High Marks for Hong Kong’s University Degree Courses

March 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Neswire – 14 March 2025 – Hong Kong has emerged as the world’s “most improved” location for university degree courses, reflecting the determination of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to develop the city into an international education hub with strong emphasis on nurturing talents in innovation and technology.

The 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject rated six local degree courses among the world’s top 10, up from three last year, while 68% of 231 programmes from nine Hong Kong institutions rose in the rankings.

In the field of data science and artificial intelligence (AI), five Hong Kong universities are ranked among the world’s top 50, the highest number in Asia and second-highest globally.

This demonstrates the city’s immense potential and competitiveness in technological innovation, providing crucial support for the city’s future economic transformation and upgrading. The Government has also rolled out various supportive policies and initiatives to attract talent and businesses to Hong Kong to participate in driving related products to market and engaging in innovation.

Hong Kong spares no effort in developing the city into an international hub for post-secondary education.

The surge up of Hong Kong’s rankings was contributed by the comprehensive three-pronged approach involving the HKSAR Government, the efforts by universities in teaching and research, as well as social resource collaboration.

The leap up the rankings also further enhanced the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, helping world-leading academic disciplines in the city attract top-tier students for advanced studies.

“The Education Bureau will also continue to collaborate with institutions to attract more students from around the world to build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent,” said Secretary for Education Dr Choi Yuk-lin.

According to the QS release, about 80% of subjects of the city’s universities had shown improvement in academic reputation, with significant progress across most indicators. This highlighted Hong Kong’s continued leadership in the field of higher education, serving as a global model of success.

This year’s ranking compared over 21,000 academic offerings, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities across 100 countries and territories in 55 subjects.

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #QS #Talents

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

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

INVESTMENT SUMMIT: New Zealand – open to the world

LiveNews Publisher

March 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Good morning, everyone.

I’m Todd McCay, Minster of Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, the first minister for Investment – or Foreign Direct Investment, as well as associate minister for Foreign Affairs — responsible with the Deputy PM for: Latin America, Gulf States, Northen Asia, and Africa.

New Zealand is an ambitious, innovative country. We’re globally connected, rich with opportunity, and open for business. If you’re looking for a place to invest, to build, or to grow—New Zealand is the place to be.

Our location in the Asia-Pacific, a stable political environment, a highly skilled workforce, and significant network of trade and investment agreements makes us an obvious choice for global businesses.

As Trade and Investment Minister, I often talk to investors who see the immense potential New Zealand offers. They tell me they want to do more here, and my message to them, and to you, is clear: we will back you.

If you want to grow, to expand, or to innovate in New Zealand, we will help make it happen.

The Government, and New Zealanders, know that Foreign Direct Investment is crucial to grow the economy. It fuels innovation, creates jobs, and ensures we can compete on the world stage. That’s why we’re making it easier than ever for investors like you to seize the opportunities that we have to offer.

We have important trade architecture through trade and investment agreements with most parts of the world, 20 of them in fact, from the UK and EU to the CPTPP including Japan, countries from North America, South America, South East Asia, Australia, China, Singapore and of course two newly concluded last year in record time, the UAE and GCC including Saudi Arabia.

We have a network of investment treaties and agreements with more than 40 countries – 84% of New Zealand’s FDI is covered by these agreements worth $133 billion. And we have more than 40 double tax agreements and we respect tax rules and law.

Today, I am pleased to announce that we will roll out the welcome mat, by establishing a new agency – Invest New Zealand — a dedicated, standalone group focused solely on attracting foreign investment, whose job it is to make it easier for you. I also want to introduce you to our key growth sectors, where we see huge potential, and tell you about the changes we’re making to ensure New Zealand is a top-tier destination for your investment.

Invest NZ has a bold new vision

We’re taking investment attraction to the next level.

To scale up our efforts, we will stand up Invest New Zealand by 1 July this year.

The world has responded positively to our announcement that we are open to investment — and we don’t want them to have to wait for our service.

Invest NZ will be a one-stop-shop, a problem solver, cutting through bureaucracy and proactively ensuring that investment propositions get through the system quickly. Its job will be to work with you get the right decisions from central and local government smoothly, get your consent or permission effortlessly. We want to derisk your decision to invest in our country.

Through Invest NZ, we will:

Target high-impact investments in key sectors like technology, agritech, renewable energy, fintech, finances, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and of course the production and processing of high-quality, safe food.
Remove unnecessary barriers so investing here is easy, efficient, and predictable.
Proactively engage with global investors and multinationals, showcasing the unique advantages of doing business in New Zealand.
Support high-growth Kiwi businesses to become investment-ready, so they can scale up and expand internationally.

While Invest NZ won’t lead on infrastructure investment – that remains with National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited – it will connect global investors with the right agencies to get deals done. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to do business here.

Invest NZ is a tool available to investors get deals through the system quickly and efficiently, and to give you the certainty that the Government stands with you.

By leveraging our strengths: our talent, innovative excellence, and commitment to high-quality production – Invest NZ will unlock tens of billions of dollars in global investment and position New Zealand as one of the most attractive places to invest in the Asia-Pacific.

We have set an ambition target to double exports by value within ten years, Invest NZ will ensure New Zealand attracts the capital needed to help achieve this. We will also compare FDI stock as a percentage of GDP against other nations to better measure our success in attracting investment.

If you want to do more in New Zealand, we back you and Invest NZ will help make it happen.

Investing in High-Growth Sectors

There’s no shortage of world-class investment opportunities in New Zealand – you heard about a few of them yesterday from the Prime Minister and my colleagues. Across multiple industries, businesses are scaling, innovating, and looking for global partners to help them grow. We believe some of the biggest untapped opportunities lie in the following sectors:

Fintech & Finance

New Zealand’s fintech sector is booming.

$2.6 billion in revenue in 2023, with 24% compound annual growth since 2018.
Now New Zealand’s largest tech sector, establishing a critical mass of larger export firms like Xero.
Fintech firms with $5m+ in revenue have tripled in a decade.
The sector employs 4,200 people in New Zealand, with another 4,650 offshore.
The Government is introducing open banking legislation to drive competition and innovation in financial services, creating new opportunities for investment. There are opportunities for more banks in New Zealand.

Renewable Energy

New Zealand is leading the global shift to net-zero carbon.

88% of our electricity is generated from renewables—but just 30% of our industry and transport runs on clean energy, meaning massive untapped potential.
Strong government backing and natural resources make this a prime sector for investment.
Opportunities exist in green hydrogen, battery storage, renewable energy exports, data storage and AI processing.

Advanced Transportation

New Zealand is a testbed for cutting-edge transport technology.

Ranked third in the world for rocket launches.
A forward-thinking regulatory environment allows innovation to scale fast.
Investors can plug into a fast-growing ecosystem spanning aerospace, EVs, and autonomous transport.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is New Zealand’s fastest-growing food production sector.

The global market is expanding at 5.4% compound annual growth rate.
New Zealand has one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world (4.1 million sq km).
The industry is targeting $3 billion in annual value by 2035.

Cleantech

New Zealand is a global leader in sustainable innovation.

The cleantech market is projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030.
We have a highly skilled tech workforce and strong R&D capability.
A growing pipeline of scalable cleantech ventures needs capital to accelerate growth.

Minerals & Resources

New Zealand’s mineral sector is primed for growth.

The sector aims to double exports to $3 billion and grow jobs from 5,290 to 7,000+ by 2035.
Expansion of gold, coking coal, mineral sands, critical minerals and rare earth minerals will drive this growth.
New Fast Track Approvals legislation is clearing the path for investment.

We Back You

There are world-leading businesses across all these sectors ready for investment. Many of them need not just capital, but global expertise, networks, and partners who can help them scale.

So, my message to you is clear: If you’re ready to invest, we’re ready to help. We can drive growth together and turn opportunity into profit.

I encourage you to get in touch with the team at Invest New Zealand if you’re interested in learning more about opportunities in the sectors included in the following showcase or in any other sectors.

Conclusion

It is now a privilege to hand over to my colleagues who will take you through the specific sector opportunities I’ve highlighted:

Minister Jones: recourses and aquiculture
Minister Collins: Advanced Transportation
Minister Watts: renewable and clean energy

It has been a pleasure speaking with you. I look forward to seeing many of you take the next step and grow sectors in New Zealand.

As New Zealand’s newly appointed, and first Minister responsible for Foreign Direct Investment, I want to leave you all with one clear message – we are open for business, and we will be saying yes to investment.

Thank you.

MIL OSI

Blind Low Vision New Zealand’s Seeing Streets Differently

LiveNews Publisher

March 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Kia ora koutou. Nga mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai haere mai, ra ki te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

I’d like to begin by specifically acknowledging:

Clive Lansink, Chair of the Board of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
Judy Small, Deputy Chair
Dan Shepherd and Sue Emerali, panel members
Jelena Zidov, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Blind Low Vision NZ
Gwen Green, General Manager of Engagement and Marketing, Blind Low Vision NZ

And to all our very distinguished guests, including Members of Parliament and representatives from Whaikaha – tēnā koutou katoa.

It is my pleasure to host you here today at Government House Wellington, for this reception for Seeing Streets Differently. As Governor-General, I am proud to be patron of Blind Low Vision NZ – an organisation which, for 135 years, has been supporting and advocating for blind, deafblind, and low vision New Zealanders.

I am pleased to have had the opportunity to engage regularly with Blind Low Vision over the course of my term, and to see first-hand the impactful work you do across New Zealand communities.

Back in June 2022, I helped to launch the Vision Bus at Auckland University – a mobile optometrist which travels to remote and high-needs communities, to provide low-cost eyecare and eyewear. I also had the pleasure of visiting Blind Low Vision NZ in Manurewa, to see some of the guide-dog puppy-training in action at that remarkable, world-leading facility.

I was deeply touched that one of the new puppies I met that day was named Kiro – and, a few months later, came for morning tea, here, at Government House. He didn’t remember me, sadly.

The link between Governors-General and Blind Low Vision NZ is a strong and long-standing one, which I am proud to continue. One of my predecessors, Dame Cath Tizard, went to the extreme of a tandem parachute jump, to help publicise the launch of Braille Week back in 1992. Upon learning of this daring stunt, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sent a telegram to Dame Cath, containing just two words: ‘Well jumped’. I must say, I am relieved no-one asked me to repeat such an effort for the launch of this initiative here today.

Like so much of Blind Low Vision’s work, I am confident that Seeing Streets Differently will have a profound impact of the lives of blind and vision-impaired New Zealanders – by advocating for truly inclusive environments, and making the streets and neighbourhoods of New Zealand communities safe spaces everyone can navigate with confidence and independence.

We know how fundamentally important walking journeys are for allowing those with low vision to live independently – and that sudden changes to street layouts, uninclusive design, and cluttered footpaths, reduce the ability of those members of our community to get around safely.

Research has shown that such safety concerns are a major deterrent for those with low vision from leaving their homes, and contribute significantly to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. By making our streets safer and more inclusive, New Zealand lives and communities will be immeasurably improved – ensuring that everyone can access healthcare, education, and work; connect with each other; and, ultimately, lead full, engaged, and happy lives.

It was the English political and religious thinker William Penn who said: ‘I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.’

As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I wish to extend my very sincerest thanks to all staff, volunteers, and supporters of Blind Low Vision NZ – for the great goodness you do and embody so fully through your work. I am truly proud to be your patron.

And, finally, my sincerest congratulations on the launch of this wonderful initiative, which I know to be the result of so much work and care – and which I am sure will come to make such a positive difference to so many New Zealand lives.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

I’d now like to invite Jelena Zidov, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Blind Low Vision NZ, to speak.

MIL OSI

Calling Global Startups! EPIC 2025 Opens Application with US$100M Investment Up for Grabs

MIL OSI

March 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2025 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is excited to announce the 9th edition of the Elevator Pitch International Competition (EPIC 2025), a global stage for visionary startups to secure investment, spur business opportunities, and scale in Asia’s innovation arena from 3-7 November, as finalists showcase their groundbreaking ideas with a 60-second pitch at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong.

Calling Global Startups! EPIC 2025 Opens Application with US$100M Investment Up for Grabs

EPIC 2025 will be offering winning teams two tech track additions welcoming solutions in Digital Health Tech and Green Tech, other than FinTech, and access to a targeted investment pool of USD 100 million—double the amount from last year—along with a USD 240,000 cash prize. Global registration for EPIC 2025 is now open until 17 June 2025, 23:59 (GMT +8), ready to take tech ventures to the next level.

Key Dates
Application Deadline: 17 June 2025, 23:59 (GMT +8)
Online Regional Pitch: July 2025

Finalist Announcement: August 2025

EPIC Week: 3 – 7 November 2025

**Mid- to late-stage startups under 10 years old, focused on Digital Health Tech, FinTech, or GreenTech, and registered as businesses with plans to expand R&D or operations to Hong Kong and/or the Greater Bay Area (GBA), are eligible for EPIC.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, expresses pride in EPIC’s success, “Hong Kong is at the forefront of global innovation, where we engage entrepreneurs in addressing the imperative, and EPIC being the origin of many world-first technologies, HKSTP will continue offering haven for startup resources to intersect, and invites like-minded partners to join us on the transformative journey.”

Stepping up from EPIC 2024 with 603 entries from 47 economies, the competition this year aims to set its sights even higher. Startups will participate in online regional pitch across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) in July, and finalists will land in Hong Kong in November, where EPIC Week and the Grand Finale take place, as a more comprehensive and enriching experience is set to introduce highlights including:

EPIC Week: A week-long series of events leading up to the Grand Finale, including business and investment matching, networking sessions, and industry tours, providing startups with deeper insights into Hong Kong’s vibrant I&T ecosystem.
Tech Spotlight: An exclusive opportunity for selected startups to present their solutions directly to investors and corporate leaders, facilitating immediate feedback and potential collaborations.
GBA Exploration: Guided visits and sessions focused on unlocking business opportunities within the GBA, enabling startups to understand and tap into this rapidly growing market.

Visit the official website for more on EPIC 2025 at https://epic.hkstp.org/.

Hashtag: #HKSTP #EPIC2025

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

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

Serious crash: Cook Street, Howick

LiveNews Publisher

March 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police and emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash in Howick this evening.

A vehicle has collided with a building near the intersection with Cook and Picton Streets, before 6.30pm.

The driver of the vehicle is in a critical condition.

The Police Serious Crash Unit are deploying to the scene.

Cook Street will be closed to allow a scene examination.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to access Howick Village this evening.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

British Council East Asia Education Week 2025 Strengthening UK-East Asia higher education partnerships

MIL OSI

March 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

UK Vice-Chancellors, UK alumni and East Asia leaders convene in Hong Kong to shape the future of mobility, research, and innovation partnerships.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2025 – The British Council Hong Kong successfully hosted the British Council East Asia Education Week 2025 from 5 to 7 March 2025, bringing together senior higher education leaders from the UK and East Asia to explore new opportunities for collaboration, research, and innovation, as well as UK alumni from 12 countries and territories in the region to discuss future of international studies and work. The three-day event saw the participation of education agents, UK alumni, UK Vice-Chancellors, alongside policymakers and academic leaders from East Asia, in a series of strategic roundtables, discussions, and site visits aimed at strengthening partnerships and knowledge exchange between the UK and East Asia.

Leighton Ernsberger, Director Education, East Asia, British Council, commented, “The British Council works closely with UK and East Asia stakeholders to strengthen international higher education partnerships. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event in Malaysia, this year’s discussions in Hong Kong not only showcased the best of UK-East Asia collaborations but also inspired the next wave of global research initiatives, transnational education, and student mobility opportunities.

“Hong Kong is a natural home for the event in East Asia. In terms of research, UK researchers rank third most common among internationally co-authored publications in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is also home to over 72,000 alumni of UK universities in the past 15 years and in 2022/23 there where over 19,000 enrolments on UK transnational education programmes, making Hong Kong, on its own, the fourth largest partner for teaching and learning in the region with the UK. This illustrates the depth and strategic nature of partnerships between Hong Kong and the UK.”

Susannah Morley, Director of British Council Hong Kong, added, “We were delighted to host the British Council East Asia Education Week in Hong Kong, where delegates from across the region engaged in critical conversations on the future of higher education and global collaboration. The participation of Vice-Chancellors from the UK on an outward mission to Hong Kong has reinvigorated partnerships and fostered new opportunities in education, research, and knowledge exchange.

“This mission focused on three priority areas – arts and culture, allied health and big data, and innovation and knowledge transfer. By strengthening connections between universities in the UK and Hong Kong, we aim to create a platform for sustainable collaboration that not only benefits both Hong Kong SAR and the UK but also contributes to the broader Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) education and innovation ecosystem.”

Key discussions shaping the future of UK-East Asia partnerships

The event featured a UK Vice-Chancellors’ Higher Education Mission, where UK university leaders engaged with East Asia’s higher education sector through site visits, strategic briefings, and discussions on research collaboration, innovation, and funding opportunities.

The East Asia Agent Conference 2025 brought together almost 200 senior directors of education agencies, universities, and aggregators from 13 countries and territories and the UK under the theme “Innovate for a Sustainable Future.” The conference focused on improving the quality of advice available to students, the value of UK qualifications and the student voice, concluding with a networking reception, fostering new connections between UK government representatives and academic leaders.

The East Asia Agent Conference reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to high-quality student support and ethical recruitment. The panel discussions throughout the day highlighted the Agent Quality Framework (AQF), a framework designed to strengthen the partnership between the UK education sector and agents and counsellors, while recognising and sharing best practices. The conference also recognised the importance of alumni engagement, employability-driven strategies, and the need for innovation in agency services to navigate market challenges and strengthen the UK’s position as a top study destination.

Alumni UK: A global network for graduates

Another key component of the East Asia Education Week was the Alumni UK Symposium, which brought together over 200 UK alumni from 12 countries and territories in East Asia to exchange insights and strengthen professional networks. The Alumni Symposium highlighted the impact of a UK education on career success, emphasising adaptability, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. A series of panel discussions among alumni also underscored the power of alumni networks, the need for lifelong learning, and the importance of leveraging global connections to navigate evolving job markets and drive positive societal change. The event also provided the opportunity to celebrate 33 alumni of the British Council’s Women in STEM scholarship from across Southeast Asia and the new British Council Scholarship for Women in Hong Kong, launched in 2024 and supported by the Sir Tang Shiu Kin Education Trust ahead of International Women’s Day. The first cohort of four students from Hong Kong are currently in the UK studying at Newcastle universities.

Connecting UK alumni from around the world, the British Council Alumni UK platform creates a global network designed to connect graduates of UK universities with their peers worldwide and provides professional development and job opportunities to support career progression.

The event was supported by several partners: the University of Hong Kong provided an amazing backdrop to the event, Pearson PTE as Gold partners for the week, Easy Transfer as the reception sponsor, British Council IELTS, Grok Global Services and Oxford International Education Group as event partners. Several UK partners were at the heart of event as well, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), UK Universities International (UUKI), British University International Liaison Association (BUILA) and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), reflecting the strategic importance of Hong Kong to the UK.

To learn more about Alumni UK, visit: https://alumniuk.britishcouncil.org/.

For more details on the British Council East Asia Education Week, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.hk/en/programmes/education/british-council-east-asia-education-week-2025

Hashtag: #BritishCouncil

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

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

Operation Lola: Further arrest over the handling of burials

LiveNews Publisher

March 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have made a further arrest in the investigation into allegations of inappropriate handling of burials at Waikumete Cemetery.

It is the second arrest during Operation Lola, a wider Police investigation launched in August 2024 to examine complaints into bodies that were disinterred following flooding in early 2023.

Police have also been investigating allegations of associated fraud offending taking place.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says a further Auckland funeral director was arrested today and will be held to account.

“Our investigation team has been looking at allegations that loved ones’ remains were inappropriately handled at the cemetery’s mausoleum.

“Today, we have charged an Auckland-based man with obtains by deception over $1000.

“Our investigators’ enquiries are ongoing, and I cannot rule out further charges being laid in this case.”

Detective Inspector Baldwin acknowledges that investigators have been working through complex issues in their investigation.

“The Operation Lola team is still interested to hear from other families that may be impacted by this practice or have concerns.”

Anyone with concerns can contact 105 using the reference number 240808/8008 or Operation Lola.

The first arrest in Operation Lola was made in October 2024.

Last month, the 48-year-old woman charged pleaded guilty to fraud offending, and charges of interfering with a grave/human remains.

She will be sentenced in April.

The Auckland man arrested today is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on 20 March.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Government tramples on the rights of disabled migrant children

LiveNews Publisher

March 14, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s move to tighten access to visas for disabled children.

“Disabled people deserve dignity and respect. Today’s news is a slap in the face and a prime example of the punch-down politics that dominates this Government,” says the Green Party’s Immigration Spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March.

“Disability should not be a barrier for migrant families wanting to come to Aotearoa and call it home. Stopping migrant families from coming here because they have a disabled child would be a national shame and completely undermine our credibility on the global stage when it comes to human rights.

“It’s clear Erica Stanford does not care for the human rights of disabled migrants. This change will see more neurodivergent and intellectually disabled children barred from entering the country, and lead to more heartbreaking stories of children facing separation from their parents.

“In 2022, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities identified these immigration policies as discriminatory against disabled people and in need of abolishment. Erica Stanford has instead expanded these discriminatory restrictions even further.

“Our Government is completely trampling on our international commitments to human rights. This decision sends a clear message to migrant families that they are not wanted if they have a disabled child.

“No parent should have to face the impossible decision of having to leave their children behind. The Green Party will continue to fight to abolish migrant discrimination in all its forms,” says Ricardo Menéndez March.

MIL OSI

Trend Micro Ranked #1 Channel Champion by Canalys

MIL OSI

March 14, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2025 – Cybersecurity giant Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704) has been named a Champion in the Canalys Global Cybersecurity Leadership Matrix 2025. This marks Trend’s third consecutive placement as #1 among the 32 cybersecurity vendors appraised by Canalys. Trend and its partners serve the industry’s most geographically diverse customer base, protecting hundreds of thousands of enterprise customers across 69 countries.

To learn more about Trend’s channel partner program, visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_hk/partners/channel-partners.html

Trend launched its Global Partner Program in 2024, delivering consistent and tailored engagement to all regions and partner types. AI capabilities, partner competencies, immersive training, customized playbooks and lead-generation tools were all recognized by Canalys.

According to Canalys’s review of Trend’s channel program: “Partner ecosystem expansion will be a key focus in 2025, with an emphasis on new AI-focused partners in collaboration with NVIDIA and partners in defense, energy, healthcare and FSI sectors. Priorities will include growing its security services specialist ecosystem and driving sustained partner momentum via cloud marketplaces. The launch of an AI-predicted opportunity campaign will boost up- and cross-sell opportunities, while the new Technical Partner Center will help partners optimize pre- and post-sales.”

To be ranked as a Champion in the Canalys Global Cybersecurity Leadership Matrix, security vendors must have the highest levels of excellence in channel management, high and consistent vendor benchmark scores, among the largest share of global shipments and strong market performance, vision, leadership and change capabilities.

Kevin Simzer, COO at Trend: “Our deep focus on empowering our channel partners and end customers through AI-driven proactive cybersecurity continues to resonate in the industry. We’re proud to be recognized by Canalys for our channel innovation, scaling, diversity of partner types, and quality of service. We’re building on this success throughout 2025 with continued expansion of our channel capabilities.”

Canalys measures partner sentiment by leveraging their Vendor Benchmark Analyzer, a tool that collates channel partners’ experiences of working with vendors to provide scores which allow easy cross comparison. Trend lead the evaluation with a leadership score of 82% and a momentum score of 74%.

https://www.trendmicro.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trend-micro-hong-kong-96353768/
https://twitter.com/trendmicroamea
https://www.facebook.com/tmhk1989/

Hashtag: #trendmicro #trendvisionone #visionone #cybersecurity

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

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

Auckland’s representation arrangements are finalised

LiveNews Publisher

March 14, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

A complex project to ensure Aucklanders have fair and equal representation for the October 2025 elections has reached a major milestone.

Over the past year, Auckland Council’s 2024 representation review has investigated where change is needed to electoral boundaries and the correct number of elected members in each ward and local board area – with public feedback sought along the way.

Councillor Julie Fairey, who has led the project as chair of the council’s Joint Governance Working Party, says it’s been a robust and lengthy process to get to this point, and it’s great to have electoral boundaries for 2025 confirmed by the Local Government Commission so everyone can vote in October.

“We’ve undertaken several rounds of consultation, including a formal Special Consultative Process, had input from many including mana whenua, mataawaka, advisory panels and local boards, and the Governing Body has voted several times to confirm the system now signed off by the Local Government Commission;” says Cr Fairey.

“I really appreciate the mahi (work) the community and Council officers have put in to get this done.”

The council’s final proposals, and objections to them, were considered at a hearing set up by the Local Government Commission last month.

This was the final step to allow the commission to independently assess each of the council’s recommendations and decide the best way forward.

In its final determination, the commission confirmed changes to central ward boundaries, as proposed by the council in its initial proposal, returning Parnell and Newmarket to the Waitematā and Gulf Ward, and St Johns to the Ōrākei Ward.

It approved the council’s final proposal to create new subdivision arrangements in Rodney and Howick, increasing the number of local board members in Howick to 11.

An adjustment to the boundary between Albany and North Shore wards will also be made.

The table below confirms changes approved for the 2025 Auckland local elections.

Area of change	Details of change
Total number of councillors	20 councillors (no change from 2022)
Ward and boundaries	Central Auckland ward boundaries Parnell and Newmarket return to the Waitematā and Gulf Ward, St Johns returns to the Ōrākei Ward. This aligns ward and local board boundaries for all areas in the central wards, aside from Eden Terrace. North Shore ward boundaries Bayview moves from Albany to North Shore Ward
Number of members of local boards	151 local board members (includes 2 new) Two additional members for the new Flatbush subdivision on Howick Local Board
Subdivision number and boundaries	Rodney Local Board New subdivision arrangements: Northern Rodney, Southern Kaipara, Warkworth, Kumeū, and Dairy Flat Howick Local Board New Flatbush subdivision

Detailed maps will be available online prior to the October elections, providing clear information for Aucklanders in the areas where changes apply.

As part of the 2024 representation review, the council considered a reorganisation plan to review the number of local boards in Auckland but the Governing Body decided not to proceed with this for the 2025 elections.

In its recommendations, the commission endorsed a further review of local board organisation ahead of the 2028 elections.

Meanwhile, the current changes approved give voters certainty that representation in Auckland remains fair and effective in keeping with the Local Government Act. The next review isn’t required until the 2031 local elections.

Further information

The AK Have Your Say webpage contains all relevant information on the 2024 representation review, including the initial and final proposals, maps, political reports, public consultation materials and feedback, as well as appeals and objections received.

MIL OSI

1...781782783...1,093 Page 782 of 1,093