Crescendo Lab Expands to Singapore to Revolutionize AI-Powered Conversational Commerce Across Southeast Asia

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – As Southeast Asia emerges as a hub for conversational commerce, Crescendo Lab is redefining customer engagement with AI-powered solutions. With the conversational AI market projected to exceed $18 billion by 2026 and messaging adoption surpassing 90% in Asia, seamless communication is now … Read more

BCA Joins Bank BNI and Bank Mandiri to Back BUMA’s Diversification Strategy with USD250 Million Equivalent Facility

Source: Media Outreach PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), the principal subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), secured a USD250 million equivalent Accordion Facility from PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA). The accordion facility builds on BUMA’s existing syndicated financing facility with PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) … Read more

Community-based approaches to reduce alcohol harm

Source: New Zealand Government Alcohol-related harm in New Zealand’s communities is being addressed through a new fund that will focus on local and community-led early prevention, intervention, and innovation, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.“Alcohol can cause serious harm and has an ongoing impact on individuals, families, and communities, which can be multi-generational. However, … Read more

Council backs funding for Auckland’s St James Theatre

Source: Auckland Council Auckland Council has backed a commitment of $15 million towards the restoration of the St James Theatre. The council’s funding is one part of an agreement between the council, central government and the owner of the St James.   The decision to uphold the grant came at today’s Governing Body meeting. Mayor … Read more

Te Poi road rebuild – section of SH29 to close 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency A short section of State Highway 29 (SH29) at Te Poi near Matamata will be closed 24/7 for road rebuilding from Monday 10 March until Sunday 23 March.  The 2-week closure is between Te Poi Road and Stopford Road.  Closing the road means the work will be completed more quickly … Read more

Police presence in Ngaruawahia during tangi

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attribute to Inspector Will Loughrin, Area Commander Waikato West Police had a large presence in the Ngaruawahia and Taupiri area today in relation to a tangi for a patched gang member. An operation to monitor the behaviour of those involved in the tangi was carried out by Police to … Read more

First Responders – Waipoua River fire update #3

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand The fire at Waipoua River is 50 percent contained and crews have made good progress today establishing containment lines. Following more accurate mapping, the fire size has been updated to 96 hectares with a 4.5-kilometre perimeter. Incident Controller Corey Matchitt says the ground crews have been working hard to get … Read more

Universities – Wāhine toa and women’s health champion a finalist for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year – Vic

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou), founder of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s national centre for women’s health research, gets up every morning to save lives—and she’s up for the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award for her groundbreaking research. … Read more

Employment – Strike action begins tomorrow at Oranga Tamariki over insulting pay offer, unmanageable workloads – PSA

Source: PSA Workers at Oranga Tamariki begin strike action tomorrow over an insulting pay offer and a refusal by the agency to address their concerns over unsafe and unmanageable workloads. “Workers are taking this action to send a very strong message to Oranga Tamariki that it needs to take their concerns seriously and make a fair … Read more

Large car enthusiast event, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Attributable to Sergeant Ben Rutherford: Police are warning motorists to expect delays on some Canterbury roads ahead of a large car enthusiast event this weekend, and are asking people to report any unlawful activity seen. Police will have extra staff out on Christchurch and rural Canterbury roads monitoring the … Read more

Stretches of HB Expressway closing for resurfacing; stop/go for tree removal

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency A reminder that next week, two stretches of State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be closed overnight for resurfacing. See previous media release The work will take place between Monday 3 and Thursday 6 March, 8pm to 5am each night. During the work, a stretch of road approaching the … Read more

Otoko Hill recovery work enters final phase

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency As the State Highway 2 Otoko Hill recovery work enters its final phase, crews are ready to begin work on the last of nine projects helping to make this section of highway safer and more reliable for Tairāwhiti communities. Work has been underway at SH2 Otoko Hill north of Gisborne … Read more

Asian Agri Distributes Essential Food to Flood Victims in Pangkalan Kerinci District and Langgam District in Riau Province

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Asian Agri, a member of the RGE group of companies, recently provided essential food to help alleviate the hardships faced by the flood victims in Pangkalan Kerinci District and Langgam District, Pelalawan Regency of Riau Province in Indonesia through its business units … Read more

50,000 businesses set to benefit from eInvoicing

Source: New Zealand Government More than 50,000 kiwi businesses have now registered with the eInvoicing network to reap the productivity rewards of faster and more reliable payments, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says.   “eInvoicing is a game changer for small businesses. With limited cash reserves, a late or unpaid invoice can quickly throw businesses … Read more

IYDC Chengdu 2025 to Feature Diverse International Competitors in Global Dance Event

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – The International Youth Dance Competition (IYDC) is set to return in 2025, bringing together young dancers from all over the world to celebrate artistic excellence and technical mastery. In 2025, IYDC will be held in China, Singapore and Thailand. This upcoming IYDC, … Read more

KCM Trade AI Mentor: Smart Trading Tutor—Powered by Knowledge, Precision, Efficiency, and Unmatched Security

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – KCM Trade has officially launched AI Mentor, an advanced AI-powered trading tutor designed to help clients navigate the complexities of trading and bridge information gaps. AI Mentor emphasizes data security, efficiency, and accuracy, showcasing KCM Trade’s commitment to innovation and … Read more

IHC – Disability survey data highlights inequities that could last generations

Source: IHC New Government figures released today show further evidence of widespread disadvantage for people with intellectual disability. IHC New Zealand Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says data from Stats NZ’s Household Disability Survey, collected following the 2023 Census, paints a concerning picture of the everyday challenges faced by disabled people. “This data underscores the … Read more

Business – Connecting New Zealand Businesses Globally; Airwallex Expands Cross-Border Payment Capabilities for Kiwi Businesses

Source:  Airwallex Airwallex launches in New Zealand, appointing Lowry Gladwell as Associate Director and first local employee. Commitment to local growth, with plans to expand the team to 10 employees on ground by the end of 2025. New product rollouts, including corporate cards, online payments and expanded Airwallex for Startups offerings, to support Kiwi businesses. … Read more

Tech and Security – New Zealand coming second in the region in the number of malware incidents, new analysis shows – NordVPN

Source: NordVPN According to new research by the cybersecurity company NordVPN, over 83 million malware incidents have been recorded in 2024 in New Zealand, emphasizing the growing cybersecurity threats. Internet users should be extra careful when clicking links seemingly sent by Big Tech companies – there’s quite a big chance it might be a deliberately … Read more

HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot Soars into New Cinematic Heights with Historic Japan Re-Release and Fantasporto 2025 Debut

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Prepare for an interstellar cinematic journey as “HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot,” a groundbreaking sci-fi adventure from Singapore, 12 years in the making, achieves two unprecedented milestones. On February 28, 2025, this visionary film will be the first Singaporean movie to … Read more

Weather News – Summer signing out sunny and warm – MetService

Source: MetService Covering period of Thursday 27th February – Monday 3rd March – Summer is ending on a sunny note.  South Island to expect rain this weekend and cooler temperatures next week.Three tropical cyclone systems named in the Southwest Pacific this week.MetService are monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred that remains an active system in the Coral … Read more

Backing farmers to innovate and make more money

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is ramping up a programme to boost sustainably and farm productivity.  Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has announced the ‘Science for Farmers’ initiative will be rolled out at agricultural events around the country starting with the Dargaville, Wānaka, Feilding, and Kirwee Agricultural Shows over the next two months.  “Science for Farmers … Read more

Education – Whitireia and WelTec connect with community at local events Te Rā o te Raukura and Waitangi Day in Porirua

Source: Whitireia and WelTec Whitireia and WelTec have joined two Wellington events which focus on the wellbeing of local communities, celebrate culture and local talent, and commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The events, Te Rā o te Raukura in Waiwhetū, Lower Hutt (a Te Āti Awa and Āti Awa Toa FM event) and … Read more

Four-year term legislation to be introduced

Source: New Zealand Government The Government has agreed to introduce legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.“As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill.“This means a standard term of … Read more

Update: Onerahi incident

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) One person has died and a homicide investigation has been launched following a firearms incident in Onerahi this morning. Police received a report of a person injured at Beach Road Reserve at about 11.10am. Upon arrival, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second person was located … Read more

Name release: Fatal crash, Courtenay Place

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Police can now name the woman who died following a crash on Courtenay Place, Te Aro, on 24 February. She was Ursula Machtel, 66, formerly of Freiburg, Germany. Police extend our condolences to her loved ones at this time. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. ENDS … Read more

Witnesses sought after serious assault, Taradale

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Glenn Restieaux of Hastings Police: Police are asking for witnesses to come forward after an assault that left a young person critically injured. About 12.40pm yesterday, in the vicinity of Bellevue Dairy Gloucester Street, Taradale, a group of young people was approached by a … Read more