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Defence News – The latest update on the HMNZS Manawanui response – NZDF

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Source: New Zealand Defence Force

The latest update on the HMNZS Manawanui response

  • In Samoa yesterday, Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, presented recognition awards to Samoan officials and members of the public who were involved in the rescue efforts and care of HMNZS Manawanui ship’s company and passengers.
  • The New Zealand Defence Force Senior National Representative for Op Resolution, Commodore Andrew Brown said, “It was a privilege to see people, who helped save lives that night, be officially recognised by our Chief of Defence Force for their actions.”
  • Commodore Brown said Operation Resolution was entering into the complex and technical phase of fuel removal.
  • “The contractual and legal aspects have been proceeding, with the signing of the contract expected any day.”
  • “After that, the salvor will begin mobilising equipment and personnel to Samoa to begin the fuel removal. Timeframes for completing this will depend on a number of external influences, such as weather conditions.”
  • Commodore Brown said, “While Operation Resolution is separate to the Court of Inquiry proceedings, the Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding has received the interim Court of Inquiry report into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui. That interim report will be reviewed, with key information expected to be released to the public later this month.”

MIL OSI

Philippines: Typhoon MAN-YI

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Philippines: Typhoon MAN-YI

Tropical Storm MAN-YI is forecast to move towards the north-eastern coastline of the Philippines over the next couple of days. MAN-YI is forecast to intensify into a category 4 typhoon on or around the 16th of November prior to making landfall north of Manila.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is issuing advice on their website, and social media platforms Facebook and Twitter.

We advise New Zealanders in Philippines to follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter. Visitors and tourists staying in travel accommodation should follow the guidance of hotel/resort management. It is considered sensible practice not to venture outdoors during a super typhoon and remain well away from the sea and rivers.  We recommend you stay informed of developments by monitoring local news and weather reports.

Please also ensure you keep your family and friends in New Zealand informed of your safety and well-being, including after the typhoon has passed.

New Zealanders in Philippines requiring emergency assistance should contact the local emergency services on the following numbers:

  • National Emergency Hotline | 911
  • Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) | 8527-3877 / 8527-8482
  • Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) | 136 / 8882-4151 to 77
  • Philippine Red Cross (PRC) | 143 / 8790-2300
  • Philippine National Police (PNP) | 9117 / 8723-0401 / 8537-4500
  • Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) | 8426-0231 / 8426-0195
  • Department of Health (DOH) | 8711-1001 to 02 / 8740-5030
  • National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) | 8911-1406
  • Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) | 8284-0800
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) | 8931-8108

New Zealanders in the Philippines requiring consular assistance can contact the New Zealand Embassy in Manila on +63 2 234 3800 or at NZEMmanila@mfat.govt.nz or for emergencies after-hours on +64 99 20 20 20.

Associated Advisories:

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School kids should not be pushed into political activity

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Source: ACT Party

“ACT has been approached by parents and students who are alarmed at school leadership abandoning political neutrality and pushing children into protest activity,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“We are aware of several schools, particularly in Wellington, formally endorsing the hikoi and encouraging students to participate, to the point of organising buses. Some students are missing exams to attend hikoi activities with the approval of school leadership.

“Schools are funded by all of us to equip young people with the knowledge to face the world with an intelligent and open mind. The school system should never be weaponised for indoctrination or to prop up one side of a political debate.

“If the Treaty Principles Bill passes into law, every young person can hope to grow up in a society that recognises them above all as a person with equal rights, not as a member of an ethnic group.

“The Bill does not harm anyone, but taking kids out of school and exams will harm their future prospects.

“ACT understands the Ministry of Education is reminding schools of their obligation to be politically neutral. We also encourage concerned parents to write to their school board reminding them of these obligations under the public service’s Integrity and Conduct standards.

“Parents may also consider whether their representatives on their school’s board deserve re-election.”

MIL OSI

BusinessNZ – Cross-party consensus congratulated on PPP Framework

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Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ congratulates the National, Labour and ACT parties for their shared endorsement of an updated framework for public private partnerships.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said major, enduring infrastructure assets needed to be built on the basis of consensus across parties, and the fact that the updated PPP framework had the endorsement of three major parties represented in Parliament was extremely good news.
“New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit is significant and is a barrier to economic growth. We have a pressing need for large-scale infrastructure construction over coming years, and need an agreed framework by which this can be optimally achieved.
“This level of consensus in this important area is cause for celebration,” Mrs Rich said.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

Local News – Another Green Flag for Whenua Tapu – Porirua

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Source: Porirua City Council

Whenua Tapu cemetery in Porirua has retained its Green Flag status for the fourth year running, recognising its high quality and welcoming experience for visitors.
Following mystery visits from judges experienced in recreation and green spaces, the Green Flag accreditation, overseen by Recreation Aotearoa, was awarded once more to a proud Porirua Parks & City Services manager Julian Emeny.
“It’s a credit to the work our cemeteries manager Daniel Chrisp and his team do – we know how important Whenua Tapu is to our community, and to visitors from outside Porirua, who come to visit their loved ones.
“Our staff don’t come to work for awards, but they see the Green Flag status as a badge of honour for the love and attention they give this important part of our city.”
Green Flag status recognises not just a recreation or green space being neat and tidy, but ensuring the right plans are in place to run it effectively, safely and sustainably. A modern management plan for Whenua Tapu is currently being developed by Council.
In 2021, the cemetery’s chapel and crematorium re-opened after an extensive refurbishment, while in 2023 a new Children’s Area was established.
“Whenua Tapu is a beautiful place and people are seeing the benefit of combining excellent day-to-day mahi, but we always have an eye on constantly looking at what we can be doing in the medium and long-term, “Julian says.
Other Green Flag winners include Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, Cornwall Park in Hastings and Waimate Cemetery.

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Frost & Sullivan Released the Emerging Asia-Pacific Big Data Market Report, 2024

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Source: Media Outreach

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – Frost & Sullivan released the Emerging Asia-Pacific Big Data Market Research Report, 2024, in October 2024. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the big data market across key emerging markets in the emerging Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The report highlights the critical role of big data in driving digital transformation, especially in the finance, government, and telecom sectors, where real-time data processing and intelligent data lakes are leading the way. Huawei Cloud, along with AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud, is distinguished for pioneering solutions that empower enterprises to harness big data for advanced analytics and operational efficiency.

Definition and Constitution of the Big Data Market

The report defines the big data market as encompassing the entire ecosystem involved in data collection, storage, computation, analysis, and application. In this ecosystem, businesses are leveraging data platforms that integrate hardware and software technologies to extract actionable insights from vast amounts of data in real-time. As digital economies rise in the Emerging Asia-Pacific region, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, finance, and internet services, the demand for technologies like data lakes, data warehouses, and intelligent data lakes is growing rapidly. These platforms help enterprises store, process, and analyze large-scale data sets efficiently, thus driving innovation and improving business operations.

Surge in Big Data Demand Amid Regional Digital Transformation

The Emerging Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a rapid shift towards digital economies, creating widespread demand for big data solutions across multiple industries. The report highlights that industries such as finance, government, internet, and telecommunications are leveraging big data technologies to improve operational efficiency, drive innovation, and enhance customer experiences. Banks and financial institutions in countries like Singapore and Malaysia are using big data analytics to enhance fraud detection, optimize risk management, and personalize customer services. Telecom operators in Indonesia are utilizing data insights for network optimization, customer segmentation, and offering tailored services based on usage patterns. Meanwhile, government initiatives in Malaysia and Thailand are focusing on smart city projects where big data is used for urban planning, traffic management, and public safety.

Additionally, large enterprises are increasingly adopting big data to address challenges such as multi-source data integration, real-time analysis, and data security. Fragmented data complicates decision-making, while delays in real-time analysis can hinder production and supply chain efficiency. Moreover, with growing cyber threats, robust data protection is critical to ensuring compliance and safeguarding sensitive information. In the internet sector, big data platforms are enabling companies to provide personalized user experiences by analyzing user behavior in real time. This helps improve user engagement, retention, and overall commercial value. Additionally, big data plays a crucial role in privacy protection and compliance, allowing companies to manage user data securely while adhering to regional data protection regulations, thereby building user trust and enhancing competitiveness.

Real-Time Data Processing and Intelligent Data Lakes Lead the Market

The report highlights that real-time computing combined with intelligent data lakes is driving major technological developments across the Emerging Asia-Pacific region. These solutions enable businesses to process large-scale, real-time data streams, significantly enhancing their ability to respond to dynamic market conditions and optimize operational efficiency.

Industries such as finance, retail, and manufacturing are increasingly adopting real-time data processing to improve decision-making, manage risks, and enhance customer experiences. By integrating real-time computing with intelligent data lakes, companies can dynamically scale data management capabilities and enhance the precision of analytics. This combination offers greater flexibility and cost-efficiency, particularly for complex industries handling large datasets.

Additionally, the fusion of edge computing with intelligent data lakes is expected to further accelerate data processing capabilities by enabling distributed computing architectures. This integration allows businesses to reduce latency, optimize resource management, and improve overall operational intelligence, particularly in sectors such as logistics and IoT-driven smart cities.

Big Data Vendor Evaluation Criteria

The report evaluates big data service providers based on three key criteria: Market Application, Technology Innovation, and Customer Service.

Market Application assesses the business coverage and market share of service providers in the Emerging Asia-Pacific region. Special focus is placed on their adaptability and depth of application in key industries such as finance, government, and telecommunications. Providers leading in market share rankings across multiple regions, particularly in markets like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, are highlighted for their potential to meet diverse industry needs effectively.

Technology Innovation examines providers’ technical strengths in areas like intelligent data lakes, lakehouse integration, elastic scaling, and AI integration. Providers are evaluated on their leadership in data storage, real-time data processing, fault tolerance, and support for intelligent decision-making. High marks are awarded to vendors demonstrating robust technological innovation.

Customer Service evaluates localized support within the emerging Asia-Pacific market, particularly focusing on data security, risk management, and compatibility with various systems and interfaces. The ability to provide tailored solutions that meet the complex data needs of enterprises is a key factor in this evaluation, enhancing customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.

Huawei Cloud Leads the Big Data Market Competition in Emerging APAC

The report identifies Huawei Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud as “Leaders” in the emerging Asia-Pacific big data market. These providers excel in areas like intelligent data lakes, lakehouse integration, and AI-driven analytics, offering cutting-edge technology for advanced data processing and application development.

Huawei Cloud stands out in several markets, particularly in Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, and Bangladesh, where it holds a leading market share. In both the telecom and financial industries across the Emerging Asia-Pacific region, Huawei ranks first, thanks to its real-time data analytics and intelligent data lake solutions. These capabilities have been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and enabling data-driven transformations. The flexibility and security offered by Huawei Cloud’s solutions help organizations optimize their operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, making it a preferred choice for enterprises in the region.

AWS continues to lead the market in Singapore, particularly in the internet sectors, where its mature cloud ecosystem and extensive support services enable businesses to scale and innovate rapidly. Microsoft Azure has also shown strong performance in the Thailand and Malaysia, supporting enterprises with AI-driven cloud services and intelligent data analytics to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Meanwhile, Cloudera, Databricks, Snowflake and IBM are positioned as “Challengers” in the market. These companies possess clear advantages in specific regions or industries and actively expand their market share while continuously improving their technology and service levels to meet customer needs. Oracle, Greenplum, and Teradata, recognized as “Specialists,” are known for their specialized technical expertise and extensive experience in enterprise-level big data platforms and data warehouses, enabling them to offer customized solutions that meet specific business needs.

Overall, vendors like Huawei Cloud, AWS, GCP and Microsoft Azure are driving the growth of the big data market in the Emerging Asia-Pacific region by offering advanced real-time analytics and intelligent data lake solutions. These providers continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of industries, ensuring businesses can leverage big data technologies to enhance efficiency, optimize operations, and remain competitive in a rapidly digitalizing world. For a detailed report, please click: https://www.frostchina.com/content/insight/detail/6721967cfa1179b70e3864b9.

http://www.frostchina.com

Hashtag: #Frost&Sullivan

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Discover the holiday in Whangateau Holiday Park

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Source: Auckland Council

With the warmer season upon us, how about planning a little holiday escape prior to the summer break? Whangateau Holiday Park is an ideal paradise spot close to Auckland for families and friends, large groups and small for your next getaway. 

Just an hour’s drive from Auckland’s city centre, you’ll find this hidden gem of a waterfront holiday park on Whangateau Harbour between Matakana and Leigh. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings and make yourself at home in a comfy cabin, a powered site for tents or by camping right on the water’s edge.

There are also retro caravans available for hire for those who prefer a more vintage feel and some of the comforts of home. With excellent amenities, including play areas, barbecues and cooking facilities – your perfect holiday escape awaits.  

A few of the many activities to enjoy during your stay include swimming, pontoon access, fishing or exploring the tidal harbour; pedal carts, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available for hire; playground and next-door sports fields, outdoor chess set; barbecue area, picnic tables and a recreation room with the all-important air hockey table! Even some spectacular snorkelling can be found right out front, 45 minutes either side of high tide.

As an Auckland Council holiday park, you can book a wide range of accommodation options and facilities to suit your needs, including waterfront powered sites, family cabins, budget to self-contained units and beachside caravans. While there’s plenty within the holiday park to keep everyone entertained, the surrounding areas are also great to check out, either on the way or as a day’s excursion – from walks, waters sports, food and drink or a little something extra. 

Walks 

Rock pools at Tāwharanui Beach

For those looking to stay active, there’s some epic walks around the area that will surely get the blood pumping, from bushwalks like the Tāwharanui Ecology Trail to coastal walks such as the Leigh Coastal Path, Goat Island Coastal Walkway or a leisurely stroll of Omaha Beach which overlooks Whangateau Harbour.

If you’re keen to take on a bit more of a challenge, there’s Mount Tamahunga Walkway. And while there’s a song out there telling us to not chase waterfalls, we recommend you do, and in these parts particularly, check out the Kohuroa Stream Waterfalls, found along the Matheson Bay bush walk. 

Water sports 

Snorkeling at Goat Island

Speaking of waterfalls, what about water sports? We’ve got you covered too! While there’s plenty on offer within the Whangateau Holiday Park, it’s good to be aware of the vast array of options in the surrounding areas like New Zealand’s first marine reserve Goat Island.

Boasting 518 hectares of protected land, this piece of paradise is a must for leisure visitors looking to enjoy an epic day out in nature. Just over the hill you’ll find Mathesons Bay, another go-to in the area for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking. Or perhaps a surf or boogie boarding in Tāwharanui – here you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands. 

Food and drink 

Omaha Beach – the perfect spot for a quintessential summer picnic

You’ll have built up quite the appetite after a walk or a swim, and there’s plenty to choose from. Matakana is a quaint little spot that’s perfect for any foodie, known for its weekend farmers markets, artisan food, boutique shops and vineyards. Just a ten-minute drive away you’ll find Leigh, a small coastal town with heaps to explore and discover, including eateries and bars. And right across from Whangateau Holiday Park, you’ll find Omaha – a welcoming beach community where the quintessential Kiwi summer experience awaits you.

As an added bonus, for the history buffs, there’s also Warkworth Museum nearby where you can learn about the history of the area. Or check out Perry Kauri Park which has recently been updated and now offers a sturdy boardwalk pathway as you walk amongst the giants in the kauri forest.  

Whether you’re after a relaxing getaway, an active holiday full of walks and water sports, or you’re a foodie who enjoys nature and great eateries nearby, there’s something for everyone in these parts. So don’t delay any further, discover the holiday in Whangateau Holiday Park and unwind in a way that suits you best. 

Book your stay today on the Auckland Council website. 

MIL OSI

HKSTP Elite Global Inno Day Showcasing Impactful Innovations from Future Unicorns

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – The Elite Programme of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) aims to nurture both local and international tech ventures with high growth potential. With 24 companies currently active in the programme, including 13 home-grown companies and 11 from overseas, the Elite companies span across different industries, including AI & robotics, life and health tech, e-commerce, and digital marketing. Together, these companies have a combined valuation of US$2.67 billion* with 11 companies now classified as centaurs#. HKSTP hosted the Elite Global Inno Day today, a high-profile event designed to highlight the achievements of the Elite companies and reveal their global expansion plan.

A group photo among Mr Eric Or, Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP (eighth from left) and HKSTP Elite Programme portfolio company representatives.

Launched in 2019, the HKSTP Elite programme has supported a total of 42 companies in expanding beyond Hong Kong, helping them become unicorns and public-listed companies.

Thanks to its strategic location, friendly business environment, competitive tax incentives, worldclass research and development capabilities, and strong intellectual property protection, Hong Kong has been an ideal launchpad for companies aiming for global expansion.

Leveraging these unique strengths, HKSTP has significantly increased its support for Park companies in recent years as they embark on their global expansion journeys. Through the programme, HKSTP provides comprehensive assistance to Elite companies, including first-class infrastructure, funding, business expansion, partnership, research and talent acquisition, all of which propel the success of Elite companies.

Mr Eric Or, Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer​ of HKSTP, said, “As the largest innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, HKSTP continues to foster the success of innovation-driven tech ventures through our Elite Programme, helping them thrive, grow, and, ultimately, achieve their global ambitions, generate significant global impact, and attract international talent to Hong Kong. This also reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a global I&T and talent hub.”

The reach of the Elite companies now extends to 16 international markets across 6 continents, fostering international collaboration and pioneering innovations that are reshaping industries and improving lives worldwide.

Moreover, 12 Elite companies are led by multi-national management teams, and all Elite companies have committed to creating over 1,200 job opportunities in Hong Kong during the 3-year programme period.

Over 200 partners and investors joined today’s Elite Global Inno Day. The HKSTP team also highlighted the extensive support available to the portfolio companies. 17 of the Elite companies participated in the Elite Innovation Pitch, presenting their cutting-edge technological innovations and business strategies to corporate partners, potential investors and channel partners.

*Valuation is calculated when the company is admitted to the Elite Programme

#Centaurs — companies that reach US$100 million of annual recurring revenue.

Appendix: 17 HKSTP Elite companies participated in the Elite Innovation Pitch

Company Introduction
1. Asia Top Loyalty Limited The company provides a multi-platform loyalty rewards, redemption, and exchange system targeting the retail industry.
2. b-ONE Ortho (Hong Kong) Limited b-ONE Ortho provides orthopedic solutions using its patented advanced materials, AI, and surgical robotics technology.
4. Buy&Ship Limited Buy&Ship provides international shipping services, delivering value for money through product sourcing and price comparison powered by AI and big data.
4. Cellomics Holdings Limited Cellomics focuses on developing and commercialising liquid biopsy products and services.
5. Fano Labs Limited Fano Labs offers multilingual AI-driven voice to text recognition, trained in various domains such as Reg Tech, customer service and investigations.
6. FJ Dynamics International Limited As a global leader in robotics and automation, FJ Dynamics delivers solutions for industries like agriculture, construction, and landscaping.
7. GetLinks Limited GetLinks offers a recruitment platform, along with Employer of Record (EOR) and Human Resources-as-a-service.
8. Great Bay Bio Limited Backed by self-developed AI algorithms, large data sets and strong computing power, Great Bay Bio provides an intelligent biotechnology platform for bioprocessing and innovative molecular design.
9. HRWork Limited HRWork focuses on EOR, HR-as-a-Service, and Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) solutions, supporting the overseas expansion of mainland Chinese enterprises.
10. IKAS Industries HK Pte. Ltd. IKAS provides smart manufacturing tools for semi-conductor manufacturing management knowhow, digital representation, and AI-driven prediction / recommendation.
11. Immuno Cure Holding (HK) Limited Immuno Cure provides immunotherapies for cancers, inflammatory and infectious diseases using its patented PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine and Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Immune Blocking technology platforms.
12. Jumppoint Group Limited Jumppoint offers a digital logistic platform that specialises in last-mile delivery and cold chain management, including route optimisation, fleet management, and cold chain warehouse management.
13. KSHER (Hong Kong) CO., LIMITED Ksher enables SMEs in emerging markets to trade, compete and succeed globally.
14. Leapstack International Ltd Leapstack specialises in InsurTech solutions and product initiatives for insurers and reinsurers, leveraging its expertise in insurance operations, risk management, distribution, AI and big data.
15. PressLogic Limited PressLogic offers an Ad-Tech ecosystem combining data, MarTech and content solutions via its own media channel, AI analytic tools, and campaign projects.
16. Radica Systems Limited Radica provides digital marketing automation platforms across omni-channels.
17. RHT Industries Limited RHT provides air purifiers appliances for home use and construction projects.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Panasonic’s Win a Trip to Japan Campaign

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 Panasonic announces its latest promotional campaign, a lucky draw with three pairs of Singapore Airlines business class air tickets to Japan up for grabs. The campaign runs from November 15, 2024, to February 9, 2025.

Panasonic’s Win a Trip to Japan Campaign

Upgrade Home Appliances and Win a Trip to Japan

This is an opportune time to upgrade by investing in a new refrigerator, washing machine, or aircon. Purchase Panasonic’s trusted range of appliances, and stand a chance to jet off to Japan in style. Don’t miss this chance to upgrade and potentially win a free trip!

How to Participate in the Lucky Draw

Shop Panasonic: Purchase any Panasonic products or appliances from the official Panasonic store and at retailers. Available in-store at locations islandwide or online.

Eligible Spend: For every $100 spent on Panasonic products during the campaign period (November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025), receive one entry into the lucky draw. Entries are cumulative. Spend more for more chances to win.

Register Purchase: After making a purchase, register for the lucky draw by uploading a copy of the purchase receipt through the official online form. Only entries submitted through the online form will be considered for the lucky draw.

Grand Prize: Three pairs of business class air tickets to Japan

Lucky Draw Date

The Panasonic lucky draw to win a trip to Japan will take place on:

  • Date: 21 February, 2025
  • Time: 02:00 PM
  • Location: Panasonic Customer Care Centre (202 Bedok South Avenue 1, Singapore 469332)


Experience Japan with Panasonic

Panasonic’s Win a Trip to Japan campaign celebrates Japanese craftsmanship and innovation while offering customers a chance to fly to Japan and experience the country firsthand. With this lucky draw, Panasonic aims to introduce more customers to premium Japanese appliances and inspire more people to explore Japan as a premier travel destination.

For more information about Panasonic’s Win a Trip to Japan campaign, including detailed terms and conditions, please visit the official campaign page: https://www.panasonic.com/sg/events-and-promotions/events/win-a-trip-to-japan.html

Hashtag: #Panasonic

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Government and iwi work together on aquaculture

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Source: New Zealand Government

Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. They make up a collective 8787ha and include areas suitable for salmon, mussel, and seaweed farming,” Mr Jones says.

They are offshore from Port Pegasus, Rarotoka South, Rarotoka North, Ruapuke, and Port Adventure.

“The Coalition Government has recognised aquaculture’s enormous potential and made its development a priority. We’ve set an ambitious goal for aquaculture in New Zealand, aiming for it to be a $3 billion industry by 2035.”

Mr Jones says there is demand internationally for New Zealand’s aquaculture products and he is committed to maximising its growth.

“That means cutting away red tape and roadblocks so the industry can better contribute to our export-led recovery and the rebuilding of New Zealand’s economy. Making space for this kind of exploration with Ngāi Tahu today will bring the certainty needed for jobs, opportunities and export dollars tomorrow.”

All current fishing within the ASAs, whether recreational, commercial or customary, will be allowed to continue while this exploration takes place.

“Any space Ngāi Tahu wants to take forward and develop into aquaculture ventures will still be subject to the resource consent process,” Mr Jones says.

ASAs were established in 2004 as part of legislation that delivers iwi 20 percent of new aquaculture space created and forecast.

MIL OSI

TDCX Recognized by Financial Times as one of the Best Employers in Asia-Pacific 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 November 2024 – TDCX, an award-winning digital customer experience (CX) solutions provider for technology and blue-chip companies, has been honored by the Financial Times (FT) as one of the Best Employers in Asia-Pacific (APAC) 2025. This inaugural award, conducted in partnership with Statista, recognizes TDCX’s commitment to creating an exceptional work environment for its employees.

TDCX’s strong workplace practices have received various industry recognition, with more than 550 awards to-date. Some of these include the Great Place To Work® certification and the Employee Experience Award (EXA) from Human Resources Online.

Ms. Angie Tay, Group Chief Operating Officer and EVP, said, “Employee engagement has always been a key thrust in our operations at TDCX. We firmly believe in creating a positive, uplifting and welcoming culture where people feel at home and motivated to do their best every day. This award from the Financial Times award reaffirms our commitment to fostering a deeply engaging employee culture that is characterized by open communication and structured career development pathways. My heartfelt thanks go to all our TDCX colleagues for their trust and support as we continue to drive new breakthroughs for employees.”

TDCX prioritizes employee well-being, professional growth, and career development in its employee value proposition. Some of the range of initiatives offered by TDCX include mentoring sessions, leadership development, and career coaching.

The company’s early investments in technology have also enabled it to create an empowering and productive culture. An example is TDCX’s proprietary, AI-powered FLASH suite. Through the human capital and experience management suite, TDCX has ongoing insights on employee sentiment, enabling it to better understand and address the needs of employees.

These initiatives have contributed to TDCX enjoying high employee engagement levels. The company achieved scores above 75 per cent in its internal employee sentiment survey, known as FLASH Pulse, among its APAC employees over the last two years.

The selection process for the Best Employers in Asia-Pacific 2025 involved surveying company employees who were asked if they would recommend their company to others and to rate it based on various criteria, including salary, talent development, and working conditions. The evaluation process consists of two stages: first, FT readers nominate companies for inclusion, which are then reviewed for eligibility. In the second stage, employees from nominated companies complete an independent survey, rating their own and other companies based on their experiences.

For more information about TDCX’s recognition and to access the full list of Best Employers in Asia-Pacific 2025, please visit Financial Times.

https://www.tdcx.com/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/tdcxgroup
https://twitter.com/tdcxgroup
https://www.facebook.com/tdcxgroup/

Hashtag: #tdcx

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Be wary of fake raffle tickets

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are warning Aucklanders to be on the lookout for fake raffle ticket sellers, who are falsely claiming to represent local sports clubs.

There have been a handful of these incidents reported in Howick and Pukekohe this month.

Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the offenders are approaching people on the street and entering businesses.

“The offenders claim to be from local rugby or rugby league clubs, but the raffles they are selling tickets for have already been drawn or are completely fake.

“We have also had a report of an offender entering businesses in the Cockle Bay area selling discounted fuel cards that are expired, and petrol stations won’t accept.”

Inspector Cook says Police urge the community to be vigilant if they are approached about a fundraiser in these circumstances.

“We know our communities get in behind their local sports clubs, so it’s pretty disappointing to see this being exploited,” he says.

“While it’s still only a small number of reports, we need the community to be wary of this scam.”

If you have been approached by someone selling what you believe to be fake raffle tickets or expired fuel cards, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 241113/2281.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

ENDS

Tony Wright/NZ Police
 

MIL OSI