XTransfer and SPD Bank Shanghai Branch Enter Strategic Partnership Agreement

September 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, announced the strategic partnership agreement with the SPD Bank Shanghai Branch during the “XTransfer TradeVision Summit 2025”. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration on key objectives, including local accounts, multi-currency settlement, and compliance risk control, to provide SMEs engaged in foreign trade with safer, more efficient, and more convenient global collection and cash management services, facilitating connections for businesses around the world.

Senior representatives from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including Bill Deng, XTransfer Founder and CEO and Zhang Xianfeng, Vice President of SPD Bank Shanghai Branch.

SPD Bank has consistently embraced open innovation and continually advanced its digital strategy. The bank has strong service capabilities and professional expertise in cross-border finance, maintaining a long-standing commitment to supporting the global development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in foreign trade.

XTransfer specialises in B2B foreign trade finance and leverages technology to connect large global financial institutions with SMEs. It offers integrated solutions, including foreign trade payments and collections, multi-currency cash management, and intelligent risk control. To date, XTransfer has served over 700,000 corporate clients worldwide.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, stated, “We are excited to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with SPD Bank Shanghai Branch. SPD Bank has significant experience and strong resources in cross-border financial services. By combining their expertise with XTransfer’s innovative technology and global network, we aim to offer SMEs engaged in foreign trade a higher-quality financial infrastructure. This collaboration will support their steady growth in the global market.”

Zhang Xianfeng, Vice President of SPD Bank Shanghai Branch, stated, “SPD Bank will continue to collaborate closely with XTransfer, aiming to achieve the goal of ‘local accounts that connect the globe and explore new opportunities in foreign trade’. We are committed to enhancing our cross-border financial service system, providing robust financial support for Chinese enterprises expanding globally, and working with all industry stakeholders to promote high-quality development in foreign trade.”

Looking ahead, the two parties will continue to enhance their cooperation on several key objectives, including local accounts, multi-currency settlement, and risk control system development. This collaboration aims to promote innovation and upgrade China’s foreign trade financial ecosystem, allowing SMEs to access cross-border financial services comparable to those offered to large multinational corporations.

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
https://x.com/xtransferglobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/
https://www.instagram.com/xtransfer.global

Hashtag: #XTransfer #SPDBank #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Partnership

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

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

Charges laid in relation to Bryndwr incident

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill:

A 47-year-old man has been charged in relation to an incident in Bryndwr, Christchurch on 13 August, where a woman was fatally shot by Police.

The man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and has been summonsed to appear in Christchurch District Court on 13 November.

The charge relates to the family harm-related incident which preceded the police shooting.

A critical incident investigation is ongoing in relation to the shooting.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Clearing the path for offshore wind investment

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is making changes to legislation to unlock New Zealand’s offshore wind potential, Energy Minister Simon Watts says.

“New Zealand has some of the world’s greatest offshore wind potential, offering a significant opportunity to generate economic growth while powering our homes and businesses,” Mr Watts says.

“Offshore wind requires a significant upfront investment. That’s why we are establishing a clear regulatory regime through the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill that was introduced last year, to give developers the certainty they need to invest and kickstart the sector.

“However, during the Select Committee Process, offshore wind developers raised concerns about their projects coexisting with other activities, particularly seabed mining.

“To address these concerns and ensure nothing stands in the way of unlocking our offshore wind potential, Cabinet has agreed to amend the draft legislation. These changes will create greater investment certainty for both offshore wind and seabed mining.

“The amendments will enable the Government to use secondary legislation to designate specific marine space where permits could be invited for offshore renewable projects while there is a pause on granting new permits for seabed mining under the Crown Minerals Act.

“This is a pragmatic step to address a key concern raised by the industry. By providing clear, designated areas for offshore wind, we’re creating the investment confidence needed to kickstart the sector.

“The restrictions will apply to seabed mining, not petroleum, activities and will not affect existing minerals projects’ rights to prospect, explore and mine.

“We have made no decisions on exactly where the first designated area will be, though it is likely to be somewhere in South Taranaki.

“The Government will take into account the impact on existing mining permit holders when determining these areas, and our expectation is the offshore wind and minerals sectors enter into constructive discussions on how their activities may exist near to each other.”

An Amendment Paper will be drafted and introduced to the legislation to formalise these changes.

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Transporting New Zealand welcomes competition law shake-up

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road Freight Association Transporting New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s competition law shakeup, saying that reform is needed to address limited competition in ports, airports, airlines, retail electricity and fuel.

Transporting New Zealand’s Head of Policy and Advocacy Billy Clemens says that as a highly competitive sector of over 5,000 individual businesses, 75% operating 5 trucks or fewer, road freight businesses were frustrated with large supply chain partners frequently increasing costs without improving their services.

“ Reports from MBIE and the OECD have highlighted weak competition in key sectors of the economy, including from banking, insurance, ports, and airports, just to name a few.”

“As an example, over the past few years our members have seen substantial hikes in some port access feesthat road freight companies and their customers pay to collect and deliver cargo, with no proportional increase in port productivity and performance.”

Clemens says that the proposed reforms had the potential to stop markets becoming increasingly concentrated, and could potentially enable the creation of industry codes or rules to promote competition between supply chain partners.

“This is a great opportunity to boost New Zealand’s productivity and put downward pressure on road freight costs, that will benefit all businesses and consumers.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing the Commerce Act amendments introduced to Parliament and consulted on before Christmas, and passed by mid next year.”

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Employment – Tokoroa can’t take more job cuts – NZCTU

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to help the Tokoroa community after Carter Holt Harvey confirmed the likely closure of the plywood plant in the town.

“This is another body blow to a community already reeling from the loss of jobs at the OJI Fibre plant. 100 secure, well-paid jobs are being lost. The Government must act now to help,” said Wagstaff.

“It’s not just the workers directly impacted by this change who will feel its effect. Their families, communities, and the local economy have already suffered due to job losses.

“These workers could face a brighter future if the Government were to genuinely commit to delivering a just transition for Tokoroa. The skills and talents of workers don’t need to be lost if we could build sustainable industries that provide well-paid jobs.

“This Government lacks the political will to invest and seems content to sit by and watch these workers and the Tokoroa community suffer.

“These job losses are the latest in a trend of large employers closing their operations in New Zealand. Unemployment is rising. Businesses are not investing. Working people are suffering. Yet there is no plan except cuts and empty promises.

“With a different approach, different outcomes are possible. It’s time to change track, and invest in communities like Tokoroa, and not let them fall further behind,” said Wagstaff.

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Events – Auckland Central City Library celebrates Pasifika heritage with Lupe I Vao Ese exhibition

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Visitors will find a beautiful ode to measina (taonga/treasure) at the upcoming free exhibition Lupe I Vao Ese (LIVE), opening its doors to the public on 17 September 2025, at Auckland Central City Library for all Aucklanders to enjoy.

The title “Lupe I Vao Ese” is Samoan for “doves in different pastures” and highlights the journey of measina, the cultural treasures of Moana Oceania. Auckland Council Libraries Curator, Pasifika, Pamata Toleafoa, says this exhibition has been two years in the making and it is a delight to finally be able to share this with Aucklanders.

“With Lupe I Vao Ese, we’re aiming to inspire people to treasure their cultural heritage. Measina are inseparable from Pasifika identity, carried across oceans and generations as communities migrate and adapt. These treasures both influence and are influenced by the diverse contexts they inhabit, adapting alongside the people who uphold them.

“This exhibition challenges the idea of measina/taonga as something only displayed at festivals, ceremonies or preserved behind glass,” adds Pamata. “We want to encourage our visitors to honour measina as active companions that continue to shape daily life, memory and belonging. Measina reside in the hearts, hands and memories of Pasifika peoples. As indigenous communities migrate and establish themselves in new environments, their measina accompany them, inseparable from identity.”

Along with the precious physical items known as measina, on loan from the Moana Pasifika Network and Auckland Council Library staff members, the exhibition showcases Pasifika heritage ranging from archival material and illustrations to photography from the 18th and 19th century to today. The measina on display range from Tivaevae (a form of quilting), Kato (woven baskets or bags), Masi (tapa cloth in Fiji used in ceremonies, gifting, weddings and chiefly gatherings) and Ie Toga (finely woven mat in Samoan culture) to name a few.

Auckland Council Libraries Head of Library and Learning Services, Catherine Leonard says exhibitions of this nature are vital for our communities in Tāmaki Makaurau, which are so diverse.

“It’s important to us, the Central City Library, to offer exhibitions that are diverse and represent the communities of Tāmaki Makaurau. Lupe I Vao Ese celebrates Pasifika heritage and creates opportunities to connect and enrich ourselves culturally. It’s a unique experience for the entire whānau that will leave you feeling inspired.”

This free exhibition is open from 17 September 2025 to 6 March 2026 at Auckland Central City Library. Wider Lupe I Vao Ese activities listed below:

Tāmaki Untold: Measina at Home with Edith Amituanai: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2025/09/lupe-i-vao-ese-measina-at-home/

Central City Library, Saturday 20 September

Edith Amituanai is a New Zealand–born Samoan lens-based artist in Tāmaki Makaurau. Her work explores how environments shape identity, focusing on Samoan transnational communities. In this talk, she reflects on the domestic interior—particularly the “front room”—as a kind of stage, and how these spaces connect to the exhibition Lupe I Vao Ese (doves in different pastures).

Lupe I Vao Ese (LIVE) at Play: Celebrating Auckland Heritage Festival: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/auckland-heritage-festival-2025-auckland-at-play/

LIVE at Play Artboards: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2025/08/lupe-i-vao-ese-live-at-play-artboards/

Eastern Viaduct, Wynyard Quarter, Monday 4 August – Monday 29 September

Celebrate a crossover between the Auckland Heritage Festival 2025 and Lupe I Vao Ese | LIVE at Play – an artboard satellite exhibition highlighting people with their measina in their communities.

Lightboxes

Te Komititanga and Darby Street, Wednesday 17 September – Sunday 5 October

A creative take on this year’s Auckland Heritage Festival theme of “Auckland at Play” which highlights Tangata Moana using Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.

Workshops:

Create your own work inspired by Auckland Libraries’ Pasifika Heritage Collections. All workshops take place at Ellen Melville Centre. Bookings required.

Weaving workshop – Thursday 25 September, 11am–1pm
Zine making – Saturday 27 September, 2pm–4pm
Diorama making – Friday 3 October, 11am–1pm

Proudly sponsored by the City Centre targeted rate.

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AIA Corporate Solutions partners with leading healthcare group to support employee wellness through more affordable access to cancer care

MIL OSI

September 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – AIA Hong Kong and Macau has announced a strategic partnership formed with Concord Healthcare¹, a healthcare group in Mainland China which is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, on 11 September 2025. As part of the collaboration, eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance can have access to more affordable designated cancer proton therapy and health screening packages^2,3 at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center⁴ (廣州泰和腫瘤醫院)—one of the flagship institutions under Concord Group⁵ renowned for its advanced cancer treatment capabilities, including proton therapy. This partnership aligns with our strategies in supporting and enhancing holistic employee wellbeing under the WorkWell with AIA programme.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges. In Hong Kong, a new cancer diagnosis occurs every 15 minutes⁶, underscoring the importance of prevention, early detection, and accessible treatment. For employers, this gives rise to the growing need to support workforce health through comprehensive and proactive wellness strategies.

While proton therapy offers relatively precise and non-invasive treatment for certain cancers, the cost of treatment in Hong Kong can be a critical factor in decision-making. Through this partnership, AIA enables designated group insurance’s eligible insured members to access more affordable cancer care at preferential rate^2,3 at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, helping reduce financial stress while improving health outcomes.

Ms Amelie Shen, Chief Corporate Solutions Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, said: “At AIA, we go beyond traditional employee benefits by delivering holistic and innovative solutions that support Hong Kong’s workforce and their families. This partnership is more than a healthcare solution – it represents our commitment to helping organisations and their employees access to more affordable advanced cancer care — when they need it most. By leveraging this collaboration, we’re helping employers build more resilient and healthier workforces. Together, we’re enabling employees and their families to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

This initiative reflects AIA’s vision to build a proactive, integrated wellness ecosystem—one that supports prevention, resilience, and recovery for employees and their families.

Remarks:

“Concord Healthcare” herein refers to Concord Healthcare Group Co., Ltd.
The preferential rate on the medical expenses of the designated proton therapy and health screening packages offered by Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center (“Preferential Rate”) is only available to the eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance plans. The Preferential Rate does not form part of the contractual benefit, and is not guaranteed.
The medical expenses of the designated proton therapy and health screening packages shall be settled by the eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance plan directly with Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center. Please take note that any claim reimbursement shall be subject to the provision of complete claim documents, the insured member’s benefits entitlement, the terms and condition of the policy of AIA’s eligible group insurance plan. For details, please contact AIA for enquiry.
For identification purposes only.
“Concord Group” herein refers to Concord Healthcare Group Co., Ltd. together with its subsidiaries.
Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry (2022)

Hashtag: #AIA

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

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

Green SM expands all-electric taxi service to Bekasi, supporting the city’s smart mobility vision

MIL OSI

September 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BEKASI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – Green SM, the pioneering all-electric taxi service under GSM, has officially launched in Bekasi. From today, residents and visitors can experience safer, cleaner, and more modern journeys in Green SM’s signature cyan taxis, with exclusive launch offers of up to IDR 150,000 for new users.

Green SM’s expansion contributes to Bekasi’s smart city vision.

The debut in Bekasi features a fleet of VinFast all-electric taxis, which can be easily booked through the Green SM app. Built on the company’s “5 Goods”, Green SM guarantees Good Car – modern and well-maintained vehicles; Good Driver – courteous and reliable driver-partners; Good Price – transparent fares; Good Experience – pleasant travel experience; and Good for the Environment – eco-friendly journeys contributing to cleaner urban air.

Green SM’s expansion to Bekasi follows its successful debut in Jakarta, where it quickly gained strong public support and became a symbol of green urban mobility. By expanding into Bekasi, the company enhances the city’s transportation network through direct connections to TransJakarta, LRT Jabodebek, and Commuter Line stations, making it easier for commuters to access first- and last-mile options. This is especially significant in Bekasi, known as Indonesia’s “city of workers” and an important industrial center where hundreds of thousands of trips are made daily to Jakarta for work and school. Green SM’s dependable all-electric taxi network is expected to reduce dependence on private motorbikes and cars, ease congestion, lower emissions, and improve local air quality, while offering affordable and safe transportation choices for families and workers.

The expansion also represents a major milestone in Green SM’s Jabodetabek growth plan. By promoting clean energy transportation in one of Indonesia’s busiest metropolitan areas, the company supports national carbon reduction goals and contributes to Bekasi’s smart city vision. This initiative is not only about launching a new service but also about building a long-term ecosystem where technology, mobility, and community needs move forward together toward sustainable growth.

Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, shared: “Our expansion into Bekasi is more than just launching a new service; it reflects a deeper commitment to the people and rhythm of the city. Bekasi is a place full of energy and resilience, where industry, families, and commuters influence daily life. We see Green SM as a partner to that vibrant community, providing clean and modern transportation that seamlessly fits into busy routines while supporting Indonesia’s climate goals. This launch demonstrates how the public and private sectors can collaborate to advance smart city development through practical, low-carbon solutions.“

Looking ahead, Green SM plans to expand further across Indonesia, with Surabaya and Makassar set to join the network soon. This eastward growth beyond Java’s core highlights the company’s ability to operate at scale across diverse urban environments, reinforcing its role as a key player in greening Indonesia’s transportation sector. Bekasi thus marks not only the latest milestone but also a gateway for Green SM’s broader mission to accelerate sustainable mobility in rapidly growing cities nationwide.

To celebrate this achievement, Green SM is offering launch promotions worth up to IDR 150,000 for new users, encouraging residents to experience premium electric rides that are both convenient and affordable. By combining global expertise with a deep understanding of local needs, Green SM reaffirms its long-term vision: to make every journey in Indonesia safer, cleaner, and truly green.

Hashtag: #GSM #GreenSM

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

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

Strengthening NZ–Saudi Arabia investment ties

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay has met with His Excellency Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, to progress opportunities for deeper investment links between the two countries.

“Saudi Arabia is set to be the world’s sixth largest economy by 2050, with an ambitious reform agenda under Vision 2030. New Zealand is well placed to contribute to this transformation and to attract Saudi investment into high-growth sectors across our economy,” Mr McClay says.

The meeting builds on the conclusion of the New Zealand–Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement last year and the growing commitment to enhanced trade and investment cooperation.

Discussions focused on creating opportunities for both counties through increased investment ties.

Minister McClay highlighted New Zealand’s priority growth sectors – including renewable energy, cleantech, advanced food production, wood processing, aquaculture, advanced transportation, and tourism.

Both Ministers also agreed to establish a Cooperation Framework Agreement between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and New Zealand’s Invest NZ.

“This agreement will provide a formal platform to identify and advance investment opportunities, strengthen institutional links, and ensure closer collaboration between the two countries’ investment agencies,” Mr McClay says.

“I was honoured to meet His Excellency again following my visit to the Kingdom last month. I have invited him to visit New Zealand with a delegation to see first-hand the investment opportunities our country offers.”

The Government is making it easier for foreign investors to do business in New Zealand, through streamlined investment settings and stronger commercial engagement.

“If it is good for New Zealand and good for New Zealanders, we will be saying yes to investment. Stronger trade and investment ties create jobs, lift regional economies, and deliver better opportunities for every New Zealander,” Mr McClay says.

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Rapid response rescues night diver near Goat Island, Leigh

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A search in darkness for a missing diver involving Police and Coastguard volunteers swung into action north of Auckland last night.

Police alerted Coastguard after the diver’s car was located at Goat Island, raising concerns the diver had not returned from a planned night dive.

“He had dived at night before but we were concerned the diver was out there on his own,” Sergeant Craig Kennedy, Auckland Police Maritime Unit, says.

“Eagle took off immediately and Deodar 3 was also despatched. Volunteers from Coastguard Kawau and Hibiscus responded and six volunteers on the vessel ‘Kawau Rescue’ assisted.”

Eagle spotted the lone diver 100 metres offshore around 9.18pm, and instructed him over the onboard PA to conserve energy.

The Police helicopter guided Coastguard to the diver and he was retrieved from the water around 10pm.

“Good, clear sea conditions helped everything go smoothly,” Coastguard Kawau Skipper Thelma Wilson says. “The diver was found in good spirits and equipped with the right gear to stay buoyant. He was reunited with friends back at Leigh Wharf.”

Sergeant Kennedy says clear communications and the co-ordinated response helped avert a potentially life-threating situation.

“A key safety message from Police is to always dive with a buddy and have a fully charged torch with you if you’re diving at night.

Coastguard is grateful to the volunteers who helped.

“This was one of those incidents that highlights just how much our volunteers give. The hours of training, the late-night callouts, the time away from family and friends – it all leads to moments like this,” Kawau Rescue Skipper Thelma Wilson says.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

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