BAC Education’s MUSIC4GOOD 2.0: The Polymaths Are Back

August 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 –Get ready to turn up the volume for a night of unforgettable music and meaningful impact! The Polymaths featuring Raja Singham, Azlan Shaharbi, Siva Ramanathan, Sudesh Kumar Nair, Sundara Raj Ramamurthy and friends, are returning to the stage for MUSIC4GOOD 2.0, this time in aid of Uplift, an NGO under the BAC Education Group.

Following the overwhelming success of the first Music4Good concert, which raised RM211,000 to support children in 25 orphanages via OrphanAid and assist the Society for the Severely & Mentally Handicapped (SSMH), this second edition aims to raise even more.

100% of donations will go directly towards providing education, essential aid, necessities, and life-changing opportunities to communities in need. Beneficiaries include:

OrphanAid ensures every child has access to quality education through free SPM tuition, refurbished laptops for orphanages, and a 75% bursary for tertiary studies. In partnership with Rotary International District 3300 Malaysia, it identifies and supports deserving students, with tax-exempt donations channelled via Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia (YKKRM) to ensure transparency and accountability.
Free Food Society provides food aid to anyone in need, regardless of race, creed, or religion. Founded by a group of concerned individuals, it was created to support the growing number of people who lost their livelihoods due to Covid-19.
Persatuan OKU Sentral champions the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship support, emergency relief, cultural showcases, and initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion nationwide.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Kajang offers vital services such as feeding, sterilisation (TNR), healthcare, and rehoming for stray dogs. They aim to establish a multi-purpose facility that supports sheltering, rehabilitation, adoption, and education
Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped – For 40 years, the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH) has been providing therapy, care, and support to children with severe mental and physical disabilities, as well as their families.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 20^th, 2025
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Horizon Banquet Hall, Menara BAC, Petaling Jaya
Table Reservations (10 pax with dinner): RM2,500 | RM5,000 | RM10,000

Bookings can be made via https://www.giveback.my/campaigns/music4good-in-aid-of-uplift/ or by contacting Ann – 012 339 9959, Jinie – 016 778 8625 or Mitha – 012 988 3487
Tax-exemption receipts are available for donations of RM250 and above.

BAC Education Group: A Legacy of Social Good
MUSIC4GOOD 2.0 builds on BAC Education’s long-standing commitment to social good. Flagship initiatives include GiveBack.my (over RM100 million in aid through 200+ partners), SPMFlix (Malaysia’s largest free learning platform with 9,000+ lessons for 200,000+ students), and FreeMakan (a food bank that has supported 27,000 families with RM1.7 million raised). The Make It Right Movement (MIRM), launched in 2015, further drives impact by supporting 200+ charity and CSR projects annually, giving students, staff, and the public the chance to volunteer, champion causes, and create lasting community change.

Music4Good is organised by Uplift, fully sponsored by BAC Education and supported by Yayasan Kelab-kelab Rotary Malaysia.

About the Polymaths
The Polymaths came together after a chance meeting between Raja Singham and drummer Siva Ramanathan at a friend’s party. One casual conversation about music sparked jam sessions in a basement, bringing together professionals with a shared passion for music – because why not? “We just needed a guitarist, a bassist… and a better keyboardist,” Raja joked. “I like running around on stage too much to stay seated!”

Band Members:

Raja Singham – Lead vocalist and Co-Founder of BAC Education Group, driving social impact through Uplift, the Make It Right Movement, and SPMFlix.
Azlan Ahmad Shaharbi – Keyboardist; veteran performer with over three decades on the local and international music stage.
Siva Ramanathan – Drummer; fintech leader and Partner, Chief Growth & Corporate Officer at Ksher.
Sudesh Kumar Nair – Bassist and CEO of Baycom Malaysia, with a background in film, TV, and satellite communications.
Sundara Raj Ramamurthy – Guitarist; Chief Digital Officer at PwC Malaysia and Vietnam, leading AI and digital transformation initiatives.

A Nation-Building Initiative
MUSIC4GOOD 2.0 is a nation-building initiative fully sponsored by BAC Education Group in aid of Uplift, supported by Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia.

“Music has the power to bring people together; not just to enjoy a great night out, but to make a lasting impact on lives. With Music4Good, every note we play is for a purpose – to create hope, open opportunities, and help build a better Malaysia,” said Raja.

Music4Good 2.0

Hashtag: #BACEducation

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

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

Algo Forest Showcases Hong Kong Fintech Power on World Stage with Revolutionary “AI Signals Page”

MIL OSI

August 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Invited to landmark meeting with Abu Dhabi Investment Office, as its Forex Forest ecosystem empowers global retail investors, crediting H.K. government policy and Belt and Road opportunities.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – While retail investors worldwide grapple with ineffective strategies, lagging copy trades, and opaque black-box risks, a new force in AI quantitative technology from Hong Kong is rewriting the rules of the game. Local fintech innovator Algo Forest Group, alongside its educational brand Forex Forest, recently made a landmark appearance at the world-renowned GITEX Global technology exhibition, backed by support from the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and other institutions. The group unveiled the revolutionary concept for its “AI Signals Page,” a platform designed to dismantle decades-old investment models and solve the most pressing pain points for individual investors globally. This international debut was further highlighted by a prestigious invitation for a deep-dive discussion with the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to explore the future of Web3 and AI in fintech. Having already secured the “Global Best Trading Algorithm Award” for six consecutive years for its proprietary quantitative trading systems, this moment firmly establishes Algo Forest Group as a prime example of Hong Kong’s innovation successfully “going global.”

This milestone is part of Algo Forest Group’s broader mission to fill a critical market gap. The “AI Signals Page” is being developed to create a more transparent, efficient, and collaborative international investment community. Its core advantages include:

Real-time AI Analysis of Personal Trading Accounts: Investors can directly connect their personal trading accounts, seamlessly syncing data to the platform. This provides users with personalized portfolio performance analysis, P&L tracking, and deep insights into their trading habits, enabling them to better understand and leverage the power of AI to optimize their existing strategies.

AI-Driven Insights and Proactive Risk Management: The platform harnesses advanced AI algorithms to deliver diverse market data, identify potential trading signals, and provide in-depth analysis. Simultaneously, multi-dimensional risk assessment tools help users identify and manage potential exposures, fostering more robust trading strategies.

A Global Community for Collaborative Strategy Sharing: A highly interactive, built-in community function allows investors from around the world to share, discover, and discuss the latest global trading strategies without geographical or linguistic barriers. It transforms trading from a solo pursuit into a collective journey of learning and growth.

“We founded Algo Forest Group to break down the formidable technological barrier between institutional and retail investors,” explains Wayne Ng, Founder and CEO of Algo Forest Group. “The enthusiastic reception of our AI technology at GITEX and our dialogue with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office are powerful validations of the market’s need for Hong Kong’s tech expertise. The ‘AI Signals Page’ is the tangible manifestation of our vision to democratize professional-grade trading tools, opening the door to AI trading technology for everyone.”

Ng adds, “We’re not here to replace the trader; we’re here to empower them. By revolutionizing their access to superior risk management and decision-making capabilities, we can ensure that the benefits of fintech truly reach the public. We are not just representing our company, but also the innovative spirit of our nation and Hong Kong. The government’s backing has been a critical catalyst in our mission to ‘go global,’ and the interest from entities like ADIO proves that Hong Kong’s AI fintech has immense potential to compete and lead on the world stage.”

Within Algo Forest Group’s grand vision, its renowned educational brand, Forex Forest, plays a pivotal, symbiotic role. While the “AI Signals Page” provides traders with advanced tools, Forex Forest teaches them how to apply them with precision and discipline. Leveraging its deep expertise in AI algorithmic programming and quantitative strategies, Forex Forest equips users with the essential knowledge and skills to maximize the platform’s potential, embodying the principle of “Empowerment Through Technology, Guided by Education.”

Forex Forest stands as Asia’s No. 1 brand specializing in the development and education of enterprise-grade AI quantitative trading programs. It is dedicated to promoting the concept of “passive income investing” to the general public and was a trailblazer in Hong Kong as the first enterprise to offer comprehensive automated trading courses, earning recognition from international professionals.

The excellence of its technology is underscored by numerous accolades since its founding in 2017. The brand holds 12 patents and dual ISO certifications. A testament to its sustained innovation, it has won the “Global Best Quantitative Trading Award” for six consecutive years since its first international win in 2020. This track record reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainable development based on international standards and its intent for active global expansion. To date, Forex Forest has conducted over 50 course intakes, benefiting more than 26,000 students. Upholding its mission to “Strive for financial freedom for all,” many of its alumni have successfully used its quantitative trading tools to achieve this goal in the market.

Government Backing Propels Hong Kong FinTech onto the World Stage

Algo Forest Group’s business is progressively expanding worldwide, with 5 strategic locations including its Hong Kong headquarters and offices in Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Dubai. The group plans to continue its expansion into new countries, committed to helping investors globally achieve financial freedom. This global layout is strongly supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government, which provides critical backing for high-potential local AI technology enterprises to expand into overseas markets. Aligning with this, Algo Forest Group is actively exploring strategic opportunities in Abu Dhabi, a key development city in the “Belt and Road Initiative,” leveraging policies that facilitate and support cooperation between multinational enterprises.

Leading his elite team at the GITEX technology exhibition in Dubai, Founder and CEO Wayne Ng showcased the company’s proprietary and forward-thinking AI-powered quantitative trading strategies (Expert Advisors). The team engaged in in-depth exchanges with innovative technology peers from around the world, discussing the application of AI in investment and fintech and sharing a collective vision for the future of technology. Forex Forest aspires to align with top-tier global technology institutions to bring more advanced and intelligent quantitative trading education and innovative technical support to the public.

Experience Algo Forest Group’s Innovation Firsthand

Following its success at GITEX Global, Algo Forest Group will continue to showcase its leading-edge fintech at major global and local exhibitions. All are welcome to visit our booths to exchange ideas and learn more.

Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival 2025
Date：22–25 August , 2025
Venue：Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 1
Booth No.： F28 & F30

Forex Expo Dubai 2025
Date：6–7 October , 2025
Venue： Dubai World Trade Centre
Booth No.： 215

https://forexforest.com
https://www.facebook.com/ForexForest
https://www.instagram.com/forexforestofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/@ForexForest
https://algoforest.com
https://signals.algoforest.com

Hashtag: #ForexForest #AlgoForest #AIFinance #AlgorithmicTrading #AutoTrading #AITrading #QuantitativeTrading #GITEX2024 #HongKongInnovation #InvestmentEducation #BeltAndRoad #FinancialFreedom #SmartInvesting #TechInnovation #AlgorithmicTrading #GlobalBest #Fintech #AbuDhabi #Multinational #InvestmentStrategy #InnovativeTechnology #AutomatedTrading #Fintech #EA #AlgoTrade #ai #algo #fintech #AI #AItrading #MT4 #tradingview #MT5 #expertadvisor #trading #forex #forextrade #algorithmic #gitex #forexexpo

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

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

NZTA welcomes sentencing for abuse of WoF system

LiveNews Publisher

August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is welcoming the recent sentencing of a man in the Auckland District Court to six months’ imprisonment, following serious breaches of transport law, including the unauthorised issuing of Warrants of Fitness (WoFs).

Between December 2022 and June 2023, Dwayne Lord fraudulently accessed the NZTA’s vehicle inspection system using his employer’s credentials, despite not being an appointed vehicle inspector. Over four separate occasions, he issued 78 WoFs without inspecting most of the vehicles.

An NZTA investigation uncovered this deliberate abuse of the system, and confirmed that very few of the vehicles had been inspected by Mr Lord or by any authorised inspector.

NZTA National Manager Road Safety Regulations Brett Aldridge says Mr Lord’s actions represented a clear violation of public trust and a potentially serious risk to road safety.

“New Zealanders rely on WoF inspections to identify actual, emerging, and potentially dangerous vehicle faults. Fraudulent inspection records not only undermine the integrity of the system, they also pose a real and serious risk to the safety of all road users.”

Mr Aldridge says the NZTA views this case as a blatant abuse of the land transport system and a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict oversight and accountability in vehicle safety certification.

“This sentencing should send a clear message to the industry: anyone who attempts to manipulate or abuse the inspection system should expect to be caught and held accountable. NZTA has robust monitoring and investigative capabilities, and we will not hesitate to take action against individuals who compromise vehicle safety and public trust.

At the same time, NZTA acknowledges that the vast majority of vehicle inspectors and industry professionals are doing an excellent job by upholding high standards, following the rules, and helping keep New Zealand roads safe. Their commitment should not be overshadowed by the actions of single individuals.”

The NZTA’s Safer Vehicles team regularly reviews inspecting organisations and vehicle inspectors to check compliance. If serious non-compliance is found, the team ensures that the right regulatory response is applied, including enforcement action.

Report suspected fraud

You can report suspected fraud by emailing whistleblower@nzta.govt.nz

More information is available on our website:

Report suspected fraud or wrongdoing

MIL OSI

Vingroup awarded first-class labor order for outstanding achievements in developing the National Exhibition Fair Center

MIL OSI

August 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Vingroup was awarded the First-Class Labor Order in recognition of its exceptional achievements in developing the National Exhibition Fair Center. This prestigious award acknowledges the Group’s breakthrough efforts and determination in completing the project 15 months ahead of schedule, celebrating the 80th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the capital city and the nation.

Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Tô Lâm presents the First-Class Labor Order to Mr. Phạm Nhật Vượng – Chairman of Vingroup – in recognition of the Group’s outstanding achievements, at the National Exhibition Fair Center in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The conferment ceremony was part of the Inauguration and Groundbreaking Ceremony of National Projects commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), held at the inauguration site of the National Exhibition Fair Center, Tu Lien Bridge area, Dong Anh District, Hanoi.

The National Exhibition Fair Center is a state-level key project, ranked among the top 10 largest exhibition centers in the world. With a total area of about 900,000 square meters, it is envisioned to become a premier international destination for global trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as a new symbol of Hanoi’s development.

Construction commenced on August 30, 2024, and the site was handed over on June 27, 2025—after just 10 months of construction, 15 months ahead of schedule. This remarkable pace set a new benchmark in Vietnam’s construction sector, overcoming major challenges in engineering and executing a massive steel dome structure of unprecedented scale and complexity.

As both investor and general contractor, Vingroup maximized all resources, proactively designed construction plans, coordinated manpower, equipment, and materials, and ensured seamless supply chain management across multiple contractors.

During peak construction periods, the project mobilized hundreds of contractors and about 3,000 workers and engineers, supported by 800–1,000 pieces of heavy machinery sourced from across the country, including 300–500 ton cranes and super-heavy transport vehicles. The site operated at full intensity, 24/7 in three shifts, optimizing every moment to shorten construction time by 60%.

While accelerating progress, Vingroup also maintained strict oversight of each component, ensuring safety, quality, and long-term sustainability of the project.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: “Receiving the First-Class Labor Order at the inauguration of the National Exhibition Fair Center is a profound honor and pride for all Vingroup employees. We are committed to continuing our spirit of perseverance and determination to operate the Center successfully, contributing to making Hanoi and Vietnam leading destinations for world-class political, economic, cultural, and social events.”

At the heart of the Center is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, one of the world’s largest circular exhibition hall with an area of approximately 130,000 square meters and a central height of 56 meters.

Located in Hanoi, the National Exhibition Fair Center covers 90 hectares and ranks among the world’s top 10 largest exhibition venues.

Inspired by the sacred Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) of the Co Loa legend, the hall’s unique architecture is hailed as a new wonder of the capital. Its engineering posed extraordinary challenges: a steel dome weighing 24,000 tons, assembled from ultra-large steel beams and high-strength bolts using specialized torque-severing methods to ensure quality control and double the standard safety factor. The roof is covered with ultra-light, ultra-durable fiberglass fabric, offering natural translucency and energy efficiency in line with global green building standards.

Beyond the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, Vingroup has developed a comprehensive exhibition ecosystem including four outdoor plazas (East, West, South, North), the VinPalace International Convention Center, landscaped green parks and lakes, and large-scale parking facilities. With capacity for hundreds of thousands outdoors and thousands indoors, the Center is not only suited for mega exhibitions but also for large-scale events such as concerts, national festivals, and global technology showcases—meeting the strictest international requirements and redefining Vietnam’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

One of the key drivers behind this construction milestone is the upcoming National Achievements Exhibition – 80 Years of Independence, Freedom, and Happiness, taking place from August 28 to September 5, 2025. For the first time, all provinces, ministries, sectors, and enterprises across Vietnam will gather in a single national-scale exhibition, expected to attract millions of visitors and reignite national pride.

The accelerated completion of the National Exhibition Fair Center not only demonstrates Vingroup’s strong financial capacity, professional execution, and effective project management, but also affirms its commitment to serving the nation and the strength of Vietnam’s private enterprises in this new era of global integration.

https://vingroup.net/en

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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

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

Wilful damage charges follow Christchurch protest

LiveNews Publisher

August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Sergeant Danny Schaare:

Canterbury Police have charged six people with wilful damage following an incident where hundreds of stickers were placed on a store window during a protest on 2 August.

The store has recently seen a number of similar incidents, and the cost of clean up and removal of the stickers is around $1000.

The six charged have also been trespassed from the store and its surrounding complex.

Four males and two females, aged between 28 to 66 are due to appear in the Christchurch District Court in the next week.

In a separate incident, a 74-year-old man was arrested for assaulting Police during a protest on Saturday 16 August.

He is due to reappear in the Christchurch District Court on 10 September.

Police recognise the right to lawful protest, however we can not condone protest action where property is damaged and people are victim of assault.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Education – Ara connects with international partners at key events

LiveNews Publisher

August 20, 2025

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Leaders in the international education sphere gathered at Ara Institute of Canterbury on Wednesday for a showcase of innovation, collaboration and cultural connection.

Hosted at Te Puna Wānaka, Ara’s wharenui, the event welcomed 35 key education and immigration from across the globe and offered a firsthand experience of Ara’s learning environment and its commitment to shaping future-ready graduates in Aotearoa.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome our international partners to Ara,” said Deanna Anderson, Head of Marketing and Recruitment.

“This has been a chance to share our unique learning environment, continue building meaningful relationships, and show the world what makes Ara such a special place to study, grow and thrive.”

A similar event is planned for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next week.

The largest campus-based vocational education provider nationally, Ara Institute of Canterbury is a key player in New Zealand’s tertiary education sector, offering programmes designed to meet the evolving demands of industry and society.

Located in Canterbury, in the heart of Te Waipounamu (South Island), the institute reflects the region’s reputation for resilience and innovation through its teaching and learning practices, and strong industry connections.

Programmes span a wide range of disciplines, including sustainable practice, digital design, construction management, creative industries and business leadership. The focus remains on practical, future-oriented learning delivered in a collaborative environment that supports both local and international students.

The agent event began with a mihi whakatau (Māori welcome) led by Stan Tawa, Kaiwhakahaere or Manager of Te Puna Wānaka, followed by a breakfast and networking session. Strategic updates were shared by Ara’s recently expanded international recruitment and admissions teams, offering insights into current initiatives and future plans.

Delegates also participated in an interactive workshop, designed to foster dialogue and collaboration.

The Auckland event on August 27 has a guest list of over 80 agents. To find out more reach out to Monique.Riddell@ara.ac.nz.

“We’re proud to share our vision, values, and vibrant campus life with our international partners. These events are testament to Ara’s commitment to global engagement and excellence in education,” Anderson added.

“Our door is open to any groups who would like to catch up with what Ara Institute of Canterbury has to offer.”

MIL OSI

Westport homicide: Name release, manslaughter charge laid

LiveNews Publisher

August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Glen Lindup:

Police have laid a new charge in relation to the death of a man in Westport last month.

About 3:10pm on 31 July, Police were called to a reported altercation at a Palmerston Street motel. The victim was located critically injured and flown to Greymouth Hospital, where he died later that evening.

The victim can now be named as 31-year-old Dylan James Coleman, of Westport. Our thoughts are with his family at this extremely difficult time, and we continue to offer them support.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with wounds with reckless disregard. Today, Police filed a manslaughter charge against him.

He is due to appear in the Westport District Court on 27 August.

Police are not seeking anybody else in relation to the death.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Psychology Assistants to grow workforce

LiveNews Publisher

August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the New Zealand Psychologists Board’s move to approve the development of the Psychology Assistant role, saying it will increase access to timely mental health and addiction support.

“We know there are long-standing workforce shortages across the sector, and this initiative opens the door for a career in mental health for the hundreds of students that graduate each year with a degree in psychology but are unable to secure a place in the clinical psychology programme,” Mr Doocey says.

“This is a common-sense move that I am confident will make a real difference”.

Psychology Assistants will work under the supervision of registered psychologists, helping to increase access to support and drive down vacancies within the mental health system.

“This Government put in place New Zealand’s first Mental Health workforce plan, which clearly identified the challenges facing the psychology workforce. Since then, we have followed through on opening up more places in the clinical psychology training programme, funded more clinical internships, and now the addition of the psychology assistants, will further strengthen the psychology workforce.

“I want to acknowledge the Psychologist Board for approving the introduction of the role in a careful and considered way to make this possible. I also want to thank Canterbury University and the Auckland University of Technology for their work in developing the training and qualification for the role’s responsibilities. It will offer a new pathway that did not exist for psychology students to go on to build careers in mental health and addiction.

“We’ve been clear that tackling workforce shortages is a top priority. By widening the pipeline into psychology, we can help drive down vacancies, reduce wait times, and ultimately improve outcomes for New Zealanders in their time of need.

“Our mental health plan is working. We’re turning the corner on reducing wait times and increasing the mental health workforce. Recent data shows the frontline Health NZ mental health workforce has grown around 10% since we came into Government, and over 80% of people are being seen within three weeks for specialist services.

“I am very clear that when someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get support, workforce should never be a barrier. Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.”

Note to editor:
• The role was informally known as Associate Psychologists, the Psychologist Board decided Psychology Assistant will be the name of the position going forward.
• You can find the Psychologists Board’s media statement here.

MIL OSI

Hani Terraced Fields: A Paradise Harboring Ingenious Technology

MIL OSI

August 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – The year 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the World Heritage Convention, a milestone that highlights the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural treasures. Among these jewels, the Hani Terraced Fields in Yuanyang County of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, stand as a breathtaking testament to the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.

Nestled on mountain slopes with the gradient ranging from 15 to 75 degrees, the terraces cascade in stunning layers and can include as many as 3,000 steps.

Over a thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Hani people migrated from the north to a valley in southern China. Despite the challenging natural environment, they made the most of the mountains and waters. The Hani people cultivated over 1 million mu (approximately 66,666.67 hectares) of rice terraces, some situated at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters, according to Ma Chongwei, a professor of Yunnan University.

No matter how high the mountain, water finds its way. The Hani people constructed thousands of channels to divert streams. These channels wind through villages and terraced fields before merging with rivers in the valleys.

Channel maintainers oversee the water channels, keeping them clean and ensuring proper flow. For over a thousand years, the Hani people have used water allocation tools to distribute water into a network of irrigation channels and ditches, showcasing their farming wisdom.

Throughout the long agrarian era, the Hani people transformed mountains and rivers, sharing this landscape with the Yi, Dai and other Chinese ethnic groups living downhill.

Deeply integrated into the ethnic culture, the terraces have now become the eternal spiritual homeland of the Hani people.

In the terraces lies a harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, the agrarian wisdom attuned to natural rhythms and an enduring spirit of perseverance.

Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService

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

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

Further alleged shooting incident in Levin

LiveNews Publisher

August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are making enquiries into an incident in Levin today where a person appears to have sustained a gunshot wound.

Emergency services were called to Bartholomew Road at 12pm.

A person was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police are speaking with people to help determine who was involved and what took place.

Police are continuing to investigate two other shooting incidents in Levin this week – one on Hinemoa Street on Monday evening, and on Mabel Street early on Tuesday morning – and will be working to determine any potential links between them.

“We are, and will continue to dedicate significant resources into finding the people responsible for this senseless violence,” says Manawatu Area Commander Ross Grantham.

“There will be a visible Police presence while we continue our investigations.”

“If you have any information, for the good of our community, please come forward before more people are hurt.”

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or call 105.

Please use the following reference number:

P063544224 for the Bartholomew Road shooting
P063528842 for the Hinemoa Street shooting
P063530513 for the Mabel Street shooting.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

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