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Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Strong Global Entertainment Announces Closing of Sale of Strong/MDI for Approximately $30 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mooresville, NC, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SGE) (“Strong Global”) and Fundamental Global Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF, FGFPP) (“Fundamental Global”) are pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced sale of Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. (“MDI”) from Strong Global to Saltire Holdings Ltd (“Saltire”).

    Mark Roberson, Chief Executive Officer of Strong Global, commented, “We are pleased to announce the closing of the sale of MDI. This is one element of our previously announced strategy to streamline operations, increase liquidity and drive shareholder value. We expect the transaction to result in a net pre-tax financial statement gain in excess of $25 million. At closing, Strong Global holds approximately 37% of the outstanding common shares of Saltire, and we look forward to participating in the Saltires’ long term growth strategy.”

    At closing, and after a working capital adjustment, Strong Global received total consideration of $29.5 million, consisting of $0.8 million of cash, $9.0 million of preferred shares of Saltire, and $19.7 million of common shares of Saltire.

    Prior to the Closing, Strong Global did not own or control any securities of Saltire. Strong Global received 1,972,723 common shares and 900,000 series A preferred shares of Saltire as consideration under the transaction.

    Strong Global may acquire additional securities including on the open market or through private acquisitions or sell the securities including on the open market or through private dispositions in the future depending on market conditions, general economic and industry conditions, Saltire’s business and financial condition, and/or other relevant factors, and Strong Global may develop such plans or intentions in the future.

    A copy of the Early Warning Report to be filed by Strong Global in connection with the transaction described above will be available on its SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    About Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.

    Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Fundamental Global Inc., is a leader in the entertainment industry, providing mission critical products and services to cinema exhibitors and entertainment venues for over 90 years.

    About Fundamental Global Inc.

    Fundamental Global Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF, FGFPP) and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including reinsurance, asset management, merchant banking, manufacturing and managed services.

    The FG® logo and Fundamental Global® are registered trademarks of Fundamental Global LLC.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements are therefore entitled to the protection of the safe harbor provisions of these laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “budget,” “can,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “indicate,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possibly,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “probably,” “pro-forma,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “view,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In particular, discussions and statements regarding the Company’s future business plans and initiatives are forward-looking in nature. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections. While we believe these to be reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, and may impact our ability to implement and execute on our future business plans and initiatives. Management cautions that the forward-looking statements in this release are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assume that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Factors that might cause such a difference include, without limitation: risks associated with our inability to identify and realize business opportunities, and the undertaking of any new such opportunities; our lack of operating history or established reputation in the reinsurance industry; our inability to obtain or maintain the necessary approvals to operate reinsurance subsidiaries; risks associated with operating in the reinsurance industry, including inadequately priced insured risks, credit risk associated with brokers we may do business with, and inadequate retrocessional coverage; our inability to execute on our investment and investment management strategy, including our strategy to invest in the risk capital of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs); our ability to maintain and expand our revenue streams to compensate for the lower demand for our digital cinema products and installation services; potential interruptions of supplier relationships or higher prices charged by suppliers in connection with our Strong Global business; our ability to successfully compete and introduce enhancements and new features that achieve market acceptance and that keep pace with technological developments; our ability to maintain Strong Global’s brand and reputation and retain or replace its significant customers; challenges associated with Strong Global’s long sales cycles; the impact of a challenging global economic environment or a downturn in the markets; the effects of economic, public health, and political conditions that impact business and consumer confidence and spending, including rising interest rates, periods of heightened inflation and market instability; potential loss of value of investments; risk of becoming an investment company; fluctuations in our short-term results as we implement our new business strategy; risks of being unable to attract and retain qualified management and personnel to implement and execute on our business and growth strategy; failure of our information technology systems, data breaches and cyber-attacks; our ability to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls; our limited operating history as a public company; the requirements of being a public company and losing our status as a smaller reporting company or becoming an accelerated filer; any potential conflicts of interest between us and our controlling stockholders and different interests of controlling stockholders; potential conflicts of interest between us and our directors and executive officers; risks associated with our related party transactions and investments; and risks associated with our investments in SPACs, including the failure of any such SPAC to complete its initial business combination. Our expectations and future plans and initiatives may not be realized. If one of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or if our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect new information, future events or developments.

    Investor Relations Contacts:
    IR@strong-entertainment.com

    investors@fundamentalglobal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LIS Technologies Inc. Contracts Leading Construction Specialist to Oversee $1 Million Redevelopment of its Secured Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST” or “the Company”), a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, today announced that it has engaged a leading construction specialist to oversee the design and redevelopment of its facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, creating a modern and secure space for the Company’s next phase of physical test work.

    Following completion of the nearly $1 Million redevelopment, the facility will house LIST’s specialized testing equipment aimed at refining and demonstrating the capabilities of its technology. It will include dedicated space for the Phase 1 Test Loop demonstration of the Company’s proprietary, patented laser uranium enrichment technology, serving as the central hub for its development. Additionally, the facility will support the production of stable isotopes for medical and scientific research. The initial design and build-out will ensure the facility is properly equipped to host operations and lay the groundwork for future physical test work.

    “The new LIST headquarters in Oak Ridge, TN will be converted into a “closed area,” which will allow LIST to perform research on its laser enrichment technology and protect said technology as Classified in accordance with NRC regulations, prior to DOE declaring the LIST technology as Restricted Data,” said Keith Everly, Head of Security and IP Management of LIS Technologies Inc. “We will work closely with the regulatory frameworks to streamline the process and ensure regulatory compliance of CRISLA, the technology that LIST plans to commercialize.”

    Figure 1 – LIS Technologies Inc. Contracts Leading Construction Specialist to Oversee Retrofitting of its Secured Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

    “I’m thrilled that major upgrades to our new facility in Oak Ridge will start soon, which will allow us to take the next steps towards the rebirth of our patented, US-origin laser enrichment technology,” said Christo Liebenberg, Chief Executive Officer of LIS Technologies Inc. “We are taking a pro-active approach with the security upgrade. It is a short matter of time before we demonstrate that the CRISLA process can produce practical quantities of enriched uranium product. We want our facility to be ready and secure before the DOE classifies the technology. This is a major threshold for the Company and positions us closer towards to our ultimate goal of enriching uranium for the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors in the United States.”

    The proprietary technology is the only proven US-origin laser enrichment solution and is scalable, efficient, and cost-effective. Optimized for both Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), it overcomes the limitations of traditional pulsed 16µm CO2 lasers, featuring a streamlined design due to its lower absorption and shorter wavelength at 5.3µm. Demonstrated in the 1980s and 90s, this technology is protected by a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

    About LIS Technologies Inc.

    LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) is a USA based, proprietary developer of a patented advanced laser technology, making use of infrared wavelengths to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes to separate them from other isotopes. The Laser Isotope Separation Technology (L.I.S.T) has a huge range of applications, including being the only USA-origin (and patented) laser uranium enrichment company, and several major advantages over traditional methods such as gas diffusion, centrifuges, and prior art laser enrichment. The LIST proprietary laser-based process is more energy-efficient and has the potential to be deployed with highly competitive capital and operational costs. L.I.S.T is optimized for LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) for existing civilian nuclear power plants, High-Assay LEU (HALEU) for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, the production of stable isotopes for medical and scientific research, and applications in quantum computing manufacturing for semiconductor technologies. The Company employs a world class nuclear technical team working alongside leading nuclear entrepreneurs and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with government and private nuclear industries.

    For more information please visit: http://www.LaserIsTech.com 

    For further information, please contact:
    Email: info@laseristech.com
    Telephone: 800-388-5492
    Follow us on Twitter
    Follow us on LinkedIn

    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For LIS Technologies Inc., particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following which are, and will be, exacerbated by any worsening of global business and economic environment: (i) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, loss of key individuals and uncertainty of success of patent filing, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations and (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to commercially deploy a competitive laser enrichment technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the SEC. Only after successful completion of our Phase 2 Pilot Plant demonstration will LIS Technologies be able to make realistic economic predictions for a Commercial Facility. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AMD Instinct MI300X Accelerators Available on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for Demanding AI Applications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    — Customers including Fireworks AI are powering their AI inference and training workloads with new OCI Compute instances —

    — OCI Supercluster leads among cloud providers with support for up to 16,384 AMD Instinct MI300X GPUs in a single ultrafast network fabric —

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced that Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) has chosen AMD Instinct™ MI300X accelerators with ROCm™ open software to power its newest OCI Compute Supercluster instance called BM.GPU.MI300X.8. For AI models that can comprise hundreds of billions of parameters, the OCI Supercluster with AMD MI300X supports up to 16,384 GPUs in a single cluster by harnessing the same ultrafast network fabric technology used by other accelerators on OCI. Designed to run demanding AI workloads including large language model (LLM) inference and training that requires high throughput with leading memory capacity and bandwidth, these OCI bare metal instances have already been adopted by companies including Fireworks AI.

    “AMD Instinct MI300X and ROCm open software continue to gain momentum as trusted solutions for powering the most critical OCI AI workloads,” said Andrew Dieckmann, corporate vice president and general manager, Data Center GPU Business, AMD. “As these solutions expand further into growing AI-intensive markets, the combination will benefit OCI customers with high performance, efficiency, and greater system design flexibility.”

    “The inference capabilities of AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators add to OCI’s extensive selection of high-performance bare metal instances to remove the overhead of virtualized compute commonly used for AI infrastructure,” said Donald Lu, senior vice president, software development, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “We are excited to offer more choice for customers seeking to accelerate AI workloads at a competitive price point.”

    Bringing Trusted Performance and Open Choice for AI Training and Inference
    The AMD Instinct MI300X underwent extensive testing which was validated by OCI that underscored its AI inferencing and training capabilities for serving latency-optimal use cases, even with larger batch sizes, and the ability to fit the largest LLM models in a single node. These Instinct MI300X performance results have garnered the attention of AI model developers.

    Fireworks AI offers a fast platform designed to build and deploy generative AI. With over 100+ models, Fireworks AI is leveraging the benefits of performance found in OCI using AMD Instinct MI300X.

    “Fireworks AI helps enterprises build and deploy compound AI systems across a wide range of industries and use cases,” said Lin Qiao, CEO of Fireworks AI. “The amount of memory capacity available on the AMD Instinct MI300X and ROCm open software allows us to scale services to our customers as models continue to grow.”

    Supporting Resources

    About AMD
    For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses, and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work, and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages.

    AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Instinct, ROCm, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Trademarks
    Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company—ushering in the new era of cloud computing.

    Contact:
    David Szabados
     AMD Communications
    +1 408-472-2439
    david.szabados@amd.com

    Mitch Haws
    AMD Investor Relations
    +1 512-944-0790 
    mitch.haws@amd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Day of Languages: promoting multilingualism and learning

    Source: European Union 2

    The European Day of Languages, celebrated annually on 26 September, promotes linguistic diversity, encourages language learning across all age groups, and highlights the importance of translation and language-related professions. 

    This year, the European Commission is hosting 2 virtual conferences to foster discussions about multilingualism in Europe. In addition, a wide range of activities will take place from 1–30 September across the EU, including multilingual mini language courses, online quizzes, translation workshops, language fairs, and travelling book exhibitions. 

    The EU’s multilingualism policy advocates for teaching and learning multiple languages to boost communication, mobility, and cooperation across Europe. Thanks to programmes such as Erasmus+, Europeans can improve their language skills through educational or training activities in 34 countries. The EU also funds various linguistic projects, encourages peer learning among EU countries and cooperates with international organisations to promote innovation in language teaching. 

    The yearly Juvenes Translatores competition is another initiative that encourages secondary school students across Europe to learn languages. Registration for this year is open until 14 October 2024, 12 PM (CET).  

    Language skills can help people find a job, facilitate access to services and rights, and contribute to solidarity through enhanced intercultural dialogue and social cohesion. The EU is characterised by its cultural and linguistic diversity, and the languages spoken in EU countries are an essential part of its cultural heritage. 

    For more information 

    European Day of Languages  

    European Day of Languages 2024 – virtual conferences 

    Multilingualism 

    The Erasmus+ programme 

    Juvenes Translatores 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Week of Regions and Cities

    Source: European Union 2

    You can now register for the European Week of Regions and Cities 2024 with its motto “Empowering Communities,” taking place in Brussels 7-10 October 2024. Discover the #EURegionsWeek programme and register now! Get ready to exchange ideas, connect with regions and cities across Europe, and expand…

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates hit and run collision involving pedestrian

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating a hit and run collision that occurred on September 24, 2024. A pedestrian was transported to the Labrador Health Centre with non-life-threatening injuries.

    The collision occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday on Hamilton River Road near the baseball field. A number of other pedestrians were nearby. The vehicle departed after the collision occurred and did not stop to render assistance to injured individual.

    The vehicle is described as possibly a dark-colored SUV. The investigation is continuing.

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP asks the public to check all available surveillance footage and to report any information that could assist police with this investigation.

    Anyone having information about this incident or the involved vehicle or the identity of the driver is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Public to Join as Virtual Guests for SpaceX Crew-9 Launch 

    Source: NASA

    NASA invites the public to participate as virtual guests in the launch of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. NASA astronaut Nick Hague, commander, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, mission specialist, will embark on a flight aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launching no earlier than 1:17 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 28, from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
    Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. Virtual guests for this mission will receive curated resources, interactive opportunities, updates with the latest news, and a mission-specific collectible stamp for their virtual guest passport after liftoff. Don’t have a passport yet? Print yours here and get ready to add a stamp!
    Live coverage and countdown commentary will begin at 9:10 a.m. EDT Saturday, Sept. 28, streaming on NASA+  agency’s website. Learn how to stream NASA content on a variety of platforms, including social media.
    Want to learn more about the mission and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program? Follow along on the mission blog, Commercial Crew blog, @commercial_crew on X, or check out Commercial Crew on Facebook.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs inter-departmental working group meeting on festival arrangements (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         As directed by the Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the inter-departmental working group meeting on festival arrangements today (September 26) to holistically review and steer the overall co-ordination work of various government departments in welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; and representatives of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, and other relevant Government departments attended the meeting.     At the meeting, Mr Chan instructed various departments to better prepare for receiving visitors during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, actively coordinate and consolidate supporting services of boundary control points (BCPs), traffic and public transport, promptly respond to various emergency situations, and strengthen information dissemination, with a view to providing quality experience to residents and visitors in celebration of the National Day.Estimated visitor flow and preparatory work     According to the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s estimate, around 7.01 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week (October 1 to October 7) this year, among which 5.98 million passengers will pass through land control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will peak on October 1 (Tuesday).     In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that about 1.23 million passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the seven-day Mainland’s National Day Golden Week.     The Travel Industry Authority has reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to stagger arrival time as far as possible, and will coordinate with agencies such as tourist spots to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of the flow of visitors and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors.     There will be a rich array of celebratory activities before, during and after the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week. Major mega events include the “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” at the West Kowloon Cultural District on September 30 night (Monday) and the 2024 National Day Fireworks Display at the Victoria Harbour on October 1 night (Tuesday). The Hong Kong Police Force (Police) will arrange sufficient police manpower to implement corresponding crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements as necessary to ensure that all celebrations will be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. Various district offices will also closely monitor the flow of visitors within their corresponding districts during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week and strengthen management of the relevant spots having regard to the actual circumstances.Coordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities     The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by Hong Kong Customs, the Police, the ImmD and other departments will be activated from September 28 (Saturday) to October 7 (Monday) to monitor the real-time situation at various control points, maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, and take timely contingency actions to flexibly deploy manpower at the BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points. The Security Bureau will also activate the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre in a timely manner to closely monitor and co-ordinate the public order situation at various BCPs and facilitate interdepartmental follow-up actions where necessary to respond promptly to various kinds of emergencies.     For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) has worked with relevant Mainland authorities and relevant operators to formulate plans to strengthen services at various ports, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), as well as arranging dedicated public transport lanes at the HZMB Port, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and Shenzhen Bay Port as necessary, with a view to ensuring smooth public transport services. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance the capacity, and reserve vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. Amongst them, the MTR Corporation Limited will enhance train service of railway lines during September 28 to October 13, with a total of about 950 extra trips, so as to facilitate the travelling of local residents and visitors. The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate 24 hours to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations. The TD will adopt various measures including increasing the frequency of public transport services as appropriate so as to cope with the service demand and passenger flow, and will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels.     As regards the two homeporting calls of a mega cruise ship at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, while the cruise terminal operator will continue to coordinate with the cruise company, transport service operators and travel agents etc. to make proper transport planning, the Tourism Commission (TC) has also liaised with the bus companies and the taxi trade through the TD to provide additional support. Shuttle bus services will also be strengthened subject to demand. As it is anticipated that many Mainland visitors will come to Hong Kong to join cruise itineraries via the land BCPs, the TC has also assisted the trade in coordinating with BCPs to ensure smooth immigration clearance. Direct coach services will be provided to take visitors from the BCPs to the cruise terminal.Weather forecast     The weather in Hong Kong is expected to be generally fine during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, with low chances of being affected by heavy rain and tropical cyclones. A fresh to strong northeasterly monsoon is expected to arrive in Guangdong on the National Day, followed by a couple of days of slightly cooler and drier weather, with a minimum temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius in the urban areas. The above forecast is a preliminary assessment, and the Observatory will update the forecast depending on the latest weather changes.Information dissemination     To facilitate visitors in planning their itineraries, the inter-departmental working group will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, information on celebratory events, transport arrangements and the latest weather information, etc, to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.     The Tourism Board (TB) has also launched a dedicated webpage to consolidate various useful information during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, including the operating arrangements of major tourist attractions in Hong Kong, details of various unique celebratory events, special discount and promotional activities around the National Day, so as to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently. The TB has also stepped up promotion in the Mainland, including launching special offers with major online integrated tourism platforms in the Mainland, in order to promote large-scale events with characteristics, explore the unique cultural and tourism experiences in Hong Kong through the promotional channel of the platforms and boost spending of more Mainland visitors in Hong Kong as well as enhance visitors’ experience.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Annual report 2023 – 2024 and new business plan published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Adjudicator’s Office are pleased to announce the publication of its 2023 to 2024 annual report and new 3-year business plan for 2024 to 2027.

    2023 to 2024 annual report and new business plan published

    The Adjudicator’s Office are pleased to announce the publication of its 2023 to 2024 annual report. For the first time this also includes an in-depth report and set of recommendations on a specific theme: Applying Customer Circumstances to Decision Making.

    We are also publishing our new three-year business plan and an updated Service Level Agreement (SLA) with HMRC and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

    The Adjudicator Mike McMahon said: “I am delighted to be publishing my first annual report as Adjudicator and our new business plan today. Our role is to challenge all of our stakeholders to provide the best outcomes for their customers and the annual report is a key part of this.

    “I am pleased that this annual report will see our first published in-depth insight report for HMRC into applying customer circumstances to decision making. I am keen that we become more transparent and publishing more information is part of that.”

    The full set of documents that have been published on our site today are:

    • 2023 to 2024 annual report: Providing a reflection of our performance during the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024
    • Insight report: Applying Customer Circumstances to Decision Making. Our formal report using our insight and expertise to analyse specific themes and make recommendations to HMRC to improve services for customers.
    • Business plan: Confirming our objectives over the next three years from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027
    • Updated Service Level Agreement: We have updated our Service Level Agreement (SLA) with HMRC and VOA. The new SLA will come into effect from 26 September 2024.
    • Quality standards: For the first time we are publishing our quality standards, which underpin our work to make sure we provide our customers and stakeholders a quality service.

    In addition, over the coming weeks we will be publishing our Service Standards and our first set of quarterly performance metrics.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NIO minister Fleur Anderson praises community resilience after visiting arson attack Church

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The minister visited the Church of the Holy Name in Greenisland following a recent arson attack

    NIO minister Fleur Anderson and Rev Dr Isobel Hawthorne-Steele look at the damage inside the Church of the Holy Name.

    The Northern Ireland Office minister Fleur Anderson has visited the Church of the Holy Name in Greenisland to show solidarity following a recent arson attack. 

    The Church provides an integral service to local people through a community shop and a range of activities that involve all ages as well as offering a place for parishioners to gather.

    It was badly damaged in a fire on September 1. 

    Minister Anderson, who is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the NIO, spoke with the Rev Dr Isobel Hawthorne-Steele, Minister of the Church about the attack and viewed the scale of the destruction.

    She also heard about the experiences of the community in the aftermath of the attack. 

    Minister Anderson said: “The discussions I had with Rev Dr Hawthorne-Steele were very constructive.

    “It was sad to see the scale of the destruction to a place that is a beacon of hope for many in the community.

    “It was encouraging to hear the positive support shown by local churches in Greenisland, the understanding shown to the families of the young boys involved and the plans for the future rebuilding.

    “I stand in solidarity with this entire community and I commend their resilience and forgiveness. 

    “I must also commend the quick response of the Northern Ireland Fire Service, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, for their valiant efforts in tackling the blaze.”

    The Rev Dr Hawthorne-Steele said:

    “Having met with the minister it was encouraging to learn that she is a fellow community practitioner with extensive experience in building community cohesion and promoting transformative grassroots initiatives. 

    “Having spent considerable time chatting and seeing first hand the devastation caused by the fire to our parish centre and church, the minister captured the full impact of the far-reaching consequences on our church and the wider community that this disaster has caused. 

    “As a church, we greatly appreciate the fact that the minister acknowledged the efforts we are making to grow resilience in partnership with multi-faceted groups and organisations that work within this local area as we rebuild and renew our faith by revealing God’s grace.”

    NIO minister Fleur Anderson and Rev Dr Isobel Hawthorne-Steele outside the Church of the Holy Name where the damage can bee seen.

    NIO minister Fleur Anderson and Rev Dr Isobel Hawthorne-Steele look inside the Parish Centre which was affected by the recent arson attack.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Get a grant to study in the UAE

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education informs about the start of accepting applications for a grant for training in higher education programs – bachelor’s programs, master’s programs, postgraduate programs (doctoral studies), as well as for Arabic language courses at the Mohammed bin Zayed University for the Humanities (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates).

    Russian students interested in learning Arabic are eligible to participate. The University provides grants for the following programs: Arabic language courses (30 places), and bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate programs (15 places).

    Information about the programs is posted on the website of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Center for the Development of Education and International Activities (Interobrazovanie)” in the section “Academic Mobility – Programs”.

    All interested candidates should contact the International Cooperation Department of the State University of Management at ab_kasatkina@guu.ru by October 10, 2024.

    The competitive procedure is carried out by the Emirates side. For questions regarding participation in the programs, please contact Rashid Alminhali, Head of the Protocol Department at Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities and Sciences, at the email address: rashed.almenhali@mbzuh.ac.ae.

    The deadline for submitting documents is October 20, 2024.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 09/26/2024

    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.

    Get a grant to study in the UAE

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken meets with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan – 6:20 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New York City, New York, on September 26, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9fYj7Cimmw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Empowering Lives, Fostering Growth: Inspiring Journeys of Workers at Samsung’s Chennai Plant

    Source: Samsung

    Praveen (left) and Selvan (right) taking a break around their favourite spot at Samsung’s Chennai Plant
     
    At Samsung’s Chennai manufacturing plant, where state-of-the-art TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and compressors are produced, the heartbeat of the facility is not just the hum of the machinery—it’s the lives of thousands of dedicated workers whose stories are interwoven with the company’s commitment to their well-being and growth.
     
    The Chennai plant, one of Samsung’s largest in India, has long been known for fostering a worker-friendly environment. It provides continuous training, and numerous welfare programs, all designed to ensure the well-being and development of the workforce.
     
    Employees with an impeccable attendance record get constant incentives, which motivates them to be more present at work. There are awards in four different categories to uplift the morale of employees who continuously thrive to give outstanding performance.
     
    Empowerment through Opportunity
    For over fourteen years, Tamil Selvan has been part of the Samsung family, starting his journey as a apprentice at the plant. Coming from a modest background, he recalls how joining Samsung was more than just a job—it was the start of a transformation.
     
    Tamil Selvan: “At Samsung, it’s not just about doing a job—it’s about being heard, being valued, getting rewarded”
     
    “Fourteen Years… It feels just like yesterday. It is not just about work, I have literally grown from a boy to a man here. Over time, with Samsung’s continuous support and opportunities for growth, I was able to change my life. I have supported my younger sibling’s education, helped with their marriage, got married myself, bought a house, and now I even own a car,” said Tamil Selvan, from the Plant’s Refrigerator divison.
     
    Samsung has been dedicated to empowering its workers since the Chennai plant came into existence in 2007. With a focus on constant upskilling, Tamil Selvan steadily progressed from working on the line to being a Technical Operator.
     
    “The recognition and trust I’ve received here have been incredible,” he adds. “It’s not just about doing a job—it’s about being heard, being valued, getting rewarded, and knowing you’re making a difference,” said Selvan.
     
    A Commitment to Growth and Diversity
    Praveen Singh, another long-standing worker at the Chennai plant, echoes Tamil’s sentiments, though his journey is shaped by a different set of challenges and aspirations. Born and raised in Tamil Nadu but with roots in North India, Praveen has always been motivated by the diversity of the workforce at Samsung.
     
    Praveen Singh: “This feeling of being proud comes from the fact that I represent a brand that cares for me.”
     
    “The fact that people from all over India work together here is something that fills me with pride,” said Praveen, who joined the plant in 2013 as a trainee.
     
    “I’ve learned so much from my colleagues, not just about technology but about different cultures and perspectives. That’s something I don’t think I would have experienced anywhere else.”
     
    For Praveen, who started as a trainee and is now an operator in the process innovation team, the opportunities to learn and grow have been crucial to his success.
     
    “Samsung always encouraged me to learn. Over the years, I picked up Tamil, improved my English, and developed leadership skills that allowed me to move up the ranks,” he shared.
     
    “Samsung doesn’t just invest in its products—they invest in us, their workers. I feel immensely proud when I leave home for work wearing my uniform. This feeling comes from the fact that I represent a brand that cares for me.”
     
    Care, Health & Wellness as part of a People-first Culture
    All workers at the plant have health insurance facilities for upto five family members. From day one of apprenticeship, the plant offers continuous training, mentorship, and development programs designed to help employees grow professionally. The comprehensive health care, flexible work arrangements, and the focus on work-life balance are all part of Samsung’s commitment to creating a people-first culture.
     
    When Praveen’s mother needed knee surgery, the company’s comprehensive health policy ensured she received the best care available.
     
    “Samsung not only supported me in getting her the best doctors, but they also regularly checked in on her recovery. It’s more than a workplace—it’s a family,” he shared.
     
    Samsung’s broader ethos of prioritizing worker well-being and personal development have continuously supported the employees.
     
    Wall art designed by a worker at Chennai Plant
     
    “At Samsung, it’s not just about what we do but how we feel doing it,” Praveen explained. “The environment is supportive, and everyone is treated with respect, regardless of their position. That’s something you don’t find everywhere.”
     
    Tamil agrees, noting how much his job at Samsung has changed his standing in society. “Being a part of Samsung has earned me respect, not only in my professional life but in my community,” he said.
     
    “I’m proud of the work I do here. It’s not just a job—it’s a part of who I am.”
     
    Samsung’s Chennai Plant at Sriperumbudur
     
    A Future Built on Shared Success
    As Samsung continues to push boundaries in technology, the true foundation of its success lies in the success stories of employees. Their journeys are testaments to the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and growth-driven workplace where employees are empowered to achieve their best—both at work and in their personal lives.
     
    By investing in its workers, Samsung has created a workplace that doesn’t just manufacture world-class product but also builds futures, strengthens communities, and fosters loyalty.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing enters moderate aging society: official

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing has entered a moderate aging society, with the permanent elderly population in the city reaching 4.95 million by the end of 2023, a civil affairs official said Thursday.
    Guo Hanqiao, deputy chief of the municipal civil affairs bureau, told a press conference that the elderly accounted for 22.6 percent of the city’s total permanent population.
    Guo, also a bureau spokesman, said the city has developed a community-based nursing service model and plans to establish 100 elderly care service centers at subdistrict and township levels. As of Sept. 20, 60 of them had been completed.
    In addition, the city has stepped up professional home care to serve the bedridden elderly at home.
    He Jingtao, deputy director of the city’s commission of housing and urban-rural development, said other measures included elderly-oriented housing modifications, such as installing elevators at outdated residential communities.
    By the end of August, more than 4,200 elevators had been installed for such communities in the city, benefiting approximately 50,000 households, He said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation – 3:45 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in New York City, New York, on September 26, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t40Y6cg0-NU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: AppFolio to Unveil Powerful New Real Estate Industry Insights and Innovations at 2024 FUTURE Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppFolio (NASDAQ: APPF), the technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry, today announced the speaker line-up for FUTURE: The Real Estate Conference by AppFolio. The event will convene real estate professionals, speakers, technologists, and industry leaders for three days of innovation from October 28-30, 2024 in San Diego, CA.

    New York Times #1 Best-Selling Author Daniel Pink and Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings will deliver inspiring keynotes on the mainstage, which will also include talks from AppFolio CEO Shane Trigg, SVP of Product Kyle Triplett, and Industry Principal Stacy Holden. FUTURE will feature a musical performance from legendary R&B vocal group Boyz II Men at the Rady Shell.

    As the premier conference for real estate professionals, attendees will be able to explore more than 45 sessions led by over 60 industry speakers, including:

    • Stephanie Anderson, Senior Director of Communication and Social Media, Grace Hill
    • Dom Beveridge, Principal, 20for20
    • Mike Brewer, Co-Founder, Multifamily Media Network
    • Jordan Brooks, Senior Market Analyst, ALN Apartment Data
    • Daniel Craig, Chief Strategy Officer, ProfitCoach
    • Kristi Fickert, Vice President of Enterprise Growth, Realync
    • Sharon Wilson Géno, President, National Multifamily Housing Council
    • Ray Hespen, CEO and Co-Founder, Property Meld
    • Moses Kagan, Co-Founder and Partner, Adaptive Realty; Founder, Re-convene
    • Robert Pinnegar, President and CEO, National Apartment Association
    • Taimur Rashid, Managing Director, Generative AI Innovation & Delivery, Amazon Web Services

    At this year’s conference, attendees will experience:

    • Innovation that will transform the results of their business: Come away with a deeper perspective on the evolving landscape and the strategies that will define the future, including AI, affordable housing, transformation of the resident experience, and more.
    • New solutions and partners to elevate business: Discover the latest proptech solutions and platform innovations through demos from product experts and the growing network of AppFolio Stack™ partners.
    • Connections with the industry’s best and brightest: Foster relationships with other real estate professionals, speakers, technologists, and industry leaders through curated networking events.
    • Hands-on training opportunities: Master AppFolio workflows to reach goals through pre-event training and certification sessions; available to current AppFolio customers for an additional fee.

    “For more than a decade, our conference has sparked insights and connections AppFolio customers can use to more effectively operate and grow their businesses. This year, we’re elevating the experience by expanding into a premier real estate industry event,” said Lisa Horner, Senior Vice President of Marketing at AppFolio. “We’re thrilled to invite the real estate community to join us at FUTURE 2024, which will converge thought leadership, pioneering vision, and technology innovation to champion the future of real estate.”

    FUTURE 2024 Sponsors:

    • Platinum Sponsors: AvidXchange, Balanced Asset Solutions, REA.co
    • Gold Sponsors: Amazon Hub Apartment Locker, Banyan, Eng Flanders Group, Hunter Warfield, Pay Ready, Possession Partner, Proper AI, Property Meld, RentCheck, SafeRent, ShowMojo, Tenant Turner, zInspector
    • Silver Sponsors: Aldous & Associates, APM Help, Birdeye, Breezeway, ButterflyMX, Engrain, HappyCo, Hott Solutions, The KSC Group, LeadSimple, Livable, Livly, Lula, NetVendor, OJO Bookkeeping, One11 Advisors, Opiniion, Page Per Page, PetScreening, Quext, RemoteLock, REdirect Consulting, Zego
    • Experience Sponsor: Best Egg

    The FUTURE conference will take place from October 28-30, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. To learn more or register, visit futureconference.com.

    About AppFolio
    AppFolio is the technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry. Our innovative platform and trusted partnership enable our customers to connect communities, increase operational efficiency, and grow their business. For more information about AppFolio, visit appfolio.com.

    For more information, please contact:
    Mission North for AppFolio
    appfolio@missionnorth.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b9cdce4-672e-4497-a427-b42b582cc5ae

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo Acquires CultivateAI for its Verity Business Unit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) has acquired Cultivate Agricultural Intelligence, LLC (“CultivateAI”) for $6 million in cash, with the opportunity for the sellers to receive additional earn-out payments. Gevo will fold CultivateAI into its wholly owned Verity subsidiary to accelerate Verity’s business development and growth. CultivateAI is a proven business with expected 2024 revenue of $1.7 million and corresponding positive cash flow. CultivateAI provides agricultural data to clients through a software as a service (“SaaS”) platform.

    Gevo expects to combine CultivateAI’s digital agriculture data and analytics platform with Verity’s carbon accounting and tracking solutions to provide the highest quality data-driven solutions for carbon abatement in food, feed, fuels, and industrial markets, while simultaneously helping farmers improve their operations, sustainability, and profitability. CultivateAI’s SaaS platform is a cloud-based, mobile platform that helps farm operators, agronomists, ag-service providers, and researchers make informed, data-driven decisions with real-time analytics.

    “Adding CultivateAI and its inventive approach to Verity will help us grow revenue by providing the most complete set of data-driven analytics services to farmers, agronomists, and researchers,” said Dr. Paul Bloom, Head of Verity and Chief Carbon Officer of Gevo. “With this acquisition, Verity is speeding up our development and increasing the value we will deliver to our customers.”

    Verity is at the forefront of creating the ability to track, verify, and empirically value carbon intensity across the full carbon lifecycle. By adding the tools and existing business from CultivateAI, Verity will benefit from the addition of clients outside the biofuel segment as well as additional revenue streams.

    “We are constantly looking for this kind of development that delivers new streams of untapped revenue to the company,” said Dr. Pat Gruber, CEO of Gevo. “As we accelerate development of Verity, we expect to see these customer relationships and revenue opportunities grow as customers seek out new products and services that help them understand their businesses better. These new business elements support our mission of growing an efficient circular economy, and delivering shareholder returns by adding scalable revenue opportunities now.”

    About Gevo
    Gevo’s mission is to convert renewable energy and biogenic carbon into sustainable fuels and chemicals with a net zero or better carbon footprint. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of products, including sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials. Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities for these renewable fuels and other products. It currently runs one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States. It also owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo emphasizes the importance of sustainability by tracking and verifying the carbon footprint of its business systems through its Verity subsidiary.

    For more information, see http://www.gevo.com.

    About Verity
    Verity is at the forefront of creating the ability to track, verify, and empirically value carbon intensity across the full carbon lifecycle. Verity Holdings, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gevo, Inc.

    For more information, see http://www.veritytracking.com.

    About CultivateAI
    CultivateAI is a cloud-based, mobile platform that helps its customers make informed, data-driven decisions with real-time analytics. Its trusted insights are designed to help agricultural operations increase production, manage risk, and maximize profitability.

    For more information, see cultivateagi.com.

    Forward Looking Statement
    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, CultivateAI and its operations, the integration of CultivateAI into Verity, CultivateAI’s expected financial results and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

    Media Contact
    Lindsay Fitzgerald
    Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
    PR@gevo.com

    Investor Contact
    Eric Frey, PhD
    Vice President of Finance & Strategy
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Surat People’s Co-operative Bank Limited, Surat

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated September 23, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.60 lakh (Rupees Sixty One Lakh and Sixty Thousand only) on The Surat People’s Co-operative Bank Limited, Surat (the bank), for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters’, ‘Loans and advances to directors and their relatives, and firms/concerns in which they are interested’, ‘Maintenance of Deposit Accounts’ and ‘Customer Service’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty.

    The bank had:

    1. not classified loan accounts of certain borrowers as non-performing assets;

    2. sanctioned/ renewed loans where the relatives of directors were interested / stood as surety / guarantor;

    3. levied and recovered penal charges from certain inoperative savings bank/current accounts for non-maintenance of minimum balances in those accounts; and

    4. levied charges on certain customers for sending SMS alerts despite not having mobile numbers of such customers on record.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1167

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes GreenPoint Wealth Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC, announced today that financial advisors Jeff Minucci, CFP®, and David Ryzman, CFP®, have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. They reported having served approximately $150 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and join LPL from Osaic.

    For more than 20 years, Minucci and Ryzman have collaborated in various roles within the financial services industry, eventually becoming business partners in the independent space. They specialize in developing innovative strategies to help meet their clients’ retirement planning objectives and use robust financial education to encourage their clients to better understand their financial portfolios.

    “We believe in a comprehensive approach, which includes designing plans tailored to each individual client to help reduce risk and tax implications, while focusing on long-term performance, sustainable retirement income and effective estate protection,” Minucci said.

    With the move to LPL, the McKinney, Texas-based advisors have launched a new firm, GreenPoint Wealth Management.

    “We wanted to create our own identity and shape our practice on our terms,” Ryzman said. “After a thorough due diligence process, we felt LPL was the ideal landing spot to support our continued growth. We appreciate LPL’s strong reputation as a leading wealth management firm. We’ve also found that LPL has streamlined processes that make it much easier to do business, which then gives us more time to spend taking care of our clients.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We extend a warm welcome to Jeff and David and congratulate them on the launch of GreenPoint Wealth Management. Through integrated capabilities and comprehensive business management solutions, LPL is driving flexibility and efficiency, enabling independent financial advisors to focus on growth, entrepreneurialism and putting their clients first.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. GreenPoint Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (704) 996-1840

    Tracking #633622

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Companjon to enable global car rental company Carwiz to offer its customers the opportunity to cancel their reservations for any reason and receive compensation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The partnership agreement was signed today by representatives from both parties during Carwiz’s third annual company conference in Zagreb, Croatia
    • The Cancel For Any Reason protection is a first in the global car rental industry and will initially be available for reservations made within the EEA
    • Carwiz customers can receive up to 80% of the value of their booking if they need to cancel – no questions asked, no documentation required
    • Companjon will serve as technology provider, underwriter, and risk carrier

    DUBLIN, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading insurtech Companjon today signed a partnership agreement with Carwiz International, one of the fastest growing car rental franchise companies worldwide, to offer Carwiz customers the ability to cancel their reservations for any reason and recover most of the booking cost. The offering, initially available to customers booking within the EEA, is an industry-first and is a key part of Carwiz’s ambition to deliver top-tier car rental services. Companjon will serve as the technology provider, underwriter, and risk carrier of the cancellation protection.

    Carwiz customers will be able to add-on Cancel For Any Reason at the time of booking for an additional fee that is optimized to the specific details of the car rental. The customer can then seamlessly cancel their booking up to 48 hours before the rental start time – no questions asked, no documentation required – and receive up to 80% of the booking cost. The payout is offered to the customer instantly upon confirmation of cancellation.

    Carwiz CEO, Krešimir Dobrilović, said “We are excited to sign this agreement today, in the presence of the larger Carwiz team, which demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with an exceptional car rental experience. The ability to cancel for any reason, an industry first, creates a new level of flexibility and convenience for customers who are faced with unexpected situations and circumstances. We look forward to continuing our work with Companjon to launch this unique protection to any customer booking from within the EEA in the following weeks.”

    Companjon CEO, Matthias Naumann, said: “We are proud to be Carwiz’s trusted insurtech partner and enable them to raise the standard for customer experience in the car rental industry with our Cancel For Any Reason solution. We share in Carwiz’s ambition to go where no one has gone before and applaud their boldness to set themselves apart from their competition by being ‘right there when life happens’ for their customers. We look forward to launching the offering with them before year’s end and celebrating its success with the Carwiz team in due course.”

    Companjon, established in 2020, seeks to change the way people think about insurance. The company has implemented a variety of tailored, dynamic insurtech products with globally recognized brands in the travel, mobility, live events and entertainment, and fintech sectors. Its unparalleled end-to-end solution design leverages the latest technology, like machine learning and artificial intelligence, to delight its business partners’ customers through protection that enhances flexibility and convenience across 32 countries in Europe and North America.

    About Companjon 

    Companjon is a leading B2B2C insurtech start-up specializing in fully digital, AI-driven embedded insurance. Its modern, end-to-end insurance solutions enable companies to delight their customers and drive more business value from stronger brand loyalty and new ancillary revenue opportunities. Companjon designs, builds, and underwrites its dynamic solutions on a 100% cloud-based platform capable of issuing 32,000 policies per second, integrating API gateways easily, and leveraging the latest advanced technology. It has been recognized as one of the World’s Top Insurtech Companies 2024 by CNBC and one of the world’s most innovative insurtechs by FinTech Global for three consecutive years (2021-2023).

    Companjon seeks to change the way people think about insurance by creating seamless and positive experiences when things don’t go as planned: being right there when ‘life’ happens. The company is registered in Ireland and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

    http://www.companjon.com

    Media Contact:
    Kimberly Littlefield
    +353 (0)86 107 0416
    press@companjon.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Boldly Welcomes Meta’s Neural Control Entry to the AR/VR/XR Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yokneam Ilit, Israel, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in AI-based gesture control technology, today applauded Meta’s entrance into the gesture control space with its announcement at Meta Connect 2024.

    “Welcome, Meta. Seriously,” declared Wearable Devices’ Chief Executive Officer Asher Dahan. “Competition only fosters innovation, and we are encouraged to see Meta’s nascent commitment to the neural interface sector which we at Wearable Devices have been advancing and perfecting for over a decade.”

    With its award-winning Mudra Band and Mudra Link neural gesture control devices, both of which empower users with hands-free digital navigation, Wearable Devices long ago redefined the way people interact with technology. The Company has repeatedly demonstrated the transformative nature of neural interface technology, enabling users to control digital environments using their thoughts and intentions, opening new doors for hands-free interaction with devices and digital experiences.

    “Meta’s new move into this field validates the immense potential and growing importance of neural control,” added Mr. Dahan. “Clearly, we at Wearable Devices have been onto something big all along as the trailblazers in neural wearables, and we look forward to continuing to push boundaries alongside other key players in the space.”

    In the past year, the Mudra Band has enhanced the experience of thousands of users, showcasing its proven value. While Meta presented its neural wristband as a ‘Purposeful Product Prototype’ for smart glasses, we offer a versatile solution that controls computers, applications, and smart glasses.

    Wearable Devices has long been at the forefront of gesture control innovation, having won the prestigious ‘Best of CES Innovation Award’ in 2021 for its Mudra Band, the first neural interface wristband.

    For more information, visit http://www.wearabledevices.co.il.

    About Wearable Devices Ltd.

    Wearable Devices Ltd. is a growth company developing AI-based neural input interface technology for the B2C and B2B markets. The Company’s flagship product, the Mudra Band for Apple Watch, integrates innovative AI-based technology and algorithms into a functional, stylish wristband that utilizes proprietary sensors to identify subtle finger and wrist movements allowing the user to “touchlessly” interact with connected devices. The Company also markets a B2B product, which utilizes the same technology and functions as the Mudra Band and is available to businesses on a licensing basis. Wearable Devices Is committed to creating disruptive, industry leading technology that leverages AI and proprietary algorithms, software, and hardware to set the input standard for the Extended Reality, one of the most rapidly expanding landscapes in the tech industry. The Company’s ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq market under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW”, respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the benefits and advantages of the Company’s devices and technology . All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 15, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Walter Frank
    IMS Investor Relations
    203.972.9200
    wearabledevices@imsinvestorrelations.com

    Media Contact:

    Steve Schuster
    Rainier Communications
    steve@rainierco.com
    +1-508-868-5892

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference: Presentations Now Available for Online Viewing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series, today announced the presentations from the Deutsche Bank Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference (“dbVIC”) held September 24th and 25th are now available for online viewing.

    REGISTER NOW AT: https://bit.ly/3ZHifQf

    The company presentations will be available 24/7 for 90 days.

    September 24th


    September 25    th

    To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit http://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Media Contact: 
    OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hanwell, Oromocto, St. Stephen — RCMP issue 160 tickets during traffic enforcement operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A recent RCMP traffic enforcement operation in the Southwestern region of the province has resulted in 160 tickets being issues, and eight vehicles being towed.

    On September 19, 20 and 21, 2024, members of the New Brunswick RCMP’s Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit (TTEU) conducted a traffic enforcement operation in the Hanwell, Oromocto and St. Stephen, N.B., areas.

    In total, police issued 160 tickets and eight vehicles were towed under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. These included 83 tickets for speeding, 26 of which for speeding over 25 km/hr over the posted speed limit.

    Furthermore, 77 tickets for various infractions were issued, including 19 vehicles with no current inspection certificate and 16 tickets for an expired vehicle registration, 17 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, and eight tickets for using a hand-operated electronic device while driving.

    Police also arrested one individual on outstanding warrants, two individuals for driving while impaired, and one prohibited driver. A number of warnings were also issued.

    “We all have a role to play when it comes to making our roads and communities safer,” says Sgt. Ghislain David with the Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit.

    The RCMP’s TTEU conducts regular, targeted traffic enforcement on roadways throughout the province with the goals of improving road safety, educating motorists about traffic laws, and to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions.

    The public can also assist in keeping dangerous drivers off the road by reporting them to police. If you see a dangerous or a suspected impaired driver, call 911. Your description of the driver, vehicle, licence plate number and direction of travel can assist police in making New Brunswick roads safer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: That’s a wrap: deal done for biggest sport and health investment in region

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A mind-boggling 26 leases and other legal agreements, three key sports teams, numerous sports funding and community organisations – the starting pistol has well and truly been fired on the biggest sport and health investment Plymouth has seen since the opening of the Life Centre.

    Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth Albion RFC, Plymouth City Council and Devonport Community Leisure Limited have now finished the negotiations and deals around parcels of land and buildings in and around the Brickfields site in Devonport.

    With the complex paperwork complete, start on site for this transformational project is about to get underway.

    Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sports and Leisure said: “It’s been a hugely complex scheme and is the most significant sports pitch hub development in Devon and Cornwall. All the players involved have been dedicated to the idea of this transformational sports regeneration scheme – not just for the elite super fit athletes but for creating revitalised facilities for the people of Plymouth – and Devonport in particular – to help them remain healthy and well.”

    To give an idea of the complexities behind the scheme, Devonport Community Leisure Ltd had to relinquish their lease on the Brickfields building to enable the work on the hub to start. The hub is going to be run by Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, who have considerable experience of managing a community hub at Manadon. The athletic club is getting a new club house, but that means the old one will need to be demolished.

    All the facilities had to comply with the exacting standards of the sports organisations in terms of ensuring the pitches are built to the right specifications. The timetabling of planned work is all designed to cause as little interruption as possible to programmed sporting events. Tied into all of these are funding agreements from organisations such as the Football Foundation and the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.

    Part of this massive puzzle has included creating a pétanque terrain nearby for Plymouth Petanque club who had a terrain on the Brickfields site. Ensuring there is capacity for parking for visitors was also another consideration – and an underused car park is to be utilised at weekends for visitors.

    Stoke Damerel Community College is to become the new home of hockey for the west of Plymouth, with a new, 2G sand pitch for both school and community use with modern flood lighting for all year round use. It will also be used for other sports and for the day-to-day PE needs of the college. A smaller rubber-crumb 3G surface is being built for football and contact rugby training and will replace the standing 20-year-old artificial surface. An improved grass playing pitch is also planned.

    Work on these facilities is underway but for now all eyes are on the start of work at Brickfields. At the core of the proposals is a new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s youth wing, the Argyle Academy, and Plymouth Argyle Women.

    Extensive community and sport facilities include new grass and all-weather 3G pitches, athletics facilities for the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and other users, play zones exclusively for public use, better public access, landscaped public areas, and parking.

    Work on the community hub on the site of the former Brickfields sports centre has been progressing. The new hub, which will deliver much needed accessible and affordable community space to connect people and offer a wide range of wellbeing services.

    Who is involved: the big players

    • Plymouth City Council
    • Plymouth Argyle FC
    • Plymouth Argyle Community Trust
    • Plymouth Albion RFC
    • Devonport Community Leisure Ltd

    On the team:

    • Livewell South West
    • City of Plymouth Athletic Club
    • Plymouth Petanque
    • Football Foundation
    • Sport England
    • Rugby Football Union
    • England Hockey
    • The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS)
    • Ministry of Defence

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A graduate of the State University of Management is among the best athletes of Russia in BMX sports

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    A graduate of the Department of Management in the Sports and Fitness Industry of the IOM GUU, Alexander Katyshev, repeatedly takes the top step of the podium at BMX competitions.

    This summer, Alexander won four gold medals at the Russian BMX Championship and became the winner of several stages of the Russian Cup.

    “Every year the level of competitions grows, and I want to thank everyone involved in the creation and implementation of such a great event,” the athlete shared on his page.

    In September, the GUU graduate once again added to his stock of gold medals by taking first place at the IX stage of the Russian Cup.

    We congratulate Alexander on his well-deserved awards and wish him further victories and outstanding achievements!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/26/2024

    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.

    A graduate of the State University of Management is among the best athletes of Russia in BMX sports

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: LAUNCH MEETING Master planning and innovative financial solutions to support the implementation of the Yashil Makon initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The Yashil Makon Initiative is a nationwide program launched by the Government of Uzbekistan to transform environments across the country through sustainable development practices. This initiative seeks to expand and enhance green spaces, promote environmental stewardship, and improve the overall quality of life for citizens. It aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its national strategy for environmental sustainability.

    To support the successful implementation of the Yashil Makon Initiative of Uzbekistan, a collaborative project involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been established. This project focuses on integrating comprehensive master planning with innovative financial solutions, create income-generating opportunities for communities in Surkhandarya to ensure the initiative is not only sustainable but also scalable across Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes.

    The Launch Meeting was designed to formally introduce the project and bring together key stakeholders to discuss its strategic direction, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. This meeting provided overview of the project, detailing its goals, key components, and timeline. It served
    as a platform to foster collaboration among the Government of Uzbekistan, UNDP, UNECE, UNHCR, and other essential partners, establishing a robust framework for cooperation. During the meeting, participants explored the master planning approaches that will be applied to the Yashil Makon Initiative, ensuring that afforestation activities are sustainable and aligned with the initiative’s goals. The meeting also emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, facilitating dialogue
    on the roles and contributions of various stakeholders, including government entities.

    Photo credit: UNDP Uzbekistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NDA group investing in our communities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group has today published its 2023 to 2024 socio-economic report detailing a record investment in projects across the UK.

    NDA socio-economic report 2023 to 2024

    Over the last five years, the NDA group has invested £60 million in projects that enable permanent and sustainable change in its site communities, leveraging many millions more from partners.

    The NDA is tasked with decommissioning the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and sustainably. Its mission is unique in that it’s required to have regard for the impact of its activities on communities living near its sites.

    NDA Director of Socio-Economics, Jamie Reed, said: “We believe that decommissioning activities should benefit local communities and that we must provide a positive legacy once our work is completed.

    “We work in partnership with local stakeholders to better understand the economic priorities I their area and how we can deliver maximum value.

    “We are immensely proud of our work with local communities to date and the vast variety of projects we’ve supported, and are very ambitious to make further progress.”

    In 2023 to 2024, the NDA group invested over £14 million of direct socio-economic funding. The report details how and where this money has been invested, including case studies reflecting how the NDA group works with communities, stakeholders and colleagues to use its funding to maximum effect. 

    These include:

    • Growing Well – a charity in West Cumbria supporting the recovery of adults suffering from mental ill health through engagement in horticultural activities. NDA is providing £195,000 in grant funding to support the extension of the project into Egremont – supporting people close to its sites whilst also providing a source of locally grown fruit and vegetable produce.

    • SOFEA – enabling disadvantaged young people in South Oxfordshire to engage with learning, skills development and work, and providing a number of social purpose projects, including community larders for those experiencing food poverty. A new training kitchen has been installed thanks to a £608,000 grant co-funded between Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) and NDA.

    • Willie Mackie Skills Hub – the primary location in North Ayrshire for college students, primary and secondary school pupils, employers and their workforces, and residents to access high quality STEM vocational skills training. It received £499,000 in funding from the NDA and NRS, and in its first year 219 students enrolled in construction technology, trades and renewables courses.

    The report follows the publication of the NDA group’s new Social Impact and Communities Strategy in April 2024 which set out how it works to deliver the maximum positive social impact based upon the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and independently produced economic impact assessments.

    The Social Impact and Communities Strategy aims to deliver against the following six strategic themes:

    • Resilient economies – enabling and supporting the conditions for local economic output, improved productivity, and growth.
    • Thriving communities – enabling and supporting the conditions for social cohesion, supporting disadvantaged groups and other social benefits.
    • Sustainable incomes – improving aspirations and access to work through a programme of high impact education, skills, personal development and employability support activities.
    • Sustainable growth – reflecting the importance of the climate agenda and working to achieve economic, social and competitive advantage for nuclear communities by integrating sustainable growth into socio economic interventions.
    • Social value chains – working closely with suppliers to create social impacts with the supply chain.
    • Collective impact – leveraging social impact and investment by working with stakeholders, partners and communities to practice an integrated approach and culture of delivery.

    You can read the full report here NDA socio-economic report 2023 to 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preparations for the Guild Lounge underway

    Source: City of Preston

    It’ll be alright on the night – Work is full speed ahead at the Guild Lounge

    A team of tradesmen are hard at work behind the scenes to make sure the Guild Lounge venue at the Guild Hall is glitterball ready, ahead of its official opening launch in October.

    The Guild Lounge, formerly the Guild Hall Foyer, will open to the public on Thursday 3 October with its first show in an extensive Winter programme of events – Disco Inferno – an all singing, all dancing celebration of the best of 70’s disco!

    Watch the promotional video and buy tickets for this high energy, Studio 54 revival.

    Councillor Anna Hindle Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council said:

    “It’s full steam ahead behind the scenes as we prepare for opening night. There is a lot to do from new lighting, new heating, re-upholstering chairs, installing a new sound system, upgrading the lighting rigs, painting, woodwork, creating a new stage, new signage, branding, the list goes on, but the professional team are 100% dedicated and on schedule.

    “This marks a new start for the Guild Hall, with a wide variety of shows and entertainment, there’s something here for everyone. Ticket sales are going well and we’re looking forward to sell out nights at the Guild Hall once again.”

    The Guild Lounge is set to breathe fresh life into Preston’s entertainment scene, offering a carefully curated programme that spans a diverse range of performances. From chart-topping tribute acts and live music to theatre productions and community showcases, The Guild Lounge will host events designed to appeal to all audiences.

    As part of the venue’s transformation, a 350-seat studio theatre has been developed to provide an intimate, dynamic setting for performances. A significant step in establishing Preston as a go-to destination for quality live events, helping to re-engage audiences and bring vibrancy back to the city’s nightlife.

    This redevelopment plays a crucial role in the city’s efforts to revitalise its entertainment landscape, ensuring the venue remains a cornerstone of Preston’s cultural scene.

    More shows continue to be added to the Winter programme, and a full list of currently available shows, how to buy tickets and to sign up to a free Guild Lounge newsletter with event news and updates:

    Visit the Guild Hall website for a full list of available shows

    Additional Information

    Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s speech at Bloomberg Buy-Side Forum Hong Kong (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Bloomberg Buy-Side Forum Hong Kong today (September 26): Jeffrey (Global Head of Buy-Side Enterprise Sales of Bloomberg, Mr Jeffrey Leckstein), Manju (APAC Head of Buy-Side Product Sales of Bloomberg, Ms Manju Sakhrani), Irene (Head of Sales, Greater China Buy-Side of Bloomberg, Ms Irene Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,     Good morning. I am very delighted to join you all at the Bloomberg Buy-Side Forum Hong Kong. This flagship event brings together influential business leaders and decision makers to explore timely and transformative topics that are reshaping the asset and wealth management industry. And this is very timely. Just last week the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.5 percentage points. Hong Kong quickly followed suit and the news was cheered by investors and financial markets. Also, Hong Kong ranked third globally in the Global Financial Centres Index 36 Report published two days ago, up by one place from the previous issue. Back in April this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Michael Bloomberg in New York to discuss global financial trends. During my visit to the Big Apple, I also spoke about the “ABCs” of Hong Kong’s role as a global financial centre: an “anchor” for financial stability, a “buffer” against risk and a “capstan” with a strategic location in Asia. Today I would like to focus on the “D” word – “dividends”Overview     Today’s agenda explores new prospects for growth and innovation in the Asia Pacific markets, covering key topics including risk management, automation, data and technology, and more. A common factor is that all of these topics are conducive to long-term, sustainable growth and dividends for investors and the industry.     As with our ongoing efforts to boost Hong Kong’s position as the region’s premier international financial centre, Hong Kong offers three distinct types of dividends, namely “diversification”, “succession” and “silver” dividends. These will surely help investors and the industry embrace new opportunities and unleash their potential. Let me tell you how.Diversification dividend     First, Hong Kong is well poised to provide a diversification dividend with our unique geographical, functional, product and service offerings. All this ensures an excellent platform for diversification, supported by our “one country, two systems” advantages and our role as a financial “super connector” linking Mainland China and global markets. We offer abundant investment opportunities, a full suite of professional services and a top-notch regulatory framework.     In terms of investment opportunities, last year the AUM (assets under management) of Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business reached about US$4 trillion (HK$31.193 trillion). What’s more, over half of the funds were sourced from international investors outside Hong Kong and the Mainland. In fact, in 2023, Hong Kong was the world’s second-largest cross-boundary wealth management centre, after Switzerland. Hong Kong is also Asia’s largest hedge fund hub and our private equity capital under management ranks second in Asia after the Mainland.     As China’s hub for offshore Renminbi (RMB) business, Hong Kong holds about one trillion in RMB deposits, and processes about 80 per cent of the global offshore RMB payments. We will continue to expand our RMB-denominated investment and risk-management products to suit users’ needs. For the wider financial market, we will also continue to diversify and deepen the products and services we offer, ranging from new fund structures to listing platforms.Mutual access     Mutual market access between the Mainland and Hong Kong continues to expand in scope and capacity. Up to August this year, the total turnover (including buy and sell trades) of northbound trading of Stock Connect reached about RMB20,000 billion, while that of southbound trading exceeded HK$5,600 billion. This demonstrates our pivotal role for international and Mainland enterprises as well as investors to raise funds and make investments.     The Hong Kong stock market has also seen many recent achievements. The average daily turnover of ETFs (exchange traded funds) listed in Hong Kong reached HK$11.8 billion in 2023, an increase of 20 per cent compared to 2022 (HK$9.8 billion). The derivatives market also saw the average daily trading volume of futures and options reaching 1.35 million contracts last year, further rising to over 1.5 million contracts in the first half of this year. This showcases Hong Kong’s ongoing development as an international risk management centre.     In April, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced five new measures to support the development of Hong Kong’s financial sector. These include expanding the scope of ETFs under Stock Connect as implemented in July. The measures would also bring long-term structural enhancements to the Hong Kong market, such as including REITs (real estate investment trusts) under Stock Connect, further enriching the choice of products available.Green and sustainable finance     Meanwhile, sustainable development and technology are the emerging major forces shaping the financial industry. Demand for green finance is growing worldwide, as part of the global green transformation. Statistics show that the Asian region will require some US$66 trillion in climate investment over the next 30 years.     Zooming into Hong Kong’s green and sustainable finance market, the total green and sustainable debt (including both bonds and loans) issued in Hong Kong amounted to US$50 billion. Among which, the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong topped the Asian market, accounting for 37 per cent of the total share.        We will continue to develop Hong Kong into an international green technology and green finance centre through five key directions, namely building a green technology ecosystem; green finance application and innovation; green certification and alignment with international standards; training talents; and enhancing exchanges and co-operation with the Greater Bay Area and international markets.Virtual assets and fintech     Hong Kong is a prime destination for the development of digital finance and for fintech companies to establish or expand their business locally, regionally and globally. We are home to eight virtual banks, four virtual insurers and two licensed virtual assets trading platforms. There are also around 1 000 fintech companies operating in Hong Kong. They cover a variety of businesses including mobile payment, cross-border wealth management, AI (artificial intelligence) financial consultancy, wealth and investment management, regulatory technology and many more.     With the rapid development of the virtual asset market, Hong Kong issued the Policy Statement on Development of Virtual Assets in October 2022. We are also among the first jurisdictions to adopt a comprehensive framework to regulate virtual asset activities with robust investor protection.     Premising on a balance between appropriate regulation and market development, we will continue to provide an enabling environment and support measures. This will help to sustain the development of digital and decentralised finance, and facilitate responsible and healthy industry development. For example, we are actively establishing regulatory regimes for both stablecoin issuers and over-the-counter (OTC) trading of virtual assets. We will introduce the bill for regulating stablecoin issuers into the Legislative Council within this year. We are also reviewing the consultation feedback for virtual asset OTC trading to examine ways to improve the proposed regulatory framework.Succession dividend     Moving on to succession dividend, which is growing in prominence here. That’s because Hong Kong is home to over 2 700 single-family offices and 12 500 ultra-high-net-worth individuals. These figures speak of the city’s appeal for family offices and asset owners looking to diversify their asset portfolios and sustain family wealth for future generations.     Last year, we published the Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong. Since then, a series of measures have been implemented to create a favourable environment for wealth management and succession planning, adding to the already diverse investment opportunities available in the city.     To name a few, the profits tax exemption regime for single family offices’ eligible investments was introduced last year, to provide tax certainty and attract family offices to set up in Hong Kong. We also launched the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) in March this year, offering a clear pathway for asset owners to reside and pursue development in Hong Kong. The new scheme has been well-received by asset owners and talents outside Hong Kong. So far, we have received over 550 applications, potentially bringing HK$16.5 billion of capital to the city.     Besides attracting professionals, we are also committed to nurturing talents for the family office sector. Last year, we established the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy. The Academy not only provides training but also fosters collaboration, networking and knowledge-sharing between the industry and next-generation asset owners.     This brings me to a fast-emerging category of impact investing. We are working to foster charitable endeavours that would make a positive impact on society. The Academy will launch the “Impact Link” later this year. It will provide a repository platform to connect family offices and asset owners with high-potential and high-social impact charitable programmes. This will further enhance family offices’ engagement in charitable projects to create positive change and realise the full potential of philanthropy.     Art collections and investments are also gaining popularity among family offices, and Hong Kong is an ideal hub for this with our simple tax system and zero tariff on art trading. We are the second-biggest city for contemporary art sales after New York, recording US$414 million in the year 2022-23. By leveraging Hong Kong’s rich art and culture scene, we will continue to consolidate our position as a leading art exhibition and trading centre to create a dynamic ecosystem for art collection and investments for family offices and other investors.     Beyond creating a thriving family office ecosystem, we recognise that each family office has its unique needs and preferences. The dedicated family office team of Invest Hong Kong is here to offer one-stop support services specifically catered to the needs of each family office. Through key events such as the annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, we will continue to deepen our connections with global family offices, supporting their evolving needs and garnering dividends from succession and legacy planning.Silver dividend     My third topic today is the silver dividend. Similar to many developed economies, Hong Kong faces the challenge of a rapidly ageing population. By 2046, over one-third of our population will be aged 65 or above. While this trend poses significant challenges, it also creates opportunities.     Among other things, an ageing population underscores the importance of accumulating sufficient savings to support post-retirement life. With this in mind, the Government launched the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) system back in 2000, to help our workforce save up for their retirement. As of June this year, our MPF system was managing a total of HK$1,230 billion of assets, representing an increase of about 126 per cent over the past 10 years. MPF investment with stable returns     Enabling the general public to feel and share the benefits brought about by the development of financial services has always been our goal. In recent years, our society, particularly among those who will soon retire, has clear aspirations for financial products that offer stable returns amid a changing economic environment. This is evident in the overwhelming response to the Silver Bond issuance last year – where the total application amount (around HK$71.7 billion) and the number of applications (323 789 valid applications) were at record highs.     Likewise, our MPF scheme members have similar aspirations. The Government and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) persistently strive to widen the scope of permissible investments to improve risk-adjusted returns. For instance, in June 2022, the Central People’s Government, the People’s Bank of China, and the three Mainland policy banks were added to the list of “exempt authority” to facilitate MPF investment in sovereign bonds. It provides scheme members with greater access to one of the world’s largest bond markets. In June last year, we also put in place a mechanism to earmark a certain proportion of Government green bonds for priority investment by MPF funds.     These measures allow MPF fund managers to consider more investment instruments with stable returns in their portfolio management for the benefit of scheme members. As of June this year, MPF funds invested HK$8.3 billion and HK$600 million in sovereign bonds and government green bonds respectively, representing an increase of 159 per cent and 50 per cent respectively before the facilitative measures were put in place.Diversification and optimisation of MPF investment     We believe that our robust asset and wealth management industry is serving the MPF system well. It offers world-class investment management services along with a diverse range of financial products and innovative market arrangements.     In view of the growing internationalisation of the Mainland’s equity market, back in 2020, we included the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in the list of “approved stock exchanges”, facilitating MPF investments into Mainland A-shares. Since the inclusion of the two stock exchanges, the exposure of MPF funds to Mainland A-shares has soared by 111 per cent to HK$24 billion as of June this year. Not only has this been welcomed by the market, it also provides more diversified investment opportunities for MPF assets.Fee reduction and eMPF Platform     Apart from offering a more diversified range of investment products for MPF scheme members, the Government and the MPFA are determined to explore and take forward more cost saving initiatives by leveraging innovation and technology. Launched in June this year, the eMPF Platform is a good example of how innovation and technology could resolve long-standing pain points in MPF scheme administration. They also create room for fee reductions for the ultimate benefit of scheme members.     We expect that the eMPF Platform will be fully implemented by end-2025. Through standardising, streamlining and automating different MPF administration processes, this first-of-its-kind centralised platform will significantly reduce the average MPF administration fee. This publicly funded digital infrastructure will also lower the entry barrier for newcomers to the MPF industry.   Closing     Ladies and gentlemen, I know you have a busy day ahead. So let me conclude by stressing the importance of joining hands in building, investing and enjoying the diversification dividend, succession dividend and silver dividend in Hong Kong. This forum is the perfect opportunity to share ideas and strengthen collaboration to achieve a more stable, sustainable and prosperous financial future in Hong Kong and far beyond.     I wish you all a rewarding forum today and the best of health and business. Thank you. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A two-section house with underground parking is being built under the renovation program in Kuzminki

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On Yunyh Lenintsev Street (land plot No. 97/4) in the Kuzminki district, construction of a residential complex under the renovation program continues. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “Work is underway in the new building to install monolithic structures at the seventh floor level. It will consist of two sections of variable number of storeys. The building also includes underground parking for 57 cars,” Vladislav Ovchinsky specified.

    The sections will contain 188 apartments with improved finishing, fully in line with renovation standards, approved by the decree of the Moscow Government. In order for the house to fit harmoniously into the architectural ensemble of the area, its facades will be made of suspended three-layer wall panels faced with sawn bricks of beige shades. In addition, metal baskets for air conditioners will be installed on the facades, and the entrance groups will be decorated with stained glass.

    The area around the house will be improved and landscaped: trees and bushes will be planted, lawns will be laid and flower beds will be laid out, a children’s playground with a safe rubber surface, a sports ground, as well as an area for quiet recreation for adults will be built.

    The construction of residential buildings under the renovation program is monitored throughout all stages by the Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow (Mosgosstroynadzor). As its head noted Anton Slobodchikov, the construction of the house has been underway since May 2023. During this time, inspectors carried out five on-site inspections, during which they assessed the quality of the work and materials used.

    “In addition to concreting, the site is performing waterproofing of the underground parking floor slab and installation of internal utility lines,” added Anton Slobodchikov.

    All information about the renovation program is presented on the mos.ru portal. You can find out more about apartments and houses under the program by link.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It covers about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement, which allowed the resettlement of over 47 thousand people. Sergei Sobyanin instructed speed up the implementation of the renovation program by two times.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of housing has doubled: from three million to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144475073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –