NY. 43North portfolio companies also receive free incubator space in Buffalo for one year, guidance from mentors in related fields, and access to other business incentive programs such as START-UP NY. 43North operates through the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, the M&T Foundation, and several other sponsors. For more information about 43North, visit http://www.43north.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Shanghai welcomes first imports of South African avocados

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SHANGHAI, Oct. 10 — China’s first imports of avocados grown in South Africa have arrived in east China’s Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai Customs said on Thursday.

    A total of 22 tonnes of avocados passed entry quarantine on Tuesday, customs officials said, noting that the produce benefited from streamlined customs clearance procedures for agricultural imports from Africa.

    Some of the avocados will be exhibited at the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo, which is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10.

    In August, South Africa followed Kenya and Tanzania to become the third African country to secure market access to China for its fresh avocados.

    In the first eight months of 2024, China imported African agricultural products valued at a total of 28.47 billion yuan (about 4.02 billion U.S. dollars), up 4.8 percent year on year, according to the General Administration of Customs.

    Shanghai alone accounted for 6.12 billion yuan of those imports, reflecting year-on-year growth of 15.5 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Canada gathered in Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic on 10 October 2024, at the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience, in support of the priorities of the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024; 

    Recalling the establishment of an ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership on 6 September 2023 and REAFFIRMING our shared commitment to jointly address new challenges, including through cooperation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); 

    Emphasising the importance of adhering to key principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); 

    Recognising the long history of cooperation between ASEAN and Canada since the establishment of Dialogue Relations in 1977; 

    Noting that both the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy share relevant fundamental principles in promoting an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law; 

    Acknowledging Canada’s support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, which underscores Canada’s commitment to regional peace, security and prosperity and to ASEAN integration and ASEAN Community-building process; 

    Supporting this year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”; 

    Noting that Canada, as G7 president in 2025, is keenly interested in ensuring that its presidency is informed by the views of ASEAN Member States; 

    We hereby declare our intention to:

    1. Expand collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership which will include a special focus in 2024-2025 on ASEAN-Canada digital cooperation, and an expanded Canadian commercial engagement in the ASEAN region. 
    2. Build on the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) and support the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans as well as the implementation of the AOIP.

    Connectivity 

    Cooperation on Transforming for the Digital Future 

    1. Strengthen digital cooperation between ASEAN and Canada, noting Canada’s interest in becoming a Dialogue/Development Partner of the ADGSOM. 

    Cooperation on Integrating and Connecting Economies 

    1. Strengthen economic ties by increasing ASEAN-Canada trade and investment, including through Team Canada Trade Missions to the ASEAN region. 
    2. Promote greater regional economic integration, development, and resilience, including through the timely conclusion of an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and underscore our shared commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system; and achieve fair, open and free markets, as well as sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development. 
    3. Welcome the establishment of the Export Development Canada office in Jakarta, and planned expansion to other countries in Southeast Asia, striving to support Canadian companies doing business in Indonesia and other ASEAN markets through direct financing to Canadian exporters and investors and support local buyers involved in projects with Canadian content. 
    4. Welcome the establishment of FinDev Canada’s office in Singapore, which will accelerate the deployment of the corporation’s equity, financing, blended financing and technical assistance solutions in the region, enabling sustainable development and inclusive growth through the private sector. 

    Resilience 

    Environmental Cooperation 

    1. Support ASEAN’s objectives to enhance sustainable development, including strengthening resilience against climate risks, extreme floods and droughts, including through relevant ASEAN regional mechanisms, ASEAN centres, and institutions. 
    2. Advance ocean management initiatives in the region, in line with the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action, including by supporting ocean and climate scientific research, promoting biodiversity protection and conservation initiatives, and monitoring and enforcement capacity. 

    Food Security 

    1. Advance technical cooperation by sharing best practices and capacity building in research and development on agricultural product and agri-food innovation in the agricultural sector to support long-term, reliable trade relationships and a stronger supply chain as outlined in the ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises. 
    2. Welcome the establishment of Canada’s first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila which aims to strengthen ASEAN-Canada cooperation on food security and promote mutual trade objectives in the agriculture sector. 
    3. Explore possible cooperation to promote responsible fishing practices and to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

    Cooperation on ASEAN Centrality 

    1. Promote maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded commerce, mutual trust and confidence, the exercise of self-restraint, the non-use of force or the threat to use force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organisation. 
    2. Enhance cooperation in maintaining peace, security and stability, and addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the region, including maritime security; transnational crime such as trafficking in persons, people smuggling, illicit precursor and drug trafficking; non-proliferation and disarmament; cyber security and cybercrime; international terrorism and violent extremism, with support from Canada’s capacity building efforts, including through the Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Programs, and in alignment with the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime. 

    Cooperation on Women’s Empowerment and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) 

    1. Commit to strengthen efforts in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda globally, including through sharing of information and best practices, enhancing security related cooperation in the context of WPS within the ASEAN-led mechanisms, launching of a regional WPS initiative; advancing the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations and regionally, the ‘Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace’ initiative and cooperation with UN Women involving CAD8.5 million to support ASEAN-led efforts to advance the WPS agenda in ASEAN including support for the implementation and localisation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on WPS. 

    Cooperation on Health Security Initiatives 

    1. Further promote health security and health system resilience through ongoing support for the ASEAN-Canada Mitigation of Biological Threats (MBT) in the ASEAN Region Program, including supporting the development and operationalisation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Biosafety and Biosecurity and the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) and other collaboration to enhance regional preparedness and response to future health crisis. 
    2. Further strengthen collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada MBT in the ASEAN Region Program to enhance capacities to prevent, detect and respond to all manner of biological threats, whether natural, accidental or deliberate in origin. 

    Cooperation on Disaster Management 

    1. Enhance cooperation between ASEAN and Canada to support the implementation of ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme (2021-2025) and the next AADMER Work Programme, as well as strengthen collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). 

    Cross-Cutting Issues 

    1. Commit to consolidate the ASEAN-Canada partnership and strategic engagement through more frequent and meaningful dialogues at various levels. We welcome Canada’s support for ASEAN-led mechanisms and note its interest in joining the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), subject to these mechanisms’ respective enlargement processes. 
    2. Strengthen Canada’s support for ASEAN’s increased engagement with international and multilateral fora, including the UN, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and G20, and in Canada’s role as G7 president in 2025 to explore synergies and collaboration with ASEAN as it adopts the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans. 
    3. Support ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gaps, including through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025) and its successor documents as well as sub-regional frameworks in the ASEAN region, which would contribute to promoting sustainable and equitable development and inclusive growth across the ASEAN Community by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN. 
    4. Recognise the importance of further enhancing regional connectivity, including through support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its successor document and the ASEAN Connectivity Post-2025 Agenda, as well as promoting links and synergies with other relevant connectivity initiatives through ASEAN’s Connecting the Connectivities approach. 
    5. As we adopt this Joint Statement, we task our relevant officials to implement the above initiatives to complement the programmes and goals identified in the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) as well as the Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. We reaffirm our commitment to our relationship, as ASEAN and Canada commence negotiations of the next iteration of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2026 – 2030). 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to host international congress on IP protection

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China will host the 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress from Oct. 19 to 22 in Hangzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. The theme of this year’s congress is the protection and innovative development of intellectual property (IP) rights.
    Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the AIPPI, the event is expected to attract 2,259 delegates from 92 countries and regions, Yu Jianlong, deputy head of the council, told a press conference on Thursday.
    It is the first time China will host the AIPPI World Congress, Yu said, noting that this reflects the international recognition of the country’s historic achievements in IP rights, and that the congress will promote cooperation between Chinese and foreign IP industries.
    The event will feature a range of activities, including special forums and court sessions where patent infringement cases will be heard, covering such topics as patents, trademarks and copyrights in the IP sector, according to the CCPIT.
    AIPPI was established in 1897 and was among the first non-governmental international IP organizations. The AIPPI World Congress is held annually and has become one of the most well-attended and influential gatherings in the field of IP. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 12th ASEAN-U

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended the 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, this morning. The Summit noted with satisfaction the robust progress made under ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Recognising the significant potential for Artificial Intelligence to improve the lives of the peoples, including through the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Leaders of ASEAN and the US adopted the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, with a view to unlocking the significant potential of Artificial Intelligence, while also mitigating its risks.

    The post 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit convenes in Vientiane, Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Social Media Summit address

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Good afternoon,
     
    Thank you, Premier Peter Malinauskas for inviting me to speak on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Anthony Albanese.
     
    It is wonderful to be in Adelaide for this joint Summit focussed on a very important discussion taking place nationally, and around the world.
     
    I acknowledge the Traditional Owners – the Kaurna people – and pay respect to Elders past and present. I extend this to First Nations people attending.
     
    Thank you to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns for hosting Day One of the Social Media Summit in Sydney.
     
    And thanks to you – the experts, academics, policy makers and young people – who have come together to share your insights and experiences in this space.
     
    A space that has evolved exponentially over decades.
     
    Australia’s first Minister for Communications was known as the Postmaster General.
     
    Established at Federation, the Minister’s responsibilities were the provision of postal and telegraphic services throughout Australia.
     
    It wasn’t until 1975, when its Department’s name changed to reflect the rise in electronic media.
     
    Fast forward to today, and the internet continues to undergo significant change; as do the challenges faced by governments and regulators.
     
    We are now raising the second generation of digital natives.
     
    Social media is ubiquitous and a normal part of life for many young people.
     
    It can be a source of entertainment, education and connection with the world – and each other.
     
    But we are also seeing social harms affecting young people.
     
    And it is for this reason that we are here today.
      
    The Albanese Government understands parents and communities are concerned about the harmful impacts of social media and want action.
     
    Social media has a social responsibility. We know they can – and should – do better to address harms on their platforms.
     
    Governments around the world are grappling with this.
     
    No government, no regulator and no law can protect every child from every threat, every day.
     
    But we must work together to support our children to be happy, healthy and safe.
     
    The number one priority of the Albanese Government is the safety of Australians, including online.
     
    Australia is a world-leader when it comes to online safety, and I want to acknowledge the terrific work of our eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant.
     
    Online safety has traditionally been an area of bipartisanship in Australia, and that has served us well.
     
    Our Government is taking action on a number of fronts.
     
    Today, I will step out the Commonwealth’s approach to legislating a national minimum age for social media access – our latest effort to address online safety.
     
    This is significant reform.
     
    And we will work with State and Territory governments, regulators, experts, industry and the community.
     
    Today, I will cover three things:

    • The pragmatic approach we are taking to social media age limits;
    • The design principles that will underpin our reforms;
    • And, finally, how this aligns to our whole-of-government approach to improving online safety.

    As a mother of two young daughters, I understand that parents worry about the amount of time their children spend on social media.
     
    Research released by eSafety yesterday explored children’s use of online services, including social media, in 2024.
     
    The Social Media Pulse Survey found a significant number of children aged 8-12 are spending time on digital platforms.
     
    84 per cent reported using at least one online service, including social media or messaging services, since the start of this year.
     
    While the proportion of overall users increased with age, a significant majority – three quarters – have accessed an online service by 8 years old.
     
    More than two-thirds of children aged 12 have their own accounts.
     
    As parents, we also worry our children may unintentionally access harmful, distressing and age-inappropriate content on their feeds.
     
    We know that almost two-thirds of 14 to 17 year-olds have viewed extremely harmful content online including drug abuse, suicide or self-harm, as well as violent and gory material.
     
    A quarter have been exposed to content promoting unsafe eating habits.
     
    This is unacceptable and must be addressed.
     
    As Communications Minister, I have been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in this space – and I have learned a lot.
     
    Young people tell me social media allows them to connect and feel socially included.
     
    It can be an entry point to health and mental health support, a creative outlet, or a platform for legitimate children’s programming.
     
    But young people also understand the need for protection.
     
    Survey data released by the Minns Government in the lead-up to the Summit highlighted widespread community concern. 87 per cent of survey respondents said they support age limits for social media.
     
    The national conversation has seen a range of ages proposed. We welcome this input.
     
    Let me also take the opportunity to acknowledge the extensive work of former High Court Chief Justice Robert French.
     
    Our age assurance trial is evaluating technologies that could be effective to age-limit access to social media platforms from 13 up to 16 years.
     
    And preventing people under 18 from accessing online pornography.
     
    The trial includes targeted stakeholder consultation and consumer-focussed research looking into attitudes towards different technologies, and issues of privacy, security and accessibility.
     
    The Albanese Government has also brought forward the independent review of Australia’s Online Safety Act by a year.
     
    This critical and comprehensive body of work is looking at how to ensure our regulatory settings keep pace with emerging online harms and are fit for purpose.
     
    I look forward to receiving the final report in coming weeks.
     
    The Albanese Government has asked the States and Territories for their views on what the age for social media access should be, including evidence from a youth development perspective.
     
    The Prime Minister wrote to the Premiers and Chief Ministers last week seeking views on this, and a range of related matters, including:

    • Community appetite on the role for parental consent as a factor for age limits and permissions;
    • On grandfathering arrangements for existing account holders;
    • The need for a safety net or exemption for support services like mental health and education;
    • And what state-based supports they have available for children – particularly those who are vulnerable or isolated – to connect and access services away from social media.

     
    No solution will be perfect, and consensus on the ‘right’ age is unlikely.
     
    Young people are digitally savvy and will find ways to circumvent controls.
     
    But we can’t let the ‘perfect’ be the enemy of good – we need to make progress to ensure our safeguards keep improving.
     
    This is about protecting young people, not punishing or isolating them or their parents.
     
    It is letting parents know that we are in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and wellbeing.
     
    I am conscious of the pressure on parents in trying to oversee when and how their children use social media.
     
    Establishing an age limit for social media will help signal a set of normative values that support parents, teachers, and society more broadly.

    For this reason, a key design principle of the Commonwealth’s legislative approach is to place the onus on platforms, not parents or young people.
     
    Penalties for users will not feature in our legislative design.
     
    Instead, it will be incumbent on the platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place at the source.
     
    Our approach will ensure the eSafety regulator provides oversight and enforcement.
     
    We are also considering an exemption framework to accommodate access for social media services that demonstrate a low risk of harm to children.
     
    The aim of an exemption is to create positive incentives for digital platforms to develop age-appropriate versions of their apps, and embed safe and healthy experiences by design.  
     
    We are conscious of the harmful features in the design of platforms that drive addictive behaviours.
     
    This is why we will set parameters to guide platforms in designing social media that allows connections, but not harms, to flourish.
     
    We will set a 12-month implementation timeframe to provide industry and the regulator time to implement systems and processes.
     
    And we will review these measures to ensure they are effective and delivering the outcomes Australians want.

    Our strategic objective is clear: social media must exercise a social responsibility.
     
    This is the approach we are taking across government.
     
    As Communications Minister, I am working to curb seriously harmful misinformation and disinformation from being spread at speed and at scale on social media. An issue I know was raised by young people at the Summit yesterday. 

    Efforts to improve online safety for all Australians are being taken across the Albanese Government. 
     
    The Minister for Industry and Science is supporting businesses and organisations to safely and responsibly use and innovate with AI.
     
    The Attorney General has criminalised the non-consensual sharing of deep-fake material and he is seeking to criminalise ‘doxxing’ – that is when a victim’s identity, private information or personal details is shared without consent.
     
    Myself and the Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, are making dating apps safer through a world-leading voluntary code developed by industry to better protect their users.
     
    I am progressing Classification Scheme reforms to address violent and misogynistic adult content that reinforces unacceptable attitudes towards women.
     
    And, finally, I amended the Basic Online Safety Expectations determination to ensure the best interest of the child is a primary consideration in service design.
     
    These changes also go to the systems that power content delivered by algorithms that influence what Australians see.
      
    The Albanese Labor Government is a reformist government.
     
    We are not afraid to tackle difficult reforms or hold big tech to account.
     
    Platforms are not above the laws of this land.
     
    In legislating a minimum age to access social media, we are laying the challenge at the front door of social media companies to do better.
     
    We will work with you: the experts, academics, industry, premiers, parents and young people to progress these important reforms.
     
    And support young Australians to be safe and to thrive, now and into the future.
     
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit convenes in Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended the 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, this morning. The Summit noted with satisfaction the robust progress made under ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Recognising the significant potential for Artificial Intelligence to improve the lives of the peoples, including through the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Leaders of ASEAN and the US adopted the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, with a view to unlocking the significant potential of Artificial Intelligence, while also mitigating its risks.

    The post 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit convenes in Vientiane, Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lt. Gen. Jost Assumes Command of USFJ, 5AF

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

    U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen F. Jost assumed command of United States Forces Japan and 5th Air Force from Lt. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp during a change of command ceremony on Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 8.

    U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presided over the U.S. Forces Japan change of command while U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Laura L. Lenderman, deputy commander, Pacific Air Forces, subsequently presided over the 5th Air Force change of command.

    Paparo not only recognized the accomplishments and dedication of the two lieutenant generals, but also acknowledged the ever-growing strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance in one of the most critical regions on the globe.

    “We have the most challenging set of adversaries in the People’s Republic of China, Russia, North Korea and violent extremist groups,” said Paparo. “Given the dangerous security environment, our adversaries’ transactional symbiosis among them … more than at any other time in recent history, our troops, our alliances, and our partnerships must be ready.”

    Lieutenant Gen. Rupp, having commanded USFJ and 5th Air Force since Aug. 27, 2021, has overseen the operations of the 66,000 servicemembers of USFJ while being at the forefront of the U.S.–Japan Alliance and working to enhance regional security through the execution of joint, multilateral exercises, and close coordination with the Japanese government.

    Notably, he shaped the establishment of multiple information-sharing systems, such as the Bilateral Intelligence Analysis Cell and the growth of U.S. Space Force capabilities in Japan. His leadership on servicemember quality of life issues will be one of the most lasting legacies of his service, having championed access to medical care, school age programs, and childcare.

    “I am immensely proud of the accomplishments that have strengthened our Alliance with the Japan Self-Defense Force,” Rupp said. “We faced unprecedented challenges but rose to meet them head on by fostering a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region.”

    Lieutenant Gen. Jost comes to Japan from United States Transportation Command at Norfolk Naval Station, Va., where he served as the commander of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command. He is a command pilot with more than 2,700 flight hours in the T-37, T-38, F-16C/D and F- 35A. He has flown missions in support of South Korea defense obligations and operations Iraqi Freedom, Southern Watch and Noble Eagle.

    “I look forward to working alongside you as we continuously, deliberately, and urgently work to make the U.S.-Japan Alliance ever-stronger,” said Jost. “As we do so, we must be ever mindful that we are all U.S. Ambassadors in many respects while serving our great nation abroad.”

    Jost was last stationed in Japan from 2011 to 2012 where he was the deputy commander of the 35th Operations Group and later the director of staff of the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

    In their remarks, both leaders reflected on the strength and resilience of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and it continuing to serve as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific for decades to come.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 5866 Fundamentals of Metrology – CANCELED

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: OWM/K. Dill

    Course Description

    The 5-day Fundamentals of Metrology seminar is an intensive course that introduces participants to the concepts of measurement systems, units, good laboratory practices, data integrity, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability, basic statistics and how they fit into a laboratory Quality Management System. Additional topics covered will include overall Laboratory Management and specific discussions of the requirements for proficiency testing, calibration certificate generation and software verification and validation. Topics will be covered using a variety of measurement disciplines and laboratory measurements and case studies so that the participants will be able to apply the concepts to any measurement discipline upon completion. Topics are covered in a mixture of training styles including lecture, hands-on exercises, case studies and discussion.

    This class covers the following procedures from NISTIR 6969:

    • GLP 1, Quality Assurance of the Measurement Process;
    • GLP 9, Rounding Expanded Uncertainties and Calibration Values;
    • GMP 11, Assignment and Adjustment of Calibration Intervals for Laboratory Standards;
    • GMP 13, Ensuring Traceability;
    • SOP 1, Preparation of Calibration Certificates;
    • SOP 29, Assignment of Uncertainty; and
    • SOP 30, Process Measurement Assurance Program.

    Learning Objectives

    At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

    • IDENTIFY and USE reference materials to ensure good quality, accurate, traceable measurement results;
    • EXPLAIN highlights and key concepts of each topic (noted on the Table of Contents and the detailed learning objectives) to each other and to your managers and show how these topics fit in to a management system using ISO/IEC 17025 as the basis;
    • Have and know how to IMPLEMENT several simple tools, job aids, and references to use and improve your laboratory operations.

    Materials & Supplies

    Several notebooks and course materials will be provided.

    Prerequisites

    The instructor will send confirmed participants the prerequisite documentation ‘AFTER’ the registration deadline.  Required prerequisites include having a demonstrated knowledge of basic mathematics (pre-test) and completion of a number of reading assignments (listed in Pre-work section). Additional helpful pre-work will be provided to students who have been accepted by the instructor prior to the seminar to minimize course homework time. Participants must be proficient in spreadsheet functions and operations, and formatting in word processing software.

    Pre-Work

    In addition to completing and submitting the Math Exercises, please read:

    Pre-Work Deadline

    Submit the math exercises (pre-work) according to instructions by COB on Monday, September 2, 2024.

    Post-Work

    Fundamentals of Metrology, Laboratory Auditing Program (LAP) Problems – required for State Weights and Measures Laboratories (not applicable for other participants.)

    Minimum Requirements

    Successful completion requires that participants fully participate in all classroom and laboratory exercises, turn in or present accurate work assignments, and be present for the entire course. There will also be a Final Exam on the last day of the class. The Final Exam and Final Calibration Certificate each contribute equal value to the final grade; the final grade also includes class participation and laboratory exercises. A passing grade on all portions is required to obtain a training certificate that indicates “successful completion” (e.g., getting a 100 percent on the final is not an excuse to participate minimally in classroom and laboratory.) Successful completion qualifies the participant to participate in the Mass, Volume and Length seminars, though those may have additional prerequisites.

    *Homework note: students generally report taking one to two hours for homework each night.

    Audience

    State laboratory personnel who have responsibilities for developing, implementing, and/or improving the quality management system in their laboratory, as well as those who are seeking OWM recognition and/or accreditation or improvements to support recognition/accreditation.  This course is also available for non-weights and measures participants. 

    Please make sure you have read the NIST Visitor and Contractor Protocols for Mitigating COVID-19 Exposure on NIST Campuses page before arriving on site.

    Cost

    The current registration fee for this seminar is $2,800 and confirmed participants will be sent payment instructions.  This fee does not cover travel, lodging or meal expenses.  Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

    Instructors

    Isabel Chavez Baucom and Jose Torres
    Email: isabel.chavez.baucom [at] nist.gov (isabel[dot]chavez[dot]baucom[at]nist[dot]gov)

    Technology Requirements

    Registered participants will need to bring a 10-digit scientific calculator to use during this seminar.  Participants MUST be familiar with the use of the hand-held scientific calculator.  Additionally, use of a laptop or tablet PC is required to succeed in the seminar.  Participants must have access to Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2010 or newer are acceptable) and be able to open and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on USB media.  Participants must be able to save/store files to USB media devices to facilitate printing and turning in homework assignments; if not able to use USB media, participants must be able to connect their laptop to a printing device by cable or BlueTooth and be able to upload files to a secure Google Drive.

    You will need a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) when you check into the Visitors Center at the entrance of NIST and if bringing a vehicle onto the NIST campus, a vehicle registration card.

    PLEASE NOTE: Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005 (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-frequently-asked-questions), agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver’s license, such as a valid passport, passport card, DOD’s Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependents ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID. See Visitor Information for the latest information.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 91 Mass Metrology Seminar

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: OWM/K. Dill

    Course Description

    The Mass Metrology Seminar is a two-week, “hands-on” seminar.  It incorporates approximately 30 percent lectures and 70 percent demonstrations and laboratory work in which the participant performs measurements by applying procedures and equations discussed in the classroom.  The seminar focuses on the comprehension and application of the procedures, the equations, and calculations involved.  The seminar includes the operation of the laboratory equipment, review of publications, standards, specifications, and tolerances relevant to the measurements.  Training covers mass calibration procedures published in NISTIR 6969 and NISTIR 5672 and are suitable for the calibration of mass standards to OIML R111 Class E2 through M3 tolerances, ASTM classes 1 through 7 and NIST HB 105-1 Class F.  Training is provided to enable the participant to correctly identify and implement the correct calibration process for each weight classification.  Each procedure and the entire seminar incorporates concepts covered in the Fundamentals of Metrology seminar, especially, concepts related to metrological traceability, statistical analysis, measurement assurance methods, uncertainty analyses, software validation, and generation of ISO/IEC 17025 compliant calibration certificates for all measurements made during the seminar.

    Learning Objectives

    At the end of this seminar, using Standard Operating Procedures 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 29, 30, and 34 and Good Measurement Practices 10, 11, 12, and 13 participants will be able to:

    • IDENTIFY mass artifacts and use appropriate procedures to ensure good quality, accurate, traceable mass measurement results;
    • EXPLAIN highlights and key concepts of each topic to each other and to your managers using the slides and reference materials; and
    • PERFORM mass calibration procedures, use and validate the job aids, and use reference materials to perform laboratory calibrations, including hands-on handling of mass standards and balances, calculation of measurement results, integration of measurement assurance, uncertainty analysis, and software validation to produce valid calibration results and certificates.

    Note regarding course level and expectations:  This course is conducted equivalent to a university-level course and is part of our IACET-accredited processes with requirements to demonstrate successful achievement of learning objectives within each module.  Significant time outside of the classroom and laboratory is expected and is commonly reported (1 hour to 2 hours per day) to complete homework, reading, data entry, and creation and editing of calibration certificates. Students should avoid trying to meet other obligations while attending this course as much as possible.

    Materials & Supplies

    Participants are encouraged to bring template versions of the mass calibration certificates issued by their laboratory as a starting point for the calibration certificates to be submitted during the seminar. Alternatively, participants should bring the calibration certificate they generated during the Fundamentals of Metrology seminar as a starting point. The former is recommended! Feedback and suggested changes to ensure ISO/IEC 17025 compliance will be provided during the seminar. Generation of calibration certificates will be required, so come prepared. A number of notebooks and course materials will be provided, so please ensure you have extra luggage space to carry these items.

    Prerequisites

    Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar is a prerequisite for the Mass Metrology Seminar. The Mass Metrology Seminar is built on the concepts learned during the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar, applying units, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability, and Quality Management System concepts to the mass calibration procedures.

    Pre-Work

    It is strongly recommended that you complete the Basic Mass Metrology CD as it will give you a head start on the Mass Seminar, including exposure to the contents of NISTIR 6969, Selected Laboratory and Measurement Practices, and NISTIR 5672, Advanced Mass Calibrations and Measurements Assurance Program for the State Calibration Laboratories.. Completing the NIST SP 1001 should take 16 to 40 hours. Participants are encouraged to read and comprehend as much as possible the content of NISTIR 6969 and NISTIR 5672 regardless of completing NIST SP 1001.

    NOTE:  Additional reading pre-work and Excel preparation recommendations may be sent by the instructor prior to the seminar. Extensive use of Excel is made in this course; strong familiarity equation entry and validation is essential.

    Post-Work

    Laboratory Auditing Program (LAP) problems are assigned at the completion of the course to those metrologists who participate in the NIST OWM State Laboratory Program.  Acceptable completion of the problems is required for NIST Office of Weights and Measures Laboratory Recognition in support of mass calibrations.  (See Handbook 143, Program Handbook training requirements as updated here.

    Minimum Requirements

    To receive a Training Certificate for this course, successful completion requires participants to actively participate in the entire course (e.g., 100 % attendance, take notes, engage in discussions, ask questions), complete all classroom, homework, and application exercise assignments, successfully perform mass calibrations as evidenced by measurement results entered in course control charts and calibration certificates, and pass a written final exam.  In addition, students submit a series of calibration certificates that are graded based on SOP 1 and NIST SP 811 criteria, as evidence of completion of all application exercises conducted during the hands-on portion of class exercises.

    *Homework note: students generally report taking one to two hours for homework each night.

    Audience

    This training seminar is open to industry and government metrologists.

    Cost

    The current registration fee for this seminar is $6,200 and confirmed participants will be sent payment instructions.  This registration fee does not cover travel, lodging or meal costs.  Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

    Instructors

    Elizabeth Koncki and Jose Torres
    Email:  elizabeth.koncki [at] nist.gov (elizabeth[dot]koncki[at]nist[dot]gov)

    Technology Requirements

    • Registered participants must provide a notebook computer for the Mass Metrology Seminar and be well trained in the development and use of spreadsheets for complex repetitive calculations.
    • Participants must have access to Microsoft Excel (versions 2010 and later are acceptable) and can open and effectively create their own spreadsheets to perform calculations, and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on USB media.  Be aware that for networked access of Microsoft files, access to the NIST network is not ensured (e.g., it can be problematic if using a version of Office 365 that requires network access to operate properly.) 
    • Participants must have administrative rights for the computer so that that files can be transferred to and from it as required by the seminar exercises through the use of USB memory sticks:  You must also be able to save/store files to USB media devices to facilitate printing and turning in classwork.  Internet and network access is not assured during the seminar.  Students without administrative approvals or ability to use USB media are encouraged to contact the instructor before the class to discuss alternatives (e.g., using a personal laptop, using a RW/CD,  or other alternatives.)   Students need to verify the capability to run executable files to ensure successful access and use of the software needed in this course.  If not able to use USB media, participants must be able to upload files to a secure NIST Box and/or Google Drive and/or Microsoft SharePoint data transfer cloud service.
    • Availability of a scientific calculator (minimum 12 digits) may be useful as a supplement to Excel; if using a calculator, familiarity with its operation is essential.

    All visitors must be preregistered and present photo identification and vehicle registration information upon arrival. NIST can only accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The government’s social media ban for kids will exempt ‘low-risk’ platforms. What does that mean?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

    BAZA Production/Shutterstock

    In a speech to the New South Wales and South Australian government social media summit today, Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland announced more details of how the federal government’s proposed social media ban would actually work.

    The government first announced the ban last month, shortly after SA said it will ban children under 14 from social media. But experts have heavily criticised the idea, and this week more than 120 experts from Australia and overseas wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state and territory premiers urging a rethink.

    Despite this, the government appears to be ploughing ahead with the proposed ban. The details Rowland announced today do not meaningfully address many of the criticisms made over the past few weeks.

    In fact, they actually raise new problems.

    What are the details of the social media ban?

    In her speech, Rowland said the government will amend the Online Safety Act to “place the onus on platforms, not parents or young people” to enforce the proposed social media ban.

    The changes will be implemented over 12 months to give industry and the regulator time to implement key processes.

    The government says it “will set parameters to guide platforms in designing social media that allows connections, but not harms, to flourish”. These parameters could address some of the “addictive” features of these platforms, for instance by limiting potential harms by prioritising content feeds from accounts people follow, or making age-appropriate versions of their apps.

    The government is also considering an:

    exemption framework to accommodate access for social media services that demonstrate a low risk of harm to children.

    The problem with “low risk”

    But allowing young people to access social media platforms that have a demonstrated “low risk of harm” is fraught with issues.

    Risk is difficult to define – especially when it comes to social media.

    As I explained earlier this year around potential harms of artificial intelligence, risk “sits on a spectrum and is not absolute”. Risk cannot be determined simply by considering a social media platform itself, or by knowing the age of the person using it. What’s risky for one person may not be risky for someone else.

    How, then, will the government determine which social media platforms have a “low risk of harm”?

    Simply focusing on technical changes to social media platform design in determining what constitutes “low risk” will not address key areas of potential harm. This may give parents a false sense of security when it comes to the “low-risk” solutions technology companies offer.

    Let’s assume for a moment that Meta’s new “teen-friendly” Instagram accounts qualify as having a “low risk of harm” and young people would still be allowed to use them.

    The teen version of Instagram will be set to private by default and have stronger content restrictions in place than regular accounts. It will also allow parents to see the categories of content children are accessing, and the accounts they follow, but will still require parental oversight.

    But this doesn’t solve the risk problem.

    There will still be harmful content on social media. And young people will still be exposed to it when they are old enough to have an unrestricted account, potentially without the support and guidance they need to safely engage with it. If children don’t gain necessary skills for navigating social media at an early age, potential harms may be deferred, rather than addressed and safely negotiated with parental support.

    A better approach

    The harmful content on social media platforms doesn’t just pose a risk to young people. It poses a risk to everybody – adults included. For this reason, the government’s heavy focus on encouraging platforms to demonstrate a “low risk of harm” only to young people seems a little misguided.

    A better approach would be to strive to ensure social media platforms are safe for all users, regardless of their age. Ensuring platforms have mechanisms for users to report potentially harmful content – and for platforms to remove inappropriate content – is crucial for keeping people safe.

    Platforms should also ensure users can block accounts, such as when a person is being bullied or harassed, with consequences for account holders found to engage in such harmful behaviour.

    It is important that government requirements for “low-risk” accounts include these and other mechanisms to identify and limit harmful content at source. Tough penalties for tech companies that fail to comply with legislation are also needed.

    The federal government could also provide extra resources for parents and children, to help them to navigate social media content safely.

    A report released this week by the New South Wales government showed 91% of parents with children aged 5–17 believe “more should be done to teach young people and their parents about the possible harms of social media”.

    The SA government appears to be heeding this message. Today it also announced a plan for more social media education in schools.

    Providing more proactive support like this, rather than pursuing social media bans, would go a long way to protecting young Australians while also ensuring they have access to helpful and supportive social media content.

    Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and a former President of the Association of Information Science and Technology.

    – ref. The government’s social media ban for kids will exempt ‘low-risk’ platforms. What does that mean? – https://theconversation.com/the-governments-social-media-ban-for-kids-will-exempt-low-risk-platforms-what-does-that-mean-241120

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung’s AI-Powered Home Appliances Are Becoming More Secure With Knox Matrix

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is taking protection to the next level with Samsung Knox, the proprietary security platform safeguarding its AI home appliances, alongside additional solutions. The company aims to strengthen the security of not only individual products but also interconnected devices, providing users with peace of mind when using AI home appliances.
     
    At Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24), Samsung announced plans to extend Knox Matrix from mobile devices and TVs to home appliances following Samsung Knox’s expansion. Knox Matrix provides integrated protection for interconnected devices, allowing them to mutually monitor for security threats and notify users of threat-blocking measures.
     
    ▲ Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, delivers the SDC24 keynote address.
     
    In addition, Samsung plans to introduce mobile biometric authentication to its home appliances next year — eliminating the need to enter IDs and passwords and preventing login information from being exposed.
     
     
    Detecting Security Threats and Notifying Users
    All Samsung smart home appliances1 are safeguarded by Samsung Knox, a holistic and multi-defense security platform that protects users’ data from external threats including malicious software. Nonetheless, Samsung set out to build a secure environment for interconnected devices since strong connectivity between devices creates an improved user experience and protection against data exposure in the age of AI home appliances.
     
    Knox Matrix is a security solution that comprehensively protects connected devices and networks using private blockchain technology. The system consists of Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync.
     
    ▲ Knox Matrix is comprised of three main technical elements.
     
    Based on blockchain technology, Trust Chain allows connected devices to monitor each other for security threats and notifies users of threat-blocking measures if there is a problem with the security status. Cross Platform ensures consistent security standards are applied to connected devices, even if they run on different operating systems (OS) and platforms. Credential Sync encrypts data shared between devices and synchronizes credentials to maintain security.
     
    First introduced to the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub , Credential Sync uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) technology to share data between devices on the server. Information can be safely shared between connected devices, and existing user data can be restored when a new product is purchased.
     
    Samsung plans to expand the application of Knox Matrix’s Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync to major products such as the refrigerator with AI Family Hub beginning next year.
     
     
    Introducing Biometric Authentication
    At SDC24, Samsung also announced that Passkey will be introduced next year to the refrigerator with AI Family Hub as well as home appliances equipped with the 7-inch AI Home LCD screen. Part of Credential Sync, Passkey is a digital credential that allows users to log in to home appliance apps and websites2 using biometrics such as fingerprints on their smartphones.
     
    With the increasing use of apps and web services, the risk of password leaks is on the rise. Passkey alleviates this concern and eliminates the inconvenience of having to remember passwords for each login.
     
    Furthermore, Samsung is planning to apply Knox Vault to its AI home appliances starting next year to further improve hardware-based security. Samsung home appliances equipped with Knox Vault will store sensitive personal information such as passwords and biometric data on a separate hardware security chip — protecting sensitive information from OS-based security breaches or physical hacks.
     
     
    Expanding Recognition From Top-Tier Organizations
    Samsung is committed to improving the reliability of its AI home appliances by expanding security verification from authorized organizations. In February, the Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub + became the first in the global home appliance industry to receive the highest rating of Diamond in the IoT Security Rating conducted by leading certification company UL Solutions. Now, five products including the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI have received the same rating — setting an industry record.3
     
    ▲ The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo received the Diamond security rating from UL Solutions.
     
    UL Solutions’ IoT Security Rating uses a five-level rating system based on rigorous testing of hacking risks and the security capabilities of smart home appliances. The Diamond rating requires passing stringent evaluations including detecting malicious software tampering, preventing illegal access attempts and anonymizing user data. Samsung plans to expand Diamond certification to even more of its AI home appliances.
     
    Additionally, Samsung conducts internal cyberattack simulations at least once a quarter to verify the security of its AI home appliances. The company’s software developers perform these hacking tests on products and services to identify vulnerabilities and create updates to address any security flaws.
     
    “As the connected ecosystem of AI home appliances expands, the importance of security is growing exponentially,” said Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to develop security solutions and achieve new certifications to ensure that users can experience peace of mind when using AI home appliances and services in Samsung’s ecosystem.”
     
     
    1 Samsung Knox is applied to select appliances launched in 2018 and later.2 Available on websites that support the international Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standard.3 As of August 2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AIIB and AMRO Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation for Regional Economic Resilience and Sustainable Development 

    Source: Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation aimed at fostering regional macroeconomic resilience and sustainable development. This strategic partnership will leverage joint research, knowledge sharing, capacity building and staff exchanges to create a more robust economic landscape for the region.

    AMRO Director Kouqing Li and AIIB President Jin Liqun signed the three-year agreement in Vientiane, Lao PDR this week on the sidelines of the 2024 ASEAN Summit, marking a significant step forward in the two organizations’ shared commitment to addressing pressing economic challenges for their respective member economies.

    “Amid rising global uncertainty and increasing geoeconomic fragmentation, forging strategic partnerships is paramount to deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by the ASEAN+3 region,” Li said. “I am confident AMRO’s collaboration with AIIB will unlock synergies as we work toward securing the macroeconomic and financial resilience and stability of the region.”

    “This partnership reflects our shared vision of fostering sustainable, resilient growth in Southeast Asia,” Jin said. “AIIB is committed to financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow, underpinned by rigorous analysis of local conditions and strong cooperation with local and regional partners. By strengthening joint efforts with AMRO, we are building a solid foundation for a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.”

    The new partnership signifies both organizations’ commitment to enhancing their collaborative initiatives to generate enduring economic benefits for their respective member economies and to navigate the challenges of an evolving global economy.

    About AIIB

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity. 

    About AMRO

    AMRO is an international organization comprising the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) and China; Hong Kong, China; Japan; and Korea. AMRO’s mandate is to conduct macroeconomic surveillance, support regional financial arrangements, and provide technical assistance to the members. In addition, AMRO also serves as a regional knowledge hub and provides support to ASEAN+3 financial cooperation.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: NBPE Announces September Monthly NAV Estimate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    NBPE Announces September Monthly NAV Estimate

    11 October 2024

    NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn1, FTSE 250, listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today announces its 30 September 2024 monthly NAV estimate.

    NAV Highlights (30 September 2024)

    • NAV per share was $27.37 (£20.40), a total return of (0.3%) in the month
    • Year to date NAV TR of 0.9%
    • $73 million invested in new and follow on investments year to date
    • $391 million of available liquidity at 30 September 2024
    As of 30 September 2024 YTD 1 Year 3 years 5 years 10 years
    NAV TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 0.9% 4.3% (2.8%)
    (1.0%)    		 70.9%
    11.3%    		 172.2%
    10.5%
    MSCI World TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 19.3% 33.0% 30.7%
    9.3%    		 89.1%
    13.6%    		 175.2%
    10.7%
    Share price TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 0.8% 6.4% 14.1%
    4.5%    		 76.0%
    12.0%    		 245.2%
    13.2%
    FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 9.9% 13.4% 23.9%
    7.4%    		 32.2%
    5.7%    		 83.6%
    6.3%

    * All NBPE performance figures assume re-investment of dividends on the ex-dividend date and reflect cumulative returns over the relevant time periods shown. Three-year, five-year and ten-year annualised returns are presented for USD NAV, MSCI World (USD), GBP Share Price and FTSE All-Share (GBP) Total Returns.

    Portfolio Update to 30 September 2024

    NAV performance during the month driven by:

    • 0.2% NAV increase ($2 million) from the receipt of private company valuation information
    • 0.2% NAV increase ($3 million) from positive FX movements
    • 0.3% NAV decrease ($4 million) from the value of quoted holdings (which now constitute 6% of portfolio fair value)
    • 0.4% NAV decrease ($5 million) attributable to expense accruals and changes in the Zero Dividend Preference share (ZDP) liability

    Realisations from the portfolio continue in 2024

    • $160 million of realisations received year to date, driven by Action, Cotiviti and previously announced sales of Melissa & Doug, FV Hospital and Safefleet as well as sales of public stock and continued realisations from the legacy income investment portfolio

    $391 million of total liquidity at 30 September 2024

    • $181 million of cash and liquid investments with $210 million of undrawn credit line available

    $73 million invested in 2024 in new and follow-on investments

    • $25 million invested in FDH Aero, a leading parts distributor to the aerospace and defense industry
    • $38 million invested into two U.S. healthcare businesses, Benecon and Zeus
    • $10 million of additional new and follow on investments

    Portfolio Valuation

    The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 30 September 2024 was based on the following information:

    • 6% of the portfolio was valued as of 30 September 2024
      • 6% in public securities
    • 94% of the portfolio was valued as of 30 June 2024
      • 93% in private direct investments
      • 1% in private funds

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations         +44 (0) 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason                              NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com 

    Kaso Legg Communications   +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman                        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    Supplementary Information (as at 30 September 2024)

    Company Name Vintage Lead Sponsor Sector Fair Value ($m) % of FV
    Action 2020 3i Consumer                        68.9 5.4%
    Osaic 2019 Reverence Capital Financial Services                        62.7 4.9%
    Solenis 2021 Platinum Equity Industrials                        58.2 4.6%
    BeyondTrust 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        42.0 3.3%
    Branded Cities Network 2017 Shamrock Capital Communications / Media                        40.1 3.2%
    Monroe Engineering 2021 AEA Investors Industrials                        38.3 3.0%
    Business Services Company* 2017 Not Disclosed Business Services                        37.1 2.9%
    True Potential 2022 Cinven Financial Services                        35.8 2.8%
    Kroll 2020 Further Global / Stone Point Financial Services                        31.4 2.5%
    Constellation Automotive 2019 TDR Capital Business Services                        30.9 2.4%
    Marquee Brands 2014 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        30.8 2.4%
    Staples 2017 Sycamore Partners Business Services                        30.7 2.4%
    GFL (NYSE: GFL) 2018 BC Partners Business Services                        30.5 2.4%
    Fortna 2017 THL Industrials                        28.7 2.3%
    Viant 2018 JLL Partners Healthcare                        27.2 2.1%
    Stubhub 2020 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        26.6 2.1%
    Engineering 2020 NB Renaissance / Bain Capital Technology / IT                        25.8 2.0%
    FDH Aero 2024 Audax Group Industrials                        25.3 2.0%
    Agiliti 2019 THL Healthcare                        25.3 2.0%
    Benecon 2024 TA Associates Healthcare                        25.2 2.0%
    Solace Systems 2016 Bridge Growth Partners Technology / IT                        24.4 1.9%
    Addison Group 2021 Trilantic Capital Partners Business Services                        23.8 1.9%
    USI 2017 KKR Financial Services                        23.2 1.8%
    Auctane 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT                        22.5 1.8%
    Excelitas 2022 AEA Investors Industrials                        21.9 1.7%
    Qpark 2017 KKR Transportation                        21.5 1.7%
    AutoStore (OB.AUTO) 2019 THL Industrials                        21.3 1.7%
    Exact 2019 KKR Technology / IT                        20.1 1.6%
    Renaissance Learning 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        19.4 1.5%
    Bylight 2017 Sagewind Partners Technology / IT                        18.7 1.5%
    Total Top 30 Investments                            $938.5 73.8%

    *Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

    Geography % of Portfolio
    North America 76%
    Europe 23%
    Asia / Rest of World 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Industry % of Portfolio
    Tech, Media & Telecom 23%
    Consumer / E-commerce 20%
    Industrials / Industrial Technology 17%
    Financial Services 14%
    Business Services 12%
    Healthcare 9%
    Other 4%
    Energy 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Vintage Year % of Portfolio
    2016 & Earlier 11%
    2017 19%
    2018 16%
    2019 14%
    2020 12%
    2021 16%
    2022 5%
    2023 2%
    2024 5%
    Total Portfolio 100%

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman
    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $481 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. The PRI identified the firm as part of the Leader’s Group, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last ten years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit http://www.nb.com for more information. Data as of June 30, 2024.

    1Based on net asset value.

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ageas announces exclusive negotiations to strengthen its partnership with UK over 50s specialist Saga

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ageas announces that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Saga plc, the UK specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50, to establish a 20-year partnership with Saga Services Limited (SSL) for the distribution of personal lines Motor and Home insurance products to Saga’s customers. Alongside this, Ageas would also acquire Saga’s Insurance Underwriting business, AICL (Acromas Insurance Company Limited), which together form the Proposed Transaction.

    The Proposed Transaction aligns perfectly with Ageas’s recently unveiled Elevate27 strategy, to capitalise on its robust Non-Life presence across Europe, while accelerating solutions targeted at an ageing population, a rapidly expanding customer segment where the Group and Ageas UK already has real strength and expertise. Furthermore, it presents Ageas with the opportunity to enhance its position as a leading personal lines insurer in the UK, adding scale to a core European market of the Group. By combining Saga’s insights with Ageas UK’s personal lines insurance expertise particularly in this customer segment, the partnership offers a unique competitive advantage in the expanding over 50s market.

    Under the Proposed Transaction, Ageas UK, a subsidiary of Ageas, would enter into a 20-year Affinity Partnership with SSL, Saga’s Insurance Broking business, which distributed in excess of GBP 479 million in Gross Written Premiums (GWP) in the 12-month period ended 31 July 2024 across its motor and home insurance products. The Proposed Transaction represents a total cash payment of GBP 147.5 million, subject to customary completion adjustments, with a potential additional contingent consideration of up to GBP 60 million, subject to meeting agreed policy volumes and profitability targets. Completion of the AICL transaction remains conditional on the signing of definitive transaction documentation and regulatory approvals. As of January 2024, AICL’s Own Funds (Unrestricted Tier1) and Solvency Capital Requirement stand at GBP 83 million and GBP 54 million, respectively.

    Based on the initial consideration and including capital synergies, the estimated impact on the Ageas Group Solvency is – 5%.

    The Proposed Transaction will not affect the Group’s current share buyback programme.

    Background on Saga

    Saga, created over 70 years ago, is a specialist in the provision of products and services for people over 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted in the UK. Saga is known for its high level of customer service and its high-quality, award-winning products and services including cruises and travel, insurance, personal finance and media. (http://www.saga.co.uk)

    Hans De Cuyper, CEO of Ageas said: “We eagerly anticipate further strengthening our partnership with Saga, a well-known brand in the UK. This proposed deal aligns seamlessly with the Ageas Group recently launched Elevate27 strategy, which aims to leverage our strong European presence in Non-Life, add scale to our business, and benefit from material capital diversification. This transaction allows us to grow in a market where we already have real strength and expertise. Ageas has a longstanding tradition of successful partnerships, and we are confident that this collaboration with Saga will open new avenues for creating and accelerating profitable growth.”

    Ant Middle, CEO of Ageas UK said: “This proposed deal with Saga aligns perfectly with our strategy to profitably grow in UK personal lines and in creating powerful partnerships to the benefit of our customers. Deepening our relationship with Saga unlocks even more opportunity to increase our competitiveness in a rapidly expanding over 50s customer segment; an area where we already have real strength and expertise. It also draws on our strengths of technical and operational excellence, and customer care, providing more potential for us to leverage the significant investments made in our business over the last three years and offer our expertise in meeting the unique needs of Saga’s customers.”

    Mike Hazell, CEO of Saga plc said: “We are hugely excited at the opportunity to grow our home and motor Insurance business through this proposed partnership with Ageas. The coming together of Saga’s fantastic brand and Ageas’s unrivalled expertise in operating successful affinity insurance partnerships, would create a winning combination. Our joint reputation for delivering exceptional products and services to people over 50 means this partnership would allow us to serve even more customers with great products at excellent value. Saga is a unique business with a long heritage, great people and loyal customers. We have been clear for some time that developing a partnership approach is the right strategy, providing us with a capital-light route to growth and the ability to reduce debt, leading to the creation of long-term sustainable value for all our stakeholders.”

    Whilst Ageas and Saga are in exclusive negotiations, the Proposed Transaction remains subject to the parties agreeing binding documentation as well as regulatory approvals, and therefore there is currently no certainty that it will occur. A further announcement will be made in due course, as appropriate.

    Proposed terms

    Affinity Partnership

    • The Affinity Partnership would be for a 20-year term, with the ambition to ‘go live’ by the end of 2025.
    • Ageas UK would pay Saga an upfront consideration of GBP 80 million payable at or around the ‘go live’ date.
    • Additionally, Saga may receive contingent consideration of up to GBP 30 million in 2026 and up to GBP 30 million in 2032, subject to certain policy volume and profitability targets being met.
    • SSL would receive commission on the GWP generated over the term of the Affinity Partnership representing the value that SSL will continue to provide through the Partnership.

    Ageas acquisition of AICL

    • Ageas UK would acquire AICL for a total consideration of GBP 67.5 million, subject to customary completion adjustments.
    • Completion of the AICL transaction is targeted in Q2 2025 and is conditional on the signing of definitive transaction documentation and certain regulatory approvals.

    Ageas is a listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning almost 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow, and is also engaged in reinsurance activities. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long-term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 44,000 people and reported annual inflows of more than EUR 17 billion in 2023.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates Tonstakers, Enabling TON Staking with a Minimum 3% APY

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Oct. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading non-custodial Web3 wallet, has integrated Tonstakers, the top staking protocol by Total Value Locked (TVL) in the TON ecosystem. This new feature lets users stake their TON tokens easily, with just a tap on the mobile app. Users can earn additional rewards from the ecosystem, with an annual return estimated between 3% and 5.5%.

    Beyond TON tokens, Bitget Wallet supports a wide range of staking services, including ETH, popular stablecoins such as USDT, USDC, and DAI, as well as Bitget Wallet’s ecosystem token, BWB. Users can also participate in other re-staking assets, utilizing strategies designed to boost yields. These options provide more ways for token holders to grow their returns. With the intuitive “DeFi” tab on the wallet app’s homepage, users can visualize and manage their staking activities in real-time, tracking daily earnings and unstaking whenever they wish. By offering flexible strategies that accommodate different risk profiles, the wallet helps users find the right balance between maximizing safety and earning potential. This streamlined design makes staking easy and increases both liquidity and overall returns for participants.

    As one of the first Web3 wallets to fully support the TON/Telegram ecosystem, Bitget Wallet employs MPC (Multi-Party Computation) technology, which removes the need for private keys. Users can create and manage their wallets through various login options, including Telegram. With this innovative keyless solution for the TON mainnet, Bitget Wallet enables users to securely create TON wallets without the hassle of traditional private keys. Additionally, Bitget Wallet has developed a Telegram trading bot that offers a one-stop service, including multi-chain trading, a zero gas fee experience for TON DApps, and popular project airdrops. It has also introduced OmniConnect, a software development kit (SDK) that enables Telegram mini-apps to effortlessly link to more than 500 blockchains, simplifying interactions like signing and transactions within DApps.

    This deep connection to the TON ecosystem has led to a significant surge in both user growth and wallet activity. In Q3 2024 alone, the number of TON addresses on Bitget Wallet saw a staggering increase of 4886%. According to research, Bitget Wallet is the most popular wallet in the TON ecosystem, with 68% of users favoring this mobile platform over browser-based solutions. Bitget Wallet’s success is also reflected in the project it supports – Tonmarket, a TON ecosystem app, has amassed over 30 million users in less than three months, quickly becoming a dominant player in the sector.

    Bitget Wallet’s collaboration with the TON ecosystem is fueled by a vision of a decentralized future where financial tools are accessible to everyone. As the TON ecosystem evolves, the emphasis will move from basic staking and tap-to-earn models to more advanced applications in finance, gaming, and social interaction, aiming to provide users with lasting, sustainable value beyond short-term incentives. Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet, remarked, “Our integration with Tonstakers is just the beginning. The future growth of the TON ecosystem will stem from innovative applications that foster meaningful engagement. We’re excited to contribute to a future where decentralized finance meets real-world needs.“

    About Bitget Wallet

    Bitget Wallet stands as one of the world’s leading non-custodial Web3 wallets and decentralized ecosystem platform. With the Bitget Onchain Layer, the wallet is well-poised to develop a burgeoning DeFi ecosystem through co-creation and strategic incubation. Aside from a powerful Swap function, Bitget Wallet also offers multi-chain asset management, smart money insights, a native Launchpad, Inscriptions Center, and an Earning Center. Supporting over 100 major blockchains, 500,000+ tokens, and a wide array of DApps, Bitget Wallet is your top wallet for asset discovery and Web3 exploration.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b1f59be-7ca1-4542-8250-d7d4760d814c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia’s largest archival complex has accepted about 20 million files for storage

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the first year of operation, the largest in Russia Archival complex in TiNAO accepted about 20 million cases for storage. This was reported by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    “We have created an innovative document storage system based on the Main Archives of Moscow that combines accessibility, efficiency and security. A year ago, a unique complex with an area of about 70 thousand square meters and a capacity of up to 100 million storage units was launched in the capital. It has become the largest state robotic archive in Russia. In the first year of its operation alone, the complex accepted about 20 million cases for storage. In addition, we plan to implement artificial intelligence systems and computer vision technologies that will ensure accurate and fast document monitoring and increase the speed of entering new data. Such an innovative approach emphasizes the technological maturity of the complex and its ability to manage archival data on a large scale,” noted Anastasia Rakova.

    The new complex should fully meet the city’s need for storing documents from healthcare, social protection and educational institutions. Specialists work on moving data on a daily basis. Robotic manipulators help with their processing; they recognize text, automatically identify and extract key information, and create a personalized search system. In just one year, they have performed more than 30 million operations. Together withDepartment of Information Technology It is planned to implement special software for these tasks.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145105073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Muscovites to choose the best short film of the project “From idea to premiere”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Active Citizen project has begun new vote, in which users will choose the best short film shot within the framework of the Moskino project “From Idea to Premiere”. Three films are participating in the voting: “Escape”, “Yashka” and “The Path to Yourself”.

    The plot of “Escape” centers on an unexpected meeting of two former lovers. The action takes place in a car that is driving through Moscow at night to the airport. The author of the idea is Alexander Konstantinov. “Yashka” is a story about how an elderly Muscovite, after meeting a robot courier, was able to improve her relationship with her daughter and grandson. The story was invented by Igor Sheremetyev. The main character of the film “The Path to Yourself” is an office worker who found the strength to start a new career and change his whole life. The author of the idea is Alexandra Koneva.

    Voting for these paintings has been prepared Department of Culture Moscow city and the project “Active Citizen”.

    The project “From Idea to Premiere” appeared this summer. All those who wanted to send in their stories, and the best were chosen. Then the jury members (directors, producers and scriptwriters) held a public casting of actors: out of almost one thousand Muscovites who applied, 32 people got roles. The premiere of the films with their participation took place on August 24 at the Khudozhestvenny cinema – as part of the “Cinema Night” campaign.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government as part of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Moskino oversees the development of city cinemas of the eponymous network, the film commission and the Moskino film platform, as well as other citywide projects in this area. The capital has Moskino cinemas, where you can watch feature films and documentaries, attend special film screenings and events.

    The structure of the film cluster includes the Moskino film park, the Maxim Gorky Film Studio, the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

    Project “Active Citizen” has been operating since 2014. During this time, over seven million people have joined it, taking part in more than 6.6 thousand votes. Every month, 30-40 decisions made by Muscovites are implemented in the city. The project is being developed by the capital Department of Information Technology and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

    The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life of city residents corresponds to the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the regional project of the capital “Digital Public Administration”. More information about the national projects implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145067073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank to Host 2024 Trade Finance Seminar and Factoring Workshop in Windhoek, Namibia

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAIRO, Egypt, October 11, 2024/APO Group/ —

    African bankers, financiers, legal practitioners, insurers, and professionals from regulatory agencies and corporates, from across the African continent involved in trade finance will gather in Windhoek, Namibia, from 5 to 8 November for the annual Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar (ATFS) and Factoring Workshop (https://ATFS2024.AfreximbankEvents.com).

    The event will address critical trade finance trends, tools and offer training in innovative strategies to bolster Africa’s trade ecosystem.

    Mr. Titus Ndove, Executive Director, Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, Namibia will deliver the Keynote Address, underscoring Namibia’s commitment to advancing intra-Africa trade as well as global trade facilitation.

    The Seminar will host a number of world class speakers covering a broad range of topics and technical training workshops.

    Ms. Gwen Mwaba, Managing Director Trade Finance & Correspondent Banking, Afreximbank, said: “This Seminar aims to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of financing transactions and structuring viable trade deals amidst increasing and heightened global economic uncertainty.

    “By enhancing expertise in trade and trade-related deals, participants will not only drive national economic growth and boost public and private sector revenues through enhanced income generation, but also enable governments to execute critical development projects. Our aim is to foster a collaborative environment where these key stakeholders can share insights and strategies to strengthen Africa’s trade finance landscape and unlock new opportunities for growth.”

    Africa’s trade finance gap (https://apo-opa.co/4eBnsOn) is estimated to be between US$90 billion and US$120 billion per year.

    The exiting and scaling back of many international banks from Africa have severely limited local lenders’ ability to finance clients’ import and export needs and created record demand for trade finance in Africa.

    The Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar (ATFS) and Factoring Workshop (https://ATFS2024.AfreximbankEvents.com) is a cost- and time-efficient capacity-building seminar tailored to African markets for professionals involved directly or indirectly in trade finance, providing them with valuable knowledge and expert training.

    Among the speakers at the workshop is Mr Neal Harm, the Secretary General of the FCI, the Global Representative Body for Factoring and Financing of Open Account Domestic and International Trade Receivables headquartered in the Netherlands.

    The full-day Factoring Workshop on 8 November will focus on “Solving the African Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) Trade Finance Gap through Factoring and Supply Chain Finance” and provide valuable insights into how this alternative financing method can effectively bridge the finance gap for MSMEs.

    Factoring is a vital trade finance tool that provides MSMEs with access to financing, helping to boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Interested attendees can register for the Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar and Factoring Workshop by clicking on this link (https://apo-opa.co/3YjsWav).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Opening Remarks at the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit

    Source: United Nations secretary general

     
     
    Mr. Chair, Prime Minister Siphandone, thank you for your warm welcome and congratulations on your leadership of ASEAN this year. 
     
    Distinguished leaders of ASEAN,
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    For nearly six decades, the family of South-East Asian countries has blazed a path of collaboration.
     
    Every day, you grow more integrated, dynamic and influential.
     
    And our ASEAN-UN partnership is growing ever stronger, too and it is today a strategic partnership from the UN point of view.
     
    The ASEAN-UN Plan of Action is making important progress across the political, security, economic and cultural fronts.
     
    I am particularly grateful for the important contribution of ASEAN members to our peacekeeping operations.
     
    Allow me to express my total solidarity with the Indonesian delegation. Two Indonesian peacekeepers [serving in Lebanon] were wounded by Israeli fire. We are together with you and the Indonesian people at this time.
     
    I also welcome your work on the preparation of the Community Vision 2045.
     
    This region has always been about looking ahead.
     
    And so is the Pact for the Future, adopted last month at the United Nations.
     
    We need to keep looking ahead.  
     
    Let me point to four key areas. 
     
    First, connectivity — your theme for the year.
     
    We start with a fundamental objective: technology should benefit everyone.
     
    Across Southeast Asia, broadband and mobile internet connectivity has soared. Yet the digital divide persists. 
     
    And a new divide is now with us — an Artificial Intelligence divide. 
     
    Every country must be able to access and benefit from these technologies.
     
    And every country should be at the table when decisions are made about their governance.
     
    The Pact for the Future includes a major breakthrough — the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence that would give every country a seat at the AI table.
     
    It also calls for international partnerships to boost AI capacity building in developing countries.
     
    And it commits governments to establishing an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.
     
    Second, finance. 
     
    International financial institutions can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.
     
    The Pact for the Future says clearly: we need to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture.
     
    To close the financing gap of the Sustainable Development Goals. 
     
    To ensure that countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their long-term development. 
     
    And to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries.
     
    This includes calling on G20 countries to lead on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.
     
    Substantially increasing also the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks.
     
    Recycling more Special Drawing Rights.
     
    And restructuring loans for countries drowning in debt.
     
    Third, climate.
     
    ASEAN countries are feeling the brunt of climate chaos – disasters like Super Typhoon Yagi – while the 1.5 degree goal is slipping away.
     
    We need dramatic action to reduce emissions.
     
    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions – they must lead the way.
     
    I welcome the pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam.
     
    By next year, every country must produce new NDCs aligned with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
     
    Developed countries must keep their promises to double adaptation finance.
     
    And we need to see significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
     
    Every person must be covered by an alert system by 2027, through the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative. 
     
    We must secure also an ambitious outcome on finance at COP29.
     
    Fourth and finally, peace.
     
    I recognize your constructive role in continuing to pursue dialogue and peaceful means of resolving disputes from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. 
    And I salute you for doing so in full respect of the UN Charter and international law – including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
     
    Meanwhile, Myanmar remains on an increasingly complex path.
     
    Violence is growing.
     
    The humanitarian situation is spiralling.
     
    One-third of the population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance.  Millions have been forced to flee their homes. 
     
    Seven years after the forced mass displacement of the Rohingya, durable solutions seem a distant reality.
     
    I support strengthened cooperation between the UN Special Envoy and the ASEAN Chair on innovative ways to promote a Myanmar-led process, including through the effective and comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and beyond.
     
    The people of Myanmar need peace. And I call on all countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict and deliver the peaceful future that the people of Myanmar deserve.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    ASEAN exemplifies community and cooperation.
     
    You are far more than the sum of your parts.
     
    In a world with growing geopolitical divides, with dramatic impacts on peace and security and sustainable development, ASEAN is a bridge-builder and a messenger for peace.
     
    Peace that is more necessary than ever, when we see the immense suffering of the people in Gaza, now extended to Lebanon, not forgetting Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and so many others.
     
    Allow me to tell you that the level of death and destruction in Gaza is something that has no comparison in any other situation I have seen since I became Secretary-General.
     
    I am extremely grateful for your constant efforts to keep our world together.
     
    You play a key role in shaping a world that is prosperous, inclusive and sustainable with respect for human rights at its heart.
     
    And you can always count on my full support and that of the United Nations in this essential effort.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Opening Remarks at the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong> 
     
    Mr. Chair, Prime Minister Siphandone, thank you for your warm welcome and congratulations on your leadership of ASEAN this year. 
     
    Distinguished leaders of ASEAN,
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    For nearly six decades, the family of South-East Asian countries has blazed a path of collaboration.
     
    Every day, you grow more integrated, dynamic and influential.
     
    And our ASEAN-UN partnership is growing ever stronger, too and it is today a strategic partnership from the UN point of view.
     
    The ASEAN-UN Plan of Action is making important progress across the political, security, economic and cultural fronts.
     
    I am particularly grateful for the important contribution of ASEAN members to our peacekeeping operations.
     
    Allow me to express my total solidarity with the Indonesian delegation. Two Indonesian peacekeepers [serving in Lebanon] were wounded by Israeli fire. We are together with you and the Indonesian people at this time.
     
    I also welcome your work on the preparation of the Community Vision 2045.
     
    This region has always been about looking ahead.
     
    And so is the Pact for the Future, adopted last month at the United Nations.
     
    We need to keep looking ahead.  
     
    Let me point to four key areas. 
     
    First, connectivity — your theme for the year.
     
    We start with a fundamental objective: technology should benefit everyone.
     
    Across Southeast Asia, broadband and mobile internet connectivity has soared. Yet the digital divide persists. 
     
    And a new divide is now with us — an Artificial Intelligence divide. 
     
    Every country must be able to access and benefit from these technologies.
     
    And every country should be at the table when decisions are made about their governance.
     
    The Pact for the Future includes a major breakthrough — the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence that would give every country a seat at the AI table.
     
    It also calls for international partnerships to boost AI capacity building in developing countries.
     
    And it commits governments to establishing an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.
     
    Second, finance. 
     
    International financial institutions can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.
     
    The Pact for the Future says clearly: we need to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture.
     
    To close the financing gap of the Sustainable Development Goals. 
     
    To ensure that countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their long-term development. 
     
    And to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries.
     
    This includes calling on G20 countries to lead on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.
     
    Substantially increasing also the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks.
     
    Recycling more Special Drawing Rights.
     
    And restructuring loans for countries drowning in debt.
     
    Third, climate.
     
    ASEAN countries are feeling the brunt of climate chaos – disasters like Super Typhoon Yagi – while the 1.5 degree goal is slipping away.
     
    We need dramatic action to reduce emissions.
     
    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions – they must lead the way.
     
    I welcome the pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam.
     
    By next year, every country must produce new NDCs aligned with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
     
    Developed countries must keep their promises to double adaptation finance.
     
    And we need to see significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
     
    Every person must be covered by an alert system by 2027, through the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative. 
     
    We must secure also an ambitious outcome on finance at COP29.
     
    Fourth and finally, peace.
     
    I recognize your constructive role in continuing to pursue dialogue and peaceful means of resolving disputes from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. 
    And I salute you for doing so in full respect of the UN Charter and international law – including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
     
    Meanwhile, Myanmar remains on an increasingly complex path.
     
    Violence is growing.
     
    The humanitarian situation is spiralling.
     
    One-third of the population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance.  Millions have been forced to flee their homes. 
     
    Seven years after the forced mass displacement of the Rohingya, durable solutions seem a distant reality.
     
    I support strengthened cooperation between the UN Special Envoy and the ASEAN Chair on innovative ways to promote a Myanmar-led process, including through the effective and comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and beyond.
     
    The people of Myanmar need peace. And I call on all countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict and deliver the peaceful future that the people of Myanmar deserve.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    ASEAN exemplifies community and cooperation.
     
    You are far more than the sum of your parts.
     
    In a world with growing geopolitical divides, with dramatic impacts on peace and security and sustainable development, ASEAN is a bridge-builder and a messenger for peace.
     
    Peace that is more necessary than ever, when we see the immense suffering of the people in Gaza, now extended to Lebanon, not forgetting Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and so many others.
     
    Allow me to tell you that the level of death and destruction in Gaza is something that has no comparison in any other situation I have seen since I became Secretary-General.
     
    I am extremely grateful for your constant efforts to keep our world together.
     
    You play a key role in shaping a world that is prosperous, inclusive and sustainable with respect for human rights at its heart.
     
    And you can always count on my full support and that of the United Nations in this essential effort.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN-U

    Source: ASEAN

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America (United States), gathered on the occasion of the 12th ASEAN-United States (U.S.) Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 11 October 2024;

    HIGHLIGHTING our shared interest in unlocking the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while also mitigating its risks;

    Download the full statement here.
    The post ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America (United States), gathered on the occasion of the 12th ASEAN-United States (U.S.) Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 11 October 2024;

    HIGHLIGHTING our shared interest in unlocking the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while also mitigating its risks;

    Download the full statement here.
    The post ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –