ZJLD Group Announces Interim Results for FY2025

August 26, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Forging Resilience Amid Industry Headwinds, Driving High-Quality Transformation Through Innovation and Cultural Stewardship

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Neswire – 26 August 2025 – ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, together with the Company’s subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (SEHK stock code: 06979. HK), an outstanding representative in the Chinese baijiu industry and the first baijiu company listed in Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (“FY 2025 1H” or the “Period”). Despite persistent macroeconomic pressures and weak consumer demand across the baijiu sector, the Group remained steadfast in its commitment to high-quality development. Through strategic channel innovation and accelerated digital transformation, ZJLD Group has reinforced its operational resilience and laid the foundation for sustainable long-term growth.

The key financial and business highlights are as follows:

	FY 2025 1H (for the six months ended June 30, 2025) *(RMB’000)*	FY 2024 1H (for the six months ended June 30, 2024) (RMB’000)	Changed by
Revenue	2,497,106	4,133,191	-39.6%
Gross profit	1,474,284	2,428,682	-39.3%
Gross profit margin	59.0%	58.8%	+0.2 percentage points
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities	(322,274)	574,886	-156.1%
Adjusted net profit (non-IFRS measure)	613,202	1,018,123	-39.8%
Adjusted net profit margin (non-IFRS measure)	24.6%	24.6%	—

During the Period, the Group recorded revenue of RMB 2,497.1 million, representing a year-on-year decline of 39.6%. Gross profit decreased by 39.3% to RMB 1,474.3 million. Notably, gross margin edged up to 59.0%. Adjusted net profit amounted to RMB 613.2 million, down 39.8% year-on-year, in line with the revenue trajectory.
The baijiu industry continues to grapple with structural challenges, including deteriorating channel pricing systems, compressed distributor margins, mounting financial pressure across the value chain, and sluggish terminal sales. Since Q2 2024, consumer demand has softened significantly, with notable declines in business banquets, gifting occasions, and other offline consumption scenarios. All four of the Group’s core brands experienced various degrees of revenue contraction. Flagship brand Zhenjiu, the Group’s primary growth engine, saw revenue fall 44.8% to RMB 1,491.7 million (FY 2024 1H: RMB 2,702.2 million), as the Group proactively managed channel inventory and strictly controlled sales pacing to safeguard long-term sustainability.
The Board of Directors does not recommend the declaration of an interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (FY 2024 1H: nil).

Strategic Response: Anchored by the “Premier Retailers Alliance” Model, Driving Channel Innovation and Digital Transformation

Against the backdrop of profound market recalibration and rapidly evolving consumer behavior, the Group has positioned the “Premier Retailers Alliance” model as its central strategic framework—driving simultaneous advancement in channel innovation and digital transformation. This dual-pronged approach reshapes brand accessibility and operational efficiency, while fortifying a more resilient market response system. Far more than a vehicle for channel integration, the “Premier Retailers Alliance” model serves as a strategic nexus for deep collaboration, co-creation, and shared value between the Group and its nationwide distributor network. The Group has dismantled traditional tiered distribution structures through this alliance mechanism, enabling streamlined resource allocation, transparent information exchange, and synchronized interest alignment. These enhancements have significantly accelerated channel responsiveness and strengthened control at the terminal level. Alliance members are no longer mere conduits of product delivery; they are empowered co-architects of brand equity and frontline executors of market strategy. Together, they form a multidimensional, interconnected channel ecosystem characterized by vertical synergy and horizontal coordination.

Building on this foundation, the Group is advancing its digital transformation to achieve full-chain data integration—from production and distribution to end-consumer engagement. Through intelligent base liquor management, precision allocation and delivery, real-time sales monitoring, and consumer behavior analytics, the Group has significantly enhanced supply chain efficiency while equipping brand strategy with timely insights and data-driven decision support. Upgrades to the CRM system and membership operations framework have enabled more granular audience segmentation and personalized communication, strengthened user engagement and driven higher repurchase rates.

Importantly, the Premier Retailers Alliance also serves as a strategic launchpad for key brand initiatives, including the cultural flagship “Da Zhen” (also known as Zhen * 2020 Real Vintage Baijiu), the innovative “News Craft Beer”, and the Group’s heritage ambassador program. Whether deepening the cultural narrative of premium baijiu or expanding the experiential reach of emerging categories, the Group leverages the Alliance mechanism to enable rapid market deployment and targeted promotion—achieving a synergistic fusion of cultural storytelling, channel innovation, and technological empowerment.

Overall, the “Premier Retailers Alliance” model is the starting point of the Group’s channel reform and a central pillar supporting brand elevation and organizational resilience. Looking ahead, the Group will continue to position the Alliance at the heart of its strategy—deepening collaborative mechanisms, expanding digital capabilities, and shaping a more penetrative and sustainable competitive landscape.

Product and Brand Strategy: Dual Growth Engines of “Da Zhen” and “News Craft Beer”, Enriched by Cultural Ambassadorship

Amid structural shifts in the baijiu landscape, the Group has identified “Da Zhen” and “News Craft Beer” as dual strategic anchors to upgrade the product matrix and extend brand reach. This forward-looking approach reflects the Group’s dynamic market positioning and revitalized brand energy.

As the flagship of the Group’s premiumization journey, “Da Zhen” embodies cultural heritage and uncompromising quality standards. Featuring a minimalist clear-bottle design, the packaging is adorned with the handwritten character “珍” (Pronunciation: Zhen) by Ming Dynasty master Shen Zhou, wrapped in heritage Xuan paper. This harmonious blend of classical artistry and modern aesthetics not only enhances perceived brand value but also reinforces the Group’s competitive edge in the high-end baijiu segment. The “Da Zhen” launch marks a deeper strategic push into the sub-premium baijiu category, infusing the brand image with gravitas and prestige.

In parallel, “News Craft Beer” represents the Group’s bold foray into emerging categories through active exploration and innovative breakthroughs. Based on craft brewing techniques, the series integrates youthful design sensibilities and social appeal, successfully entering the craft beer market and expanding consumption scenarios, including gatherings, leisure, and festive occasions. Beyond reducing regulatory sensitivity associated with the category, “News Craft Beer” carries an uplifting brand ethos that resonates with the Group’s broader cultural narrative, serving as a key vehicle for brand rejuvenation and diversification.

The Group appointed renowned young actress Ms. Annabel Yao (姚安娜) as its Heritage Application Ambassador in the first half of 2025 to further elevate cultural resonance. By humanizing the brand and crafting a compelling cultural narrative, the Group deepens the intangible heritage value of traditional Chinese baijiu craftsmanship. The appointment of a “Heritage Application Ambassador” serves as a symbol of cultural continuity and a vital conduit for brand storytelling, seamlessly bridging historical artistry with contemporary relevance. This initiative enhances consumer resonance, fostering a deeper emotional and cultural connection to the brand. This initiative complements the cultural gravitas of “Da Zhen”, while standing in deliberate contrast to the inventive language of “News Craft Beer”. Together, they shape a multidimensional narrative framework to enrich the brand’s storytelling ecosystem.

Mr. Wu Xiangdong, Founder and Chairman of ZJLD Group, remarked, “The first half of 2025 presented unprecedented challenges for the baijiu industry. Shrinking consumption scenarios and intensifying channel pressures have ushered in a period of profound recalibration. This is not merely a cyclical downturn but a test of strategic conviction and cultural integrity. True resilience is not measured by speed in fair weather, but by clarity and endurance in headwinds. We remain committed to high-quality development, recalibrating our sales rhythm, optimizing channel structures, and reshaping industry norms through the Premier Retailers Alliance.

At the same time, we actively embrace artificial intelligence and digital transformation, continuously expanding consumption scenarios and product boundaries to breathe new life into traditional baijiu culture amid emerging technologies and new generations. We believe that culture is the soul of a brand, and innovation is the pulse of an enterprise. In this era of industry reinvention, ZJLD is committed to longevity and living with purpose and influence. Looking ahead, we will continue to uphold the principle of “history as the soul (以史為魂)”, seeking renewal through integrity, and opportunity amid change—as we stride steadily toward our vision of becoming a world-class distilling enterprise.”

Hashtag: #ZJLD

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

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

Shopee House Welcomes Affiliates from All Channels for the First Time Ahead of 9.9 Super Shopping Day

MIL OSI

August 26, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Strengthening its ecosystem, Shopee connects affiliates and brands to help shoppers enjoy Lagi Murah and Lagi Cepat deals.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2025 – For the first time Shopee’s flagship event, Shopee House, welcomed affiliates from every channel, including Shopee Live, Shopee Video, and YouTube Shopping, at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur last weekend. The two-day activation brought together 500 top-performing affiliates who were matched with over 70 local favourite brands to connect, collaborate, and create content, empowering Malaysians to shop Lagi Murah and Lagi Cepat ahead of Merdeka and the 9.9 Sale.

Affiliates wave the Malaysian national flag at Shopee House.

Demonstrating the impact of these collaborations, livestream affiliates are set to host over 1,050 livestreams featuring participating brands leading up to 9.9. These sessions will include product demos, interactive Q&As, and real-time promotions to drive awareness and excitement for brands like Ozel and BigPlus.

Marking their third participation in Shopee House, Ozel, a jewellery brand from Kelantan with an established presence across Southeast Asia, shared their positive experience. “Through Shopee House, we were able to connect with a loyal customer-turned-affiliate who not only knew our products very well, but believed in them too. In fact, one of our affiliates achieved RM30,000 in sales just last month. This shows that when customers truly connect with a brand, they don’t just buy from it; they grow with it, building trust and creating long-term success together.” commented Ozel.

Meanwhile, BigPlus, a Malaysian brand specialising in cleaning products and solutions, made its Shopee House debut. The brand cited, “Our experience at Shopee House was truly amazing, it gave us the chance to connect with a diverse group of affiliates, share product knowledge, and exchange valuable perspectives. We’re especially grateful to have engaged with over 400 affiliates who registered with us during the event, and look forward to continuing this collaboration.”

Shopee also organised roundtable sessions with key affiliates during the event, in line with the brand’s commitment towards inclusivity and supporting local content creators.

Nur Afifah binti Rosli shared her experience as an affiliate during the roundtable. “Shopee has given me the space, tools, and support to grow from a part-time affiliate into a full-time content creator. Along the way, I’ve learned how to create content that resonates better with my audience, build stronger connections in the community, and at the same time, support local brands by bringing their products closer to Malaysians.”

YouTube affiliate Lex said during the roundtable, “It means a lot to have a platform like Shopee that listens to our feedback. Being part of this dialogue makes me feel valued, and I’m grateful to contribute towards shaping a better space that will empower future affiliates to grow with even more opportunities.”

“As 9.9 Super Shopping Day draws near, Shopee House highlights our dedication to enhancing the online shopping journey for Malaysians,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia. “By successfully matching 500 affiliates to more than 70 brands, we continue to bring non-stop deals directly to buyers. This ensures Malaysians can continue to enjoy Lagi Murah deals and Lagi Cepat delivery with the products they love, all while shopping with greater trust, satisfaction, and convenience.”

Starting from 26 August 2025, join Jojo Ghazali and other content creators as they celebrate 9.9 Super Shopping Day where Malaysians can enjoy exciting offers, such as 50% Off Daily Lagi Murah deals, Free Shipping with no minimum spend, and Shopee Lagi Cepat Guaranteed Next-Day Delivery.

Hashtag: #Shopee #ShopeeRaiLokal

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

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

Asian Agri Signs Agreement to Supply Renewable Energy to PLN in North Sumatra

MIL OSI

August 26, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2025 – Asian Agri, through its business unit PT Indo Sepadan Jaya (PT ISJ), has signed a Commercial Operation Date (COD) agreement with PT PLN (Persero) North Sumatra Distribution Unit (PT PLN North Sumatra) to begin supplying electricity from its biogas power plant (PLTBg) to PLN’s distribution network in North Sumatra.

The signing took place at Asian Agri’s headquarters in Uniland, Medan, North Sumatra. The agreement was signed by PT ISJ Authorised Representative Sulaiman Halim and PT PLN North Sumatra General Manager Ahmad Syauki, and was witnessed by senior management from both companies.

In his remarks, Asian Agri Managing Director Sumith Fernando said the collaboration between Asian Agri, a member of the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, and PT PLN North Sumatra is testament that partnerships between the private sector and public service providers can not only deliver clean-energy solutions but also create a broad impact on communities. “Through this facility, we are not only converting waste into electricity, but are also supporting energy resilience and local decarbonisation efforts,” he said.

The PLTBg facility at PT ISJ has a surplus of methane gas that had not been fully utilised. After technical and feasibility studies, Asian Agri allocated the excess gas to a gas‐fuelled generator to produce an additional one megawatt of electricity. That power will be supplied to PT PLN Sumatra Utara under a three-year power purchase agreement.

The clean electricity generated from this facility will be supplied to PT PLN North Sumatra’s grid in the Rantau Prapat area, strengthening the distribution system and improving the reliability of power supply for surrounding communities.

General Manager of PT PLN North Sumatra, Ahmad Syauki, welcomed the initiative. He explained that the power plant is favoured by PLN, as its presence will increase the percentage of power generated from clean energy sources.

“The biogas power plant will contribute to the mix of environmentally friendly energy in North Sumatra,” Syauki said. “PLN also favours this type of plant because it can be controlled to enter the system according to demand.”

Syauki said he hopes that, after signing of the agreement, more power plants with clean-energy mixes will come online, in line with the master plan outlined in the 2025-2034 RUPTL.

This partnership underscores Asian Agri’s commitment to sustainability through its AA2030 vision, particularly the Climate Positive pillar. The company aims to optimise methane-capture technology across all palm-oil mills to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Through the use of appropriate technology and cross-sector collaboration, Asian Agri continues to strengthen its commitment to driving the transformation of the palm oil industry toward a more responsible, low-carbon future.

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Hashtag: #RGE #AsianAgri #Indonesia #sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Decarbonisation

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

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

KPMG China launches its ‘Our Impact Plan’ ESG report, marking five years of in-depth implementation

MIL OSI

August 26, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2025 – As climate change accelerates, humanity is facing a greater number of extreme weather events and environmental challenges. In this context, strengthening behavioural management related to climate change has become a central issue of our time. From countries advancing ‘dual carbon’ goals to international carbon trading markets, more organisations are turning their attention to their environmental performance. Green transformation has become a fundamental requirement for high-quality development, with ESG (environmental, social and governance) serving as a crucial guide for this transition.

How can enterprises anchor ESG values to drive sustainable economic and social transformation? On 23 August, this question was explored at the launch of KPMG China’s ‘Our Impact Plan’ report, which was held outdoors for the first time on a lawn in the Futian District, Shenzhen. The event featured keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and presentations of results, reflecting on KPMG China’s achievements in the ESG field over the past five years. It also brought together government, social organisations, enterprises, and partners to focus on ESG trends and discuss new paths for sustainable development.

KPMG China continues to deepen its commitment to sustainable development

Honson To, Chairman of KPMG Asia Pacific and China, said, “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ concept and the fifth anniversary of the ‘Our Impact Plan’. Hosting this event in the embrace of nature is highly significant. Looking back at our ESG reports over the past five years, we can see a clear reflection of how our environmental, social, and governance efforts have aligned with the country’s development. This publication not only summarises our steadfast commitments and investments in ESG but also reflects our determination to deepen ESG practices and empower clients and society in order to propel sustainable development.”

Climate change is one of the core drivers of future economic development. Jacky Zou, Chairman-elect of KPMG China, said, “At the national level, the ‘dual carbon goals’ are driving new economic momentum and reshaping the country’s economic development landscape and ecosystems. For enterprises, a high-standard ESG management system is essential for achieving sustainable development and seizing economic transformation opportunities. KPMG China has released the ‘Our Impact Plan’ report for five consecutive years, aiming to set an example and accumulate more cases of ESG information disclosure that align with corporate needs, with a view to promoting the widespread implementation of ESG principles.”

Strategic ESG actions, especially after the mandatory disclosure of future ESG reports, will deeply impact the business layout of companies. From the perspective of sustainable growth, enterprises need to develop a more comprehensive ESG action roadmap that focuses on the present while looking ahead to future milestones and promoting continuous action. Tracy Yang, Head of Corporate Affairs, KPMG China, emphasised, “As an organisation committed to sustainable development, KPMG China continuously explores feasible ESG solutions. We believe that true progress comes from aligning corporate responsibility and national vision through ESG strategies, creating lasting and profound impacts. Companies should not only focus on healthy growth but also leverage the development opportunities presented by national long-term goals to enhance leadership in sustainable business ecosystems.”

The ‘Our Impact Plan’ report released by KPMG China marks a first for the firm by moving the launch event outdoors to a lawn in the Futian District of Shenzhen in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, conveying our strong commitment to sustainable development and showcasing the beautiful vision of coexistence and shared prosperity between humanity and nature. It also highlights the significant progress and outstanding achievements KPMG China has made across four pillars: Governance, People, Planet, and Prosperity. Wilson Pang, Head of Our Impact Plan, KPMG China, stated, “These four pillars complement each other and form the backbone of KPMG China’s ESG ethos. Through its governance principles, KPMG China has established a comprehensive ESG governance framework; and the firm’s people-centred approach highlights its core values. Meanwhile, our efforts to care for the planet reflect our deep commitment to environmental sustainability; and achieving prosperity is at the heart of KPMG China’s ESG mission, pushing us to deliver impactful outcomes.”

Meeting quantified targets and co-constructing ecosystems

During the launch of the ‘Our Impact Plan’ report, KPMG China provided a professional overview, showcasing the highlights and flagship projects of the programme, along with a retrospective of the firm’s five-year journey and future outlook. Wilson Pang emphasised that this year marks a significant milestone for KPMG China in promoting the programme, marking the firm’s evolution from a mere participant to a leader and initiator, and from academic practice to emphasising sustainable development, technological innovation, and the development of new quality productive forces.

KPMG China has been recognised in the ‘2025 Typical Case in the Business Community to Conserve Biodiversity’ and the ‘2025 Corporate Green Transformation and ESG Practice Cases’, reflecting recognition of the firm’s efforts in biodiversity protection.

KPMG China continues to collaborate with the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF) to initiate the ‘Green Bay Area Pioneer Action – Habitat Enhancement of Futian Mangrove Ecological Park’ project, which was launched in September 2024. We also partnered with multiple organisations to jointly launch the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ESG Biodiversity Corporate Recognition Award, with the goal of encouraging corporate participation in ecological protection. At the release of this year’s ‘Our Impact Plan’, KPMG China officially launched the China Biodiversity Recognition Award to promote the integration of environmental and ecological protection with technological innovation at both the national and regional levels.

KPMG China has purchased 100% renewable electricity for four consecutive years, and KAMPUS (KPMG China’s Hongqiao office) has received LEED Platinum certification. Additionally, 90% of our office floor area is located in buildings with green and/or wellness-related certifications.

We rolled out the new ‘Protect the Future – Action for the Planet’ (‘Protect the Future’) volunteer programme to encourage more employees to engage in volunteer service.

Upholding one of KPMG’s values, ‘For Better – We do what matters,’ we continuously invest in our communities. During the year, over 1,500 KPMG volunteers have participated in various corporate social responsibility activities organised by the firm, contributing over 15,800 total volunteer hours and reaching over 98,000 beneficiaries directly.

KPMG China is also leveraging AI applications to provide comprehensive deployment and application solutions to enterprises.

This year’s event also marks the first time we are launching the report outdoors, demonstrating KPMG China’s commitment to promoting sustainable business structures and protecting natural ecosystems.

From the perspective of ecological co-construction, guests engaged in deep discussions during the roundtable forum on the day of the launch discussing the theme ‘Harnessing the Power of Society to Build a New Paradigm for Biodiversity Protection’. The event also focused on the collaborative achievements of the ‘Our Impact Plan’, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ESG Biodiversity Corporate Recognition Award.

Wilson Pang said, “As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected and the impact of climate change deepens, China is actively advancing the green transformation in areas such as green energy, carbon emissions management, and the green transition of traditional enterprises, achieving significant results in various areas. As a professional services firm, KPMG China closely follows national strategic plans and continuously strengthens collaboration with various stakeholders. Over the past five years, the firm has evolved from initially exploring carbon accounting and supply chain reviews to our current stage, in which we are establishing a comprehensive ESG service system covering all business areas, transitioning from a ‘reporter’ and ‘participant’ role to a ‘promoter’ and now to a ‘leader’.”

The true value of ESG lies in harnessing professional skills to transform sustainable concepts into daily practices for enterprises. The ‘Our Impact Plan’ report is not only KPMG China’s annual ESG report but also a commitment to forward-looking action. In light of the firm’s journey towards net-zero by 2030, KPMG China is actively exploring management methods for carbon reduction and low-carbon practices, and we are striving to provide better insights and practical results for more market participants.

Hashtag: #KPMG #KPMGChina

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

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

Indonesia: Caning of gay men an act of cruelty – Amnesty International

LiveNews Publisher

August 26, 2025

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to today’s caning of two men in the city of Banda Aceh for having consensual same-sex sexual relations, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said:

“This public flogging of two young men under Aceh’s Islamic Criminal Code for consensual sex is a disturbing act of state-sanctioned discrimination and cruelty. This punishment is a horrifying reminder of the institutionalized stigma and abuse faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Aceh.

“Intimate relationships between consenting adults should never be criminalized. Punishments such as flogging are cruel, inhuman and degrading and may amount to torture under international law.

“We call on the Acehnese and Indonesian central government authorities to immediately halt these degrading practices and repeal all discriminatory bylaws that permit such violations. Aceh’s regional autonomy must not come at the expense of human rights.

“Indonesia, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and a state party to the Convention Against Torture, must align its laws – including in Aceh – with its constitutional commitments to equality and non-discrimination. The criminalization of same-sex conduct and corporal punishment has no place in a just and humane society.”

Background

On 26 August, two men, aged 20 and 21, were publicly flogged 76 times each in the city of Banda Aceh for having consensual same-sex relations.

The panel of judges at the Banda Aceh Sharia Court earlier found them guilty of violating the Islamic Criminal Code, which forbids consensual same-sex acts.

They were arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual activity in a public restroom at the Taman Sari Park on 16 June.

The defendants, identified as QH and RA, remained in custody during the judicial proceedings, which were held behind closed doors.

Citizen’s arrests are common in Aceh due to the implementation of Sharia law, which allows residents to turn people over to the Sharia police for investigation. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that criminalizes consensual same-sex acts due to the special autonomy status that has allowed it to apply the Islamic Criminal Code since 2015.

Sharia bylaws have been in force in Aceh since the enactment of the province’s Special Autonomy Law in 2001 and are enforced by Islamic courts.

These laws in some cases provide for up to 200 lashes as punishment for offences including consensual intimacy or sexual activity for unmarried couples, consensual sex outside marriage, same-sex sexual relations, the consumption and sale of alcohol and gambling.

In February, two university students were flogged for having consensual same-sex relations in Banda Aceh.

Under international human rights law all forms of corporal punishment are prohibited as they constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and can amount to torture. The UN Human Rights Committee and other expert human rights bodies have raised concerns about laws criminalising ‘adultery’ or other consensual sexual relations outside marriage because they violate the right to privacy.

MIL OSI

Man arrested in Levin

LiveNews Publisher

August 26, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Ash Gurney, Acting Manawatu Area Commander:

A man has been arrested in Levin this evening, hours after an incident reportedly involving a firearm.

Police received reports of a firearm being discharged around 3:10pm today, in the vicinity of Mabel Street, Levin.

Officers were on scene within minutes. There was no obvious damage located, or injuries to any person.

Police follow-up enquiries in the area led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man following a traffic stop in Levin around 5:45pm, invoked under the Gang Conflict Warrant.

A sawn-off .22 rifle, and ammunition, was also located. Enquiries are ongoing as to whether the man is linked to the report of a firearm discharge.

He is remanded in custody and will be appearing in Levin District Court tomorrow, on a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Reassurance patrols remain in Levin as part of Operation Bath, while a Gang Conflict Warrant is still in place.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Education Events – Keynote speakers announced for 30th ICDE World Conference 2025 in Wellington this November

LiveNews Publisher

August 26, 2025

Source: Open Polytechnic

An exciting lineup of distinguished keynote speakers will share their insights and expertise at the upcoming International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) conference, including leaders of the world’s largest universities, a renowned Māori academic, an international AI expert, and a programme specialist leading transformative education.

Te Kuratini Tuwhera o Aotearoa Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa Massey University will co-host the conference in Wellington at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 10 to 13 November, at which hundreds of international and domestic delegates are expected.

Open Polytechnic Executive Director of Learning Design and Development, and current ICDE President Dr Mark Nichols, says each keynote will bring a unique perspective to the conference and exciting conference program. They include:

– Dr Paul J. LeBlanc, Leader of Matter and Space, an AI and Education startup and previous President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), an online mega-university. Dr LeBlanc is recognised as one of USA’s most innovative educators. Under his 20-year leadership as former President of SNHU, the university grew from 2,800 to over 250,000 students to become the largest non-profit online higher education provider in the USA.

– Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA). Professor LenkaBula has won multiple international and national teaching awards and now leads South Africa’s largest university by enrolment (370,000 students per year).

– Professor Danny Liu, Professor of Educational Technologies in the DVC Education Portfolio at the University of Sydney. Professor Liu is known internationally for his work on Generative Artificial Intelligence in higher education, and is the developer of Cogniti, an AI application widely used by students.

– Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou, Tūhourangi), is a Professor at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, and CEO of Ngā Āhuatanga O Te Kai Ltd, The Kai Research Institute. Professor Smith is an internationally renowned and highly awarded researcher, scholar and writer known for her work on Decolonising Methodologies, Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine and Māori Education.

– Dr Faryal Khan, Programme Specialist leading Transformative Education at the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok). Dr Khan brings an international perspective on education reform.

Open Polytechnic, New Zealand’s specialist provider of online and distance learning is a long-standing institutional member of ICDE. The last time an ICDE conference was held in New Zealand was in 1950.

Dr Nichols, says, “ICDE’s roots go back to 1938, and it has been generously hosted by the Norwegian government since 1988. It has members from over 90 countries, including the world’s largest open and distance learning institutions – some with millions of enrolments each year.”

“ICDE is committed to advancing inclusive, scalable, and sustainable education and it is a pleasure to be able to bring members from this global movement to Wellington in November.”

“Our focus t

MIL OSI

Auckland News – Rail crossing upgrades must accommodate freight growth

LiveNews Publisher

August 26, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight industry group Transporting New Zealand has welcomed construction work getting underway this week to replace Auckland level crossings with overbridges , but says ensuring adequate freight routes in Takanini may require further investment.

The Takanini and Glen Innes projects will see eight level crossings removed and replaced by three new grade-separated road bridges and three new pedestrian access bridges. Two crossings in Takanini – Spartan Road and Manuroa Road – will be closed completely.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that the upgrades will help prepare the transport network for the City Rail Link and future increases in rail services.

“From 2030 onwards the increased frequency of train services could mean barrier arms at level crossings on the Southern Line are lowered every 2-3 minutes. That would have been a nightmare for commuters and freight customers trying to move goods out of the key Takanini industrial area. Overbridge replacements are the right outcome.”

Kalasih welcomed the Government and Auckland Council jointly funding the first three years of construction, noting that it’s been three years since Transporting New Zealand submitted on the Takanini level crossing closure plans.

Kalasih says that replacing eight level crossings with three road bridges will take some adjustment and is encouraging Auckland Council to ensure the city’s booming freight task is being accounted for in its planning.

“Takanini is projected to grow by 5,900 dwellings, 12,300 jobs and 13,900 people between 2018 to 2048. Auckland’s freight task (measured by kilometres travelled) is projected to grow around 80% over the same time period.

“This demonstrates the need for additional freight routes, not fewer, to future-proof the network,” Kalasih says.

“Transporting New Zealand has made a request to Auckland Transport for any freight impact and congestion analysis undertaken since the 2023 Takanini level crossing closure detailed business case, and I look forward to reviewing the data.”

Kalasih is also encouraging AT to communicate with affected businesses during the construction period.

“This is an important industrial area supporting a huge number of jobs. Transporting New Zealand is always happy to assist with sharing communications and facilitating project updates to local businesses, as we did during the initial level crossing closure consultation.”

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

MIL OSI

Citi Wealth Summer Interns Explore the GBA’s Thriving Fintech Development on a Field Trip to Shenzhen

MIL OSI

August 26, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2025 – Citi Hong Kong recently partnered with the FinTech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK) and Shenzhen FinTech Association (SZFTA) to organize a specialized field trip to Shenzhen for its talented Wealth Summer Interns, providing participants with exposure to the dynamic and rapidly evolving fintech landscape in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This initiative specifically aims to equip the future changemakers in wealth with critical insights into technological advancements shaping the industry.

During the trip, the Wealth Summer Interns visited leading technology and professional services companies, including Tencent Cloud, Archforce Technology and Accenture Shenzhen Innovation Hub. These visits offered unparalleled cross-cultural exposure to industry leaders and fostered a broader understanding of emerging trends within the GBA. The Summer Interns gained firsthand insights into cutting-edge technologies and the companies’ business models and operations, deepening their understanding of Shenzhen’s fintech ecosystem. The trip also provided invaluable opportunities for networking through direct interaction with industry leaders, offering new perspectives and possibilities for future development.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth, Asia North and Australia, Citi, said, “At Citi Wealth, we believe that investing in talent and cultivating tomorrow’s leaders is paramount to our success and long-term vision. We are glad to partner with the FinTech Association of Hong Kong and Shenzhen FinTech Association to offer such a meaningful field trip to our Wealth Summer Interns. We are shaping the future of wealth management by identifying and nurturing changemakers who are uniquely prepared to drive innovation and deliver unparalleled value to our clients. This ensures that Citi remains at the forefront of wealth management across Asia and beyond.”

Lareina Wang, Chair, FinTech Association of Hong Kong, said, “FTAHK, as HK-GBA’s super-connector, is proud to link Citi to the region’s FinTech future via immersive experiences.”

This year, Citi Hong Kong welcomed 76 Summer Interns, drawing top talent from across the region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, South Korea and Singapore. The 10-week program provides the Summer Interns with an in-depth understanding of Citi’s business operations and strategy, while also broadening their global perspectives.

The Summer Intern program is designed to cultivate future leaders in the banking industry through a holistic and engaging curriculum. Alongside their practical work in one of Citi’s key businesses or functions, the program offers our Wealth Summer Interns one-on-one mentorship and intensive training sessions, covering the latest wealth management trends, Citi’s comprehensive suite of services and solutions, as well as portfolio management knowledge and simulation. This immersive program ensures our interns are not just learning theory but actively engaging with the forces that will define the future of wealth management – from digital transformation to AI-driven insights.

Click HERE to download the photos

Photo 1 : Citi senior management and staff led a field trip to Shenzhen for Citi’s Wealth Summer Interns.

Photo 2 : Citi’s Head of Wealth, Asia North and Australia, Vicky Kong supported the Shenzhen field trip for Citi’s Wealth Summer Interns.

Photo 3 : Citi’s Wealth Summer Interns gained firsthand insights into the cutting-edge technologies and the region’s dynamic fintech ecosystem.

Hashtag: #Citibank

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

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

Homicide investigation launched, Gisborne

LiveNews Publisher

August 26, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Tairāwhiti Area Commander, Inspector Danny Kirk:

Gisborne Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Mangapapa early this morning.

Police were called to an address on Winter Street at around 6:50am after receiving a report of disturbance coming from the home.

On arrival to the address, Police located a man who was unresponsive and immediately commenced first aid.

Unfortunately, despite emergency services best efforts, the man was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police are undertaking several enquiries to determine the circumstances of the death.

A cordon will remain at the scene overnight for a scene examination in the morning.

The deceased will also undergo a postmortem examination tomorrow.

Police and Victim Support Services are providing support to the victims whānau during this difficult time.

Police are speaking with several people in connection to this incident and are satisfied that there is no ongoing risk to the public.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

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