Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Court users may use integrated Court Case Management System for bulk claims in Small Claims Tribunal Court users may use integrated Court Case Management System for bulk claims in Small Claims Tribunal ******************************************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Judiciary today (October 10) announced that starting from October 31, the application of the integrated Court Case Management System (iCMS) will be extended to cover bulk claims in the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) such that court users can handle filing and payments electronically. Bulk claims refer to claims filed by claimants who have been approved by the Principal Adjudicator to file claims in bulk for hearing at the same time in the SCT. The iCMS is an integral part of the Judiciary’s Information Technology Strategy Plan. It aims to facilitate the handling of court-related documents and payments through an electronic mode across the various levels of court. Since 2022, the iCMS has been implemented in phases. It currently covers personal injury actions, tax claim proceedings, civil action proceedings and employees’ compensation cases in the District Court, as well as summons cases in the Magistrates’ Courts. It will incrementally be extended to other levels of court. It is also the Judiciary’s target to mandate the use of the iCMS for all legally represented litigants in respect of case types where the electronic mode have been made available, starting in 2026. The major electronic services under the iCMS include sending case-specific court documents to the courts and receiving such documents from the courts, inspecting or searching filed documents and other case-related information held by the courts, searching cause books, and making payments for court services. Eligible users need to register for a user account for using the full range of services under the iCMS. Eligible users include parties of an ongoing or new e-proceeding and their legal representatives (if any), the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, law firms, government departments, law enforcement agencies and statutory bodies. Registration is free of charge. Unregistered members of the public may also use certain types of iCMS services, mainly related to searching of electronic documents that are open to public inspection. To encourage migration to e-filing and e-payment through the iCMS, a 20 per cent concession is offered to iCMS users for three years on fee items of the SCT, which are primarily or directly related to electronic handling of court documents. As for technical requirements, the iCMS can be accessed using personal computers or mobile devices with an Internet connection, commonly used operating systems and browsers. Relevant technical requirements are available at http://www.judiciary.hk/doc/en/e_courts/AI_TechReq_iCMS_e.pdf. Generally speaking, the iCMS operates around the clock except during system maintenance. The system maintenance schedules of the iCMS, as specified by the Judiciary, are published on the dedicated webpage of the Judiciary’s website (www.judiciary.hk/en/e_courts/index.html). Any e-filing and e-payment received under the iCMS after the registry and the accounts office are normally closed to the public (i.e. after 5.30pm on a working day) will be deemed to be received upon the starting time of the normal opening hours of the registry and the accounts office on the following working day. For enquiries, please call the general enquiry hotline at 2477 1002 or the technical helpline at 2886 6474, e-mail to enquiry@judiciary.hk or visit the Help Centre at 5/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinjiang’s protection of blue skies shows China’s determination to air pollution control
URUMQI, Oct. 9 — Zhang Xin still remembers the complaints she saw on social media some years ago: “In winter, you can’t see the sun clearly in the city of Urumqi,” and “The snow is all black.”
Zhang, who works in the ecology and environment bureau of Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has participate in the air pollution prevention and control work for a long time.
Urumqi is among an economically vibrant urban cluster located on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, which also contains parts of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and the cities of Wujiaqu and Shihezi. The urban cluster is collectively referred to as the Wu-Chang-Shi area by locals.
For a long time, Wu-Chang-Shi has been a key and challenging area for air pollution prevention and control in Xinjiang due to its heavy industrial and coal-dominated energy structure.
However, 2023 was the year with the most significant improvement in air quality in the past decade for the urban cluster, thanks to the concerted and unremitting efforts made by the local ecology and environment authorities, enterprises and scientists.
An aerial panoramic drone photo taken on May 9, 2024 shows a city view of Wujiaqu, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
The transformation of Wu-Chang-Shi is a microcosm of China’s air pollution control efforts. Following the introduction of an action plan to prevent and control air pollution in 2013, China became the first developing country in the world to impose large-scale efforts to reduce PM2.5 density.
China has announced that it will peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
IMPROVED AIR QUALITY
Years ago, the Chinese government began publishing air quality rankings in major cities, and the cities in Wu-Chang-Shi, such as Urumqi, often ranked at the bottom of the list.
“Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Urumqi has poor conditions for diffusion in both horizontal and vertical directions. According to an assessment, Urumqi’s self-purification capacity in winter is only one-tenth of that in summer,” said Zhang.
In winter, when temperatures often drop to minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, residents in Urumqi relied heavily on coal-fired heating, which led to more pollutant emissions.
Zhang said that with the central government funding, Urumqi has initiated projects, such as clean-energy heating. “The city has begun to improve its heating structure, from centralized heating and cogeneration to clean heating for all bulk coal users, which is a particularly effective experience in air pollution control,” she added.
In 2012, the central urban area of Urumqi completed the transformation from coal to gas for large-scale coal-fired heating boilers. In October 2023, the city completed the treatment of the remaining villages and households in rural areas that were using bulk coal for heating, making it among the first cities in China to achieve full coverage of clean-energy heating.
An aerial drone photo taken on April 25, 2024 shows a wind farm in Dabancheng District of Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
From Oct. 10, 2023 to April 10, 2024, Urumqi boasted 144 days of good air quality, an increase of 33 days year on year. The average concentrations of six major air pollutants, including PM2.5, decreased by 8.8 percent to 22.7 percent, reaching the best level since the monitoring began.
Social media, which acts as an unofficial “air quality monitoring station,” also reflects the effectiveness of air pollution control measures.
In recent years, Zhang noticed some positive changes on social media — residents in Urumqi often post photos and videos of the blue skies of the city.
KEY INDUSTRIES, TARGETED MEASURES
Located in the city of Shihezi in the Wu-Chang-Shi area, Tianwei Cement Co., Ltd. is a major cement-producing company in the city.
China is among the world’s largest producers and consumers of cement. However, due to factors such as large emissions during production, the cement industry is also a major contributor to carbon emissions.
In 2023, the regional government of Xinjiang proposed to spend three to five years to completely solve the air pollution problem in Wu-Chang-Shi. Various departments have implemented pollution control measures in key enterprises in the area.
Tianwei Cement is among the 135 industrial enterprises in Wu-Chang-Shi that have been given priority treatment, which altogether accounts for more than 92 percent of the total pollutant emissions in the area.
According to the ecology and environment bureau of Shihezi, in terms of the comprehensive management of air pollution, the city has implemented a performance-based grading system of key industries to cope with heavy-pollution weather, in sync with other regions across China.
This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2023 shows a photovoltaic project in Shihezi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
The four-tier grading system, involving 39 key industries including steel and chemicals, is a measure to implement differentiated control in response to heavy-pollution weather, with A representing the highest and D the lowest. When heavy-pollution weather occurs, Class-A enterprises can take measures independently based on their actual situations to reduce emissions without stopping or limiting production.
To attain the Class-A rating as quickly as possible, Tianwei Cement has collaborated with the city’s ecology and environment bureau to develop a tailored pollution control plan. Measures have been taken during various processes of production, including the installment of dust-reduction devices in its warehouses.
Last year, the company obtained the Class-A rating after completing the ultra-low emission transformations. Thanks to the upgrades, the company made a profit of over 80 million yuan (about 11.34 million U.S. dollars) in 2023.
Meanwhile, Shihezi’s air quality in 2023 reached the best level since 2017, data shows.
BUILDING TALENT BASE
Sitting in an office of the air-pollution prevention and control center of Changji, Ma Tong can oversee the pollutant emissions in the entire prefecture in real time through a large screen, which displays data and charts, such as the forecast and dynamic control of heavy-pollution weather. However, she still worries.
“A lot of data has been integrated into the platform, but the problem is how to effectively utilize it. We lack skilled personnel who can use the platform and information equipment,” she said.
This photo taken on May 20, 2024 shows staff members working at an office of the air-pollution prevention and control center in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
Ma is an expert from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences. Five years ago, she came to Xinjiang to provide intellectual support for local air pollution control. “Changji is already at the forefront of Xinjiang in terms of air-pollution treatment through sci-tech means, but compared with the whole country, the prefecture lacks equipment and talent,” said Ma.
Since last year, the regional government of Xinjiang has pooled 10 billion yuan in funding to establish the Xinjiang talent development fund, which is used to introduce talent from other parts of China, among other objectives.
In early 2024, the Urumqi-based Xinjiang University introduced Huang Haibao, an air-pollution control expert from Sun Yat-sen University in south China’s Guangdong Province.
“In addition to cultivating talent ourselves, we have also introduced a group of scholars from universities including Beijing University of Chemical Technology,” said Huang.
Within six months, Huang and his colleagues have established the air pollution control and research center at the university. He is working to establish the Xinjiang environmental science society, which will serve as a gathering place for the top scientific research talent in Xinjiang and a platform for international cooperation and exchange.
He also stresses the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. “Ultimately, emission reduction needs to be implemented at the enterprise level,” he said, adding that his team has visited over 10 companies to strengthen cooperation in terms of technology and scientific research.
“We will try to bring in the technologies, talent and companies from across the country to contribute to air pollution prevention and control work in Xinjiang,” he said.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has announced details of its Court of Inquiry (COI) into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa.
The dive and hydrographic ship struck a reef south of Upolu on Saturday 5 October. All 75 people aboard were successfully rescued.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding has directed the assembly of a COI into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui and has appointed Commodore Melissa Ross as the president. The COI will assemble on Friday.
She will be joined by three senior military members – Captain Andrew Mahoney, Group Captain John McWilliam, from the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Captain Dean Battilana, who has been seconded from the Royal Australian Navy.
Counsel assisting the COI will be Commander Jonathan Rowe, who is a barrister and solicitor of the High Court.
COIs are set up to establish the facts of an incident and any circumstances leading to it to allow the NZDF to identify possible improvements or changes for the future.
The terms of reference direct the COI to collect and record evidence and report on the sequence of events leading up to the loss of the ship, the cause of the grounding and subsequent sinking, and details on notification procedures, injuries sustained and any environmental damage.
The COI has also been directed to consider any organisational aspects relevant to the loss, and the material state of Manawanui prior to the grounding.
Courts of Inquiry into significant matters may be subject to an external legal review to provide independent assurance of their procedure and conclusions. External legal reviews are conducted by independent King’s Counsel or other senior barristers. For the COI into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui, it has been determined that an external legal review will be conducted by a King’s Counsel.
Rear Admiral Golding said he was very aware of the high interest in the COI.
“Given the high level of public interest in this and with transparency at front of mind, I will make the report publicly available to the maximum extent possible consistent with the Privacy Act and my obligations to uphold national security,” Rear Admiral Golding said.
“I have directed the Court to provide me with an interim report on specific areas by mid-November, and then to provide regular updates on the progress of their inquiry from there.”
MORE DETAILS ABOUT COURTS OF INQUIRY:
Courts of Inquiry are established by an officer in charge of part of the Armed Forces to inquire into any matter.
The court must have no less than two officers and the officer assembling the court must appoint one of those members as the president. The officer assembling the court must issue its terms of reference and the court is required to collect evidence and provide a report against those terms of reference.
The court may sit wherever it considers necessary to do so and may direct or summons any witness to attend before it. Witnesses are sworn and their evidence is transcribed. Any person who may have their character and reputation affected is afforded natural justice rights by the president.
Courts of Inquiry are not designed to determine guilt of any individual and the evidence gathered is not admissible in other proceedings.
Courts of Inquiry are established under statute and are provided numerous powers and protections so that the fact-finding procedure is as expeditious as possible. Courts of Inquiry are statutorily required to be held in private to ensure that there is no inhibition on witnesses giving full and frank evidence.
The provisions governing courts of inquiry can be found at sections 200 to 201 of the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971.
BIOGRAPHIES
Commodore Melissa Ross, RNZNR Commodore Melissa Ross (Ngāpuhi) joined the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in 1993 as a Marine Engineering Officer. She was one of the first women in the RNZN to go to sea on an operational warship. Commodore Ross has previously held the position of Deputy Chief of Navy and Commander Logistics. She is appointed to the COI as the President.
Group Captain John McWilliam, AFC Group Captain John McWilliam joined the RNZAF in 1975 as a pilot. Throughout his career he has flown helicopters and been a flying instructor. He departed the RNZAF in 1995 to pursue a civilian career and was a test pilot during this period. He returned to the RNZAF in 2010 and established the role of the NZDF Operating Airworthiness Operator. GPCAPT McWilliam is a deep expert in the airworthiness arena and will bring that expertise to the Court.
Captain Andy Mahoney, RNZN Captain Andy Mahoney joined the Royal Navy (RN) in 1996. He transferred to the RNZN in 2016. He is a Principal Warfare Officer who has served on ships in both the RN and the RNZN. He was the commissioning Captain of the HMNZS Manawanui. Captain Mahoney has operated across a wide range of navies and agencies globally. He will bring decades of ship operations knowledge to the Court.
Captain Dean Battilana, RAN Captain Dean Battilana joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1996 and specialised as a Hydrographic Officer. Captain Battilana has commanded multiple ships with deep expertise in operations, ship driving and hydrography. He brings a wealth of experience in the hydrographic trade to the investigation as well as his experience from his work as part of the recovery efforts in response to the 2017 USMC OSPREY crash in Australia.
Commander Jonathan Rowe, RNZN Commander Jonathan Rowe joined the RNZN in 2014 and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court. He has held roles at the tactical, operational and strategic level within the NZDF and has deployed operationally to the Middle East and Asia in roles both ashore and at sea. He has been involved in numerous NZDF Courts of Inquiry as well as external inquiries. He brings a wealth of legal experience to the Court.
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
ALEXANDRIA – This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted his third Rural Community Funding Summit of 2024, where he continued to connect local officials for towns and villages in central Louisiana with representatives of federal and state agencies that can distribute funds from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“My goal in working on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill was to bring opportunity to Louisiana to rebuild our infrastructure. My goal for the summit is to connect public officials in Rapides, Vernon, Beauregard, and throughout Cenla with these opportunities,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It was good to see these officials eager to bring resources to their communities.”
In addition to the authorization of the I-14 corridor going through Leesville, communities throughout the parish have benefitted from the IIJA, including in Vernon Parish. There are millions of dollars to improve roads and build roundabouts, $1.3 million was awarded to the East Central Vernon Water System from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, an example of how the IIJA can be used to improve drinking water. Over $300,000 was also awarded to the Leesville City Airport.
Other awards in the region include $15 million for the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway, over $11 million to extend CC Bel Road in the form of a RAISE grant, and over $9.8 million to replace school buses in Rapides Parish. Money has also been awarded in the region to improve roads and replace old natural gas pipes.
Cassidy was welcomed to Leesville and thanked for his leadership in a statement by Mayor Rick Allen.
“Thanks to Senator Cassidy’s infrastructure bill, money has already been delivered to upgrade key roads and the Leesville City Airport,” said Mayor Allen. “We are keen to learn what else the bill can do to strengthen our communities, and we appreciate the Senator connecting us to its opportunities, as well as his support for our troops at Fort Johnson and those who support them.”
Beijing recently issued the first catering business license to a type of robot, pioneering regulation of embodied intelligence application in the country’s catering industry amid rapid development in the sector.
Unlike single-task robots, such as pancake-making or noodle-cooking machines, the embodied intelligence robots developed by EncoSmart Technology, a Beijing-based company, can cook different types of cuisine.
The robots, which look like robotic arms, can also keep learning to create new menus and avoid safety risks based on the working environment.
“Artificial intelligence is an inevitable trend in the food and beverage industry,” said Xia Pingping, head of the catering department of the Haidian District Market Regulation Bureau, which granted EncoSmart the city’s first food business license for its embodied intelligence robots.
“Before issuing the license, we rigorously examined the product to ensure it complies with national food safety regulations. The robot design prioritizes safety, from hardware materials to software algorithms,” she said.
Tian Yan, head of smart project development at EncoSmart, said: “We’ve already deployed our first-generation robot offering fried food in certain office buildings in Haidian. By the end of the year, we plan to expand the services to chain restaurants, rolling out robots capable of making ice cream, drinks and salads.”
A report issued by the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau in April highlighted challenges in the local restaurant industry, including high rents, labor costs and ingredient prices, coupled with low profits.
Tian said she believes that embodied intelligence technology can help reduce costs, streamline food processing, and meet consumer demand for precise and consistent flavors.
“Our goal is to make consumer-grade robots more affordable and accessible,” she said. “Safety is the core. Our robots can learn through algorithms to improve heating efficiency in order to make the food more tasty. The sensors on robots can monitor the temperatures of oil in order to avoid any kitchen fire risks.”
Chen Zhen, CEO of EncoSmart, said the company would tap the overseas market in the following two years, starting with two major robot products aimed at Western catering markets.
“The overseas market has great opportunities, but it’s also pretty challenging,” he said. “It’s essential for us to obtain the product certifications and win the trust of the clients there.”
To address new challenges facing food safety, the State Administration for Market Regulation revised the measures for the administration of food trade licensing, which now include provisions for automated food service devices. The measures took effect on Dec 1.
Haidian district is leading AI-driven food safety regulation, setting standards for embodied AI in food processing, including basic safety, system design, food hygiene and operational norms, filling a regulatory gap in the AI-powered catering industry.
AI food safety oversight differs from traditional restaurant regulation, said Duan Xing, head of the market regulation office in Haidian’s Huayuanlu subdistrict.
“Our approach focuses on three areas, including process and equipment control to guarantee smooth operation, as well as data control to maintain traceability throughout,” Duan said.
A report released at the 2024 Beijing Catering Brand Conference noted that 4,842 new restaurants were registered in the city in the first half of the year, with an average of 26.5 new restaurants opening daily. While overall restaurant consumption remains stable, the industry is undergoing rapid change, requiring businesses to enhance their resilience and quality.
Wang Xinwei, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing Branch of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, said, “The first embodied AI robot food business license signifies that this cutting-edge technology is quickly entering the food and beverage market, allowing for large-scale commercialization and reducing the complexity of recipe replication and chef hiring.”
“While the spread of embodied AI robots may increase short-term employment pressure, in the long run, they will drive the restaurant industry toward greater intelligence, creating new jobs. The key is balancing technological progress with social responsibility to ensure harmonious economic and social development,” Wang said.
Headline: Huawei Austria Celebrates Five Years of TECH4ALL Nature Conservation at Biodiversity Forum
[Vienna, Austria, October 10, 2024] Huawei hosted the Innovations for Biodiversity Forum this week to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Huawei’s TECH4ALL digital inclusion initiative and share insights into how technology is revolutionizing biodiversity protection.
Launched in 2019 and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, TECH4ALL leverages technology and partnerships to create a positive impact in four domains: environment, education, health, and development. In the environment domain, Huawei TECH4ALL has run nature conservation projects in 53 protected areas with global and local partners in forest, wetland, and ocean ecosystems around the world.
Media delegates at the TECH4ALL Innovations for Biodiversity Forum
“Over the past five years, Huawei’s TECH4ALL program has demonstrated how technology can be a powerful force for good, addressing global challenges in environmental protection, education, and digital inclusion,” said Harvey Zhang, CEO of Huawei Austria.
The Innovations for Biodiversity Forum focused on TECH4ALL nature conservation projects in Europe, including findings of biodiversity monitoring in the wetland ecosystem around Austria’s Lake Neusiedl.
The quality of the reed bed habitats in this ecosystem is declining, negatively impacting amphibian species, mammals, and bird life. Since 2021, audio monitoring devices have collected more than 2 million individual audio files of 69 bird species.
Wildlife in the reed beds of Lake Neusiedl in Austria
This vast dataset will help develop a conservation management plan for the ecosystem, including controlled fire management to rejuvenate aging reed beds and strengthen overall biodiversity by understanding the habitat preferences of the individual species studied.
“Hardly any reed harvesting has been done in recent decades, which has had a negative impact on the state of the reed belt. The study investigated whether targeted fires could have an effect similar to that of harvesting. To do this, areas that show different age conditions due to fires were compared,” said Dr. Christian Schulze from the Department of Biodiversity Research at the University of Vienna. “The research showed that older reed beds harbor the greatest diversity of bird species. However, the analysis of individual species also shows that controlled reed fires have positive aspects.”
The forum explored a similar TECH4ALL monitoring project in Poland to build a more complete picture of biodiversity in the Białowieża National Park ecosystem, also with the aim of developing targeted conservation measures.
Greek startup PROBOTEK introduced a forest fire-prevention solution that uses sensors, drones, AI, and 5G to detect and transmit real-time video-footage of fire risks, which are on the rise in parts of Europe due to climate change and rising temperatures. The project is designed to enable emergency response in the first ‘golden 15 minutes’ of a forest fire being detected, notify residents of evacuation routes, and plan routes for fire trucks and ambulances.
The forum also looked at the success of an AI-based filtering system designed to protect Norway’s wild Atlantic salmon from possible extinction due to the invasive pink salmon species. The pilot project in 2023 successfully filtered out 6,000 invasive salmon, and expectations are high that the solution, the world’s first of its type, can be scaled out across Norway’s river systems.
On day two of the forum, the media delegation in attendance visited Lake Neusiedl to learn how the TECH4ALL solution works in practice and the transformative effect that intelligent digital technologies can have on nature conservation.
People visit the China Homelife USA expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Stable China-United States business ties would contribute to the security and stability of global industrial supply chains, fostering a favorable policy environment for collaboration between companies from both sides, said market watchers and business executives on Wednesday.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday that China has called on the US to promptly lift sanctions on Chinese companies and enhance the business environment for its firms operating in the US.
During a phone call with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on the same day, China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao expressed serious concerns over US policies on semiconductors, targeting China, and restrictions on Chinese intelligent connected vehicles.
It is necessary to clarify national security boundaries in the economic and trade fields, as it is conducive to maintaining the security and stability of global industrial supply chains and creating a favorable policy environment for cooperation between the business communities from the two countries, Wang stressed.
This conversation was part of the institutional communication arrangement between the commerce authorities of both countries, said the Ministry of Commerce.
As many global industries, such as electronics, automotive and pharmaceuticals, rely on components and materials sourced from both China and the US, a stable relationship can minimize disruptions and prevent production delays and supply shortages in many business areas, said Wang Zhongmei, a researcher at the Institute of World Economy of Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.
Zhang Yongjun, a researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges in Beijing, warned that given various factors such as the upcoming US election in early November, it is critical to view Sino-US economic and trade relations with caution.
In the short term, there will be challenges, but in the long run, the trend of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the US remains unchangeable, said Zhang.
“For US companies, China is an indispensable market,” he added. “If trade tensions escalate, these companies may once again urge the US government to adopt a more proactive and balanced economic and trade policy. Business needs can, to a certain extent, influence government actions.”
According to the 2024 Kearney FDI (foreign direct investment) Confidence Index, reflecting investors’ expectations for FDI over the next three years, China’s global ranking has risen from seventh to third place.
“Multinational companies initially looked at China as a supplier and then as a huge market. But now, increasingly, we are looking at China as an innovation center,” said Andrew Wu, general manager of the China branch of US-based commercial data and analytics firm Dun & Bradstreet.
Also viewing China as crucial to its global business strategy, Willie Tan, CEO of Skechers China, South Korea and Southeast Asia, said that despite external challenges, China remains a crucial market for global brands. Its vast consumer base, strategic importance in global supply chains and ongoing commitment to reform and innovation create significant opportunities.
With over 3,500 stores in China, the US footwear brand plans to continue market expansion in the coming years.
Mark Jaffe, CEO of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, said that no one wants to halt cooperation and exchange between the two countries. China and the US have already established long-term partnerships in fields such as artificial intelligence and pharmaceuticals.
In the face of increasingly intense global competition, Jaffe said it will be necessary for the two sides to further expand and deepen trade relations in the future.
In the first eight months of 2024, the US remained China’s third-largest trading partner, with the total trade value between the two countries reaching 3.15 trillion yuan ($446.21 billion), up 4.4 percent year-on-year and accounting for 11 percent of China’s total foreign trade value, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed.
Two recent UC San Francisco studies have shown that adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) offers personalized, 24/7 care for Parkinson’s disease through an implanted device. Unlike regular DBS, which delivers constant pulses, aDBS uses AI to monitor brain activity and adjust treatment based on symptom fluctuations. This marks a major advancement in the management of Parkinson’s disease, reflecting the growing impact of digital health technologies on patient care, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData, the global market for neurological devices was valued at $12.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.60% to reach $20.9 billion by 2033. This growth underscores the increasing importance and demand for advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies in neurology, including those targeting Parkinson’s disease.
Cynthia Stinchcombe, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The market for neurological devices is witnessing significant growth and diversification. The increasing integration of advanced technology in the management of neurological disorders fits into the broader industry shift towards precision medicine, as reflected in the FDA’s recent push for innovative solutions in Parkinson’s disease management.”
UC San Francisco studies from 2023 and 2024 show that aDBS, a self-adjusting brain implant, can improve movement and sleep for Parkinson’s patients. Using AI-driven technology, the device monitors brain activity and delivers precise electrical pulses to alleviate symptoms in real-time. In trials, it reduced symptoms by 50%, with results published in August 2024, highlighting its potential for long-term Parkinson’s management.
GlobalData projects that with the continuous advancements in technology and the introduction of innovative therapies, the landscape of neurological devices is set to transform, offering new hope to millions affected by neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s.
Stinchcombe adds: “The integration of innovative medical technologies emphasizes the crucial role of advancements in contemporary healthcare. As the landscape of medical treatment evolves, particularly with these sophisticated systems, a promising shift is being witnessed towards more personalized and effective treatment strategies for neurological conditions.”
GlobalData’s analysis reflects the recent emphasis on wearable technologies and digital health apps—such as those leveraging Apple Watch data to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms—indicating a parallel innovation trajectory. While wearable technologies facilitate continuous monitoring outside clinical settings, sophisticated tools like Boston Scientific’s software enhance therapeutic interventions, offering a holistic approach to disease management.
Stinchcombe concludes: “In the face of an aging population and a rising incidence of Parkinson’s disease, the advancements being witnessed are encouraging for those affected. As the industry continues to focus on both proven and novel solutions, emerging technologies are pivotal in broadening the horizons of neurology diagnostics and improving patient outcomes. Together with the FDA’s initiative to enhance AI-driven diagnostics, these advancements are poised to dramatically improve the landscape of neurology.”
Headline: Huawei Austria Celebrates Five Years of TECH4ALL Nature Conservation at Biodiversity Forum
Oct 10, 2024
[Vienna, Austria, October 10, 2024] Huawei hosted the Innovations for Biodiversity Forum this week to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Huawei’s TECH4ALL digital inclusion initiative and share insights into how technology is revolutionizing biodiversity protection.
Launched in 2019 and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, TECH4ALL leverages technology and partnerships to create a positive impact in four domains: environment, education, health, and development. In the environment domain, Huawei TECH4ALL has run nature conservation projects in 53 protected areas with global and local partners in forest, wetland, and ocean ecosystems around the world.
Media delegates at the TECH4ALL Innovations for Biodiversity Forum
“Over the past five years, Huawei’s TECH4ALL program has demonstrated how technology can be a powerful force for good, addressing global challenges in environmental protection, education, and digital inclusion,” said Harvey Zhang, CEO of Huawei Austria.
The Innovations for Biodiversity Forum focused on TECH4ALL nature conservation projects in Europe, including findings of biodiversity monitoring in the wetland ecosystem around Austria’s Lake Neusiedl.
The quality of the reed bed habitats in this ecosystem is declining, negatively impacting amphibian species, mammals, and bird life. Since 2021, audio monitoring devices have collected more than 2 million individual audio files of 69 bird species.
Wildlife in the reed beds of Lake Neusiedl in Austria
This vast dataset will help develop a conservation management plan for the ecosystem, including controlled fire management to rejuvenate aging reed beds and strengthen overall biodiversity by understanding the habitat preferences of the individual species studied.
“Hardly any reed harvesting has been done in recent decades, which has had a negative impact on the state of the reed belt. The study investigated whether targeted fires could have an effect similar to that of harvesting. To do this, areas that show different age conditions due to fires were compared,” said Dr. Christian Schulze from the Department of Biodiversity Research at the University of Vienna. “The research showed that older reed beds harbor the greatest diversity of bird species. However, the analysis of individual species also shows that controlled reed fires have positive aspects.”
The forum explored a similar TECH4ALL monitoring project in Poland to build a more complete picture of biodiversity in the Białowieża National Park ecosystem, also with the aim of developing targeted conservation measures.
Greek startup PROBOTEK introduced a forest fire-prevention solution that uses sensors, drones, AI, and 5G to detect and transmit real-time video-footage of fire risks, which are on the rise in parts of Europe due to climate change and rising temperatures. The project is designed to enable emergency response in the first ‘golden 15 minutes’ of a forest fire being detected, notify residents of evacuation routes, and plan routes for fire trucks and ambulances.
The forum also looked at the success of an AI-based filtering system designed to protect Norway’s wild Atlantic salmon from possible extinction due to the invasive pink salmon species. The pilot project in 2023 successfully filtered out 6,000 invasive salmon, and expectations are high that the solution, the world’s first of its type, can be scaled out across Norway’s river systems.
On day two of the forum, the media delegation in attendance visited Lake Neusiedl to learn how the TECH4ALL solution works in practice and the transformative effect that intelligent digital technologies can have on nature conservation.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Lautem, Timor-Leste – The Civil Protection Authority (CPA), along with municipal and suco-level disaster management teams, successfully led a flood simulation exercise in Los Palos villa, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA). Over a hundred participants joined the event, which was carried out in close collaboration with civil society, and community members. The exercise aimed to enhance disaster preparedness and response, with a focus on reducing the exposure and vulnerability of Lautem Municipality to climate-related hazards.
The exercise would not have been possible without the cooperation of every sector of the community, including local leaders, civil society organizations, women, youth and community members themselves. Civil Protection Authority President Mr. Jesuino Dos Reis De Matos Carvalho, Municipal Director of the Civil Protection Authority Mr. Casemiro Pires Assunção, Municipal Administrator Mr. Mélio de Jesus, USAID-BHA Regional Advisor Mr. Joseph Miskov, USAID-BHA Program Officer for East Asia and the Pacific Ms. Jessica Doxtater, USAID Project Management Specialist Mr. Inacio Fernandes Quintao, and IOM Timor-Leste Chief of Mission Jewel Ali as well as members from the Civil Protection Authority, Municipal Health Post, National Police of Timor-Leste, and Red Cross of Timor-Leste were also in attendance.
Lautem Municipality has become increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to climate change and heavy seasonal rains. A recent report on flooding in Lautem highlights the severe impact of heavy rains in July 2023, destroying several bridges and roads, displacing multiple communities, and tragically claiming the lives of four children who were swept away by the rising waters.
The flood simulation exercise mobilized IOM-trained at-risk community members to carry out emergency action plans and safely evacuate before emergencies and aligns with the Civil Protection Authority’s goal of enhancing disaster preparedness in Timor-Leste.
“Disaster simulations are essential for improving readiness and response of agencies and frontline responders. The U.S. government is committed to working with Timor-Leste to reduce disaster risks and protect lives for future generations,” USAID-BHA Regional Advisor Mr. Joseph Miskov expressed.
The flood simulation is part of the Strengthening Disaster Resilience of at-risk communities in Timor-Leste (STREAM) project, by IOM in partnership with CPA, and funding support from BHA. Through continued support, the municipal and suco disaster management committees have strengthened local disaster risk management, developed community-based action plans, and upgraded critical infrastructure to better protect residents in times of crisis. IOM and BHA also officially handed over the refurbished evacuation center with improved WASH facilities to promote dignified and safer evacuation during emergencies.
“IOM remains committed to supporting Lautem and other at-risk communities in Timor-Leste by helping establish local disaster management structures. We will continue to work closely with local authorities and community members to address the needs of displaced communities and reduce disaster risks,” shared IOM Timor-Leste Chief of Mission Jewel Ali.
The simulation will highlight additional steps in building Lautem’s disaster resilience and empower local actors, ensuring they lead the way in safeguarding their communities for the future.
***
For more information, please contact:
Jewel Ali, Chief of Mission, IOM Timor-Leste, at jali@iom.int
Andrea Empamano, Media and Communications Officer, IOM Timor-Leste, at aempamano@iom.int
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced it has been recognized by Interbrand, a global brand consultancy, as a “Global Top 5” brand for the fifth year in a row. Interbrand releases its list of “Best Global Brands” each year, and on this year’s list, it was revealed that Samsung’s brand value reached $100.8 billion and grew by 10% year-on-year.
The significant increase of Samsung Electronics’ brand value was driven by growth in the AI industry, particularly its leadership in on-device AI and competitiveness in the semiconductor sector. Since its first top five ranking in 2020, Samsung Electronics has experienced an impressive 62% growth over four years and remains the only Asian business among the global top five brands.
“This year’s substantial brand growth is a direct result of our holistic approach to AI and efforts to put this powerful technology into the hands of Samsung users around the world,” said YH Lee, President and Head of the Global Marketing Office at Samsung Electronics. “Moving forward, we will lean even further into the qualities that our users have come to both love and expect.”
Company Recognized for On-Device AI, enhanced connected experiences and AI Leadership
According to Interbrand, Samsung Electronics’ evaluation was positively influenced by the following:
Deployment of AI technologies in key products and leadership in the on-device AI market
Enhanced connected experiences through AI-enabled platforms and products
AI leadership based on its competitiveness in the semiconductor sector
Implementing a consistent brand strategy in the global market
Ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future.
This year, under the vision of AI for All, Samsung is expanding its portfolio of products infused with AI technologies to enhance customer experiences. With the release of the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has been leading the mobile AI. It has also launched AI TVs equipped with AI processors and AI upscaling while introducing Bespoke AI appliances that empower user’s daily life.
The company is expanding the SmartThings ecosystem to provide a unified connectivity experience, enabling not just its own products, but also various third-party devices. This integration offers substantial benefits that go beyond more convenience, including energy conservation and family care.
As a leader in the semiconductor industry, Samsung is making bold investments in R&D to meet rising AI demand and — with innovative memory products like DDR5, GDDR7, HBM3E, LPDDR5X, 9th Gen V-NAND, Exynos SoC, high resolution image sensor— is proactively addressing server and on-device AI needs.
As for brand strategy, the company has been recognized for delivering consistent brand values and build authentic relationships with customers.
Additionally, Samsung focuses on implementing environmentally conscious activities and initiatives by adopting various recycled materials across a wide range of product categories. It has participated in global initiatives and collaborated with industry leaders with focus on goals such as reducing carbon emissions associated with device usage. Samsung Electronics’ sustainability efforts as well as fostering a diverse corporate culture have also received positive evaluations.
Samsung’s Recognized Efforts in Each Business Division
Mobile
Leading the mobile AI era with Galaxy AI following the release of the Galaxy S24 series
Making the new Galaxy AI upleveled by the unique Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 foldable experience
Strengthening leadership in the health AI with the release of the Galaxy Ring and new Galaxy Watch series
Networks
Strengthening leadership in virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) and Open RAN
Leading the technical standardization of 6G
Consistently innovating technologies to support various 5G use cases, including streaming and gaming
Enhancing partnerships with customer companies and communicating the sustainability aspects of Samsung’s network technology
Visual Display
Solidifying global leadership in the TV and soundbar markets
Consistently innovating with products like AI TVs, MICRO LED displays, and the Music Frame
Innovating the viewing experience with cutting-edge technologies, including AI upscaling and Active Voice Amplifier Pro
Positioning itself as a core gaming partner through various partnerships
Strengthening security and privacy through Samsung Knox
President Lai delivers 2024 National Day Address 2024-10-10
President Lai Ching-te on the morning of October 10 attended the ROC’s 113th Double Tenth National Day Celebration in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building, and delivered an address titled “ Taiwan Together for Our Shared Dream.” A translation of the president’s address follows: National Day Celebration Chairperson Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo and Madame Tausaga Teo, heads of delegations from diplomatic allies and friendly nations, distinguished guests from home and abroad, and my fellow citizens here in person and watching on TV or online: Good morning. Today, we gather together to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China, praise the beautiful Taiwan of today, and usher in the better Taiwan for tomorrow. One hundred and thirteen years ago, a group of people full of ideals and aspirations rose in revolt and overthrew the imperial regime. Their dream was to establish a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people and for the people. Their ideal was to create a nation of freedom, equality, and benevolence. However, the dream of democracy was engulfed in the raging flames of war. The ideal of freedom had for long eroded under authoritarian rule. But we will never forget the Battle of Guningtou 75 years ago, or the August 23 Artillery Battle 66 years ago. Though we arrived on this land at different times and belonged to different communities, we defended Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. We defended the Republic of China. We will never forget the Kaohsiung Incident 45 years ago, or wave after wave of democracy movements. Again and again, people who carried the dream of democracy and the ideal of freedom, through valiant sacrifice and devotion, gave their lives to open the door to democracy. Over more than a century, the people’s desire to master their own destiny has finally been fulfilled. My fellow citizens, though the Republic of China was driven out of the international community, the people of Taiwan have never exiled themselves. On this land, the people of Taiwan toil and labor, but when our friends face natural disasters or an unprecedented pandemic, we do not hesitate to extend a helping hand. “Taiwan Can Help” is not just a slogan. It is a movement by the people of Taiwan to cherish peace and do good for others. In the past, our people, going out into the world equipped with only a briefcase, sparked Taiwan’s economic achievements. Now, Taiwan’s chip technology drives the whole world, and has become a global force for prosperity and development. The people of Taiwan are diverse, and they are fearless. Our own Nymphia Wind is a queen on the world stage. The people of Taiwan are truly courageous. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷), a daughter of Taiwan, is a queen of the boxing world. At 17 years old, Taiwan’s own Tsai Yun-rong (蔡昀融) put steady hands to work and won first place for woodwork in a global skills competition. Chen Sz-yuan (陳思源), at 20, took first for refrigeration and air conditioning, using the skills passed down by his father. A new generation of “Made in Taiwan” youth is putting a new shine on an old label. I want to thank generation after generation of fellow citizens for coming together and staying together through thick and thin. The Republic of China has already put down roots in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. And the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan. The 23 million people of Taiwan, now more than ever, must reach out our branches to embrace the future. My fellow citizens, we have overcome challenge after challenge. All along, the Republic of China has shown steadfast resolve; and all along, the people of Taiwan have shown unwavering tenacity. We fully understand that our views are not all the same, but we have always been willing to accept one another. We fully understand that we have differences in opinion, but we have always been willing to keep moving forward hand in hand. This is how the Republic of China Taiwan became what it is today. As president, my mission is to ensure that our nation endures and progresses, and to unite the 23 million people of Taiwan. I will also uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. It is also my mission to safeguard the lives and property of the public, firmly carry out our Four Pillars of Peace action plan, strengthen national defense, stand side by side with democratic countries, jointly demonstrate the strength of deterrence, and ensure peace through strength, so that all generations can lead good lives. All the more, my mission is to care for the lives and livelihoods of the 23 million people of Taiwan, actively develop our economy, and expand investment in social care. I must also ensure that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. However, Taiwan faces relentless challenges, and the world’s challenges are just as much our own. The world must achieve sustainable development as we grapple with global climate change. Sudden outbreaks of infectious diseases impact human lives and health around the globe. And expanding authoritarianism is posing a host of challenges to the rules-based international order, threatening our hard-won free and democratic way of life. For these reasons, I have established three committees at the Presidential Office: the National Climate Change Committee, the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee, and the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. These committees are interrelated, and they are closely connected by the theme of national resilience. We intend to build up a more resilient Taiwan, proactively deal with challenges, and bring Taiwan into deeper cooperation with the international community. We must strengthen Taiwan’s ability to adapt to the risks associated with extreme weather, continue promoting our second energy transition, and ensure a stable power supply. We must steadily advance toward our goal of net-zero transition by 2050 through the development of more forms of green energy, deep energy saving, and advanced energy storage. In terms of health, we must effectively fight the spread of global infectious diseases, and raise the population’s average life expectancy while reducing time spent living with illness or disability. We must achieve health equality so that people are healthy, the nation is stronger, and so that the world embraces Taiwan. Finally, we must strengthen resilience throughout Taiwan in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. As the people of Taiwan become more united, our nation grows more stable. As our society becomes better prepared, our nation grows more secure, and there is also greater peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is resolved in our commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and achieving global security and prosperity. We are willing to work with China on addressing climate change, combatting infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security to pursue peace and mutual prosperity for the well-being of the people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. For a long time now, countries around the world have supported China, invested in China, and assisted China in joining the World Trade Organization, thereby promoting China’s economic development and enhancing its national strength. This was done out of the hope that China would join the rest of the world in making global contributions, that internally it would place importance on the livelihoods of the people, and that externally it would maintain peace. As we stand here today, international tensions are on the rise, and each day countless innocents are suffering injuries or losing their lives in conflict. We hope that China will live up to the expectations of the international community, that it will apply its influence and work with other countries toward ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. And we hope that it will take up its international responsibilities and, along with Taiwan, contribute to the peace, security, and prosperity of the region and the globe. In an era when the international landscape is becoming increasingly chaotic, Taiwan will become more calm, more confident, and stronger; it will become a force for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. I believe that a stronger democratic Taiwan is not only the ideal of our 23 million people, but also the expectation of the international community. We will continue to make Taiwan stronger and promote cross-sector economic development. Taiwan’s economic strength is no “miracle”; it is the result of the joint efforts of all the people of Taiwan. We must strive for an innovative economy, a balanced Taiwan, and inclusive growth; we must stay on top of changes in global trends, and continue to remain a key player in supply chains for global democracies. Going forward, in addition to our 5+2 innovative industries plan and Six Core Strategic Industries policy, we will more vigorously develop Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors, namely semiconductors, AI, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications, and help expand their global presence. We will also promote the transformation and development of medium, small, and micro enterprises and help them develop their international markets. My fellow citizens, we will continue working to achieve a Taiwan that is balanced across all its regions. In the central government’s proposed general budget plan for next year, general grants for local governments and general centrally funded tax revenues increased significantly, by NT$89.5 billion, reaching a total of NT$724.1 billion, a record high. And our budget for flood control will be raised by NT$15.9 billion from this year, bringing the total to NT$55.1 billion. This will help municipalities across the country in addressing the challenges of extreme weather. We will also expedite improvements to the safety of our national road network and create a human-friendly transportation environment. Furthermore, we will improve our mass rapid transit network and connect the greater Taipei area comprising Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan. We will roll out the new Silicon Valley plan for Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli to form a central technology cluster connecting the north with the south and launch the Smart Technology Southern Industrial Ecosystem Development Plan. We will accelerate promotion of safety in our eastern transportation network so that locals can go home on safer roads. We will also enhance basic infrastructure in the outlying island areas to raise the quality of life for locals and increase their capacity for tourism. My fellow citizens, we must all the more ensure the well-being of our people across the generations. To our young parents, we will continue to promote version 2.0 of our national childcare policy for ages 0–6. We are going even further by already increasing childcare subsidies, and we will also enhance the quality of preschool services. Children are the future of our country, and the government has the responsibility to help take care of them. To our young students, we will continue to provide free tuition for students of high schools and vocational high schools, and we will also continue to subsidize tuition for students of private junior colleges, colleges, and universities. And we are taking that a step further by establishing the Ten-Billion-Dollar Youth Overseas Dream Fund. Young people have dreams, and the government has the responsibility to help youth realize those dreams. To our young adults and those in the prime of life, next year, the minimum wage will once again be raised, and the number of rent-subsidized housing units will be increased. We will expand investment in society and provide more support across life, work, housing, and health, and support for the young and old. Raising a family is hard work, and the government has a responsibility to help lighten the load. To our senior citizens all around Taiwan, next year, Taiwan will become a “super-aged society.” In advance, we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan and gradually implement the 888 Program for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. We will also establish a NT$10 billion fund for new cancer drugs and advance the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan. We will build a stronger social safety net and provide enhanced care for the disadvantaged. And we will bring mental health support to people of all ages, including the young and middle-aged, to truly achieve care for all people of all ages throughout the whole of our society. I am deeply aware that what everyone cares about the most is the pressure of high housing prices, and that what they most detest is rampant fraud. I give the people my promise that our administration will not shirk these issues; even if it offends certain groups, we will address them no matter the price. We will redouble our efforts to combat fraud and fight housing speculation. We will expand care for renters and strike a balance with the needs of people looking to change homes. We will walk together, continuing down the path toward achieving housing justice. We have with us today former President Chen Shui-bian, former President Tsai Ing-wen, and leaders from different political parties. I want to thank all of you for attending. Your presence represents the strength our nation has built up over generations, as well as the values and significance of Taiwan’s diverse democracy. Our nation must become more united, and our society must grow more stable. I also want to thank Legislative Yuan President Han and Premier Cho for recently initiating cooperation among the ruling and opposition parties to facilitate discussion among the ruling and opposition party caucuses. In democratic countries, political parties internally promote the nation’s progress through competition, and externally they unite to work toward achieving national interests. No matter our political party, no matter our political stances, national interests come before the interests of parties, and the interests of parties can never take precedence over the interests of the people. And this is precisely the spirit upheld by those who sacrificed, who gave everything they had, in order to establish the Republic of China. This is the lesson we take from our predecessors who, generation upon generation, overcame authoritarianism, and sacrificed and devoted themselves to the pursuit of democracy. That is precisely why, regardless of party affiliation or regardless of our differences, we are gathered here today. Regardless of what name we choose to call our nation – the Republic of China; Taiwan; or the Republic of China Taiwan – we must all share common convictions: Our determination to defend our national sovereignty remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remain unchanged. Our commitment to hoping for parity and dignity, and healthy and orderly dialogue and exchanges between the two sides of the strait remains unchanged. Our determination, from one generation to the next, to protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. I believe this is the dream that Taiwan’s 23 million people all share; it is also the shared ideal that Taiwanese society and the international community hold. The stronger the commitment of the Taiwanese people, the greater the tenacity of democracy around the world. The greater the tenacity of the Taiwanese people, the stronger the commitment of democracy around the world. Let’s keep going, Republic of China! Let’s keep going, Taiwan! Regardless of our differences, let’s keep going forward! Thank you.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
The Foundation for Assistance to Innovations (Bortnik Foundation) approved the allocation of a grant in the amount of 4 million rubles under the Start Digital Technologies program to residents of the Startup Studio of the Novosibirsk State University — developers of a Telegram bot for coffee shops. The founders of the project plan to create a full-fledged service based on machine learning for building “smart” marketing.
As the developers said, the idea for the project came to them during a conversation in line for coffee at Novosibirsk State University (NSU) and consisted of creating a service that allows you to pre-order this drink to go and not waste time waiting. This is how Cloffer was born.
To use the service, the client logs into the Telegram bot, selects a dish with optional additives, pays for the order and monitors its preparation status. The guest receives a notification about the readiness of the drink or dish. The user of the service can also receive discounts and special offers, make a deferred order, without registering or downloading any applications.
The authors of the project successfully completed the A:START accelerator, received a ticket for residency in Akadempark, and became the owners Startup Lynch’s Grand Prize for NSU student startups this spring. A grant from the Innovation Assistance Fund will allow them to take a new step towards the widespread implementation of their product.
— Previously, we were developing this project in our free time from studies and work, now we have agreed to focus on the grant, to devote more time to the project. And first of all, we want to develop the service further: to apply machine learning methods to build “smart” marketing. We will collect as much data as possible, analyze how users behave, what factors influence their behavior and try to build personalized offers in such a way as to increase sales to establishments that have connected to our service, — said Ivan Morgun, head of the development team.
The service’s appearance will also change: instead of a standard Telegram bot, it will receive a full-fledged graphical interface, in which you can look at images of goods and order them in a more convenient format. In addition, the service developers plan to expand their geography: not only to connect catering establishments in Novosibirsk, but also to Omsk and Tyumen.
As the developers themselves note, the foundation’s support turned out to be useful both materially (which allowed them to devote more time to the project) and psychologically.
“Winning the competition gives us additional confidence that we are moving in the right direction, because the foundation’s experts assessed that our idea is promising,” Ivan Morgun emphasized.
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.
As adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) grows across the Australian Public Service (APS), it’s crucial to ensure staff are equipped with the necessary skills to safely engage with AI capabilities. To support this goal, the DTA has released guidance on staff training and an AI in government fundamentals training module.
The eighth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo will open in Jinan, East China’s Shandong province during Oct 17-21.
The expo, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and undertaken by the Shandong culture and tourism department and the Jinan government, will fully showcase the achievements of China’s intangible cultural heritage protection over the 20 years since it joined the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The expo will also present the active utilization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage in modern life, intergenerational inheritance of certain cultural items, and works by the younger generation of inheritors.
Additionally, learning space and live broadcasting, as well as digital and AI-enabled experiences will be prepared to give the audience an immersion contact with intangible cultural heritage.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SINGAPORE (October 9, 2024) Capt. John-Paul “JP” Tamez, Deputy Commander, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73), left, greets Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI), Oct. 9, 2024. COMLOGWESTPAC supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional Allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
240909-N-BB269-1361 YAP, Federated States of Micronesia (Sept. 9, 2024) – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, center, receives a guided tour of the College of Micronesia-Fisheries and Maritime Institute’s engineering training room during a campus visit with Pacific Partnership 2024-2 mission personnel in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, Sept. 9, 2024. Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the U.S. Navy’s largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)
SEYCHELLES, Victoria, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of the broader WOO Ecosystem, which includes the WOOFi protocol, a leading decentralized exchange, and WOO X, a global centralized exchange, the WOO Innovation Hub is excited to announce a strategic partnership with SphereX, a cutting-edge decentralized exchange (DEX) known for redefining digital asset trading with its meme-focused order-book perpetual exchange. This collaboration aims to bring innovation and excitement to decentralized finance (DeFi) while making advanced trading tools accessible to a wider audience.
SphereX sets itself apart as one of the first decentralized exchange designed with meme culture at its core, catering to traders who enjoy the fast-paced world of crypto memes while maintaining serious trading functionalities. The platform combines the freedom of DeFi with an innovative order-book perpetual trading model, delivering high-performance, on-chain security and capital efficiency. With off-chain matching for rapid execution and on-chain settlement for secure trades, SphereX provides a fun yet professional environment for DeFi enthusiasts.
The cooperation between WOO Innovation Hub and SphereX is built on a shared vision to enhance DeFi accessibility and improve capital efficiency across chains. SphereX’s multi-chain launch marks just the beginning, with plans to expand its reach to even more blockchain networks, driving innovation and inclusivity in the DeFi landscape.
Abby Huang, WOO Innovation Hub Lead, said: “SphereX’s unique approach to combining the viral excitement of meme culture with professional-grade decentralized trading is something we’re excited to support. This collaboration allows WOO Innovation Hub to foster even more creativity in the DeFi space, while SphereX’s meme-driven order-book model adds a fresh layer of engagement and entertainment for our users.”
SphereX stands out by addressing key issues in the current DeFi landscape, such as fragmentation and centralization, while making trading fun and engaging. Their order-book perpetual exchange, designed for meme traders, allows users to access cross-margin trading and enjoy seamless trade execution through off-chain matching. By adding an element of humor and creativity to high-stakes trading, SphereX creates a trading environment that is both inclusive and enjoyable.
Kai, SphereX CEO stated: “Collaborating with WOO Innovation Hub is a major milestone for SphereX as we continue to expand our vision of making decentralized trading not only fun and fast but also highly scalable. With WOO’s extensive ecosystem and their unwavering commitment to innovation, we’re excited to collaborate in reaching new audiences and transforming the way people engage with DeFi.”
About WOOFi WOOFi is a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) with over $42B in cumulative trading volume and more than 250k monthly active users. It supports 11 blockchains and offers a diverse range of products, including earn vaults, simple swaps, cross-chain swaps, and perpetual futures. The native token of WOOFi, WOO, can be staked to share 80% of all protocol fees.
About SphereX SphereX is a cutting-edge decentralized exchange (DEX) designed to make crypto trading accessible, secure, and user-friendly for everyone. By prioritizing decentralization, SphereX ensures that users have full control over their assets, with transparent and low-cost transactions. Committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, SphereX embodies the spirit of Robin Hood, providing financial opportunities for all, especially those new to crypto trading or with limited resources. Join the SphereX community today and experience the future of decentralized finance.
Disclaimer
The content above is neither a recommendation for investment and trading strategies nor does it constitute an investment offer, solicitation, or recommendation of any product or service. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice of any kind.
Cryptocurrencies involve significant risk and are NOT suitable for the majority of investors. The value of digital currencies can be extremely volatile, and you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite before participating in any staking or investment activities. We strongly recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional before making any investment or financial decisions related to cryptocurrencies. We shall in NO case be liable for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the information contained in this article.
The collaboration between WOO and SphereX highlighted in the content above does not indicate in any way that WOO provides, or will provide financial service. WOO does NOT endorse, guarantee or provide advice for any products or services of its business partners. This cooperation shall in no event be interpreted as an assurance or guarantee for the listing of any tokens, whether presently existing or to be generated in the future, on WOO X or any associated exchange platforms, nor does it imply any commitment from WOO X to list any tokens on its platforms or others. The decision to list any tokens is governed by and subject to a series of separate criteria and procedures, independent of this cooperation or business partnership.
Nothing in this article or any related content shall be construed to create or suggest the existence of a partnership, joint venture, agency relationship, or any form of legal association between WOO and SphereX. Each party is an independent entity, acting solely in its own capacity, and is responsible for its own actions, decisions, and associated risks. The collaboration mentioned does not imply any form of shared liability or financial obligation, and each party will bear its own risks and responsibilities. Furthermore, this article should not be interpreted as providing any guarantees regarding the outcome of any business ventures or collaborations mentioned, nor shall be an indication of guaranteed success or profitability for either WOOFi, WOO X or SphereX, or any of their business partners.
ZURICH, 10 October 2024 – 21Shares AG (“21Shares”), one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange traded products (ETPs), today announced the launch of the 21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP (FUTR) on Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam. FUTR represents the latest addition to its growing European product lineup, representing the firm’s 44th crypto ETP, its 10th crypto basket ETP, and its first-ever crypto megatheme ETP.
Exchange
Product Name
Ticker
ISIN
Fee
Euronext Paris
21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP
FUTR FP
CH1382892102
1.49%
Euronext Amsterdam
21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP
FUTR NA
CH1382892102
1.49%
“Global excitement, demand and momentum for crypto is undeniable. And 21Shares has been at the forefront of increasing global access to the crypto asset class since inception in 2018 – offering investors a six-year track record of developing, launching and managing crypto ETPs,” said Hany Rashwan, Co-Founder and CEO of 21Shares. “As 21Shares’ first-ever crypto megatheme ETP, FUTR represents the next evolution of the firm’s European product lineup and a potential opportunity for investors looking for the next step after allocating to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).”
Rashwan continued: “With the launch of FUTR, 21Shares is thrilled to leverage the firm’s world-class product development and research capabilities to bring investors access to a future-oriented, broad-based index offering easy exposure to the most promising sectors of the crypto ecosystem.”
FUTR provides investors with comprehensive exposure to the top sectors and themes anticipated to drive the future growth of the crypto market. By tracking a broad-based index that covers over 80% of the market, the ETP offers exposure to six key megathemes expected to drive long-term growth in the crypto market:
Payment Platforms: Payment platforms are blockchains or protocols specialized in transferring value.
Smart Contract Platforms: A smart contract platform is a base blockchain with built-in general-purpose programmability that allows developers to write smart contracts and launch decentralized applications (dApps).
Blockchain Accelerators: A blockchain accelerator is a separate blockchain that helps augment the network capacity of a settlement blockchain by orders of magnitude while inheriting the security guarantees of the latter.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Decentralized finance is internet-native financial infrastructure that does not rely on a centralized institution such as a bank, broker, or similar intermediaries.
AI and Data Solutions: This refers to platforms that leverage artificial intelligence and data technologies to enhance various aspects of crypto ecosystems.
Social and Gaming: This refers to an overlaying sector between blockchain, crypto, and the gaming industries, along with social elements that enhance player interactions and community building.
FUTR takes a market-capitalization weighted approach, with leading assets from each of these six megathemes. In addition, FUTR offers dynamic allocation, a strategy that evolves with the market to provide alignment with emerging trends and opportunities. Further, FUTR excludes meme tokens, privacy tokens and assets below a $2M liquidity threshold, focusing on quality investments. FUTR is 100% physically backed by the underlying assets stored securely in cold storage by an institutional-grade custodian, offering enhanced protection.
21Shares worked with MarketVector Indexes as the index provider for FUTR. MarketVector Indexes brings deep market knowledge in crypto indices to the digital assets landscape.
“The 21Shares Future of Crypto Index provides a dynamic framework for tracking key sectors driving the next phase of crypto growth. We’re excited to partner with 21Shares on this forward-thinking, innovative product”, said Steven Schoenfeld, CEO of MarketVector Indexes.
The launch of FUTR also represents an expansion of 21Shares’ collaboration with Flow Traders, who will act as the market maker for the product.
“This is another step forward in supporting the broader adoption of digital assets, and we are thrilled to continue to expand our role in being the leading liquidity provider in the crypto ETP space as well as our partnership with 21Shares,” said Michael Lie, Global Head of Digital Assets at Flow Traders. “Innovative products like FUTR with diversified exposure to key themes in crypto, much like sector ETFs in TradFi, are going to be essential in expanding the full reach of digital assets and its value to financial markets. In our role, we will continue supporting innovative products and driving the convergence of TradFi and crypto.”
For more details about the 21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP, including the factsheet, please click here.
21.co is the world’s leader in providing access to crypto through simple and easy to use products. 21.co is the parent company of 21Shares, one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange traded products (ETPs) – which is powered by Onyx, a proprietary technology platform used to issue and operate cryptocurrency ETPs for 21Shares and third parties. The company was founded in 2018 by Hany Rashwan and Ophelia Snyder. 21Shares is registered in Zurich, Switzerland with offices in Zurich, London and New York. For more information, please visit 21Shares.
MarketVector IndexesTM (“MarketVector”) is a regulated Benchmark Administrator in Europe, incorporated in Germany and registered with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). MarketVector maintains indexes under the MarketVectorTM, MVIS®, and BlueStar® names. With a mission to accelerate index innovation globally, MarketVector is best known for its broad suite of Thematic indexes, a long-running expertise in Hard Asset-linked Equity indexes, and its pioneering Digital Asset index family. MarketVector is proud to be in partnership with more than 25 Exchange Traded Product (ETP) issuers and index fund managers in markets throughout the world, with more than USD 50 billion in assets under management.
About Flow Traders
Flow Traders is a leading multi-asset market maker founded more than twenty years ago, the firm expanded into digital assets trading in 2017, focusing on centralized exchanges before expanding its operations to include over-the-counter trading, options trading and decentralized finance. Additionally, Flow Traders strategically invests in builders and teams driving the convergence of centralized and decentralized finance.
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This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.
Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under http://www.21Shares.com.
The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.
This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2023 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with SIX Exchange Regulation AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2023 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUBIC BAY, Philippines (October 8, 2024) Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC), center, arrives at a U.S. hosted reception aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) during Sama Sama 2024, Oct. 8, 2024. Sama Sama is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Philippines and the United States, with participants from Australia, Canada, France and Japan, designed to promote regional security, cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexandria Esteban)
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUBIC BAY, Philippines (October 8, 2024) Philippine Navy Capt. Zosimo M Bolaños Jr., officer in charge of the exercise for Naval Forces Northern Luzon, provides remarks at a U.S. hosted reception aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) during Sama Sama 2024, Oct. 8, 2024. Sama Sama is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Philippines and United States, with participants from Australia, Canada, France, and Japan, designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ange Olivier Clement)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, is proud to announce the successful completion of bbSOL’s first month, marking a milestone in its mission to advance token staking on the Solana blockchain. As the first exchange-backed liquid staking token (LST) on Solana, bbSOL has gained momentum, attracting attention for its marketing strategies and integration across both centralized and decentralized platforms.
Since its launch, bbSOL has positioned itself as a noticeable figure in the Solana ecosystem due to its position at the intersection of centralized finance (CeFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Key Milestones of bbSOL’s First Month: Total Value Locked (TVL) Surpasses 85 million: bbSOL has outpaced other exchange-backed staking tokens in TVL, underscoring its appeal to users and highlighting its growing influence within the Solana ecosystem. This surge in TVL reflects the token’s robust adoption and Bybit’s commitment to delivering staking opportunities for its users. Expanded Accessibility: bbSOL will be listed on Bybit Spot on 10 Oct 2024, 10AM UTC broadening user access to both trading opportunities and liquidity rewards across multiple ecosystems. By bridging the gap between Bybit’s centralized exchange and the broader DeFi landscape, bbSOL offers a streamlined experience for token holders. Strategic Partnerships: In addition to its availability on Bybit Spot, bbSOL has partnered with Jupiter Exchange, Solana’s leading swap aggregator, enhancing liquidity options and making bbSOL more versatile for users looking to trade efficiently within the Solana ecosystem.
“We are incredibly proud of the community’s enthusiastic response to bbSOL,” said Emily Bao, Head of Spot and Web3 at Bybit. “bbSOL’s success in its first month is a testament to the power of combining Bybit’s global reach with the innovation and agility of decentralized platforms. With its listing, we’re further expanding accessibility and unlocking even more opportunities for our users to trade and benefit from bbSOL. We look forward to building on this momentum and bringing even more partners into the fold as we continue to shape the future of token staking.”
About Bybit
Bybitis the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018,Bybitprovides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support.Bybitis a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
For more details about Bybit, readers can please visitBybit Press.
For media inquiries, readers can please contact:media@bybit.com
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Last summer, the program of events at the Yauza Ecocenter expanded by a third. This became possible thanks to proposals from Muscovites within the framework of the eponymous project on the City of Ideas platform. His goal— development of an innovative environmental education center.
Most of the initiatives are new directions of open lectures and educational and entertainment events. They will help to form a careful attitude towards the environment in children and adults and draw attention to current environmental issues.
From idea to implementation
For example, on June 29, Natalia Shpachuk, a postgraduate student at RANEPA, told users during an online broadcast how nature inspires modern painters. And the idea for the lecture “Nature on the canvases of Russian artists” belongs to Muscovite Nadezhda Tyurina.
Thanks to Yana Andrievskaya, on June 4, a lecture was held for Ecologist Day with the participation of Elena Lesnevskaya, head of the department for supervision of compliance with environmental protection and nature management laws of the Moscow City Prosecutor’s Office. The audience learned how the department identifies, suppresses and prevents environmental violations.
In the Chermyanka Park, on the initiative of Svetlana Astashina, regular classes are held where children are taught to recognize different species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book. And on June 29, a master class called “Drawing Nature” was held there, proposed by another participant in the project, Irina Motkina.
In addition, on June 9, the Garden of the Future Park hosted an eco-festival with master classes and an entertaining and educational program, and on May 16, the Rostokinsky Aqueduct Park gave out seedlings to everyone who wanted them. City residents were able to visit the historical terrain cure, which covers the Rostokino, Bogorodskoye and Sokolniki districts, on June 23 and 30. And on June 20, an eco-walk was held along the Chermyanka River valley in honor of World Flower Day.
The Ecocenter’s immediate plans
In total, experts selected 103 ideas within the project — all of them will be taken into account when drawing up the program of events at the eco-center. Thus, in October, lessons about the world around us will be held for preschoolers and primary school students.
Open lectures on the work of the park’s environmental service specialists are planned for October 19. Visitors will also be told about methods for measuring the ecological footprint and how a person can reduce environmental pollution. Another meeting will be devoted to the importance of preserving rare endemic species of Moscow and the region, and the consequences of their disappearance from the region’s ecosystem.
On November 23, the eco-center will host a program of events called “Ecological Day for Families,” where participants will be offered to make an eco-feeder, take part in a thematic brain ring, and much more.
At the beginning of December, visitors will be told about volunteering in the field of ecology and environmental protection, the legal status of organizations and how to become their member.
Platform “City of Ideas” has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than 500 thousand users have joined it. They share suggestions on how to make life in the capital more comfortable. More than six thousand ideas have already been implemented. They concern electronic services, culture, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, transport and other important aspects of city life. The project is being developed by the State Institution “New Management Technologies” andThe capital’s Department of Information Technology.
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 this and other national projects implemented in Moscow, You can find out on a special page.
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.
In a period of nearly five months earlier this year, members of the teaching faculty of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, in Beijing, visited people who have been recognized as “role models” and “master craftsman” in different trades in Shanghai, and portrayed them in various forms of art.
Now, these paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and digital works, some 200 pieces depicting 75 figures, are on show at Shanghai Workers’ Cultural Palace to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and to pay tribute to these endeavoring at the grassroots, from different walks of life.
Since 2015, the Central Academy of Fine Arts has been motivating its teachers and students to make portrayals for model workers from various fields, to create an image archive of the figures who have contributed to the country. Figures at the current exhibition include these from the manufacturing industries, science and new technologies such as AI and biotech, the fields of cultural heritage and protection and different sections of the city administration.
Yu Ding, the exhibition’s curator and dean of CAFA’s Sino-French Institute of Arts and Design Management, in Shanghai, says the event has built a bridge to connect artists and professionals from a wider social spectrum who share responsibilities to empower the country with hard work and hold up high the spirit of devotion.
The exhibition is organized by the Shanghai Municipal Trade Union Council.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SINGAPORE (October 9, 2024) Capt. John-Paul “JP” Tamez, Deputy Commander, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73), left, greets Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI), Oct. 9, 2024. COMLOGWESTPAC supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional Allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)
MIAMI and LONDON, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyber A.I. Group, Inc., an emerging growth Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and IT services company engaged in the acquisition of a broad spectrum of Cybersecurity service providers on an international basis, and A1 Advisory, a London-based advisory firm specializing in advisory and investor relations services for technology-driven companies, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to provide strategic advisory services to support Cyber A.I. Group’s future growth initiatives.
This collaboration marks a pivotal step for Cyber A.I. Group as it seeks to expand its global reach into new markets and sectors. With A1 Advisory’s expertise in identifying, introducing, and securing through their investor relations network investment capital, the partnership will focus on identifying key global relationships to support Cyber A.I. Group’s long-term vision for innovation and market leadership.
“We are excited to partner with A1 Advisory to take our global outreach to the next level,” said Walter Hughes, CEO of Cyber A.I. Group. “Their deep relationships with investors will be invaluable as we scale our operations and continue to push the boundaries of A.I. and Cybersecurity.”
A1 Advisory has a strong focus of working with high-growth technology companies and matching them with investors who provide capital and strategic value. The firm will leverage its investor relations network and expertise to assist the capital raise, which can accelerate Cyber A.I. Group’s expansion efforts while supporting the Company’s mission of enhancing Cybersecurity through A.I.-driven solutions.
“We are excited to collaborate with Cyber A.I. Group, a company that is at the threshold of meteoric growth through the execution of its Buy & Build business model in the Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence space,” said Nick Sylvester, Chief Investment Officer of A1 Advisory. “By working together, we aim to introduce through our investor outreach the strategic capital which not only supports accelerated growth but is also aligned with the company’s strategic goals and growth trajectory.”
A1 has already commenced significant outreach with both firms working closely to identify prospective institutional and retail relationships. This collaboration comes at a time of heightened interest in A.I.-driven technologies, with the global A.I. market projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
A1 Advisory is a premier London-based advisory firm that specializes in strategic advisory and investor relations services for technology-driven companies. With a network of top-tier investors and a deep understanding of capital markets, A1 Advisory helps clients accelerate growth and achieve their strategic goals. For more information, please visit: a1advisory.io.
About Cyber A.I. Group
Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. is an international company engaged in the acquisition and management of worldwide Cybersecurity and IT services firms. Cyber A.I. is pursuing a highly proactive “Buy & Build” strategy to rapidly expand operations internationally by acquiring a broad spectrum of IT services companies and repositioning them to address fast-growing market needs for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) markets. The Company has developed an active pipeline of 100+ perspective acquisitions which are in various stages of analysis. The Company’s initial target is to acquire multiple companies representing aggregate revenues annualizing $100 million. Cyber A.I.’s business model is focused on the acquisition and consolidation of IT services companies with proven ability in broad conventional technology services with strong cash flow and enhance performance through A.I.-driven Cybersecurity initiatives. This emphasis on conventional companies with strong revenues and EBITDA distinguishes Cyber A.I. from the explosion of A.I. startups that may be pinning their future on a single technological breakthrough which may never materialize. This “Buy &Build” strategy provides Cyber A.I. with the maximum flexibility for diversification and risk management for moving into new fields and addressing fast moving market opportunities. For additional information, please visit: cyberaigroup.io.
Paris: 17-21 Rue Saint-Fiacre Paris 75002, France
New York: 641 Lexington Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10022
Miami: 990 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 503 Miami, FL 33132
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Multimedia music programme “After the Rain” to be staged at Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs (with photos) Multimedia music programme “After the Rain” to be staged at Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will present participatory music programme “After the Rain” at the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs, which is opening for public performances for the first time. Local music group Toolbox Percussion, media arts collective Dimension Plus and Singaporean composer Lee Jiayi will attempt to broaden public imagination and experience with a bespoke multimedia music journey that unveils the mystery of the hillside cavern. Built in rock caverns, the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs has occasionally been used as a filming location. It will be open for the first time for public performances. In their quest to explore the intricate relationship between humanity, technology and climate change, the artists seamlessly meld live music and interactive multimedia design with the environment. Louis Siu, executive artistic director of Toolbox Percussion, hopes that audiences of “After the Rain” will realise that water resources are indeed hard to come by. During the programme, attendees will each be given a specially designed rainstick and walk through a tunnel about 100 metres long to interact with percussionists. Ink projections on the walls will fuse with people’s silhouettes, together shaping a unique sonic and visual landscape. Both Louis Siu and Lee Jiayi had played in an orchestra before, but they were not entirely satisfied with performing a pre-existing repertoire. Over the years, they have been working with people from diverse backgrounds, such as photographers, choreographers, designers and visual artists, in their challenge to the usual definition of music. Their creative partner Keith Lam from Dimension Plus is also a boundary-pusher who is keen on offering new sonic experiences by, for instance, transforming a theatrical space into a cave-like structure using AI-generated imagery. Multimedia music programme “After the Rain”, in 28 performances altogether, will be held at the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs with details as follows: October 30, November 1, 6 and 8 (Wednesdays and Fridays): 7pm and 8pmNovember 2, 3, 9 and 10 (Saturdays and Sundays): 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 7pm and 8pm Tickets priced at $360 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”. The programme contains strobe lighting effects. Attendees are required to walk in the reservoir area and should assess whether their physical condition allows them to participate and whether they need to be accompanied by a carer. Attendees are advised to arrive at the venue early for admission. There will also be a fee-charging activity titled “Immersive Cavern Walk”, where the reservoir decorated with interactive multimedia design is open for public tours during specific non-performance hours. For access information of the reservoir and other programme details, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/aftertherain. The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and culture of nearly 30 countries from Asia and the Belt and Road regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 15:35
The advent of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022 revolutionized humanoid robotics, allowing for task execution without explicit programming. As developed nations grapple with labor shortages from aging populations and declining birth rates, the demand for automation grows. Humanoid robots are emerging as vital solutions, particularly in eldercare, yet their successful integration hinges on societal acceptance and trust, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Deep Dive into Humanoid Robots,” analyses humanoid robots’ scope and prospects for the coming decade. A new species of AI-enabled humanoid robots are designed to mimic human form and behavior and co-mingle and co-work with humans in human-designed environments. They are being intensively trialed in active work environments by Tesla, Amazon, and BYD ahead of commercial deployment at scale later in the decade.
As humanoid robots advance in terms of reliability, autonomy, and contextual awareness, there will be an increased demand for them to take on hazardous or undesirable jobs, especially in sectors where a labor shortage is expected, such as eldercare.
However, traditional Japanese and European robot companies are not making the running. Instead, Tesla, UBtech Robotics, and a clutch of breakthrough startups, including Fourier Intelligence, Figure AI, 1X Technologies, and Agility Robotics are leading the way.
Michael Orme, Senior Consultant in the Strategic team at GlobalData, comments: “Humanoid robot deployment will likely start in China, South Korea, and Japan. Many countries and global industries are already facing serious prospective skilled labor shortages in these sectors and require higher levels of sustainable productivity across the board.”
Martina Raveni, Analyst in the Strategic team at GlobalData, continues: “Due to low fertility rates and longer life expectancies, populations are shrinking and aging. This is leading to labor shortages across many industries, especially eldercare. It is difficult to see how many demographically stricken societies will avoid eldercare catastrophes and fiscal crises in the future without help from humanoid robots in hospitals and homes.”
Edward Bickerton, Associate Analyst in the Strategic team at GlobalData, says: ”We are very much in the early stages right now, and first-generation humanoid robots, despite highly impressive demos—albeit aided and abetted by special effects—are far from being general purpose, fully autonomous machines.”
Raveni concludes: “The success of evolving humanoid technologies will hinge not only on their technical prowess but also on their seamless integration into society. For these robots to truly thrive, they must go beyond mere functionality; they must build trust and foster collaboration with the communities they are designed to serve.”
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The city of Innopolis hosted the traditional international forum Digital Innopolis Days, which this year was combined with the AI IN conference on artificial intelligence. The topics of the discussions were focused on key areas and technologies: artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned systems, innovations in education and personnel training.
At the plenary session “Prospects for robotization of Russia: converting problems into tasks,” the following spoke: Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, Deputy Minister of Energy Eduard Sheremetsev, representatives of the largest industrial enterprises, such as KAMAZ and Transmashholding.
Valery Falkov spoke about approaches to training personnel for robotics, and also noted important changes taking place in the higher education system. First of all, this is the search for models of its implementation in accordance with the needs of the modern technological structure and training of specialists of the future, reformatting engineering education. The head of the Ministry of Education and Science noted that any educational program related to production should contain a block on automation systems and robotics, and universities need to qualitatively build work in the market of additional professional education.
Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU Dmitry Tikhonov noted: The forum platform is very representative and practice-oriented. Based on the results of last year, we launched three new educational projects with new partners, contacts with whom were established precisely at DID. This year there were interesting sections in the field of UAS and AI, which showed the diversity of potential areas of application of these technologies.
The use of artificial intelligence in education and university management, digital development of the education system, and new collaborations in this area were discussed at the forum by Vladimir Tuchkevich, Head of the Department for Development of Portals and Mobile Applications at SPbPU, and Denis Ivanov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
Traditionally, an interesting discussion unfolded around the digital departments. This year, a closed session was held for the best students of the project and an HR studio was organized. The Polytechnic was represented by IKNK student Ekaterina Chadayeva, one of the best graduates of the program “Development of digital solutions based on 1C technologies”.
Several useful events were organized for students. This was not only an introduction to various companies, but also a strategic session for graduates of digital departments. There we discussed what a dream digital department should be like, – Ekaterina shared her impressions.
Industrial partners presented their best practices for working with universities within the framework of the Digital Departments project.
At the forum, we exchanged practices and visions for the future development of IT education. Every year, companies’ interest in joint programs for professional retraining of the digital department is growing. For example, the company “1C” presented a joint program with the Polytechnic University, in the implementation of which 15 employers are participating at once. This approach demonstrates the importance of this project and allows us to create programs that are truly relevant for the industry, – said the head of the project office “Digital Departments” of SPbPU Nadezhda Tsvetkova.
The forum also hosted a closed event of Gazprom partner universities, where the curator of the project “PAO Gazprom Flagship University” Yanis Olekhnovich and the head of the employment assistance sector Elvira Tuktamysheva gave a report. They presented the results of the implementation of educational programs and events for training personnel and developing applied IT competencies necessary for an engineer to perform the company’s tasks. Part of the report was a presentation of specialized interactive educational and demonstration complexes based on VR technologies. These complexes allow students to be trained using the example of the industrial partner’s technologies.
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.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
Photo: Higher School of Economics
Professor at the Higher School of Economics, leading research fellow Institute of Cognitive Neurosciences Vasily Klyucharev successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in cognitive sciences. This is the first doctoral dissertation in this discipline in Russia.
Cognitive sciences began to develop actively in the second half of the 20th century. This is a unique interdisciplinary field of research that opens up new horizons of human consciousness and behavior. Cognitive science studies how the human mind works, functions, and behaves, how people perceive, understand, and react to information received.
The HSE University’s research unit in cognitive neuroscience was established in 2013. Vasily Klyucharev then headed the Department of Psychology and founded new laboratories for cognitive brain research. Over the course of 11 years, the small research unit has grown into the largest research institute in Russia in the field of cognitive neuroscience with a team of scientists who have received global recognition. In 2021, with the direct participation of the HSE University, the new specialty in cognitive sciences. In September 2024, Vasily Klyucharev became the first doctor of cognitive sciences in Russia.
“This is an important step not only for me, but for the entire scientific community,” Vasily Klyucharev noted after his defense. “For a long time, cognitive sciences were not popular in the Soviet Union; the authorities did not like them. This led to a lag in this most important scientific and technological area. Research was conducted, but it was integrated into other scientific fields – biology, psychology, linguistics. The creation of a separate specialty in cognitive sciences and the opportunity to defend candidate and doctoral dissertations in this field is a sign of recognition at the state level.”
Vasily Klyucharev’s research is devoted to the phenomenon of conformism — the tendency of people to adjust their decisions to the opinions of others. The work examines the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying conformism using modern brain scanning technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography.
Neurocognitive mechanisms of social influence appear to be deeply rooted in the biology of the brain. Conformity is not just a social phenomenon. Researchers have found that deviating from the majority opinion activates areas of the brain responsible for automatic behavioral change, which forces people to reconsider their decisions, adapting to others.
“I have been studying the topic of conformism since about 2009, when our research group was one of the first to become interested in this phenomenon. We were the first to discover that the brain automatically adapts to the opinions of others. Using various neuroimaging technologies, we have confirmed that specific areas of the brain associated with the neurotransmitter dopamine are responsible for conformism. If their activity is suppressed, conformism decreases,” explains Vasily Klyucharev. “In this regard, the phenomenon of nonconformism is a very interesting, but still completely unexplored area. Perhaps this is a foundation for future research.”
Vasily Klyucharev emphasizes that cognitive science is a unique scientific field that requires comprehensive knowledge from a wide variety of fields: from mathematics to philosophy.
“To understand how the system, i.e. the human brain, works, we must study literally everything: neurophysiology, biochemistry, social behavior, sociocultural characteristics. It is important to be able to describe all processes mathematically, use various modern technologies of neurovisualization and data analysis. Even such a fashionable topic as artificial intelligence depends on cognitive research. How correctly will we understand AI? How will it understand us? Cognitive science is, in general, the science of understanding everything.”
The defense of a doctoral dissertation in cognitive science marks a new stage in the history of HSE, confirming the university’s status as a leading center for research in the field of cognitive science in Russia.
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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.