Events – WIPCE 2025: World’s largest Indigenous education conference set to unite Indigenous educators in Tāmaki Makaurau next month

October 30, 2025

Source: World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE)

Tēnā huihui mai tātou katoa, e takatū mai nei ki te manaaki i ngā iwi taketake puta noa i te ao whānui.

Mark your calendars – the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) returns to Aotearoa New Zealand next month, bringing together nearly 4,000 Indigenous knowledge holders, educators and leaders from across the globe for a powerful week of connection, kōrero and celebration of Indigenous excellence in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Running for 37 years, WIPCE is the leading forum for Indigenous education and is dedicated to honouring, preserving and advancing Indigenous knowledge. Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau – AUT and iwi manaaki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are hosting the 2025 conference at the Aotea Centre from 16-20 November.

Co-Chair of WIPCE 2025, Professor Meihana Durie, says the conference offers a powerful opportunity for Indigenous educators to come together in unity and shared purpose.

“Being able to gather en masse at WIPCE is critical, for Indigenous communities and for the world. At a time when Indigenous rights are under threat, and our contributions to humanity and the environment are too often ignored, it is through the power of our unity that our collective messages will reverberate around the world.

“WIPCE allows us, as Māori, to host our manuhiri here in Aotearoa – to stand alongside Indigenous educators from across the world in solidarity, and to celebrate the richness that comes through Indigenous story, culture, language, scholarship and ceremony,” says Durie.

WIPCE 2025 features an exceptional line up of keynote and guest speakers, including Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Professor Leonie Pihama, Associate Professor Jeffrey Ansloos and Actor and Producer Cliff Curtis. Their work has helped shape global discussion on Indigenous rights, decolonisation and education.

The media are warmly invited to attend all or part of the conference. Please advise if and when you would like to attend and media access and tickets will be arranged.

People not attending the official activities but keen to get involved in the movement can enjoy the free Te Ao Pūtahi festival running alongside WIPCE 2025 in Aotea Square.

Key Events

WIPCE 2025 Powhiri | 16 November 9 am-11 am | The Cloud

Official welcoming from iwi manaaki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Parade of Nations | 16 November 11.30 am-1 pm | Queen Street to Aotea Square

A cultural parade showcasing the diverse countries attending WIPCE 2025 – hailing from Australia, Canada, United States and Guam to Finland, Taiwan, Botswana and more than 20 others – which will travel from Queen Street to Aotea Square.
Delegates will be dressed in their Indigenous kākahu/attire.

Te Ao Pūtahi Festival | 16-20 November | Aotea Square

Te Ao Pūtahi Festival will offer a vibrant and accessible experience for locals and manuhiri to celebrate Indigenous culture.
The free festival will feature different ao or ‘worlds’, focusing on culture, food, healing and trade. Indigenous stallholders will be providing free hands-on creative workshops and storytelling sessions, as well as selling kai and gifts.
There’ll be kapa haka performances from rōpū like Ngā Tūmanako, as well as live music from artists including Jackson Owens, Betty-Anne, IA, Naia Awatea and Seth Hapu with more to be announced.

Keynote Speakers

Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith

Education Systems and Practises | Monday 17 November, 8:45 am

Associate Professor Mere Skerrett

Science and Technology | Monday 17 November, 1 pm

Ani Mikaere

Politics, Self-Determination and Decolonisation | Tuesday 18 November, 8:45 am

Eru Kapa-Kingi

Youth | Tuesday 18 November, 1 pm

Associate Professor Jeffrey Ansloos

Health and Wellbeing | Wednesday 19 November, 8:45 am

Dr Teina Rongo

Environment and Climate | Wednesday 19 November, 1 pm

Professor Leonie Pihama and Raniera Proctor

Linguistic and Cultural Revitalisation | Thursday 20 November, 8:10 am

Katie Wolfe and Cliff Curtis

Creative Arts and Media | Thursday 20 November, 11.30 am

Guest Speakers

Rosa Hibbert-Schooner

Monday 17 November, 4:25 pm

Dr Jon Osorio

Tuesday 18 November, 4:25 pm

Dr Spero Manson

Wednesday 19 November, 4:25 pm

More information about this year’s kaupapa is on the WIPCE 2025 website, including the themes and programme, keynote speakers, guest speakers and other event information.

If media are interested in attending any of the key events for WIPCE 2025, or the keynote sessions throughout the week, please contact our team as soon as possible. Media attendance at keynote sessions must be organised prior to the session commencing.

MIL OSI

Fatal Crash, Matamata

LiveNews Publisher

October 30, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a crash in Matamata this afternoon.

At around 4.40pm, Police were alerted to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and the road is now open.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Hotel Artz Fair Unveils Global Lineup Featuring Basquiat Showcase and ULTRAMAN’s First-Ever Art Collaboration Outside Japan

MIL OSI

October 30, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

A Global Tapestry of Talent

This year’s edition features a compelling mix of emerging and mid-career artists from around the world. British expressionist painter Jesse Grylls brings raw emotional intensity to his canvases, while Australian muralist Jamie Torpey offers bold abstract portraiture. Hong Kong artist William Kan showcases his multidisciplinary approach, blending tradition with contemporary flair.

Mid-career talents include English painter Pip Todd-Warmoth, whose works are part of HRH King Charles’ private collection; Turkish painter and sculptor Coplu, celebrated for his emotionally resonant and colour-rich creations; and Japanese artist Hisahiro Fukasawa, known for his meticulous brushwork and masterful gold-leaf layering.

Curated Icons and Contemporary Voices

Internationally acclaimed art adviser Tanya Baxter, recognized by Spear’s as one of the world’s top 500 art advisers, brings her signature curatorial flair to the Fair. Her showcase will feature a vibrant mix of post-modern, modern British, and contemporary works, including pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Marc Chagall, Tracey Emin, Bridget Riley, and Andy Warhol, presented alongside emerging and mid-career artists such as Rocco Ritchie and Pip Todd-Warmoth.

Special Exhibition – Basquiat: Two Years, Four Moments

In collaboration with a private collector, four pivotal works by Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988), created between 1982 and 1983 will be unveiled. This intimate exhibition invites guests to step into Basquiat’s creative world, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic language and cultural impact. These privately held pieces are rarely seen and carry immense market significance, making this showcase a landmark moment for the region’s art scene.

A Heroic First: ULTRAMAN Meets Hong Kong Art

In a landmark moment, the Fair will host ULTRAMAN’s first-ever artistic collaboration outside Japan, presented by Gabangel. This debut features a newly commissioned work by William Kan, fusing the iconic Japanese superhero’s legacy with local creative energy in a bold, cross-cultural statement.

Beyond the Canvas: Immersive Experiences Await

The Fair goes beyond traditional exhibitions, offering a suite of immersive experiences designed to enrich the visitor journey. Guests can enjoy a playful, art-inspired photoshoot hosted by Venture Studios, leaving with a personalized keepsake that captures the spirit of the Fair. Whisky Cask Specialists will lead a guided tasting experience, inviting guests to explore the nuances of fine whisky in a relaxed and engaging setting. Complementing these moments, a series of thought-provoking seminars will delve into themes across art, culture, and creativity, encouraging deeper reflection and dialogue.

Top Picks at the Fair

(Top) Ethnic Group 7 (detail), Liu Liguo, Room 4510; (Bottom Left) Taytu Betul (detail), Damien Hirst, TANYA BAXTER CONTEMPORARY, Rooms 4507 & 4508; (Bottom Right) Journey of Being Deeply in Love and Side by Side (detail), Coplu, V’Art Space, Room 4512

Liu Liguo, China
Liu Liguo (b.1964) is a contemporary Chinese artist known for blending traditional aesthetics with modern media to create visually bold and conceptually rich works. A graduate of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, Liu draws on cultural memory, identity, and social transformation, often using irony and theatrical flair. His signature “classic series” of ceramic sculptures featuring the iconic “butt” motif, combines grey humour with symbolic storytelling. Active since China’s 1990s art movements, Liu continues to explore the intersection of heritage and innovation, with recent works reflecting on ecological concerns and the rhythms of life in a rapidly changing world.

Damien Hirst, United Kingdom
Damien Hirst (b.1965) is one of Britain’s most prominent contemporary artists. A founding figure of the Young British Artists movement, he gained early recognition with Freeze in 1988. Hirst’s fascination with mortality is reflected in works like The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, featuring a preserved shark. His vibrant series include Spot, Butterfly, and Spin paintings. In 2022, Hirst released The Empresses, a glittering butterfly print series honouring powerful women. Taytu Betul evokes motion and resistance, while Theodora celebrates Byzantine strength through rich crimson tones and symmetrical elegance.

Coplu, Turkey
Coplu is a self-taught Turkish artist whose vibrant, whimsical works celebrate the motto “Life is Beautiful.” Through iconic symbols like hearts, trees, boats, and clouds, he explores human emotions, relationships, and our deep connection to nature. His colourful compositions blend rich textures and joyful imagery to reflect love, freedom, and the beauty of existence. With exhibitions across the globe and public sculptures like “Nature of Love-Warmth” in Singapore’s Changi Airport, Coplu’s art transcends cultural boundaries, inviting viewers into a world of optimism, imagination, and emotional resonance rooted in the harmony between humanity and the natural world.

(Left) Dragonfly Fish, Ho Siu Chong, CHONG HO ART JEWELRY, Room 4518; (Top Right) Landscape (detail), Kim Hoe-won, Gallery ANN, Room 4505; (Bottom Right) Peony and Parrots, Hisahiro Fukasawa, William Chan Design, Room 4521

Ho Siu Chong, Hong Kong
Ho Siu Chong (b.1977) is a Hong Kong-based artisan renowned for transforming traditional craftsmanship into poetic wearable art. Trained in design from a young age, he developed his practice through hands-on exploration of diverse techniques. His creations reflect a deep appreciation for nature, family, and the fleeting beauty of life. Inspired by his children and personal experiences, his sculptural adornments radiate warmth, innocence, and a meticulous sense of proportion. Chong combines enamel, gemstones, titanium, and gold with intricate mechanical structures, crafting pieces that merge emotion, innovation, and elegance – each one a reflection of his philosophy and artistic spirit.

Kim Hoe-won, South Korea
South Korean artist Kim Hoe-won (b.1968) draws deep inspiration from the timeless elegance of the Baekjamoon, or traditional Korean moon jar. He reimagines the jar as a contemplative space, filled with shimmering willow branches that sway in hues of blue, as if moved by an invisible breeze. These delicate forms evoke a sense of motion within stillness, layering memory and perception that bridges Eastern sensibility with contemporary minimalism, inviting viewers into a meditative world where silence speaks and sentiment lingers. Kim continues to explore the emotional resonance of material and form, shaping a unique visual language rooted in Korean aesthetics.

Hisahiro Fukasawa, Japan
Hisahiro Fukasawa (b.1976) is a Japanese visual creator whose work reimagines classical kachōga (flower-and-bird painting) through a contemporary lens. Blending gold-leaf craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics, he pioneers a neo-traditional style that bridges East and West. His birds, often adorned with floral crowns and intricate patterns, evoke both celebration and introspection. Fukasawa’s acclaimed series Golden Whispers explores harmony between nature and the human spirit. With solo exhibitions across Asia and Europe and works held by the Mucha Foundation, his art invites viewers into a meditative yet dazzling visual symphony, where tradition meets innovation in a transcultural dialogue.

Hashtag: #ArtFair #ContemporaryArtFair #HotelArtzFair #HotelArtzFair2025 #ArtInHotels #CuratedSpaces #ContemporaryArt #ArtistsToWatch #ArtisticJourney #ArtCollectors #ArtInvestment #ArtLovers #ArtSpotlight #HongKongArtScene #AsiaArtFair #GlobalArtFair #ArtBeyondWalls #ArtMeetsHospitality #LivingWithArt

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

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

Rhenus Reinforces Global Leadership in Renewable Energy Project Logistics

MIL OSI

October 30, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

With more than four decades of experience in project logistics, Rhenus supports the energy transition alongside booming global renewables
The logistics solution provider’s integrated services from transport through customs, installation, maintenance and reverse logistics position Rhenus as a go-to-partner for developers worldwide
Recent marquee projects cement Rhenus as a trusted partner in wind, solar and grid-infrastructure logistics

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 October 2025 – In 2024, renewable energy saw a record capacity growth worldwide, with 585 Gigawatt (GW) added, representing an overall annual growth of around 15%, which was largely driven by solar and wind energy. However, experts warn that in order to triple renewable energy generation capacity by 2030 and reach the COP28 goal of 45% renewables share within global electricity, a further increase of new installations is needed. Many companies, supported by national renewables installation goals, are preparing to further amp up their projects.

In pole position for the renewables market

Rhenus is well-positioned to support this surge, drawing on more than 40 years of project logistics expertise and a track record of successful renewables installations over the years. The company has been active in European offshore and onshore wind projects since the early 2000s and expanded its project logistics footprint in the US and Canada as well as the APAC region early on. In 2023, Rhenus also further extended its offshore and onshore operations in Newfoundland, Eastern Canada.

In 2011, Rhenus first supported projects for the integration of offshore wind energy into the international grids by handling the logistics of cable drums. Today, this branch within the project logistics department has become the daily business, with Rhenus regularly transporting wind energy components as well as parts for hydroelectric, biomass power plants and even Direct Air Capture systems.

Global activities in renewables on the rise

In Europe – where 47% electricity came from renewables in 2024 and 16 GW were added in wind, 65 GW in solar energy – Rhenus was heavily involved in the connectivity projects for the German corridor, which connects offshore and onshore wind farms, solar parks and other renewable energy sources to the German grid. For the projects SuedLink, SuedOstLink, A-Nord and BorWin/ DolWin 4, Rhenus has transported and is continuing to transport more than 2,700 cable drums. In 2025 and beyond, Rhenus is also taking care of the reverse logistics of empty cable drums, either back to the production sites or to the recycling facilities.

In the APAC region, Rhenus handled roughly 500 shipments in 2024 that directly served renewable energy and energy transition-related projects, which included wind energy components, transformers, solar equipment and related EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) infrastructure. Recently, Rhenus shipped 300 flat-racks and 200 general containers for a global wind turbine OEM in China. “The energy transition is strongly driving more projects tied to renewable infrastructure development and associated investment in the region,” said Moritz Becker, Co-VP Director of Rhenus Project Logistics.

In the USA, Rhenus has branched out into the transport of hydrogen fuel cells, which are used to generate power by converting hydrogen into electricity without combustion. In 2025 alone, Rhenus has completed over 100 fuel cell installations along the East Coast of the US. At least 20 more installations are planned for the coming months.

Dedicated service expansion

In addition, Rhenus is a reliable partner for offshore platform support duties in the North Atlantic, North Sea and the Baltic Sea, for which the specialized service provider conducts regular maintenance, crew and supply runs, manages offshore container depots and organizes recycling through its sister company REMONDIS. “In the coming years, we expect the recycling and replacement of older windmills that have reached their lifespan to be a major additional focus and have developed complete supply chain concepts that will efficiently support customers in this market,” adds Bjoern Wittek, Managing Director of Rhenus Offshore Logistics.

Besides recycling and dismantling as a new service area, Rhenus also focuses on providing customers with alternate routing for their project and renewables transports: A recent contract with ENERCON features a barge reconstruction in order to transport wind turbine blades of up to 86 meters in length through the North German canals instead of via roads and motorways, bypassing traffic jams and complicated road transport permits and safeguarding just-in-time deliveries of the components to the ENERCON construction sites. “Using the waterways as an alternative to road transport holds even more potential. With inland navigation as our historic origin, Rhenus operates around 1,000 vessels every day, around half of which are our own barges. This makes us Europe’s largest inland waterway transport operator with units in all sizes, from self-propelled vessels to push convoys. We are well-equipped and able to expand this offering for our customers – even beyond the European waterways,” explains Marc Regenbogen, Head of Shipping at Rhenus PartnerShip.

Providing sustainable transport options

“For Rhenus, sustainability means meeting today’s needs without compromising the future. We are a key enabler in our customers’ decarbonization strategies, where we perceive a rising demand for efficient transport with a reduced CO₂ footprint,” explains Moritz Becker, Co-VP Director of Rhenus Project Logistics. As part of this strategy, Rhenus has implemented and continues to invest in the use of sustainable transport modes and alternative fuels.

This includes pilot projects to test alternative drive systems, such as the first hybrid push-barge combination using hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and state-of-the-art diesel engines operated with HVO100 that went into operation on the Rhine in January 2025.

In Spain, Rhenus is testing renewable fuels together with its customer Bosch, reducing road freight emissions by more than 80%. In June 2025, Rhenus and Merck also launched a biodiesel B100-powered shuttle service between Merck’s site in Molsheim and the Rhenus warehouse in Strasbourg, France, achieving a consistent 55% reduction in emissions.

Even in air freight, Rhenus offers customers a calculation tool, RHEGREEN, in order to reduce transport emissions by choosing the most efficient and sustainable flight connection, aircraft and routing. In December 2024, Rhenus joined Air France KLM Martinair Cargo’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program in order to reinforce its commitment to reducing emissions for air freight and supporting customers’ ESG targets.

Investments into a sustainable future

Overall, these collected efforts, projects and commitment underline the Rhenus Group’s impact on the renewables market and reinforce its position as a renewable project logistics market leader. From its scalable infrastructure and practices to reduce lead times and logistics carbon footprint to providing complete end-to-end project logistics services, Rhenus creates a streamlined value chain for its energy customers. “As the renewables market accelerates, Rhenus is uniquely equipped to meet the logistical challenges of complex, large-scale energy infrastructure. We will continue to invest in low-carbon assets and transport solutions and expand our renewables-dedicated logistics hubs, such as the port terminal in Cuxhaven, Germany, the Maasvlakte terminal in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, or sustainable warehouses across Europe, the Americas, India and the APAC region,” adds Moritz Becker, Co-VP Director of Rhenus Project Logistics.

Hashtag: #Rhenus

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

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

Boiler World Expo to Take Place in Bangkok from November 19–21, 2025

MIL OSI

October 30, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 October 2025 – Following highly successful editions in India and Africa, the globally recognised Boiler World Expo is making its official Southeast Asia debut with the inaugural Boiler World S.E.A. 2025. Organised by Orangebeak Expos, this premier event will take place in Thailand from November 19-21, 2025, at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Centre. This launch marks a significant expansion, creating the region’s most important new platform for the boiler, steam, and heat industries to connect innovators with key industry leaders from across the ASEAN region and beyond.

The expo will feature 150+ exhibitors from 10+ countries, highlighting the latest in boilers, burners, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, automation, instrumentation, and auxiliary equipment. Exhibitors include Thermax, TKIL, Forbes Marshall Vyncke, Industrial Boilers Limited, Nu-Way and Bentone Germany, John Thompson South Africa, EuroAsiatic Siam Thailand, Igema GmbH, Germany, Fireye LLC USA, Henan Yuanda Boiler China, Isgec Heavy Engineering Ltd, EPCB Boiler China, Martech Vietnam, Shanghai T.S. Industrial Co., Ltd China, Hangzhou Fulton Thermal Equipment Co. Ltd, and several more.

“Southeast Asia is a dynamic hub of industrial innovation, and with the increasing focus on energy efficiency and stricter environmental norms, the timing is perfect to launch Boiler World in the region,” said Bhanu Rajagopalan, Managing Director of Orangebeak Expos. “For this inaugural edition in Bangkok, we are bringing more than just technology; we are bringing a forum for ideas. The conversations and partnerships forged here will be crucial in helping industries across the region navigate the transition to cleaner energy systems and build a truly sustainable future.”

With visitors from 11+ nations from industries across power, process, food & beverage, petrochemicals, textiles, metals, sugar, and industrial infrastructure, the expo will find opportunities to modernise, meet regulatory standards, and enhance efficiency. Teams from leading companies like ThaiBev, Itacho Sushi, Siam Winery, Heritage Group, KH Roberts, Birla Opus Paints, Pretty Group, Supertex, Beacon Group, Honda Trading and many others are visiting the expo.

Boiler World SEA 2025 will also feature 10+ advanced technical seminars focusing on critical themes like Waste heat recovery systems for energy conservation, Water treatment solutions for efficiency, Air pollution control for boilers / Clean energy and decarbonisation, Industrial safety and fire protection in boiler operations and commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability is a critical focus across the SEA region, with industries increasingly adopting cleaner combustion technologies, electric steam generation and waste heat recovery practices to meet regulatory requirements. With rapid industrial growth, energy needs are rising, necessitating stricter environmental norms and the need to modernise outdated systems.

Following the conclusion of the main event, an exclusive Golf Networking Event will be held on 22nd and 23rd November 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand. This tournament is open to, decision-makers, industry leaders, and government authorities from any sector across South East Asia.

Event Details
Boiler World SEA 2025
19–21 November 2025
EH 6, IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Centre, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Thailand

For more details, visit the website:

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

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

Police find haul of illegal firearms, drugs and cash in Tasman operation

LiveNews Publisher

October 30, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Brent Cook, West Coast Police:

Police executed two search warrants in Greymouth and South Westland early this morning in relation to an ongoing nationwide operation to target organised crime, drug dealing and illegal possession of firearms.

The search warrants were executed with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad and involved staff from across the West Coast area and the wider Tasman district.

A 35-year-old man was taken into custody and will be appearing in the Greymouth District Court tomorrow on charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a class B drug.

Police located:

Two firearms and ammunition
Methamphetamine along with evidence for its supply, and utensils for its use
$1850 in cash
MDMA, a class B controlled drug.

This latest raid follows a weeklong transnational targeted crackdown known as Operation Black Onyx on illicit firearms which resulted in 43 arrests and 96 firearms being seized.

Officers working on the search warrants are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

Police will continue to actively target organised criminal behaviour on the West Coast and ask the public for assistance in locating these offenders.

If you know of illegal firearms, drugs, or any unlawful behaviour, call Police. Call 111 if it is an emergency, or 105 after the fact.

You can always report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Chubb Life Hong Kong’s “Every Wish Lasts” Honoured at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2025

MIL OSI

October 30, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 October 2025 – Chubb Life Hong Kong has proudly announced that its “Every Wish Lasts” campaign has won the “Outstanding Integrated Marketing Strategies Award” at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2025, organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers.

At the heart of the “Every Wish Lasts” campaign is Chubb Life Hong Kong’s resolve to understand and address the real needs of its customers. “Every Wish Lasts” is inspired by empathy-driven innovation and insights from the company’s survey that found that 97% of people feel uncomfortable discussing death, and a significant 71% had yet to discuss this topic with their loved ones. To bridge this gap, the initiative fostered conversations about end-of-life planning through an immersive art experience, street art installations, and film screenings, inspiring the Hong Kong community to reflect on the lasting impact of their legacy.

Belinda Au, President of Chubb Life Hong Kong and Head of North Asia, said, “This recognition is a testament of our ongoing dedication to customer-centric innovation. “Every Wish Lasts” has successfully transformed a traditionally taboo topic into an opportunity for heartfelt dialogue and thoughtful planning, empowering our customers to create legacies that truly matter to them and their families.”

The Hong Kong Insurance Awards highlight outstanding achievements and innovation within Hong Kong’s insurance industry. Building on last year’s success, Chubb Life Hong Kong has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence with another notable achievement at this year’s Awards.

“Disclaimer: **Important Note**: This press release is intended to be distributed in Hong Kong only and shall not be construed as an offer to sell, solicitation or persuasion to buy or provision of any of insurance products outside Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #ChubbLifeHK

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

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

Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group Hosts “2025 North America Talent Collaboration Roadshow” in Los Angeles, Launching Global Talent Program

MIL OSI

October 30, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

LOS ANGELES, US / BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 October 2025 – Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group (the “Company”), the cultural and entertainment subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (HKEX: 9988), is accelerating its global talent strategy. The Company recently hosted its “2025 North America Talent Collaboration Roadshow” in Los Angeles, where it connected with young Chinese-language directors, screenwriters, and producers trained at top North American film schools. This event, spearheaded by Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group’s two flagship talent initiatives—the Hina International Young Directors Program and the ChunM Talent Program—marks the official launch of the Company’s talent development efforts overseas.

Group photo from Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group’s “2025 North America Talent Collaboration Roadshow”

The summit brought together 35 up-and-coming creators, graduates of prestigious institutions like USC, UCLA, the American Film Institute, Chapman University, Columbia University, and NYU. Many of these talents have remained in the US post-graduation, working in film directing, screenwriting, or production, and have already earned recognition at international festivals such as Cannes and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

The event featured Jerry Li, President of Damai Entertainment, Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group; Yvonne Liu, Vice President of Youku, Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group, and Founder of the “ChunM Talent Program”; Eric Lin, General Manager, International Content Development Centre, Damai Entertainment; and Shirley Cao, Platform Cooperation Expert, The IP Cooperation & Content Development Center, Youku, and Coordinator of the “ChunM Talent Program”. These leaders shared insights on filmmaking and content creation with these talented. North American-based creators. The summit was moderated by Joe Zheng, International Development Consultant for the Hina International Young Directors Program, who holds degrees from Beijing Film Academy and USC and is a recipient of a Student Academy Award, among other international honors.

Jerry Li, President of Damai Entertainment, Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group, speaks at the summit

Jerry Li emphasized that the summit was designed to attract globally minded young creators, encouraging them to bring their commercial and technical expertise to the Chinese market. The aim is to accelerate the industrialization of Chinese cinema and produce content with international appeal. “In China, the entertainment and performing arts industries are still evolving, which is a huge opportunity for young creators,” he said. “We’re here in North America to connect with outstanding talent, bring fresh perspectives, and work with skilled professionals to shape the future of storytelling,” he added.

Li also highlighted the Hina International Young Directors Program, which supports emerging directors through three key avenues: providing director agency services, offering opportunities to work as second-unit directors on major projects, and incubating original IP projects. Mentored by renowned filmmakers Zhang Yimou, Huang Jianxin, and producer Bill Kong, the program had recruited 67 young directors from global film schools as of September 2025. Notable participants include Chen Xiaoyu and Zhang Yudi, whose debut features Gone with the Boat and The Midsummer’s Voice, have earned nominations and awards at festivals such as the Shanghai International Film Festival and Golden Rooster Awards.

Yvonne Liu, Vice President of Youku, Hujing Digital Media & Entertainment Group, and Founder of the “ChunM Talent Program,” speaks at the summit

Yvonne Liu discussed the evolving Chinese film and TV market, noting that while short-form content has surged, Youku continues to invest 90% of its efforts in long-form series. She highlighted that the Chinese market is undergoing a structural transformation, with audiences increasingly seeking richer narratives and deeper emotional engagement. The traditional model of passively waiting for creators to deliver is no longer sustainable, she argued, underscoring the need for a proactive ecosystem to identify and cultivate talent. This includes integrating industry resources, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and encouraging creators to draw inspiration from real-world experiences to produce high-quality content.

This vision gave rise to the “ChunM Talent Program”, designed to address the industry’s talent gap. The program supports writers through initiatives like the “ChunM Roadshow”, which bridges the gap from concept to production, and the “Creation Camp”, which immerses screenwriters in real-world experiences for authentic storytelling. It also offers “Master Classes” and networking events to connect emerging and established creators. To date, the program has supported 27 new screenwriters and 25 high-potential projects, with six already in the development pipeline at Youku, significantly expanding China’s original storytelling landscape.

Liu expressed hope that the “ChunM Talent Program” will take root in Hollywood. “Youku is investing heavily in premium, shorter-format series, such as 8-to-12-episode projects modeled on American platforms, or 16-episode K-drama formats, or 18-to-24-episode Hong Kong-style structures,” she said. “Los Angeles isn’t just the heart of entertainment industry—it’s a storytelling crucible where stories are forged. We look forward to the extraordinary works born from the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. True magic will be made when the epic imagination of the Classic of Mountains and Seas is infused into the three-act structure, and the serene melodies of traditional Chinese strings encounter the blockbuster rhythm of Hollywood.”

Joe Zheng, International Development Consultant, Hina International Young Directors Program, speaks at the summit

Joe Zheng addressed the challenges faced by some overseas-trained Chinese creators, who often struggle to fully integrate into foreign markets or adapt their skills to China’s industry. “What you learn in one market doesn’t always translate to another,” he said. “Young creators need to stay attuned to the preferences and needs of different audiences across markets and age groups to keep growing and creating content that resonates.”

Hashtag: #Hujing

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

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

Oxfam – A person from the richest 0.1% produces more carbon pollution in a day than someone in the bottom 50% produces all year

LiveNews Publisher

October 30, 2025

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Since 1990, the richest 0.1% have increased their share of total emissions by 32%, whilst the poorest half of humanity have actually seen their share fall by 3%.
If everyone emitted carbon like the richest 0.1%, the carbon budget – the amount of CO2 that can be emitted while avoiding climate disaster – would be used up in less than 3 weeks.
To stay within the limits of the 1.5°C threshold, the richest 0.1% would need to cut their per capita emissions by 99% by 2030.
A person from the world’s richest 0.1% emits over 800 kg of CO2 every day. Even the strongest person on earth could not lift this much. In contrast, someone from the poorest 50% of the world emits an average of just 2 kg of CO2 per day, which even a small child could lift.

Ahead of the major international climate conference COP30 in Belem, Brazil, new Oxfam research finds that the high-carbon lifestyles of the super-rich are blowing through the world’s remaining carbon budget – the amount of CO2 that can be emitted while avoiding climate disaster. The research also details how billionaires are using their political and economic influence to keep humanity hooked on fossil fuels to maximize their private profit.

The super-rich are not just overconsuming carbon, but also actively investing in and profiting from the most polluting corporations. Oxfam’s research finds that the average billionaire produces 1.9 million tonnes of CO2e a year through their investments. These billionaires would have to circumnavigate the world almost 10,000 times in their private jets to emit this much. Almost 60% of billionaire investments are classified as being in high climate impact sectors such as oil or mining, meaning their investments emit two and a half times more than an average investment in the S&P Global 1,200. The emissions of the investment portfolios of just 308 billionaires total more than the combined emissions of 118 countries.

“The climate crisis is an inequality crisis. The very richest individuals in the world are funding and profiting from climate destruction, leaving the global majority to bear the fatal consequences of their unchecked power,” said Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International.

The power and wealth of super-rich individuals and corporations have also allowed them to wield unjust influence over policymaking and water down climate negotiations. At COP29, 1,773 coal, oil, and gas lobbyists were granted badges, more than the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations combined. Multiple rich and high-emitting countries including the US, UK, France and Germany have watered down climate laws after large donations from anti-climate lobbyists.

“It is a travesty that power and wealth have been allowed to accumulate in the hands of a few, who are only using it to further entrench their influence and lock us all into a path to planetary destruction. The super-rich and the corporations they run have a deadly track record of bankrolling lobbyists, spreading climate disinformation, and suing NGOs and governments that try to stand in their way. We must break the chokehold of the super-rich over climate policy by taxing their extreme wealth, banning their lobbying and instead put those most affected by the climate crisis in the front seat of climate decision-making,” said Behar.

The emissions of the richest 1% are enough to cause an estimated 1.3 million heat-related deaths by the end of the century, as well as $44 trillion of economic damage to low- and lower-middle-income countries by 2050. The impacts of these climate damages will disproportionately impact those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis, particularly people living in the Global South, women, girls and Indigenous groups.

COP30 marks ten years since the Paris Agreement in 2015. During this period, the world’s richest 1% have burnt through more than twice as much of the carbon budget than the poorest half of humanity combined

Ahead of COP30, Oxfam calls on governments to cut the emissions and dismantle the political and economic power of the super-rich through:

Slashing the emissions of the super-rich and make the richest polluters pay, through taxation on extreme wealth, excess profits taxes on fossil fuel corporations, and supporting the UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation. A 60% tax on the total incomes of the richest 1% globally could cut carbon emissions equivalent to the total emissions of the UK and generate in the region of $6.4 trillion.
Curbing the economic and political influence of the richest by banning fossil fuel corporations from climate negotiations such as COP, implementing sustainability regulations for corporations and financial institutions, and rejecting trade and investment agreements like investor-state dispute settlements (ISDS) that put the interests of the super-wealthy above public good.
Strengthening the participation of civil society and Indigenous groups in climate negotiations and address the unequal impacts of climate change.
Adopting a fair-share approach to the remaining climate budget by committing to nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that reflect historical responsibility and capacity to act, and ensuring rich countries deliver ambitious climate finance.
Building an equal economic system that puts people and planet first by rejecting dominant neoliberal economics and moving towards an economy based on sustainability and equality.

MIL OSI

Sudan – Mothers and children fleeing El Fasher under attack, hungry, and in desperate need of aid – Save the Children

LiveNews Publisher

October 30, 2025

Source: Save the Children

After walking for four days to escape the escalating violence in El Fasher, Sudan, mothers arriving in Tawila in desperate need of aid recounted harrowing journeys, telling Save the Children how they were attacked by armed men on motorbikes and some robbed along the way.

Women who managed to escape with their children as fighting raged made the 70 km journey to Tawila without food or water and are now dependent on humanitarian assistance which was already stretched before the latest escalation in violence in North Darfur.

They have told Save the Children staff of how they were attacked on the perilous journey by armed men, with some witnessing their neighbours and relatives being killed in front of them, and others robbed of their belongings.

The city of El Fasher has been under siege for over 500 days. On Sunday media and local sources reported severe atrocities as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took full control of the city where aid workers are operating under extreme risk.

Aid agencies in a joint statement this week warned of imminent catastrophe in El Fasher and have called for unimpeded access for humanitarian and commercial supplies as well as safe and unimpeded passage for civilians wishing to leave the city.

More than 260,000 people – including an estimated 130,000 children – remain trapped inside the city, enduring famine-like conditions, a total collapse of health services, and no safe way out.

According to the United Nations, about 26,000 people have fled El Fasher. Communication channels remain down but credible accounts indicate summary executions of civilians attempting to flee as well as attacks on escape routes and house-to-house raids.

Saadiya-, a mother of three, from El Fasher, said:

“In El Fasher, we faced such difficulties and such circumstances. We lost family members, we lost neighbours, we lost everyone.

“We’ve been walking for the past four days from El Fasher. A group of motorbike riders met us on the way. They took our luggage and threw our clothes and belongings onto thorn bushes, scattering everything along the road. They took my money and even my phone! I was beaten-my ear still hurts.

“They beat [up] some people and battered them in front of us. They killed people and insulted us a lot.

“We were so hungry and thirsty. Since we arrived here, Alhamdulillah, there is food. They gave us dinner last night at 1 a.m., and this morning they gave us breakfast early.”

Awatif-, a mother of six, from El Fasher, fled with her six children and husband. She said there was no food and they survived on umbaz (animal feed) and porridge made from maize or flour. She said:

“We hid the children in trenches, and we ran into abandoned buildings during the attacks. After that, we just ate umbaz (animal feed). We have our children abroad who used to send us money [although] the money they send, no matter how much, when you have a lot of children to feed, it doesn’t do much.”

Save the Children has been rapidly scaling up operations, providing shelter, food, water and personal hygiene items, but has called for a rapid escalation in funding to meet the increasing needs.

The aid agency is calling for coordinated humanitarian action to protect civilians, restore access to essential services, and address the growing displacement crisis, with growing fears and concerns that Tawila could also come under attack.

Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director of Programmes and Operations for Save the Children in Sudan, said:

“The crisis in North Darfur is spiralling into a humanitarian catastrophe that the world cannot afford to ignore. Credible reports now speak of summary executions, door-to-door killings of civilians, and desperate families locked in a tightening siege with no way out. Children are starving, hospitals have shut down or been destroyed, and those who try to flee face extreme violence and unimaginable danger.

“Hundreds of thousands of children are at immediate risk of violence, hunger, and disease. We urgently call on all parties to agree to a ceasefire to respect international humanitarian law, and allow safe, unhindered humanitarian access ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers.”

Since the siege of El Fasher began in April 2024, Save the Children has significantly scaled up its humanitarian response across Tawila and Jabal Marra in Central and North Darfur. The organisation has reached over 224,000 internally displaced people fleeing violence and insecurity including providing support for newly arrived families, host communities, and conflict-affected populations.

In Tawila and across North Darfur, Save the Children is operating four health facilities and an expanding mobile health platform, while in Jabal Marra, we operate seven health facilities and three mobile clinics.

MIL OSI

1...567...1,237 Page 6 of 1,237