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Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Hong Kong Association Luncheon in London (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Association Luncheon in London, the United Kingdom, today (September 27, London time):
     
    Adrian (Chairman of the Hong Kong Association, Mr Adrian Cartwright), members of the Hong Kong Association, ladies and gentlemen, friends of Hong Kong all,

         Good afternoon. I’m delighted to join you, once again, over a welcome lunch.

         The one consistent theme of my trip, first to Spain, now in London, has been the many speaking occasions.
     
         Last night’s Hong Kong Dinner was truly splendid and savory, and now I’m pleased to speak to the Hong Kong Association -thank you for the privilege – because you are very much invested in Hong Kong.
     
         I’m always pleased to speak at such times, especially when the topic is Hong Kong, and particularly to an audience as invested in Hong Kong as you are.

    The state of Hong Kong’s economy
     
         I have much to share, but let me start with a quick update on Hong Kong’s economy. 

         â€‹Last year, our GDP grew by 3.3 per cent as we recovered from the pandemic, and we achieved 3 per cent growth in the first half of this year. 

         The three main drivers fueling our economic growth are: exports, investments, and private consumption. Goods exports have seen significant growth, with Hong Kong serving as a major re-export hub for the Mainland, rising by over 7 per cent in the first half of the year. 

         â€‹For exports of services, tourism remains a key component. It is steadily recovering, with around 30 million visitors in the first eight months of this year, an increase of 44 per cent compared to last year. We expect 46 million visitors for the whole of 2024. 

         With improving economic and business prospects, but amid complex external environment, investment, from both the public and private sectors, expanded by more than 3 per cent in the first half of this year. 

         â€‹Private consumption has been bumpy. It is challenging given changes to the spending patterns of tourists and our residents. 

         Our stock market remains one of Asia’s leading exchanges, with a capitalisation in excess of 3 trillion pounds – 11 times our GDP. The measures announced, earlier this week by the Central Authorities to cut rates, reduce reserve requirement ratios and provide more support to the property sector – is boosting market confidence. The effects are already visible on Hong Kong’s stock market, with record high transactions! Before that, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced measures in April 2024 that would encourage leading Mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong. 

         Residential property market prices have fallen by over 6 per cent from the end of last year to August this year – and more than 25 per cent compared to its peak in September 2021. We know property market is an important pillar to any economy, so we remain vigilant, and has been monitoring the market closely. So far, our assessment is that it has been an orderly adjustment. 

         This February, we removed all the demand-side management measures for the residential property market. Overall, the property market is now stabilising. 

         The commencement of the monetary easing cycle by the Federal Reserve will provide support to both the economy and the property sector. 
         
         Currently, inflation is at around 1 per cent, and unemployment is lying low, at just 3 per cent. 

         â€‹Overall, we expect Hong Kong to grow between 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent this year. 

         Looking into the future, our economic development will be heading in eight discrete directions: internationally, as finance, trade, shipping, aviation and innovation and technology centres; and, regionally, as Asia Pacific’s legal and dispute resolution centre and intellectual property trading centre. We are committed, too, to becoming the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. 

         Allow me now to highlight two of them: financial services and innovation and technology. 

         Let me start with financial services. Besides traditional areas that we are good at, we are working to become an international green finance and green technology hub. 

    Green and Sustainable Finance
     
         Green transition is a global agenda, bringing along responsibilities and opportunities. 
         â€‹
         Hong Kong has established a clear roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2035 from our 2005 levels. 

         â€‹We are taking a multi-pronged approach to realise this goal by addressing emission sources: first, achieving net-zero electricity generation by phases; second, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings through the promotion of green building practices; third, promoting green transport, particularly electric vehicles; and fourth, reducing waste. 

         Indeed, the Hong Kong SAR Government (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government) will invest more than 20 billion pounds in the next 15 to 20 years to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. 

         However, the International Energy Agency has projected that the global energy transition finance gap will reach $3 trillion a year by 2030 and rise to $4.5 trillion a year by 2040. 

         â€‹Hong Kong is Asia’s No. 1 for green finance: for instance, we issue, over the past three years, 48 billion pounds of green bonds and debts per year on average, accounting for one-third of Asia’s market. But there is much more that we can achieve. 

         One is on green standards. Earlier this year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority released the Hong Kong Green Taxonomy (Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance), which is compatible with the Common Ground Taxonomy developed by China and the EU (European Union), to assist the financial sector in assessing the “greenness” of projects. 

         Similarly, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange also impose ESG (environmental, social and governance) disclosure requirements for listed entities. 

         â€‹Just a few days ago, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants released the draft financial reporting standards which it plans to implement in August next year. The proposed Hong Kong standards follow those issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board, ISSB. 

         In the realm of green tech, start-ups are a powerhouse for many green innovative solutions, fully reflecting our younger generation’s passion for the environment and a sustainable future. 

         You might have met the delegation of start-ups from the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport who are with me on this trip to the United Kingdom. Some of them are engaged in green tech, and while others are engaged in different fields, but they share a common goal: to change people’s lives for the better. 

         We are working to attract more green start-ups in our innovation ecosystem. 

         By the way, our Science Park annually organises an elevator pitch competition where the start-ups have to sell their ideas in just 60 seconds in the lift of Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper. The winner this year is from Munich seeking to establish a lithium battery recycle plant. 
     
    Innovation and Technology
     
         Let me now turn to innovation and technology. Our focus areas are: AI and big data analytics, biotech and health sciences, fintech and new energy and new materials. 

         The key success factor for the development of AI are algorithms, computing capabilities, data and use case scenarios. Under the “one country, two systems” arrangements, Hong Kong has unique advantages because we are the hub converging the Mainland and international data, and the Greater Bay Area provides us with ample use case scenarios. 

         In order to expedite the development of the eco-system of the aforementioned industries, we have set up the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, HKIC. 

         With six billion pounds at its disposal, the HKIC has a dual mandate. While it seeks financial returns, it also promotes the development of target industries that are crucial for the long-term competitiveness and economic vitality of Hong Kong. The HKIC serves as a tool for the Hong Kong SAR Government to invest and/or co-invest in enterprises, start-ups and important projects. 

         The ​HKIC is “patient capital”. It has already initiated several strategic partnerships in the areas of hard tech, biotech and new energy. 

         What distinguishes the HKIC from other sovereign funds is its investment approach to channel private capital into strategic industries through a collaborative approach, by bringing together like-minded private equity funds, venture capitalists, investors, and even entrepreneurs.

         This is particularly important for start-ups, especially those with original and disruptive technologies because their development cycles are often long, and patient capital is crucial for their success.

         Going forward, the HKIC will expand its collaboration with overseas partners to maximise impact. Next January, the HKIC will host a Roundtable for International Sovereign Wealth Funds, inviting sovereign wealth funds and financial leaders to explore investment opportunities and develop collaborative partnerships. In fact, this September, the HKIC also staged a Hong Kong Start-up Investment and Development Summit. 

         Ladies and gentlemen, I hope to leave ample time for questions, so I will conclude my remarks here. My sincere thanks, once again, to the Hong Kong Association for this welcome opportunity to speak to you. 

         I’m happy now to take your questions. 

         â€‹Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Recognizes MST Awareness Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – This week, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Don Bacon (NE-02), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) to introduce a bipartisan resolution (H.Res. 1510) recognizing September 25 as military sexual trauma (MST) Awareness Day. 

    On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Young Kim joined Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) at a Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus event recognizing Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Awareness Day and this bipartisan resolution.

    1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard. 

    This bipartisan resolution reaffirms Congress’s commitment to supporting MST survivors and encourages the Departments of Defense and of Veterans Affairs to expand MST-related services. 

    “Our service members are heroes who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms we hold dear. We must do more to support those who have unfortunately faced military sexual trauma during their time in service,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to help introduce this resolution to shine light on military sexual trauma survivors as we work on bipartisan solutions to expand access to services, uplift survivors, and eradicate MST once and for all.” 

    “Sexual assault has no place in our armed forces. The burden of fear — of assault, harassment, or exploitation — should never be a part of military service. We must work together to create an atmosphere where all service members can serve without this dread,” said Rep. Houlahan. “As a veteran who served in the military in the 1990s, I experienced firsthand the unique challenges many servicewomen face. I care deeply about this issue because everyone who puts on a uniform deserves to serve in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Bringing awareness is important, but this is the first step. We still have lots of work left to do.”    

    In July, Rep. Kim introduced the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act (H.R. 8879), a bipartisan bill with Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to improve the standards and quality of training for contracted disability compensation examiners handling MST claims so that MST veterans filing a claim are not retraumatized during the medical disability examination process.

    Read the resolution HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4316-4317: Hunting for Sulfur

    Source: NASA

    4 min read

    Earth planning date: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 

    Navigating the rugged, unforgiving Martian terrain is always a challenge, and our recent attempt to reach the “Sheep Creek” target highlights this. We had aimed for small, distant bright rocks, but from 50 meters away (about 164 feet), the limited resolution of our images made it difficult to fine-tune navigation. After an ambitious drive, the rover came agonizingly close — stopping just short of these small bright rocks. The rocks, with their distinctive rounded and pitted “weathering” pattern (pictured), strongly resemble elemental sulfur blocks that we’ve encountered before. Frustratingly, although the target rocks were right under the front wheel and clearly visible in our navigation cameras, they remained just out of reach of the rover’s arm.

    While the rover’s arm couldn’t quite reach the bright stones of Sheep Creek, we didn’t let that stop us and planned to use other onboard instruments to help us analyze the composition, textures, and context before we move to our next position. As the Keeper of the Plan for the Geology and Mineralogy theme group, my role was to ensure all those activities were recorded in the plan.

    To find out the composition of the stones of Sheep Creek, we used ChemCam (our onboard laser) to observe two promising stones we’ve named “Arch Rock” and “Ash Mountain.” We’re hoping to see if they have any evidence of elemental sulfur as their appearance suggests. For a closer look at the texture, we will take high-resolution, color images with Mastcam (which you can also view in 3D with red and blue anaglyph glasses!). We also want to look at an interesting transition between light-colored and dark-colored bedrock nearby, which we will cover with more high-resolution, colored images. This transition could give us clues about where the unusual white rocks of Sheep Creek came from and how they formed.

    We had our eye on another bright rock in the area, named “Beryl Lake.” It had an interesting bright-toned crusty appearance and as we could reach it with the rover arm, we used our APXS tool (think of it as a chemical scanner) to see its composition and if it had any traces of sulfur. We took a closer look with our rover hand lens (MAHLI) at a rock called “Aster Lake,” which had intriguing white patches that might be similar to the stones of Sheep Creek. Ultimately, our science goal this plan was to collect data on whether these bright-toned stones had evidence of elemental sulfur and increase our understanding on how they formed.

    Next, we’ll carefully reposition the rover to move closer to these interesting targets — a maneuver that we call a “bump” — so that next plan, set to occur over the weekend, we’ll be able to get up close and personal with the white stones of Sheep Creek. While the rover waits for the weekend plan, we’re setting up the rover to do some “untargeted” science after the drive. This includes using an automated tool called AEGIS that finds interesting targets on its own and zaps them with the ChemCam laser. Plus, it’s a good time to record some observations of the modern Martian environment, so we’ll make the most of the time to measure dust levels, take movies that will hopefully capture some dust devils, and look at clouds — if any — in the Martian sky.

    We’re looking forward to the weekend plan to hopefully get another chance to do some contact science on targets that may be rich in sulfur!

    Written by Amelie Roberts, Ph.D. Candidate at Imperial College London

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Tulsa County, Oklahoma, Ready for Public View

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Tulsa County, Oklahoma, Ready for Public View

    Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Tulsa County, Oklahoma, Ready for Public View

    DENTON, Texas –Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

    Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

    For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Tulsa County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Community leaders and residents can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards, development and flood insurance that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flood event.

    FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

    Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

    The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

    For more information about the flood maps:

    There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

    alexa.brown

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA offers free Repair and Rebuilding Advice in O’Brien County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA offers free Repair and Rebuilding Advice in O’Brien County

    FEMA offers free Repair and Rebuilding Advice in O’Brien County

    Des Moines, Iowa — FEMA is providing free information about how to make your home stronger and safer – whether it was damaged by this summer’s severe storms or not.

    FEMA will be in O’Brien County at the Downtown Hardware Hank store, 816 Third Ave., Sheldon Iowa 51201 on Oct. 1-4 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    You can speak directly with FEMA specialists at local home improvement stores. The public can get answers to questions and discuss:

    • Proven methods for preventing damage from future disasters.
    • Techniques for rebuilding homes.
    • Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent your home.
    • Help is available to all homeowners, not only those affected by the recent storms.

    If you have questions about how to make your home safer, call the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Helpline at 833-336-2487.

    If you had flood related damage or storm-caused expenses and live or own a business in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Scott, Sioux and Woodbury counties, FEMA assistance can provide grants to help cover temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster related needs. 

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. For Spanish, press 2. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. 

    martyce.allenjr

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Cantwell, Tester, Baldwin, Rosen Introduce Bill to Prevent Fentanyl Trafficking Through U.S. Transportation Networks

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Legislation would boost detection of illegal drug smuggling by air, sea, rail & road
    Bill gains backing by Narcotics Officers, Major City Chiefs, Forensic Science Labs, State Criminal Investigative Agencies, HIDTA Leaders
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Democrats, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and Tribal local law enforcement resources, deploy next generation, non-intrusive detection technologies and increase inspections at ports of entry.
    “The flow of fentanyl into the country has devastated far too many communities across New Mexico and the United States,” said Senator Luján. “This bill would crack down on the trafficking of deadly drugs by implementing innovative inspection strategies for U.S. transportation networks and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to combat fentanyl smuggling. It is time for Congress to act to keep our communities safe and put an end to the fentanyl crisis.”
    “Drug traffickers should not be allowed to exploit the U.S. transportation system to smuggle fentanyl and precursor chemicals to make illicit synthetic drugs,” Senator Cantwell said. “Our bill equips federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement with the tools they need to curb drug smuggling by accelerating the development of non-intrusive technologies to inspect our commercial aircraft, trucks, trains and ships – while boosting resources to deploy this technology and drug-sniffing dogs, improving forensic science at crime labs, and building a better system to share intelligence and information between federal authorities and the private sector.”
    “The deadly flow of fentanyl into Montana communities is tearing families apart and it’s making our state less safe,” said Senator Jon Tester. “If we’re going to end illicit drug trafficking, we’re going to have to come at this issue from all sides, and that means strengthening our southern border, funding law enforcement, and securing the transportation systems allowing bad actors to get these drugs into our communities. I’m proud to have introduced this bill to give our law enforcement agencies the tools they need to combat illicit drug trafficking and make our transit systems safer for all Montanans.”
    “I’ve heard from parents who lost children, law enforcement fighting on the front lines, and advocates – all demanding we do more to stop the scourge of fentanyl,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m fighting this crisis on all fronts – from stopping the precursor chemicals being manufactured in China, to boosting access to overdose reversal drugs, and everything in between. I’m proud to lead this legislation to give our law enforcement the tools they need to stop drug traffickers from using American airports, railways, ports, and roads to smuggle fentanyl into our communities.”
    “Most synthetic fentanyl is smuggled into our country, making its way to communities across Nevada and destroying families,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m doing everything I can to stop the flow of illicit drugs and support law enforcement. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bill to develop a national strategy to prevent fentanyl smuggling and increase inspections at Ports of Entry on our border.”
    According to U.S. Government authorities, drug traffickers exploit the U.S. transportation network to smuggle fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other illicit drugs into and throughout the country. Once drugs have entered the country, drug traffickers continue to rely on the national transportation network—trucks, trains and commercial aircraft—to move their product to its final destination.
    The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024 (S. 5285) would:
    Read the summary here and bill text here.
    Create a National Prevention Plan: Directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop a comprehensive national strategy that examines the entire U.S. transportation network and ports of entry to prevent the smuggling of illicit synthetic drugs.
    Boost Illegal Drug Detection by Air, Sea, Rail and Road: The bill establishes four new transportation-specific inspection programs—private and commercial aircraft, railroads, commercial vehicles and maritime vessels—to expand detection across all transportation modes and prevent interstate smuggling. State, local, Tribal and territorial law enforcement would carry out inspections using non-intrusive technologies and canines, in coordination with federal law enforcement authorities – and without unduly delaying the movement of goods or interrupting interstate commerce.
    Deploy High-Tech Detection Tools: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the ONDCP to accelerate new emerging, non-intrusive technologies, including integrating AI and quantum, to detect illicit synthetic drugs. National laboratories, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, are already developing next-generation technologies for fentanyl detection. AI could help increase capacities to integrate multiple sources of data and overcome challenges in identifying fentanyl when it is mixed with other opioids to evade detection.
    Increase Port of Entry Drug Detections: Currently, only 1-2 percent of passenger vehicles and 15-17 percent of commercial vehicles are scanned at U.S. ports of entry. The bill requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect 100 percent of motor vehicles and railroads entering the country through a port of entry within five years, and all civil air cargo and maritime cargo within ten years.
    Support Law Enforcement Workforce, Technology and Training: Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide grants to state, local, Tribal and territorial law enforcement to acquire new technology and canines and support overtime and other program-related expenses. It would also increase federal support to state and local crime scene investigators and forensics laboratories to process evidence related to fentanyl crimes and deaths.
    Improve Data and Information Sharing to Prevent Drug Trafficking: Requires the Director of ONDCP to create a public-private task force to improve intelligence and information sharing among federal, state and local authorities and the private sector to combat drug trafficking.
    “The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition applauds Senator Cantwell for her work on the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. We know that a large portion of illegal narcotics are trafficked through our transportation systems, and this legislation will provide the needed resources such as advanced detection technology and canines to enhance law enforcement’s ability to conduct inspections on our nation’s transportation systems,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.
    “The Major Cities Chiefs Association thanks Senator Cantwell for taking an innovative approach to fentanyl interdiction with the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. In cities across the country, resources are strained and the fentanyl crisis is a factor. Federal support is welcome as MCCA member agencies work to curb this crisis and promote safer communities and public health. We look forward to additional engagement on the matter as it moves forward in Congress,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
    “Deaths and adverse events from illicit synthetic drugs continue to be at epidemic proportions, yet funding for forensics labs remains stagnant.  This bill prioritizes resources for the professionals on the front lines of the fight against illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances.  We commend members of the Commerce Committee for taking this approach to ensure our forensic experts have the necessary resources and data to combat this epidemic,” said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.
    “The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senator Cantwell’s introduction of the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. While recent figures show progress in reducing drug poisoning deaths in the U.S., we are nowhere near where we need to be to protect Americans from the ongoing threat.  This bill would strengthen the ability of agencies at all levels of government to detect and disrupt drug trafficking,” said Drew Evans, President of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies.
    “The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association appreciates Senator Cantwell’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and her support for providing critically needed tools and resources for state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement to interdict fentanyl shipments before negatively impacting the communities across the country. Given the profound impact fentanyl has had on families, schools, and communities, this bill will be instrumental in enabling law enforcement agencies participating in the HIDTA program to develop new and innovative strategies to tackle this crisis,”  said F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Launch Your Creativity with These Space Crafts!

    Source: NASA

    9 min read

    In honor of the completion of our Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s spacecraft — the vehicle that will maneuver the observatory to its place in space and enable it to function once there — we’re bringing you some space crafts you can complete at home!

    Join us for a journey across the cosmos, starting right in your own pantry. 

    Stardust Slime

    Did you know that most of your household ingredients are made of stardust? And so are you! Nearly every naturally occurring element was forged by living or dying stars. Take the baking soda in this slime recipe, for example. It’s made up of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The hydrogen was made during the big bang, right at the start of the universe. But the other three elements were created by dying stars. So when you show your friends your space-y slime, you can tell them it’s literally made of stardust!

    Instructions:

    1 5 oz. bottle clear glue
    ½ tablespoon baking soda
    food coloring
    1 tablespoon contact lens solution
    1 tablespoon glitter

    Directions:

    Pour the glue into a bowl

    Mix in the baking soda

    Add food coloring (we recommend blue, purple, black, or a combination).

    Add contact lens solution and use your hands to work it through the slime. It will initially be very sticky! You can add a little extra contact lens solution to make it firmer and less goopy.

    Add glitter a teaspoon at a time, using as much or as little as you like!

    Space Suckers

    Now let’s travel a little farther, past Earth’s atmosphere and into the realm of space. That’s where Roman is headed once the whole observatory is complete and passes all of its testing!

    Roman will scan the skies from space to make it extra sensitive to faint infrared light. It’s harder to see from the ground because our atmosphere scatters and absorbs infrared radiation, which obscures observations. Some astronauts have reported that space smells metallic or like gunpowder, but don’t worry — you can choose a more pleasant flavor for your space suckers!

    Ingredients

    2 cups sugar
    2/3 cup light corn syrup
    2/3 cup water
    gel food coloring
    flavor oil
    edible glitter dust
    sucker sticks
    sucker mold

    Directions

    Prep the molds by adding sucker sticks.

    Mix sugar, light corn syrup, and water together in a pot on the stove over medium heat.

    Turn it up to medium-high heat and let it boil without stirring for about 6 minutes.

    Quickly stir in the flavor oil of your choice, gel food coloring, plus as much edible glitter as you like (reserve some for dusting).

    Carefully but quickly spoon the mixture into the molds. Spin the sticks so they’re evenly coated. Add a sprinkle of reserved edible glitter and allow to harden.” An image on the left side of the card shows the result: a deep purple sucker with silver glitter embedded.

    Fizzy Planets

    As we move toward our outer solar system, we’ll pass the orbits of the gas giant planets Jupiter and Saturn. While they don’t actually fizz like the mini planets you can make at home, they do have some pretty exotic chemistry that stems from their extreme pressures, temperatures, and compositions. For example, the hydrogen in their cores behaves like liquid metal instead of a gas. It even conducts electricity!

    Roman will use multiple planet-spotting techniques –– microlensing, transits, and direct imaging –– to help us study a variety of worlds, including both gas giants and rocky worlds similar to our own.

    Ingredients

    3 cups baking soda
    ¾ cup water
    food coloring
    ¼ cup vinegar

    Directions

    Mix a few drops of food coloring into ¼ cup of water and pour into a bowl with 1 cup of baking soda.

    Repeat step one two more times using different colors.

    Scoop together bits from each mixture to form small balls. Add an extra splash of water to any mixture that’s too crumbly.

    Douse the balls with vinegar using an eye dropper or teaspoon and watch them fizz!

    Marshmallow Constellations

    As we venture farther out into space, we’ll reach some familiar stars! Constellations are groups of stars that appear close together in the sky as seen from Earth. But if you actually journeyed out to them, you might be surprised to discover that they’re often super far apart from each other!

    Though constellations aren’t made of stars that are actually bound together in any way, they can still be useful for referencing a cosmic object’s location in the sky. For example, you can use a pair of binoculars or a telescope to take a look at the nebula found beneath Orion’s Belt, marked by the glitter patch in the recipe card above! You can find the constellation printables here.

    Supplies

    toothpicks or mini pretzel sticks
    mini marshmallows
    constellation printables
    scissors

    Directions

    Attach marshmallows to toothpicks or pretzel sticks using the constellation cards as a guide. Carefully trim toothpicks or pretzel sticks as needed using scissors.

    Black Hole Bath Bombs

    Black holes –– objects with such strong gravity that not even light can escape their clutches –– lurk unseen throughout our galaxy. Stray too close to one and you’re in for a wild ride! But they aren’t cosmic vacuum cleaners, despite what you may have grown to believe. Just keep your distance and they’ll affect you the same way as any other object of the same mass.Astronomers have found dozens of black holes in our galaxy by seeing how their gravity affects nearby objects. But there may be 100 million more that lack a visible companion to signal their presence. Roman will find some of these solitary black holes by seeing how their gravity focuses the light from farther stars.

    Ingredients

    1 cup baking soda
    ½ cup citric acid
    ½ cup cornstarch
    2 tablespoons coconut oil
    black food coloring
    optional: 2 teaspoons essential oil for scent
    optional: ½ cup Epsom salt

    Directions

    Mix the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt (optional) together in a bowl.

    In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil, food coloring, and essential oil (optional).

    Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture slowly while whisking it all together. Add a couple tiny splashes of water and whisk it in quickly.

    Tightly press the mixture into round molds. Leave them for a few hours and then they’ll be ready to use!

    Galaxy in a Jar

    Now let’s go so far we can see our Milky Way galaxy from the outside — something many astronomers probably wish they could do at times! Sort of like how Earth’s atmosphere can affect our view of space, dust in our galaxy can get in the way, too. That makes it easier to study other galaxies than our own in some ways! Roman’s combination of a large field of view, crisp resolution, and the ability to peer through dust make it the ideal instrument to study the Milky Way. The mission will build on previous observations to generate the most detailed map of our galaxy to date.

    Ingredients

    hot water
    glitter glue
    glitter
    super glue (optional)

    Directions

    Mostly fill a 16 oz. glass jar with very hot water, leaving a couple inches of space at the top.

    Add at least ¼ cup of glitter glue in colors of your choosing.

    Add loose glitter a couple of teaspoons at a time, using as much or as little as you like! You can use a combination of fine and chunky glitter for an extended swirling effect.

    Optional: Super glue the lid to the jar.

    Once the water has sufficiently cooled, give the jar a gentle shake to see your galaxy swirl!

    NOTE: Closely monitor children to ensure the jar doesn’t break.

    Pinwheel Galaxy Pinwheels

    As we continue our cosmic excursion, you’ll see other galaxies sprinkled throughout space. Many are spiral galaxies, like our Milky Way and the Pinwheel Galaxy from the craft described above. (You can find more detailed instructions and the printout you’ll need here.)

    But galaxies come in other varieties, too. Through Roman’s wide, deep surveys, astronomers are sure to see every type. Scientists will study the shapes and distances of billions of galaxies to help us understand dark energy — a mysterious pressure that’s speeding up the universe’s expansion. 

    Supplies

    Pinwheel Galaxy printout
    pipe cleaner or chopsticks
    scissors
    popsicle stick
    single hole puncher

    Directions

    Cut out the hexagonal shape for your galaxy pinwheel.

    Make cuts down the white lines.

    Punch holes in the white dots: six around the edges and one in the center.

    Turn the paper so it’s face-down.

    Thread a pipe cleaner through the center hole.

    Going around the circle, fold each flap so the pipe cleaner goes through the hole.

    Tie a knot in the pipe cleaner to secure the front of the pinwheel. Wrap the other side of the pipe cleaner around a popsicle stick.

    Universe Dough

    We’re nearing the end of our voyage, having traveled so far through space and time that we can take in the whole universe! We’ve learned a lot about it, but there are still plenty of open questions. Some of its biggest components, dark energy and dark matter (invisible matter seen only via its gravitational influence), are huge mysteries Roman will explore. And since the observatory will reveal such large, deep swaths of space, who knows what new puzzles we’ll soon uncover!

    Ingredients
    1 cup flour
    ½ cup salt
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    ½ cup hot water
    food coloring
    glitter

    Directions

    Mix flour and salt in a bowl.

    Add several drops of food coloring to hot water, and stir into dry mixture along with the oil.

    Add as much glitter as you like and knead it into the dough for several minutes.

    Add water or flour as needed to adjust the consistency.

    Still feeling crafty? Try your hand at these 3D and paper spacecraft models. If you’re eager for a more advanced space craft, check out these embroidery creations for inspiration! Or if you’re ready for a break, take a virtual tour of an interactive version of the Roman Space Telescope here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Junior A hockey’s best to battle in Calgary

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    Alberta is reaffirming its status as a premier destination for major sporting events, bringing another major hockey championship to the province this May. For the first time in the event’s 54-year history, the National Junior A Championships will come to Calgary. The 2025 Centennial Cup will be held at the city’s Max Bell Centre. The event is expected to attract 50,000 spectators to the Blue Sky City, in addition to the hundreds of athletes, coaches and officials participating in the competition.

    Alberta’s government has committed $240,000 for the planning, staging and delivery of the competition. The championship is expected to inject up to $5 million into Calgary’s economy, supporting jobs and local businesses through increased dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation bookings.

    “I’m pleased to welcome the Centennial Cup back to Alberta, and to Calgary for the first time. As someone who grew up playing every sport I could, I can tell you first-hand the impact of having elite competitions like the Centennial Cup in your community. These competitions not only benefit the local economy, they also inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams.”

    Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    Considered the toughest trophy to win in Canadian hockey, the road to the Centennial Cup involves 122 teams from nine leagues across Canada. After claiming their league titles, the nine champion teams, along with a host team, will compete for the coveted Centennial Cup. The Calgary Canucks enter the 2025 season coming off their tenth Alberta Junior Hockey League championship victory and a semifinal appearance in the 2024 Centennial Cup.

    “The Centennial Cup is the pinnacle of Junior A hockey in Canada, and the Canucks are thrilled to be bringing the Cup to Calgary. We’re grateful to the Government of Alberta for their support in hosting this event and are looking forward to winning in front of a home crowd!”

    Sandy Edmonstone, chair and president, Calgary Canucks Junior A Hockey Club

    A key feature of the Centennial Cup is giving back to the community. With each Centennial Cup, legacy projects are put in place to increase access and participation in sport in the host communities. As the legacy project for the 2025 Centennial Cup, the Calgary Canucks are proud to be investing in advancing Indigenous and at-risk youth in sport, in addition to future enhancements to Max Bell Centre. 

    “Hockey Canada is thrilled to have the support of the Government of Alberta to bring the Centennial Cup to Calgary. We believe in what the Calgary Canucks are creating as the event host and know that community hockey, Indigenous youth, local volunteers and Alberta hockey fans will benefit from the impact of this event for years to come.” 

    Dean MacIntosh, senior vice president, Hockey Canada       

    Alberta will host the Centennial Cup for the eighth time since the tournament’s inception in 1971, with Calgary joining previous host cities Edmonton (1975), Olds (1994), Fort McMurray (2000), Grande Prairie (2004), Camrose (2011), Lloydminster (2016), and Brooks (2019).

    Related information

    • Hockey Canada
    • Calgary Canucks
    • Major Sport Event Grant Program

    Multimedia

    • Video: Minister Schow announces Centennial Cup funding at Evening with Legends event in Calgary

    Related news

    • Strengthening Alberta’s sport legacy (Aug. 8, 2024)
    • Athletes aiming for gold at Alberta sport events (March 19, 2024)
    • All eyes on Alberta for winter sports (Jan. 15, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chief Engineer Dr. Donald Mendoza

    Source: NASA

    “From my earliest childhood, flight had always captivated me. I lived out in the boonies and the farmlands, so I didn’t have neighbors to go and play with. If I wasn’t working, I was left to my own devices, and often, I would just be captivated by the wildlife and in particular, the birds of prey that I would see.
    “To me, they represented a freedom of some kind or another. These birds and the view they have — they can take in so much. So, from that point on, I knew I wanted to be involved in flight and aviation.
    “I [enjoyed] all things flight, all things spaceflight. I couldn’t get enough of it. I became an avid reader, whereas before, I wasn’t much of a reader. I couldn’t get enough material to read about my heroes from flight and space. They became my role models and the path that they took involved, at some point or another, a pretty rigorous education and dedication to doing well academically, physically, or athletically. So, I threw myself into that entire sort of mindset.
    “When I was working for the Air Force, I was able to fly and work on aircraft that I would dream about, looking at in the magazines Aviation Week and Space Technology. Here they are, right in front of me.
    “… So, my career has been as close as possible to that of a flight test engineer. And then, right on the heels of being captivated by atmospheric flight, working in human spaceflight has put me over the Moon.”
    —Dr. Donald Mendoza, Chief Engineer, NASA Engineering & Safety Center, NASA’s Ames Research Center
    Image Credit: NASA/Dominic HartInterviewer: NASA/Thalia Patrinos
    Check out some of our other Faces of NASA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $6.7 Million to Support Policing in Regina

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety will provide $5.8 million to the City of Regina in 2024-25 through the Municipal Police Grants program to continue to support 44 current municipal police positions in the city. 

    “As social disorder concerns continue to impact our communities, it is important that we provide stable funding to the Regina Police Service, so they can start planning for the upcoming fiscal year,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “We are proud to support our municipal police services as we work to create safer communities in Saskatchewan.”

    This funding will continue to support the Regina Police Service’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Serious and Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Plan, Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) program, Missing Persons Task Force, and Police and Crisis Teams (PACT), among other targeted policing initiatives. Through PACT, officers work with mental health workers to respond to calls where individuals may be experiencing a mental health crisis, while the CRT focuses on investigating gang-related activities in the community.

    The Serious and Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Plan allows officers to work with probation officers and prosecutors to address criminal behaviours of habitual offenders between the ages of 15 and 25. The Missing Persons Task Force coordinates cases involving missing persons, and ICE investigates online child exploitation cases.

    A total of $900,000 will also be provided by Saskatchewan Government Insurance to support five police offices through the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan program. This brings the total amount for the Regina Police Service Funding Agreement in 2024-45 to $6.7 million to support 49 police positions in the Queen City.

    “The Municipal Police Grant program is an invaluable resource for the Regina Police Service and provincial agencies alike who work to enhance community safety,” Regina Police Service Deputy Chief Trent Stevely said. “This grant not only provides additional funding for the Regina Police Service, but an opportunity to put more officers on the street and in specialized investigative units. With this program, we have seen a province-wide impact on areas such as gang and organized crime activity, internet child exploitation, as well as providing an increased focus on local substance abuse issues.”

    This funding is in addition to the $3.8 million that was recently announced for the City of Regina to hire 32 new officers for the Regina Police Service.

    The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety has provided financial support to Saskatchewan police services through the Municipal Police Grants program since 1998. Today, the grant program supports 143 municipal police positions and targeted policing initiatives in communities across the province.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: City of Prince Albert to Receive $3.6 Million for Targeted Policing Initiatives

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    Today, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety announced $3.1 million for the City of Prince Albert through its 2024-25 Municipal Police Grants program. A total of 23 current police service positions will be supported through this funding initiative.

    “Supporting municipal police services, such as the Prince Albert Police Service, is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “Today’s funding continues our government’s long-standing tradition of supporting policing in Saskatchewan, and we are proud to continue supporting the Municipal Police Grants program in 2024-25.” 

    The funding supports the continued delivery of targeted policing initiatives in Prince Albert, such as the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), which teams police officers with mental health workers to provide an integrated and coordinated response to individuals experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis in the community.

    The grant program also supports the continuation of the Crime Reduction Team (CRT) that gathers intelligence on street gangs and gang associates in the city; the Missing Persons Task Force that focuses on missing persons cases; the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) that investigates illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking; and the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) program that addresses online child exploitation.

    Saskatchewan Government Insurance will also provide $540,000 for three positions through the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) initiative. This brings the total amount of the Prince Albert Police Service Funding Agreement in 2024-25 to $3.6 million to support 26 police positions in the community.

    “The Prince Albert Police Service is grateful for the continued financial investment from the Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety,” Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier said. “This support is vital in ensuring our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and maintain peace within our community. We recognize the importance of a partnership between the province and the City of Prince Albert in addressing the unique challenges faced by our city.

    Prince Albert continues to serve a population far greater than its official records indicate, with a diverse and growing community. This includes not only our residents, but also those from surrounding areas who rely on the city for services. The shared responsibility between provincial and municipal authorities ensures that we are equipped to meet the demands placed on our police service and provide an effective and responsive approach to safety and security. The Prince Albert Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment, working closely with our provincial partners to address emerging challenges and uphold our mission of partnering and engaging to build a safe and compassionate community.”

    Today’s announcement is an additional funding boost for the City of Prince Albert, following the government’s recent announcement of $2.0 million to hire 17 new officers for the Prince Albert Police Service through its safer communities and neighbourhoods initiative.

    For the past 26 years, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety has supported Saskatchewan police services through the Municipal Police Grants program. It currently supports 143 municipal police positions and targeted policing initiatives in the province.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $7.7 Million for Policing and Community Safety Initiatives in Saskatoon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    The City of Saskatoon will receive $6.8 million in 2024-25 through the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety’s Municipal Police Grants program to continue to fund 49 existing police officer positions in the city.

    “With the renewed support of the Municipal Police Grants program, the Saskatoon Police Service will continue delivering responsive policing services to help address social disorder concerns that are facing the community,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. 

    In Saskatoon, these targeted policing initiatives include: Police and Crisis Teams (PACT), a Crime Reduction Team (CRT), the Child Sexual Exploitation program, and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT). 

    Through PACT, police officers and mental health professionals team up to answer service calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis. CRTs target gang-related criminal activity in Saskatoon, and the Child Sexual Exploitation program investigates cases involving the sexual exploitation of children. STRT works to suppress criminal activity as an intelligence-led enforcement team that investigates illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking cases.

    Five positions with the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) initiative will also be funded by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). An additional $900,000 will be provided to the city through SGI, bringing the total for the Saskatoon Police Service Funding Agreement to $7.7 million for 54 police positions in 2024-25.

    “The challenges and complexities of policing within our current environment continue to grow,” Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride said. “In order to meet these demands, the provincial government has become a critical partner for us. Within this year, the Saskatoon Police Service will receive provincial revenue totaling $7.7 million, that will support critical police work. Without this partnership, our operations would be significantly impacted.”

    Today’s funding announcement is in addition to the $4.4 million that was recently announced to support the hiring of 37 new frontline officers for the Saskatoon Police Service as part of the government’s commitment to creating safer, vibrant communities in Saskatchewan.

    Since 1998, the ministry has provided funds through the Municipal Police Grants program to police services across the province. The program currently supports 143 municipal police positions in Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Review of EU Citizens’ voting rights

    Source: City of Derby

    Changes to the law mean Derby City Council needs to review its electoral register, and if you are from the European Union, this could affect you.

    Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, The Elections Act 2022 brought with it changes to elections where EU citizens can vote, or stand as a candidate.

    Derby City Council will now conduct a review to determine who can remain on the electoral register, and may have to contact you for further information. This will by post or email, and you will receive the outcome of your review in writing.

    The changes apply to local and mayoral elections in England from 7 May 2024. If you’re an EU citizen, you will now only be able to register, vote or stand as a candidate if you meet one of the following criteria:

    • Citizens of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta living in the UK are unaffected by the changes and can vote and stand as candidates in all UK elections.
    • Citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Spain living in the UK can still stand and vote in local elections but not UK Parliament elections.
    • Citizens of EU countries who were legally resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 with permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. This status must have continued without interruption.

    Emily Feenan, Electoral Registration Officer for Derby City Council, said: 

    “This review is an important part of keeping our electoral register up to date following recent legislation changes.

    “We understand that these changes may cause some concern, but we’re here to support our residents through this process and ensure everyone who is eligible can exercise their right to vote.”

    For more detailed information about changes to EU citizen’s voting and candidacy rights please see the Electoral Commission website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Elections Team at elections@derby.gov.uk. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Receives Full License in Kazakhstan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to announce that it has been granted a full license by the Astana Financial Service Authority (AFSA). This significant milestone enables Bybit to operate as a fully authorized market institution in Kazakhstan, marking another step in the company’s global expansion.

    Under full authorization from AFSA, Bybit Kazakhstan will offer a comprehensive range of services, including operating a digital asset trading facility, providing custody, dealing in investments as both an agent and principal, and managing investments. Bybit’s new licensing opens many opportunities for users in Kazakhstan and the broader Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.

    “Kazakhstan has become a key player in the global crypto ecosystem, and we are thrilled to be expanding our services in such a dynamic market,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “With this full license, we are committed to bringing our cutting-edge technology, security, and transparency to crypto traders in Kazakhstan, ensuring they can access the best possible tools and services to thrive in this fast-growing industry.”

    With this license, Bybit Kazakhstan will now offer various products, including spot and derivatives trading, margin trading, and crypto loans. The Bybit Kazakhstan website, under the domain “bybit.kz,” is scheduled to launch in mid-October 2024. The expansion into Kazakhstan aligns with Bybit’s mission to provide reliable and transparent services, catering to the unique needs of crypto traders and investors in the region.

    This new chapter for Bybit in Kazakhstan solidifies the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the global cryptocurrency landscape. With a fully regulated platform, Bybit is poised to deliver enhanced services that meet the highest standards of compliance and security. Bybit looks forward to building strong relationships with traders in Kazakhstan and across the CIS region, empowering them to navigate the dynamic world of digital assets with confidence.

    About Bybit

    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

    For more details about Bybit, users can visit Bybit Press. 

    For media inquiries, users can contact: media@bybit.com

    For more information, users can visit: https://www.bybit.com

    For updates, users can follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Contact
    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sewell Recognizes Ms. Brenda Phillips-Hong Ahead of Annual ‘Sistah Strut’ Walk to Fight Breast Cancer

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    Washington D.C. – U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to recognize the work of Ms. Brenda Phillips-Hong, breast cancer survivor and founder of Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) in Birmingham, Alabama. The organization is dedicated to the support, education, and early detection of breast cancer for minority, low-income, and underserved women and men. BBBB’s annual “Sistah Strut” walk to fight breast cancer will take place Saturday, September 28th at Legion Field.

    Watch it on YouTube here. 

    Rep. Sewell: Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exemplary and extraordinary work of Ms. Brenda Phillips-Hong, the founder of Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies in Birmingham, Alabama, ahead of her annual ‘Sistah Strut’ walk to fight breast cancer. 

    A survivor herself, Ms. Brenda’s organization is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating on behalf of breast cancer for minority, low-income, and underserved women and men. Not only does it provide a support system for patients, her organization also helps to connect them to transportation to and from treatments.

    Ms. Brenda’s work has changed countless lives in Birmingham and in Jefferson County, particularly for Black women who are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. We are so grateful that she has decided to turn her pain into purpose and use her own story to make a difference in the lives of so many.

    As we prepare to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, let us remember that early detection is our best protection.

    I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the amazing work of breast cancer survivor and community leader Ms. Brenda Phillips-Hong. May this year’s Sistah Strut walk be the best one ever. 

    Thank you, and I yield back. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Ministers LeBlanc and Anand announce trucking pilot project to improve movement of goods

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Ministers LeBlanc and Anand announce trucking pilot project to improve freight flow

    Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, September 26, 2024 – Today, at the Internal Trade Committee meeting, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, announced the launch of a pilot project on the mutual recognition of regulatory requirements in the trucking sector.

    Ministers thanked the coalition of provinces and territories supporting this initiative: Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut, for their contribution to improving the efficient movement of goods – a critical aspect of productivity and affordability in Canada. The pilot project will be co-chaired by Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.

    Mutual recognition agreements in key sectors, such as transportation and trucking, have the potential to boost productivity and economic growth in Canada. Experts predict that adopting mutual recognition as a means of reducing internal trade barriers could grow the Canadian economy by $200 billion per year.

    Under this new trucking pilot, participating provinces and territories will commit to recognizing each other’s regulatory requirements, even if there are differences, such as requirements for oversized vehicle signage, to allow trucks and the goods they carry to move efficiently across Canada without compromising safety measures. The pilot, the first of its kind on this scale in Canada, will help governments test and determine what can be achieved through mutual recognition and will spur future work on other important areas of the economy, such as labour mobility.

    Today’s announcement is an important first step toward the broad national adoption of mutual recognition and builds on the Government of Canada’s leadership and actions to liberalize trade and boost Canada’s economic productivity.

    Thanks to federal leadership, including Federal action plan to strengthen trade Interior, the Government of Canada has done the following:

    Establishment of the Canadian Centre for Internal Trade Data and Information, which provides open and accessible information on internal trade and trade barriers in critical economic sectors;
    Removal and reduction of 1/3 of federal exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, providing Canadian businesses with more opportunities to compete across the country; Strengthening regulatory cooperation through the harmonization of building codes and energy efficiency regulations and the exemption of redundant requirements for oil platforms; Funding for thedevelopment of a national register of doctors, led by the Medical Council of Canada, a fundamental measure that will promote labour mobility among physicians; Revising the Red Tape Reduction Act and imposing a requirement that the “One-for-One” Rule limit the administrative burden on business and take into account the reduction in burden resulting from regulatory cooperation between the Government of Canada and other jurisdictions; Advancing regulatory cooperation through the Regulatory Cooperation Council (a Canada-U.S. body) and the Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table (a federal-provincial-territorial body) to reduce regulatory barriers to trade and make it easier for businesses to operate across jurisdictions; and Organizing regional roundtables in Canada and the United States to better understand the regulatory issues facing businesses in domestic and international trade.

    In addition, as announced in August 2024, the Treasury Board of Canada is establishing a task force to examine Canadian public sector productivity and inform the government’s economic plan. The task force will be comprised of a range of experts from academia, think tanks, the private sector, the public sector, and will work with unions. It will examine the delivery of services to Canadians and the role of technology in reducing barriers to increasing the productivity of Canadians and businesses. The terms of reference for the task force will be finalized and made public in the coming weeks.

    Contacts For further information (media only), please contact:

    Gabriel Brunet Press SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Dominic LeBlancMinister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs819-665-6527gabriel.brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca

    Myah Tomasi Press SecretaryOffice of the President of the Treasury Board of Canada343-543-7210myah.tomasi@tbs-sct.gc.ca

    Media Relations Privy Council Office613-957-5420media@pco-bcp.gc.ca

    Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat613-369-9400Toll-free: 1-855-TBS-9-SCT (1-855-827-9728)media@tbs-sct.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy Mayor approves planning application for All England Lawn Tennis Club

    Source: Mayor of London

    Following a public hearing today at City Hall, Jules Pipe, the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, has approved the planning application for All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) to transform the former Wimbledon Park golf course.

    The plans will see an additional 38 grass courts, as well as a new Show Court, allowing the AELTC to bring the Wimbledon Qualifying event on-site for the first time – with the tournament bringing a wide range of economic and social benefits to London and nationally. 

    At today’s public hearing, GLA officers provided a detailed update on the proposals. Jules Pipe then heard views from Merton and Wandsworth Councils, and a range of supporters and objectors who had registered to speak. 

    The plans include:

    • An additional 27 acre (11.1 hectares) of public park, the site of a former private golf course, to be publicly accessible, managed and maintained as parkland.
    • Improvements to Wimbledon Park Lake and the creation of a new 3km boardwalk for the public. This is together with over £10 million of further improvements to the existing public park to include the provision of an enhanced multipurpose sports and leisure facility, drainage improvements to the sports fields, improved footpaths and new toilets, alongside a range of other recreational and heritage enhancement works.
    • A minimum of seven new Championship standard grass tennis courts open for community use.
    • The planting of 1500 new trees and an increase to the extent and quality of biodiversity across the land, with a suggested measurable biodiversity net gain of at least 10 per cent. 
    • Increased provision of tickets to the Championships to the local community and schools, including 450 tickets per day prioritised for Merton and Wandsworth residents at face value and 50 made available free of charge through the Wimbledon Foundation. 1000 free qualifying tickets for the Qualifying Event will also be made available for school children in Merton and Wandsworth.

    The GLA considered the benefits and disadvantages of the proposals in relation to a range of areas including environmental, design, transport, social, economic and cultural. While the plans have a significant effect on the use of metropolitan open land, the GLA considered the overall benefits to outweigh any harm in this area – including the provision of 11.1 hectares of publicly accessible parkland that will be managed and maintained.

    The GLA found that the total economic impact of the Championships, incorporating these plans, are projected to be worth in the region of £336 million to the UK economy each year, of which it is estimated that £326 million would occur within London. These plans will support 40 new jobs across the year and more than 250 new jobs during the Championships. Additionally, the plans will employ an average of between 50 to 400 construction workers per day between 2025 and 2033. 

    The very significant public benefits of the scheme, including enhancements to open space and recreation, economic, employment and heritage were therefore deemed to clearly outweigh the harm identified and allow for planning permission to be granted.

    Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, said: “These plans for the site of a former private golf course will bring significant benefits to the local area, the wider capital and the UK economy, providing increased access to open green space and sport, new parkland and a host of new jobs. Hosting qualifying events on the same site as the Championships will put Wimbledon on a global footing with other Grand Slam tournaments and ensure it remains one of the world’s top sporting events. The scheme brings a huge range of economic, social and cultural benefits which will contribute to building a fairer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Blackburn Renew Bipartisan Push to Honor Women that Volunteered in World War II

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    September 27, 2024
    Despite social stigmas and adverse public opinion, hundreds of thousands of women enlisted in volunteer services to contribute to war efforts
    Text of Resolution (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), along with Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reintroduced the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES) resolution to honor the women who served in the Navy during World War II.
    After World War I, laws limited women to the role of nurses during war. The Navy Women’s Reserve Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in July 1942, reversed this law and established WAVES, allowing women to volunteer in support of war efforts. Women were then recruited to perform military assignments, including training thousands of aspiring male naval aviators, gunners, and navigators. 
    More than 400,000 women served our country in military capacities in World War II. In fact, women accounted for about 2.5% of the Navy, including almost 80,000 officers and enlisted personnel during the program’s peak.
    “Hundreds of thousands of women helped us win World War II through their service,” said Senator Warren, “Their contributions should not be forgotten, and we should honor their legacy and perseverance.”
    Senator Warren has long been a leader in efforts to honor and fight for women servicemembers and veterans:
    In May 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren led colleagues in reintroducing the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, a bill honoring women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status.
    In July 2022, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) led 23 of their colleagues in a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), calling on the VA to take immediate administrative action to offer abortions and all abortion-related services to veterans and eligible dependents.
    In October 2021, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced a bipartisan resolution to honor and commend the women who served the United States in the Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. 
    In April 2021, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Susan Collins, Angus King, and Steve Daines today re-introduced the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, a bill to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status.
    In April 2021, Senator Elizabeth Warren led a bipartisan group of 7 senators to introduce a resolution designating April 18, 2021 as Military Retiree Appreciation Day to commemorate the life-long service of military retirees.
    In November 2019, Senator Elizabeth Warren led colleagues in introducing the Senate companion to a House resolution urging the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp series honoring women veterans of the Armed Forces and calling for the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp series be issued.
    In April 2019, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Susan Collins, Angus King, and Steve Daines re-introduced the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, a bill to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status. The bill would recognize former Cadet Nurses’ service to our country and provide them with honorable discharges, ribbon and medal privileges, and certain burial privileges.
    In December 2018,Senators Elizabeth Warren, Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced the U.S Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, a bill to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Whitehouse, Casar, Lawmakers Slam 35 Companies for Paying Their Executives More Than They Pay in Federal Income Taxes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    September 27, 2024
    Text of Letters (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas) led their colleagues in slamming 35 major companies that have been paying their executives more than they pay in federal income taxes. The lawmakers point to this as an additional reason why Congress must reform the tax code in 2025 to ensure that big corporations are paying what they owe.
    “For decades, big businesses and the wealthy have skirted their responsibility to pay federal income taxes, leaving hardworking Americans to foot the bill,” wrote the lawmakers. “As Congress considers what to do when some provisions of the 2017 law expire next year, it is critical that we ensure that large, profitable businesses are paying their fair share.” 
    In the first five years following the $2 trillion Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed by Republicans and signed by President Trump in 2017, 35 companies raked in $277 billion in domestic profits. These companies then paid an average effective income tax rate of just 14.1 percent, almost a third less than the 21 percent statutory rate. Instead of these gains “trickling down” to workers, the corporations paid their executives $9.5 billion – more than they paid in federal income taxes. While executives were making $989,000 per year or more, an average raise of $50,000 per executive, 90 percent of workers saw no earnings increase.
    The most egregious examples of these companies – and the ones the lawmakers wrote to – include: Tesla, TMobile, Netflix, AIG, Ford, NextEra, Darden, MetLife, Duke Energy, First Energy, DISH, Principal Financial, American Electrical Power, Kinder Morgan, Dominion, Oneok, Williams, Xcel Energy, NRG Energy, Salesforce, DTE Energy, Ameren, Sempra Energy, US Steel, Entergy, AmerisourceBergen, PPL, CMS Energy, Evergy, Voya Financial, Atmos Energy, Alliant Energy, Match Group, UGI, and Agilent Tech.
    “Next year, Congress has an opportunity to take bigger strides in reforming our tax code – to raise the corporate rate, close loopholes, and hold big businesses to the same standards as everyday working Americans who pay their fair share,” concluded the lawmakers.
    In addition to Senators Warren and Whitehouse, and Representative Casar, the letters were also signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Peter Welch (D-Vermont), as well as Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). 
    Senator Warren has led the fight to close tax loopholes for the wealthy and giant corporations to ensure a more fair tax system: 
    In July 2024, Senator Warren called on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to fully implement the 15% Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax signed into law by President Biden in the Inflation Reduction Act two years ago to preemptively stop corporate attempts to avoid paying their fair share.
    In June 2024, Senator Warren delivered remarks at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth to set the agenda on taxes ahead of the 2025 tax fight and urge Democrats to back President Biden’s agenda to tax the rich. Senator Warren’s call came as Congress prepared for major tax policy changes as a large portion of the 2017 Republican tax cuts for the wealthy were set to expire. 
    In March 2024, Senator Warren, along with U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), reintroduced the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, popular, comprehensive legislation that would bring in at least $3 trillion in revenue over 10 years by requiring that the top 0.05 percent of American households chip in 2 cents for every dollar of wealth over $50 million. The newly introduced version of the bill included stronger rules on trusts, a common method the ultra-wealthy utilize to avoid paying taxes that cost the federal government between $5 and $7 billion annually. 
    In November 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Warren called out efforts by lobbyists for giant corporations trying to extend three of the biggest corporate giveaways in the Trump tax cuts: bonus depreciation, R&D expensing, and looser limits on net interest deduction. 
    In October 2023, Senators Warren, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sent a letter to Secretary Janet Yellen and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel, urging them to proactively use the Treasury Department’s rulemaking authority to close tax loopholes that create inconsistency and unfairness in the tax system and threaten the government’s ability to raise important revenue.
    In August 2023, Senators Warren, Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Sanders sent a letter to the Treasury and IRS, urging them to quickly propose and implement strong rules that close loopholes exploited by crypto tax evaders.
    In April 2023, Senator Warren sent a letter to Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Werfel, urging them to follow through on the commitments of the Biden administration by examining and taking concrete steps to address racial inequities in tax benefits and enforcement.
    In March 2023, Senators Warren, Van Hollen, Sanders, and Whitehouse sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging her to use the full extent of the Treasury Department’s regulatory authority to crack down on the ultra-wealthy’s use of trusts to dodge paying their fair share in taxes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Overchuk: In December, the Union State turns a quarter of a century old – during this time, it has managed to build coordinated interaction in all areas of cooperation

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    A meeting of the High-Level Group of the Council of Ministers of the Union State took place.

    Alexey Overchuk, together with the Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus Dmitry Krutoy, held a meeting of the High-Level Group of the Council of Ministers of the Union State

    September 27, 2024

    Alexey Overchuk, together with the Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus Dmitry Krutoy, held a meeting of the High-Level Group of the Council of Ministers of the Union State

    September 27, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexey Overchuk, together with the Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus Dmitry Krutoy, held a meeting of the High-Level Group of the Council of Ministers of the Union State

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk, together with Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus Dmitry Krutoy, held a meeting of the High-Level Group of the Council of Ministers of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. The event was held in Minsk with the participation of State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Belarus Boris Gryzlov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Russian Federation with the powers of Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Rogozhnik, representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

    The Co-Chairs of the High-Level Group reviewed the progress of joint work aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Belarus, paying particular attention to the development of railway transport and infrastructure, passenger service, cargo delivery, industry, digital access to the markets of the two countries and other issues requiring joint solutions.

    “This year is significant for our fraternal countries: in December, the Union State turns a quarter of a century old. During this time, we have managed to build coordinated interaction in all areas of cooperation. The results of this large-scale work are expressed in the indicators of our mutual trade and the development of the economies of our countries, and this is an increase in the number of jobs and incomes of our people,” noted the Deputy Prime Minister.

    The parties discussed issues of strengthening the transport links between the two countries. According to Alexey Overchuk, Russia and Belarus have good prospects and large reserves for developing rail links between large border centers. At the same time, the development of rail links will require changes to the legal framework of the union to ensure seamless transportation and convenience for citizens of both countries.

    Joint work in the field of import substitution has been continued. The selection of import substitution projects for implementation using Russian government credit in the amount of 105 billion rubles has been completed.

    The countries are developing interregional cooperation. In June 2024, the XI Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus was held. More than 250 documents worth a total of about 30 billion rubles were signed on the sidelines of the forum, including 30 interregional and 25 municipal agreements.

    In the period from the end of March 2022 to August 31, 2024, a total of 6,758 foreign trade contracts were concluded by enterprises from 75 constituent entities of the Russian Federation with Belarusian partners for a total of about 180 billion rubles. Several thousand enterprises of both countries are included in the system of cooperation interaction, carry out mutual deliveries of raw materials, materials and components.

    During the meeting of the High-Level Group, the joint work of Russia and Belarus in the field of tourism development was noted – the 2023 figures for the entry of Belarusian tourists into Russia were almost twice as high as the 2022 figures – from 126 thousand to 247 thousand trips. For the first half of 2024, the tourist flow from Belarus to Russia amounted to 111 thousand trips, exceeding the figures for the same period last year by more than half (in 2023 – 73 thousand trips).

    In order to support the tourist flow, new air routes have been introduced: from April 3, 2024, a regular flight from Brest to Moscow was launched, and from April 26 – Minsk – Makhachkala.

    To develop tourism within the Union State, a project is being prepared to create a tourist information center for the Union State. The location for the center in Smolensk has been agreed upon.

    An important area of Russian-Belarusian cooperation is deepening integration in the Union State. “We are working together to implement the new Main Directions for the Implementation of the Provisions of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State from 2024 to 2026. We have detailed the main document and in June approved 31 action plans aimed at the phased implementation of the planned goals,” said Alexey Overchuk.

    The Ministries of Economy of the parties are assessing the effects of the implementation of previous integration documents and the work being carried out.

    The meeting also reviewed the progress of the implementation of protocol decisions taken at the Union State venue. Work continued on preparing and holding meetings of the Council of Ministers of the Union State and the Supreme State Council of the Union State.

    As a result, the Standing Committee of the Union State was instructed to ensure coordinated work on the implementation of the agreements reached.

    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/52822/

    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 Asia-Pac: Ideas sought for Haw Par Mansion

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau has invited non-profit-making organisations to submit proposals for the operation, management, conservation and revitalisation, for arts and culture purposes, of Haw Par Mansion for a period of three years for arts and culture use. The mansion is situated at 15A Tai Hang Road, Wan Chai.

     

    Interested organisations must submit their proposals before 5.30pm on January 27, 2025. All proposals must be delivered by hand to the bureau’s Culture Division (2) located at 13/F, West Wing, Central Government Office, 2 Tim Mei Avenue in Tamar.

     

    The bureau will arrange a site visit for interested organisations on October 17, and a briefing session will be held on October 24 for attendees to learn about the application procedure and assessment criteria.

     

    Click here for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –