Category: Transport

MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Award Ceremony, October 3, 2024 [Image 2 of 4]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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SINGAPORE (October 3, 2024) Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC), left, presents a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal to Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 1st Class John Zhu, assigned to COMLOG WESTPAC, during an awards ceremony on Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI), Oct. 3, 2024. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 10.02.2024

Date Posted: 10.09.2024 02:07

Photo ID: 8686906

VIRIN: 241003-N-ED646-1064

Resolution: 7538×5025

Size: 7.89 MB

Location: SG

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This work, COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Award Ceremony, October 3, 2024 [Image 4 of 4], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Award Ceremony, October 3, 2024

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – The 2024 Māori business leaders shaping Aotearoa’s future – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Aotearoa’s best and brightest Māori business leaders were honoured at the 2024 Ngā Tohu Kaiārahi Pakihi Māori o Aotearoa | Aotearoa Māori Business Leaders Awards.

Whakatō te kākano, marotiritiri ai te māra, ka māea ngā hua | Plant the seed, cultivate the garden, reap the benefits.

A macadamia pioneer, sustainable fisheries champions and a plastic waste-to-product business, were among those honoured at the 2024 Aotearoa Māori Business Leaders Awards.

The event, held on 23 October and hosted by the University of Auckland Business School, celebrated the remarkable contributions of the Māori entrepreneurs, leaders and organisations shaping Aotearoa’s business landscape.

Six awards were presented, acknowledging the unique and powerful contributions of Māori leaders, each with their own inspiring story and unique approach to business.

Vanessa Hayes, founder of kaupapa Māori business Torere Macadamias, won the Entrepreneurial Māori Business Leader award.

Vanessa and her team are growing the New Zealand macadamia industry, which has historically relied on imported macadamias.

Torere Macadamias is working with Plant and Food Research, expanding its nursery and encouraging other growers and grower collectives by providing training, workshops and supplying plants from their nursery.

The company’s orchard produces around 20 tonnes of macadamias annually. And recently, Vanessa and the Torere team celebrated a milestone, winning a contract to supply Air New Zealand on their long haul and business class flights.

Moana New Zealand was honoured with the Kaitiaki Business Leader award for their dedication to sustainable fisheries management. The seafood company is a 100 percent iwi-owned organisation with a deep sense of responsibility and respect for New Zealand’s fisheries.

Māori Women’s Development Inc., a charitable trust formed, managed and operated by Māori women, earned the Mānuka Henare award for its continued support of Māori women in business, offering loans and wrap-around support.

Traci Houpapa, chair of the Federation of Māori Authorities, won the Māori Governance Leader award for her extensive leadership in business and governance, shaping the Māori business landscape. She holds a number of directorships and Ministerial appointments, including Chiefs Rugby and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

The Outstanding Māori Business Leader award went to Harry Burkhardt, co-founder and managing director of Replas Ltd, an innovative company transforming waste plastic into valuable products.

Meanwhile, the Dame Mira Szászy Alumni Award went to Karleen Everitt, a University of Auckland Business School graduate who has had a stellar career and is currently leading Te Ao Māori Strategy at ANZ Bank.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Combating vaping of “space oil”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Lam So-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

Question:

     “Space oil” is a kind of liquid to which harmful substances have been illegally added. Usually, its main ingredient is etomidate, an anaesthetic that can only be prescribed by a doctor according to the law. Anyone who illegally possesses and uses the substance commits an offence. It has been reported that space oil, often vaped through e-cigarettes, can produce transient euphoria and cause addiction, and has gained popularity amongst youth communities since last year, with some sellers even blatantly putting space oil up for sale on social media platforms. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective numbers of persons arrested for illegal sale and possession of space oil in the past three years, together with a tabulated breakdown by age;

(2) whether it will bring etomidate under the control of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether the authorities have put in place measures to prevent members of the public (especially young people) from vaping space oil by, for example, stepping up education and proactively taking law enforcement actions such as decoy operations; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

“Space oil” is a kind of liquid to which harmful substances have been illegally added and is often inhaled through electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). There is no standard formula for “space oil”, but its main ingredient is usually etomidate, an anaesthetic which can only be prescribed by a doctor according to the law. Etomidate is regulated as Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A). Illegal supply or use of etomidate is liable to imprisonment upon conviction. Abuse of “space oil” will cause harm to one’s health and lead to addiction. It will also lure abusers to try other kinds of drugs. Taking “space oil” is equivalent to taking drugs.

     â€‹My reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Lam So-wai is as follows:

(1) Frontline anti-drug workers noticed an emergence of “space oil” in Hong Kong in 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it had begun to gain traction among local young people and some of them even started taking it. Records of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have reflected the same trend. In 2023, we started to observe persons arrested for offences involving “space oil” containing etomidate by the Hong Kong Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department. The number of persons arrested in the past three years by age groups are set out at Annex.

(2) To ensure that the LEAs can effectively respond to the drug abuse situation and enhance deterrence, it is indicated in the Supplement to “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” published last week that the Government will step up control on etomidate. Specifically, we propose bringing etomidate under control of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO) (Cap. 134). We have already consulted the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and relevant stakeholders, with a view to listing etomidate as a dangerous drug in the first half of 2025. By then, illegal possession or smoking, inhaling, ingesting and injecting “space oil” containing etomidate is liable to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of $1 million. Trafficking or illegal import of such a substance is liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

(3) The Government has all along been closely monitoring the trend of emerging drugs. Apart from strengthening the control on etomidate by way of legislation, the Government has taken prompt actions to combat “space oil” through reducing demand and intercepting supply.

     Preventive publicity and education is the backbone of demand reduction and forms the first line of defense for our anti-drug work. Targeting the emergence of “space oil” among the youth, we have started with the school sector. First, earlier this year, the Commissioner for Narcotics from the Security Bureau (SB) wrote to all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong alerting them to the problem of “space oil” inhaling through eâ€‘cigarettes. In addition, the Narcotics Division (ND) of the SB is in the course of including information on the harmful effects of “space oil” in its anti-drug educational talks and interactive drama for schools.

     To further enhance the vigilance against and responsiveness to “space oil” among the school sector and anti-drug community, the ND in collaboration with the Hong Kong Poison Control Centre of the Hospital Authority and a frontline social service organisation organised two seminars on the issue of “space oil” abuse in August and October with a total attendance of nearly 500 people. At the seminars, different professionals, anti-drug workers, social workers, and teaching staff from over 100 primary and secondary schools shared their observations of the abuse situation of “space oil” among young people and the related harms. There were also exchanges of views on how to prevent “space oil” abuse and handle abusers. After the seminars, the Narcotics Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force distributed an infographic to all schools in Hong Kong. As young people often inhale “space oil” through e-cigarettes, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health also gave a presentation on the harmful effects of e-cigarettes in one of the aforementioned seminars.

     As regards publicity, to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of “space oil”, a new zone dedicated to “space oil” was set up at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre in mid-September with promotional videos, publications and exhibition panels showing the harms of “space oil” on display. Since the middle of this year, the ND has been starting to publish social media posts and has launched an animated video on the harmful effects of “space oil”. They serve to alert the public, in particular young people, to the harms of “space oil”. The animated video has been uploaded onto the ND’s website and social media platforms, and schools and anti-drug organisations have been encouraged to show it often. We will continue to work with ACAN, other departments and various sectors of the community to step up preventive education and publicity efforts in view of the “space oil” abuse situation.

     To intercept the supply of “space oil”, the LEAs have stepped up various inspections including cyber patrol and carried out intelligence-based law enforcement actions. For example, the Police seized 2.17 kilograms of a substance claimed to be “space oil” during the past summer. More recently in mid-October, the Police raided a residential unit in Tai Kok Tsui, which was used as a drug storage and distribution centre, resulting in the seizure of “space oil” and other drugs. Upon the commencement of control of etomidate under the DDO (Cap. 134), the LEAs will definitely step up their enforcement against all etomidate-related offences.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Quarantine period for pet cats/dogs entering Hong Kong from Mainland

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Johnny Ng and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

Question:

     It is learnt that in recent years, more members of the public exit or enter the territory carrying pet cats/dogs. On the other hand, for the sake of preventing the spread of rabies into Hong Kong, pet cats/dogs carried by members of the public back to Hong Kong from Group III places (including the Mainland) as specified by the Government are required to comply with the quarantine procedures prescribed by law, including a quarantine period of at least 120 days. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of cases applying for quarantine of pet cats/dogs entering the territory that were received by the Government in each month of the past three years; among these cases, the respective numbers of cats and dogs which had fallen sick and died during the quarantine period and the reasons for that;

(2) whether it will increase the number of quarantine institutions and quarantine centres as well as the number of animals that can be quarantined, so as to meet the immigration needs of pet cats/dogs; if so, of the plans and timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) as information shows that some advanced regions in Asia adopt more lenient quarantine requirements on pets entering the territory than Hong Kong, such as the seven-day and 30-day quarantine periods adopted respectively by Taiwan and Singapore, whether the Government will make reference to the practice of those regions and shorten the present quarantine period for pet cats/dogs brought into the territory from Group III places; if so, of the specific arrangements and the earliest possible date of implementation; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     Rabies is a contagious disease that can cause fatality to mammals (including humans). No specific treatment is available at present and rabies is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear, and nearly 60 000 people die of rabies globally every year. To safeguard public health, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) currently regulates the import of live animals through a permit system, and controls the import of cats and dogs under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), aiming to prevent the transmission of animal diseases including rabies into Hong Kong. Under effective control measures, Hong Kong has long been widely recognised as a rabies-free place; therefore, animals of Hong Kong residents generally face less stringent quarantine requirements when entering other places, for example places with strictest quarantine requirements like Australia and New Zealand permit the entry of cats and dogs from Hong Kong.

     For importation of cats and dogs, the AFCD classifies places into three groups according to different risk of rabies, with reference to information about the surveillance of animal diseases from the World Organisation for Animal Health. Group I includes rabies-free places (i.e. where rabies has been absent for a long time); Group II includes places where rabies cases are few and under effective control; and Group III includes places where rabies cases are reported and not under effective control. In general, places that do not meet the requirements of Group I or II (or their situations cannot be determined) will be included in Group III.

     Since Groups I and II places are considered of lower risk of rabies, cats and dogs imported from these places are exempted from quarantine upon fulfilling relevant requirements (such as providing Animal Health Certificate, Residence Certificate, Anti-rabies Vaccination Certificate, etc.). For Group III places, the risk of rabies is higher or uncertain. Since the incubation period of rabies can be up to several months, to prevent the transmission of rabies into Hong Kong, the AFCD requires a quarantine period of no less than 120 days for the cats and dogs imported from Group III places.

     On the questions raised by Dr the Hon Johnny Ng, I would like to reply to the question as follows:

(1) The AFCD will immediately arrange to send cats and dogs imported from Group III places upon arrival in Hong Kong to its Animal Management Centre for quarantine. If an animal falls ill during quarantine, the AFCD will inform the animal owner to take the animal to a vet clinic under the escort of the AFCD, or arrange a vet to the quarantine centre for treatment. If an animal shows an urgent health problem and the AFCD is unable to contact the animal owner, the AFCD will arrange for the pet to be examined by a vet as soon as possible. Over the past three years, a total of three animals (including two cats and one dog) passed away during quarantine, due to their own severe health issues such as kidney failure. In the past three years, the number of applications received by the AFCD for reserving a quarantine space for importing cats and dogs, the number of cats and dogs which received veterinary treatment during the quarantine period, and the number of cats and dogs deceased during the quarantine period are at the Annex.

(2) and (3) The AFCD is actively adopting a two-pronged approach to facilitate animal owners from Group III places in bringing their pet cats and dogs to Hong Kong. On the one hand, the AFCD is increasing the number of quarantine facilities; on the other hand, the AFCD is exploring ways to refine the quarantine requirements for cats and dogs.

     Regarding quarantine facilities, two Animal Management Centres (i.e. Kowloon Animal Management Centre and Hong Kong Animal Management Centre) operated by the AFCD provide quarantine services for cats and dogs imported from Group III places. The two centres provide a total of 20 spaces for cats and dogs respectively. The Kowloon Animal Management Centre is currently undergoing works by the AFCD to increase the number of quarantine facilities, with the works expected to be completed in the first half of next year. Upon completion, the total number of quarantine facilities for cats and dogs in the two centres will increase to 34 and 30 respectively. To further increase the number of facilities, the AFCD is actively exploring the feasibility of operating and providing some of the cats and dogs quarantine facility by the private sector. Organisations are required to obtain a licence from the AFCD to operate a quarantine centre under the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), and the relevant quarantine facility is a designated project under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) which requires obtaining an environmental permit. The Government is now discussing with the private sector about the relevant arrangements and is providing assistance, and is striving to implement a pilot scheme in the first half of next year.

     For the refinement of quarantine requirements for cats and dogs from Group III places, different places conduct their own risk assessments and establish import requirements based on their acceptable level of risk. The risk of rabies transmission is influenced by various factors, including the number of imported cats and dogs, whether the importing places can take effective control measures to prevent the introduction of rabies, the rabies immunisation status of the importing places, the rabies situation of neighbouring places, etc. As biotechnology has developed in recent years, the AFCD has earlier conducted a risk assessment, and considered that the quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from some Group III places (including the Mainland and Macao) could be shortened by measures such as rabies vaccination and rabies antibody titer testing. The AFCD is discussing the proposed arrangements with the places concerned to finalise the implementation details. The AFCD will announce the details of the arrangements once the discussion is completed. With the gradual implementation of the revised measures, the waiting time of quarantine facilities would decrease, thereby further facilitating animal owners from Group III places in bringing their pet cats and dogs to Hong Kong.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 – International Paper Co

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	Man Group PLC
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	International Paper Company
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	22/10/2024
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	YES / NO / N/A Offeree – Smith (DS) plc

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	common stock
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	300,124.00	0.09	486,649	0.14
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:			1,758,811	0.51
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	300,124.00	0.09	2,245,460	0.65

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
common stock	Sale	700	47.530 USD
common stock	Sale	1	47.540 USD

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. CFD

Nature of dealing
e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position

Number of reference securities

Price per unit

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.

Number of securities to which option relates

Exercise price per unit

Type
e.g. American, European etc.

Expiry date

Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security

Nature of dealing
e.g. subscription, conversion

Details

Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	23/10/2024
Contact name:	Matthew Irwin
Telephone number:	+442071447255

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Despite overwhelming hype, Jabra research finds only 26% of office workers use AI in daily work
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Workplaces believe in the power of AI, with 84% of leaders saying AI can enhance work, but 82% are unprepared for integration of the tech into the workplace
- 90% of knowledge workers wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require human judgement or creativity
- Workers are equally not using AI in their personal lives, with only 26% reporting regular use
LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jabra, a global leader in enterprise audio and video solutions, released a new report, Great ExpectAItions – Work in the Age of AI, which reveals that while many business decision-makers (84%) express high levels of trust in AI, very few office workers (26%) are using it in their daily roles due to a variety of perceived challenges. This disconnect suggests that even though leadership is optimistic about AI’s potential, they may yet lack the necessary vision or skills to effectively implement it across the workforce.

The study, conducted among 1,800 AI decision makers surveyed across 6 countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries, highlights that despite strong enthusiasm for AI, there is a clear disconnect between trust in the technology and its actual use in the workplace. While 85% of decision-makers express high interest in AI, the vast majority (82%) acknowledge they need to better understand how AI can improve workplace efficiency.

Additionally, although 54% of employees believe AI can improve their work and 54% feel confident in their ability to collaborate successfully with AI, there’s still a significant gap in actual adoption in regular use at work. Jabra’s data found this appears due to several perceived challenges and demographic considerations:
- 90% of employees wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require creativity and innovation. This reluctance isn’t just about trust, it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from being personally involved in these more meaningful tasks.
- There’s a clear generational divide in AI adoption, with 47% of Millennials and 37% of Gen Z indicating they feel positive about AI versus only 15% of Boomers. Adoption wise, 28% of Millennials and Gen Z use AI day to day at work, versus just 15% of Boomers.
- AI decision-makers are relatively young – 58% are between the ages of 18 and 39 – and 71% are not from the IT department.
Paul Sephton, Head of Brand Communications at Jabra, said: “We see many organizations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organizations to recognize how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.”

“To avoid what we call ‘AI-washing’ – simply jumping on the AI bandwagon – organizations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. At Jabra, we believe in harnessing the power of AI not just to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level.”

Read more and download full report here:

https://www.jabra.com/thought-leadership/ai-at-work

Note to Editors
The Great ExpectAItions – Work in the Age of AI Report leveraged two quantitative surveys conducted in August 2024. The first surveyed 1800 AI decision-makers from six countries (300 per country) – USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan and India. The second surveyed 4200 knowledge workers from 14 countries (300 per country) – USA, UK, France, Germany, Poland, UAE, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, India, Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong.

PR contact
Hayley Minardi
Manager, PR & Communications, Jabra
hminardi@jabra.com

About Jabra

Jabra is a world leading brand in audio, video and collaboration solutions – engineered to empower consumers and businesses. Proudly part of GN Group, we are committed to bringing people closer to one another and to what is important to them. Jabra engineering excellence leads the way, building on over 150 years of pioneering work within GN. This allows us to create integrated tools for contact centers, offices, and collaboration to help professionals work more productively from anywhere; and true wireless headphones and earbuds that let consumers better enjoy calls, music, and media. http://www.jabra.com

Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN’s solutions are sold in 100 countries across the world. Visit our homepage GN.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

© 2024 GN Audio A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Audio A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications are subject to change without notice).

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70547059-e2bb-4ea5-866f-e1e9f844fb5b

The MIL Network –
January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 – Centamin plc

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	Man Group PLC
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	Centamin plc
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	22/10/2024
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	YES / NO / N/A Offeror: AngloGold Ashanti plc

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	Ordinary NPV
	Interests
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	7,185,959	0.62
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:	2,318,734	0.20
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	9,504,693	0.82

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
Ordinary NPV	Sale	17,429	1.72 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	99,657	1.739 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	34,859	1.74 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	31,373	1.732 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	20,915	1.73 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	4,920	1.732 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	6,557	1.751 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	32,845	1.747 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	461,000	1.728 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	370,597	1.73 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	287,060	1.728 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	33,796	1.733 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	287,060	1.742 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	743,846	1.739 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	53,998	1.751 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	270,478	1.747 GBP

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	11,289	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	5,282	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	159,702	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	12,192	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	1,812	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	52,613	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	21,882	1.743 GBP

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.

Number of securities to which option relates

Exercise price per unit

Type
e.g. American, European etc.

Expiry date

Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security

Nature of dealing
e.g. subscription, conversion

Details

Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

None

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	23/10/2024
Contact name:	Matthew Irwin
Telephone number:	+442071447255

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing maintenance and improvement

Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

A SERIES of major policy documents aimed at protecting and enhancing public housing in Dundee are set to be discussed by councillors.
Updated versions of Dundee City Council’s empty homes strategy, five-year strategic investment plan and the annual review of rents will be tabled next week.
Mark Flynn, convener of the neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “To be able to deliver strong communities where people feel empowered, safe, and proud to live and where the root causes of poverty are being tackled needs a good supply of warm, easy to heat homes.
“But these things do not appear from nowhere, they need detailed, well thought out and realistic documents like these to put down in black and white what we need to do, how we are going to do it and how long it is going to take to get where we want to be.”
Lynne Short, the committee’s deputy convener added: “The framework that these policies and others provides is crucial not only to delivering on our goals, but also in allowing people to see what progress is being made towards them over time.”
The new 22-page empty homes strategy aims to build on the 132 empty homes already brought back into use by using the 1,067 unoccupied houses in the city to provide accommodation. This figure is put into context in the report which notes that there were 1,430 new homeless applications made to Dundee City Council in 2022/2023.
Empty homes are classified as dwellings that have been empty for six months or more and are liable for council tax. The most recent figures published by the Scottish Government in September 2023, show that almost 75% of the long-term empty properties in Dundee are privately owned.
It has been developed through a clear understanding of the impact of empty homes across Dundee on neighbourhoods, communities, homeowners and residents.
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2025-2030 sets out Dundee’s affordable housing priorities for the next five years and aims to ensure that the city continues to successfully deliver new-build affordable housing for rent.
It reveals that 286 new build social homes are expected to be completed before spring 2027, with more than 500 more “in the pipeline” with start dates between 2025 and 2028.
According to the SHIP. the council will work with partners to ensure that all new build properties constructed within the investment programme meet or surpass the current building regulations.
In addition, where possible energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar energy, wind power or other suitable measures will be integrated into the construction to help reduce carbon emissions, address fuel poverty and ensure that tenants live in warm, affordable homes.
It also includes additional accessible housing for adults with learning, physical or mental health disabilities, to allow them to receive the appropriate care and support that they need within their local community.
Members of the neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee will be asked to approve discussions with tenants on annual increases ranging from an average of £3.92 to £4.36 per week.
Council house tenants could be consulted on three proposed rent increases between 4.5% and 5% if councillors back the move.
During the two-month consultation as many tenants as possible will be encouraged to share their views on the three options before a report is prepared and considered in January.
Cllr Flynn added: “Every year we try to offer tenants a balanced choice between services remaining at the same high standard they have now or giving the council additional resources to spend more on the things tenants have told us that they want, such as tackling anti-social behaviour.”
As well as using as many ways as possible of gauging tents’ opinions including face to face engagement, social media and continued collaboration with Dundee Federation of Tenants Association and registered tenants’ organisations; information will also be made available about the support services available for people affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
The neighbourhood resources, housing and estate management committee meets on Monday (October 28).

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Students, postgraduates and young scientists discussed current issues of modern construction at a conference at SPbGASU

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Information Systems and Technologies Section

The LXXVII National Scientific and Practical Conference of Students, Postgraduates and Young Scientists “Current Issues of Modern Construction” was held at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering from October 15 to 18. The conference brought together more than 1,000 participants and listeners not only from SPbGASU, but also from Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography, National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Chuvash State University named after I.N. Ulyanov, Saint Petersburg State University of Railway Engineering named after Emperor Alexander I, Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Donbass National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture and other universities, giving them the opportunity to exchange ideas and test scientific results.

The topics of the reports covered a wide range of issues in modern construction, including those related to computer science, information systems and technologies, technosphere safety, economic security, legal regulation of urban development and transport, and many others. The work was organized within 31 sections.

Several reports at the architectural design section were devoted to the topic of Arctic development. Nikita Milov, a second-year master’s student at the SPbGASU Faculty of Architecture, presented a report entitled “Functional Zoning of a Site and Planning Structure of a Marine Terminal in the Northern Conditions (the City of Kandalaksha)” (supervised by Aleksey Mikhalychev, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design).

According to the author of the report, Kandalaksha can become a cultural and tourist hub for water routes of river and sea cruise transport. Nikita proposed breathing new life into this city by creating a new sea passenger terminal in it. It could include hotels, exhibition transformable spaces, and office centers.

Museum complexes are necessary in the cities of the Far North, says Artem Martynenko, a second-year master’s student at the Faculty of Architecture of our university (his academic supervisor is Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design Sergey Ivanov). According to Artem, the development of territories located in the Arctic zone is one of the main tasks of the Russian Federation. To do this, it is necessary to create a pleasant, well-maintained environment, including for cultural leisure. It is also worth considering the modern policy aimed at patriotic education of youth and awakening interest in studying the history and culture of our country. Given these factors, the design and construction of museum complexes is becoming an urgent task for architects. Artem formulated the principles of designing museum complexes beyond the Arctic Circle: multifunctionality, which allows the complex to gather the maximum number of consumers and remain in demand all year round, taking into account climatic features when choosing design solutions, etc.

Anzhelika Ivanikhina, a fourth-year bachelor’s student at the Faculty of Architecture (supervised by Milena Zolotareva, Deputy Dean for Research, Associate Professor of the Department of History and Theory of Architecture), spoke about the algorithm for using generative neural networks to form an architectural concept using the example of creating a glamping site at the section on the history and theory of architecture. The audience learned how work on one of the projects was carried out in the workshop where the student works. According to Anzhelika, there is nothing wrong with using generative neural networks. You need to start with analyzing the territory and the initial data; then you should develop a functional plan and functional zoning, determine the concept of a specific part of the general plan and develop sketches. After that, you can start creating a prototype for the neural network, then analyze and adjust it. The final stage will be color correction of the result, post-processing in editing programs.

The architectural and spatial features of Omsk, using the central part of the city as an example, became the topic of the report by the second-year undergraduate student of the Faculty of Architecture Arina Peteshova (supervised by Milena Zolotareva). Arina believes that the central part of Omsk has unique architectural and spatial characteristics that can be successfully used for the further development of the city. It is necessary to optimize the planning of the urban environment, pay attention to the development of integration solutions for historical and modern buildings, and study the impact of new architectural projects on the existing urban structure.

The creation of tools for processing data on the working hours of the organization’s employees is being carried out by a second-year master’s student of the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Economy Egor Abramov under the supervision of the acting head of the Department of Information Systems and Technologies Olga Yarkova. Egor gave a report on the topic of his research at the section of information systems and technologies. The student analyzed the information environment of the enterprise, formulated the requirements for the developed tools, and determined the methods and technologies for implementation. The researcher plans to develop an application for solving work tasks and performing additional functions.

The conference “Current Problems of Modern Construction” was held within the framework of a subsidy from the federal budget to educational institutions of higher education for the implementation of events aimed at supporting student scientific communities No. 075-15-2024-854. Scientific materials of the conference will be published in a collection of materials indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index.

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 –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Application for refund of stamp duty in respect of redevelopment project

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Louis Loong and a reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

Question:

     During the past decade or so when demand-side management measures for residential properties were in place, the Government levied the Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) on residential property transactions and applied a higher rate of ad valorem stamp duty (AVD) to collect AVD. Under sections 29DD and 29DE of the Stamp Duty Ordinance, an applicant may apply for a refund of the BSD paid and a partial refund of the AVD paid upon redeveloping a residential property, thereby reducing the effective stamp duty rate after the refund to no more than 4.25 per cent. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective numbers of refund applications involving BSD and AVD and the amounts involved in the past three years, as well as the time taken by the authorities from receipt of applications to completion of refunds (set out in a table);

(2) among the applications mentioned in (1), of the respective numbers of those for which refunds have been completed and those still being processed; and

(3) as it is learnt that the Government is not required to pay interest on the refund amounts concerned, what measures the Government has put in place to expedite the processing of applications and the completion of refunds under the current high interest rate environment?

Reply:

President,

     To maintain steady development of the private residential property market, the Government had implemented a series of demand-side management measures for residential properties before, which included imposing Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and charging Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (AVD) at higher rates (i.e. the rates at Scale 1). BSD applied to acquisition of residential properties by a non-Hong Kong permanent resident (HKPR) or a company. The higher rates of AVD applied to all transactions of residential properties except for circumstances where the buyer was a HKPR and did not own any other residential property in Hong Kong at the time of acquiring the relevant property. The Government has been closely monitoring changes in the residential property market and timely adjusted relevant measures. Since the end of February this year, all stamp duty measures relating to demand-side management of residential properties have been abolished.

     When formulating demand-side management measures for residential properties, the Government established a duty refund mechanism in order not to hinder redevelopment projects. Any person acquiring a residential property for redevelopment purpose may apply for refund of the BSD paid and part of the AVD paid under sections 29DD and 29DE of the Stamp Duty Ordinance respectively. The refundable amount of AVD paid is the difference between the duties calculated at the higher and lower rates.

     My reply to Hon Loong’s question is as follows:

(1) In the past three financial years, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) received 2 724 applications for refund of BSD in respect of redevelopments, involving about $8.1 billion, and 2 688 applications for refund of part of the AVD in respect of redevelopments, involving about $5.4 billion. The breakdown by each financial year is set out in Table (1):

Table (1)ï¼šThe number of applications and the amounts involved in applications for refund of part of the stamp duty in respect of redevelopment projects

Financial Year in which the application was received
BSD
Part of AVD

No. of applications
(Note 1)
Amount of refund applied for
No. of applications
(Note 1)
Amount of refund applied for

$ million

$ million

2021-22
723
3,100
688
2,100

2022-23
828
2,147
831
1,331

2023-24
1 173
2,860
1 169
1,967

Total
2 724
8,107
2 688
5,398

Note 1: As an applicant may apply for refund of BSD and part of AVD in respect of the same residential property transaction, there is overlap in the properties involved in the applications in Table (1).

     In the past three financial years, the time taken by the IRD from receipt of applications to completion of processing them is set out in Table (2):

Table (2)ï¼šTime taken to complete the refunds of BSD and part of the AVD (Note 2)

Financial Year in which the application was received
Below three months
Three months to below five months
Five months to below nine months
Nine months or above

2021-22
25
352
292
738

2022-23
94
127
642
709

2023-24
24
337
480
363

Total
143
816
1 414
1 810

Note 2: As at end of September 2024

     The time taken set out in Table (2) includes the time for the IRD to wait for some applicants to submit all the required information and documents. Almost all the applicants of applications that took five months or above to process failed to submit all the required information and documents when submitting the applications, and needed to make further submission(s) afterwards. Some applicants would take a few months or even more than a year to submit all the required information and documents. Generally speaking, the IRD is able to complete the approval and refund procedures within three to four months after receiving all the required information and documents.

(2) In respect of the applications received from 2021-22 to 2023-24, as at end of September this year, the IRD has finished processing 2 097 applications for refund of BSD and 2 086 for refund of part of AVD. A total of 627 applications for refund of BSD and 602 for refund of part of AVD are still being processed, involving 11 redevelopment projects. As an applicant may apply for refund of BSD and part of AVD in respect of the same residential property transaction, there is overlap in the properties involved in the above approximately 1 200 applications.

(3) Redevelopment projects typically involve dozens, or even more than a hundred stamp duty refund applications, involving a significant amount of stamp duty. Therefore, the IRD needs to carefully examine a large number of documents, including the agreement for sale and purchase, information about the applicant and the associated body corporate(s), the consent or approval issued by the Building Authority in respect of the new development, etc. for each application, so as to avoid any abuse of the refund mechanism. As previously mentioned, most applicants whose applications took five months or longer to complete processing needed to submit supplementary information after making the applications. In order to reduce correspondence between the IRD and the applicants regarding the submission of required information and to shorten the time to wait for applicants to supplement required information, the IRD will update the stamp duty refund application form and guidelines by the end of this year. The updated form will provide a detailed list of all necessary documents and remind applicants that their applications will only be considered valid after all documents have been submitted. Following the updating of the stamp duty refund application form, the IRD will organise a briefing session for the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong and developers to help the industry understand the IRD’s requirements. The IRD will also publish guidelines to explain the common issues encountered during the processing of stamp duty refund applications and how the IRD handles them. Furthermore, the IRD will review the current application processing procedures and deploy resources to expedite the processing of applications.

     After implementing the aforementioned enhancement measures, the IRD anticipates that most of the stamp duty refund applications can be completed within two months after receiving all the documents.

Thank you, President.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Government leaders and multisectoral partners unite to tackle noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues in the Commonwealth

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

APIA, Samoa l 23 October 2024 – High-level government leaders and multistakeholder partners came together today to strengthen their commitment to addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health at a side event held during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa. The event, titled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Noncommunicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, Samoa, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The event highlighted the importance of strong political commitment, partnerships and community involvement in tackling the global health challenges posed by NCDs and mental health issues. Participants from various sectors, including health, education, sports, finance, agriculture, trade, and media, shared their insights and strategies to create environments that promote healthier lifestyles and build more resilient health systems.

Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are the leading cause of death in most countries. These diseases account for 150 million premature deaths among people aged between 30 and 70 years, most living in developing countries.

Director General of Health, Professor Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, highlighted Samoa’s unique approach, “The Ministry of Health has successfully introduced the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ into our communities, demonstrating our strong commitment to tackling NCDs and mental health issues. We continue to seek innovative ways to strengthen our partnerships with other sectors to reduce NCDs and improve mental health. The Samoan government is dedicated to fostering these collaborations to ensure sustainable and impactful health outcomes for our people.”

“Tackling NCDs and mental health is not just a job for the health sector. It requires the dedicated involvement of the whole-of-government and whole-of-society. By working together across different sectors and tapping into community strengths, we can significantly reduce the burden of NCDs and mental health conditions,” said Dr Kim Eva Dickson, WHO Representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.

NCDs have also become a serious challenge for people under 30, who make up 60% of the Commonwealth population. In the previous CHOGM held in Rwanda in 2022, the Commonwealth youth-led NCD Guiding Framework was developed to provide a road map for collective action to address the root causes of NCDs and promote healthier lifestyles, especially among the younger population.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC said, “In Rwanda, we committed to take bold multisectoral action to reduce the incidence of NCDs. This year here in Samoa, the Commonwealth remains committed to strengthening partnerships that support health equity and sustainable development. By coming together as a Commonwealth ‘aiga’ or family today, our leaders and stakeholders have underscored the collective resolve to combat NCDs and promote mental health.”

Alongside the focus on addressing NCDs and mental health, the event also highlighted the importance of healthy ageing. A report, authored by Professor Dame Carol Black, the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Ageing Well was presented at the event. As people live longer by prioritizing strategies to prevent NCDs, it is equally important that they continue to thrive and live productive lives.

The event concluded with renewed commitments from various sectors and stakeholders to work together to combat NCDs and promote mental health, helping set the stage for continued collaboration and action within the Commonwealth.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

I’d like to thank LGAQ CEO, Alison Smith, for the warm invitation to this year’s annual conference.

It’s really great to be here with you.

It’s also nice to be in QLD without my kids!

Don’t get me wrong, I know how important family holidays are for your economies across Queensland.

But it’s actually quite nice not to be running around in swimmers at a water park!

Just don’t tell my kids I said this!

I’d also like to give a huge shout out to Mayor Matt Burnett, and congratulate him on his appointment as the new Australian Local Government Association National President.

He’s a strong, passionate voice for the sector and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.

Once a regional mayor myself, I’m can’t help but note that Matt and the two new Vice Presidents all hail from regional Australia!

Like all of you in the room, I’m committed to strengthening the local government sector.

The Albanese Government takes this seriously, because when we work together, we get the best outcomes for our communities.

You are a trusted deliver partner of the services every community across Queensland relies on.

We value this, and we’re investing in it.

We’ve brought you back to the national conversation, at both National Cabinet, and at our two successful Australian Council of Local Government forums.

We had over 770 people from the local government sector participate this year, many from the Sunshine State!

This open-door, collective dialogue is incredibly important, because there’s nothing worse than decisions being made for you – without you – from Canberra.

It’s how we can deliver funding where it’s needed, so that we can continue to get projects that matter to your communities off the ground.

It’s why your input into the federal inquiry into local government sustainability underway right now is incredibly important, because it will help us shape how we can deliver the support you need.

This is one of the reasons we’ve significantly increased road funding to all local councils across Queensland – acting on feedback from you.

Much like my home state of NSW, your roads have more people on them than ever before.

Many of them are regional, and many of them have been totally washed away by extreme weather events.

We are progressively doubling Roads to Recovery from $500 million to $1 billion nationally, which will have a huge impact on how you upgrade and maintain your local roads.

Almost $900 million is flowing to local governments in Queensland over the next five years, a boost of over $353 million thanks to the Albanese Government.

A pipeline of new work will build on the thousands of projects being delivered under Roads to Recovery.

Projects on the roads your communities drive every day – the ones they call or email you about to improve!

This builds on funding under our Road Black Spot program – which is also increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year.

Under this program in this financial year, we’re already supporting 31 Black Spot sites across Queensland, with more than two thirds of this funding supporting projects in regional areas.

Projects like upgrading Kajabbi Road in the Cloncurry Shire – fixing a problem which often saw this road closed during wet weather.

But it’s not just roads that our local communities want to see delivered.

We obviously need safe and reliable roads to get around, because we all have somewhere to go – from work, holidaying, to catching up with family and friends.

That’s why we’re also investing in projects that bring our communities together.

Projects that unlock new jobs and economic opportunities.

We’ve introduced our Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs programs.

For the first time, a funding opportunity for everyone community – regardless of your postcode.

Projects supported through these programs will be truly region-shaping.

Out of the 40 successful projects under Round 1 of Growing Regions, nine are in Queensland.

Among them is the Agnes Water Skate Park Revitalisation at Gladstone.

This is something long called for by the community – and will really be a whole community facility, because skate parks really are for all ages.

Trust me, there’s vision on my socials to prove that!

I don’t know how good I was, but there’s vision!

In Mackay, the Regional Council will construct the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

This will be a central gathering place for the community, and really change how they come together for major events and activities.

Applications for Round 2 – now with a single stage process, which is updated after feedback from you – closed earlier this month.

A further $393 million is available, and we look forward to seeing many more amazing projects under this round!

One of the big things councils across Queensland talk to me about is housing.

It’s why we’re investing $32 billion in housing initiatives – the biggest investment in over a decade.

This will see 1.2 million new homes built over the next five years, including many in our regions.

But increasing housing supply requires collaboration and investment across all levels of government.

It’s why we launched our $1.5 billion Housing Support Program, to get enabling infrastructure underway, and build more homes sooner.

And they say imitation is the best form of flattery, and I note the Opposition have copied this program, so good on them.

$7 million is flowing to Queensland under Round 1 of our program to 16 projects, with 15 of these in regional locations.

This is where we know more people are moving to, but where we need more housing to attract and retain the workers our community needs.

Among the Queensland funding is support for precinct planning around the new Bundaberg Hospital development.

Support for developing and delivering a Townsville Housing Strategy.

Plus funding to the Torres Shire Council, to develop and deliver a Horn Island Housing Growth Master Plan.

Getting more people under a safe and secure roof starts with strengthen your planning abilities.

The second phase of this program is support for the enabling infrastructure we need to get underway.

Successful applications for those programs will be announced later this year.

I mentioned before roads getting washed away – and that’s just one of the things that happens when our communities are struck by disasters.

All of us in the room can agree that when a disaster does hit us, response and recovery is led from the local level up.

I had this experience myself as Mayor of Bega Valley Shire in NSW – where I had nine declared disasters.

Black Summer bushfires, which were only put out from extreme floods!

Ensuring communities are in the best possible position to recover, but that they’re also better prepared, is something very close to my heart.

My community is still rebuilding, as are so many across Queensland.

I’m really proud of our $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.

We not long had 165 successful projects under Round 2 this program announced nationally.

This included over $55 million for 29 local projects across Queensland.

Among them is funding for the Burke Shire towards establishing a multi-sensor warning system.

Funding towards a back-up generator for the Badu Council Administration Centre in the Torres Straits.

And funding for a 120-metre long stepped concrete seawall in Deception Bay, to replace a failed rock and shotcrete seawall.

When we work together we get more done – and this is especially the case for Disaster response and recovery.

A partnership approach has been our focus since we came to government.

You’re central to turning federal funding into local results – and I want to thank you for this.

I’d also like to thank LGAQ for your continued support of the sector, and for your advocacy.

I know there will be many productive conversations today, so I’ll let you get to it.

MIL OSI News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department repatriates 19 Vietnamese illegal immigrants to Vietnam (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

   The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out a repatriation operation today (October 23). A total of 19 Vietnamese illegal immigrants were repatriated to Vietnam. The persons removed comprised seven men and 12 women, all of whom were unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment.

   The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.

   The ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process to repatriate illegal immigrants and overstayers from Hong Kong as soon as practicable according to the actual situation through appropriate measures as necessary.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ1: Waivers of land lease restrictions of industrial buildings

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

Question:

     At present, the Lands Department allows owners of industrial building (IB) units to put their units to uses other than those permitted under the land leases through applications for waivers to temporarily relax the restrictions under the land leases. However, some owners have relayed to me that the fee for a waiver application is very high, and the original amount of the fee must be paid in the first place even if the appeal lodged by the owner against the amount of the fee is yet to be concluded. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective numbers of waiver applications in respect of IB land leases received, approved and rejected by the Government in each of the past five years; the number of approved applications for which waiver fees had been paid, as well as the respective amounts and floor areas involved; the respective numbers of appeals lodged against the amount of the waiver fee and successful appeals;

(2) whether it will enhance the mechanism of appeal against the amount of the waiver fee to allow owners to pay the fee only after the appeal has been concluded; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) given that at present, the Government has put in place an arrangement for relaxing waiver application in respect of IB land leases, under which owners are allowed to put their units to specific non-industrial uses without applying for a waiver, and such arrangement will expire on January 31, next year, whether the Government will extend or regularise the arrangement and expand the scope of the relevant specific non-industrial uses; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     Under land leases granted in earlier years, many existing industrial buildings (IB) may only be used for industrial use. In general, if owners wish to convert all or part of the units in such IBs for non-industrial uses, applications for waivers must first be made to the Lands Department (LandsD), subject to payment of a waiver fee and an administrative fee.

     With a view to encouraging the transformation of aged IBs, and making good use of the floor space of IBs in the urban area to meet the needs of economic development, the Government has rolled out concessionary measures, through exemption of waiver fees, to encourage owners to carry out wholesale conversion of IBs aged 15 years or above and situated in designated planning zones for non-industrial uses.

     If owners simply convert individual IB units for non-industrial uses, subject to compliance with the regulations of land planning and fire safety, the Government has also put in place measures to facilitate approval currently, including:

Under the policy support of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, if some units in an IB are converted for the use of operating data centres or testing and calibration laboratories, the LandsD would exempt the waiver fees payable for such units;

If the individual IB units are used for some common non-industrial uses such as office, information technology and telecommunication premises, offices for professionals, etc (Note), the LandsD has since 2003 promulgated standard rates for waiver fees for those designated uses , so as to expedite the approval process. The LandsD would make reference to market information to review and adjust the standard rates annually so as to reflect the changes in market rent;

     As for those cases where the abovementioned waiver fee exemption or standard rates are not applicable, the relevant waiver fees would be assessed and determined on a case-by-case basis under the conventional assessment mechanism. If applicants do not agree with the fees proposed by the LandsD, they may lodge an appeal with the LandsD.

     In this policy context, my reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Ng is as follows:

(1) In the past three years, the LandsD received 198 applications for waivers relating to individual IB units. Setting aside those rejected or withdrawn cases, there are 154 cases approved or under processing, over half of which, or some 80 cases, are exempted from waiver fees or are subject to calculation of waiver fees at standard rates. Among the 87 approved cases in the past three years, 31 cases are subject to individual assessment for waiver fees, including three cases in respect of which appeal on the fees have been lodged and are under processing. Details of the relevant figures are set out at Annex. Given the time constraint, the LandsD could only provide the figures for the past three years.

(2) As I mentioned earlier, the LandsD promulgates the standard rates for waiver applications for designated uses. The merit of the standard rates is to allow the applicants to know the fee calculation method upfront and decide whether to make the applications. This would help shorten the processing time. Therefore, applications calculated at standard rates are not subject to appeal.

     As for other cases under the conventional assessment mechanism, applicants may lodge an appeal against the fees assessed by the LandsD, which would consider the justifications received to make a decision. If the premises has not yet been used for the proposed non-industrial uses at the time of application, applicants do not need to pay the waiver fees immediately during the appeal period.

     If the premises has already been used for non-industrial uses at the time of application, which means that the use has already changed before the application is approved, the relevant use is indeed in breach of the user restriction of industrial use under the lease. Before accepting the appeal on waiver fees for handling, the LandsD would request the applicants to pay upfront the administrative fee and the fees already assessed by the LandsD, so as to avoid the continuation of non-compliant uses without any payment by the applicant through making an appeal. Subject to the review result, if the applicants have overpaid, the relevant amount would be deducted accordingly in the next quarter.

     Even though the above mechanism operates relatively smoothly, the Development Bureau and the LandsD would conduct a review, covering whether there is room for applying standard rates to more uses under waiver applications, and whether standards and targets can be set for the appeal procedures in terms of processing time, so as to optimise and expedite the approval procedures for facilitating businesses.

(3) To continue encouraging redevelopment and wholesale conversion of aged IBs, the Policy Address delivered last week announced the extension of an array of measures under the revitalisation scheme for IBs to end-2027, including the measures of concern to the Hon Ng as cited in the question, i.e. the conversion of individual units into the non-industrial uses designated by the Government without the need for applying for waivers in the case of those IBs that may not have been able to undergo wholesale conversion due to multiple ownership. The Government has introduced this measure (waiver measure) since 2019, permitting these units to be used for the following uses, including (a) Art Studio; (b) Office (Audio-visual Recording Studio); (c) Office (Design and Media Production); (d) Office (used by “specified creative industries” only); and (e) Research, Design and Development Centre. As no waiver application is required, no waiver fee is payable. For public safety, the designated non-industrial uses under the waiver measure should not involve any uses or activities with direct provision of services or goods, to prevent attracting the public to visit buildings that still have industrial activities..

Note: Designated non-industrial/non-residential uses are: (1) headquarters or back-office operations; (2) offices for professional consultants, such as architects, engineers, surveyors, planning consultants, solicitors and accountants; (3) offices for business services, such as advertising agencies, management consultants, public relations agencies and interior/graphic designers; (4) information technology and telecommunications industries; (5) cargo handling and forwarding facilities; (6) recyclable collection centres; and (7) such other uses for non-industrial/non-residential purposes not involving direct provision of customer services or goods to the general public.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Meet Hedwige Lauwaert, who supported NATO’s media relations for more than 25 years

Source: NATO

During her long career at NATO, Hedwige Lauwaert served as the principal assistant to four NATO Spokespersons. In this behind-the-scenes role, she helped the Alliance communicate with thousands of international journalists – and witnessed turning points in NATO history, such as the accession of the first countries from the former Eastern Bloc in 1999, NATO’s operation Allied Force conducted in March 1999 to halt the humanitarian catastrophe that was then unfolding in Kosovo, and the invocation of Article 5 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States.

The journey to NATO’s press office

Hedwige was born in the Belgian city of Ninove in 1950, just a year after Belgium became a founding member of NATO. She studied modern languages and worked for 12 years in the private sector, for air transportation and engineering companies, before applying for a job at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

Hedwige’s journey at NATO started in 1984, when she joined the International Military Staff at the Allied Long Lines Agency (ALLA). ALLA’s mission was to ensure telecommunication services in times of conflict and peace, and to provide support to NATO and the Allies in commercial procurement.

After one year of working in ALLA, Hedwige transferred to a new role in NATO’s Office of Information and Press, where she was part of the team in charge of organising visits to NATO Headquarters and offering group briefings to students, opinion makers, government officials and academics in English, French and Dutch. Additionally, she assisted the Dutch Liaison Officer in organising visits and conferences for groups from the Netherlands.

“When I worked in the Visits Section, I realised how important communication was for NATO’s image. It was a difficult time for the Alliance because of the protests against the storage of cruise missiles on European military bases in the 1980s and nuclear activism demonstrations, so when I was offered the position of personal assistant to soon-to-be Spokesperson Jamie Shea at the Press Office, I accepted it immediately.”

Working with the NATO Spokespersons

From 1995 to 2011, Hedwige served as the principal assistant to the NATO Spokesperson, working with Jamie Shea, Yves Brodeur, James Appathurai and Oana Lungescu. Hedwige’s main role was to organise interviews for the Spokesperson, the NATO Secretary General and other NATO officials with journalists and media outlets from all over the world, and to accompany the Spokesperson to NATO summits and ministerial meetings abroad.

During her sixteen years working for the NATO Spokesperson, Hedwige witnessed key episodes in the Alliance’s history. One particularly challenging moment was the Kosovo crisis in 1999. The pace of work was relentless, with daily press conferences, non-stop calls, long working hours and a considerable amount of stress as Spokesperson Jamie Shea explained NATO’s intervention over a 78-day air campaign to halt the humanitarian catastrophe.

“The Kosovo crisis was probably the most intense period of my career at NATO. Every day felt like a summit day. At the time, our offices were located in the entrance hall of the press building, and journalists would constantly approach us until a Media Operations Centre was created in the secure zone.”

Another key event of 1999 was NATO’s 50th anniversary summit in Washington, D.C. – where the North Atlantic Treaty had been signed in 1949.

“I remember this meeting as being quite historical, because the Heads of State and Government of the new NATO members – Czechia, Hungary and Poland – were participating in their first NATO summit meeting,” Hedwige recalls. “This was also the time when I first visited the CNN studios, where I met my media contact for many years to come.”

The 9/11 terrorist attacks

The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a turning point in NATO’s history. Hedwige remembers the moment she learned about the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York City and the never-ending night when the crisis team scrambled to understand what had happened, with no sustenance other than leftover birthday cake.

“Then-Spokesperson Yves Brodeur had just briefed a group of Finnish journalists when he returned to the office and told me to turn on the TV to see the images of the plane impact. Essential staff were required to stay working that night while all catering facilities were closed on the premises. It also happened to be the birthday of Jamie Shea, at the time the Director of Information and Press, and his cake was the only thing to eat all evening and night, and it had to be shared with approximately 20 people.”

Over the following days and weeks, Hedwige supported the Spokesperson and the Secretary General as they communicated NATO’s response to the world – including the invocation of Article 5 for the first time in NATO’s history.

During her time as contact point for international journalists, Hedwige learned about some of the professional difficulties they faced, particularly when it came to covering NATO’s meetings abroad. For this reason, on the occasion of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Reykjavik in May 2002, Hedwige established a partnership with the Belgian Ministry of Defence that allowed her to use one of their planes as a means of transportation for journalists to such events. Hedwige’s creativity and innovation were commended by Secretary General Lord Robertson with NATO’s Award of Excellence, a recognition dedicated to honouring the professionalism of hard-working NATO staff members.

Life after NATO

Hedwige retired from NATO in 2011 and currently lives in Provence, France. She has become a keen gardener and helps to organise visits to the gardens in the region for the organisation ‘Mediterranean Gardening France’.

Hedwige Lauwaert’s message for the Alliance’s 75th anniversary

“It is probably a cliché, but I hope that NATO will be around for another 75 years, and longer, to make sure that future generations will live in peace.

There have always been difficult periods in NATO’s history, and frequently its relevance was put into question, but in the current hostile world, NATO is the only guarantee to stability and hopefully peace.”

This article is part of the 75th anniversary #WeAreNATO series.

These interviews feature former NATO staff members who share their personal stories and first-hand experiences related to the Alliance’s key moments and historic turning points, such as the Cold War and 1989, the first out-of-area missions, partnerships, 9/11 and more.

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Kaspersky uncovers new Grandoreiro light variant, the threat also expands to Asia and Africa
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 23, 2024/APO Group/ —

Despite the arrest of important operators in early 2024, Grandoreiro continues to be used by its partners in new campaigns. Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis team (GReAT) (www.Kaspersky.co.za) has discovered a new light version focused on Mexico targeting around 30 banks. These findings are to be highlighted at the Security Analyst Summit (SAS) 2024. Remaining one of the most active threats globally and targeting users of more than 1,700 banks, Grandoreiro variants account for around five percent of banking trojan attacks this year. Mexico is one of the most targeted countries by various Grandoreiro strains, including the new light version, seeing 51,000 recorded incidents this year.

Kaspersky data indicates Grandoreiro has been active since 2016. In 2024, the threat targets more than 1,700 financial institutions and 276 cryptocurrency wallets across 45 countries and territories, lastly adding Asia and Africa to the list of its targets, making it a truly global financial threat. Among countries affected in Africa are Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda.

After assisting an INTERPOL-coordinated action, which has led to Brazilian authorities arresting (http://apo-opa.co/3BUqgrb) operators behind a Grandoreiro banking trojan operation, Kaspersky discovered that the group’s codebase has been split into lighter, fragmented versions of the trojan, to continue its attacks. Recent analysis has identified a specific light version focused primarily on Mexico, which has been used to target approximately 30 financial institutions. The creators likely have access to the source code and are launching new campaigns using the simplified legacy malware.

“All the recent developments underscore the evolving nature of the threat. Fragmented and lighter versions may represent a trend that could extend beyond Mexico and into other regions, including beyond Latin America. However, we believe that only some trusted affiliates have access to the malware source code to develop such lighter versions. Grandoreiro operates differently from the traditional ‘Malware-as-a-Service’ model we are accustomed to. You won’t find announcements on underground forums selling the Grandoreiro package; instead, access to it appears to be limited,” explains Fabio Assolini, head of the Latin American (GReAT) at Kaspersky.

Multiple variants of Grandoreiro, including the new light version and the primary malware, accounted for approximately five percent of global banking trojan attacks detected by Kaspersky in 2024, making it one of the most active threats worldwide. Kaspersky has also analysed the newer samples of the primary Grandoreiro from 2024, and observed new tactics. It records mouse activity to mimic real user patterns, aiming to evade detection by machine learning-based security systems that analyse behaviour. By replaying natural mouse movements, the malware aims to trick anti-fraud tools into seeing the activity as legitimate.

Additionally, Grandoreiro has adopted a cryptographic technique known as Ciphertext Stealing (CTS), which Kaspersky has never seen being used in malware. In this case, its aim is to encrypt the malicious code strings. “Grandoreiro has a large and complex structure, which would make it easier for security tools or analysts to detect if its strings were not encrypted. This is likely why they introduced this new technique – to complicate the detection and analysis of their attacks,” Fabio Assolini elaborated.

To protect from financial malware, Kaspersky security experts recommend organisations to:
- Enable a Default Deny policy for critical user profiles, particularly those in financial departments; this ensures that only legitimate web resources can be accessed.
- Provide cybersecurity awareness training (http://apo-opa.co/4e3nlKa) to staff, especially to employees responsible for accounting, that includes instructions on how to detect phishing pages.
- Use protection solutions for mail servers with anti-phishing capabilities such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server, to decrease the chance of infection through a phishing email.
While banks should educate its customers, individuals are advised to:
- Never open links or documents included in unexpected or suspicious-looking messages. Be attentive to web pages – from the right web address to details of interface.
- Use a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium (http://apo-opa.co/4dWrbEW), that protect digital assets from a wide range of financial cyberthreats.
- Install only applications obtained from reliable sources.
- Refrain from approving rights or permissions requested by applications without first ensuring they match the application’s feature set.
- Install the latest updates and patches for all software used.
Read more on Securelist (http://apo-opa.co/3C4N5bD). The comprehensive Grandoreiro analysis and overview is to be presented by GReAT at Kaspersky’s sixteenth Security Analyst Summit (SAS) (http://apo-opa.co/3BPHtly), which takes place from October 22-25, 2024, in Bali.

MIL OSI Africa –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Flock is a refreshing play about the complex reality of growing up in care

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eva A Sprecher, Research Fellow in Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, UCL

Flock follows Robbie (Jamie Ankrah) and his older sister Cel (Gabriella Leonardi).
Playing On, CC BY

There are over 100,000 children and young people living in care in the UK, either with foster carers, in residential children’s homes or in other settings. Flock, currently playing at the Soho Theatre in London before embarking on a UK tour, follows the lives of two young people who have spent time in care, Robbie (Jamie Ankrah) and his older sister Cel (Gabriella Leonardi).

The play was written by Lin Coughlan and directed by Jim Pope after three years of development with Raising the Roof, a project working with young people aged 16-25 who have lived in care, to develop fictional narratives informed by their own lives.

The voices of young people who have lived in care give this play its beating heart. And they’re also vitally important for authentic representation of first-hand care-stories that are notably missing in mainstream media.

Historically, characters who have grown up in the care system tend to be represented as villains or criminals in popular culture. Think Paul Spector in The Fall, or Loki from the Marvel universe. Exceptions can be found in many heroes in the Marvel comics created by Stan Lee, like Spider-Man or Daredevil.

Researchers who have first-hand experience of the care system have commented on the prevalence of stigmatising narratives around “damage” and negative stereotypes associated with experience of care, alongside idealised “happy-ever-after” foundling stories.

Important work is being done to archive the work of creators with experience of the care system and to capture a variety of care stories. However, nuanced work taking into account the complexity of going through the care system is rare and public attitudes reflect harmful misconceptions about young people living in care.

Trailer for the touring production of Flock.

In England, it’s estimated that at least one in three children who enter care are separated from their siblings. In Flock, Robbie is desperately waiting for his 18th birthday, when he hopes he will be able to live reunited with his sister Cel.

While Robbie and Cel are not living together, they find ways to connect – taking trips to McDonalds or going bowling. Maintaining connections with siblings, while sometimes complex, can make a big difference to supporting the sense of belonging, mental health and wellbeing experienced by young people in care.

Cel is one of the only people who shares Robbie’s memories of his nan and their valued moments with her before coming into care. There is evidence that sibling separation has a long-lasting impact for adults with experience of care, associated with complicated feelings of loss. However, when planning for young people’s living arrangements, sibling reunification or connection is not always prioritised.

Young carers and their siblings

Sibling reunification is not always easy. While Cel loves Robbie, she often feels more like his parent, and the responsibility of supporting him to manage his emotions while she is still a child weighs heavily on her. Cel might be described as a young carer, taking on daily tasks and personal care for her sibling when adults were not able to do so.

While young carers who have spent time caring for a sibling do often express feeling more resourceful, greater responsibility and prioritising their sibling’s needs can impact their own wellbeing. Cel dreams of going to university and the freedom of leaving her responsibility as an older sister, even as she loves Robbie and wants the best for him.

Cel is not the only person that Robbie can rely on. He also has a strong connection with his best friend Miko (Deshaye Gayle) and somewhat reluctantly meets with his personal advisor, Mrs Bosely (Jennifer Daley). As Robbie’s relationship with Cel comes under threat, these connections become especially important.

Coming into care can cause disruption to more than sibling relationships. Children often lose touch with family, friends and communities and often move school and neighbourhood. Most young people living in care, like Robbie, have had difficult and possibly traumatic early experiences before, during and after moving into care.

After difficult early experiences, some young people may experience changes to their brain and behaviour that allows them to survive loss, neglect or abuse. These adaptations may look like an increased alertness to danger or an unwillingness to trust others.

While these changes may help children stay safe when living in unsafe circumstances, they might also make it harder to maintain close relationships. This negative impact of these understandable adaptations on relationships is called “social thinning”. At moments, Robbie’s mistrust is clear – when he fears that Miko is only his friend out of pity or when he finds it hard to accept any support Bosely offers him. However, we also see that the consistent, warm and understanding support of Miko and Bosely helps Robbie to stay connected in his lowest moments.

This play represents both the very difficult experiences of young people living in care, alongside real moments of joy, strength, hope and connection. Flock provides a refreshing and much-needed story of the complex reality of the lives of young people living in care in the UK, putting real voices at its centre.

Flock is on at the Soho Theatre, London until November 2, when it embarks on a UK tour.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

Eva A Sprecher does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Flock is a refreshing play about the complex reality of growing up in care – https://theconversation.com/flock-is-a-refreshing-play-about-the-complex-reality-of-growing-up-in-care-241620

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump’s messaging is becoming more extreme, a mathematician explains

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dorje C. Brody, Professor of Mathematics, University of Surrey

“Talk about extreme.” That was the response of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at September’s televised debate, after her rival, Donald Trump, made the baseless claim that migrants had been eating the dogs and cats of their neighbours in Springfield, Ohio.

Despite mounting criticism, Trump doubled down on the accusation. Likewise, during the more recent vice-presidential debate, Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, falsely claimed that the migrants in Springfield are illegal.

The arrival of hurricanes Milton and Helene then gave them more opportunities to disseminate disinformation. Trump’s team attacked the government over its response to the disaster, claiming that government money earmarked for disaster victims has been spent on migrants who crossed illegally into the US.

“Kamala spent all her Fema [Federal Emergency Management Agency] money – billions of dollars – on housing for illegal migrants”, Trump said at a rally in Michigan. This point was also repeated by Vance in an opinion piece on October 8 in the Wall Street Journal.

The claim is false. But does it make sense for Trump’s team to spread such extreme disinformation? Mathematical analysis suggests it can.

The positions of the candidates on the various issues, such as migration, can be represented on the political spectrum from the left to the right. It is fair to say that Trump places himself at the right end of the spectrum, while Harris sits at the centre.

If you are at the far end of the spectrum, left or right, then you want to move people as far in your direction as possible. So, given that these days, in the US at least, there appear to be no consequences for disseminating disinformation, you want your messages to be extreme.

By consistently hyping up the dangers of migrants, for example, more voters will start feeling that something needs to be done, even if they have never encountered an issue themselves.

Indeed, mathematical models show that the probability of a candidate positioned at the end of the spectrum winning an election can, at least theoretically, reach 100%, if the messages are nothing but extreme. The same does not apply to a candidate positioned in the middle.

We have seen this effect manifesting itself in the recent elections in Germany and France. Unless the public already has a strong appetite for the centre ground, which was the case for July’s general election in the UK, positions at the centre are often precarious.

The path to victory for Harris therefore remains steep. But there are means for an effective counteroffensive.

Clear communication

Political messages have two purposes: communicating where the candidate stands on the various issues, and making the voters feel that those positions are desirable. We can apply the mathematics of communication, which explains our cognitive response to digesting information, to infer the impact of political messages.

In particular, we can study how different messages on a given issue combine and interact. This, of course, only concerns voters who consume a variety of information sources, as opposed to those confined to an information echo chamber.

For those who consume both Democratic and Republican messages, the effect of combining them can be subtle. But, in many cases, they combine in an additive way with some weights on each message.

You can think of it as a weighted average of the two information sources. For example, if Harris says one thing and Trump says something opposite on a particular issue, then the net effect is each message muting the other slightly.

So, if Trump says the illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield are eating people’s pets, and Harris says the migrants are there legally and are not eating anyone’s pets, then people might come to the conclusion that, while there may be illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield, they may not be eating pets.

However, in some cases, one of the weights can take a negative value. This means that rather than adding them, the receiver of the two messages will subtract them. When this happens, the effect of that message is unexpectedly reversed.

For example, when clear and convincing evidence of the legal status of the migrants in Springfield is presented, the prevailing noise about their pet-eating habits will, in anything, strengthen people’s belief that the claim is false.

This can happen when the message from Harris is sufficiently loud and clear. Importantly, this does not mean Harris should loudly deny the disinformation. Provided that Harris sticks to her own messages in a clear and transparent manner, the mathematics of communication predicts that disinformation can turn itself against its spreader, for the following reasons.

The idea, roughly speaking, goes as follows. Suppose that a recipient of the messages is unaware of the prevalence of disinformation, and that there is a considerable gap between the unsubstantiated disinformation and reliable information, with the latter being communicated very clearly.

In this situation, communication theory shows that the receiver will dismiss disinformation more strongly than someone who is aware of the prevalence of disinformation.

It is reminiscent of the Japanese martial art judo where the ultimate aim is to use your opponent’s momentum, rather than your own force.

Disinformation should be challenged. And, indeed, both Harris and her predecessor Joe Biden have come out to condemn Trump’s “onslaught of lies” in relation to the two hurricanes.

But merely focusing on challenging disinformation is counterproductive. What is more important is for their own message to be communicated loud and clear.

No crystal ball can tell us whether the Democrats will retain the White House in November. But simply repeating the point that Trump is a threat to democracy, as Biden was prone to do, will not cut it.

Dorje C. Brody has received funding from UKRI.

– ref. Why Trump’s messaging is becoming more extreme, a mathematician explains – https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-messaging-is-becoming-more-extreme-a-mathematician-explains-239421

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Donanemab licensed for early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients who have one or no copies of apolipoprotein E4 gene
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 23 October 2024, approved a licence for the medicine donanemab (Kisunla) for use in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, following a thorough review of the benefits and risks.
Donanemab works by removing a sticky protein called beta-amyloid from the brain that is believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease, and in the trials conducted the medicine showed some evidence of efficacy in slowing its progression.

As for any new medicine, this decision was made with expert scientific advice on the benefit risk of donanemab from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the government’s independent advisory body.

Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

Licensing medicines which meet acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy is a key priority for us.

We’re assured that, together with the conditions of the licence approval, the appropriate regulatory standards for this medicine have been met.

As with all medical products, we will keep its safety under close review, and with a safety study to be undertaken after licensing, we will ensure that the benefit risk of donanemab is closely followed up post-authorisation.

Donanemab is approved to treat adults in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who have one or no copies of the apolipoprotein E4 gene (ApoE4). A person can have no copies, one copy or two of this gene. Approximately 15% of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have two copies of this gene, known as homozygous patients, and are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, while people with one copy also have an increased risk.

The patient’s doctor will perform testing to make sure that donanemab is right for them.

Donanemab was evaluated in a main study (Phase III Study TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2) involving 1,736 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease who had mild cognitive impairment, mild dementia and evidence of amyloid pathology. The patients in the study also had evidence of a protein called ‘tau’ in their brain which is involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

The study looked at changes in patients’ brain cognition and function, measured by clinical tools such as the integrated Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (iADRS). Other tools used included the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale – Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), ADAS-Cog13, and ADCS-iADL. These tools are used by doctors to measure Alzheimer’s disease and were measured at the start (baseline) and then throughout the study.

In this study, the patients received either 700 mg donanemab every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then 1400 mg every 4 weeks (860 patients) or placebo (a dummy infusion, 876 patients) for up to 72 weeks.

At week 76 of the study, patients treated with donanemab had statistically significantly less clinical progression in their Alzheimer’s disease compared to patients that were treated with the placebo. This was assessed by change in iADRS score from baseline. Patients with low to medium levels of tau protein showed 35% slowing of clinical progression which equated to 4.4 months of delay in disease progression. In the overall population treated with donanemab, there was a 22% slowing of clinical progression, translating to a 1.4-month delay in disease progression.

Donanemab treatment in both carriers and non-carriers was associated with less decline on iADRS and CDR-SB scores and a significant reduction in amyloid plaque compared with placebo (this is consistent with previous data from phase 2 for carriers but not for non-carriers which previously were not seen to benefit). However, among carriers, the reduced decline in iADRS and CDR-SB was driven by those with one ApoE4 gene. Those with two ApoE4 genes did not demonstrate a significant slowing in decline. Reduction in amyloid plaque was observed regardless of the number of ApoE4 genes an individual had, but the reduction was smaller among those with two ApoE4 genes.

ApoE4 homozygous patients who received donanemab were also at higher risk of developing Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIAs), which are most commonly seen as temporary swelling in one or more areas of the brain (ARIA-E) or small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain (ARIA-H).

The CHM therefore advised that the risk benefit of donanemab was favourable in the patients who were ApoE4 non-carriers or heterozygous but not in the homozygous group, and that testing for the ApoE4 gene should be carried out before treatment.

Use of donanemab in patients who are on anticoagulants (blood thinners, including warfarin) or have been diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) on MRI before starting treatment is contraindicated as the risks in these patients are considered to outweigh the benefits.

Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody which binds to a protein called amyloid beta in Alzheimer’s disease, where clumps of amyloid beta protein form plaques in the brain. Donanemab works by binding to these clumps and reducing them, therefore slowing the progression of the disease.

The recommended dose of donanemab is 1400mg, with the patient receiving this dose once every four weeks in a healthcare setting. When starting treatment, the patient will initially receive a 700mg dose every week for the first three rounds of treatment. Donanemab is administered intravenously, with each infusion lasting at least 30 minutes. The total duration of treatment should not exceed 18 months.

The most common side effects of the medicine are infusion-related reactions (which can cause fever and flu-like symptoms), headaches and ARIA.

In placebo-controlled studies, the incidence of ARIA was lower in non-carriers (24.1% donanemab vs 11.3% placebo) and heterozygotes (37.4% donanemab vs 13.4% placebo) than in homozygotes (58.3% donanemab vs 21.3% placebo).

Among patients treated with donanemab, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 4.1% of non-carriers and 6.1% of heterozygotes compared with 7.7% of homozygotes. Serious events of ARIA occurred in approximately 0.7% of non-carriers, 1.7% heterozygotes and 3% of homozygotes. Among patients treated with donanemab, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-E was lower in non-carriers 1.0% (3/291) and heterozygotes 2.1% (11/522) compared to homozygotes 4.2% (7/168). The rate of severe radiographic ARIA-H was lower in non-carriers 4.5% (13/291) and heterozygotes 9.2% (48/522) compared to homozygotes 24.4% (41/168).

A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website.

As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of donanemab under close review. To promote safe and effective use and keep the safety and efficacy of donanemab under close review, initiation of treatment in any patients will be through a central registration system implemented as part of a controlled access programme.

A post-authorisation safety study will be conducted to investigate the safety and benefit-risk profile of donanemab in routine clinical practice, particularly in relation to incidence and severity of ARIAs and intracerebral haemorrhage, and long-term safety.

Additional risk minimisation activities will be implemented for donanemab. These activities include the following:

educational materials for prescribers and radiologists on important safety risks related to the use of donanemab such as ARIA-E ARIA-H and intracerebral haemorrhage >1 cm

a patient card designed to enhance the awareness and knowledge of patients and caregivers about the safety concerns with donanemab as well as inform physicians of ARIA differential in an emergency setting.

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme website or via the Yellow Card app available on Google Play or Apple App stores.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The authorisation for donanemab was granted on 23 October 2024 to Eli Lilly.

More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) advises ministers on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicinal products. CHM is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

For media enquiries, please contact the news centre on 020 3080 7651 or newscentre@mhra.gov.uk

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Published 23 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City council celebrates the contribution of children of foster carers
Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Wednesday, 23rd October 2024
The city council held a Kids of Carers Celebration Day last weekend to thank all the children in Stoke-on-Trent who welcome children into their home.

It’s part of the city council celebrating The Fostering Network’s Children of Foster Carers Month, a UK-wide campaign to celebrate the significant contribution of children of foster carers to successful foster care. It marks the importance of the children of foster carers and the vital role they play in the lives of fostered children.

The Kids of Carers group offers support to foster carers’ own children and thanks them for all that they do. It recognises that being the child of a foster parents means sharing your home and family and welcoming another child into your life.

Lauren, aged 15, said: “I think Kids of Carers makes the kids of foster parents feel valued and appreciated and is also a good opportunity to speak with other people who understand what it like living in a fostering family with fostered children. It’s also nice to meet other people who are doing the same thing.”

Tia, aged 11, said: “I have been part of Kids of Carers for over 4 years now and I have enjoyed meeting other children that also foster and everybody is so friendly. I enjoy all the activities and know that there is always somebody I can talk too if I need too. I would encourage all children to and meet new friends and have a good time with people that understand fostering.”

Daisy aged 15, said: “I wanted to start Kids of Carers due to how much fun my older sister had when she was there. When dropping her off to all the fun activities, I was so excited when I was seven so I could join.

“When I first started I was scared but I was made to feel welcome and I really enjoyed it. I met so many amazing people who were in the same boat as me and understood what it was like fostering – something I had never experienced before and it was so lovely. I highly recommend everyone going, as I have been going for 8 years now and it is so good every time and if you join you will never regret it.”

Kole aged 13, said: “I enjoy Kids of Carers because you get to meet new people, and Marie and her team always make you feel special. We get to do fun things that are just for us.”

Kids of Carers thanks children for their support through activities and days out including:

Bowling

Games

Craft activities

Trips to football matches

… and much more.

New initiatives in the city like higher skills payments and grants for adaptations to home to make them suitable for fostering mean that more people in the city can now foster. Here, there is no typical foster carer and Stoke-on-Trent City Council fostering team is keen to hear from anyone who wants to find out more about opening their heart and home to a child.

We encourage applications from all people who want to make a difference to children regardless of age, gender, religious, or cultural background, sexual orientation or relationship status. We are looking for people from all walks of life whether you are interested in fostering full time, or can only offer short breaks or emergency care.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services said: “I’d like to thank all the children and young people who welcome children into their homes. We know it’s not always easy to share your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles so we want to give you a huge thank you. We want to support you all as much as possible through things like our support group, Kids of Carers.

“We’re always on the look out for more foster carers to enable more children to be cared for locally in a supportive home environment. I’d urge anyone who has a spare bedroom and wants to make a difference to the lives of children in Stoke-on-Trent to consider fostering. As a city council we’re committed to reducing the number of children in care and finding children safe, loving homes.”

Anyone who would like to know more about becoming a foster carer in Stoke-on-Trent can visit https://fostering.stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 234555.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Area Energy Plan adopted by Lancaster City Council Lancaster City Council has adopted a pioneering new strategy that aims to shape future energy planning, reduce carbon emissions and support economic prosperity.
Source: City of Lancaster

Lancaster City Council has adopted a pioneering new strategy that aims to shape future energy planning, reduce carbon emissions and support economic prosperity.

Front cover of the Local Area Energy Plan

On Tuesday (October 22) the council’s cabinet approved a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), which sets out a long-term vision for decarbonising the district by 2040 and looks beyond the council’s own 2030 target for its direct activities.

The LAEP sets out the changes required to transition the Lancaster district energy system and built environment to net zero while also addressing fuel poverty. It details what changes are required, where, when and by whom.

It also provides a high-level overview of the likely scale of investment that will be required to achieve net zero.

This includes:
- Domestic fabric upgrades – 38,000 domestic properties (approximately 54% of all buildings) are recommended to be retrofitted with fabric upgrade measures
- Low carbon heating – installing heat pumps to 52,000 – 65,000 and having approximately 75% of non-domestic building floorspace being heated by heat pumps in the future
- Installation of electric vehicle charge points – The LAEP recommends the deployment of up to 1,250 public charge points to plug the gaps. It is estimated that 45% of households will not have the ability to charge at home
- Local renewable generation – The district has a significant opportunity to generate renewable energy locally from solar PV and onshore wind. Up to 575 GWh of annual generation is recommended
- Energy Networks: The plan illustrates the importance of investment in the electricity network to ensure there is capacity for the rapid growth of low carbon technologies. The council has been working closely with Electricity North-West to develop the LAEP
Councillor Paul Stubbins, cabinet member with responsibility for climate action, said: “The city council set itself an ambitious target to decarbonise its services by 2030 and we are well on the way to delivering on that aim.

“The next step is to set out how the whole district can transition to a low carbon future, and that’s what the LAEP is all about. But it’s not just a blueprint for reducing emissions, it’s a vision for a sustainable future and supporting the local economy.

“The city council will need to collaborate closely with key local stakeholders along the way but this is an exciting start to delivering a net zero district.”

To find out more about the plan visit Lancaster.gov.uk/laep .

Last updated: 23 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth speech at Inclusion Australia 70th Anniversary Dinner
Source: Ministers for Social Services

23 October 2024

E&OE

Good evening everyone.

It’s my pleasure to be joining you tonight as we celebrate 70 years of Inclusion Australia.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wurundjeri people, and pay my respects to elders past and present.

I would also like to acknowledge:
- Felicity Crowther (Chair of the Inclusion Australia Board and Executive Director of the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID)), and
- Catherine McAlpine (CEO of Inclusion Australia)
- Those here from other organisations who have contributed to the success of Inclusion Australia
- Advocates in the room
- And particularly people with intellectual disability and their families and carers
Tonight is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation to create a more inclusive society for people with intellectual disability, and Inclusion Australia’s critical role in this- but also to recognise how far we still have to go.

As an organisation whose focus is about increasing the voices of people with intellectual disability and supporting them to represent themselves – Inclusion Australia has, and continues, to play a critical role in this space.

Tonight is a night of celebration!

I would like to wish a very happy birthday to Inclusion Australia and congratulate you on 70 years of working alongside the disability community to amplify the voices of people with intellectual disability.

What began in 1954 as a group of family and friends of people with disability has since grown to become the national peak body for intellectual disability, and one of Australia’s longest-standing disability advocacy organisations.

What you have achieved over the past 7 decades has been nothing short of remarkable.

And what’s more is that you’ve ensured people with intellectual disability have been at the centre of everything you do.

From helping to steer the introduction of Australia’s first disability discrimination laws, to what you do now in advocating for inclusive education and employment and supported decision making, you’ve truly been pioneers and built strong relationships across communities and with Government to achieve change.

Tonight, I want to talk about the importance of the advocacy work organisations like Inclusion Australia do for our community.

Inclusion Australia has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the issues that are important to people with intellectual disability – ensuring that your perspectives and ideas are incorporated into Government policy responses.

Whether this is about making sure people with disability can make their own decisions with the right support, reducing the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disability, or making mainstream services and the broader community more inclusive and accessible – Inclusion Australia play a key role in educating the Government, organisations and businesses about the barriers people with intellectual disability can face.

But importantly, Inclusion Australia provide ideas and solutions to break down these barriers, challenge stereotypes and build the confidence of organisations and services to be truly inclusive.

And in undertaking your work, people with intellectual disability are at the centre of driving change – with people with intellectual disability leading Government and community engagement and education.

We know how important advocacy is in promoting the rights and freedoms of people with disability.

And that is why our Government has recognised Inclusion Australia as a standalone national peak organisation – and this does need to be recognised because you play a vital role to ensure people with intellectual disability have their needs met and can make choices about the way they want to live their lives.

In the past, people with intellectual disability have experienced really significant exclusion and exploitation and haven’t been included in conversations about the things that impact them – and unfortunately these experiences are still too common. As Minister for Social Services, I am committed to working alongside Inclusion Australia and people with intellectual disability to change this.

One of the ways our Government is supporting change is through increasing funding to Inclusion Australia as a Disability Representative Organisation.

But we also know that there are other important ways we can empower people with intellectual disability to self-advocate and support social connections.

I’ve heard many times how important peer support is for people with intellectual disability and that connecting with people like them to get advice and tips and ideas helps them to break down barriers that exist across society so they can live independently and fully participate in society.

I often hear it’s about the “I get you” factor that really makes a difference.

Everyone here knows how important lived experience is and that is why we are investing in peer support and self-advocacy activities for people with intellectual disability.

These programs are an important way we help people with disability and their families to build knowledge, skills and confidence and connect with their local communities.

Because we want to make Australia more inclusive and for each Australian with disability to be supported to reach their goals.

We know that change can only happen when the voices, perspectives and ideas of the people with intellectual disability are a part of the conversation.

And we will continue to listen to Inclusion Australia to understand how we can best work together to create a more inclusive society – because inclusion creates more opportunities and benefits everyone.

One area that for too long people with intellectual disability haven’t been given equal opportunities is in employment. For too long supported employment has been seen as the only option available.

And that is why creating more opportunities for people with disability in employment is a key area I have focused on since becoming Minister for Social Services.

And I share this focus with Inclusion Australia – who have worked consistently and constructively across the sector and with government to improve employment outcomes for people with intellectual disability and provide more opportunities in open employment and career progression.

As a Government we want to make sure people with disability, including those with intellectual disability understand the different employment options available to them and understand their rights at work.

We are doing this by providing employment-related advocacy and information through a new Disability Employment Advocacy and Information Program.

Advice about employment will be provided through group workshops and information sessions, and people will have access to individual advocacy for specific employment issues when it is needed.

We also want to make sure there a lots of different employment pathways available for people with intellectual disability, with more opportunities to move into open employment and build careers. Which is why we are investing in projects to evolve the supported employment sector.

And to make sure people with intellectual disability have more opportunities to succeed in employment of their choice, we have expanded eligibility under our new specialist disability employment program that starts in July next year so that volunteers and people who can work less than 8 hours per week can participate.

Because people deserve to be able to take advantage of a diverse range of opportunities and should not be excluded from our specialist disability employment program – because that is not inclusive and that’s why we are changing this.

And this is a key change I know that Inclusion Australia has been advocating for, for many years – as one of the ways to create more pathways and opportunities for open employment.

And I look forward to continuing to work with you as we reform the employment system for people with disability.

In all of these areas we have been working with Inclusion Australia and their member organisation, who have played a big role in creating change for people with intellectual disability in all parts of Australia.

I join with you in celebrating the work Inclusion Australia does to support people with intellectual disability to speak up and be heard.

Thank you for this critical work you do to create a better future for people with intellectual disability.

I look forward to the positive changes we will make together.

And I hope you all enjoy the rest of the evening, especially on the dancefloor.

MIL OSI News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/BAHRAIN – “Finding Beauty in the Other: Inclusion and Humanitarian Service Among Believers. The Example of the Trinitarian Order”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Wednesday, 23 October 2024

AB

Manama (Agenzia Fides) – “Mutual respect and coexistence are possible, even when the region is going through difficult times and inter-community tensions”, said the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., at the international congress ‘Finding Beauty in the Other: Inclusion and Humanitarian Service Among Believers’ just concluded at the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence in Manama, during which authorities from the institutional, academic, diplomatic and religious world discussed the theme of inclusion and dialogue in an era of conflict.“On the occasion of the 825th anniversary of the Rule of the Catholic Order of the Holy Trinity, O.SS.T., my appointment as Apostolic Vicar in this part of the Gulf, which includes Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, based on our history and the important documents of the past and the present time, we thought of organizing this International Congress highlighting a practice and a dialogue that has crossed the centuries,” said Bishop Berardi.Among the objectives of the congress, the speakers and participants presented the example of collaboration between Christians and Muslims that can help today in the search for sincere relationships between believers of different religions; as well as the proposal of a concrete commitment to dialogue and peace as well as cooperation between the congress itself and the various institutions that support dialogue and peaceful coexistence, such as the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.“This – continues the Apostolic Vicar – is not another conference on interreligious dialogue, but an exchange that connects knowledge of the past, re-reads history and seeks to point out values for greater inclusive and concrete collaboration. The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, founded in a time of conflict and misunderstanding between civilizations, wanted to respond with a peaceful and dialogical practice. Violence cannot be responded to forever with violence, which leads to more violence, destruction and death. There are other possible paths. New paths to discover or inventBut it is necessary to have a peaceful heart and a mind open to dialogue. We must discover the beauty of the other and in the other. Inclusion and humanitarian service are possible among believers who are rooted in a vibrant tradition and deep spirituality. ”“The good relations maintained between the Apostolic Vicariate of North Arabia and the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence allowed the visit of Pope Francis to Bahrain but also mutual respect and excellent collaboration,” remarked Berardi.“In the light of history and the current situation, our Congress therefore seeks to identify the values that unite us, to detect what leads to hatred and rejection of the other, to promote a discourse of peace and respect that builds bridges between cultures and religions. A fraternal model is needed and can help in the education of the new generation. Everyone will contribute to the construction of the edifice which is intended to be the home of all.”Berardi insisted on making ideals and wishes concrete, moving from words to deeds, and proposing a project of common utility at the service of the good of the communities. “The Congress is the result of this collaboration and I would like to thank the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence for its support, logistics, professionalism and reflection.”“Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa El Khalifa, Bahrain has been and continues to be a witness to the possible dialogue between religions and philosophies. Through mutual respect for beliefs and mutual dialogue, we can build a more fraternal world where everyone can find their place in peace,” the Apostolic Vicar concluded.Key points of the Congress concluded yesterday, October 22, 2024, and proposed by Bishop Berardi last January on the occasion of a meeting of the Board of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence (see Fides, 31/1/2024), were the Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain, signed by King Hamad on July 3, 2017, as a global document for religious freedoms, and the hosting by the Kingdom of many international conferences and events, the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, in 2019, the visit of Pope Francis in November 2022.As reported at the beginning, another highlight of the event was the celebration of the 825th anniversary of the birth of an Order of religious (1198 / 595H), non-military and completely unarmed, with the aim of freeing prisoners of holy wars: Christians from the hands of Muslims and Muslims from the handsChristians. As a rule of life, these redeemers had to invest a third of their income for the work of redeeming prisoners, a third for assisting the poor and had to live on only a third of their income. Another characteristic that shows their being completely unarmed is the obligation to use only donkeys as mounts. As well as the celebration of the 825th anniversary of the letter of Pope Innocent III sent to Abū ‘Abd Allāh Muḥammad al-Nāṣir, Amīr al-Mu’minīn, head of the Almohads, since this initiative was communicated at a diplomatic level to the emir of the Almohads on March 8, 1199/595H (March 8, 2024/ 27 Sha’ban 1445). With this letter of high diplomacy, the Pope presents the Trinitarian redeemers inflamed with the love of God and their work of redemption and liberation defined as a “work of common utility”.(AP) (Agenzia Fides, 23/10/2024)
AB

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MIL OSI Europe News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mana i te whenua protectors and their supporters to rally for Lake Rotokākahi

Source: Te Whatanui Leka

A rally is planned at Government House in Auckland for Monday the 28th of October, protesting the construction of a sewerage pipeline through a sacred site near Rotorua.

Rotokākahi protectors and supporters will travel to the doorstep of the Governor General to demand the protection of Lake Rotokākahi.

With the controversial project still underway, mana i te whenua are imploring the Governor General to take action.

Rotokākahi Board of Control spokesperson Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith (Tūhourangi) explains:

“The Governor General has administrative responsibilities over Rotokākahi under the Māori Purposes Act.”

“But here in our struggle she has been absent.”

Construction of the pipeline commenced on Monday 19th August, and is being carried out by Fulton Hogan on behalf of the Rotorua Lakes District Council.

The pipeline has attracted criticism from mana i te whenua due to it being built next to Lake Rotokākahi in a location which is wāhi tapu (a sacred heritage site) and puts at risk a pristine ecological environment.

In response, mana i te whenua have been camped at the site for a number of weeks, in what has been described as “another Ihumatao; Te Arawa’s Ihumatao.”

As the project continues, mana whenua and supporters alike are demanding action from the Governor General.

“We have tried to message, we have tried to call and so far there has been no response, so we are coming to your doorstep.”

Sources:

https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1931/0032/latest/DLM210349.html

https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/08/28/rawiri-waititi-urges-halt-to-sewerage-works-at-rotokakahi-and-mana-whenua-seek-support/

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-protest-100-people-take-part-in-hikoi-against-sewerage-pipeline-route-past-sacred-site/LGTDHQDKWJEOFBX4UNJDEOPR54/

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-sewerage-pipeline-work-halted-amid-protester-concerns-over-sacred-sites/BGQ5S4ZFBZFYLEINZEIQIM7PAQ/

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Elderly aid scheme set to expand

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The “District Services & Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly & Carers”, currently implemented in Tsuen Wan and Southern District, will be rolled out citywide next year, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said today.

Replying to questions from legislator Tang Ka-piu in the Legislative Council, Mr Sun said that the Social Welfare Department – which has been piloting the scheme in the abovementioned districts since March – had assisted in training care teams to reach out to and identify elderly households, caregivers and people who are in need due to disabilities.

Over the past six months, the care teams have visited around 4,700 families and referred over 730 elderly cases to social welfare organisations for follow up. The 2024 Policy Address announced that the scheme will cover all 18 districts next year.

In September last year, the department also commissioned the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals to launch a 24-hour designated hotline for carer support.

The hotline has so far received over 50,000 calls and referred about 850 cases to community support service units for service matching as appropriate. Of these, around 270 elderly households were referred to elderly service units or respite services. In addition, the hotline facilitated crisis handling in 56 cases.

Mr Sun said the Government will make use of different channels to enable early identification of elderly residents with potential service needs, and the provision of timely and effective support.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile’s EngageLab Partners with Tao Ji Yun to Jointly Promote Highly Efficient Logistics

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that its subsidiary EngageLab, a leading global multi-channel user engagement solution provider, has established a strategic partnership with Tao Ji Yun, a new generation consolidated shipping platform in Hong Kong under Shenzhen Trans-Jiang Logistics Co., Ltd. The partnership will help Tao Ji Yun achieve millisecond omni-channel messaging, improve the efficiency of global customer engagement, and further strengthen its global competitiveness.

Tao Ji Yun has become one of the largest and most capable consolidated shipping companies in cross-border e-commerce logistics in Hong Kong. Known for its professional and efficient services, Tao Ji Yun is committed to providing convenient and cost-effective consolidated shipping services to Mainland China e-commerce sellers and Hong Kong buyers, optimizing logistics processes and reducing shipping costs to facilitate mutual benefits for both parties.

The immediate update and accurate delivery of logistics information is core to Tao Ji Yun’s global operations. EngageLab’s AppPush, which provides push notification services for apps, integrates push messaging channels from eight mobile brands and one self-built channel, ensuring that every logistics update from Tao Ji Yun can be quickly and accurately delivered to users around the world. Whether it’s logistics tracking, freight settlement or after-sales service, users can access the latest logistics information anytime, anywhere. This instant cross-regional messaging not only greatly enhances shopping experience and customer satisfaction, but also will provide a strong impetus to Tao Ji Yun’s global sales growth.

EngageLab’s AppPush has a global network with multiple channels and data nodes, enabling complementary channel messaging, real-time intelligent redispatch, and multi-point service backups. It can handle large volumes of messages worldwide, and comprehensively ensures message delivery in terms of technical architecture and infrastructure. AppPush processes tens of billions of messages globally every day, ensuring messaging with high concurrency, reliability, stability, security, and efficiency. It achieves millisecond message delivery and ensures smooth operation even during peak business hours. This exceptional performance will enable Tao Ji Yun to maintain accurate and efficient messaging even in the face of immense global business volumes, significantly reducing user reach costs and improving operational efficiency.

In the area of personalized services, AppPush offers seven message styles and ten user segmentation rules, enabling precise user targeting. It supports full lifecycle data tracking and multi-dimensional message funnels, helping to build user behavior profiles and providing Tao Ji Yun with global intelligent support. Based on messaging data, Tao Ji Yun can build refined user profiles to provide more personalized logistics services and product recommendations. For example, for Hong Kong buyers who frequently purchase bulk goods, Tao Ji Yun can push more favorable consolidated shipping options and freight discount information, further enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction and shaping its global brand reputation.

Improving service quality and optimizing customer experience are critical to maintaining a competitive edge in the global cross-border e-commerce logistics market. By working with EngageLab, Tao Ji Yun will not only improve the efficiency of customer engagement, but also accelerate its digital transformation and further strengthen its service capabilities. Going forward, Tao Ji Yun will continue to work with EngageLab, leveraging AppPush’s accurate, efficient, stable and secure push services as the foundation to continuously optimize logistics processes and improve customer engagement efficiency. This will provide global customers with more convenient and cost-effective consolidated shipping services. Meanwhile, Aurora Mobile will continue to support Tao Ji Yun to improve service quality, enhance corporate image, effectively promote its development, and jointly strive to create a more professional, efficient and convenient cross-border e-commerce logistics platform.

About EngageLab

As a leading provider of multi-channel user engagement solutions under Aurora Mobile, EngageLab is dedicated to delivering omnichannel messaging solutions to global enterprises and developers. These solutions enable more precise user outreach strategies, lower messaging costs, higher message delivery rates, and improved user conversion rates. EngageLab has steadily increased its market share and become an internationally recognized overseas messaging service platform. Currently, EngageLab has worked with hundreds of leading companies in 29 countries and regions worldwide and across various industries, including technology, internet, mobile, video, media, automotive and finance.

About Aurora Mobile Limited

Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

Aurora Mobile Limited
E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

Christensen

In China
Ms. Xiaoyan Su
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

In US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Industrial relations will be hotly contested at next year’s election.

Labor has introduced a raft of new worker protections and pushed for wage increases for lower paid workers.
Business groups have argued against further red tape and claimed the government’s new regulations have contributed to rising costs.

The union movement, meanwhile, has been mired in the fallout from the CFMEU controversy, with some union leaders angry over the government and ACTU’s tough treatment of that union after revelations of its infiltration by criminals.

To talk about these issues and more, we’re joined by ACTU secretary Sally McManus and Innes Willox, the head of the Australian Industry Group, one of the peak employer groups.

On how to fix the construction industry, Willox advocates an oversight body but not the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission,

We believe that the construction sector does require its own oversight. We had the ABCC previously. We’re not saying go back to that. You don’t have to replicate that model entirely. But the sector has shown that it does require an oversight body that has the ability to launch both civil and criminal claims for poor behaviour. You’re not going to clean it up through sort of task forces and the like, which actually don’t do anything on the ground to change and moderate behaviour.

What other changes to industrial relations would employers want from a Coalition government?

I think what we can expect or hope that the Coalition will look long and hard at things like the right to disconnect. Which came from nowhere. It came out of left field right at the end of a process. It’s created huge uncertainty in workplaces. It’s a bit of a minefield both for employers and employees.

The definition of’casual’ is now a 17-page manual that employers have to work through, rather than a straightforward definition. We’d hope that the Coalition would look at that. And, of course, union right-of-entry powers which have now tilted the balance totally in favour of unions. They’re the sort of things we think that they should look at as a priority and examine what they can do to take off the rough edges that have been put in place there.

On the unions’ wish list from Labor, McManus says they are talking with the government about further action on the issue of equality.

At the moment, the gender pay gap is at the lowest ever recorded. So that’s a good thing. But in terms of equality in the workplace, that issue is still a big one, and there is a big push that we are making for reproductive leave. This isn’t just for women, it’s also for men.

So many women suffer from things like painful periods. Of course, there’s a whole issue of menopause.

For men, there’s a whole lot of issues to do with reproductive issues as well. […] So this is something that we are talking to the government about and campaigning around.

Another issue is that of youth wages:

It’s really totally outrageous that 19, 20-year-olds are paid discount wages in Australia. It’s not acceptable in 2024-2025 and should be fixed. The union movement’s taking it up at the moment and have got rid of it in a lot of industries, and we want to finish the job. So we’re going to try and achieve that through campaigning and through the industrial commission. But if we don’t, if there’s no way of fixing it that way, there’ll be no option then other than to say to the government, listen, ball’s in your court now.

On the split in the union movement over the government and ACTU actions against the construction division of the CFMEU, McManus says the ACTU will continue to keep its door open,

Look, no one likes what’s happened. No one likes the fact that, obviously, that union was infiltrated by organised crime, outlaw motorcycle gangs. And no one supports corruption. The other construction union who works with the CFMEU all the time, which is the ETU, the Electrical Trades Union – they’re the ones who have disaffiliated from the ACTU.

They’re mates, they’re all mates, right? And so, obviously, they’re also not happy with what’s happened. And obviously we will always keep the door open and encourage unity. The ACTU is a place where truck drivers and community workers and teachers and nurses and road workers, everyone of every profession, gets together and talks. It’s always a good thing because you’re listening to other people and you’re stronger together.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-sally-mcmanus-on-what-unions-want-from-labor-and-innes-willox-on-business-wish-list-for-dutton-242019

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: World’s longest undersea high-speed railway tunnel begins ‘journey under the sea’

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

World’s longest undersea high-speed railway tunnel begins ‘journey under the sea’

A colossal tunnel boring machine named Dinghai began excavating from the land section into the sea section at 42 meters below sea level near Zhoushan City in east China on Tuesday, marking the beginning of an “undersea journey” for the construction of the world’s longest undersea high-speed railway tunnel.

With a maximum depth of 78 meters, the Jintang Undersea Tunnel will have a total length of 16.18 kilometers, spanning from Ningbo City’s Beilun District to Jintang Town in Zhoushan City in east China. It is an important part of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway.

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Aktia’s interim report for January–September will be published on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 8.00 a.m.

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Aktia Bank Plc
Press release
23 October 2024 at 1.00 p.m.

Aktia’s interim report for January–September will be published on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 8.00 a.m.

Aktia’s interim report for January–September 2024 will be published on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 8.00 a.m. (EET). The interim report is available at Aktia’s website http://www.aktia.com after the publication.

Briefing for analysts, investors and media

Aktia’s briefing for analysts, investors and media will be held in English at Flik Studio Eliel (Sanoma House, 1^st floor, Töölönlahdenkatu 2, Helsinki) on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 10.30 a.m. Aktia’s CEO Aleksi Lehtonen and interim CFO Karri Varis will be presenting the results. Attendees are kindly asked to register before 1 November 2024 by email at the address ir@aktia.fi.

The briefing can be seen live as a webcast or as a recording after the briefing at https://aktia.videosync.fi/aktia-pankki-oyj-q3-report-2024. Questions can be asked in writing during the live webcast.

The presentation material in English is available at Aktia’s website http://www.aktia.com before the briefing.

Aktia Bank Plc

Further information:
Oscar Taimitarha, Director, Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 562 2315

Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Mass media
http://www.aktia.com

Aktia is a Finnish asset manager, bank and life insurer that has been creating wealth and wellbeing from one generation to the next for 200 years. We serve our customers in digital channels everywhere and face-to-face in our offices in the Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Vaasa and Oulu regions. Our award-winning asset management business sells investment funds internationally. We employ approximately 850 people around Finland. Aktia’s assets under management (AuM) on 30 June 2024 amounted to EUR 14.1 billion, and the balance sheet total was EUR 12.4 billion. Aktia’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd (AKTIA). aktia.com.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Panopto Adds Generative AI Text-to-Video Creation Capabilities Through Its Acquisition of Elai

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Panopto, the global leader in AI-powered video creation and management solutions, announced its acquisition of Elai, a revolutionary AI text-to-video platform that quickly generates engaging video content for learning with on-screen interactive playback, easy-to-use creator studio tools, and advanced avatar-based learning capabilities, including custom avatars and voice cloning options. With the addition of Elai’s AI video creation solution, the Panopto platform is the only secure video solution capable of supporting the full video learning lifecycle from creation and management to sharing and measuring impact.

Founded in 2021 and based in Lewes, Delaware, Elai serves more than 2,000 global customers in a variety of industries, ranging from manufacturers of personal care products, medical equipment and industrial machinery to software companies, hospitals and universities. Elai’s guided storyboard scriptwriting, custom avatar-building, and personal design features, powered by text-to-video AI, support the creation of accessible learning content, helping organizations and institutions create more equitable learning experiences.

Through this acquisition, Panopto addresses the growing challenges faced by learning experience designers and content creators, who are under pressure to produce engaging, personalized, and interactive content faster than ever. Traditional content creation is time-consuming, while modern learners demand immediacy and relevance, often leaving materials outdated before they can be fully utilized.

With the power of generative AI, Panopto revolutionizes content creation by improving speed, efficiency, and quality. Now, with lifelike avatars delivering scripts in any language, integrated quizzes, interactivity and branching options, instructors and subject matter experts can create dynamic learning experiences quickly. Panopto’s smart chaptering and intelligent search features ensure that these innovative, personalized materials reach the right learners exactly when needed.

“Generative AI transforms how enterprise organizations work and learn, operationalize teams, innovate processes, and engage with their employees. With traditional training methods, creating learning content at scale can be cumbersome and costly,” said Jason Beam, CEO at Panopto. “With the capabilities of Elai added to the Panopto platform, we’re equipping our customers with a complete solution to create, deliver and personalize the video learning journey.”

“Elai is excited to join forces with Panopto and continue our mission to support agile training models that meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving future,” said Vitalii Romanchenko, CEO and Founder at Elai. “Engaging content is foundational to learning and Panopto shares our vision of user-friendly AI innovation that simplifies content creation and inspires users across all organizations to turn bright ideas into learning content worth sharing.”

“Workforces are getting smarter, especially with new technologies that optimize the delivery of scalable training, like AI-generative content,” said Jim Lundy, Aragon Research CEO and Founder. “Platforms like Panopto, with their recent acquisition of Elai and integrated video learning capabilities, provide a range of options for organizations seeking to create and deliver training content. While these advancements offer potential benefits in terms of efficiency and scalability, it’s important for business leaders to carefully evaluate their specific needs and consider the full range of available solutions.”

About Panopto
Panopto is the leading AI-powered video learning platform for organizations of all sizes, from modern workforces to college campuses. With fully integrated generative AI creator tools and publishing and engagement features, Panopto transforms ideas, lectures, training, and events into on-demand and accessible learning experiences, empowering organizations to design a smarter future of working and learning with video. To learn more, visit Panopto.com.

About Elai
Elai enables enterprises and institutions to create high-quality video content quickly and efficiently, revolutionizing traditional video production. An AI-powered text-to-video platform that offers interactive playback, intuitive creator tools, and advanced avatar-based learning, including custom avatars and voice cloning – Elai is a game-changer for organizations that prioritize learning. For more, visit Elai.io.

Contact:
Rebecca Reese
Panopto@meetkickstand.com
(603) 305-4155

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2febcb2-58e3-42c9-a112-6124b210f211

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

Date Taken:	10.02.2024
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