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Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov visited one of the largest elevator manufacturing companies in Russia

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    September 20, 2024

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    Denis Manturov visited the Moscow elevator manufacturing company MEL

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov visited the Moscow enterprise “MEL”.

    MEL has been manufacturing lifting and transport equipment for over 70 years and today specializes in the production of elevators, including high-speed elevators, transformer substations and electrical equipment. Today, the company manufactures elevators with a lifting speed of up to 4 meters per second and is one of the five largest elevator manufacturers, and by the end of this year it is planned to receive a certificate for elevators with a speed of up to 7 meters per second. Russian elevator manufacturers were able to increase production volumes and master new competencies after Western manufacturers left the country: over the past two years, the volume of elevators introduced by MEL has more than doubled.

    “Guaranteed demand for Russian elevator products, including those manufactured by this site, is provided by the elevator replacement program supervised by the Ministry of Construction. Our manufacturers have room to grow, and they are trying not to miss this opportunity, occupying the vacant niches in the market. The state provides them with all the necessary support in this,” Denis Manturov noted.

    In particular, the support measures offered by the Moscow government help industrialists implement innovative projects, develop new products, expand enterprises and meet market needs. Thus, as part of a large-scale investment project, the MEL plant opened the production of high-speed elevators with a speed of up to 4 meters per second and received a certificate for serial production of this equipment in early 2024. The new workshop will allow the enterprise to increase the annual volume of manufactured products by almost 1.5 times – from 2.7 thousand to 4 thousand units. In addition, 85 people will be able to find employment here.

    During the visit, issues of industry development were discussed, including those related to the protection of the domestic market. According to the company’s management, it is necessary so that the Russian elevator-building industry can fully reveal its potential and implement all planned investment projects.

    Today, the plant is among the top 5 domestic elevator manufacturers. About 65% of the company’s products are supplied to the Moscow region, the remaining 35% – to other regions of the country. In April 2023, the city assigned the plant the status of an industrial complex, which gives the right to tax benefits. Thanks to this support measure, the company’s annual savings can reach 33.1 million rubles. The company can invest the proceeds in its own development, expansion of the product range and the acquisition of modern equipment.

    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://government.ru/nevs/52764/

    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 Russia: Tatyana Golikova: There are already over 400 thousand donors in the bone marrow donor registry

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova addressed participants of the donor movement with a video greeting on World Bone Marrow Donor Day.

    Dear friends!

    Video greeting from Tatyana Golikova to participants of the donor movement on World Bone Marrow Donor Day

    9 hours ago

    On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I congratulate all participants in the donor movement on World Bone Marrow Donor Day.

    In our country, more than a thousand patients require unrelated bone marrow transplantation every year.

    On September 1, 2022, on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Federal Registry of Bone Marrow and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donors began operating. The authority to maintain and develop the registry has been assigned to the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, which has extensive experience and expertise in this area.

    With the support of the Government, funding has been increased for the typing of donors entering the register to timely expand the donor base. This has led to significant results. Thus, if in 2021 it was possible to provide bone marrow transplantation only to every second patient and doctors were forced to search for a donor in international databases, then by the end of 2023 we have already reached 75% of unrelated transplants from Russian donors.

    Since 2024, federal funding has provided for the full cycle of work – from donor recruitment to bone marrow procurement.

    In addition, the Government has initiated the issue and, since 2024, federal funding has been provided for the search for donors from international registries and the import of donor bone marrow into Russia, which completely removes the issue of providing our citizens with transplant material.

    Thanks to the availability of information about bone marrow donation, citizens are actively joining the registry in all regions of the country. There are now more than 400 thousand donors in it. And their number is increasing every day.

    I sincerely thank all donors of Russia and the world. Your mercy inspires, your noble act gives a chance for life to seriously ill patients, including children.

    I would especially like to note that donation unites complete strangers, groups, charitable organizations, volunteers, representatives of government and commercial structures and gives everyone the opportunity to show compassion and solidarity.

    I also congratulate the blood service specialists, volunteers, and partners of the donor movement. You are doing a great job by telling about the importance of bone marrow donation and involving others in this good mission.

    Let the donor movement continue to develop successfully, making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of the citizens of our country. Happy holiday!

    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://government.ru/nevs/52752/

    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 China: Xi stresses cultivating more high-caliber cadres for Xinjiang

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 21 — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed cultivating more loyal, upright, responsible and high-caliber cadres for Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction, which was read out at a symposium held on Saturday to mark the 70th anniversary of a training program for ethnic cadres in Xinjiang under the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Media Statement of the Twenty-Ninth AEM – Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    The Twenty-Ninth AEM-Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER Consultation was held on 21 September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Consultation was cochaired by H.E. Malaithong KOMMASITH, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR; Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade, Australia; and the Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade, New Zealand. The Meeting also welcomed the participation of H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.The Meeting noted that the economies of ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. The total two-way trade between ASEAN and Australia reached a total value of USD 121.9 billion in 2023, based on Australia’s data. The Meeting also noted that the total two-way trade between New Zealand and ASEAN reached a total value of USD 16.54 billion in 2023, based on New Zealand’s data. According to Australia’s and New Zealand’s data, Australia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) flow to ASEAN in 2023 amounted at USD 243 million, while New Zealand’s FDI flow to ASEAN for the same year was valued at USD 61.54 million.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Joint Media Statement of the Twenty-Ninth AEM – Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Asylum: sharp decline in the number of applicants from the Maghreb in federal centres

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    State Secretariat for Migration

    Bern-Wabern, 21.09.2024 – Since the introduction of the 24-hour procedure in the Zurich Region in November 2023, the number of asylum seekers from the Maghreb states has fallen by 42% in the federal asylum centres. Thanks to the new procedures, the average time to obtain an asylum decision at first instance has been reduced from 52 days to 17 days. This significantly reduces the pressure on the Confederation’s asylum structures. The number of security incidents in the federal asylum centres has also fallen by 42%.

    Since the end of April 2024, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has been processing asylum applications filed by applicants from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya under the 24-hour procedure. The main stages of the procedure are completed within 24 hours, with free legal protection remaining guaranteed at all times. This procedure also allows asylum seekers to consult a health professional at very short notice, which makes it possible to quickly identify vulnerable people. Given that the majority of people from these countries have already been registered in other European states, the SEM can request their readmission under the Dublin Agreement much more quickly than before; once this request has been accepted, repatriation can be carried out.

    Half of asylum decisions are made within 11 days

    Since the 24-hour procedure was introduced on a trial basis in the Zurich Region in mid-November 2023 for asylum seekers from countries with very low asylum grant rates, the number of applicants from Maghreb states has fallen by 42% in the Confederation’s structures. This decline has even reached 64% in the Zurich Region. Since the introduction of the new procedures, it takes an average of 17 days to obtain an asylum decision at first instance, and 50% of procedures are completed within 11 days, compared to an average of 52 days previously. Once the SEM has completed the procedural steps, it still has to wait for a response, within a given period, from the Dublin States concerned.

    In parallel with the acceleration of procedures, the average length of stay of Maghrebi asylum seekers in the CFA has decreased from 32 nights between May and August 2023 to 21 nights between May and August 2024, a decrease of 34%. As a result, the SEM has more beds available and supervisory staff at its disposal for asylum seekers from other States who can claim a situation of persecution.

    Since the 24-hour procedure was introduced in the Zurich Region in November 2023, the number of security incidents – including altercations of all kinds – has also decreased by 42% in all CFAs. The security situation has therefore improved significantly. In 2023 and 2024, around two thirds of security incidents were mainly attributable to asylum seekers from the Maghreb, even though this group accounted for less than 15% of overnight stays.

    Federal Administrative Court supports SEM decisions

    The 24-hour procedure is a normal asylum procedure in which the steps follow one another at a fast pace. Free legal protection is guaranteed at all times. To date, the SEM has decided on more than 900 asylum applications under this procedure, and 37 appeals have been filed with the Federal Administrative Court (FAC) against its decisions. In 31 cases, the FAC supported the SEM’s decision; the remaining cases have not yet been decided.

    The 24-hour procedure includes registration, fingerprinting, initial medical consultation, absconding hearing or Dublin interview, application to other Dublin states and decision in the Dublin procedure or asylum procedure.

    Increase in the number of registered asylum applications

    The number of asylum applications filed by persons from the Maghreb States has barely changed compared to the previous year. However, since the introduction of the 24-hour procedure, the SEM has been registering these applications immediately after the persons’ arrival at the CFA, whereas previously it only did so when fingerprints were taken, which was often several days later. However, many of the persons concerned had already left by that time and therefore did not appear as asylum seekers in the asylum statistics.

    Address for sending questions

    SEM Press Service, medien@sem.admin.ch

    Author

    State Secretariat for Migrationhttps://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/fr/home.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier meets board chair of Roche Group

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 21 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Severin Schwan, chairman of the Board of Directors of Roche Group, in Beijing on Friday evening.

    He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China is implementing the reform measures of the third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, promoting high-quality development and high-standard opening up, further relaxing market access, including for biopharmaceuticals, and creating a better business environment.

    China’s super-large market advantages will certainly provide more and better development opportunities for foreign enterprises, He noted.

    Schwan said that as a world-renowned pharmaceutical company, Roche Group is full of confidence in China’s economic prospects and business environment, and is willing to continue deepening investment cooperation in China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Spain and UK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Europe, where he will visit Madrid and London before returning to Hong Kong on September 29.

    Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector on the trip. It will comprise senior executives from the Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as the heads of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, and other advanced sectors.

    In Madrid, from September 22 to 25, he will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises and meet members of the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a business lunch organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote Hong Kong’s advantages, particularly its burgeoning I&T ecosystem.

    In London, from September 25 to 28, Mr Chan will participate in the plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council, a Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the Trade Development Council, a lunch organised by the Hong Kong Association, and a roundtable meeting hosted by the UK-based think tank Asia House.

    He will speak on these occasions about Hong Kong’s latest developments and its advantages and meet members of the local political, business and financial communities.

    In the two European capitals, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport and startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with institutions, and members of venture capital funds and I&T circles, seeking opportunities for co-operation.

    During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat Dr. Wei Zhaohui, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s team to attend the 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China, on 23-26 September 2024. Dr. Kao will deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st CAEXPO and will take part in several related events during the visit, which include China-ASEAN Business Leaders’ Forum, ASEAN Plus Three Industrial Chain & Supply Chain Partnering Conference, China-ASEAN Young Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue, and the visit to CAEXPO Pavilion, among others. Dr. Kao will also take the opportunity to meet with high-level government officials and representatives from the private sector and the media to further promote the work of ASEAN as well as to explore ways to further advance the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his stay in China, Dr. Kao will also present a special lecture to a group of students and scholars at the Guangxi University on “Fostering Friendship and Cooperation: The Role of People-to-People Connections and Exchanges in ASEAN-China Relations,” in order to promote ASEAN diplomacy and enrich the knowledge of ASEAN among the youths. 
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia
    SJ to visit Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia
    ****************************************

         The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart tomorrow (September 22) for a visit to three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia, to promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services, and enhance co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and ASEAN.     In Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, Mr Lam will call on relevant government officials and engage with the local legal and dispute resolution sectors to enhance ties and collaboration between the two places with a view to exploring further legal co-operation opportunities. This visit follows the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam last year.     Mr Lam will then lead a delegation comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association and alternative dispute resolution organisations to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. They will meet with representatives of local authorities and legal and dispute resolution sectors to discuss and exchange views on various areas of legal co-operation.     During the visit, Mr Lam and the delegates will also address the local legal and business sectors in Ho Chi Minh City at a forum and a networking dinner, and in Kuala Lumpur at a seminar and a networking reception, to promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services.     Mr Lam will conclude his visit and return to Hong Kong on September 28. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Financial services growing apace

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Charles Ng says Hong Kong’s financial services sector is currently undergoing accelerated growth, thanks to the ongoing recovery seen in the city’s overall economy, as well as favourable government policies.

    In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) assisted 40 companies in the financial sector in setting up or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, a 60% increase compared to the same period last year.

    Half of these companies are from Mainland China, followed by the US, the UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Malaysia, and five other economies.

    The scope of the companies covers a broad spectrum, but a sizeable 14 among them provide asset management services. This aligns with Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading asset and wealth management hub and offers further demonstration that the city remains the region’s premier global financial centre.

    Hong Kong’s unique geographical location and the advantages it enjoys under “one country, two systems” are hugely appealing to investors and companies.

    Mr Ng noted an increasing trend among Mainland companies of using Hong Kong as a platform to expand their global reach. Complementing this, he said, firms from overseas markets continue to leverage Hong Kong to enter the Chinese market, particularly that of the Greater Bay Area.

    “Through our international network, we are exploring strategies to help Mainland or overseas companies already established in Hong Kong tap into emerging markets, such as the Middle East and countries along the Belt & Road Initiative.”

    Wealth management hub

    Hong Kong’s capital markets, boasting a total market capitalisation of about US$5 trillion, are among the most vibrant and liquid in the world. The city is also Asia’s biggest global offshore wealth management centre, and the second largest in the world behind Switzerland.

    Furthermore, it has the highest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) of any Asian city. 

    Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business was worth HK$31.2 trillion at the end of 2023. Mr Ng said it now stands as the second largest cross-border wealth management centre globally, and is poised to become the largest booking centre for wealth management business by 2027.

    Noting that investors across the globe are seeking better returns by allocating capital to alternative asset classes such as private equity, hedge funds and more, he added that alternative investments in Hong Kong are experiencing extraordinary growth.

    Outside of the Mainland, Hong Kong has the largest number of hedge funds and the biggest private equity market in Asia.

    Hong Kong also serves as the largest offshore renminbi centre, and its RMB liquidity pool, exceeding RMB600 billion, is the world’s largest outside of the Mainland.

    Enabling growth

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to attracting global investment through various initiatives, including tax concessions for private equity funds and relaxed listing rules for pre-revenue biotech and specialist technology companies.

    Hamilton Lane, a distinguished leader in alternative asset management, has announced the establishment of its first Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund, further solidifying its presence in Asia. The company manages approximately US$130 billion in discretionary assets and US$810 billion in non-discretionary assets.

    Having opened its inaugural Asian office in Hong Kong in 2009, Hamilton Lane is poised to celebrate its 15th anniversary in the region this month.

    Shannon Chow, Managing Director and Head of Greater China Client Solutions at Hamilton Lane, remarked: “Our Hong Kong office has operations in asset management and client solutions. If you ask me whether Hong Kong is our inaugural office in Asia, the answer is yes. We are very pleased to have this office in the heart of Hong Kong to expand our business further in Asia.”

    Ms Chow also expressed her admiration for the InvestHK team, acknowledging its dedication and strenuous efforts in promoting the family office sector, and praised the Hong Kong SAR Government’s successful initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s talent pool.

    According to Ms Chow, one of Hong Kong’s key advantages is its low tax rates, which underpin the development of alternative investment companies and other industries.

    She stated: “Hong Kong is renowned for having some of the lowest tax rates in the global market, which significantly helps in the development of these sectors.”

    Furthermore, she noted, “Hong Kong possesses a robust and skilled talent pool, which is vital for our operations.”

    The Hong Kong SAR Government, Ms Chow highlighted, has launched various initiatives to attract talent, fostering an environment that draws professionals from around the world.

    “These programmes allow overseas individuals and those from Mainland China to work in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong their home.”

    In addition to Mainland talent moving to Hong Kong, many businesses from the Mainland are also choosing to expand their operations in the city. A notable example is Guolian Securities International, which is headquartered in Jiangsu Province. The company established a presence in Hong Kong in 2019, and engages in both wealth management and investment banking.

    Franklin Yang, CEO of Guolian Securities International, highlighted the numerous advantages Hong Kong offers, stating: “There are many benefits to operating in Hong Kong, both from a policy-making perspective and in terms of the advantages it provides within Greater China.”

    He also stressed that the city’s commendable education system contributes to a pool of graduates proficient in both English and Mandarin, making it easier to attract top talent for larger-scale deals.

    Mr Yang emphasised Hong Kong’s unique position in the financial industry, remarking: “Guolian takes full advantage of Hong Kong’s status as a financial capital. We attract many reputable companies from Mainland China, who either list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or engage in merger and acquisition activities here.”

    He added, with optimism: “I believe Guolian can bring more capital into these markets.”

    As Hamilton Lane continues to expand its operations and Guolian Securities International consolidates its offerings, Hong Kong remains a pivotal hub for financial services in the region, attracting businesses and talent alike.

    Targeting wealthy individuals

    To draw UHNWIs to the city, the Hong Kong SAR Government has introduced measures to enhance offerings for global wealth owners and promote the development of family offices.

    “Hong Kong’s family office sector is flourishing, with more than 2,700 single-family offices,” Mr Ng explained.

    Over the past year, facilitating measures have been implemented to support the business development of family offices.

    “As of end-May this year, we have assisted 89 family offices to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong and more than 130 family offices indicated that they had decided or were preparing to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.”

    The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is another vital initiative that is contributing to Hong Kong’s status as a leading financial hub. Under the scheme, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) can settle in the city if they invest a minimum of HK$30 million here, with a portion being directed towards companies and projects with a Hong Kong nexus.

    “When HNWIs choose to invest through the New CIES, they create a demand for financial services, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a premier destination for wealth management and investment.”

    Highlighting the scheme’s appeal, Mr Ng said that since its launch in March, the scheme had received over 5,000 enquiries and more than 500 applications.

    The insurance sector is another important pillar of Hong Kong’s financial industry, with the city housing around 160 authorised insurers, including six of the world’s top 10, as of July. Hong Kong has also achieved exceptional insurance density, ranking first in Asia and second globally for insurance premiums per capita as of the end of last year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East

    [Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 21, 2024] Huawei, in partnership with du, from the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have deployed the first indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East. Making use of Three Carrier Aggregation (3CC) technology, the network relies on Huawei’s LampSite X ‘Digital Indoor Solution.’ Delivering a peak data rate of 5.1Gb/s, this network further strengthens du’s leading position in the 5G user experience market.
    This joint innovation aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of mobile networks by improving connectivity in indoor spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings. It builds on the previous 5G collaborations between Huawei and du. In 2021, du and Huawei had pioneered the first ubiquitous indoor gigabit-per-second network in the Middle East.
    As a leading player in the 5G market, du has seen remarkable results from its commitment to innovation. 5G user traffic now accounts for over 60% of total mobile traffic, surpassing the combined traffic of 4G and 3G networks. The widespread adoption of 5G services demonstrates the success of du’s network, and the deployment of three TDD large-bandwidth carriers with aggregation promises users an unmatched network experience. A technology in use since the LTE era, carrier aggregation lets network operators combine multiple frequencies to boost the data rate. In the 5G era, 3CC can be harnessed to deliver 5G-Advanced.
    Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, stated: “We are committed to providing a high-quality user experience to our customers. Since the introduction of 5G in 2019, we have launched numerous innovative services. Among these, 5G home wireless services have been widely welcomed, and our market share in this area is far ahead. Introducing 5G Three Carrier Aggregation in our In-Building Solution (IBS) Network is a crucial step in ensuring a leading 5G user experience. It has enabled us to enhance our network’s capabilities and quality, greatly improving customer satisfaction.”
    Eric Bao, President of Huawei’s Wireless Digital Indoor System Product Line, commented, “With the rapid development of 5G networks, user experience is greatly improved, and applications based on functions such as low latency and indoor precise positioning are rapidly developing. The era of innovation represented by smart electric vehicles, humanoid robots, cloud mobile phones, and glass free 3D has arrived. It is a must for operators to provide indoor networks with higher capacity, higher performance, and higher energy-saving efficiency. As an industry-leading indoor solution, LampSite X assists operators in building indoor networks that offer both intelligence and extraordinary performance to meet the explosive growth in service demand.”
    du HQ in UAE

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East Sep 21, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei and du Commercially Deploy the First Indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East
    Sep 21, 2024

    [Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 21, 2024] Huawei, in partnership with du, from the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have deployed the first indoor 5G-Advanced Network in the Middle East. Making use of Three Carrier Aggregation (3CC) technology, the network relies on Huawei’s LampSite X ‘Digital Indoor Solution.’ Delivering a peak data rate of 5.1Gb/s, this network further strengthens du’s leading position in the 5G user experience market.
    This joint innovation aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of mobile networks by improving connectivity in indoor spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings. It builds on the previous 5G collaborations between Huawei and du. In 2021, du and Huawei had pioneered the first ubiquitous indoor gigabit-per-second network in the Middle East.
    As a leading player in the 5G market, du has seen remarkable results from its commitment to innovation. 5G user traffic now accounts for over 60% of total mobile traffic, surpassing the combined traffic of 4G and 3G networks. The widespread adoption of 5G services demonstrates the success of du’s network, and the deployment of three TDD large-bandwidth carriers with aggregation promises users an unmatched network experience. A technology in use since the LTE era, carrier aggregation lets network operators combine multiple frequencies to boost the data rate. In the 5G era, 3CC can be harnessed to deliver 5G-Advanced.
    Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, stated: “We are committed to providing a high-quality user experience to our customers. Since the introduction of 5G in 2019, we have launched numerous innovative services. Among these, 5G home wireless services have been widely welcomed, and our market share in this area is far ahead. Introducing 5G Three Carrier Aggregation in our In-Building Solution (IBS) Network is a crucial step in ensuring a leading 5G user experience. It has enabled us to enhance our network’s capabilities and quality, greatly improving customer satisfaction.”
    Eric Bao, President of Huawei’s Wireless Digital Indoor System Product Line, commented, “With the rapid development of 5G networks, user experience is greatly improved, and applications based on functions such as low latency and indoor precise positioning are rapidly developing. The era of innovation represented by smart electric vehicles, humanoid robots, cloud mobile phones, and glass free 3D has arrived. It is a must for operators to provide indoor networks with higher capacity, higher performance, and higher energy-saving efficiency. As an industry-leading indoor solution, LampSite X assists operators in building indoor networks that offer both intelligence and extraordinary performance to meet the explosive growth in service demand.”
    du HQ in UAE

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios Sep 20, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios
    Sep 20, 2024

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stretch exercise breaks record

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A total of 750 people took part in a stretching exercise at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan today, setting a new Guinness World Record for the “Largest resistance band demonstration/class”.

    The “National Day Celebration & Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises” event was held by the Labour Department and the Occupational Safety & Health Council to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said at the event that it was aimed at raising employees’ awareness of the importance of stretching and at promoting occupational health. He said timely stretching exercises can reduce muscle aches and the risk of injury, and improve work performance.

    Guided by fitness instructors, the 750 participants performed a 30-minute resistance band stretching exercise together, setting a world record as a tribute to the motherland and demonstrating the collective effort of the Government and various sectors in raising public awareness of occupational health matters.

    The department and council are holding a two-day occupational health carnival today and tomorrow at the same venue. It includes a variety of performances, booth games, occupational health talks and photo corners. Health risk assessment stations are also available to provide complimentary health checks for visitors.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) delivers 33.5 metric tonnes of medical supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

    Download logo

    In its largest air cargo shipment to the African region this year, World Health Organization (WHO) today delivered 33.5 metric tonnes of emergency medical supplies and equipment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reinforce mpox outbreak response.

    Today’s delivery follows an initial shipment of more than 14 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to the country two weeks ago to support infection prevention and control, and clinical care measures in the ongoing outbreak. The two shipments will contribute significantly to infection prevention and treatment services in the country for the next three months.

    In addition to reinforcing the mpox outbreak response, the medical equipment and supplies will also be delivered to laboratories as well as district and referral health facilities to provide care for other medical conditions.

    “We’re intensifying our support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in all critical areas of the mpox outbreak response, ensuring adequate testing, prevention and effective clinical care to stop the spread of this virus,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We’re grateful to our partners for the important collaboration in strengthening the ongoing national efforts to bring this outbreak to an end.”

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for about 90% of the more than 31 000 suspected mpox cases reported so far this year from 14 countries in the African region. WHO is working closely with partners and the government to enhance capacity, expertise and outbreak response measures.

    The spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is attributed to two distinct main outbreaks: the spread of mpox clade Ia in the western Equateur and other provinces of the country where the disease is endemic, including spread to and outbreaks in the capital Kinshasa; and the spread of clade Ib in North and South Kivu provinces in the east, with a few cases in Kinshasa.

    As part of increased support to the mpox outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO is expanding its operational capacity in the field, with more than 300 disease surveillance and outbreak response experts from WHO’s polio response programme recently integrated into mpox outbreak control efforts.

    In collaboration with national health authorities and partners, WHO experts are also working closely with communities to raise awareness about mpox, promote preventive measures and encourage reporting of cases.

    Efforts are also being ramped up to strengthen national diagnostic capacities by providing testing kits, reagents and machines to decentralize testing in eight laboratories. On 19 September 2024, WHO dispatched 3500 GeneXpert cartridges to provincial laboratories to ensure adequate testing for effective clinical care, thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development.

    In readiness for mpox vaccine rollout, WHO is working with countries to ramp up measures to ensure effective introduction of the vaccines. WHO has developed an mpox vaccine roadmap and readiness tool and is supporting countries to develop national vaccine deployment plans that target those populations at highest risk.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 6 blocked, Westland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 6/Ruatapu Road Road in Westland, about halfway between Ruatapu and Ross, is blocked following a serious crash.

    It happened about 8:35pm and involved more than one vehicle.

    It’s believed there are serious injuries involved.

    Motorists are asked to delay travel if possible or take alternate routes where able, and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 successfully concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 successfully concludes
    Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 successfully concludes
    *******************************************************************************

         The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force held the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 codenamed BATTLEAIR in collaboration with the INTERPOL and the Macao Judiciary Police today (September 21) to enhance participants’ capabilities in responding to cyber attacks and physical counter terrorism.           This was Phase II of the exercise, which built on the successful completion of Phase I tabletop exercise conducted last month (August 14) and put in place its outcome in this physical exercise today.           More than 230 local, Macao and overseas members from the INTERPOL, the Macao Judiciary Police, CSTCB, Airport District (APTDIST), Emergency Unit of New Territories South (EU NTS), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, Police Tactical Unit, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Aviation Security Company Limited participated in the physical exercise.           The exercise simulated a scenario in which four terrorists launched cyber attacks against Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Companhia de Electricidade de Macau with the aim to paralyse public services and cause public panic. During the exercise, terrorists not only placed suspicious items and operated drones to create chaos but also attempted to carry out armed attacks on members of the public.           In response to the terrorist plot, APTDIST and EU NTS acted quickly to stop and apprehend the three terrorists. Regarding cyber security, CSTCB officers conducted incident response, digital forensics works and system recovery to address the hacking into the computer systems of HKIA. They also shared intelligence with the INTERPOL and the Macao Judiciary Police, which ultimately led to the successful arrest of other fleeing terrorists in Macao by the Macao Judiciary Police.           Representatives of KPMG Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited were invited for the first time to provide valuable insights and participate in the exercise as a member of the Cyber Security Action Task Force, fostering collaboration between public and private organisations.           The Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming also attended and monitored the exercise. The Force hoped that this exercise could strengthen the capabilities of participants in responding to cyber attacks and physical counter terrorism, as well as foster the communication between management agencies of critical infrastructures and the Force and enhance the efficiency of the workflow when handling terrorist attacks, in order to prevent incidents before they occur and to respond swiftly together when necessary. 

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 17:02

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Database on Xi Jinping thought launched

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A database of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was officially launched on Saturday.
    Developed by institutions including the People’s Publishing House, the database was unveiled at the 14th China International Digital Publishing Expo that opened on the same day in south China’s Hainan Province.
    The database collects and updates the important speeches, articles, instructions, comments, congratulatory letters and replies by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. It also includes related books and news reports.
    The database provides comprehensive and rich information for studying and interpreting Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China remains top source of scientific ‘hot papers’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China remains the top source of scientific “hot papers,” contributing 48.4 percent of the global total, according to a think tank report released on Friday.
    Hot papers are scientific studies published within two years of their classification that have received a significant number of citations over the most recent two months and have been cited in the top 0.1 percent of their respective disciplines.
    China had published 2,071 hot papers as of July 2024, with the United States coming in second with 1,625, according to the report, which was released by the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China.
    China ranked second in the number of highly cited papers, which are studies whose citations over the past decade rank in the top 1 percent of their respective fields.
    According to the report, China had 65,700 highly cited papers as of July this year, accounting for 33.8 percent of the global total and securing its second-place rank. The United States had produced 76,500 highly cited papers, or 39.3 percent of the global total and ranking first.
    The report also highlighted that in 2023, China published a total of 395 papers in the three most widely recognized scientific journals — Cell, Nature and Science — which led to its global ranking rise from fourth place in 2022 to second place last year.
    The number of China’s scientific research papers has ranked first for many years, and the country will continue striving to fill the void in the production of top-quality papers, the report said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Social Justice Secretary urges UK Government to reinstate Winter Fuel Payment

    Source: Scottish Government

    Call for action to tackle root causes of fuel poverty.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to urge the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

    Ms Somerville called on the UK Government to take action to address root causes of fuel poverty and volatile energy prices.

    The full text of the Social Justice Secretary’s letter: Winter Fuel Payment: Letter to UK Government

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese technology boost uptake of e-mobility in Africa

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese green vehicle technology is boosting the adoption of e-mobility in Africa, experts said Friday.

    Warren Ondanje, managing director of the Africa E-mobility Alliance, said in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have positioned themselves as key partners for the growing number of e-mobility startups on the continent.

    “Chinese firms have played a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa,” Ondanje said during the Africa E-Mobility Week 2024 conference.

    The five-day event brought together more than 200 delegates, including representatives from United Nations agencies, senior government officials and innovators from across Africa, to foster collaboration and advance the sustainable mobility movement on the continent.

    Michael Muchiri, deputy superintending engineer at Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, said that Chinese e-vehicle brands are attracting significant interest from environmentally conscious Kenyan consumers due to their high-quality, clean transportation solutions offered at affordable prices.

    Muchiri said that taxi and public transport operators have embraced Chinese e-vehicles because their low operational costs make them more competitive than conventional fossil-fueled cars.

    According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya currently has an estimated 5,000 e-vehicles, comprising two-wheel, three-wheel, passenger and commercial vehicles.

    Hilina Legesse, president of the Addis Ababa E-mobility Association, said that Chinese e-vehicles had facilitated Ethiopia’s enforcement of its ban on importing fossil-fueled cars, which took effect in January, by providing affordable green vehicles.

    Legesse said that several Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have set up local assembly plants to meet the growing demand for clean modes of transport.

    Claire Liu, sales manager at Chogori Technology, a Chinese manufacturer of e-vehicle accessories, said her firm has partnered with e-mobility companies in Africa to expand access to and affordability of electric-powered cars on the continent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s vehicle software market exceeds 65 bln yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China’s vehicle software market is worth more than 65 billion yuan (about 9.2 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 30 percent of the country’s total software market, according to a report released on Friday.

    The report on the development of new quality productive force in China’s automobile industry was jointly published by China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd and China Economic Information Service. It was released during the Automobile New Quality Productive Force Development Forum held in Chongqing Municipality on Friday.

    “The first half of the car industry development is electrification. It is now time for it to enter the second half, featuring intelligent technologies, with the software, operating systems and car chips as the core,” said Xu Haidong, deputy chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    He added that vehicle software can precisely manage the entire car, including its facilities, driving and communication capabilities.

    The report also pointed out that the localization rate of automobile chips is on the rise as enterprises such as Huawei are making headway in chip development. The localization rate of power semiconductors has risen to 15 percent to 20 percent.

    The automobile industry is one of major pillars of China’s economy, with the gross output of the whole industrial chain of automobiles contributing 10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, according to the report. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Don Cheadle, Dame Emma Thompson, Julianne Moore, Khaled Hosseini, Robert Redford and Sir Mo Farah among more than 150 notable parents urging an end to fossil fuels ahead of UN Summit of the Future

    Source: Save The Children

    Signatories to an open letter to world leaders, spearheaded by parent’s and caregivers’ organisation Our Kids’ Climate, as part of a movement to mobilize parents around the world to take climate action and help protect what we love, include:

    • Actors Cobie Smulders, David Morrissey, Dia Mirza, Djimon Hounsou, Emmy Rossum, Halle Bailey, Hend Sabry, Isabelle Carré, Julie Walters, Kevin Bacon, Matthew Rhys, Ray Winstone, Rosario Dawson, Simon Pegg and Steve Buscemi; and film director Fernando Meirelles.
    • Musicians Angelique Kidjo and Annie Lennox.
    • Author Ian McEwan, and children’s writers and illustrators Axel Scheffler, LeUyen Pham and Malorie Blackman.
    • Prominent activists Bill McKibben, Princess Esmeralda of Belgium, Kumi Naidoo, Naomi Klein, Nnimmo Bassey and Tasneem Essop.
    • Former UN Climate Chief and architect of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres.
    • Mayor of London and C40 Cities Co-Chair, Sadiq Khan, and Mayor of Freetown and C40 Cities Co-Chair, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr.

    In an open letter addressed to world leaders, more than 150 notable parents from across the globe are calling for an end to the world’s “dangerous dependence on fossil fuels” ahead of the UN Summit of the Future on 22-23 September.

    The letter is released against months of wrangling over whether and how to include a crucial reference to fossil fuels—the primary driver of the climate crisis—in the Summit’s key document, the Pact for the Future.  

    The parents’ letter says: “The burning of fossil fuels drives the climate crisis, harming children now and stealing their futures. It is crucial that the Summit makes an unambiguous commitment to a just and fair transition away from fossil fuels.”

    The letter has been spearheaded by Our Kids’ Climate, a global network bringing together parents and grandparents from over 55 countries to take action on climate. It is part of an effort taking place during Climate Week NYC supported by Groundswell (Global Optimism), Save the Children International, Potential Energy, C40 Cities, Climate Crisis Advisory Group, WE ARE FAMILY FOUNDATION,  and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, which seeks to harness the power of love-led climate action and share the parents’ letter under the hashtag #ProtectWhatWeLove.

    Parents from entertainment, sport, science, religion, civil society, literature and business have added their names to the letter. Further signatories include: actors Alison Steadman, Alysia Reiner, David Lyons, Jessica St. Clair, Krista Kosonen, Lucian Msamati, Piper Perabo and Shabana Azmi, artist Olafur Eliasson; authors Lily Cole, Paul Hawken, Romesh Gunesekera and Sergei Urban; broadcaster Gary Lineker; business leader Paul Polman;  children’s writers and illustrators Beverley Naidoo, Britta Teckentrup, Chris Riddell, Debi Gliori, Jackie Morris, Jim Field, Ken Wilson-Max, Margarita Engle, Michael Rosen, Yuyi Morales and Zillah Bethell;  climate activists Farhana Yamin, Jill Kubit, Lidy Nacpil, Maya Mailer, Omar Elmawi, and Tzeporah Berman;  economists Kate Raworth, Dr. Guido Schmidt-Traub, Dr. Mariana Mazzucato; faith leader Pastor Henrique Vieira; health leaders Dr Maria Neira from the World Health Organization and Rosamund Kissi-Debrah; models Amber Valletta, Arizona Muse and Cameron Russell; scientists Dr Arunabha Ghosh, Sir David King, Dr Fatima Denton, and Michael E. Mann.

    The letter was released alongside a powerful video produced by the Potential Energy Coalition, which was informed by the organization’s research that found the number one reason people around the world care about climate change is to protect children and future generations.

    Today (Saturday 21 September), on the eve of the Summit, a colorful and family-friendly street action, outside the UN, organized by Climate Families NYC and Our Kids’ Climate will see the letter being read out by parents to coincide with the letter’s release. Parents and children from New York together with climate leader parents from around the world will attend. 

    The letter continues: “To be worthy of its name, the Summit of the Future must be a reset moment. We want our children to inherit a world in which they can breathe clean air, enjoy nature, and meet their potential without threat from ever-worsening climate disasters.”

    On the eve of the Summit,  the organizations supporting the letter are urging high-income countries and historical emitters to take the lead in driving a just and equitable transition, calling on these nations to provide critical support to low-income countries, ensuring that children’s rights and needs are prioritized at every step.

    The public supports robust climate action. According to research, 77% of the global population want their government to do whatever it takes to limit the effects of climate change. Next year, countries must present updated climate plans to the UN. These plans are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to respond to this global mandate for action.

    Parents and grandparents across the world are being invited by Our Kids’ Climate to join forces with the eminent parents by signing the open letter themselves.

    The letter to world leaders ends: “We, the parents, simply wish for a decent future for our children, and all children. You have the power to protect what we love. For the children of today and tomorrow, we are counting on you.”

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • For media enquiries on the Our Kids’ Climate letter and signatories contact Rebecca Wynn on rebecca@ourkidsclimate.org  and +44 7779618197 or Cora Bauer on cora.bauer@digacommunications.com  or +447787897467
    • Full letter and list of signatories will be hosted here on Our Kids’ Climate’s website when the embargo lifts, and this is also where all parents can add their name to the open letter.  You can read the full letter under embargo here
    • A powerful video, created by Potential Energy, about love-led climate action is also being released alongside the letter.  The video can be found here. Protect What You Love is a unifying concept created by Potential Energy, based on global research on what moves people the most on demand for climate action, in partnership with the Yale Climate Communications Center. For media inquiries, contact Caroline Behringer at cbehringer@potentialenergycoalition.org or +31 6 1556 8756.
    • Journalists are invited to attend Our Kids’ Climate and NY Climate Families family-friendly street action, where the parents’ letter will be read out. The action will feature colorful props, music, parents and children. It will take place on Saturday, September 21, 10 AM ET.  Please contact Liat Olenick, LiatOlenick@Gmail.com, + 1 917-930-2788. Photos from the action will be made available here.

    *******************************************************************************************************************

    For further enquiries please contact:

    Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409

    Please also check our Twitter account @Save_GlobalNews for news alerts, quotes, statements and location Vlogs.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Youth forum holds annual review

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum held its annual review today, giving youth members the chance to present research topics and reflect on their learning experiences over the past year, and to set a course for the forum’s development over the coming year.

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki remarked at the event that nearly 30 activities had been undertaken during the forum’s second term, giving members diverse training opportunities. He said members also took part in study tours to places such as the Greater Bay Area and Henan Province, to experience the country’s history, culture and social development, and that these tours enhanced their sense of national identity.

    He added that in the coming year, the bureau will deepen co-operation with Shenzhen University, and collaborate with Macau to promote youth exchanges between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, strengthening the mutual cohesion of youths in the theee places and encouraging them to contribute to the country.

    Youth members shared their experiences and insights from the past year at the event. Three outstanding alumni shared their experiences of participating in the 2024 UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Youth Forum in Vienna and, as Hong Kong youth volunteers, in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 in Hainan.

    Other members shared their internship experiences at the Palace Museum in Beijing, well-known enterprises and government institutions. A group of representatives collaborated with students from Shenzhen University to present the findings of research related to youth in the Greater Bay Area, and received feedback from guests

    Concluding the event, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said members had undergone significant growth after a year of learning, and that he is pleased that some alumni and members will join the Government as administrative officers and members of disciplinary forces.

    The Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum was established in October 2022 to enhance youth work.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting on severe weather emergency in Emilia Romagna

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    20 Settembre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, chaired a video-link meeting with Emilia Romagna today on the severe weather emergency that has hit the region. The meeting was attended by Minister for Civil Protection and Marine Policies Nello Musumeci, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano, acting Vice-President of the Emilia Romagna Region Irene Priolo, Head of the Civil Protection Department Fabio Ciciliano and Special government commissioner for reconstruction in the flood-hit Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Marche regions Francesco Paolo Figliuolo.

    President Meloni reaffirmed the Government’s solidarity with the people who have been affected by the violent natural disasters over the last few days and received the latest updates on the situation of displaced persons and the progress of rescue operations. President Meloni also provided assurance that, as soon as the Government receives the request to declare a state of emergency from the Emilia Romagna Region, a Council of Ministers meeting will be called to earmark EUR 20 million in order to provide for immediate needs and restore essential services, and that further allocations will be made available upon completion of post-emergency assessments

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: ASIA/VIETNAM – Music, an instrument that heals inner wounds and opens hearts

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Ho Chi Minh City (Agenzia Fides) – The orphaned children of the home run by the Missionary Sisters of Charity in the diocese of Phu Cuong, in southern Vietnam, have been able to experience that “music heals the wounds of the heart”, explains to Agenzia Fides Fr. Dominic Nguyen Van Lam, a 40-year-old priest who followed a special musical initiative with orphaned children on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. “They are children marked by suffering and the deprivations of life. Music has given them back confidence and joy in living, which is expressed in the relationships between them, in the human relationship with teachers, in the relationship with the nuns, which is sometimes difficult. Music has been and will be an instrument of human and spiritual growth, capable of regenerating the virtuous circle of love”, explains the priest, who coordinated the “WYO4children” project, within the “Sounds of Brotherhood” initiative, promoted by the World Youth Orchestra Foundation (WYO), which this year arrived in Vietnam thanks to the support of the Italian foundation “Cassa Depositi e Prestiti” and other sponsors. As part of a cultural cooperation initiative focused on elements such as music, theater and art, tested as instruments of dialogue and peace between peoples and cultures, the project offered concrete support to orphaned and abandoned children in Vietnam, “to underline three fundamental words in life: friendship, brotherhood, peace” explained Adolfo Vannucci, president of the World Youth Orchestra Foundation. And so in the “Home of Mother’s Love” in Binh Duong, where about 20 nuns take care of 80 orphaned children and young people who have been abandoned or have difficult family situations, between the ages of 5 and 17 years, the children have attended musical seminars throughout the year, and in recent days gave a final demonstration of their musical skills. Father Dominic today emphasizes “the power of music, which has fostered positive changes in the children’s lives. Since they encountered music and began playing an instrument, they are happier and the results are also visible in their school studies. The atmosphere at home has become more joyful.” “Music,” continues the priest, “builds mutual love: not only has this journey helped the children to be more sensitive, on an internal level and in terms of relationships with others; but it has also helped me, the teachers and the nuns to rediscover the joy of love and care in sharing our time with them.” “The missionaries of charity testify to how the children’s lives have improved, especially because now everyone smiles. Music has been a means to recover the smile and openness to the love of God and neighbor”, he concludesIn the diocese of Phu Cuong, where 165 thousand Catholics live out of over 4 million inhabitants, the Catholic community is very attentive to charitable and social activities, working for disadvantaged or indigent people, and offering scholarships to poor students, an initiative that the local Bishop, Joseph Nguyen Tan Tuoc, wanted to extend to the “Home of Mother’s Love”, thus allowing children to attend school for free. The local Church offers accommodation and care to children of ethnic minorities from remote areas and is committed to improving their material and spiritual life. The “Wyo4children” project was set in this context. The World Youth Orchestra, which has 23 years of musical and social activity, is represented in 75 countries, has 300 international partners, including universities and conservatories, and has involved over 3,500 talented young musicians around the world. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/9/2024)

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chair of the NATO Military Committee attends Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference

    Source: NATO

    From 18 to 20 September 2024, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee attended the 26th annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference in Kona, Hawaii. This year’s theme was “The Future Indo-Pacific: Building a Resilient and Interconnected Region.” Admiral Bauer attended at the invitation of Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. On the side-lines of the conference, Admiral Bauer met with Chiefs of Defence from Partner nations Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

    The conference allowed senior military leaders from 28 countries and multilateral entities to discuss topics such  cybersecurity, regional capacity building, threats and opportunities in emerging technologies and the future of the Indo-Pacific. The purpose of the conference was to build on and strengthen relationships, thereby enhancing mutual understanding, cooperation and a consistent operational framework, while underscoring international commitment to protecting shared interests across the Indo-Pacific.

    “The Indo-Pacific is important for NATO because developments in this region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security,” said Admiral Rob Bauer.  “The Alliance is strengthening its  dialogue and cooperation with Partners in the Indo-Pacific. It was important to meet our Partners and also share NATO’s views with other participants in the INDOPACOM, addressing cross-cutting security issues and global challenges,” the Chair of the NATO Military Committee added.

    Discussions in the meeting with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, focused on the evolving security challenges in the region and how to maintain global stability and security. The two Admirals discussed China’s military build-up, the threat from North-Korea and the global implications of the war in Ukraine. 

    In his meetings with Chiefs of Defence from Australia, New Zealand and Japan, Admiral Bauer highlighted the steps taken at the Washington Summit in July to further enhance practical cooperation between NATO Allies and their Indo-Pacific Partners. This includes launching new cooperative flagship projects in the areas of supporting Ukraine cyber defence, countering disinformation, and technology such as artificial intelligence. 

    While sitting down with Admiral David Johnston, Chief of Defence of Australia, Admiral Bauer highlighted the crucial role Australia plays in the Indo-Pacific. They also discussed Partnership, Allied activities in the region and related STRATCOM, the war in Ukraine, defence production capacity, digital transformation and Multi Domain Operations. 

    Admiral Bauer also spoke about Indo-Pacific security with Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of Defence of New Zealand. The two underlined the paramount importance of upholding the rules-based international order and supporting Ukraine in its legal right to self-defence. 

    In the meeting with General Yoshihide Yoshida, Japan’s Chief of Defence, Admiral Bauer underscored the importance of NATO’s and Japan’s partnership in maintaining Indo-Pacific security. General Yoshida highlighted the positive effects of activities by individual Allies in the region. Another main topic was the war in Ukraine and China’s role as a decisive enabler of Russia’s war efforts.

    “In this dangerous world, partnerships are more important than ever. Security is global, not regional. European security is interlinked with security in the Indo-Pacific,” said Admiral Bauer. “Attending the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference reaffirmed that NATO’s Partnerships remain key to enhancing stability, positively influencing the global security environment, and upholding international law.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with members of the Italian Financial Police on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of its founding

    Source: The Holy See

    Audience with members of the Italian Financial Police on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of its founding, 21.09.2024
    This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the members of the Italian Financial Police on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Corps, to whom he delivered the following address:

    Address of the Holy Father
    Mr. Minister,
    Mr. General,
    Your Excellency and dear Chaplains,
    Dear Members of the Financial Police,
    I welcome you with pleasure: I saw you this morning when you were entering here. I greet the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Commander General and all the officials. I greet and thank the Bishop Military Ordinary and the chaplains.
    “In tradition, the future”. This is the motto of your 250th anniversary. In tradition there is the future. It refers to the roots that led to the founding of the Italian Financial Police, and gave a direction for growth. Born as a special Corps for financial surveillance and border defence, it has taken on the tasks of tax and economic-financial police, and sea policing, with an important mission in the field of rescue, both at sea and in the mountains. A historical reminder of this commitment is the help offered to Jewish refugees and the persecuted during the two great world wars.
    A vast sphere of intervention, therefore, which aims to respond to problems with the tangibility of presence and timely action, while at the same time conveying a cultural alternative to certain evils that threaten to contaminate society.
    Your Patron is Saint Matthew – today is his feast day – apostle and evangelist. Indeed, he was a “publican”, a tax collector, an occupation doubly despised in Jesus’ time, because it was subservient to imperial power, and because it was corrupt. I like to go to the church of the French to see that painting by Caravaggio, “The conversion of Matthew”, which symbolizes this so deeply. He represented a utilitarian and unscrupulous mentality, devoted only to the “god of money”.
    In our times too, a similar logic affects social life, causing imbalances and marginalization: from food wastage – but this is a scandal, food wastage is a scandal! – from this waste, to the exclusion of citizens from benefiting from some of their rights. Even the State can end up a victim of this system; including those States that have vast resources but remain isolated in terms of finance or the global market. How does one explain hunger in the world today, when there is so, so much waste in developed societies? It is terrible. And another thing: if the production of weapons were to cease for a year, world hunger would end. Better to have weapons than solve hunger… Even the State can fall victim to this system: even those States which, despite having resources, as I said, remain isolated.
    In this panorama, you are required to contribute to the justice of economic relationships, verifying compliance with the rules that govern the activities of individuals and businesses. Therefore, you oversee the duty of every citizen to contribute to the needs of the State according to equitable criteria, without favouring the strongest, and you counter the inappropriate use of the internet and social networks. With regard to both tax collection and the fight against undeclared and underpaid work – this is a scandal – or in any case work that is detrimental to human dignity, your action is of paramount importance.
    And all this is your concrete and daily way of serving the common good, of being close to the people, of fighting corruption and promoting legality. That corruption that takes place under the table, no?
    The word ‘corrupt’ “is reminiscent of the broken heart, stained by something, the ruined heart. […] Corruption reveals an anti-social conduct so strong that it dissolves the validity of the relationships and pillars on which a society is founded”. Therefore, the answer, the alternative does not lie in norms alone, but in a “new humanism”.[1] To re-found humanity.
    The gaze of Jesus, placed on the young Matthew, says that the dignity and the life of man are the heart of the life of a people. You can contribute to the emergence of this new humanism also through your work in the service of the young people who apply to enter the Financial Police Corps and attend its schools. Initially they are perhaps looking only for a job, but they then find a specific training, which not only provides them with indispensable knowledge and experience, but also becomes education for life and the common good.
    Matthew, in a certain sense, moved from the logic of profit to that of equity. But, in the school of Jesus, he also went beyond equity and justice and came to know gratuitousness, the gift of self that generates solidarity, sharing, inclusion. Gratuitousness is not just a financial dimension, it is a human dimension. Entering into the service of others, freely, without seeking profit for oneself. Because while justice is necessary, justice is not enough to fill those gaps that only gratuitousness, charity and love can heal.
    You experience this, for example, when you organize the reception and rescue of migrants in danger in the Mediterranean: thank you for this, thank you. Or in your courageous interventions in the event of natural disasters, in Italy and elsewhere. But think of the fight against the scourge of drug trafficking, the merchants of death. Your service does not end with protection of the victims, but includes the attempt to help the rebirth of those who do wrong: indeed, by acting with respect and moral integrity you can touch consciences, showing the possibility of a different life.
    In this way to one can and must construct an alternative to the globalization of indifference – the globalization of indifference: provide an alternative to this – this globalization of indifference, which not only destroys with violence and war, but also neglects social care and the environment. In effect, the wealth of a nation is not solely in its GDP; it resides in its natural, artistic, cultural and religious heritage – and in the smile of its inhabitants, its children. Once, a head of State said to me: “I have a special measurement: the smile of children and the elderly. When both of them smile, things are not going too badly in a society”. It is curious, this … and this favours creativity, openness to the world. You yourselves are citizens who safeguard this “wealth” of Italy, but are ready to go on international missions. There is a need for this impetus to solidarity towards the other as a way to peace and as a hope for a better future!
    Brothers and sisters, I congratulate you, because you cooperate to foster the confidence and hope of the people. This people, that is all of us. And to nurture confidence, hope, smiles. I come back to this: the thermometer is, do the children smile? Do the elderly smile? Don’t forget. And this important anniversary fits well with the theme of the Jubilee that the Church is preparing to celebrate, which is “Pilgrims of Hope”. I bless you from my heart, I bless your work and families. Please, do not lose your sense of humour, please! This is healthy! And I ask you, please, to pray for me. Thank you.

    _____________________________________________________
    [1] Preface in Peter Turkson, Corrosion: combatting corruption in the Church and in society, Bologna 2017.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 75-minute documentary “Enchanting China” premieres today to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    75-minute documentary “Enchanting China” premieres today to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos)
    75-minute documentary “Enchanting China” premieres today to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos)
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         ​To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the Environmental Protection Department, in collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, have produced the documentary series “Enchanting China”. The premiere of the documentary series was held today (September 21) at Shaw Auditorium, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).           The first series of “Enchanting China” consists of five episodes totalling 75 minutes, namely “Ninety-Nine Bends of the Yellow River”, “Song of the Yangtze”, “From Desert to Forest”, “Embracing Diversity” and “Clean Air Actions”. The first four episodes, together with “Picturesque Bays of Hong Kong”, which is the first episode of the documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” produced by the EEB, were screened at today’s premiere. Through showing the country’s achievements and contributions in environmental protection, it aims to instil a strong sense of patriotism in the younger generation and help them understand the country’s progress of the ecological civilisation development in building a beautiful China and the contributions and achievements made by the country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in environmental protection and nature conservation.            Speaking at the premiere, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said, “‘Enchanting China’ allows us to experience the extraordinary charm of our nation and witness the country’s major achievements and contributions in environmental protection. On the first National Ecology Day last year, President Xi Jinping emphasised that ‘building an ecological civilisation is of fundamental importance for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation’. ‘Enchanting China’ is a meaningful way to implement the concept of ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’, and promote the construction of ecological civilisation and environmental protection education.”           The Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education (WGPE), Ms Starry Lee, who is also a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and the Chairman of the Legislative Council House Committee, also attended the premiere today. She said that “Enchanting China” is a thematic documentary series born out of Hong Kong’s integration into the overall framework of national development, allowing Hong Kong to join the leading force in national environmental governance at a new level to deepen the understanding of the practice of green transformation.           Other guests at the premiere included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Luo Yonggang; the Inspector General of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Mr Ling Jiang; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; heads of Departments; Consuls-General and representatives from Chambers of Commerce; Legislative Council Members; members from the WGPE, the Advisory Council on the Environment, and the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee; District Council members; chairmen and vice-chairmen of the three committees (the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committees and the District Fire Safety Committees); as well as representatives from local professional bodies, higher-education institutions and schools.           The EEB’s documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” also consists of five episodes totalling 75 minutes, showing the progressive environmental improvements in Hong Kong since the return to the motherland.           Mr Tse said, “The showcase of ‘Picturesque Bays of Hong Kong’ celebrated the achievements made by the HKSAR Government in environmental protection and nature conservation. Looking ahead, the HKSAR will continue to maintain close collaboration with other Greater Bay Area cities to jointly set up ecological security shields with a view to developing a more charming bay area. I encourage everyone in the community to explore our picturesque bays, treasure the natural beauty of Hong Kong and work together to enhance our natural environment.”           Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, where the premiere took place, said in her welcome remarks, “The movie showcases our motherland’s unwavering commitment to preserving our natural environment and promoting sustainable development. Advancing sustainability requires collaboration and knowledge sharing across different sectors. HKUST strives to foster global sustainable development through scientific research, innovative solutions and international partnerships. We are also pleased to witness the establishment of the World Sustainable Development Institute in collaboration with the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation as part of today’s meaningful celebration. The institute will seek to generate impactful research outcomes and pursue science-based solutions for complex challenges such as climate change and nature conservation.”           The documentary series “Enchanting China” and “Beautiful Hong Kong” will be screened at the Hong Kong Space Museum and T·PARK from October. It will subsequently be broadcast on RTHK TV 32 and uploaded online for all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong to download for broadcast.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 18:05

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –