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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Public swimming pools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Doreen Kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:

         Regarding public swimming pools under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the utilisation rates (set out by session for admission) and attendances of various public swimming pools in each of the past five years;

    (2) of the number of schools holding swimming galas at public swimming pools in the past five years;

    (3) of the expenditure on the staff salaries and benefits, operating costs and maintenance fees of public swimming pools in the past five years;

    (4) in respect of the public swimming pools with utilisation rates on the low side, whether the authorities will consider consolidating them with those public swimming pools in the neighbouring districts to increase the overall utilisation rates, thereby better meeting the demand of members of the public;

    (5) as there are views pointing out that the mode of leisure and entertainment of members of the public is constantly changing, whether the authorities have plans to upgrade facilities of public swimming pools and include more diversified entertainment elements (such as water parks and water play facilities), so as to attract members of the public of different age groups to use them; and

    (6) as some persons with disabilities (PWDs) have relayed that barrier-‍free facilities at some public swimming pools are inadequate, of the current situation of the provision of barrier-free facilities at public swimming pools; whether it will consider further increasing and upgrading the barrier-free facilities at public swimming pools by, for example, providing additional ramps, lanes for exclusive use by PWDs and so on, at the swimming pools to improve the inclusiveness of public swimming pools, thereby benefiting a wider group of members of the public?

    Reply:
     
    President,

         My reply to the questions raised by the Hon Doreen Kong is as follows:

    (1) As the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) does not maintain record of individual swimmer’s time of entry and exit at its public swimming pools, there is no information about the utilisation rate of its swimming pools at different periods of time. Details of the attendance of public swimming pools managed by the LCSD are set out at Annex I.

    (2) In the past five years, the number of schools that have hosted swimming galas in public swimming pools managed by the LCSD is as follows:
     

    Year
    2019
    2020
    2021
    2022
    2023

    Number
    234
    31
    30
    101
    231

    * In view of the situation of COVID-19, public swimming pools were closed during various periods from 2020 to 2022. Hence, the number of swimming galas held was lower.

    (3) In the past five years, the expenditure on staff remuneration and fringe benefits as well as the operating cost of public swimming pools are as follows:
     

    Year
    2019-20
    2020-21
    2021-22
    2022-23
    2023-24

                              ($ million)

    Expenditure on staff remuneration and fringe benefits
    660.06
    660.06
    660.06
    686.17
    720.30

    Operating cost
    520.34
    513.36
    532.91
    563.55
    596.61

         â€‹As for repair and maintenance, multiple works departments are responsible for the maintenance and repair of various recreation and sports facilities under the LCSD. Costs of works such as repair, maintenance, improvement and refurbishment of facilities, as well as expenses on equipment procurement, are included in the overall expenditure of those works departments. The LCSD does not have a breakdown of the repair and maintenance costs of public swimming pools.

    (4) and (5) In order to cater for the public demand for different swimming pool facilities, the number and type of facilities as well as design and layout of public swimming pools vary. At present, 25 of the public swimming pools under the LCSD (such as Kennedy Town Swimming Pool, Hammer Hill Road Swimming Pool and Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool etc) offer water play equipment in addition to conventional swimming facilities, addressing the needs of different age groups and allowing more citizens to experience the fun of aquatic activities.
     
         The selection of location, types of facilities offered as well as design and layout of each swimming pool must meet the needs of the public (especially the local residents) for swimming facilities. The LCSD will optimise the use of resources according to the actual situation, closely monitor the utilisation of public swimming pools and take into account different factors, including the impact on local residents, future demographic changes and the views of relevant district councils, when reviewing the future planning of its facilities.

    (6) At present, among the 46 public swimming pools under the LCSD, 36 (about 78 per cent) are equipped with accessible lifting platforms or ramps to assist persons with disabilities in entering the pools. A list of these swimming pools is at Annex II. As for the remaining public swimming pools where accessible lifting platforms or ramps have yet to be installed, there are other pools equipped with relevant facilities within the same district. Persons with disabilities may consider visiting another pool in the same district for the swimming facilities thereat according to their needs.
     
         All leisure venues of the LCSD built after 2008 (including public swimming pools) are in compliance with the requirements of the “Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008”, including the provision of ramps or accessible lifting platforms as far as possible to assist persons with disabilities in entering the pools. As for the leisure venues built before 2008 (including public swimming pools), subject to geographical environment, allocation of resources, architectural conditions and technical feasibility, the LCSD will arrange for relevant improvement works to be carried out, such as providing facilities for barrier-free access, accessible toilets and parking spaces, as well as adding facilities such as tactile guide paths, Braille signage, Braille and tactile maps, for the convenience of the visually impaired, in the course of renovation or conversion so that persons with disabilities can also enjoy swimming pool facilities provided by the LCSD.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Delivering local priorities in Brisbane

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Labor Government continues to boost the liveability of Oxley, with federal funding unlocking a pipeline of local road and community infrastructure projects.

    Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP joined Federal Member for Oxley, Milton Dick MP on Tuesday to inspect the progress of projects in the Brisbane area, and to discuss the city’s priorities. 

    Brisbane City Council will receive more than $103 million in Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years – a boost of over $44.4 million thanks to the Albanese Government. 

    This will pave the way for local road upgrades that will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion, building on improvements already delivered.

    Traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing were recently installed at the Blunder Road and Wallaroo Road intersection – thanks to over $1.5 million in federal funding.

    Over $4.1 million in federal funding supported the major upgrade to the Dandenong Road and Sirocco Street intersection, with new traffic lights improving traffic flow and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

    Through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Brisbane City Council is receiving over $11.7 million for high-impact local projects.

    As part of this, over $7.7 million is supporting repairs and upgrades to 29 community facilities, including new retaining walls along the rugby and cricket fields at the Forest Lake Junior Rugby Union Club.

    Work is also underway on upgrades to aquatic centres across Brisbane, with $4 million from the Albanese Government supporting new lighting, heat pumps and switchboards, along with the installation of solar equipment, batteries and smart energy monitoring.

    These upgrades – fully funded by the Albanese Government, will reduce energy consumption and emissions, and support Brisbane City Council to reinvest money saved into other important local services. 

    Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects. 

    The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Oxley, Milton Dick MP:

    “It’s wonderful to welcome Minister McBain to Oxley to highlight how we’re partnering with Brisbane City Council to turn federal funding into local results – from making our local roads safer and easier to navigate, to ensuring our sporting facilities are fit-for-purpose.

    “With a population of over 2.4 million people, Brisbane is one of Australia’s largest and busiest cities – and I’m so proud to have secured funding increases for projects in this area that are supporting local jobs and uplifting our economy.”  

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “Milton Dick has a strong record of delivering for communities in Oxley, which is why it was terrific to join him in Brisbane to see high-impact local projects underway, and to discuss what support is needed for future priorities.

    “Our funding increases to Brisbane City Council and strengthened partnership will ensure that we continue to deliver the projects that matter to people in Oxley – whether that’s upgrading the local roads they take to work, or improving the sports fields their kids train on after school.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Developing cruise tourism

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ2: Developing cruise tourism
    LCQ2: Developing cruise tourism
    *******************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yuet-ming and a reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23): Question:      It has been reported that the number of cruise ships arriving in Hong Kong this year is far lower than that in Singapore, and a related association has also withdrawn from Hong Kong. On the other hand, the Government mentioned in the Policy Address delivered last year that it would review the development of cruise tourism economy and announce an action plan in the first half of 2024. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of ship calls in Hong Kong in each of the past five years, as well as the numbers of inbound and outbound cruise passenger trips, and the age distribution and per capita spending of passengers; (2) whether further plans in the short, medium and long terms are in place to attract cruise ships to visit Hong Kong and consider Hong Kong as homeport; and (3) of the positioning of and division of functions between the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) and the Ocean Terminal, and how the occupancy rates of the commercial floor space of the two terminals compare with each other; as there are views that when compared with the Ocean Terminal, there is much room for improvement in respect of transport connectivity between the KTCT and the shopping malls nearby as well as the luxury goods and commercial contents of such shopping malls, how the Government will enhance the transport connectivity between the KTCT and the surrounding scenic spots and key shopping malls in the short term? Reply: President,      After the pandemic, the Government has been making all-out efforts in promoting the recovery of the tourism industry, amongst which Hong Kong’s cruise tourism is actually one of the work priorities. With the concerted efforts of the industry and the Government, a total of 30 cruise lines are scheduled to visit Hong Kong in 2024, representing an increase of 12 over 2023 and comparable to pre-pandemic levels. It is estimated that the non-local cruise passenger throughput this year will increase to about 330 000, representing an increase of 50 per cent compared with 220 000 the year before. Moreover, attributable to the efforts we have made, several new cruise lines will have their first ship calls in Hong Kong in the coming year, and new itineraries will also be launched by cruise lines to attract a more diverse sources of customers.           We sought views extensively from relevant local and international stakeholders of the cruise industry earlier on the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong, and formulated an action plan for further promoting cruise visits to Hong Kong. It will be published together with the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 by the end of this year.           Having consulted the Development Bureau and the Transport and Logistics Bureau, below is the reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Yuet-ming: (1) The total numbers of ship calls and cruise passenger throughputs in Hong Kong in the past five years are at Annex. Separately, according to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in 2023, the onshore per capita spending of inbound cruise passengers embarking or disembarking in Hong Kong was about $3,000. Nevertheless, the contribution of cruise tourism to Hong Kong’s economy is not restricted to the spending by passengers, but also includes the expenses incurred in Hong Kong by the cruises (such as the expenses of arranging shore excursions or transport for passengers, reprovisioning for the cruises, berthing at terminals and hiring of ground crew members), as well as the onshore spending of crew members on leave.  We do not maintain statistics on the age distribution of cruise passengers. (2) The Tourism Commission (TC) and HKTB will continue to promote the development of Hong Kong’s cruise tourism through various measures, attracting cruises to visit Hong Kong, and leveraging Hong Kong as the homeport for passengers to start or complete their cruise voyages. Those measures include: (a) developing new cruise itineraries and visitor source markets. For instance, introducing cruise itineraries departing from the Mainland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand to Hong Kong in the coming months; and stepping up the promotion and publicity of fly-cruise and rail-cruise packages; (b) facilitating cruise lines in making proper planning for cruises visiting Hong Kong, and providing them with various support and concessions, with a view to encouraging cruise lines to increase the number of ship calls, make overnight calls and leverage Hong Kong as the homeport; (c) supporting the tourism trade in fully leveraging Hong Kong’s unique tourism elements to design different featured shore excursions. Cruise passengers visiting Hong Kong this week will be arranged to join the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, thereby creating synergy between cruise tourism and mega events. In addition, a night time itinerary of Hong Kong classic tram tour has recently been selected by a cruise line as one of its top 10 shore excursions in the world; (d) providing facilitation for inbound passengers who start their cruise voyage in Hong Kong, such as baggage delivery services for debarking cruise passengers to enable them to explore the city hassle-free. TC also co-ordinates ship calls with a large number of Mainland visitors, streamlining the boundary crossing arrangements, and arranging coaches for them to travel direct to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) in just 40 minutes; (e) seizing the new opportunities brought about by cruise-related policies in the Mainland, such as the policy of allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships at provinces along the country’s coastline, and the measures allowing Mainland visitors to travel to Hong Kong in transit to join international cruise itineraries involving port-of-call in Mainland cruise ports, thereby attracting international cruise lines to develop more cruise itineraries covering Hong Kong and Mainland ports; and (f) proactively participating in major industry events in the Mainland and overseas, and collaborating with ports in the Mainland and the Asian region to jointly promote Asia’s cruise tourism in these events. (3) Though complementing each other, the development and functions of the KTCT and the Ocean Terminal (OT) in Tsim Sha Tsui are not entirely the same and a direct comparison cannot be made between them. The OT was completed in 1966. Due to limitations in respect of water depth and clearance facilities etc, it can only accommodate small to medium-sized cruise ships with a gross tonnage of fewer than 90 000 tons and a smaller passenger capacity. Its floor area is primarily used for commercial purposes. As Tsim Sha Tsui has developed into one of Hong Kong’s premier shopping and sightseeing hot spots, passengers joining cruise voyages there can also be benefited. As for the KTCT, it is an infrastructure specifically built for the berthing of mega-size cruise ships and is able to accommodate simultaneously two mega-size cruise ships with a gross tonnage of up to 220 000. The terminal provides sufficient space and facilities for handling a large number of inbound and outbound passengers as well as their embarkation and disembarkation within a short period of time, but only has a small ancillary commercial area. The KTCT commenced operation in phases from mid-2013, and since 2015 and 2017 respectively, it has already surpassed the OT in terms of annual passenger throughput and the number of ship calls.      Upon getting onshore, cruise passengers may either join shore excursions with connecting transport arrangements provided by cruise lines or local travel agents, or travel to destinations by public transport. The KTCT is being part of the Kai Tak Development (KTD). With the gradual completion of the traffic network and commercial facilities within the KTD, cruise passengers will be provided with greater convenience and more options for shopping and sightseeing. Those options include the major retail facility adjacent to Kai Tak MTR Station opened in September last year and another commercial project comprising a large department store scheduled for opening in November this year. In addition, the Kai Tak Sports Park, to be opened in the first quarter of next year, will not only provide over 700 thousand square feet of retail and catering facilities, but also venues for hosting various types of mega sports, cultural and recreational events, thereby creating synergy effects with the KTCT.           There are currently four regular franchised bus routes serving the KTCT, with three of them connecting Kai Tak Station. Subject to demand, an additional special bus route directly connecting the station will also be provided by public transport operator during the berthing of cruise ships. The Transport Department has also planned to provide two additional franchised bus routes, one of them providing connecting services to Kai Tak Station via Sung Wong Toi Station, while another providing express services to Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui direct.      Thank you, President.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 12:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man arrested in east London as Met tackles criminals who target parcel delivery drivers

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been arrested in an intelligence-led operation as part of the Met’s ongoing response to thefts and robberies from parcel delivery vans and drivers.

    At around 14:30hrs on Tuesday, 22 October, officers based in Newham supported by Flying Squad colleagues stopped a car in High Street South, East Ham. The driver, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a parcel delivery van in addition to failing to stop for police and driving offences.

    He was found to be in possession of a number of parcels which are believed to have been stolen less than 30 minutes earlier from a parcel delivery van in Newham. The driver of the van had briefly left his vehicle to deliver a parcel, when three males broke into the van and made off with a number of packages.

    Enquiries are ongoing to locate the two outstanding suspects.

    In seeking to evade arrest, the arrested man’s vehicle collided with three police vehicles. Thankfully no officer was injured. The man was taken to hospital as a precaution due to injuries sustained during the collisions.

    DCI Laura Hillier, Specialist Crime, said: “A team of police officers, including specialist Met Taskforce and Flying Squad detectives, are continuing an operation to tackle crime against parcel delivery firms and their staff.

    “As one suspect found out this afternoon, we are using innovative tactics and dedicating significant resources to identify those believed to be responsible and arrest them.

    “Anyone with information about people who commit these offences is urged to call 101 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers and quote Operation Soslink.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU launched a pilot computing cluster of the Lavrentyev supercomputer center

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The first stage of the computing cluster segment of the Lavrentyev supercomputer center has been launched at Novosibirsk State University. The segment is located in the NSU academic building, and will later be located on the premises of the NSU research center, which is one of the facilities the second stage of the modern campus of NSU. With a computing power of 360 teraflops (trillions of floating-point operations per second), it surpasses all similar servers in academic institutions beyond the Urals. The new cluster is designed to work with large language models and generative artificial intelligence.

    — The Lavrentyev SCC is an important part of the university development strategy, which involves the creation of a modern computing infrastructure based on NSU. The launch of the pilot cluster is a significant step towards achieving this goal. The Lavrentyev SCC will become a center for collective use and will be in demand by a wide variety of specialists, and will also be useful for processing large scientific data, — commented the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk.

    It is planned that the Lavrentyev supercomputer center will be fully operational in 2026. The maximum computing power will be 10 petaflops (quadrillion floating-point operations per second). The first stage of the Lavrentyev SCC, which was launched at NSU, will already allow solving a number of important research and applied problems.

    — We will use it to practice the application of large language models to real-world devices, including industrial artificial intelligence, transport, and unmanned aircraft systems. It is possible that swarm technologies will also be part of our work in the future.yu1sch. But first, we must provide a separate device with minimal intelligence, and then develop algorithms for their interaction with each other in order to solve common problems, said Alexey Okunev, director Institute of Intelligent Robotics NSU.

    Among the first projects for which the computing power of the new cluster will be used are projects implemented in the interests of industrial partners within the NSU Research Center for Artificial Intelligence. In particular, we are talking about various video analytics sensors developed by order of Rostelecom — these are transport detectors, detectors of non-standard behavior for schools, etc.

    — This server is equipped with graphic accelerators that allow for multiple parallel calculations, it has the necessary amount of graphic video memory so that we can use modern large language models of the ChatGPT and GigaChat level, fine-tune and customize them to solve specific problems. The term “non-standard behavior” is quite difficult to formulate algorithmically. The task of recognizing non-standard types of behavior and preventing them can be solved using advanced artificial intelligence technologies, which can be provided to us by large language models. This should increase the accuracy and robustness (resistance to interference) of our models, — Alexey Okunev explained.

    The computing cluster also opens up additional opportunities for the implementation of new educational programs. Thus, “Digital Department” of NSU It is planned to launch the Machine Learning program. Within its framework, students will be trained on real projects that use artificial intelligence technologies and whose customers are industrial partners from various industries.

    yu1sch Decentralized process management through self-organizing collective work of all its elements.

    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 New Zealand: Education – Vegetable hide-and-go-seek

    Source: Ministry of Education

    Vegetables are a major component of the meals that will be served to more than 240,000 students as part of Ka Ora, Ka Ako – the healthy school lunches programme.
    Sean Teddy, Hautū (Leader) Operations and Integration at the Ministry of Education says the meals delivered from the School Lunch Collective meet the same nutritional standards the programme has always done. These standards are based on Ministry of Health guidance. Every meal will include vegetables or salad ingredients.
    “We’re doing what a lot of parents do when they cook for their children at home – we’ll include vegetables, but they won’t always be visible. Schools have told us that that hiding the carrots, parsnip, pumpkin, spinach, cauliflower and other vegetables in the sauces works well for children,” Mr Teddy says.
    Schools say the hot meals that will be provided are popular with children and the recipes selected are the ones they know.
    Fruit and vegetable suppliers, such as Wattie’s and Fresh Connection will provide ingredients to the School Lunch Collective.
    Compared to what they get now, students in Year 0 to 3 will receive more to eat. All students will receive the same size meals – around 240g.
    “For students in Year 9 and above, two supplementary items will be served with each meal, such as baking that contains vegetables – chocolate brownie made with kumara and pumpkin is expected to be a popular choice – along with fresh fruit, or fruit yoghurt,” Mr Teddy says.
    “We will continue to support schools making lunches for their students to meet the required meal sizes and nutritional standards.
    “We’ll work closely with the School Lunch Collective to deliver high-quality meals and will monitor, measure, and respond to any requests for changes.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: TGS Announces Birmingham-Gemini 3D Seismic Survey in Appalachian Basin

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OSLO, Norway (23 October 2024) – TGS, a global leader in energy data and intelligence, today announced an extension to the Birmingham 3D seismic survey covering 276 square miles. The survey is strategically located on the western flank of the Appalachian Basin, aligning with the most prospective trend of the Utica-Point Pleasant formation and Clinton sands.

    Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, commented: “The Birmingham-Gemini 3D survey reflects TGS’ commitment to uncovering the Appalachian Basin’s potential. Combined with our well-log database and analytical products, it provides clients with critical insights to drive exploration and production success, highlighting our dedication to delivering premium geoscience data for informed decision-making.”

    The Birmingham-Gemini 3D seismic survey will target key formations in the Appalachian Basin, including the Ordovician Trenton, Black River, Utica/Point Pleasant, Cambrian reservoirs, and Silurian Clinton sands. Positioned up-dip from the Utica condensate and gas trend, the survey aims to explore the under-explored Point Pleasant oil window.

    Using advanced seismic imaging, the project will map deep structures to identify hydrocarbon traps, analyze facies changes and optimize well placement. These insights will aid operators in refining exploration and production strategies.

    TGS will enhance the seismic data by integrating it with its extensive Appalachian geologic and well database, including over 480,000 well logs. Proprietary formation tops and well performance metrics, available through the TGS Well Data Analytics platform, provide clients with comprehensive analysis for deeper insights into the region’s potential.

    Recording for the Birmingham-Gemini 3D survey will commence in early 2025, with the fully processed dataset available to clients by year-end.

    This project is supported by industry funding.

    For more information, visit TGS.com or contact:

    Bård Stenberg
    IR & Business Intelligence
    Mobile: +47 992 45 235
    investor@tgs.com

    About TGS
    TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit http://www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

    Forward Looking Statement
    All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include volatile market conditions, investment opportunities in new and existing markets, demand for licensing of data within the energy industry, operational challenges, and reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LC: Speech by CS in presenting Government Minute in response to Report No. 82 of Public Accounts Committee

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech (translated from Chinese) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, in presenting the Government Minute in response to Report No. 82 of the Public Accounts Committee in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

    President, 

         Laid on the table today is the Government Minute (GM) responding to Report No. 82 of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) presented to the Legislative Council (LegCo) on July 17, 2024.

         I welcome the Report of the PAC and am grateful for the time and efforts devoted by the Chairman of the PAC, Mr Shiu Ka-fai, and members of the PAC. The Government accepts all the PAC’s various recommendations and sets out in detail in the GM the specific responses of the relevant bureau and departments (B/Ds). The PAC conducted public hearings on the chapters on “Emergency dental services and elderly dental care support” and “Provision and monitoring of Rehabus services”. I would like to highlight the key follow-up measures taken and progress made by the Government and relevant organisations in response to the recommendations.

         Regarding improvements to the services of the General Public (GP) Sessions, the Department of Health (DH) has adjusted the preliminary registration time at nine dental clinics to prevent elderly persons from waiting until midnight. Among these, the time of disc distribution and formal registration at the Mona Fong Dental Clinic have also been adjusted so that patients can receive service after formal registration as soon as possible. The DH will roll out an online electronic disc distribution and registration system before the end of this year. By then, members of the public will no longer need to queue in person for obtaining discs, and will receive real-time information on the remaining disc quotas, i.e. they will know the number of disc quotas remaining on a real-time basis, so as to ensure that all quotas can be fully utilised. The system will give registration priority to elderly persons aged 65 or above. In addition, the Government will enhance emergency dental services targeting the underprivileged groups with financial difficulties in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under a new service model in 2025. The target is to provide additional service capacity which will be at least two times the current capacity of GP sessions. To ensure limited resources can be deployed to those in need (in particular the underprivileged groups), the Government will examine the cost-effectiveness and service arrangement of the GP sessions, and consider the need of introducing means tests or other eligibility criteria for emergency dental services, or other proposals such as replacement by provision of services to underprivileged groups in need by NGOs. This is to ensure the effective use of public healthcare resources.

         Regarding dental services in public hospitals, the DH has convened joint service meetings with the Hospital Authority (HA) and maintained relevant information as recommended in the Report. The HA also regularly monitors the achievement of targets on the waiting time for new case appointments at its Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinics, and assess patients’ conditions in a timely manner so as to arrange their first appointments as soon as possible. Furthermore, the DH and the HA have initiated discussions on the merging of hospital dental services and will take into account the observations and recommendations in the Audit Report.

         To alleviate the manpower shortage, the DH is conducting the year-round recruitment of local full-time and part-time dentists, provides incremental credits based on the applicants’ work experience, and relaxes the Chinese language proficiency entry requirements for the positions. The latest batch of 10 part-time contract dentists took office sequentially from July to September 2024, and 42 full-time dentists took office in September 2024. In addition, following the passage of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the LegCo on July 10, 2024, the DH has been working with the Dental Council of Hong Kong to admit the first batch of non-locally trained dentists to Hong Kong through the new mechanism in the first quarter of 2025 so as to serve the public.

         As for elderly dental care support, the DH has further ascertained the reasons for non-participation in the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly (ODCP) of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), day care centres for the elderly, and NGOs. The DH has also established a new mechanism with the Social Welfare Department to follow up with non-participating RCHEs and strengthen promotional work in encouraging the RCHEs to join the ODCP. Moreover, the DH has taken measures to ensure the participating NGOs’ fulfilment of their responsibilities according to the funding and service agreement terms. Except for during the COVID-19 epidemic when there were restrictions on visits to the RCHEs, the overall target number of service in 2023-24 were met.

         The DH has encouraged more private dentists to enrol in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) through various means, such as introducing the EHVS at meetings or events organised by the Hong Kong Dental Association. The DH will continue to send reminder notifications and messages through the eHealth System (Subsidies) to healthcare service providers enrolled in the Scheme regularly, reminding them to update their enrolment particulars. Upon receiving notifications of change of particulars from healthcare service providers, the DH will process them and update the information on the website of the EHVS as soon as practicable. In addition to making use of private dental services in Hong Kong, eligible elderly persons may make use of the Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) to pay for outpatient dental services at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) and its Huawei Li Zhi Yuan Community Health Service Center (Huawei CHC) since 2015 and 2023 respectively. Moreover, the Government launched the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme (Pilot Scheme) in 2024. From June to September this year, the Pilot Scheme has been implemented in seven integrated services medical institutions or dental healthcare institutions that provide dental services in Guangzhou, Nansha, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen, and eligible Hong Kong elderly persons may choose from more service points. Together with the two service points at the HKU-SZH and the Huawei CHC, elderly persons may pay for outpatient dental service fees with the EHCVs at a total of nine services points of the medical institutions in Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area.

         Regarding the Elderly Dental Assistance Programme (EDAP) funded by the Community Care Fund, the services under the programme have been optimised from July 2, 2024 with the essential requirement of fitting removable dentures relaxed. This allows eligible elderly persons to receive dental services specified under the EDAP even if they are not suitable for dentures. This enhancement measure aims to encourage eligible elderly persons to manage dental diseases at an early stage by opting for preventive and curative dental services, thereby retaining their natural teeth as much as possible and avoiding tooth extractions and denture fittings. To further encourage the elderly persons to apply for services under the EDAP, the Health Bureau (HHB) is promoting the above programme through district service units. The implementing agent has held briefing sessions to introduce the EDAP to dentists and encourage their participation. Apart from strengthening its communication with the implementing agent, the HHB has taken measures to ensure that improvements have been made to the EDAP implementation, including enhancing the eligibility checking mechanism to cover all eligibility criteria, publishing a list of participating dentists and dental clinics, and revising the guidelines provided to service units to specify the appointment scheduling process for applicants who have not indicated their preferred dentist and dental clinic. To expedite the processing of long outstanding cases, the implementing agent has amended the guidelines issued to dentists and dental clinics to clearly include the time limit for claiming fees, and has increased manpower and enhanced computer performance.

         Based on the recommendations of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, the Government will strive to develop and promote primary dental care services in the future to help citizens manage their oral health, and to put prevention, early identification, and timely intervention of dental diseases into practice. The Government will also explore how to continue developing appropriate dental care services targeted at the underprivileged groups, including persons with financial difficulties, persons with disabilities or special needs and high risk groups. The target of the Working Group is to issue the Final Report before the end of its term by late 2024, and to present to the Government recommendations on implementing various policy directions and the development of dental services.

         Regarding Provision and monitoring of Rehabus services, the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) and the Transport Department (TD) have actively followed up on the comments and recommendations made by the Audit Commission and the PAC on the provision and monitoring of Rehabus services.

         The TD is collecting data on the travelling needs of persons with disabilities through the Rehabus operators (the operators) for assessing the demand for Rehabus services. The LWB will review the policy and models of service delivery of Rehabus services upon receipt of relevant data and assessment. The TD is also reviewing the existing arrangement of signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the operators and considering the adoption of other legally binding regulatory approaches for more effective monitoring of Rehabus services.

         To monitor the performance of the operators, the TD implemented various measures to ensure the operators’ strict compliance with the requirements stipulated in MOUs, including convening meetings of the Rehabus Management Committee and the Users’ Liaison Group as required, submitting the financial documents in a timely manner, etc. The TD also increased its regular meetings with the operators from once every quarter to once a month, and will conduct service reviews on an annual basis and set additional performance pledges.

         Regarding the procurement of vehicles, the TD updated the relevant procurement guidelines with the operators and formulated an action checklist to ensure that staff concerned strictly comply with the relevant procurement requirements and procedures.

         As regards the provision of scheduled route service, the TD is closely monitoring the operator’s review of the existing services and progress of route consolidation. In addition, as per the TD’s advice, the operator has provided connecting services to nearby railway stations or interchanges since September 2024 as an option for applicants who have been waiting for the service for some time. This arrangement will help reduce the number of applicants for the service, hence will shorten the waiting time as well.

         As for the provision of dial-a-ride (DAR) service, the TD urged the operator to step up its efforts in recruiting drivers. The shortage of drivers has improved, and the rate of rejected orders of DAR service due to insufficient drivers also dropped. The TD is also closely monitoring the operator’s adoption of the new integrated computer system in arranging shared-use service, with a view to exploring the feasibility of further enhancing the shared-use arrangement.

         Regarding the provision of feeder service, the TD reviewed with the operator the hospital routes and recreational routes with low patronage, and will continue to consolidate and enhance the service to improve operational efficiency. Subject to the manpower arrangement of drivers, the TD is also exploring with the operator the feasibility of further shortening the booking time of recreational route service.  Furthermore, the TD explored with the operators the setting of a limit on the maximum number of carers for DAR service and feeder service, and will consult the stakeholders in due course. The TD will continue to monitor the operator’s implementation of various service enhancement pledges, increase the number of monitoring surveys, step up spot checks on the operator and accounting records, etc.

         President, I would like to thank the PAC again for its efforts and suggestions. The B/Ds concerned will strictly adhere to their responses and implement various improvement measures as set out in the GM with full efforts.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From nail-standing to managing emotions: “Youth of Moscow” will hold a series of events in a multi-format space

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The project “Youth of Moscow” opens a new program “Megapolis of your ideas”. It includes educational and entertainment events aimed at developing creativity and forming useful skills. These are various master classes, lectures and a board game championship. They will be held at the site of the multi-format space of the project.

    “As part of the survey “Moscow – the youth capital of Russia” we were able to learn even more about what events are interesting to our youth. Based on the data received, a new program was formed that satisfies the main interests of the children. Now they will be able to find even more opportunities and develop in the areas that they themselves have chosen,” noted

    Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the City Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy.

    The events of the “Megapolis of Your Ideas” program are prepared taking into account the interests of young city dwellers. Thus, within the framework of the “Life in Balance” direction, dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, a series of thematic master classes will be held, for example, on nail-standing and managing emotions. In addition, everyone will be able to meet with experts and take part in discussions on such topics as positive thinking, developing self-discipline and motivation.

    The “Code of the Future” direction will be dedicated to self-development. Guests will enjoy lectures from experts on the following topics: finances and resources, idea generation, working with artificial intelligence, and others.

    The “Connections on Connection” direction will help young city dwellers make new acquaintances. They will join a board game championship, including mafia, jenga and monopoly. In addition, the organizers have prepared master classes on modeling, self-care and self-defense, as well as meetings dedicated to films and computer games.

    You can try your hand at creativity at master classes on linocut, painting clay pots, dancing and playing musical instruments, which will be held as part of the “Art of Being Yourself” direction.

    Sergei Sobyanin: The Youth of Moscow project is four years old

    The program will begin on October 24 at 6:00 PM with a hip-hop master class. It will be conducted by professional dancer Anna Kuzminkova. Pre-registration is required. by link.

    On October 28 at 18:00 there will be a lesson by nailingThe leader will help participants overcome their fears and gently enter into the practice.

    On October 31 at 6:00 p.m., everyone is invited to a hip-hop master class by Vladislav Falileev, winner of the title “Mr. Moscow Student 2023”. He will show beginner dancers a few simple moves and learn choreographic combinations with them. To participate, you must pre-register by link.

    Previously, the City of Assignments project conducted a survey called “Moscow — the youth capital of Russia.” Young residents could share their opinions about what kind of events they are interested in, where they most often find information about them, and when it is more convenient for them to attend them.

    Based on the voting results, key areas of interest to young people were selected: healthy lifestyle, expanding the circle of acquaintances (networking meetings), new knowledge and creativity. They became the basis for the program “Megapolis of your ideas”. You can take part in it for free, preliminary registration is required on the portal.

    The organizer of the series of events is the project “Youth of Moscow” of the city Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy. The project helps identify and implement the requests of the capital’s residents. During its work, more than 3.5 thousand events were organized, in which over two million people took part.

    You can find out more about the opportunities for young Muscovites on the portal “Youth of Moscow” and project pages in social networks.

    The “City of Tasks” project has been operating since 2022. With its help, residents of the capital can monitor the work of city services, participate in environmental, sports and other events. The project is being developed by the State Institution “New Management Technologies” and the city Department of Information Technology.

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145641073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin told how administrators are being prepared for work in Moscow medical institutions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The My Administrator project has been running for four years. It first started working in outpatient clinics, and then in outpatient oncology centers, hospital admissions departments, and flagship emergency centers. About the project and the people who are bringing it to life, in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Since the first days of work, the calling card of Moscow public service centers “My Documents” has been sincere service. And four years ago, friendly, responsive administrators, capable of finding an approach to solving any problem, came to the city’s healthcare institutions,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    Today, more than two thousand administrators work in 347 buildings of medical organizations in the city. Specialists help patients understand the work of the unified medical information and analytical system, register with a polyclinic, and sign up for examinations. They also maintain contact with relatives and resolve many other organizational and everyday issues. In total, over four years, administrators have come to the aid of patients more than 195 million times.

    To become an administrator, you first need to work in the My Documents offices: hone your skills in confident and friendly communication with people, immerse yourself in the corporate culture of government service centers and, finally, understand whether all this suits you.

    Then you need to undergo training at the educational center “Academy of Sincere Service”. Here, future administrators are introduced to the specifics of work in clinics, flagship centers and admissions departments, their proactive behavior skills are developed, and they are also taught options for solving non-standard situations. And only after that can they begin to perform their duties in medical institutions.

    Guided by the principle of “people first” that was laid down in multifunctional centers, administrators strive to devote time to each patient. They already have many good stories in their collection.

    Marina Grigoryan, an administrator at the City Clinical Hospital No. 67 named after L.A. Vorokhobov, told about one of them. One day, a neurosurgeon approached her and asked her to help a patient. The girl lost consciousness on the street, and passersby called an ambulance. Sofia (that was the patient’s name) came to visit her boyfriend from another city and went for a run, where everything happened. The girl did not remember her friend’s phone number or the address of his apartment. And only after remembering his nickname on a social network, Sofia was able to write a message using the administrator’s account. The young man came to pick her up, and everything ended well.

    “Once a patient with a head injury was admitted to the emergency room. This in itself is very unpleasant. But it was clear that the woman was upset about something else. After talking to her, I found out that the patient was in a hurry to catch the bus, slipped and fell, hitting her head hard. Because of this, she will not be able to meet her grandchildren who came to visit and spend the long-awaited weekend with them. Then we helped her call her grandchildren via video link. And after she was discharged, we called a taxi home,” Olga Shibaeva, an administrator at the V.P. Demikhov Hospital, shared her story.

    Tatyana Belikova, administrator of Diagnostic Center #3, Branch #1, told how, while working in the information terminal area, she was helping a visitor reschedule her appointment for a fluorography and noticed that the woman’s hands were shaking and her face was sweating. When asked about her health, she replied that she was dizzy and had difficulty breathing. But the woman was in a hurry to get the examination done quickly so that she could make it to work. But Tatyana saw that the person needed urgent help. She promised to reschedule the fluorography for another time and insisted on an immediate visit to the doctor on duty. And as it turned out, she was right: the woman began to lose consciousness. She was immediately seated in a wheelchair and taken to the doctor. It was a heart attack. The clinic’s cardiologist provided emergency assistance and gave the order to call an ambulance. The patient was hospitalized and given the necessary treatment.

    And Elina Evgrafova, an administrator at Branch No. 4 of City Children’s Polyclinic No. 10, recalled how during her shift a father with five small children came to the doctor on duty. He looked confused and did not understand what to do. Elina met the family at the entrance, taught the children how to use the shoe cover machines, helped them undress and make an appointment with the doctor. And then she and the children, while they were waiting for an appointment, played “The Swan Flew.” The kids were happy, and the head of the family was very grateful for the sincere and friendly attitude. The visit to the polyclinic turned out to be not only successful, but also fun.

    Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the introduction of sincere service in healthcare institutions

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11917050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s quarterly report for the first three quarters of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    Euronext Dublin
    London Stock Exchange
    Other stakeholders

    23 October 2024

    Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s quarterly report for the first three quarters of 2024

    The bank’s board of directors and general management have today approved the quarterly report for the first three quarters of 2024.

    With net profit of DKK 1.77 billion for the first three quarters of 2024, the bank specifies the expected results for net profit for 2024 to the top of the DKK 2,000-2,350 million range.

    Core earnings

    (DKK million) Q1-Q3 2024 Q1-Q3 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020
    Total core income 3,067 2,785 3,828 2,862 2,433 2,179
    Total expenses and depreciation 761 708 963 891 817 788
    Core earnings before impairment charges 2,306 2,077 2,865 1,971 1,616 1,391
    Impairment charges for loans etc. +2 -1 -1 -2 -68 -223
    Core earnings 2,308 2,076 2,864 1,969 1,548 1,168
    Result for the portfolio etc. +56 -36 -7 -69 +7 -9
    Amortisation etc. on intangible assets 15 15 20 20 17 15
    Tax 579 484 682 385 309 224
    Net profit 1,770 1,541 2,155 1,495 1,229 920

    Highlights of the first three quarters of 2024

    • The net profit is DKK 1,770 million, equivalent to a 22% p.a. return on equity
    • Earnings per share – measured on net profit – increase by 20% to DKK 69
    • Core income increases by 10% to DKK 3,067 million
    • Costs increase by 8%, and the cost/income ratio decreases to 24.8%
    • In the first three quarters of 2024, the bank carried impairment charges of DKK 2 million to income based on strong credit quality while, in the first nine months of 2024, the total management estimates increased by DKK 52 million 
    • Highly satisfactory increase in customer numbers and growth of 9% in loans, 4% in deposits and 14% in funds in custody accounts
    • The bank’s brands remain highly ranked in the annual Voxmeter Image survey where the Ringkjøbing Landbobank brand takes first place.
    • The expected result for 2024 is specified to be at the upper end of the upwardly adjusted DKK 2,000-2,350 million range

    Yours sincerely

    Ringkjøbing Landbobank

    John Fisker
    CEO

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ3: Legislative Council General Election

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Stanley Ng and a reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:
     
         The National People’s Congress passed a Decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in March 2021 to fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. Subsequently, the SAR Government completed the work of amending the relevant local electoral legislation in accordance with Annexes ‍I and II to the Basic Law as amended by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. On the other hand, the current term of the Legislative Council (LegCo) will end on December 31 next year, and the LegCo General Election will be held at the end of next year. There are views that the LegCo General Election is an important aspect of implementing the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong and promoting good governance of the SAR Government, and there must not be any chance of a mishap. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) with reference to the overwhelming publicity for the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, how the Government will further step up the efforts in the publicity for the LegCo General Election next year, so as to enhance the atmosphere of the election and call upon more electors to actively participate in voting to elect patriotic and capable people to participate in the work of LegCo;
     
    (2) as the Government has indicated that it will expand the application of information technology to make elections more efficient and user-‍friendly, of the new information technology that the Government will consider applying in the LegCo General Election to be held next year, so as to enhance the effectiveness of the election; and
     
    (3) with reference to past electoral experience, how the Government assesses and resolves the potential risks in the LegCo General Election to be held next year, so as to ensure that the election will not be subject to external interference and will be conducted in a safe, orderly and fair manner?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         After the improvement of the electoral system in 2021 and the improvements in district governance and reforms to the District Councils in 2023, the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been improved. The HKSAR Government has successfully held five important elections, allowing Hong Kong to achieve good governance as well as entering the stage from stability to prosperity. As President Xi Jinping stated: “The new electoral system is a political and democratic system that aligns with the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, fits the realistic conditions of Hong Kong, and meets the developmental needs of Hong Kong, which must be treasured and adhered to in the long term.”
     
         In response to the questions raised by the Hon Stanley Ng, the replies are as follows:
     
    (1) The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that the electoral system of the HKSAR is crucial to the stability of “one country, two systems”, and to the good governance and long-term stability of the HKSAR. The improved electoral system not only safeguards the security of the country’s political power, but also fully implements the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, which protects the jurisdiction of the HKSAR, as well as the harmony and stability of Hong Kong and the well-being of the public. The new electoral system has also demonstrated its characteristics and advantages of broad representativeness, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition, laying a solid foundation for the long-term and healthy development of democracy in Hong Kong. For this reason, the Government has spared no effort in publicising and promoting the new electoral system, so that members of the public can fully understand that the new electoral system is closely related to them and its importance. In particular, whenever large-scale public elections are held, the HKSAR Government will launch massive publicity campaigns to create a heated election atmosphere in the whole community, so that the public will be keenly concerned about and participate in the elections enthusiastically, so as to elect people who are trustworthy and genuinely committed to contributing to our country and Hong Kong to take up the relevant seats.
     
         Take last year’s District Council Election (DCE) as an example, a number of innovative and diversified approaches were adopted in the publicity work, such as the “Night Vibes DCE”, “DCE into the Community” and the “Build a Better Community Gala”, which were brand new, down-to-earth and in close proximity to the public; in addition to the distribution of thank you cards to voters and the setting up of “check-in” spots, which were well received by the public and had a very satisfactory effect on the overall publicity work. Various government bureaux and departments have also made concerted efforts to launch various forms of election publicity activities, resulting in a pervasive election atmosphere in the whole community, and the effectiveness of which is evident to all.
     
         In view of the importance of elections and the successful experience gained in the past, the Government will continue to conduct publicity works for future public elections, such as the Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) to be held next year, through various innovative, diversified and down-to-earth means, with a view to launching more highlight activities to create a strong election atmosphere, so as to enhance the public’s awareness of the elections on the one hand, and to increase their attention to and participation in the elections on the other.
     
         At present, we are conducting a detailed review and optimising the planning of the arrangements for the various processes of the election, including the publicity work for the LCGE, etc. We will consult the Legislative Council as soon as possible when we have any specific ideas at a later stage.
     
    (2) Since the improvement of the electoral system, the HKSAR Government has also been striving to optimise and enhance the various arrangements for elections, so as to ensure that elections are conducted in a fair, just and honest manner, and at the same time, to have efficiency and user-friendliness constantly enhanced. For example, the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) has introduced an electronic poll registration system since 2021, which is much more efficient and accurate than the previous mode of manual ballot paper distribution, thus significantly reduced the time for electors to queue up for ballot paper distribution and casting their votes.
     
         In addition, during last year’s DCE, the REO set up an online booking platform for electors to register for the use of the near boundary polling stations, so as to facilitate members of the public to plan their itinerary for the election day well in advance. A dedicated website was also provided to allow electors to check the real-time queuing hours of the polling stations, so as to facilitate the planning of polling arrangements by electors. In addition, the REO has also set up additional electronic ballot paper checking devices at the polling stations for the electors of the District Council constituencies to ensure that the ballot papers are properly and validly marked. Starting from this year, the Government’s “iAm Smart” application has been fully integrated into the voter registration process for providing a more convenient experience to the applicants.
     
         At present, we are conducting a comprehensive review of the various electoral processes and considering the introduction of appropriate information and intelligent technologies in the light of the actual situation. However, when considering the specific arrangements, we shall give holistic consideration to the application of technology, enhancement of efficiency, safety and security, privacy protection and public perception, and strike a proper balance to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the election. We will consult members of the Legislative Council again when we have come up with the specific arrangements later.
     
    (3) With the electoral system imrpoved and the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” fully implemented, the governance of the HKSAR is now firmly in the hands of the patriots. In regard to the LCGE to be held next year, the systemic safeguard of the political system can be categorised into the following four levels:
     
         (i) candidates must be nominated by two to four members of the Election Committee from each sector. All Election Committee members are patriots who love Hong Kong and will exercise stringent gate-keeping in making nominations, so as to ensure that those who are not patriots and do not love Hong Kong will be excluded;
     
         (ii) the eligibility of candidates will be checked and confirmed by the “Candidate Eligibility Review Committee” to ensure that the statutory requirements of upholding the Basic Law and bearing allegiance to the HKSAR of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are met;
     
         (iii) candidates will be required to take the oath to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC in accordance with the law when standing for election and assuming office, and the oath will be confirmed by the Commissioner for Oaths to be valid; and
     
         (iv) even after the assumption of office, if the candidate concerned has acted in breach of the oath, the Government may activate the statutory procedures to disqualify the relevant person from the office in accordance with the law.
     
         In respect of electoral arrangements, the REO has all along maintained close liaison with the police and other law-enforcement agencies, and has put in place an established mechanism for collecting and analysing intelligence to objectively assess the risk of an election being obstructed, interfered with, disrupted or seriously affected, and to take measures as appropriate to mitigate the relevant risks and hazards, as well as to draw up various contingency plans to cope with any unforeseen circumstances.
     
         In addition, since the last DC election, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, in conjunction with the Information Services Department and other relevant departments, has set up a rapid response team before and after the election day to closely monitor and pay attention to various types of information during the election period, and to swiftly and effectively refute or clarify all kinds of false or inaccurate information or comments, so as to ensure that the election will not be affected.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men jailed after murdering teenager yards from his home in Edmonton

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been jailed after being found guilty of murdering a teenager in Edmonton.

    The court heard how Bernard Carroll, 20 (26.12.23) of Church Street, Enfield and Josiah James Semper, 19 (31.03.05) of Cromie Close, Enfield pursued and fatally stabbed 16-year-old Taye Faik as he fled towards his home. Both were found guilty of Taye’s murder following the conclusion of a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 October.

    At the same court on Tuesday, 22 October, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 22 years.

    Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation. She said: “This was a shocking and brutal attack on a teenage boy who was yards from his front door.

    “Semper was armed with a flick knife and inflicted the fatal wound, while Carroll drove the car to Kendal Gardens, fully in the knowledge that Semper was armed and in no doubt that significant violence would take place. It was evident from the investigation that there was a significant degree of planning involved.

    “Taye’s family have had to endure the trauma of losing him and then hearing evidence of the attack throughout the trial process. While nothing can be done to ease their pain, I hope that the fact Carroll and Semper have been held to account for their part in Taye’s murder brings them a small degree of comfort.

    “This conviction and the subsequent sentence should demonstrate the serious consequences and loss of life that is associated with carrying a knife. The sentencing today should act as a deterrent to anyone else in possession of such dangerous weapons.”

    An investigation was launched after police were called at 23:27hrs on 1 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Kendal Gardens, N18. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Taye died at the scene.

    Taye had been out walking his dog and was yards from his home when he was attacked by at least two occupants who had got out of a waiting car. Witnesses reported hearing the attack and seeing the car driving at speed as it left the area. Taye made it back to his house where he collapsed in the hallway, fatally injured.

    Detectives quickly began to piece together the events of that evening, initially using CCTV to plot the movements of a car that the attackers had used.

    This car was later found abandoned in a nearby car park – it was on false registration plates and had been stolen a couple of weeks earlier.

    A thorough investigation enabled officers to plot the movements of the vehicle and its occupants on the day Taye was attacked and fatally injured.

    Bernard Carroll was arrested on 6 November 2023 after officers tracked him down to an address in Edmonton. He refused to answer any questions about the attack on Taye.

    Josiah Semper had fled to Antigua shortly after the murder, but was arrested when he returned to the UK on 17 November 2023. Again, when questioned about the attack on Taye, he declined to answer any questions.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kowloon City youth hostel approved

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau today approved a youth hostel project located in the Regal Oriental Hotel in Kowloon City, with a total of 80 rooms that will provide up to 160 hostel places.

    Named YOT Hub, the project is the fifth one under the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels & Guesthouses as Youth Hostels. 

    The project will be launched by the Yan Oi Tong company and the Regal Hotels Group.

    One of the features of the project is to help youth tenants enrich their understanding of the national development opportunities through trainings, and exchange and internship programmes.

    It will also provide young people with self-enhancement and support services in different aspects, such as financial management courses, career development workshops and mental health seminars.

    In addition, Yan Oi Tong will form a youth service team and invite young people to collaborate in organising community activities.

    It also plans to arrange volunteer services regularly to encourage young people to contribute to the community and establish their sense of belonging to society and responsibility.

    The bureau said YOT Hub is well connected by public transport with comprehensive community facilities in the vicinity.

    It added that the project not only provides young people with a comfortable living environment but also enables them to broaden their horizons and achieve their personal development goals through various self-enhancement activities. 

    The bureau expressed that it is delighted that the subsidy scheme continues to gain support from hotel and guesthouse operators to provide youth with an enabling environment and hope for the future.

    It added that it intends to continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders who share its vision to take forward youth hostel projects.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Sam Connatty
    Tel.: +44 (0)370 904 3601
    Email: sam.connatty@capgemini.com

    Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    • Anirban Bose becomes CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit
    • Kartik Ramakrishnan becomes CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit
    • Jerome Simeon will take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer
    • Franck Greverie will become Chief Technology Officer

    Paris, October 23, 2024 – Capgemini today announced some key leadership appointments. Anirban Bose succeeds Jim Bailey as CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit, effective November 1. Consecutively, Kartik Ramakrishnan is appointed CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit. Jerome Simeon will become Chief Revenue Officer and Franck Greverie Chief Technology Officer, both from January 1, 2025. Following an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini, Olivier Sevillia, Chief Operating Officer, has decided to pursue new endeavors as an individual, and will leave the Group at the end of 2024. With his deep global experience and passion for digital transformation, Olivier will focus on promoting the techno-business ecosystem of European companies to help improve their competitiveness. The whole Capgemini team is looking forward to supporting Olivier in his next chapter.

    “These appointments strengthen the Group’s growth ambition and reinforce Capgemini’s role as the go to business and technology partner for our clients. Anirban Bose has been at the helm of our Financial Services division for the last six years and instrumental in building and shaping this business across the globe. Anirban is well positioned to accelerate our trajectory in the Americas, building on our progress in the region over the past 4 years under the leadership of Jim Bailey. I would like to thank Jim for his many contributions to Capgemini. Kartik Ramakrishnan, who has been running the Banking sector for the past six years, is Anirban’s natural successor, to ensure the global business will continue to go from strength to strength,” comments Aiman Ezzat, CEO of the Capgemini Group. “To bolster our laser focus on growth, Jerome Simeon will take on a new position of Chief Revenue Officer for the Group in the new year. His role will encompass our activities across sales, key clients and industries to bring even greater value to our clients as we accompany them on their business-critical transformations. Franck Greverie will add Chief Technology Officer to his scope of responsibility, also from January 1. His deep tech expertise and forward-thinking approach will accelerate our efforts to build innovative value creating solutions for our clients. I wish Anirban, Kartik, Jerome and Franck every success in their new roles.”

    Aiman Ezzat continues, “After an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini and an impressive track record in leading and operating strategic businesses across the Group, Olivier Sevillia will step down as Group COO at the end of 2024. We are all looking forward to supporting Olivier in his new endeavors as an individual, focused on applying his extensive experience in digital transformation to promote a rich techno-business ecosystem to help improve the competitiveness of European businesses. The board of directors joins me in thanking him and paying tribute to his commitment and service.”

    Biography: Anirban Bose

    Anirban was Head of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and a member of the Group Executive Board from 2018. He was also responsible for overseeing the Asia Pacific Strategic Business Unit.

    Prior to this, Anirban was the Head of Capgemini’s Banking and Capital Markets Business Unit.

    Between 2007 and 2015 Anirban led Capgemini’s Banking Business Unit. From 2004 to 2007, Anirban served as executive vice president at Kanbay before its 2007 acquisition by Capgemini.

    Anirban resides in New York. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology of Varasani with a Bachelor of Technology. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.

    Biography: Kartik Ramakrishnan

    Kartik was the Deputy CEO of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and also led Capgemini’s Banking and Capitals Markets business. Kartik has been a member of the Group Executive Committee since 2023.

    Prior to this, Kartik was responsible for managing sales teams across banking and capital markets.

    Kartik has spent over 25 years consulting in the banking and payments industry. Over his career, he has been involved in launching new products and developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for financial services firms across the globe in countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States of America.

    Kartik has a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago.

    Biography: Jerome Simeon

    Jerome became the Head of Global Industries in 2023. He has been a Member of the Group Executive Board since 2021.

    Prior to this, he was the CEO of the Southern Europe Strategic Business Unit. From 2018 to 2020, Jerome was Managing Director of Capgemini in France, when he also joined the Group Executive Committee.

    From 2014, he was CEO, Application Services France after serving as Commercial Director (from 2012 to 2014).

    Prior to this, from 2007 to 2010, he held commercial positions in Capgemini’s Telecom & Media business after managing the development and sales for the Property & Services Europe sector of BT Global Services for two years.

    Jerome joined Capgemini in 1998, after eight years with the group Générale des Eaux/Vivendi. Jerome graduated from Toulouse Business School.

    Biography: Franck Greverie

    Franck Greverie has been the Chief Portfolio Officer at Capgemini since 2018.

    Franck has been on the Group Executive Board since 2020, when he took on additional responsibilities overseeing Cloud Infrastructure Services (cloud & cybersecurity), Business Services and Insights & Data (Data & AI) Global Business Lines.

    Prior to this, from 2016, Franck led the Cloud & Cybersecurity activities of Capgemini. He joined Capgemini in 2015 as Head of the Cybersecurity Global Service Line.

    Between 2012 and 2015, Franck was an Executive VP at Bull, where he was in charge of the Security Division, and also led the Middle East, Africa and Asia activities.

    Prior to that, Franck was the Managing Director of the Information Systems Security and Cybersecurity activities for Thales Group (France, UK, Germany, Norway, USA, Asia) since 2018. His career with Thales began in 2004, as Head of Strategy, Business Development and Marketing for the Security activity.

    Franck is a graduate of ESME, engineering school, and of the Executive MBA of ESSEC Business School.

    Note to Editors
    High-resolution photography of Anirban Bose, Kartik Ramakrishnan, Jerome Simeon and Franck Greverie is available on request.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organisations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market-leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get the future you want | http://www.capgemini.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A regional center called “Meeting Place “Baku”” has appeared in the north of Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Aeroport area of the Northern Administrative District, after the reconstruction of the old Soviet cinema, the district center “Mesto Vstrechi “Baku”” appeared. It is located at the address: Usievicha Street, Building 12. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “The area of the renovated building is more than 13 thousand square meters. It has four floors above ground and one underground. In November, they plan to open a multifunctional and cultural and leisure center for city residents, where they will be able to attend various lectures, master classes, classes in choreography, vocals, chess and other areas,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The cinema was built in 1974 according to the design of architects I.N. Volkov, E.V. Smolina and L.Ya. Fadeeva. The design of the building used motifs of traditional Azerbaijani architecture.

    Before the start of the reconstruction, an urban development plan for the land plot was prepared for an area of 0.42 hectares, she said. Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of the City of Moscow.

    From November, a fitness club, dry cleaners, children’s goods and electronics stores, food stores, and cosmetics stores will open in the district center “Meeting Place “Baku”. In addition, restaurants and cafes will open there.

    On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the city is paying special attention to the quality of work at sites with large numbers of citizens.

    “During each stage of reconstruction, inspectors of the Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow, together with the subordinate Center for Expertise, carried out 15 control and supervision activities. Based on the results of the final inspection, the facility received a conclusion on its compliance with the approved project. At present, the developer has issued a permit for its commissioning,” emphasized the Chairman of the Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow

    Anton Slobodchikov.

    The program for the reconstruction of Moscow cinemas began in the spring of 2017. In accordance with it, 38 cinemas are to be renovated, and district centers of the Mesto Vstrechi network will appear in their buildings.

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145651073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Kai Tak Sports Park

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23): Question:      The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) will be officially open early next year, and the government departments concerned have currently commenced the preparatory work for the commissioning of the KTSP. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether the authorities have finalised the leasing arrangements and charge levels for the KTSP’s Main Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre, Public Sports Ground and the rest of precinct for reference by members of the industry and the public; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (2) given that Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) has undertaken to implement a Sports Events Support Scheme, which aims to waive venue hiring charges for sports events held in the KTSP or make direct financial contribution to sports events, whether the authorities have grasped the implementation of the Scheme at this stage; if so, of the details, including the number of local and overseas events involved; if not, the reasons for that; (3) as it has been learnt that at present catering and a variety of entertainment facilities are provided in the vicinity of venues where mega events are held (such as the Hong Kong Stadium), enabling spectators to get warmed up for the mega events and the vibrant atmosphere to continue before and after the matches, whether the authorities have formulated any short-term and long-term plans to increase the provision of similar facilities in the vicinity of the KTSP; if so, of the details (including the specific development plans); if not, the reasons for that; (4) whether the authorities will draw up guidelines to require KTSPL to make public announcements about an event certain days before the date of the event, so as to facilitate the stakeholders concerned to take forward as early as possible the related publicity work to attract inbound tour groups and visitors coming to Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (5) whether the authorities have any idea of formulating an integrated development plan for the KTSP and the adjacent Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, so as to shape them into a core tourist landmark of Kai Tak and Kowloon City, thereby enhancing their synergy as a tourist attraction; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply:President,      Being the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history, the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is crucial to the Government’s implementation of sports policies of promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, developing Hong Kong into a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism and developing sports as an industry. The KTSP will provide modern and multi-purpose sports and recreation facilities upon completion, including a 50 000-seat Main Stadium, a 10 000-seat Indoor Sports Centre, a 5 000-seat Public Sports Ground and about 14-hectare landscaped open space and other ancillary facilities.            Currently, the construction works of the KTSP has entered into the final phase and the KTSP will be open in the first quarter of 2025. The Government has established the inter-departmental Task Force on KTSP, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, to oversee the smooth completion and commissioning of the KTSP and its publicity work, fostering the synergistic development of major sports events, innovative entertainment, dining, conventions and exhibitions, as well as tourism activities. The Task Force will also formulate thorough plans and conduct comprehensive drills on security deployment, crowd management, emergency response, and other areas. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) together with relevant bureaux/departments are planning various drills and test events to be conducted from October this year to February next year, with a view to fine-tuning and enhancing the operation model as well as various arrangements such as crowd dispersal and transportation when staging large-scale events. We will also adjust strategies as necessary to fully prepare for the commissioning of the KTSP.      My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Benson Luk is as follows:     (1) According to the contract between the Government and the operator, the hiring charges in respect of sports events and community casual hire of the KTSP (including the Main Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre and Public Sports Ground) shall be comparable to those of similar facilities provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, educational institutions and other non-profit making organisations. The operator has to obtain approval from the CSTB for the hiring charges, so as to ensure that the sports sector and citizens can enjoy the facilities of the KTSP to promote sports development.      KTSPL has already provided organisers, who express interest in hiring facilities in the KTSP for staging large-scale events, with the relevant information with respect of their hiring proposals. As for the hiring charges for the general public in using individual facilities in Indoor Sports Centre and Public Sports Ground, the KTSPL will make the announcement later.(2) KTSPL undertakes to implement a Sports Events Support Scheme (the Scheme) to support sports events. Its financial commitment under the SESS is $1.583 billion in total, which is to be disbursed over a period of around 20 years. Commitment under the Scheme will be met either by waiving venue hiring charges for sports events held in the KTSP or by making direct financial contribution to any sports events. The above arrangements will encourage the operator to proactively promote the KTSP as “the destination” for local and international large-scale sports events. It is expected that the Scheme will be implemented next year. KTSPL is refining the details of the Scheme and will announce the application arrangement later.      The implementation of the Scheme will be monitored by the CSTB. If KTSPL does not fully utilise the estimated expenditure under the Scheme in a particular year, an amount equivalent to the outstanding commitment shall be paid to an entity (e.g. “national sports associations”) nominated by the CSTB for supporting sports.(3) The KTSP will provide a one-stop sports, leisure, catering and shopping experience for citizens and tourists. With respect of the catering services, the 57 executive suites in the Main Stadium are supported by catering service providers offering various kinds of upscale dining options. There are also some 30 bars and catering outlets in the Main Stadium which should be able to meet the catering needs as compared to other facilities of similar scale in the world. In addition, the KTSP will, with reference to the scale and needs of different events and matches as well as at the requests of organisers, arrange 10 to 20 mobile catering booths during the staging of large-scale events. The number of catering booths will be flexibly increased based on actual situation. Besides, there are over 700 thousand feet of retail, catering as well as leisure and entertainment facilities in the KTSP. Catering facilities include some 70 outlets of international cuisines and nine diversified concept restaurants at the Dining Cove where citizens and tourists can choose to dine in the indoor or outdoor areas and enjoy the breath-taking views of the Victoria Harbour. As regards leisure and entertainment facilities, the KTSP will provide facilities including a health and wellness centre, a bowling centre, an outdoor rock climbing area, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, a covered 5-a-side football pitch and multi-purpose activity space for the public to enjoy.      The neighbouring districts of Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan which are in close proximity of the KTSP also provide an array of dining options. Citizens and tourists who visit the KTSP for matches or large-scale events can walk to the two districts for a taste of our local culinary delights, similar to walking from the Hong Kong Stadium to Causeway Bay or Tin Hau. The Government will continue to work closely with KTSPL to further enhance visitors’ experience as well as liaise with relevant departments and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote the leisure and catering options in the vicinity of the KTSP so as to create a synergy effect for bringing about local economic development.(4) KTSPL has been actively making contact and having commercial negotiations with local and international sports and non-sports events’ promotion bodies, organisations and agencies. Generally speaking, the promotion strategy of events is led by organisers whereas KTSPL, being the venue provider, has to act in concert with the plans of the event organisers. KTSPL cannot disclose details of the events before the organisers do so. Nevertheless, KTSPL will maintain close communication with event organisers and coordinate with their overall publicity plan and share more details of their events with the public in due course.(5) The KTSP and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) are both located within the Kai Tak Development Area. The KTSP, upon completion, will provide retail and catering facilities as well as host different types of large-scale sports, culture or entertainment events, thereby providing cruise passengers with more options for onshore activities. The hotels in the vicinity of the KTSP will also offer an additional choice of accommodation for travellers.     On the other hand, the KTSP will drive the flow of people in the district and attract tourists to spend in Hong Kong during various large-scale sports, culture or entertainment events, promoting the economic transformation and development of Kowloon East. The Government will continue to enhance the KTCT’s function as a venue for conventions, exhibitions and other events. In preparing the work plans for the KTSP and KTCT, the CSTB will consider how the two major infrastructures could complement each other, with a view to creating synergies by fully leveraging the respective facilities.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s points system for jobseekers is failing 4 in 10, putting their payments at risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simone Casey, Research Associate, Centre for People, Organisation and Work, RMIT University

    Studio63/Shutterstock

    For jobseekers these days, staying on benefits is about accumulating points.

    It used to be cruder. Until 2022, unemployed Australians who wanted to stay on benefits had to apply for up to 20 jobs per month, a requirement a parliamentary inquiry found

    burdens employers, who are receiving masses of poor quality applications often from people who are not suited for the position.

    Since July 2022, jobseekers have instead been required to collect points.

    Creating or updating a profile earns five points, applying for a job earns five points, attending a job interview earns 25 points, attending a jobs expo earns 25 points, starting a job earns 50 points, and so on.

    For most jobseekers the target is 100 points per month. The target can be eased by 20 points for jobseekers who live in locations that have fewer opportunities to work and by 40 points for jobseekers who are carers, have a reduced capacity to work or who are over 55.

    Jobseekers who fail to report enough points or who fail to include four job applications per month in total face automatic suspension of benefits.

    Workforce Australia.

    41% of jobseekers are being failed

    New data released by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations show 41.1% of participants are being tripped up by the system.

    In the quarter between April 1 and June 30, 410,485 of the 999,470 jobseekers enrolled in the scheme failed to meet its requirements. And 212,915 of them reported no points whatsoever.

    It’s an improvement on the previous year. For April to June 2023, 45.3% of participants failed to get enough points.

    First Nations people, refugees, people with disabilities and young people are over-represented among those who fail to get enough points.

    My calculations using the department’s data show 58% of Indigenous participants in the program, 49% of participants without a Year 12 education and 47% of participants on youth allowance are failing to meet the requirements.

    Around two-thirds of breaches lead to suspensions. Between July 2022 and September 2023 1,838,410 payments were suspended.

    My research just published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues finds that a shift away from face-to-face help to online interactions is partly responsible.

    When jobseekers find it difficult to talk to humans about why they are unable to accumulate points their payments are more likely to be suspended.

    Jobseekers’ fault or the system’s fault?

    The Department of Employment has been working hard to increase understanding of the points system. Among other things, it has produced a series of fact sheets aimed at First Nations Australians.

    But an independent evaluation of the system prepared for the department in June found two-thirds of the participants in it had little or no knowledge about how it worked.

    This suggests the 41% failure rate might be an indictment of the system as much as the jobseekers who use it.

    It might even be an indictment of the idea of points to quantify compliance with mutual obligations.

    In November last year, a Senate select committee recommended rebuilding what it called a Commonwealth Employment Services System from the ground up.

    While the committee supported the use of points, it wanted the default requirement halved to 50 points, with human case managers given discretion to vary the target up or down based on their professional judgments.

    Simone Casey is employed as a policy advisor at Economic Justice Australia, the peak organisation for community legal centres providing specialist advice to people on their social security issues and rights. The research and analysis for this article was completed in her academic capacity as recently published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues.

    – ref. Australia’s points system for jobseekers is failing 4 in 10, putting their payments at risk – https://theconversation.com/australias-points-system-for-jobseekers-is-failing-4-in-10-putting-their-payments-at-risk-240317

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Application of drones

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views pointing out that with the development of low-altitude economy, the scope of drone application will continuously expand for purposes such as carrying sightseeing passengers or delivering meals and other goods. In addition, the arrangement of large-scale drone shows over the Victoria Harbour on festive days is also a selling point to attract visitors to Hong Kong. However, it has been reported that three recent drone shows in Hong Kong were cancelled at short notice (including the drone shows at the Wan Chai waterfront on September 21, the West Kowloon Cultural District on ‍September 30 and the Victoria Harbour on October 1), leaving members of the public and visitors who waited for a long time disappointed. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the authorities had, before the aforesaid drone shows, assessed in detail with the organisers the various factors that might affect the drone shows as well as the different scenarios that might arise, drawn up fallback plans, and stepped up the coordination and support among different government departments; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether the authorities had, before the aforesaid drone shows, put forward specific testing requirements to the outsourced contractors and formulated a mechanism for coordination and notification in the event of incidents, and taken timely follow-up actions after the short-‍notice cancellation of the shows; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) whether the authorities will formulate more forward-looking policy measures and allocate more resources to strengthen the research and development, application and regulation of drone technology; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In respect of the question raised by Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai-kwok, in consultation with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) and the Hong Kong Observatory, the consolidated reply is as follows:
          
         For parts (1) and (2) of the question, as a drone show generally involves operation of a large number of drones in a confined airspace, the operation of drones heavily relies on the high-precision reception of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.
          
         From the perspectives of aviation and public safety, drone shows which involve operations exceeding the standing operating requirements of small unmanned aircraft are considered as advanced operations and require prior permission from the Civil Aviation Department. Advanced operation permit holders are required to conduct risk assessment in accordance with the established procedures prior to the drone shows in order to identify all potential risks, including the stability of the drones’ satellite positioning signals, so as to ensure the safe conduct of the drone shows.
          
         While drone shows can be organised by private organisations, for a drone show organised by the Government, the OFCA will generally conduct radio monitoring at the event venue. The OFCA will detect any source of harmful interference to the radio frequencies to be used by the drone system. It is understood that the atmospheric conditions (including ionospheric scintillation) may significantly affect the quality of GNSS signals. However, because of the rapid changes in ionospheric disturbance caused by solar activities, the precise influence of ionospheric scintillation in terms of timing, location and extent, etc. could not be accurately predicted in advance.
          
         In preparation of the “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” and “2024 National Day Fireworks Display” held on September 30 and October 1, 2024 respectively, the Government had held a number of inter-departmental meetings and drawn up contingency plans with the drone show operators. The operators of the two aforementioned drone performances also conducted multiple tests and rehearsals before the events (including on the day of the performance). Nevertheless, there was a sudden occurrence of ionospheric scintillation over Victoria Harbour during the events resulted in the drones being unable to receive good satellite positioning signals. After confirming that the ionospheric scintillation would prevent the drone shows from proceeding, we promptly made on-site announcements. For the drone show held on September 21, 2024, it was organised by a non-governmental organisation.
          
         Taking into account the experience of cancellation of the drone shows on September 30 and October 1, 2024, the Government will take into account the following factors and prepare suitable contingency plans when organising drone shows in future –
     
    (a) the weather conditions (rain, wind speed, typhoon, etc.), as well as ionospheric disturbance which may seriously affect the reception of GNSS signals by the drone system concerned;
     
    (b) the nature of performance, audience and performers;
     
    (c) the programme rundown, such as whether there are performances which are linked to the drone show, whether the drone show is a standalone show, etc.; and
     
    (d) whether there is flexibility to adjust the timing and scale of the drone show during the programme in case of weather or ionospheric disturbance to the drone show.
     
         For part (3) of the question, in the light of technological advancement, improvements in the technology and design of drones will help enhance their stability and accuracy, thereby exploring more application scenarios for drones. In the 2024 Policy Address, the Government announced a series of initiatives to promote the development of low-altitude economy (LAE) in Hong Kong, including the establishment of the Working Group on Developing LAE which is led by the Deputy Financial Secretary to formulate development strategies and inter-departmental action plans, as well as plan for low-altitude infrastructure. At the same time, the Government will press ahead with pilot projects to explore the applications of drones at designated locations, and will amend relevant legislation to put in place a regulatory framework for different types of drones. The Government will commence the relevant work as soon as possible to proactively promote LAE as one of the new growth engines.
          
         The Government also has all along been supporting research and development (R&D) in different technology areas through the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF). Under the various ITF funding schemes, the Government supports local universities, R&D centres and enterprises to conduct R&D projects, including those low-attitude economy-related fields such as electronic, data transmission and processing, etc.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Young persons in custody at Sha Tsui Correctional Institution attain good examination results (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹Young persons in custody (PICs) at Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (October 23) in recognition of their efforts and achievements in studies and vocational examinations.
          
         Over the past year, 97 PICs participated in various academic and vocational examinations, including the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, the City and Guilds International examinations, the Cambridge English Examinations and the General Aptitude Putonghua Shuiping Kaoshi. They obtained vocational certificates in areas such as Food and Beverage Services, Coffee Making and Latte Art Training, Specialty Drink (Non-alcoholic) Making, Cantonese Cooking, Multimedia Design, Music, Building Services and Laundry Skills. These examinations were organised by the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong; the School of Professional and Continuing Education, the University of Hong Kong; Christian Action; the Construction Industry Council; Tom Lee Music Foundation; the Vocational Training Council and Caritas Institute of Community Education. During the year, the PICs attained 127 merits out of 302 certificates obtained. In the ceremony today, 22 PICs were presented with 135 certificates, of which 76 were marked with merits.
          
         Officiating at the ceremony, the President of the Hong Kong Shanxi Union Community Limited (HKSUCL), Mr Ng Tang, said that the HKSUCL has been highly supportive of the rehabilitation work of the CSD, and has set up the HKSUCL – Igniting Hope Education Fund to provide education and vocational training subsidies to PICs with financial difficulties to enable further studies. He encouraged the young PICs to strive for self-improvement, and to walk hand in hand with their families and CSD staff on the path of rehabilitation to live a fulfilling life.
          
         During the ceremony, members of the lion dance team performed with accompaniment by a marching band. Moreover, PICs put their training into practice and produced a short video by using shooting and editing skills acquired in the Creative Multimedia Production Technology Training Course to showcase their learning outcomes at the ceremony. There was also a singing and musical instrument performance by PICs, with piano accompaniment by CSD staff, to demonstrate their determination to change.
          
         In the sharing session, one young PIC expressed gratitude to his mother for taking good care of him on her own and her unwavering support during his time in custody, which inspired him to reflect on his past mistakes and make good use of his time to study diligently. Two other young PICs also expressed appreciation for the encouragement and guidance from CSD staff, who helped them mend relationships with family members and learn valuable skills in a band. They hope to apply what they have learnt to contribute to society in the future.
          
         Also attending today’s certificate presentation ceremony were representatives from non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and family members of the certificate recipients.
          
         STCI accommodates young male PICs aged from 14 to under 25. The Department provides half-day education programmes and half-day vocational training for PICs of training centres and rehabilitation centres to assist them to rehabilitate and prepare for reintegration into society.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Supporting high-risk elderly persons

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ5: Supporting high-risk elderly persons
    LCQ5: Supporting high-risk elderly persons
    ******************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Tang Ka-piu and a reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 23): Question:      It has been reported that elderly-related tragedies have happened in Hong Kong one after another this year, resulting in a rise in the community’s concerns over families of elderly doubletons featuring “the elderly taking care of the elderly” as well as families of elderly singletons featuring the “hidden elderly”. On the other hand, the Labour and Welfare Bureau has indicated that the Government will study the establishment of a databank on high-risk cases, and it is learnt that some labour unions have repeatedly proposed the establishment of a register of high-risk elderly persons. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it has devised a timetable for the establishment of a register of high-risk elderly persons; if so, of the details, including the time for establishing the register and the interval between each update; if not, the reasons for that; (2) whether it has grasped the situation among the elderly in respect of the installation of indoor emergency alarm systems (EAS) at homes, and whether it has plans to install EAS for high-risk elderly persons free of charge; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (3) as it is learnt that about 80 per cent of the elderly in Hong Kong have applied for various social security schemes and that health condition assessments would also be conducted for the elderly under the Government’s Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services, whether the Government has consolidated the data of elderly applicants for various schemes in order to identify the families of elderly doubletons and elderly singletons as well as conduct standardised assessments for such families with a view to establishing a register of high-risk elderly persons for high-risk families; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President,      I reply to the Member’s question as follows: (1) and (3) There is no unified definition of “high-risk” elderly persons. Health conditions, living arrangements, changes in family support, etc, will affect risks faced by elderly persons. Relevant risks may also change over time. The Government approaches and identifies elderly persons in need through different means, with a view to providing timely assistance to them.      The Social Welfare Department (SWD) piloted the District Services and Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers in Tsuen Wan and Southern District in March this year. The SWD assisted in training the Care Teams of these two districts to proactively reach out to and identify households of singleton/doubleton elderly persons, carers of elderly persons and persons with disabilities in need. In the past six months, the Care Teams visited about 4 700 families and referred over 730 elderly cases to social welfare organisations for follow up. The 2024 Policy Address announced that the Government would extend the scheme to all 18 districts across the territory next year.      The SWD commissioned the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals in September 2023 to launch the 24-hour Designated Hotline for Carer Support, providing instant consultation and emotional support, outreaching/emergency support, service referrals, etc. The hotline has received over 50 000 calls so far, and referred about 850 cases to relevant community support service units for service matching as appropriate, of which about 270 elderly cases were referred to elderly service units or respite service. In addition, the hotline provided crisis handling for 56 cases through outreaching.      A total of 214 District Elderly Community Centres (DECCs) and Neighbourhood Elderly Centres (elderly centres) throughout the territory provide a wide range of support services to elderly persons at the district level. Support Teams for the Elderly (STEs) are set up in all DECCs to identify elderly persons with potential service needs through outreaching and networking, and provide suitable assistance to them. Elderly centres have about 280 000 members in total, including 47 000 elderly persons receiving services from STEs and 8 000 elderly persons receiving casework service.       Upon identifying elderly persons with potential service needs, social welfare units will arrange for them to undergo Standardised Care Need Assessment for Elderly Services according to their conditions. Frail elderly persons assessed as having long-term care needs can join the Central Waiting List for Subsidised Long Term Care Services. They may also apply for Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly and receive subsidised community care services without queuing; elderly persons with lower impairment level can apply for subsidised Home Support Services. In addition, social welfare service units will assist elderly persons with financial needs applying for suitable cash assistance.       The Government will continue to make good use of different channels to early identify elderly persons with potential service needs and provide timely and effective support. (2) The Government has put in place different measures to subsidise elderly persons in need to install emergency alarm system (EAS). The SWD provides a special grant to eligible elderly Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients for installing and using indoor or mobile EAS. Currently, about 26 000 elderly persons are receiving such a grant. The Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society provide subsidies to eligible elderly households in their housing estates to install and use EAS, benefiting about 26 900 elderly persons in total. Care Teams will also refer elderly persons, persons with disabilities and their carers in need to the relevant service provider for installing and using EAS.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 15:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: NXP’s Advanced Trimension UWB Portfolio Hits the Road with Audi

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • NXP’s Trimension NCJ29Dx family of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) fine-ranging ICs is deployed by Audi AG to enhance smart, hands-free secure car access functionality for the OEM’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE)
    • The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is designed to deliver the robust, precise and secure ranging and connectivity required to meet the needs of global automotive OEMs to implement smart, secure access, as standardized by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)
    • Audi’s PPE, jointly developed with Porsche, is the base for the company’s next generation of electric vehicles

    EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) today announced that its Trimension® NCJ29Dx family, part of one of the industry’s broadest UWB portfolios, is the technology foundation for Audi’s advanced new UWB platform, delivering the precise and secure real-time localization required by leading premium car manufacturers to enable hands-free secure car access via smart mobile device and other UWB-based features. Cars featuring NXP’s Trimension UWB devices, including the Audi Q6 e-tron, will hit the road in 2024.

    Smart, secure car access leverages the fine-ranging capabilities of NXP’s extensive Trimension UWB portfolio to precisely identify the location of the driver in relation to the car, allowing the doors to be unlocked only when the driver is in close proximity to the car. Drivers can unlock and start their car hands-free using a digital key on a UWB-enabled mobile phone or wearable, which can remain in the driver’s pocket or bag.

    “Audi has long been on the leading edge of automotive technology, and this new UWB-enabled platform is no exception,” said Ulf Warschat, Head of Development Body Electronics, Audi AG. “The precise and secure real-time localization delivered by NXP’s Trimension UWB portfolio ensures that our drivers will benefit from the advanced features and capabilities, allowing them to enjoy the driving experience in a whole new way.”

    “NXP’s proven Trimension UWB platform enables OEMs to deliver new features for drivers, allowing secure and easy hands-free access to their cars, as well as supporting a variety of additional use cases like automated EV charging and more,” said Markus Staeblein, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Secure Car Access, NXP Semiconductors. “Building on our expertise and standardization efforts in bodies such as the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) and the FiRa Consortium, UWB will continue to drive new enhancements to the consumer automotive experience and is quickly becoming an essential component in the automotive ecosystem.”

    The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is part of NXP’s portfolio of secure car access system solutions, which includes the NCF3340 NFC controller and the KW37 Bluetooth 5.0 Long-Range MCU. These devices are also in use by Audi as part of its new platform.

    The Trimension NCJ29Dx family enables UWB-based fine-ranging capabilities and is compliant to IEEE 802.15.4, CCC and FiRa standardization. It delivers high localization resolution and power optimization for battery-powered devices such as key fobs, while also minimizing BOM costs. Additionally, it offers maximum levels of protection against car theft through relay attacks and includes on-chip support for a wide range of cryptographic operations.

    The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is part of one of the industry’s broadest UWB portfolios, which features devices suitable for both automotive and mobile, IoT or industrial applications. This includes devices like the Trimension NCJ29D6, which integrates UWB fine ranging with UWB radar capabilities to allow OEMs to address multiple use cases with a single system, including smart, secure car access, child presence detection, intrusion alert, kick sensing and more.

    About NXP Semiconductors
    NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP’s “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $13.28 billion in 2023. Find out more at http://www.nxp.com.

    NXP, Trimension and the NXP logo are trademarks of NXP B.V. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. © 2024 NXP B.V

    For more information, please contact:

    Americas & Europe Greater China / Asia 
    Phoebe Francis            Ming Yue
    Tel: +1 737-274-8177 Tel: +86 21 2205 2690
    Email: phoebe.francis@nxp.com Email: ming.yue@nxp.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a2b8d95-fb90-4615-a0ba-cfe7fb29d378

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $86.67 Million Grant to Develop Green Road Corridor in Tajikistan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN (23 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $86.67 million grant to help Tajikistan further improve national road connectivity by developing a demonstration green corridor in the country.

    The project will upgrade the existing degraded two lane 49-kilometer Dangara–Guliston road, widening this to four lanes. The project is the first to pilot the innovative methods promoted in the ADB green roads toolkit.

    “ADB, in partnership with other organizations, promotes safe, accessible, and green transport infrastructure and services in our developing member countries,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. “The Dangara–Guliston road, which was constructed in the 1930s and reconstructed in the 1970s, will become the first road in Tajikistan to incorporate climate adaptation and specific design elements that account for women and girls.”

    Applying the green roads toolkit to the road design improves the quality of life for those living in the vicinity of the road; strengthens road network climate resilience and disaster preparedness; reduces pollution; and conserves biodiversity. While a lack of electric vehicle chargers in rural areas limits the potential growth of this market in Tajikistan, the project will fund two pilot charging stations and develop investment frameworks to catalyze private sector investment in a national charging infrastructure rollout.

    To enhance safety, the newly reconstructed road will include dedicated cycleways and sidewalks for women with children and people with disabilities. It will also have improved lighting, as well as safe and well-marked crossings—with the design and location of safety features determined through a community co-design process. Special toilets and changing facilities will be provided for travelling mothers and babies, while public transport facilities will include preferential seating for people with disabilities.

    To improve livelihood and employment opportunities for local villagers, the project will arrange training for women living in and around the project area on how to open and run small businesses. ADB’s project will also award entrepreneurship grants to selected participants.

    The Government of Tajikistan will provide counterpart funding of $23 million, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a $40 million cofinancing loan subject to the EBRD Board approval in early 2025. The Ministry of Transport will be the executing agency for the project, which is due to be completed in 2030.

    Developed in collaboration with the International Road Federation and MetaMeta Research, ADB’s green roads toolkit guides the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of roads while ensuring environmentally sustainable practices. The toolkit helps engineers, planners, decision makers, and practitioners balance economic, social, and environmental objectives to make roads in Asia and the Pacific greener.

    Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. For 26 years, ADB has supported a wide range of sectors from strategic road and energy infrastructure to health, education, agriculture, urban development, public sector management, and finance for a total of over $2.7 billion in assistance—including over $2.2 billion in grants.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: How Strengthened Regulations and Healthcare Can Prevent Lead Poisoning

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Lead exposure remains a significant public health threat in Asia and the Pacific, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The global effort to address lead poisoning must focus on stricter regulations, enhanced healthcare capacity, and coordinated international action to protect vulnerable populations.

    The harmful effects of lead poisoning have been well-established since ancient times, with the First Century Roman writer Vitruvius warning of the health hazards of the widely-used metal. Today, we know that “there is almost no function in the human body which is not affected by lead toxicity.” 

    Lead exposure increases deaths from cardiovascular diseases among adults, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The long-term storage of lead in bones can lead to a wide range of health effects, including high blood pressure and renal failure.

    For pregnant women and their babies, lead exposure is particularly devastating—it can cross the placental barrier, causing complications of pregnancy, miscarriages, stillbirths, and low birth weight. 

    In children, lead exposure has long-term and irreversible impacts on mental function reducing educational performance and employment opportunities. Together, these health consequences for individuals compromise the economic growth and social stability of entire countries.

    While high income countries have significantly reduced lead exposure through rigorous testing, targeted research, and robust policy interventions, low- and middle-income countries, including several in Asia and the Pacific, continue to grapple with dangerously high levels of lead exposure. 

    An estimated 95% of the world’s IQ loss and 90% of cardiovascular deaths from exposure to lead is in low and middle-income countries, according to a 2023 study. The economic costs of lead exposure are staggering, with losses in total GDP of 10.5% in East Asia and the Pacific, 9.1% in South Asia, and 8.9% in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

    With effective interventions, high-income countries have reduced this economic impact of lead exposure to losses of 5.0% of total GDP but have not yet eliminated all sources of lead exposure.

    The scale of the challenge is immense. Lead exposure causes three times as many deaths as exposure to unsafe water and sanitation and just as many deaths as air pollution. South Asia has some of the highest blood lead levels in the world with India alone home to 275 million children affected by lead poisoning —this amounts to half of all India’s children and one-third of the children affected by lead globally. 

    Bangladesh struggles with chronic lead exposure, largely due to contaminated spices, while Afghanistan faces a “silent epidemic” linked to lead-leaching cookware. 

    In the Philippines, 2021-2022 data from the Expanded National Nutrition Survey shows that over a million Filipino children ages 6-9 years have elevated blood lead levels. In Indonesia, more than 8 million children are estimated to have high blood lead levels with millions more at risk from lead paint covering homes and public facilities.  

    Across Asia and the Pacific, the informal recycling of used lead-acid batteries continues to poison communities, contaminating air, soil, and water.

    The different sources of lead exposure complicate the challenge to remove the problem, however, the scope of the health and socioeconomic damage from lead demands decisive and comprehensive action. But we are not starting from zero. 

    The evidence base is robust, and the solutions are within reach. What remains is the political will and coordinated action across sectors to implement them effectively. The recent launch of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future at the United Nations General Assembly marks a watershed moment in the global fight against lead poisoning.

    Exposure to lead is one of the most preventable public health threats, and yet it remains a pervasive environmental poison.

    Health systems are at the forefront of the response toward a lead-free future. 

    Developing countries must strengthen health regulatory frameworks and enforce existing standards for lead content in products such as food, cosmetics, paints, and water. Inconsistent enforcement has been a major barrier in reducing exposure, and this must be addressed with urgency. 

    Stronger regulatory oversight and harsher penalties for non-compliance will be key, particularly in industries known for high lead usage. International development partners, through technical advice and policy-based lending, can play a pivotal role in incentivizing reforms and ensuring their effective implementation.

    Building healthcare capacity is crucial. Healthcare professionals have low knowledge of the symptoms of lead poisoning, such as irritability and lethargy in mild doses and tremors and other neuropathies in higher doses. 

    Training is needed so that health workers identify lead poisoning and provide timely referrals for treatment. Developing the necessary healthcare infrastructure—from rural clinics to urban hospitals—is fundamental to ensuring that testing, treatment, and prevention measures can be implemented from communities, primary care facilities to hospitals. 

    Health actions should support the establishment of systematic, large-scale testing and data collection systems. Reliable data plays an essential role in understanding the full scope of lead exposure and to inform targeted interventions. Alongside quantitative measurements, the use of qualitative and ethnographic data is invaluable tool to understand how and why lead-contaminated products are used – and who is exposed to them.

    Public awareness is critical. Surveys reveal that knowledge about the dangers of lead exposure is shockingly low. Large-scale educational and health promotion campaigns must be launched to raise awareness of the sources and effects of lead poisoning, particularly in communities most at risk.

    While the health sector has a role in addressing lead poisoning, whatever the source, the scale and complexity of the problem demands coordinated action well beyond a single sector. 

    Governments, civil society, multilateral institutions, development agencies and the private sector must all come together to share resources, knowledge, and best practices. Only through collaboration can we hope to reduce and ultimately eliminate lead from our environment. The launch of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future is a vital step in bringing stakeholders together. 

    Exposure to lead is one of the most preventable public health threats, and yet it remains a pervasive environmental poison. The science is clear; the solutions are known. A lead-free future is not just a possibility—it is a necessity. 

    By acting now, we can safeguard the health and potential of millions of children, secure the economic and social well-being of developing countries, and ensure a healthier, brighter Asia and Pacific for generations to come.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Catch up clinics to offer children free flu vaccinations

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    All children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the free vaccination in school given by healthcare professionals from Vaccination UK. Each school in Wolverhampton is being visited twice, giving children who may have been off the first time around a second chance to get vaccinated.

    Parents and guardians of children who may have either missed both dates in school, or who would prefer their child to receive it in a clinic, are invited to book an appointment at one of the catch-up clinics, taking place as follows: 

    • Saturday 9 November, 9am to 2pm, Bingley Family Hub, Norfolk Road WV3 0JE 
    • Saturday 23 November, 9am to 2pm, Dove Family Hub, Grangefield Close, Ryefield WV8 1XF 
    • Saturday 30 November, 9am to 2pm, Whitmore Reans Family Hub, Lansdowne Road WV1 4AL 
    • Saturday 11 January, 10am to 2pm, Biz Space, Planetary Road, WV13 3SW

    Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting Vaccination UK on 01902 200077. There are also clinics taking place in Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall – call Vaccination UK for more details of these.

    For the majority of children, the vaccine can be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. The free vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions, from becoming ill because of the flu.

    “The vaccination is quick and safe and it’s also needle free for most children because it can be given via a nasal spray, rather than via injection. If your child has missed out on their vaccination in school, or you’d rather take them to a clinic, please book an appointment at one of the catch up clinics being held in the coming weeks.”

    Children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their GP if they haven’t yet received an invitation.

    To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the four exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Bugbusters.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​1st Tianwen sci-fi awards announce winners

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The inaugural Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest handed out trophies to respective winners over the weekend in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

    Author Liu Yang gives his acceptance speech for Best Novel on stage during the Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest’s award ceremony held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 18, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest Organizing Committee]

    During the award ceremony, ten main awards were handed out, which included Liu Yang winning Best Novel for “A City in the Well,” Fractal Orange being awarded Best Novelette for “Descartes’ Evil Genius” and Hai Ya’s “Spring Outside the Earthen Building” taking home Best Short Story.

    Other award winners included “Honor of Kings – Amber Era” for Best Science Fiction Video Game Script and “The Wandering Earth II,” which won Best Sci-fi Film and Television Script. “The Three-Body Problem, Part One,” a comic book adaptation of Liu Cixin’s sci-fi trilogy, won Best Sci-fi Comic Book. Writers He Shan, Liu Ziheng, Pang Yujie, Long Teng and Ren Keye all received the award for best young sci-fi writers. Science Fiction World magazine was named the best sci-fi literature organization. The award for best new sci-fi writer was won by Liu Maijia.

    Ten international sci-fi works were also honored at the ceremony with the Tianwen Special Award. These international works included Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” Arthur C. Clarke’s “Rendezvous with Rama,” Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Found and the Lost” and Robert L. Forward’s “Dragon’s Egg: A Novel,” and represented the top translated works in China over the past decade, as voted by members of last year’s World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu and this year’s Tianwen members.

    Supported by the China Writers Association and hosted by the Chengdu municipal government, the contest received 1,162 submissions from both domestic and international sci-fi writers and practitioners, with submissions ranging from novels, short stories and comic books to films, TV series and games. The jury stated that the first Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest advocated for diverse and widespread participation. 

    “Last year at Worldcon, we launched the Tianwen Program to inspire sci-fi creators and stimulate the creation of high-quality works, promoting the exchange and integration of Chinese-language sci-fi with the rest of the world,” said Shi Zhanjun, a secretary of the secretariat of the Chinese Writers Association. “The launch of the Tianwen Program and this contest aim to foster cross-disciplinary integration in sci-fi literature, leading to a more fascinating and diverse sci-fi world.”

    During the award ceremony, a camp for young sci-fi writers was also initiated under the Tianwen brand as an important component to the Tianwen Program. The camp aims to provide a series of professional creative training sessions for young writers with potential.

    Launched last year during the 81st Worldcon in Chengdu, the Tianwen Program is named after a poem composed over 2,300 years ago by the esteemed poet Qu Yuan that explores the principles of the cosmos and probes the origins of the universe. In English, the Chinese term “Tianwen” means “questions to heaven.”

    “‘Tianwen’ embodies traditional Chinese culture and a modern exploratory spirit, which is about how we advance into the universe and explore the future of humanity,” said Qiu Huadong, vice chairman and a secretary of the secretariat of the China Writers Association at the award ceremony for the Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest. “As a foundation for sci-fi films and television, launching superior sci-fi literary works is crucial. With these high-quality works, the growth of sci-fi animation, film, television and other adaptations will flourish.”

    Award winners and performers pose for a group photo during the Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest award ceremony held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 18, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest Organizing Committee]

    In the past year, the national sci-fi industry has advanced from the “ten billion level” to the “hundred billion level,” achieving a revenue of 113.29 billion yuan ($15.94 billion), according to the 2024 China Science Fiction Industry Report.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Becoming a rural animal technician the aim for EIT student | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    42 seconds ago

    Ella Cooke, 19, is currently studying Year One of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.

    A love for animals and a desire to work as a rural animal technician is what is driving an EIT student to succeed.

    Ella Cooke, 19, is currently studying year one of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing. She has grown up with animals and currently lives on an orchard outside Hastings with her parents.

    She attended Iona College last year and came into EIT with a number of scholarships. One was a Year-13 Scholarship from EIT, which is offered annually, and covers one year of tuition fees. The Scholarship supports school leavers across the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions to study any one of EIT’s degrees or selected level 5 diploma programmes that lead into a degree by providing one year FREE study.

    She also won a scholarship from Vet Services Hawke’s Bay, as well as a Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award.

    “I just love animals and love to care for animals and I’ve had four dogs and a cat in my life.”

    Ella says that she is loving the programme, especially the hands-on work with animals.

    “It is not just about attending lectures, but we also actually get to work with animals. We get to learn how to handle the animals properly.”

    “I want to get my qualification, and then I eventually want to work with large animals – livestock – and visit farms.”

    One of the things that Ella loves about EIT, is that it is close to home and she did not have to move out of Hawke’s Bay to achieve her tertiary education dreams.

    Work experience is an important part of the programme, and Ella is due to return to Vet Services in Hastings, where she has been before.

    Emma Martin, EIT’s Veterinary Nursing Programme Co-ordinator said: “Ella has been a pleasure to have in the programme this year. She has come out of her shell, taking full advantage of every learning opportunity and making the most of her experiences. “

    “Ella has received excellent feedback from her clinical placement at Vet Services in Hastings, where she has impressed with her skills and professionalism. She works exceptionally well in a team and has built a strong network of classmates, combining fun with learning experiences. We are excited to see what the future holds for Ella as we continue to support her in reaching her final goals.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mental Health Bill passes first reading

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A bill that will repeal the current Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

    “As New Zealand’s first Mental Health Minister I am very pleased to introduce this Bill to the House. This Bill will modernise compulsory mental health care, improve the effectiveness of mental health and addiction support and will put people at the centre of decision-making about their own care,” Mr Doocey says. 

    The legislation will support care being delivered in a way that minimises coercion and is responsive to individual needs. It introduces far greater protections and safeguards, ensuring people understand what is happening to them and what they are entitled to when they are under the legislation.

    In 2018 the He Ara Oranga: Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction recognised the Act was out of date and recommended new legislation that reflects a human rights-based approach, promotes supported decision-making, aligns with the recovery and wellbeing model of mental health, and provides measures to minimise compulsory or coercive treatment.

    “I am very pleased to introduce this Bill to the House and to be taking the next step in fulfilling the Inquiry’s recommendations.

    The legislation will also contribute to an important part of the Government’s response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

    “We are committed to delivering a considered and comprehensive response the Inquiry’s final report. This Bill will contribute to a number of the recommendations, the majority relate to care safety.

    “This Government is focused on delivering an effective mental health and addiction continuum that puts people at the centre of their care. Making sure we have legislation that can support people who are experiencing the most acute mental distress is a key part of that.”

    Note to editors:
    The recommendations the Mental Health Bill will contribute towards include:
    •    Recommendation 39: Principles for preventing and responding to abuse and neglect in care
    •    Recommendation 46: reviewing legislation relating to the care of children, young people, and adults in care to identify and address any inconsistencies, gaps or lack of coherence in the relevant statutory regimes
    •    Recommendations 65: Complaints are responded to effectively
    •    Recommendation, 73, 74: Institutional environments and practices to be minimised and ultimately eliminated
    •    Recommendations 76, 78 and 80: People in care are empowered and supported
    •    Recommendation 114: Communities are empowered to minimise the need for out of whānau care
    •    Recommendation 118: Giving effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi and human rights

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Depts, ICAC tackle corruption cases

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Labour Department (LD) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) indicated today that they have taken actions following the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)’s recent arrests for suspected corruption cases in relation to training courses and working experience proof.

    The LD emphasised in a press release that it is highly concerned about suspected illegal acts involving the offer and acceptance of benefits to assist unqualified people in enrolling in training courses for Experienced Operators of Excavator.

    It pointed out that it has initiated an investigation to examine whether the training course providers and their staff have strictly complied with the approval conditions for operating Mandatory Safety Training courses.

    It will follow up seriously if violations are found, the LD stressed.

    In response to the ICAC’s actions, the LD announced the revocation of 100 certificates for excavator operators involved in the case.

    According to the Factories & Industrial Undertakings (Loadshifting Machinery) Regulation, people operating an excavator must have successfully completed the relevant safety training courses and obtained the corresponding certificates.

    The LD added that it is reviewing the admission mechanism for training course providers. With reference from the ICAC’s advice, it will also further enhance the mechanism, including improving current admission procedures and ensuring that training course providers strictly adhere to the approval conditions for operating the courses.

    Separately, regarding the ICAC’s arrest operation concerning the suspected forgery of working experience proof to apply for registration as Grade A electrical workers, the EMSD said that it launched an investigation in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance.

    After it was found that some registrants obtained their registration through improper means, the EMSD cancelled the registration of the Grade A electrical workers concerned.

    Furthermore, it made it clear that to register as a Grade A electrical worker, an applicant must possess relevant qualifications and working experience.

    Upon learning of this case, the EMSD specified that it has strengthened the vetting and approval procedures, including deploying officers to the issuing organisation’s office to carry out a check on each applicant’s working experience.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Making good use of counselling professionals to support mental health services

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ15: Making good use of counselling professionals to support mental health services
    LCQ15: Making good use of counselling professionals to support mental health services
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         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):Question:     It has been reported that according to the information of the Department of Health, both the proportions of students in Hong Kong who planned to commit suicide and who attempted suicide in the 2022-2023 school year hit a record high for the past five years, reflecting the severe challenges faced by Hong Kong’s mental health services and support system. There are views that as there are now only some 460 psychiatric specialists in Hong Kong, and people in need may not be able to receive timely support given such limited manpower, Hong Kong can make good use of counselling professionals to share and support its work on mental health services. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of subsidised programmes related to the counselling profession offered by tertiary institutions in Hong Kong;(2) whether it knows the number of graduates with qualifications related to counselling in each of the past five years and, among them, the number of those who joined the counselling profession after graduation;(3) whether it has compiled statistics on public and subsidised mental health service items currently provided by counselling professionals in Hong Kong (set out by public and subsidised services);(4) whether it has compiled statistics on the respective numbers of counselling professionals that need to be employed and have been employed by public organisations in Hong Kong at present;(5) of the community support services provided to new patients on the waiting list for psychiatric specialist services in public hospitals, and whether the authorities will consider providing additional support to patients with longer waiting time, such as arranging counselling professionals to provide services (including emotional counselling and service referrals) for patients with mild symptoms; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;(6) whether the authorities will consider setting up a registration system and the relevant qualifications framework for counselling professionals in Hong Kong, as well as drawing up related professional standards and formulating codes of professional conduct, so as to regulate the relevant profession; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and(7) of the authorities’ future planning to make good use of counselling professionals to support mental health services in Hong Kong, as well as the details of the relevant work?Reply:President,     Student suicide is a complex social problem involving multiple risk and protective factors which should not be addressed solely through mental health factors or from a medical perspective, and issues on relevant supporting manpower should be tackled through co-ordination between different professionals and supporting personnel.     In consultation with the Education Bureau (EDB), the Hospital Authority (HA), the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Social Welfare Department (SWD), the consolidated reply in response to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:(1) and (2) The eight University Grants Committee-funded universities do not offer publicly-funded counselling degree programmes at present. As regards the self-financing post-secondary education sector, various post-secondary institutions offer a total of 14 locally-accredited self-financing post-secondary programmes that are relevant to the counselling profession in the 2024/25 academic year, including two sub-degree, one undergraduate and 11 taught postgraduate programmes. The number of graduates of relevant programmes in the past five academic years are set out in the table below. 

    Level of Study
    Academic Year

    2018/19
    2019/20
    2020/21
    2021/22
    2022/23

    Sub-degree
    104
    84
    59
    37
    110

    Undergraduate
    92
    103
    90
    97
    90

    Taught Postgraduate
    313
    378
    426
    407
    466

    Note 1: The table above includes programmes with English titles involving the keywords “Counsel” / “Guidance”.Note 2: Sub-degree programmes cover full-time Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes.Note 3: Undergraduate programmes cover full-time first-year-first-degree and top-up degree programmes.Note 4: Taught postgraduate programmes cover both full-time and part-time Postgraduate Certificate with a minimum duration of one year, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programmes.Note 5: Information on the number of graduates for the 2023/24 academic year is not yet available from relevant institutions.     Apart from providing mental health support, counselling staff also provide appropriate counselling services in other service units, such as family services, schools and the workplace, according to the needs of the service targets.     The EDB does not collect information on the graduates of the abovementioned programmes who have joined the counselling profession.  (3) and (4) Mental health service providers within the structure of the Government and the HA such as doctors, nurses, clinical and educational psychologists and social workers, will consider whether to incorporate the element of counselling in the course of service delivery according to the needs of the service targets. Relevant organisations and the HA will also arrange training for relevant personnel to enhance their counselling skills.      Apart from the aforementioned professional grade staff members, schools and social welfare organisations may employ counselling personnel on a need basis. For welfare service units, subject to their compliance with the requirements of the Funding and Service Agreement as well as the relevant statutory staffing requirements, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) subvented by the SWD may flexibly deploy resources to arrange appropriate personnel, including employing counselling personnel or purchasing counselling services to meet the operational and service targets’ needs. For example, Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) may employ counselling personnel according to their needs to provide services to persons with mental health needs. For schools, the EDB provides comprehensive student guidance services through multi-disciplinary collaboration and the “Whole School Approach”. Apart from teachers, school social workers and school-based educational psychologists, schools can also employ additional student guidance personnel or procure related services from organisations according to students’ needs, flexibly deploying grants provided by the Government or pooling together other school resources to strengthen the support for students.(5) The HA has specifically set an additional target for psychiatric specialist out-patient clinics (SOPCs) last year, that is, the overall median waiting time for urgent and semi-urgent new cases should be no more than one week and four weeks respectively. The relevant target has already been achieved, ensuring that patients with urgent needs can receive treatment within a reasonable time. The HA will continue to strengthen its psychiatric SOPC services and improve the waiting time for urgent and semi-urgent new cases, including increasing consultation quotas. The HA will also take care of more psychiatric patients in need by strengthening its manpower and through the Public-Private Partnership Programme, as well as enhancing the services of psychiatric nurse clinics to allow patients to receive follow-up while waiting for SOPC services or follow-up appointments. If there is any change in the mental conditions of patients, they may return to their respective psychiatric SOPCs for re-assessment to determine whether they need to advance their consultation or seek treatment from the accident and emergency services.     The Health Bureau launched the Pilot Scheme on New Service Protocol for Child and Adolescent with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Comorbidity to provide multi-disciplinary assessment, treatment and support services to children and adolescents with or suspected to have Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder and Comorbidities while they are waiting for HA services. In addition, the SWD provides subvention to NGOs to operate ICCMWs across the city. Following the Chief Executive’s announcement in the 2024 Policy Address that an additional ICCMW will be set up in the first quarter of 2026, the total number of ICCMWs across the city will increase to 25, providing community support services to persons with mental health needs.(6) and (7) Mental health encompasses various levels and aspects such as social service, school education, community support and medical care. Not all individuals with mental health problems need to seek treatment from psychiatrists. In recent years, mental health services introduced by the Government have, in varying degrees, implemented the concept of stepped care model, under which members of the public are referred to different levels of mental health services according to their mental health needs and severity. For example, the Student Mental Health Support Scheme launched in the 2016/17 academic year has applied the stepped care model to provide multi-disciplinary support services to students with mental health needs in schools through tripartite collaboration among the medical, education and social sectors.      The 2024 Policy Address announced that the Government will extend integrated services based on a medical-educational-social collaboration model to promote mental health. The Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH) will formulate a stepped care model for mental health, through developing a multi-disciplinary framework with tiers from dealing with general emotional problems in the frontline to handling cases requiring follow-up and more serious mental illnesses cases. The framework sets out the roles of different professionals (such as teaching staff, social workers and healthcare workers, along with other supporting personnel and services providers) and their division of work in the provision of mental health services for cases in each tier, enabling them to work together and perform their respective roles smoothly, with a view to making good use of multi-disciplinary staff to assist in handling various types of cases with mental health needs in a systematic manner.     To ensure the quality and standard of services, the Government will review the appropriate training qualifications and quality assurance requirements for different professionals and support staff according to risk-based needs during the formulation of the stepped care model for mental health. In the process, the Government will also review the relevant personnel providing counselling services. A working group on the stepped care model for mental health has been established under the ACMH to take forward the work and is expected to submit a report by end???2025.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 15:45

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