NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Malaysia credit and charge card payments market to grow by 6.8% in 2025, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Malaysia credit and charge card payments market to grow by 6.8% in 2025, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Banking

    Malaysia’s credit and charge card payments market is expected to register a growth of 6.8% to reach MYR245.7 billion ($53.7 billion) in 2025. This growth will be driven by the rising consumer spending and increasing consumer preference for cashless transactions, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that credit and charge card payment value in Malaysia registered a growth of 7.9% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending. The value is forecast to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% between 2025 and 2029 to reach MYR304.3 billion ($66.5 billion) in 2029.

    Kartik Challa, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Credit and charge cards were the most preferred payment cards in Malaysia, accounting for 59.7% of total card payment value in 2024. This was mainly driven by the rewards, discounts, cashback, and interest-free installment facilities offered with these cards, as well as developing payment infrastructure and a growing e-commerce market.”

    Malaysians are increasingly using credit and charge cards for payments, with the frequency of payments per card standing at 82.8 times in 2024, much higher compared to 37.7 times for debit cards. This figure is anticipated to further rise to 107.1 by 2029.

    Challa adds: “This is driven by banks offering flexible repayment options and value-added benefits such as cashback, reward points, discounts, and installment facilities. CIMB Malaysia offers ‘0% Easy Pay,’ allowing customers to pay for purchases in monthly interest free installment of up to 36 months at more than 1,000 participating merchants.”

    Growing POS terminalization has been another key driver for the rise of credit and charge cards in Malaysia. The number of POS terminals per million inhabitants in Malaysia stood at 27,693 in 2024, which is higher compared to its peers such as Thailand (13,507), Indonesia (8,142), India (6,964) and Vietnam (5,988), though there is significant room for further expansion of POS infrastructure.

    Rising e-commerce payments are also contributing to the growth in credit and charge card usage. According to GlobalData’s E-Commerce Analytics, credit and charge cards are one of the most preferred payment methods for online payments, with 17.1% share in 2024.

    Moreover, banks in Malaysia offer debt consolidation option to credit card holders, which will further help boost usage. For instance, UOB offers the UOB Bank Transfer program, which allows customers to consolidate their outstanding credit card balances from other banks. The program is designed to help credit card holders to manage their debt and avoid default by offering lower interest rate and extended repayment terms.

    Challa concludes: “The Malaysian credit and charge card market is poised for sustained growth over the next five years, driven by the economic recovery, growing consumer preference for electronic payments, a rising middle-class and young working population, and growth in e-commerce payments. However, challenges such as global trade war between major countries, and geopolitical uncertainty remain obstacles to the market.”

    *GlobalData’s 2024 Financial Services Consumer Survey was carried out in Q2 2024. Approximately 67,292 respondents aged 18+ were surveyed across 41 countries.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: How to explore Belconnen with your dog

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Belconnen locals love exploring the bushland in their neighbourhood.

    How dog friendly your community is can have a large impact on how connected you feel to where you live.

    Luckily for residents of Belconnen, there are plenty of on-leash and off-leash areas that are perfect for families with dogs.

    Here are some of our favourites:

    Dog park

    Belconnen Dog Park – Diddams Close, Lake Ginninderra

    This dog park is located on the shores of Lake Ginninderra.

    It’s a fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.

    There are both grassy and dirt areas, providing plenty of interesting terrain for your pooch.

    There are also shady areas as well as benches. You can take a seat while you watch your dog play with their friends.

    Once your dog has had enough of the park, there’s a nearby dog beach as well as a nearby on-leash walking track.

    Off-leash areas

    There are over 30 areas that are dog off-leash in the Belconnen region.

    Mount Rogers Reserve

    This stunning spot of bushland in Fraser has a lot to offer.

    If you and your dog are active, you’ll love the range of walking tracks. They connect from Evatt, Melba and Spence. The tracks cater to different ability and fitness levels, with varying lengths and degrees of incline.

    The reserve offers breathtaking views of the Belconnen region. There are seated and shaded areas, so you can take a break and soak it all in.

    Melba Oval

    Ovals aren’t just places for people to play sport and work on their fitness, they can be great for dogs too.

    While your dog is free to roam and play on the oval while it’s not in use, if it’s booked for formal sport (including training sessions), you’ll need to return another time.

    Check when the sportsground is booked for use.

    On-leash areas

    Umbagong District Park

    The new Umbagong bridge walk over the native grasslands is a pleasure for everyone in the family, canines included.

    There are various walking tracks including:

    • the Heritage Trail
    • the Creek and Catchment Trail
    • Nature Trail.

    There’s also a playground for growing families. However, remember that when in use, all playgrounds, sportsgrounds, picnic areas and barbecue areas become dog prohibited areas. When they’re not in use, you can enter these areas as long as your dog is on their leash.

    Lake Ginninderra

    Lake Ginninderra is the perfect spot for a scenic stroll, and outside of the dog park, it is a dog on-leash area, as are all lakes in Canberra (unless otherwise signposted).

    Other on-leash areas include all streets, verges, footpaths and cycle paths. You’ll also need to keep your dog on their leash if you’re within 10 metres either side of the path.

    No matter where in Belconnen your adventures take you, you need to pick up after your dog. Failing to pick up your dog droppings is an offence that carries of a fine of $150. Failing to carry the correct equipment to collect your dog droppings carries a $75 fine. For easy poop collection, why not treat yourself to a Puppoon? The clever invention attaches to your lead and is air-tight to reduce odour. It’s also invented by a Canberran.

    Read more about the Puppoon.

    Learn more about local spots to take your dog or view on-leash, off-leash, conditional off-leash and dog prohibited areas on ACTmapi’s dog exercise area map.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra in focus on Gardening Australia

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Volunteer Carol can spot a caterpillar at ten paces, even if it is hidden under the husk of a corn cob.

    The popular Gardening Australia program will have a distinctly Canberra flavour on Friday 17 May.

    ABC TV’s gardening flagship will air a story featuring two ACT schools, several students and much-loved volunteer Carol Quashie-Williams, scientist in residence at both Farrer Primary and Namadgi School.

    As a CSIRO STEM Professional in Schools, Carol has enriched the lives of thousands of young people during two decades of volunteering.

    She teaches life skills in gardening, nutrition, cooking and teamwork, with lessons in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, physics, maths, literacy and art sprouting here and there.

    An agricultural and environmental scientist and entomologist, Carol can spot a caterpillar at ten paces, even if it is hidden under the husk of a corn cob.

    Namadgi School Principal Gareth Richards says Carol’s way of engaging the kids means her presence is felt whether she is on site or not.

    “Even when she’s not at school, the kids are still carrying on with activities she’s taught them,” he said.

    “We’ll see them walking around the garden with magnifying glasses in hand, inspecting bugs they find along the way. She has a lasting impact on our students’ lives.”

    Another legacy of Carol’s involvement is professional growth and development.

    “She builds the capacity of our staff. Working shoulder to shoulder with Carol they have picked up expertise they’ve been able to go on to share with our students,” Gareth said.

    Named Volunteer of the Year at the 2019 ACT Public Education Awards, Carol started volunteering when her own children were at school and found it so rewarding she continued after they had left.

    With a day job in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, she says her involvement in the schools program enables her to maintain her pest surveillance and diagnostic and science communication skills.

    “I enjoy inspiring the next generation of scientists and gardeners and love the enthusiasm of the students when working outside and in the environment centres,” she said.

    ‘My Garden Path – Carol STEM’ airs on Gardening Australia this Friday 17 May at 7:30pm (repeated Sunday 1:30pm, or catch up via iView or the Gardening Australia website).

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Services announced for new South Tuggeranong Health Centre

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The health centre will be located near Lanyon Marketplace in Conder.

    The new South Tuggeranong Health Centre will provide residents with access to a range of free public health services.

    These will include paediatrics, pathology, dementia care and chronic disease programs.

    The centre’s clinical services and design have been guided by feedback from clinicians, consumers and the local community through consultation carried out in late 2023.

    The feedback revealed residents wanted easier access to preventative health services and treatment for chronic disease.

    The new centre will offer a range of community-based services that reflect the changing health needs of the Tuggeranong community.

    The services available at the new health centre will include:

    • paediatrics
    • pathology collection
    • diabetes clinics
    • falls and falls injury prevention
    • dementia care
    • chronic disease programs
    • community nursing
    • a virtual care interview room.

    The South Tuggeranong Health Centre, located in Conder, is one of five new health centres being delivered across the ACT.

    Other centres will be located in the Inner South, North Gungahlin and West Belconnen.

    The health centre in Molonglo opened in 2022 to provide women’s and family health care to the region.

    The centres will provide integrated multi-disciplinary care with a focus on preventive care and advice, early intervention and the management of chronic illness.

    They will complement Canberra’s existing network of nurse-led Walk-in Centres and community health centres.

    The ACT Government will continue to invest in health services and infrastructure across the ACT to provide Canberrans with access to the right health care, at the right time and in the right place.

    This includes more investment in our health workforce, including recruiting and upskilling our teams and committing to nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios.

    The government will soon consult with Inner South and North Gungahlin residents about the services and design of the new health centres coming to those areas.

    A development application for the South Tuggeranong Health Centre will be submitted and a head contractor engaged for construction in the coming months.

    Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025.

    Find more information on builtforcbr.act.gov.au

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10 million pledged

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10 million pledged

    The UK is now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visiting the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) offices in London.

    • the UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response 
    • this brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
    • UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far

    Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance. 

    The increase is the result of an additional £10 million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response. 

    It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar. 

    The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5 million. 

    UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits.

    The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

    Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

    Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

    It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

    We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

    The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

    In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

    Background

    Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:

    • an initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response
    • £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April
    • a further £10 million funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today 

    UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Everything about admission to GUU: answers to the most important questions

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The 2025 admissions campaign will begin in June. Information for applicants is available on the official website of the GUU Admissions Committee and in the Telegram channel “Applicant’s Assistant”.

    However, we decided to get answers to the most frequently asked questions directly from the head of the department for organizing admissions of applicants at our university, Vadim Dikikh.

    What applicants need to do now

    At the moment, applicants do not have much time left before the start of the admissions campaign, so it is important to start preparing a portfolio for admission now.

    Applicants to bachelor’s degree programs can pass the GTO, participate in tournaments held by universities and various organizations, and receive volunteer hours.

    Applicants to Master’s programs can take part in SUM tournaments and also publish articles in the Russian Science Citation Index and Higher Attestation Commission.

    Applicants to postgraduate programs can participate in all-Russian and/or international student Olympiads and competitions, publish articles in journals included in the core of the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), in the list of the Higher Attestation Commission (HAC) categories K1, K2, K3, monographs indexed in the RSCI database, and also undergo professional retraining.

    In addition to the above, it is necessary to choose the direction and university in which the potential will be best revealed.

    What areas are recruited at the State University of Management?

    In 2025, recruitment is underway in 16 bachelor’s degree programs, 13 master’s degree programs, and 14 postgraduate research specialties.

    How many budget and contract places are provided in 2025

    I would like to note that this year the innovations affected places for training under a contract: now their specific number is set at the beginning of the campaign and does not change anymore, so the competition here may become stricter and you should not postpone the conclusion of the contract until the last days of the campaign.

    In 2025, the State University of Management has allocated 188 budget places and 2029 contract places for undergraduate studies, and 37 and 1206 places for graduate studies, respectively.

    In 2025, 15 budget places and 98 contract places are provided for in scientific specialties of postgraduate studies at the State University of Management.

    Who can apply using the Unified State Exam, and who will have to take entrance examinations

    For applicants to bachelor’s degree programs who graduated from Russian schools and do not have benefits, admission will be based solely on the results of the Unified State Exam; no additional entrance examinations need to be taken.

    For graduates with secondary vocational education (colleges, technical schools, etc.), there is the possibility of admission based on the results of the Unified State Exam and/or based on the results of entrance examinations in a specialized field, conducted by the State University of Management independently.

    Other categories that have the right to take general education entrance examinations (in subjects and assignments of the Unified State Exam), conducted by the State University of Management independently:

    disabled persons; applicants entitled to a separate quota (participants, children of participants of the Secondary Military School); foreign citizens who have not passed the Unified State Exam; graduates of schools located in the territory of foreign states and who do not have the Unified State Exam results.

    Applicants to master’s and postgraduate programs, regardless of category, take entrance examinations.

    What entrance examinations will you have to take and in what form?

    In 2025, entrance examinations at the State University of Management will be held online using neural networks and a proctoring system.

    The full list of entrance examinations required for applicants to bachelor’s degree programs is set out in Appendix No. 1 to the Admission Rules and is available at the link. For convenience, we have prepared visual cards with the names of subjects and the minimum acceptable scores.

    To enroll in a Master’s program, you must pass 1 entrance exam for each area of study, for example, to enroll in the Management area, you must pass the comprehensive entrance exam “Management”. Entrance exams for the corresponding areas of study are taken in a similar manner.

    The minimum score for admission in all areas of study is 40.

    Applicants to postgraduate studies must pass 3 entrance examinations

    Entrance examinations

    Number of points

    Philosophy

    30

    Foreign language

    35

    Special discipline

    45

    A special discipline is a comprehensive entrance examination in the chosen specialty. For example, for applicants to the specialty “Regional and Sectoral Economics”, the entrance examination is “Special Discipline (Regional and Sectoral Economics)”

    What individual achievements are taken into account and for what period

    Infographics with ranking of achievements have been prepared for applicants to the bachelor’s degree. In addition, applicants to targeted training can receive 5 points for participating in career guidance events of customers of targeted training.

    It is important to note that the All-Russian and list Olympiads of the Ministry of Education and Science are taken into account exclusively for the 11th grade, and all other things being equal, the average grade point average will play an important role.

    You can also find out what individual achievements are taken into account on the website of the Admissions Committee of the State University of Management.

    What individual achievements provide the greatest advantages when applying

    The most obvious individual achievement that gives the highest score at all levels of education is an educational document with honors.

    In addition, scientific activity and participation in tournaments and olympiads provide a great advantage in both undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies.

    “Today is exactly the time when applicants can get additional points and increase their chances of admission.”

    What documents must be provided to confirm achievements

    The document confirming an individual achievement may vary, depending on the type of achievement.

    Since 2025, most individual achievements will be verified and confirmed through the public services portal when submitting documents.

    For example, to receive additional points for graduating from an educational institution with honors, you must provide a scanned copy or receive confirmation on government services when submitting documents.

    For reliability, we recommend that you attach all documents that confirm individual achievements (diplomas, certificates, etc.).

    Minimum passing scores for budget/contract courses last year

    How to apply for targeted training: step-by-step instructions

    Start filling out an application for admission to a university on public services. Indicate that you are ready to consider targeted training. You will see a list of offers from customers of targeted training. The offer includes the university and the competitive group, the future employer, the conditions of study and work, and support measures. Select the ones you like — at this stage, you can indicate several offers. Finish filling out the application to the university. Make sure that you have selected the competitive groups specified in the application for targeted training. After sending the application, the customer of targeted training will receive your application automatically. If you are under 18, your legal representative must give consent to conclude an agreement on targeted training. He will receive a notification in his personal account. The submitted application will be available in your personal account. Edit it if you find an error. For example, you can check whether the competitive groups from the application for targeted training have been added to it. Pass the competitive selection and wait for enrollment in the university. An agreement on targeted training will be sent to your personal account, sign it in the Gosklyuch application. The terms of the contract can be changed by agreement with the customer. If the terms of the contract are not met, you will have to pay a fine – the details will be specified in the contract

    What documents are needed for admission?

    How to submit documents

    Documents can be submitted in any convenient way:

    in person; online through the unified portal of public services; online through the university’s personal account; via a postal operator.

    Is it possible to submit documents online: pros and cons

    Submitting documents online has many advantages:

    Submission of documents without being tied to a specific location; step-by-step and convenient procedure for submitting documents; the ability to track the status of document processing; a convenient procedure for concluding an agreement on the provision of paid educational services.

    One of the disadvantages is the lack of live communication with university representatives.

    What to do if an applicant is in another city or country and cannot submit documents in person

    In 2025, applicants located in other cities and countries have an excellent opportunity to submit documents for admission to the State University of Management remotely in two ways:

    online through the unified portal of public services; online through the university’s personal account.

    It is important to know that if an applicant does not have a SNILS, application can only be submitted through the university’s personal account.

    The most common mistakes of applicants

    Critical

    changing a passport right before the day of the entrance exam; submitting documents through State Services without having a full account in your personal account; typos in certificates that no one checked when they were received at school.

    Simple but inconvenient

    travel time to the university (if you live in the Moscow region, the university will not be able to provide a dormitory right away, since applicants from distant regions will be given priority); loss of SNILS, passport or even a volunteer book; refusal to take the Unified State Exam in specialized mathematics.

    Frequent changes in statuses on the State Services portal, which can lead to a technical error in the service and universities simply will not see changes in priorities or documents that have changed more than 5-8 times in an hour.

    Advice for applicants for successful admission this year

    Do not miss the admissions campaign checklist dates and get into the desired university. Do not be afraid to participate in the budget competition, use any opportunity to get a higher education. While there is an opportunity, try to participate in Olympiads and competitions, and even if you have not yet tried to engage in volunteer activities, do not waste a minute, you can still manage to gain the necessary 100 hours to qualify for individual points in most universities in the country. Upload all the achievements that you have, and the admissions committee staff will check the entire set of documents and select those achievements that give additional points. Do not make emotional and ill-considered decisions that can only be changed during the next admissions campaign, and thereby lose an entire year of study.

    The most important thing is to make a conscious choice of higher education institution and the field of study. Try to understand the profession now, and if you have any questions, come to the Open Days, we will definitely help you make the right choice.

    Key dates of the admission campaign

    For applicants to bachelor’s degree programs

    June 20 – start of accepting documents; July 15 – end of accepting documents from applicants to the budget based on entrance examinations; July 25 – end of accepting documents from applicants to the budget based on the Unified State Exam results; July 27 – publication of competitive lists of applicants to the budget; August 1, 12:00 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants under quotas; August 3 – publication of the order on enrolling applicants to places within quotas; August 5 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the budget; August 7 – publication of the order on enrolling applicants to budget places; August 15 – end of accepting documents from applicants to a contract based on entrance examinations; August 23 – end of accepting documents from applicants to a contract based on the Unified State Exam results; August 24 – end of concluding contracts; August 25 – publication of an order on the enrollment of applicants to contractual places.

    For applicants to Master’s programs

    June 20 – start of accepting documents; August 20 – end of accepting documents from applicants to the budget; August 24 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the budget; August 29 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to budget places; September 10 – end of accepting documents from applicants to a contract; September 18 – end of concluding contracts; September 20 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to contract places.

    For applicants to postgraduate specialties

    June 20 – start of accepting documents; September 7 – end of accepting documents; September 23 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the target quota; September 24 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to the target quota; September 25 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the budget; September 26 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to the budget; September 27 – end of concluding an agreement; September 28 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to an agreement.

    How can I get advice and answers to questions from the admissions committee if the applicant cannot come to the university in person?

    We are always available not only in person, but also remotely on social networks VKontakte and Telegram, and during working hours we answer phone calls at 8 (495) 371-00-55.

    If the question includes the need to check a certificate or other copy of a document, it is better to contact via e-mail prkom@guu.ru

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/07/2025

    официальном сайте Приёмной комиссии ГУУ и в телеграм-канале «Помощник абитуриента»….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/ГУУ-2024.1.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b2%d1%81%d1%91-%d0%be-%d0%bf%d0%be%d1%81%d1%82%d1%83%d0%bf%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b8-%d0%b2-%d0%b3%d1%83%d1%83-%d0%be%d1%82%d0%b2%d0%b5%d1%82%d1%8b-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d1%81%d0%b0%d0%bc%d1%8b%d0%b5/”>

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Yunnan team finishes Myanmar quake mission

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A rescue and medical team from Yunnan province arrives at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan province, April 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A 37-member rescue and medical team from southwest China’s Yunnan province returned from Myanmar on Sunday afternoon, after completing their earthquake relief work.
    A 7.9-magnitude quake struck Myanmar on March 28. At around 6:30 a.m. Beijing time on March 29, the team from Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, took off from Kunming — Yunnan’s capital city — to the quake-stricken areas in Myanmar boarding a flight, carrying with them life detectors, seismic warning systems, portable satellite telephones and drones.
    As the first Chinese rescue team to arrive in Myanmar, they immediately joined forces with local firefighters and rescuers to carry out rescue and medical operations in the severely-affected Naypyidaw, which lasted for over 150 hours.
    At 5 a.m. March 30 local time, the team, joined by local forces, rescued an elderly person who had been trapped for nearly 40 hours at a local hospital.
    A China Media Group report said on Wednesday that more than 500 Chinese rescue workers were in Myanmar for rescue and relief missions, all together. As of Thursday, Chinese rescue teams had successfully saved nine survivors from the quake-affected areas.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reaffirms commitment to opening up at roundtable with US-funded businesses

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Ministry of Commerce hosted a roundtable meeting with U.S.-funded companies on Sunday, reaffirming the country’s commitment to reform and opening up amid global trade tensions.

    Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from more than 20 U.S. companies, including Tesla, GE Healthcare, and Medtronic.

    Regardless of global uncertainties, China remains resolute in its path toward reform and opening up, Ling said, noting that multilateralism is the inevitable solution to the challenges facing the world and China’s door to the outside world will only open wider.

    He reiterated that China’s policies to attract foreign investment have not changed and will not change.

    The ministry will continue to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of foreign enterprises in China, including those from the United States, and actively respond to their concerns, Ling said.

    The roundtable came amid a new round of trade tensions as the United States recently hiked tariffs on trade partners including China. Ling condemned the move, calling it a serious blow to the rules-based multilateral trade system and an infringement on the legitimate rights of other nations.

    China has taken firm countermeasures in response, aimed not only at defending the rights of affected enterprises — including U.S.-funded companies — but also at letting the United States return to the multilateral framework, Ling said.

    Calling the United States itself the root cause of current turbulence, Ling urged U.S. businesses operating in China to examine the situation objectively, voice rational perspectives, and take pragmatic steps to help stabilize global supply chains and promote cooperation for mutual benefits. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Mumu’ brings compassion to hard of hearing community

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    New movie drama “Mumu” celebrates the hard of hearing community through a tearjerking and intimate portrayal of father-daughter love, shared struggles and resilience.

    Cast and crew of “Mumu” pose for a photo at the movie’s premiere in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

    Directed by Sha Mo and starring pop icon-actor Lay Zhang alongside child actor Li Luoan, “Mumu” portrays the unbreakable bond between deaf father Xiao Ma (played by Zhang) and his hearing daughter Mumu (Li). The film follows the devoted father’s quest to improve his daughter’s life — a journey that tragically entangles him in a criminal scam.

    The feature film, which debuted on April 3, expands on director Sha Mo’s hit short film of the same name. During production, over 30 individuals with hearing impairments were invited to participate as cast members, many of them without prior acting experience, yet their authentic performances create profound emotional impact.

    “I first engaged with this community after seeing news about deaf individuals and conducting field research,” Sha said. “Then the opportunity to make a short film came along.”

    The director later believed those with hearing impairments deserved larger-scale representation to increase their visibility. During pre-production, Sha and screenwriter Fu Dandi interviewed numerous deaf individuals to document their experiences. “Because this community often live with informational barriers and beautiful simplicity,” he noted, “they’re particularly vulnerable to scams — a crucial element we incorporated into the story.”

    Behind this fictional narrative lies the harsh reality faced by China’s 30 million individuals with hearing impairments. The director revealed how well-packaged schemes can easily mislead deaf people: “They might think they’re just helping a friend, only to realize too late that they’ve been scammed.”

    Screenwriter Fu added insights from a law firm specializing in deaf clients: “Without interpreters, communication barriers often lead them to rush resolutions, unaware of the severe consequences. This creates wrongful cases that could have been prevented.”

    Director Sha credited his friend and fellow filmmaker Shen Ao for recommending Lay Zhang as the lead. Zhang had starred in Shen’s scam-themed crime blockbuster “No More Bets,” which earned 3.85 billion yuan in summer 2023. “I saw Zhang’s films and was impressed,” Sha said. “But when we met, he understood the role more profoundly than I did — that’s when I knew he was the one I was looking for.”

    To authentically portray deaf character Xiao Ma, Lay Zhang immersed himself in silence — wearing earplugs during rehearsals to experience his character’s soundless world. “The hardest part was hearing everything while acting like I couldn’t,” Zhang revealed. 

    He dedicated two months to studying sign language, learning about deaf lived experiences and collaborating with sign language advisor Chi Yaoming. Their preparation included visiting deaf communities to interact directly with people there. On set, Zhang relied on cast members with hearing impairments as his sign language coaches, carefully studying their natural expressions.

    At the premiere, Lay Zhang and his onscreen daughter shared a heartwarming exchange — the young actor rated Zhang’s performance 100/100, while he gave her 120/100. “The extra 20 points represent my love for you,” the pop icon explained.

    “My love for Xiao Ma is like a kite’s string,” Li responded. “He holds one end tightly, and I clutch the other. If I let our kite fly away, my heart would break. But if we both keep holding on, nothing can separate us.”

    A poster for “Mumu.” [Image courtesy of iQiyi Pictures]

    Behind the scenes, the crew matched the dedication of cast with hearing impairments with thoughtful accommodations, such as using red and green light signals to mark filming sequences. They also created detailed accessibility guides featuring essential sign language phrases and communication strategies, ensuring seamless collaboration between hearing cast, cast with hearing impairments, and crew while nurturing an inclusive production environment.

    After filming wrapped, Lay Zhang invited several of his friends with hearing impairments to his concerts and pledged to feature a sign language interpreter at every future show — marking a first among major Chinese artists.

    At the end of the premiere, Zhang silently addressed the audience in sign language through an interpreter: “I hope more people will learn sign language, respect people with hearing impairments. We should come together to have fun and accomplish more and more things, together.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reaffirms commitment to opening up at roundtable with U.S.-funded businesses

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

    China reaffirms commitment to opening up at roundtable with U.S.-funded businesses

    BEIJING, April 7 — China’s Ministry of Commerce hosted a roundtable meeting with U.S.-funded companies on Sunday, reaffirming the country’s commitment to reform and opening up amid global trade tensions.

    Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from more than 20 U.S. companies, including Tesla, GE Healthcare, and Medtronic.

    Regardless of global uncertainties, China remains resolute in its path toward reform and opening up, Ling said, noting that multilateralism is the inevitable solution to the challenges facing the world and China’s door to the outside world will only open wider.

    He reiterated that China’s policies to attract foreign investment have not changed and will not change.

    The ministry will continue to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of foreign enterprises in China, including those from the United States, and actively respond to their concerns, Ling said.

    The roundtable came amid a new round of trade tensions as the United States recently hiked tariffs on trade partners including China. Ling condemned the move, calling it a serious blow to the rules-based multilateral trade system and an infringement on the legitimate rights of other nations.

    China has taken firm countermeasures in response, aimed not only at defending the rights of affected enterprises — including U.S.-funded companies — but also at letting the United States return to the multilateral framework, Ling said.

    Calling the United States itself the root cause of current turbulence, Ling urged U.S. businesses operating in China to examine the situation objectively, voice rational perspectives, and take pragmatic steps to help stabilize global supply chains and promote cooperation for mutual benefits.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA launches campaign to tackle misconceptions on antibiotics

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKHSA launches campaign to tackle misconceptions on antibiotics

    The digital campaign will be headed by a new mascot, ‘Andi Biotic’, who is on a ‘one-pill’ mission to help young adults keep antibiotics working

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new digital campaign to help keep antibiotics working and tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance.

    Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat. New attitudinal research by UKHSA highlights that almost half of the UK population (42%) are concerned about how the issue affects them. Yet, over half (54%) are either unsure there’s anything they can individually do to prevent antibiotics becoming less effective at treating infections (28%) or incorrectly believe there’s nothing they can personally do (26%).

    Aiming to bust these misconceptions among young adults aged 18-34, the digital campaign will be led by a new comedic mascot character, ‘Andi Biotic’. ‘Andi’ was developed by UKHSA to take the success of the Keep Antibiotics Working Campaign from 2018 to a new generation. This first stage is a pilot which will test the potential to capture people’s attention and imagination through digital channels.

    Over the course of the 6-week long campaign, ‘Andi Biotic’ will embark on a mission to answer people’s uncertainties about when and how to take antibiotics to help preserve their effectiveness today and for future generations. ‘Andi’ will come to the rescue in a variety of scenarios to make sure people are taking antibiotics in the right way, including:

    • not taking antibiotics for colds and flu, which they don’t work for, and this remains one of the biggest misconceptions about taking antibiotics
    • only taking antibiotics when you have been prescribed them and taking them as directed by a healthcare professional
    • not saving antibiotics for future use

    In this self-reported attitudinal survey, a higher proportion of young adults reported taking antibiotics in the previous 12 months compared to those in the general population (45% compared to 33%).

    The survey also shows that nearly half (41%) of those in these age groups obtain antibiotics incorrectly, compared to 23% in the general population. Incorrect methods include purchasing antibiotics in a shop that was not a pharmacy, obtaining them while abroad without a prescription from a healthcare professional, over the internet, or using medicines originally prescribed for someone else.

    The campaign will launch on UKHSA’s social media channels and at participating GP surgeries and pharmacies throughout April and May.

    Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said:

    Antibiotic resistance is impacting people every day in this country and is one of the biggest threats to our future health.

    But we can all help tackle the problem. Everyone, especially young people, has the power to help change this by following simple steps to take antibiotics correctly and only when they have been prescribed by a healthcare professional.

    This isn’t just for our own health – it’s about helping protect everyone in our communities and future generations.

    One young adult patient who suffers from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) has spoken about the impact on their life when the UTIs became resistant to antibiotics.They said:

    The UTI was deeply ingrained trapping me in an endless cycle of recurring infections, resisting one antibiotic after another. It destroyed me and my bladder. Any physical enjoyment in my life, such as dancing and intimacy, was drastically impacted. To keep the UTI under control, I have a strict daily regime, drinking gallons of water, and taking a supplement for days after intimacy. I’m a shell of the person I used to be. I didn’t even know what antibiotic resistance was before this. I live in hope for the day a solution that works can be found, so I can dance and live life freely again.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:

    Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health threat which demands action. By empowering the public with knowledge about when and how to take antibiotics, together we can help preserve their effectiveness.

    Through our National Action Plan, we are taking the necessary action now to ensure antibiotics keep working for us all in the future.

    Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, said:

    Antimicrobial resistance is one of the UK’s biggest health threats, with tens of thousands of people developing antibiotic resistance each year.

    This makes it harder to treat conditions that were once easily managed and could even send us back to a pre-antibiotic era where routine surgeries like C-sections, hip replacements, and cancer treatments would become risky.

    That’s why it’s crucial young people understand the proper use of antibiotics to help prevent drug-resistant ‘superbugs’ now and in the future.

    Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to some treatments, which can cause serious complications, including bloodstream infections, sepsis and hospitalisation. People who get a bacterial infection that is resistant to one or more antibiotics are more likely to die from their infection compared to those who have an antibiotic sensitive infection.

    Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but misuse, including underuse, overuse, and inappropriate use, of antimicrobial medicines is one of the major drivers of drug-resistant infections.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gut health links to frailty in old age explored The role gut health plays in contributing to frailty in our old age is the subject of a new study which has been awarded a share of £7.6 million.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Dr Candice QuinThe role gut health plays in contributing to frailty in our old age is the subject of a new study which has been awarded a share of £7.6 million.
    Researchers at the University of Aberdeen will try to pinpoint what change occurs in gut microbiota as we get older which may lead to us suffering more illnesses.
    Frailty can increase the risk of vulnerability to infections and inflammatory diseases including cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
    Older people with frailty are significantly more likely to die or experience disability, yet the factors which contribute to some people becoming frail while others do not are poorly understood.
    The microbiota – bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. – that live in our intestine play a critical role in regulating our immune systems and as we age, the composition of this microbiota changes.
    The Aberdeen researchers will attempt to zero-in on the specific changes which occur in later life.
    The research project is one of 62 across 41 UK universities receiving a share of £7.6 million through the Academy for Medical Science’s Springboard programme, in its largest ever funding initiative. The funding for early-career researchers aims to tackle urgent health challenges.
    Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Aberdeen Dr Candice Quin, who will lead the project, received £125,000 to further her research on frailty in older adults.
    “There is an urgent need to reduce the economic, societal and individual costs of frailty in our ageing population, yet we currently do not have any effective therapeutic strategies,” said Dr Quin. We have shown that age-related changes in the intestinal microbiome contribute to the development of frailty, providing an exciting new avenue for therapeutic intervention.

    There is an urgent need to reduce the economic, societal and individual costs of frailty in our ageing population, yet we currently do not have any effective therapeutic strategies.” Dr Candice Quin

    “The proposed experiments in this Springboard application will identify novel microbial targets that contribute to frailty with age, which we can selectively deplete in future intervention studies and clinical trials. Vaccination with the microbiota has already been shown to improve metabolism and reduce diet-induced obesity.
    “This research will pave the way for similar cutting-edge interventions against frailty and ultimately provide older people with more years of healthy, independent living.”
    Dr Quin will conduct the research in collaboration with Dr Marius Wenzel from the School of Biological Sciences and Dr Huan Cao from the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
    Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “This record investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of research leaders. By backing these talented early-career researchers, we’re not only addressing today’s urgent health challenges but also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in medical research.
    The breadth and ambition of projects funded by the Academy’s Springboard programme is remarkable–from understanding teenage drinking behaviours to investigating why women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Each Springboard awardee brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that will ultimately translate to improved health outcomes for patients and the public.
    “The Academy is proud to provide the financial resources and career development support needed to help these outstanding scientists establish their independent research careers.”
    UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Research supported by the Springboard programme can help to address some of the most pressing health challenges, like antimicrobial resistance and cancer, by giving early-career researchers across the UK the opportunity to test their ideas. “Through this programme we are supporting the next generation of researchers to lead their own groundbreaking research so that the UK can continue to be a pioneer in medical science.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New hydrogen power projects to boost growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New hydrogen power projects to boost growth

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

    • 27 hydrogen projects advance to next stage of government’s flagship hydrogen programme
    • innovative projects support hydrogen use in new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production
    • paves way for thousands of clean energy jobs in manufacturing communities, delivering on the Plan for Change by unlocking growth

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today (Monday 7 April) to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands – driving growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Twenty-seven hydrogen projects have been selected for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) – supporting low-carbon hydrogen production in the UK. The industry has the potential to attract over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK by 2029, supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    Hydrogen will help deliver a new era of clean energy across the UK and decarbonise emission-intensive industries. It has already attracted £400 million of private sector investment in towns and cities such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire, and is creating over 700 direct jobs in construction and operations.  

    Government support for hydrogen will help create thousands more jobs in the sector and reindustrialising the UK’s proud manufacturing regions. This includes roles for apprentices, graduates and technically trained professionals, such as engineers, welders, skilled construction workers, pipefitters and operations specialists.  

    Today’s shortlist includes projects that could use hydrogen to help tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising their manufacturing and industrial practices, including ammonia production, new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production.

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones, said: 

     We are deploying hydrogen at a commercial scale for the first time – not just investing in a technology – but investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.  

    From distilleries and sustainable aviation fuel to public transport and clean energy  generation, hydrogen can power our everyday life and unlock clean energy growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.

    Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for power generation, transport  and industrial processes.  

    This builds on the success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round which saw 11 projects being allocated over £2 billion in government funding. One recipient, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, will produce hydrogen for the Inchdairnie Whiskey distillery which intends to sustainably distil whisky by 2027.  

    Stretching across England, Scotland, and Wales, this latest wave of shortlisted HAR2 projects showcases the government’s commitment to create skilled jobs and establish clean energy hubs across Great Britain. The HAR2 shortlist could lead to projects that help support strong supply chains and the delivery of the clean energy superpower mission.

    Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said:  

    This much-anticipated announcement brings vital clarity to the UK’s hydrogen sector, providing a crucial boost for projects that will drive forward the country’s low-carbon transition. 

    The funding support offered through HAR2 gives our members and the wider industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. 

    This is great news – not just for the hydrogen sector but for the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.

    Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said: 

    We’re thrilled to see many Hydrogen UK members succeed in the second Hydrogen Allocation Round, marking a crucial step for scaling electrolytic hydrogen.  

    This progress builds on valuable lessons from past rounds and strengthens UK leadership in clean energy – reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in economic growth and energy security.

    Case studies

    In December 2023, the government announced an initial 11 projects from the First Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1), totalling 124 MW of production capacity. 

    Five of these projects have signed their contracts, including the Bradford Low Carbon project in Yorkshire and the Cromarty Hydrogen Project in northeast Scotland. 

    The Bradford Low Carbon project, in the heart of the city centre, will use renewable electricity to power a 10.6 MW alkaline electrolyser. Being developed by Hygen and Ryze, it will supply the mobility sector, including JCB diggers and Wrightbus – which developed the world’s first hydrogen powered bus. 

    The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is being developed by Scottish Power and Storegga. It will use electricity from nearby wind farms to power an 11 MW electrolyser, supplying hydrogen to local industries, including distilleries. 

    Notes to editors

    The full list of shortlisted projects can be found here: Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2): shortlisted projects.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Virtual asset policy to be updated

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan

    As a city where East meets West and tradition intertwines with innovation, we are proud to host you to collectively chart the course of Web3.

    As a technology, blockchain is displaying its vast potential, significantly increasing transaction efficiency, lowering costs and enhancing market transparency. Today, we are witnessing a marked increase in the institutional adoption of Web3, with traditional banks, asset managers and brokers increasingly integrating digital assets into their offerings.

    As more jurisdictions embrace cryptocurrencies, the market has been energised with optimism, marked by a bullish trend over the past year or so.

    But beyond finance and the enthusiasm on cryptocurrency, we all agree that blockchain can bring real benefits to the people. For example, ReFi (regenerative finance) is gaining traction. Tokenised carbon credits enable the transparent tracking of emissions reductions, reinforcing trust in voluntary carbon markets.

    Meanwhile, the convergence of Web3 and AI is unlocking new frontiers. In finance, decentralised AI algorithms enhance credit assessments, audit smart contracts with greater precision, and deliver hyper-personalised investment strategies. Beyond finance, this synergy streamlines supply chains, revolutionises healthcare data management, and creates new immersive gaming experiences. Web3 and AI are transforming businesses and public services, driving innovation and efficiency at every turn.

    HK: driving Web3 innovation

    Allow me to take a few minutes to talk about Web3 in Hong Kong, our attitude and approach towards Web3, and our role in this global transformation.

    Hong Kong is pro-Web3. Over two years ago, we published a high-level policy statement on the development of virtual assets, affirming our commitment to a dynamic Web3 ecosystem. Central to this is the principle of the “same activity, same risk, same regulation” approach. Through a balanced and pro-innovation regulatory approach, we seek to maintain a level playing field for market participants and encourage innovative activities in this space.

    We have been walking the talk, and have delivered a number of initiatives. We were among the first in the world to have established clear licensing frameworks for virtual asset trading platforms, or VATPs. Indeed, the Securities & Futures Commission has already issued 10 VATP licences. We have also authorised VA (virtual asset) spot ETFs (exchange-traded funds) last year, and Hong Kong now hosts the largest VA ETF market in the Asia Pacific, bridging traditional finance with crypto innovation.

    Meanwhile, legislation for stablecoin regulation is set for imminent passage. My colleagues at the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) are working hard to get the relevant licensing regime to go live within this year.

    The Government will also conduct consultations on the licensing regimes of over-the-counter trading services and custodian services for VAs. This will solidify Hong Kong’s comprehensive regulatory architecture.

    Let me make clear that Hong Kong’s approach to Web3 is not simply about regulation. We aim to strike a balance, ensuring market integrity without stifling innovation. After all, innovation entails risks. The lesson we have learnt is that we need to put it under a balanced regulatory framework so as to enable the sector to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner.

    One essential element in our regulatory regime is sandboxes, such as the HKMA’s Project Ensemble. Project Ensemble allows innovators to test various use cases, such as tokenised real-world assets, with early regulatory feedback. This signifies our pro-innovation approach, as we put regulators and innovators in a co-creation process.

    Later this year, we will unveil a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets. It will cover how to make use of Web3 to fast-track the development of traditional financial services, empower the real economy and strengthen the application of digital asset technologies.

    A few thoughts on Web3

    Now, looking ahead, allow me to share a few thoughts we consider important for the future development and success of Web3.

    First, it is the very vision of Web3 to enable more equitable use of the Internet, and make transactions more efficient and less costly. Innovation is core to this goal, and regulators should adopt a technology-neutral approach. It would only be counterproductive if jurisdictions or regulatory authorities favour particular types of cryptocurrencies, or rule out technologies or applications at the outset. Markets, not mandates, should decide which innovations prevail.

    Second, we all know Web3’s true potential lies well beyond digital assets or cryptocurrencies. Combined with AI, it can be a valuable tool to optimise impact investments, promote inclusive finance, support decarbonisation initiatives, advance sustainable development goals, and more. The global Web3 community should and can strengthen collaboration to support these worthy causes.

    Finally, it is essential that new technologies be developed and applied responsibly. AI, for instance, is evolving at speeds that are unexpectedly faster. Decentralised networks bring enormous benefits, but when coupled with AI, challenges such as algorithmic bias, deepfakes and cybersecurity require attention and co-operation at the regional and global levels. Here in Hong Kong, we advocate for suitable guardrails – frameworks that protect investors, consumers and users while encouraging innovation activities. We support a multi-stakeholder approach where governments, regulators and market players across different territories and regions come together to drive forward the sustainable development of Web3.

    Concluding remarks

    Ladies and gentlemen, to secure a promising and successful future for Web3, we need not just technological innovation, but also a common will to harness creativity and innovation for the benefit of the people. Let me assure you that Hong Kong is committed to this goal. We are here to collaborate with innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and leveraging the transformative power of Web3 for the greater good.

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival on April 7.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to speed up eco-monitoring digitalization

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 21, 2023 shows a view at Lulin lake in Lushan City, China’s Jiangxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment has unveiled a plan to further transform the country’s national ecological monitoring network into a digitized and smart system.
    By 2027, China aims to explore a new generation of monitoring networks in key regions, utilizing advanced technologies such as unmanned maintenance and smart sampling, with standardized monitoring operations being carried out nationwide, according to the plan.
    By 2030, China’s eco-environment monitoring network system will be systematically revamped to include an integrated aerial, terrestrial and maritime monitoring network, along with a basically established “smart brain,” it said.
    The move marks a concrete step toward digitalized and smart environmental monitoring, said Jiang Huohua, head of the ministry’s ecological and environmental monitoring department.
    Air and water monitoring will be updated with unmanned operations, as well as smart sampling and analysis. Additionally, biodiversity tracking will leverage advanced smart equipment such as infrared cameras and bird sound recorders to achieve over 85 percent accuracy in species identification.
    In terms of noise monitoring, urban sound environment monitoring equipment will not only be able to track decibel levels but also identify sources of the noise, according to Jiang.
    New technologies like artificial intelligence and satellite remote sensing will play increasingly significant roles in China’s eco-environmental monitoring, with policies rolled out to develop environmental protection robots and remote-operation equipment, he told a press conference last month.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Asian stocks tumble amid US tariff concerns

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Stock markets across the Asia-Pacific traded sharply lower on Monday as financial turmoil sparked by the US “reciprocal tariffs” escalated recession fears worldwide.

    Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 2,445.19 points, or 10.7 percent, to end at 20,404.62 points in Monday’s morning session. The retreat widened from 9.28 percent at opening.

    This came on top of losses in Japan, where the benchmark Nikkei stock index shed 2,843.48 points, or 8.42 percent, in the first 15 minutes of trading, the lowest intraday level since October 2023.

    “Japanese stocks are unlikely to stop declining unless US stocks cease falling further,” said Yutaka Miura, senior technical analyst at Mizuho Securities Co.

    The circuit breaker was triggered for Nikkei stock futures, temporarily halting trading due to the sharp fall.

    South Korea’s benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 103.57 points, or 4.2 percent, to 2,361.85 as of 11:20 am.

    Due to the sharp decline, the bourse operator placed a sidecar order at 9:12 am, pausing program buying for five minutes, after the KOSPI 200 index fell more than 5 percent for over one minute.

    It was the first sidecar order for program buying since August 2024, according to local reports.

    The KOSPI plummeted as investors sold off stocks in response to increasing concerns about a recession after the US government revealed “reciprocal tariffs” last week, said analysts here.

    Stocks in Singapore dipped over 7 percent at the start of Monday due to concerns about a global trade conflict following several countries mulling to respond to US tariffs.

    The Straits Times Index plunged 7.37 percent, or 281.84 points, to 3,544.02 as Asian markets fell sharply.

    Meanwhile, Indian shares declined at the beginning of trading on Monday, with the key Nifty index dropping over 3 percent.

    The Nifty 50, representing the biggest Indian firms on the national stock exchange, was down 3.55 percent.

    The Nifty IT, comprising India’s leading information technology firms, which consider the United States their largest market, was down 5.53 percent.

    Local media house The Times of India called Monday’s loss a “bloodbath”.

    Australian blue-chip shares dived 6 percent when trading commenced on Monday, due to financial chaos triggered by the US tariffs in global markets.

    A benchmark index of the nation’s top 200 publicly traded firms dropped over 6 percent after the market opened, as the repercussions of the US tariffs continued to unsettle investors.

    The Australian government was “preparing for further uncertain times”, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday. “You can’t change global events. What you can do is prepare for them,” he told reporters.

    On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump declared a 10 percent baseline tariff on imports from all trading partners and imposed higher rates on specific ones, with the decision provoking sharp criticism from economists, trade experts and foreign governments who view it as a misguided effort to utilize tariffs as a crude tool to tackle intricate trade disparities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation

    The First of a Kind competition boosts innovation on the railways, improving passenger experience through cutting-edge technology.

    • £5 million government funding drives pioneering technology to improve passenger experience, encouraging more people to choose rail and supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change
    • First of a Kind competition will support projects that can offer level boarding, greener transport, passenger safety and AI solutions
    • previous winners’ projects are already being used on the railways improving efficiency, safety and reliability

    Delivering on its promise to put passengers first, the Department for Transport (DfT) has made £5 million funding available to winning projects as part of the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition.

    Opening today (7 April 2025), in partnership with Innovate UK, the First of a Kind competition offers grant funding for innovative projects to be tested on the railway, to give them a better chance at being bought by train operators, freight companies and Network Rail. This will help to deliver better services for passengers, encouraging more people to take the train and supporting growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    For the first time since starting the competition, Innovate UK consulted closely with industry to identify the top challenges it faces. Given the clear direction of the Transport Secretary to put passengers at the heart of every journey, this year’s competition will be funding projects that focus on:

    • passenger experience, particularly improving safety through reporting tools that could help reduce violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour
    • accessibility, including level boarding
    • artificial intelligence (AI) and data collection, for example, prevention and recovery of rail bridge crash incidents
    • greener railways, using AI to drive sustainability and reduce waste

    Level boarding – meaning passengers who need assistance can board unaided – is one of the key issues that mean disabled people need assistance to get from street to seat. Accessibility is a core priority for this government and will be a central mission for Great British Railways and FOAK funding will help make these improvements happen.

    Everyone should feel confident they will be safe when travelling by train. The government’s Plan for Change commits to cracking down on anti-social behaviour, raising standards and driving up confidence in the police. DfT is driving this forward by funding projects that will address safety on the railways, for example, tools to report anti-social behaviour, or addressing challenges that influence travel choices for example violence against women and girls stopping women from taking trains late at night.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

    This competition addresses the biggest challenges facing the rail industry, taking cutting-edge technology and bringing it onto the railways by turning ideas into reality.

    This funding builds a platform for boosting innovation on the railway, giving new technologies a chance to succeed, supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    We are creating a railway that works better for the people who use it and making lasting progress for passengers and freight by improving accessibility, safety and reliability to prevent disruption before it happens.

    This £5 million of government funding will help to address one of the key challenges organisations with new innovative ideas face, which is securing funding and being able to demonstrate that their projects work. The First of a Kind competition, over the 8 years it has been running, has provided £58 million of funding to 179 successful projects.

    For example, one successful project that’s already been widely taken up on the railways is Trains with Brains, an AI sensor onboard trains that monitors where maintenance on the tracks is needed and reports on infrastructure defects that need fixing, making the network safer, more efficient and more reliable.

    Another project, One Big Circle, using AI allowing users to monitor things like track conditions and electrical faults online, won the King’s Award for Innovation.

    The Secretary of State has also made strategic innovation one of the 5 areas of focus for Shadow Great British Railways, bringing together leaders of DfT, Department for Transport Operator and Network Rail. Work has already started with GBRX, an innovation body sitting under Network Rail challenging and changing the historically slow adoption of new innovations. GBRX is already convening industry and academia to collaborate more effectively and embrace new technology.

    Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said

    The innovations sought through this competition will help create a more accessible, safer and efficient railway system throughout the UK.

    The competition highlights the importance of collaboration with industry partners to deliver high-maturity demonstration to ensure seamless integration into the existing railway infrastructure.

    Delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport, the competition aims to identify and support outstanding, innovative solutions. In previous rounds, companies from across the UK have demonstrated the creativity and impact of their ideas through live demonstrations.

    The competition opens today and organisations will have until 28 May to submit their projects.

    Innovate UK will be hosting an online briefing event for potential participants tomorrow (8 April 2025) to explain how the competition works and how to apply.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Trauma-informed training to support young Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 04/04/2025

    The ACT Government is delivering on its election commitment to support children and young people needing trauma-informed care and support.

    Trauma affects many children and young people in the ACT, and health practitioners across our health sector are often the first in a position to help and offer support.

    Almost 50 staff across the ACT Government and the health sector have this week undertaken training as part of the latest cohort for a 16-week program delivered by training provider Emerging Minds.

    The training, delivered as part of the Youth At Risk Project, supports staff working with young people to understand how to identify and respond to young people who have experienced trauma, and work collaboratively across services to ensure a coordinated approach to care.

    Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to upskilling health workers to provide mental health support and understand the impact of trauma on people’s lives.

    ‘The ACT Government is continuing to build on our commitments to supporting children and young people who need specialised trauma support and care,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    ‘The Trauma-Informed Practice Training Program will build a resilient and responsive health sector capable of addressing the complex needs of children and young people who have experienced trauma.

    ‘By investing in this training, we are empowering our health workforce with the knowledge and confidence to provide the compassionate care children and young people deserve.’

    The ACT Government has invested $200,000 into the Trauma-Informed Practice Training Program as part of its commitment to supporting children and young people.

    An evaluation report into the effectiveness of the training from the program’s first cohort, which ran from August to October 2024, showed positive results, with participants reporting improvements in their ability to apply trauma-informed approaches in their work with children, young people, and families.

    The Youth at Risk Project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments to improve the ACT sector response to young people presenting with complex needs and trauma.

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Access Canberra public holiday hours – Easter long weekend and Anzac Day

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 07/04/2025

    Access Canberra will offer reduced services over the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day public holiday.

    Service Centres and Specialised Centres will be closed on:

    • Good Friday – Friday 18 April
    • Easter Monday – Monday 21 April
    • Anzac Day – Friday 25 April

    On public holidays, the Access Canberra Contact Centre (13 22 81) will be open from 9am to 5pm. Limited services will be available on Good Friday.

    Outside these times the Access Canberra Contact Centre will be still open to report urgent public safety issues like fallen trees and faulty traffic lights 24/7.

    Access Canberra Executive Branch Manager Emily Springett said most Access Canberra transactions can be completed online – 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

    “There are only a few transactions that have to be completed at a Service Centre, including applying for a new driver’s licence, establishing proof of identity and collecting new number plates,” Ms Springett said.

    As Canberrans prepare for holidays, they are reminded to ensure their life admin is up to date, including renewing their car and caravan registration.

    “Service Centres will be very busy in the lead up to the public holidays, so please make sure you plan ahead and don’t leave your visit too late,” Ms Springett said.

    To avoid the queues, you can visit the Access Canberra website to book an appointment at any Service Centre or check the current wait times before you visit.

    “As we enter one of our busiest periods of the year, we ask the Canberra community for patience and kindness as our teams work to assist you,” Ms Springett said.

    For more information on opening hours, visit the Access Canberra website.

    – Statement ends –

    Access Canberra | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: #iubilaeum2025 – Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare

    Source: The Holy See

    #iubilaeum2025 – Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare, 06.04.2025
    At 10.30 this morning, fifth Sunday of Lent, on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World, presided over Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
    Poep Francis joined in the Jubilee pilgrimage of the sick and the world of healthcare. Before the greeting to the pilgrims and faithful in the square, whom he thanked, he received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Saint Peter’s Basilica, paused in prayer and crossed the Holy Door.
    The following is the text of the homily prepared by the Holy Father, read aloud by Archbishop Rino Fisichella:

    Homily of the Holy Father
    “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19). God addressed these words to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah while they were in exile in Babylon. For the Israelites, it was a difficult time: it seemed that all was lost. Jerusalem had been conquered and destroyed by the soldiers of King Nebuchadnezzar II, and the people, now deported, had nothing left. The future was bleak and every hope seemed thwarted. Everything could have tempted the people in exile to give up, to grow bitter and to feel that they were no longer blessed by God.
    Yet, in this very situation, the Lord invited them to embrace something new that was unfolding. Not something that would happen in the future, but something already happening, something springing up like a shoot. What is it? What could possibly come into being, or even have already sprouted, in such a desolate and forlorn landscape?
    A new people was being born. A people that, having experienced the failure of past false securities, now discovered what is essential: to remain united and walk together in the light of the Lord (cf. Is 2:5). A people that would be able to rebuild Jerusalem because, far from the Holy City where the temple lay in ruins and where solemn liturgies could no longer be celebrated, it has learned to encounter the Lord in another way: through conversion of heart (cf. Jer 4:4), through the practice of the law and justice, through caring for the poor and needy (cf. Jer 22:3), through works of mercy.
    It is the same message that we find, in a different way, in today’s Gospel (cf. Jn 8:1-11). Here too there is a person — a woman— whose life has been destroyed, not by physical exile, but by moral condemnation.  She is a sinner, and thus far from the law and condemned to ostracism and death. There seems to be no hope for her either. Yet God does not abandon her.  In fact, at the very moment when her accusers are ready to stone her — precisely then — Jesus enters her life, defends her and saves her from their violence, thus giving her the opportunity to begin a new life. “Go your way,” he says to her, “you are free,” “you are saved” (cf. v. 11).
    Through these dramatic and moving stories, the liturgy invites us today, amid our Lenten journey, to renew our trust in God, who is ever near to us and ready to save us. No situation of exile, no violence, no sin, no fact of life can prevent him from standing at our door and knocking, ready to enter as soon as we open to him (cf. Rev 3:20). Indeed, it is precisely when the trials become more difficult that his grace and love embrace us all the more in order to raise us up.
    Sisters and brothers, we read these texts as we celebrate the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers. Illness is certainly one of the harshest and most difficult of life’s trials, when we experience in our own flesh our common human frailty. It can make us feel like the people in exile, or like the woman in the Gospel: deprived of hope for the future. Yet that is not the case. Even in these times, God does not leave us alone, and if we surrender our lives to him, precisely when our strength fails, we will be able to experience the consolation of his presence. By becoming man, he wanted to share our weakness in everything (cf. Phil 2:6-8). He knows what it is to suffer (cf. Is 53:3).  Therefore, we can turn to him and entrust our pain to him, certain that we will encounter compassion, closeness and tenderness.
    But not only that. In his faithful love, the Lord invites us in turn to become “angels” for one another, messengers of his presence, to the point where the sickbed can become a “holy place” of salvation and redemption, both for the sick and for those who care for them.
    Dear doctors, nurses and health care workers, in caring for your patients, especially the most vulnerable among them, the Lord constantly affords you an opportunity to renew your lives through gratitude, mercy, and hope (cf. Spes Non Confundit, 11). He calls you to realize with humility that nothing in life is to be taken for granted and that everything is a gift from God; to enrich your lives with the sense of humanity we experience when, beyond appearances, only the things that matter remain: the small and great signs of love. Allow the presence of the sick to enter your lives as a gift, to heal your hearts, to purify them of all that is not charity, and to warm them with the ardent and gentle fire of compassion.
    I have much in common with you at this time of my life, dear brothers and sisters who are sick: the experience of illness, of weakness, of having to depend on others in so many things, and of needing their support. This is not always easy, but it is a school in which we learn each day to love and to let ourselves be loved, without being demanding or pushing back, without regrets and without despair, but rather with gratitude to God and to our brothers and sisters for the kindness we receive, looking towards the future with acceptance and trust. The hospital room and the sickbed can also be places where we hear the voice of the Lord speak to us: “Behold, I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19). In this way, we renew and strengthen our faith.
    Benedict XVI — who gave us a beautiful testimony of serenity in the time of his illness — wrote that, “the true measure of humanity is essentially determined in relationship to suffering” and that “a society unable to accept its suffering members… is a cruel and inhuman society” (Spe Salvi, 38). It is true: facing suffering together makes us more human, and the ability to share the pain of others is an important step forward in any journey of holiness.
    Dear friends, let us not exclude from our lives those who are frail, as at times, sadly, a certain mentality does today. Let us not banish suffering from our surroundings. On the contrary, let us turn it into an opportunity to grow together and to cultivate hope, thanks to the love that God first poured into our hearts (cf. Rom 5:5), the love that, above all things, remains forever (cf. 1 Cor13:8-10, 13).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 14

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 16 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    07/04/2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 14

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 14:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 1,306,333 235.6660 307,858,254
    31/03/2025 210,000 225.6168 47,379,528
    01/04/2025 141,634 227.8146 32,266,293
    02/04/2025 226,000 226.5486 51,199,984
    03/04/2025 227,000 221.6461 50,313,665
    04/04/2025 263,898 201.8707 53,273,274
    Total accumulated over week 14 1,068,532 219.3970 234,432,743
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 2,374,865 228.3460 542,290,998

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.275% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Be tick aware and stay safe this spring

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Ticks are small, spiderlike creatures that feed on the blood of animals, including people.

    They can be found in many different outdoor environments, but they are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. People are more likely to be bitten if they take part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping, but ticks can also sometimes be found in urban gardens and bought into homes by pets who may pick them up while out or on a walk.

    Ticks can carry infections including Lyme disease and, very rarely, tick borne encephalitis. Tick bites can occur at any time of the year but are more prevalent from April to June.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Ticks are a nuisance and can also cause serious illness, so we’re asking everyone to be tick aware this spring.

    “You can reduce the chance of getting a tick bite by regularly checking your clothing and exposed skin for ticks that might be crawling on you and brushing them off immediately.

    “Walking on clearly defined paths will help you avoid brushing against vegetation where ticks may be present, while wearing light coloured clothing will help you spot them more easily.

    “You can also use insect repellent to ward off ticks, while wearing long trousers and long sleeved tops will reduce the direct exposure of ticks to your skin, making it more difficult for them to find a suitable area to attach.

    “If you spot a tick, you must remove is as soon as possible using a tick removal tool or fine tipped tweezers which are available from pharmacies. You need to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly.”

    If you are concerned about a tick bite, please seek medical advice. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you become unwell within a few weeks of being bitten by a tick.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have say about residential and nursing care

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The City of Wolverhampton Council is changing the way it commissions placements in residential and nursing homes, moving from a model that simply purchases a service for someone in a home, to one that will secure the outcomes that matter the most to those in care.

    And it is carrying out a survey to ensure these services truly reflect the needs, wishes, and priorities of older adults.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “This marks a step change in the way that we commission placements – placing the focus firmly on the outcomes that people in care and their families want to achieve.

    “We are already going into care homes and speaking with residents, family members, staff and care home managers to get their thoughts.

    “But we are also keen to hear from those who may require a care home in the near future and from people who have family members in care homes.

    “The survey is designed to capture a snapshot of what outcomes they would value, and also to identify people who would be willing to do a semi structured interview which will be able to explore, in greater depth, their needs.

    “The feedback will be used to inform the development of a service specification that includes these outcomes, ensuring that care providers are delivering them for their residents in the future.”

    The survey is available at Residential and Nursing Care Survey and closes on Monday 21 April, 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Griffin, Professor, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Queensland

    Tijana Simic/Shutterstock

    Australians are being urged to roll up their sleeves for a flu vaccine amid rising cases of influenza.

    It’s an opportune time to think about other vaccines too, particularly because some vaccines can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine.

    One is the COVID vaccine.

    Should you get another COVID shot?

    More than five years since COVID was declared a pandemic, we hear much less about this virus. But it’s still around.

    In 2024 there were 4,953 deaths involving COVID. This is nearly 20% lower than in 2023, but still nearly five times that of influenza (1,002).

    Vaccines, which do a very good job at reducing the chances of severe COVID, remain an important tool in our ongoing battle against the virus.

    Case numbers don’t tell us as much about COVID anymore as fewer people are testing. But based on other ways we monitor the virus, such as cases in ICU and active outbreaks in residential aged care homes, there have essentially been two peaks a year over recent years – one over summer and one over winter.

    This doesn’t mean we can predict exactly when another wave will happen, but it’s inevitable and may well be within the next few months. So it’s worth considering another COVID vaccine if you’re eligible.

    Who can get one, and when?

    There are several risk factors for more severe COVID, but some of the most important include being older or immunocompromised. For this reason, people aged 75 and older are recommended to receive a COVID booster every six months.

    In the slightly younger 65 to 74 age bracket, or adults aged 18 to 64 who are immunocompromised, booster doses are recommended every 12 months, but people are eligible every six months.

    Healthy adults under 65 are eligible for a booster dose every 12 months.

    Healthy children aren’t recommended to receive boosters but those who are severely immunocompromised may be eligible.

    What COVID shots are currently available?

    We’ve seen multiple types of COVID vaccines since they first became available about four years ago. Over time, different vaccines have targeted different variants as the virus has evolved.

    While some vaccine providers may still offer other options, such as the older booster that targeted the Omicron variant XBB.1.5, the recent JN.1 booster is the most up-to-date and best option.

    This is a relatively recently updated version to improve protection against some of the newer strains of COVID that are circulating. The new booster only became available in Australia in late 2024.

    This booster, as the name suggests, targets a subvariant called JN.1. Although JN.1 has not been the dominant subvariant in Australia for some time, this shot is still expected to provide good protection against circulating subvariants, including new subvariants such as LP.8.1, which is descended from JN.1.

    While it’s great we have an updated booster available, unfortunately uptake remains poor. Only 17.3% of people 75 and over had received a COVID vaccine in the six months to March.

    COVID vaccine uptake has been poor recently.
    Steve Heap/Shutterstock

    Getting a flu and COVID shot together

    Data from more than 17,000 people who completed a survey after receiving the JN.1 booster shows that while 27% reported at least one adverse event following vaccination, the majority of these were mild, such as local pain or redness or fatigue.

    Only 4% of people reported an impact on their routine activities following vaccination, such as missing school or work.

    If you choose to get the flu vaccine and the COVID vaccine at the same time, they’ll usually be given in different arms. There shouldn’t be a significant increase in side effects. What’s more, getting both shots at the same time doesn’t reduce your immune response against either vaccine.

    Now is the ideal time to get your flu vaccine. If you’re eligible for a COVID booster as well, getting both vaccines at the same time is safe and can be very convenient.

    We’re conducting trials in Australia, as are scientists elsewhere, of combined vaccines. One day these could allow vaccination against COVID and flu in a single shot – but these are still a way off.

    If you’re not sure about your eligibility or have any questions about either vaccine, discuss this with your GP, specialist of pharmacist. Australian state and federal government websites also provide reliable information.

    Paul Griffin has been the principal investigator on many vaccine clinical trials and received speaker honoraria and been a member of medical advisory boards for vaccine manufacturers. He is also a scientific advisory board member and director of the immunisation coalition.

    – ref. Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot? – https://theconversation.com/do-i-need-another-covid-booster-which-one-should-i-choose-can-i-get-it-with-my-flu-shot-252914

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia earns GigaOm Leader and Outperformer ranks for Data Center Switching solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia earns GigaOm Leader and Outperformer ranks for Data Center Switching solution

    • Nokia’s Data Center solution was recognized for its extensive hardware portfolio, operations and management, strong NetOps suitability and focus on AI capabilities
    • The Nokia Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform earned high marks for its highly automated design, deployment and operations processes.
    • GigaOm evaluated nine leading Data Center switching vendors based on a comprehensive set of criteria

    7 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that GigaOm has for the fourth straight year recognized the company as a Leader and Outperformer in the GigaOm Radar Report for Data Center Switching. Nokia’s Data Center Fabric solution, designed to deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable performance in data center and cloud environments, earned high marks for its extensive hardware portfolio, advanced operations and management capabilities, strong NetOps suitability, and dedicated focus on AI-driven features.

    GigaOm’s industry experts evaluated nine leading data center switching vendors across a comprehensive set of criteria. providing technology teams and executive leadership with a detailed decision-making framework for assessing data center switching solutions. Key metrics include hardware switch performance, software advancements for network operating systems (NOSs), and automation tools for designing, deploying and operating large-scale data center networks. GigaOm notes that data center switches are evolving to enhance these capabilities as enterprises transition to an ’application-first’ orientation and evolve to embrace AI-driven applications and use cases.

    Nokia’s comprehensive hardware portfolio supports port speeds ranging from 1 GbE up to 800 GbE and includes the 7250 IXR series of high-performance, high-density, modular and fixed-configuration platforms designed for data center spine deployments , the 7220 IXR series of high-performance, high-density, fixed-configuration platforms for data center leaf and spine deployments and the 7215 IXS platform for reliable out-of-band management.

    Designed to enhance and scale operations across the entire data center fabric lifecycle, the Nokia Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform serves as a powerful operational toolkit and management system. Its highly automated approach to day0 design, day1 deployment, and day2 ongoing operations contributed to Nokia’s strong ranking.

    Nokia’s solution also earned high marks for SR Linux, its microservices-based NOS. GigaOm evaluated network operating systems based on their use of containerized microservices that handle network functions, as well as Large Language Model (LLM) integration, which enables natural language insights into the state of the network without relying on CLI commands or complex UI navigation.

    Nokia’s NetOps Development Kit (NDK) is cited as a differentiating feature, enabling networking teams to take advantage of the underlying model-driven architecture of SR Linux. Using the NDK, data center teams can develop new apps and operational tools in their chosen programming language and get deep programmatic access to, and control over, the entire IXR switching system.

    Nokia’s solution earned exceptional reliability scores, highlighting its strengths in failover handling, traffic rerouting, troubleshooting, repairs as well as disaster recovery in case of hardware failures or other incidents.

    “Nokia was classified as an Outperformer given its strong feature delivery in the last year, which resulted in strong score results across the report’s key and emerging features. The Nokia solution can be easily integrated into existing heterogeneous deployments, making it easy for organizations to ramp up their Nokia-based data center network deployments,” said Andrew Green, Analyst at GigaOm.

    “For the fourth year in a row, Nokia has been named a Leader and Outperformer in the GigaOm Radar Report for Data Center Switching—confirming that our Data Center Fabric solution delivers the reliability, ease of use, automation and energy efficiency our customers need. As businesses face massive growth, market shifts, and new opportunities like AI, we’re proud to help them stay ahead with technology they can trust,” said Rudy Hoebeke, Vice President of Product Management, IP Networks at Nokia.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news 
    Product Page: Nokia Data Center Networks
    Product Page: Nokia Event Driven Automation

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lumissil’s Green PHY Solution Selected to Support Arrow Electronics in the new EVSE Reference Design Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILPITAS, Calif., April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lumissil Microsystems, an analog/mixed-signal solution provider, has been selected by Arrow Electronics to support their new Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) reference design, aimed at simplifying development and accelerating time to market for ISO 15118-compliant charging solutions.

    The reference design integrates the CG5317 Green PHY modem from Lumissil with a complete ISO 15118 software stack, providing manufacturers with a ready-to-use hardware and software solution that reduces development complexity. With Arrow’s extensive industry expertise, the reference design helps EVSE manufacturers shorten engineering cycles, ensuring a faster path to compliance with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication standards.

    “As demand for robust and secure EV charging infrastructure grows, manufacturers need solutions that reduce development risks and accelerate deployment,” said Nadav Katsir at Lumissil Microsystems. “Arrow’s selection of CG5317 for their EVSE reference design helps underscore its industry-leading performance, giving customers a streamlined path to developing ISO 15118-compliant charging solutions.”

    By leveraging CG5317’s proven PLC capabilities and a pre-integrated software stack, the reference design eliminates challenges related to firmware development, compliance testing, and hardware-software compatibility. This enables EVSE manufacturers to focus on differentiation while bringing products to market faster.

    The EVSE reference design is available to OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and EVSE developers looking to accelerate ISO 15118 adoption. For more details, visit https://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/articles/arrow-electronics-released-their-own-vehicle-to-grid-communication-software-stack

    About Lumissil Microsystems
    Lumissil Microsystems specializes in analog/mixed-signal products for automotive, Communications, industrial, and consumer markets. Lumissil’s primary products are LED drivers for low to mid-power RGB color mixing and high-power lighting applications. Other products include audio, sensors, high-speed wire communications, optical networking, and application specific microcontrollers. Lumissil Microsystems has worldwide offices in the US, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, mainland China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, and Korea. Website: https://www.lumissil.com  

    Contact:
    Raphi Zadicario
    rzadicario@lumissil.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Driving the solar revolution in Africa together: EWIA Green Investments acquires SunErgy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Driving the solar revolution in Africa together: EWIA Green Investments acquires SunErgy

    • Expansion into Cameroon
    • Diversification into the mini-grid and off-grid market
    • SunErgy shareholders join EWIA

    Munich, 7th April 2025. Two years after launching their collaboration on solar projects in sub-Saharan Africa, EWIA Green Investments GmbH (EWIA), SunErgy GmbH, and KGAL have decided to convert their partnership into a merger. Under the terms of a new agreement, EWIA will acquire all shares in SunErgy. In turn, SunErgy’s existing shareholders will take stakes in EWIA Green Investments GmbH.    The merger aims to establish a leading solar provider for Africa, overseeing projects from planning and financing to implementation.

    “Investments in solar and infrastructure drive growth and prosperity in Africa while countering the climate crisis,” said Ralph Schneider, Managing Director of EWIA. “Simultaneously, this market offers unparalleled potential for investors globally.”

    “With an average age of 19, Africa is not only the continent with the youngest population but also the one with the greatest growth opportunities,” emphasizes Dr. Alexander Ergenzinger, Investment Manager at SunErgy’s main shareholder KGAL, and Managing Director of SunErgy GmbH.

    600 million people on the continent still have to manage completely without electricity supply. In many African countries, high and steadily rising electricity prices, combined with frequent, prolonged power outages, pose a severe challenge to the economy and social stability. These outages must be compensated for with expensive diesel generators (costing approximately €0.50–0.80/kWh) – an unsatisfactory situation both economically and ecologically.

    Africa, the solar continent

    Due to its proximity to the equator and an annual sunshine duration ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 hours, sub-Saharan Africa boasts enormous potential for solar energy generation.

    SunErgy (https://sunergy-power.org/) was founded in Norway in 2010 and aims to provide communities in emerging markets with off-grid solar energy through small turnkey solar power plants that are connected directly to customers’ buildings via their own power grid, so-called mini-grids.

    Synergy thanks to SunErgy

    SunErgy complements EWIA’s business. To date, the company has focused on selling solar systems to commercial and industrial customers under a solar-as-a-service model tailored for medium-sized enterprises. EWIA manages the planning, financing, construction, and operation of these systems, which are designed to largely self-finance through cumulative savings on diesel and grid electricity costs for customers. Geographically, operations have centred on Ghana and Nigeria. Following the acquisition, EWIA now employs 76 people.

    Mini Grids for villages in Cameroon

    SunErgy’s activities have so far been organized through SunErgy GmbH in Germany and its two subsidiaries in Cameroon, SunErgy Ltd. and 2 Mites Ltd. SunErgy Cameroon is responsible for the construction and operation of solar power plants in Cameroon, as well as for building solar power plants in other African countries. In September 2014, the company signed an agreement with the Republic of Cameroon to supply solar power to 92 villages in the southwest region, encompassing approximately 115,000 families (600,000 people), as well as schools, health centres, and private and public enterprises. Twelve municipalities have now been electrified through the construction of mini-grids.

    “The merger of EWIA and SunErgy is a meaningful step toward realising our strategy of becoming one of the leading providers of solar solutions for sub-Saharan Africa,” affirms Ralph Schneider. “In addition to geographical expansion and diversification into the stand-alone solutions market, another crucial factor is that, with shareholders like KGAL, we gain established and experienced investors and investment professionals with proven expertise in the infrastructure sector, which constitutes a substantial enhancement.”

    “KGAL has been providing investors with investment strategies in the renewable energy sector for over 20 years,” adds Michael Ebner, Managing Director of Asset and Portfolio Management at KGAL. “We are pleased to entrust SunErgy to EWIA and support the company’s continued growth. The African renewable energy market offers impact investors a wide array of opportunities.”

    About EWIA Green Investments

    EWIA provides small and medium-sized businesses in Africa with access to clean solar energy and serves as a bridge builder to investors in Europe as well as for the transfer of technology know-how. Based in Munich, Germany, with operating entities in Ghana and Nigeria, EWIA offers private and institutional investors access to attractive impact investments in the fight against climate change and for sustainable economic growth in Africa. With EWIA’s flexible full-service financing solution, companies in Africa have the opportunity to obtain solar power, financing, security and service from a single source. In the infrastructure sector, EWIA funds and constructs mobile phone communication masts and traffic monitoring systems and equips them with PV systems.

    www.ewiainvestments.com + + + https://ewiafinance.de/

    Contact for queries:

    EWIA Green Investments GmbH
    Ralph Schneider, CEO
    ralph.schneider@EWIAinvestments.com
    +49 162 1366 984

    Schwarz Financial Communication
    Frank Schwarz
    schwarz@schwarzfinancial.com
    +49 611 58029290

    About KGAL

    KGAL is a leading independent investment and asset manager with over €15 billion in assets under management. The company specialises in long-term real asset investments for institutional and private investors across real estate, sustainable infrastructure, and aviation. Founded 56 years ago, the Europe-wide group is headquartered in Grünwald near Munich. Its 396 employees contribute to achieving sustainably stable returns by accounting for risk and return (as of December 31, 2024).

    www.kgal.de

    Contact for queries:

    KGAL GMBH & Co. KG
    Markus Lang, Head of Marketing & Communications
    markus.lang@kgal.de
    +49 89 64143-307

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More than a thousand new homes for north Curtin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The site has the potential to supply up to 1300 townhouses and multi-unit dwellings.

    The ACT Government is progressing work to deliver more than 1300 homes in north Curtin.

    Canberrans are invited to have their say on the design of the site, which is located directly adjacent to Yarra Glen Drive.

    The existing north Curtin horse paddocks will welcome the new homes, close to transport, local services and places of employment.

    The site has the potential to supply up to 1300 townhouses and multi-unit dwellings.

    The future residential neighbourhood is envisioned as high-quality, sustainable and vibrant with quality public streets and spaces.

    Canberrans are being asked to share their thoughts on what they feel is important in terms of urban design, landscape design, built form, access and design quality on the site.

    This community feedback will be used to help develop the draft Planning Conditions for the North Curtin Residential Area.

    This will be used to assess future development applications for the site.

    Canberra’s population is set to grow to 500,000 by 2027.

    The ACT Government is supporting the supply of new homes, particularly focused on areas close to transport and services, as well as investing in the infrastructure to support them. 

    The north Curtin consultation will also feed into further consultation on a broader ‘Draft Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework’ over the next two years.

    This will guide future development along Canberra’s southern transport corridor from Woden to the City.

    The Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework

    The government will engage with the community on the principles of growth and development of more housing, public spaces and infrastructure along the light rail 2B corridor, including Adelaide Avenue and Yarra Glen Drive. 

    This follows the City and Gateway Design Framework established in 2018 in Canberra’s north, ahead of the completion of light rail stage 1.

    The Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework will be developed in consultation with the National Capital Authority (NCA).

    The feedback from the north Curtin engagement will be lodged with the NCA towards the end of the financial year, before determining final planning controls.

    This will build on the principles laid out in the Woden District Strategy released in November 2023.

    A referral is also in progress with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), to assess potential environmental impacts.

    YourSay survey

    Canberrans can have their say on the North Curtin Residential Area via the YourSay survey.

    The survey is open until 11 June 2024.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 29 arrested and 26 tonnes of illegal plant protection products seized in France and Spain

    Source: Europol

    The members of the gang were involved in environmental crime, money laundering and document fraud. They exploited business structures and coordinated a supply chain for illegal plant protection products based in Italy, Portugal and Spain since 2020.The investigation was led by Spain (Guardia Civil). Given the complexity of the criminal network, the police operation was carried out in two phases:…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New ICU to improve patient experience

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Dr Tina Xu, Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Unit at Canberra Hospital

    Intensive care patients at Canberra Hospital will be cared for in a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from late August this year.

    The ICU will be located on level 5 of the new Critical Services Building. Bed capacity will increase to 48, including four specially designed paediatric spaces.

    The ICU’s clinical and patient spaces have been carefully designed with input from clinicians and consumers, to improve the patient experience and support families and carers during what is a very challenging time.

    The modern, fit-for-purpose space will enable the hospital’s highly skilled teams to implement innovative models of care.

    This includes a multi-purpose therapy space and the ability to isolate a wing should there be an infectious diseases outbreak.

    “One of the major changes to the new ICU is that will have much more space, not only the bed spaces but also storage spaces. It will make a big difference in our day-to-day management and care we provide, Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Unit Dr Tina Xu said.

    “The new bed spaces are much larger and modern, with most of them fitted with ceiling to floor windows. This lets in a lot of natural light across the whole unit and will help our patients maintain a day-night routine, which is important to their recovery.”

    Features of the new ICU include:

    • four paediatric beds with an adjoining family zone to give families who have children in the ICU a support area including a lounge and play area
    • a multi-purpose therapy space to accelerate patient care with early integrated rehabilitation
    • a pod of 12 beds that can be isolated in the event of an infectious disease threat
    • dedicated outdoor spaces for patients and visitors
    • bariatric rooms with weight-rated equipment
    • a procedure room to carry out minor procedures not requiring general anaesthesia
    • ability to expand ICU to 60 beds as demand grows in the future.

    Children needing a high level of medical care can be cared for in one of the four paediatric beds. These beds will also be able to support care for adult patients if necessary and when not being used for paediatric patients.

    A gymnasium has also been integrated into the ICU. Physiotherapists who specialise in care for critically unwell patients will provide the physical therapy needed as part of rehabilitation.

    “The new ICU will also improve our patient and family experiences, with a large and comfortable family and visitor waiting area and two outdoor terraces. The terraces have sheltered bays that are fully equipped to support medical equipment, so our patients and their families can spend some time outside,” Dr Xu said.

    Level 5 of the Critical Services Building also includes a clinical training facility. This will provide Canberra Health Services teams with a dedicated clinical environment to practice simulations and training.

    The ACT Government is investing in new health and updated health infrastructure for Canberra.

    In addition to the new Critical Services Building, this includes modernising the Canberra Hospital campus, planning for the new northside hospital and building more health centres.

    There is also increased investment in the ACT’s health workforce to attract, retain and recruit staff from across the public health system.

    For more information on the Critical Services Building, visit Canberra Hospital Expansion – Built for CBR (act.gov.au)

    Inside the new ICU

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    MIL OSI News –