Great progress is underway in the preparations to build Te Hono – the new Avondale library, community hub, and upgraded town square.
Deconstruction works are complete and the focus now shifts to site preparations that include the construction of retaining walls, ahead of the main construction phase beginning in spring 2025.
Centrally located in Avondale’s town centre, when complete Te Hono aims to connect, inspire, and bring people together.
“Our priority is to deliver Te Hono as soon as possible, at the same time as maximising value for money for ratepayers and keeping true to the community’s vision for a modern, purpose-built space for generations to enjoy,” says Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s general manager of Parks and Community Facilities.
The project steering group of the council and Eke Panuku met on 24 February and agreed to run the enabling works and the main construction phase separately. This decision was taken to keep the project moving and ensure that the main construction phase is delivered at the right value.
“The council is committed to delivering high-quality community projects that provide true value. Our intent is to manage capital projects effectively and ensure that every dollar is well spent for Aucklanders. This project reflects our commitment and strikes the right balance between fiscal responsibility and the community’s aspirations,” says Mrs Crewe.
“This next stage of on-site work will effectively help the main construction phase this year to occur more quickly, after winter, and ensure steady progress. Come spring, you’ll see Te Hono come to life!”
The project group continue their focus on minimizing compromises to the design, to ensure the final outcome delivers on the community’s vision and long-term needs keeping within the available budget.
For more information, visit: Te Hono – Eke Panuku and OurAuckland
Background Info
Since 2019, Auckland Council and Eke Panuku Development Auckland have worked in partnership on the design and planning of Te Hono – the new Avondale library & community hub with an upgraded town square. The plan for a modern, flexible space aims to support learning, creativity, and community interactions, evolving alongside Avondale as a vibrant gathering place.
Following an open selection process, the council signed a pre-construction services agreement with a main contractor in August 2022. Rising construction costs in 2023 resulted in a funding shortfall, so the Whau Local Board approved an updated design to simplify construction and minimise some of the costs. To secure the project’s future, Auckland Council reallocated $15 million in September 2023 from the planned Whau Aquatic and Recreation Centre development budget, reinforcing the project’s importance to the community.
In September 2024, after finalising the detailed designs, the council’s steering group for this project invited the pre-construction services contractor to submit a final bid. After a thorough assessment and negotiations, both parties were unable to reach an agreement on the value for money and budget considerations.
On 24 February 2025, the project steering group approved the decision to go-to-market via a competitive tendering process.
The council remains committed to delivering value for money within the approved overall budget for this project.
Next steps
At the council Project Steering Group on 24 February 2025, the decision was made to engage another council-approved contractor for the next stage of pre-construction, known as ‘enabling works’. This stage includes removing the remaining concrete and steel structure supporting the slip lane and constructing new retaining walls. This approach also allows the project to continue while the new competitive tendering process for a new main contractor is completed.
The successful main contractor is expected to start on-site in spring 2025.
This approach also avoids the additional costs and risks of undertaking major earthworks during winter, including soil instability, sediment control and environmental mitigations.
Police are seeking information to identify a man sought as part of an ongoing investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock, from Auckland City CIB, says the incident is sensitive in nature and occurred in the Auckland City area last year.
“As part of the investigation we have located footage of a man we would like to speak with as part of the investigation,” she says.
“Despite further enquiries being made into this footage we have so far been unable to identify him.
“The public will in no doubt know who he is, and I would encourage them to contact us.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Bostock also encourages the man himself to make contact with Police.
Please contact Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 240616/3973.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Tasman Police are following a new lead believed to be the last sighting of David John Robinson before his execution-style murder in 1998.
The new last sighting, and other new leads, has breathed renewed energy into the 26 year-old investigation.
The homicide investigation was launched on 28 December after 25-year-old David’s body was located on a remote West Coast beach near Ross. The investigation remained open but unresolved, until Police reopened the investigation in mid-February.
And the investigation team has been making progress.
Detective Inspector Geoff Baber says after conducting further interviews and new information coming to light, Police have identified new avenues and opportunities to solve David’s murder.
“We have spoken with a witness who reports they saw David on a street corner at the northern end of Bold Head Road near Kakapotahi, a day before the single reported gunshot was heard through the area between 14 and 18 December.
“They have also reported seeing David in the passenger seat of a green coloured 4×4 vehicle travelling in the settlement hours following the street corner sighting.”
This information is crucial as David’s last movements were never confirmed in the original investigation.
“We now have a better understanding of his whereabouts and can confirm he was in the Kakapotahi area in the lead up to his death,” says Detective Inspector Baber.
Before this new information, the last confirmed sighting of David was in the beginning of November 1998 when he was arrested by Police in Haast for theft.
“We have a responsibility in helping David’s family find the truth behind his death, and this information brings us closer to doing so.
“If you know who may have owned or drove a green coloured 4×4 vehicle around 1998 in the Kakapotahi and Ross areas, please do not hesitate to contact the investigation team.”
It is not too late to provide David’s family with answers – if you know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak with us.
If you have information that could help Police’s investigation, please email us via the Cold Case form on the New Zealand Police website, or call 105 and reference the case number 231129/2221.
CGTN published an article outlining key takeaways of the Chinese government work report, which was submitted to the country’s national legislature for deliberation on March 5. The story expressed China’s full confidence in its economic development prospects for 2025 and highlighted China’s contribution to global development.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswre – 5 March 2025 – The world has once again turned its eyes to Beijing as China Wednesday announced its economic growth target rate of around 5 percent in 2025 at the opening meeting of third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature.
On a global scale, an around 5 percent growth rate would place China among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with the economic increment equating to the annual output of a medium-sized country.
Justin Lin Yifu, dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, pointed out that China’s stable and dynamic economic growth in 2025 is a certainty regardless global uncertainty.
Lin, the former senior vice president and chief economist of the World Bank, is confident that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) is on track to grow at a rate of at least 5 percent, sustaining its position as a key driver of global growth by contributing over 30 percent to global expansion.
“That is good news – not just for China but also for the world at large,” he added.
The government work report, submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Wednesday, expressed China’s willingness to work with other members of the international community to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
“We will remain firm in pursuing a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, oppose hegemonism and power politics, oppose unilateralism and protectionism in all forms, and uphold international fairness and justice,” the report affirmed.
Deficit-to-GDP ratio at 4 percent
The report outlined China adopting a more proactive fiscal policy and applying an appropriately accommodative monetary policy. Thus, China’s deficit-to-GDP ratio for this year is set at around 4 percent, an increase of one percentage point over last year.
Tian Yun, a Beijing-based economist, noticed it marks the first time on record that China has set the deficit-to-GDP ratio at 4 percent.
It sent out multiple signals on Chinese policymakers’ stepped-up efforts to navigate challenges and boost high-quality economic development, Tian said. It also indicates that fiscal spending will play a significantly stronger role in supporting economic growth and that the efficiency in using fiscal spending should be higher this year, he added.
Boosting social vitality
Calling for stimulating the vitality of the whole society, the report vowed that China will firmly implement the strategy of expanding domestic demand, strengthen the domestic economy, drive its expansion and broaden international cooperation through further opening up.
To fulfill the target, China will issue a total of 1.3 trillion yuan (about $182 billion) of ultra-long special treasury bonds in 2025, up 300 billion yuan from last year, and earmark 735 billion yuan in central government budget for investment in 2025.
The report highlighted China’s commitments to expanding higher-standard opening up, stabilizing foreign trade and investment and fostering a first-rate business environment.
Since last year, China has fully applied the negative list for cross-border trade in services, launched opening-up trials for valued-added telecom services, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals and has given all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines.
Innovation-driven development
The report on Wednesday said the country will insist on innovation-driven development, pledging to advance tech self-reliance, accelerate major science projects and build an environment for innovation.
Enterprises like Xiaomi deeply understood the importance of innovation and high-end development. When speaking at the Deputies’ Corridor before the opening of NPC session, Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi as well as an NPC deputy, stated that Xiaomi’s major achievements are underpinned by its innovation strategy.
Noting that Xiaomi maintained its position among the top three global smartphone manufacturers for 18 consecutive quarters, Lei said it also reflects the growing global recognition of Chinese technology products and brands.
China will reform research institutes, strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, give enterprises a bigger role in innovation and create a top-tier talent pool to support young scientists, the report said.
Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand rose by +0.3% in February, the clearest sign yet that 2024’s ‘mini downturn’ has come to an end and that 2025 will likely see modest growth.
After a cumulative -4.1% decline over March to September last year, the CoreLogic Home Value Index (HVI) recorded modest movements from October to January. This month’s result marks the strongest rise since a +0.5% gain back in January last year. The median national value now stands at $807,164, which is down -16.9% from the record highs in late 2021 and early 2022, but +17.1% above the pre-COVID figure of $689,353 in March 2020.
Around the main centres, February marked a stronger month despite a -0.2% drop in Tauranga, with Ōtautahi Christchurch and Ōtepoti Dunedin both seeing increases of +0.6%, and Kirikiriroa Hamilton at +0.5%. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland had +0.3%. Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington saw a +0.1% rise – a modest increase, but still quite a marked change from the average falls of -0.7% in the prior 11 months.
CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the modest growth was expected given earlier signs about a return to growth. “The rise of 0.3% in the national median property value is fairly modest by past standards but nevertheless represents the first meaningful increase for more than a year,” he said.
“It was always likely that the property value falls in 2024 would come to an end at some stage in early 2025, given the extent of interest rate cuts since July or August last year.”
He said the overall growth figure was masking local variability. “While some markets have clearly turned a corner, there’s still variability, with Tauranga edging lower in February.”
“While the early signs of renewed growth for property values will be welcomed by many, the good vibes won’t be universal.”
“After all, there’s always two sides to the coin when it comes to house prices, and aspiring buyers would no doubt be happier if they were flat or falling.”
“That said, with listings still abundant and debt to income ratio limits set to be a restraint if and when banks’ serviceability test rates fall further, a rampant boom in property values in 2025 seems unlikely.”
Index results for February 2025 – national and main centres
From post-COVID peak
From 2024 mini peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median value
Aotearoa New Zealand
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
$1,062,680
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Ōtepoti Dunedin
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
The general re-emergence of rising property values in February was replicated across almost all of Tamaki Makaurau, with Franklin and Auckland City both recording gains of 0.5%, and North Shore 0.3%. Rodney, Waitakere, and Papakura all had a modest rise of 0.1%, although Manukau edged down by the same figure.
Over a slightly longer three-month horizon, some areas have still seen modest falls (e.g. 0.3% in Waitakere and 0.2% in Manukau), but those figures also seem likely to turn positive again in the near term.
Mr. Davidson commented: “The sentiment on the ground across Auckland has been more positive of late, and February shows this has been translating into the hard data. Elevated stock levels may mean any further near-term growth for property values remains muted, but the soft patch does now seem to be behind us.”
From post-COVID peak
From 2024 mini peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median value
$1,191,524
Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore
$1,296,321
Auckland City
$1,143,162
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area also bucked its recent weak trend in February, with Porirua and Wellington City holding steady, and Kapiti Coast, Lower Hutt, and Upper Hutt all increasing.
Wellington City remains 1.1% lower than it was three months ago, but the other areas have broadly stabilised, at +/-0.1% change compared to November.
“Wellington still faces some economic challenges in the near term, given the restraint on public sector expenditure. But housing affordability across the capital is far less stretched than it was 2-3 years ago, which is likely to have played a role in helping bring some buyers back to the table in February.”
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2025 – vivo is boldly integrating art, technology, and social responsibility to redefine mobile photography and inspire creators. As part of its commitment to user-inspired innovation, vivo invited seven visionary photographers from different backgrounds to explore love’s boundless forms with the vivo V50. Their breathtaking results can be seen at the vivo VLOVE Portrait Gallery at Central World Bangkok from February 27 to March 2. Inspired by the Italian word “Ancora” — once again — the vivo VLOVE Portrait Gallery invites visitors to capture their passion – take another shot, and rediscover love.
vivo VLOVE Portrait Gallery in Bangkok, Thailand
Video link
Together with its partners VOGUE and UNESCO, vivo is sharing its love for innovation and imagery through a series of events in Thailand that invite society to experience photography’s power to share love. The events include an immersive vivo VLOVE Portrait Gallery, a portrait sharing session, and an initiative to empower young people through visual storytelling.
“Imaging stands at the intersection of technology and humanity,” says Duanmu Xueying from the vivo Imaging Team. “We believe that photography is not merely a product of technology – it is a vessel for emotion.”
In the hands of seven professional photographers, the newly launched vivo V50, featuring ZEISS Professional Portrait capabilities and Natural Color Calibration pushes the boundaries of artistic expression while ensuring the precise reproduction of what the human eye sees.
A Stylish “Meet Your Love” Experience with VOGUE
Technology meets fashion, as vivo partners with VOGUE, one of the world’s most influential fashion magazines, to create the immersive VLOVE Portrait Gallery. Here, fashion and photography enthusiasts alike can create their own stylish social media moments while experiencing profound images from seven visionary photographers from around the world who used the vivo V50 and its state-of-the-art ZEISS Professional Portrait capabilities to create works that express their vision of the theme “Meet Your Love”, immersed in a space where fashion, technology, and creativity meet. This partnership with VOGUE underscores vivo’s commitment to redefining mobile imagery and its role as a pioneer in the fusion of technology and high fashion stylish aesthetic design.
vivo VLOVE Portrait Gallery Showcases Stunning Portraits by Southeast Asian Artists
The VLOVE Portrait Gallery, now open, showcases captivating photographic works exploring love’s multifaceted nature through visual storytelling via the vivo V50 and its ZEISS capabilities. With perspectives from ZEISS photographers like Gabriel Santos and Urasha Jakkachaphol, global artist Jimmy Marble, and emerging local talents, it’s a curated exploration of human connection. Each photo captures fleeting expressions and untold stories, turning moments into visual poems. Acclaimed artist Jimmy Marble, known for his vibrant colors, irreverent aesthetics, and more, adds a personal touch, exploring self – love and identity. His vision, “Self – expression has always been how I show myself love,” encapsulates the gallery’s spirit, where each artist uniquely captures love’s dimensions.
Renowned International Artist Jimmy Marble’s Portrait Artworks by vivo V50
Portraits of Love with the vivo V50
As part of the officially opening of the vivo VLOVE Portrait Gallery, vivo hosted a special session with five of the photographers and asked them to share how they push the boundaries of imaging technology through mobile photography. They also detailed their creative process for capturing love with the ZEISS Professional Portrait capabilities of the vivo V50.
“My focus is on capturing portraits that feel authentic – images that go beyond aesthetics and reveal the soul of the subject,” explained Urasha Jakkachaphol, who is from Thailand. “Whether it’s the intensity in someone’s gaze, the vulnerability in their posture, or the power of body language, my goal is to create images that make people feel something real.”
The technical precision of the vivo V50 let Urasha use light, depth of field, and perspective to create her portraits expressing “The Presence of Love”. “Through intimate portraiture, this series captures the subtle beauty of connection: the tenderness of a couple’s gaze, the peace of self-reflection, and the warmth of vulnerability,” she says. “I’m passionate about natural light photography, so I need a camera that doesn’t compromise on image quality under any lighting conditions. The collaboration between vivo V50 and ZEISS allowed me to shoot spontaneously, intuitively, and authentically. Whether it’s the soft morning light or intense midday sun, it captures it all perfectly. Urasha’s favorite feature is the ZEISS Multi-Focus Portrait mode. “It creates depth and separation, with the subject sharp and the background smoothly fading out, making portraits more intimate,” she says. “Coupled with its rapid autofocus, I never miss those fleeting, vivid expressions.
William Seng used the vivo V50 to capture loving moments he observed in Malaysia’s urban cityscape. “I wanted to capture selfless love, a love that asks for nothing in return, and a love for one’s passion,” he says. He noted that convenience is one of the advantages of mobile photography. “The V50 is always in my pocket and delivers amazing quality,” he says. “For me, the 50mm portrait lens on the V50 is the most powerful. Capturing instant portraits on the street is quite challenging. With the 50mm, I don’t have to get too close to the subject to capture a portrait, which is helpful. The sharpness of the portraits is impressive, and the details captured by the V50 amazed me.”
Capturing the connection between the subjects in a portrait is paramount for Gabriel Santos of Spain. “If you can make that connection not only visually stunning but also authentic, then you have created a mesmerizing portrait,” he says. “vivo and ZEISS have done an outstanding job with this phone. Even in low light, it produces excellent portraits. You can slightly underexpose to create more contrast and capture more intimate moments or overexpose in darkness to reduce contrast. The phone is equipped with three primary portrait lenses: 24mm, 35mm, and 50 mm, each suitable for different shooting scenarios.”
“Mobile photography is more flexible and spontaneous compared to traditional cameras,” says Aung Kyaw Tun. “It allows me to capture natural moments without making my subjects feel self-conscious.”
“A portrait becomes captivating when it tells a story and evokes emotions,” he says. “When viewers can feel the subject’s emotions and relate to their story, it leaves a lasting impression.”
For the VLOVE exhibition, Aung focused on capturing the unique connection between twins – a bond he says surpasses physical, emotional, and mental barriers. And he was especially impressed with the V50’s Aura Light’s ability to help render natural skin tones, especially the brown skin tones common in Myanmar, where he lives in Yangon.
“I particularly love the sharpness, texture, and natural feel of the ZEISS lenses, which enable me to achieve more layered visual effects with the phone,” says Tienjen Huang of Taiwan. “During the shoot, I paid special attention to how the light and composition tell the story.”
“For me, photography is not only a technique, but also a way of perceiving the world. It allows me to connect with the subject and record those fleeting real emotions through images,” Huang added.
vivo Collaborated Photographers Share Insights on Portrait Photography
vivo and UNESCO “Capture the Future”
Besides empowering professional photographers, vivo also supports developing young people to explore the world through mobile imagery. Through its partnership with UNESCO and the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation (BCAF) it has established the “Asian Youth Film Fund” which is supporting the “Capture the Future” initiative in Thailand. Middle school and university students will be given access to advanced mobile imaging equipment to produce short films that explore how science and technology shape society, and their visions for the future. A panel of professional judges will select the winners, and the top entries will have the opportunity to be screened at prominent Asian film festivals. The students will also have further opportunities for in-depth exchanges with expert filmmakers and photographers to explore topics related to filmmaking, photography, and videography.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: vivo and UNESCO and BCAF Launch “Capture the Future” Programme
Encouraging a New Generation to Push the Boundaries of Artistic Expression
The “Capture the Future” initiative is part of vivo’s efforts to create opportunities for nurturing a new generation of creators with a strong sense of humanistic values and storytelling ability. These efforts align with vivo’s philosophy of “Beyond What You See, Unveil What the World could Be”.
“This is a big step forward in vivo’s mission to support young creators and give them a platform to showcase their talents and tell stories that truly matter,” said vivo spokesperson Pattara The program is designed to inspire creativity through imaging technology and encourage young people to engage with pressing societal issues and drive positive change through the power of visual storytelling.
As an innovation leader, vivo has a vision to empower every individual with the tools and technologies to create and express themselves. And vivo has made significant strides in advancing smartphone photography, both through continuous innovation and corporate social responsibility initiatives centered around photography or videography. These efforts have created opportunities for the exchange of visual cultures and the nurturing of a new generation of creators with a strong sense of humanistic values and storytelling ability.
Strengthening Vietnam-Singapore Financial Ties: Unlocking New Investment Opportunities in Banking, Fintech, and Green Finance
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2025 – The Da Nang Investment Forum 2025, held on 3 March 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, underscored Vietnam’s strategic ambition to position itself as a key financial hub in Southeast Asia and commitment to regulatory innovation and international collaboration. Organised by the People’s Committee of Da Nang City in collaboration with Terne Holdings, the forum brought together close to 200 government leaders, global investors, and financial experts to explore the city’s transformation into a dynamic financial center and the opportunities it presents for Singapore international investors.
Pictured: H.E. Nguyen Van Quang, Secretary of the Da Nang Municipal Party Committee giving his, Opening Remarks at The Da Nang Investment Forum 2025
The forum, a key highlight of Da Nang’s high-level delegation visit to Singapore, was officiated by H.E. Mr. Nguyen Van Quang, Secretary of the Da Nang Municipal Party Committee and Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Da Nang City, alongside H.E. Tran Phuoc Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Singapore. Ambassador Tran Phuoc Anh delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for discussions on Da Nang’s economic development, investment-friendly policies, and its role in Vietnam’s broader financial growth strategy. Moderated by Dr. Chua Hak Bin, Co-Head of Macro Research at Maybank, the forum featured an interactive dialogue with Da Nang’s leadership, offering firsthand insights into the city’s dynamic investment climate and ambitious future.
Positioning Da Nang as Vietnam’s Next Economic Powerhouse
As one of Vietnam’s six centrally governed cities, Da Nang is emerging as a key regional growth hub, driven by world-class infrastructure, innovation-driven industries, and progressive economic policies. The city has identified two key drivers for future development: the Da Nang International Financial Centre and the Da Nang Free Trade Zone. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of major ASEAN economies, Da Nang plays a vital role in the economic, political, and national defense landscape of both the Central region and Vietnam. With a strong regulatory framework and significant infrastructure investments, the city aims to attract financial institutions, asset managers, and fintech firms looking to expand into the ASEAN market.
“Da Nang is rapidly developing and actively embracing scientific advancements to drive its growth. As Vietnam pursues its ambition of becoming an international financial center in Southeast Asia, Da Nang plays a crucial role in realizing this vision by creating value-driven opportunities in the financial sector. shared in the welcome remarks of H.E. Tran Phuoc Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Singapore. “Singapore, already one of Vietnam’s largest investors, is poised to strengthen its economic ties further. With a commitment to increasing bilateral trade by 10% annually, both nations are working towards reaching a trade volume of over $31 billion, solidifying their strategic economic partnership.”
Several key advantages bolster Da Nang’s investment appeal:
Strategic Connectivity: With direct air links to over 15 countries, a modern international airport, and the upcoming Lien Chieu Port—Vietnam’s future global transshipment hub—Da Nang offers seamless access to regional and international markets.
Thriving Innovation & high Technology Hub: The city is a leader in high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and semiconductor industries, boasting one of Vietnam’s three national high-tech parks.
A World-Class Destination for Investment & Living: Recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s top beach destinations, Da Nang combines a high-quality urban environment with investor-friendly policies, making it an attractive choice for both businesses and residents.
Da Nang International Financial Center (DNIFC): A Regional Financial Hub in the Making
Following Politburo approval in November 2024, Da Nang is advancing plans to establish Vietnam’s first regional financial center, positioning itself as a key player in the global financial landscape. DNIFC will serve as a strategic hub for:
International Trade & Green Finance – Facilitating cross-border investment, sustainable finance, and capital markets to support Vietnam’s commitment to responsible economic growth.
FinTech & Digital Economy – Providing a regulatory sandbox for blockchain innovations, AI-driven financial services, and digital payments, fostering a dynamic financial technology ecosystem.
Commodity Trading Hub – Establishing a structured exchange for agriculture, minerals, and metals, seamlessly integrating with Da Nang’s expanding logistics network.
Strategically located on a 6.17-hectare prime site, DNIFC will feature luxury office spaces, fintech hubs, and investment support services, with future expansion planned across 62 hectares. This initiative aims to position Da Nang as a premier financial gateway, attracting global investors and reinforcing its role in Vietnam’s rapidly evolving financial sector.
Mr. Andy Khoo, General Director of Terne Holdings, stated, “Da Nang’s strategic location near key trade routes of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), along with its proximity to Tien Sa and Lien Chieu ports, positions it as a natural hub for trade finance. SMEs in ASEAN, one of the most underserved markets, face an annual unmet trade finance demand of $200 billion. DNIFC can bridge this gap by introducing innovative trade finance solutions and enabling seamless cross-border capital movement. Today’s event marks a significant opportunity for Da Nang to capitalise on this potential.”
Da Nang Free Trade Zone (DNFTZ): A Game-Changer for Vietnam’s Trade & Logistics
As Vietnam’s first pilot Free Trade Zone, DNFTZ is set to accelerate high-value exports, smart logistics, and next-generation manufacturing. The development will feature:
Advanced Manufacturing & Supply Chain Hubs: Focused on semiconductors, biotech, medical devices, and renewable energy, positioning Da Nang as a key player in high-value industries.
Multimodal Logistics & Global Trade: Seamless integration with Lien Chieu Port and Da Nang Airport, enhancing Vietnam’s regional trade links and strengthening supply chain efficiency.
Digital Economy & Smart Industries: A specialised ecosystem for AI, cloud computing, e-commerce, and blockchain technologies, driving innovation and economic transformation.
With strong government backing and investor-friendly policies, DNIFC and DNFTZ will cement Da Nang’s status as a strategic investment gateway, reinforcing its role in the Asia-Pacific economy and solidifying its position as a financial and technological powerhouse in the region.
The forum also highlighted the growing financial and economic ties between Vietnam and Singapore, reinforced by the recent in-principal agreement to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With Singapore serving as a key financial gateway for ASEAN, investors and financial institutions are well-positioned to explore new opportunities in Vietnam’s banking, fintech, and green finance sectors.
“Vietnam and Singapore share a strong and dynamic financial partnership, built on mutual trust and a shared vision for sustainable economic growth. As Singapore continues to serve as a key financial gateway for ASEAN, enhanced collaboration in banking, fintech, and green finance will unlock new investment opportunities and drive innovation across our financial sectors,” H.E. Tran Phuoc Anh further adds. “By deepening our cooperation, we can accelerate Vietnam’s financial integration into global markets, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and create a resilient, future-ready financial ecosystem that benefits businesses and investors in both nations.”
The event successfully reinforced Da Nang’s position as a rising financial center and showcased Vietnam’s readiness to collaborate with global investors in shaping the next phase of ASEAN’s financial evolution. With strong government support and a clear vision for financial sector development, Da Nang is poised to become a strategic investment destination in Asia.
Hashtag: #DaNangInvestmentForum
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2025 – Global broker Octa recently released a new AI feature to its proprietary trading platform, OctaTrader. Embedded into the platform interface, the new tool is called ‘AI pattern search’ and serves to make trading analytics more precise and time-efficient. The experts at Octa explain the main use cases and scope of this new powerful tool.
The issue with chart patterns Every seasoned trader understands the value of technical analysis. Chart pattern recognition is one of the key areas of knowledge that allow traders to navigate the ever-changing financial markets with confidence.
Mastering chart analysis requires learning to spot various patterns and predict where the market is headed. It is essential to determine if the pattern signals bullish or bearish momentum and whether it may lead to a reversal or continuation of the current trend.
Of course, learning every single pattern by heart takes a lot of time. What’s more, quickly and efficiently recognizing patterns directly from the chart can place a significant cognitive burden on traders, regardless of experience. This is especially true about those engaging in fast-paced trading styles since it leads to facing multiple important decisions throughout every minute of trading sessions.
However tiresome and energy-consuming it may be to spot every single pattern every single time, this aspect of trading should not be ignored but rather approached with greater efficiency.
OctaTrader: bringing AI analytics to the table To improve pattern-based chart analytics and drive consistency in trading, OctaTrader, Octa broker’s proprietary trading platform, released a new tool called ‘AI pattern recognition’. It allows traders to expand the trading experience by tapping into the power of AI.
As its name suggests, the new tool scans a vast database of historical data to find the most relevant technical analysis patterns for a chosen instrument and time frame. To do that, it first automatically analyses current price dynamics and then uses machine learning algorithms to spot actionable trends.
As a result, OctaTrader users effortlessly gain access to an actionable analytical pattern for the asset of choice. In a couple of clicks, the pattern can be copied to the trading chart to apply the analytical insights to trades. AI Pattern Recognition currently covers all the tradable assets available on the OctaTrader platform and is easily customisable to fit the client’s trading style.
Power in unity The new AI Pattern Recognition feature is embedded in the Octa app so that users can save time switching between different web resources and platforms when searching for relevant patterns.
The tool can be used in synergy with another OctaTrader’s signature feature, the analytics hub Space. The Space feed embedded in the Octa app provides expert-curated insights and educational articles that help traders assess market fluctuations and gain relevant financial knowledge. As such, Space offers human expertise, while AI Pattern Recognition brings deep machine knowledge to the table. The synergy of these two tools allows traders to spot relevant patterns—and then validate decisions by deep diving into the financial theory, if necessary.
According to the Octa broker, the AI Pattern Search tool will be further improved with new machine learning models for handling support and resistance levels and candlestick patterns. These incoming updates will extend the tool’s scope and add more flexibility to OctaTrader clients’ routines.
Following the latest trend of deeper penetration of AI in FinTech, OctaTrader now combines advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities with extensive expert intelligence. Using the new AI Pattern Recognition tool, OctaTrader clients can significantly ease the cognitive load of analysing the charts, making sessions more efficient and decision-making more informed.
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JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2025 – On February 20, the Southeast Asia DONGFENG DAY 2025 brand event was grandly inaugurated in Jakarta, Indonesia. Over 100 representatives from dealers, partners, and financial and media guests gathered from Southeast Asian countries and the ASEAN region, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, to review the achievements of Dongfeng Truck in 2024 and witness the unveiling of the new models DONGFENG GX, DONGFENG KC PRO, and DONGFENG KC PLUS, and outline the strategic blueprint for 2025.
The event showcased multiple exhibition areas, including port logistics, expressway, and mining areas. The exhibits covered a variety of models such as tractors and dumpers, as well as components like engines, transmissions, and wheel reduction axles. Dongfeng Truck highlighted both new energy and traditional energy solutions, delivering forward-looking technologies and specialized products across various scenarios. Focused on reliability, intelligence, and trust, Dongfeng Motor aims to create “the most reliable Chinese truck brand” to meet the diverse needs of global customers.
Ma Lei, Managing Director of China Dongfeng Motor Industry Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd., attended the event and stated that Dongfeng Motor will always maintain an open and inclusive attitude, collaborate with local partners to accelerate overseas business extension and promote the vigorous development of the local industry.
Zhang Xiaofan, Deputy General Manager of the Dongfeng Motor Corporation Commercial Vehicle Department and Managing Director of Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Co., Ltd., outlined the brand strength with the core values of “reliable, intelligence, and trust”. Dongfeng Truck prioritizes reliable quality, advancing in new energy, intelligent networking, and automation. It actively layouts a smart logistics ecosystem, builds a mature sales network, and creates a fast and efficient service support system. These efforts aim to provide global customers with the comprehensive value of products and support sustainable development in the transportation and logistics.
Dongfeng Motor has made a significant move in the Southeast Asia market as part of its global layout. Export business has always been one of the key drivers for the sales growth of Dongfeng Truck. Yang Tao, Deputy Managing Director of China Dongfeng Motor Industry Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd., introduced the strategic plan for the Southeast Asia market from five perspectives: product, service, manufacturing, financing, and value. Currently, Dongfeng Truck has developed the GX, KC Plus, and KR platforms in the local market, offering a full range of high-end, medium, and mainstream products with both diesel and new energy options to meet Indonesia’s customized needs. In the future, Dongfeng will continue to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, provide diversified financial solutions, and pursue win-win partnerships.
High-end intelligence, redefining the benchmark. Ma Lei, Zhang Xiaofan, and dealers representatives unveiled the three new vehicles, DONGFENG GX, DONGFENG KC PRO and DONGFENG KC PLUS, which showcased top technologies and leading adaptability in Jakarta. These models are designed to be best-sellers with core features tailored to specific scenarios.
As a logistics specialist, the flagship DONGFENG GX matches world-class standards and has become a globally classic bestseller, with annual global sales exceeding 10,000 units. It has enhanced reliability by 30% through over 130 technological improvements and features an L2+ intelligent driving assistance system with a 95%+ takeover rate on highways, making it capable of handling extreme scenarios. It continues to lead the high-end express logistics market, setting a new benchmark for heavy-duty trucks. DONGFENG KC PRO is designed for heavy-duty transportation in mining and port areas. It features an integrated balanced suspension for strong anti-rolling ability. It is equipped with dCi-465ps industry-leading powertrain, which is more efficient and powerful. It has shown excellent reliability through long-term use by millions of customers. The DONGFENG KC PLUS is a high-performance heavy-duty dumper launched by Dongfeng Truck. It meets the Euro V emission standards and features an integrated chassis and hoisting design, offering strong carrying capacity and excellent overall performance. It is a reliable choice for heavy-duty transportation.
In 2024, Dongfeng Truck ranked second in the commercial vehicle industry, achieving annual sales of 385,400 units through seizing opportunities and close collaboration. It reflects the dedication of Dongfeng’s employees and the strong support of outstanding partners, which is also a vivid interpretation of “DRIVE YOUR DREAMS”. During the event, local customers and partner representatives shared their success stories, highlighting the bright prospects of their cooperation.
Dongfeng Truck, with its intelligent and reliable product capabilities and unwavering commitment to high-quality service, has won the high recognition of Indonesian partner, PT. INDO GLOBAL TRAKTOR. During the event, an order for 800 engineering dumpers was placed. Subsequently, Dongfeng Truck officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with PT. LANCARJAYA MOTOR INDONESIA and PT. DAYA KOBELCO CMI to enhance its sales and service capabilities in Indonesia. The signing was witnessed by all the guests present.
Dongfeng Truck has always implemented the “Overseas Service Priority” strategy, dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences globally. In 2024, it partnered closely with local dealers in Indonesia to establish 24 service outlets. To enhance market coverage and service capabilities, Dongfeng Truck plans to increase the number of service outlets to 64 across Sumatra and Java islands, ensuring a service radius of under 50 km and 100% service coverage nationwide. Additionally, Dongfeng Truck guarantees a 100% issue resolution rate within 72 hours and aims for a 100% spare parts satisfaction rate to support efficient vehicle operations.
IT’S ALL ABOUT TRUST. Dongfeng Truck is eager to achieve mutual success and growth with outstanding partners. Facing the new opportunities in 2025, Dongfeng Truck will stay focused, set visionary goals, unite with determination to deliver high-quality products, and fully propel the Chinese commercial vehicle industry towards a brighter future!
Hashtag: #Dongfeng
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Firefighters have contained a large fire burning at a metal recycling premises in Papakura, but the fire is expected to take several hours to fully extinguish.
Fire and Emergency NZ has 15 fire trucks at the scene, including three aerial appliances, as well as a command unit and support vehicles.
The fire was reported just after 4.30pm. Assistant Commander Chris Delfos says that the initial crews who responded are being relieved by fresh firefighters.
An emergency mobile alert was issued at 5.55pm because of the widespread smoke, particularly to the east of Hunua Road. The smoke warning remains in place. People in areas where there is smoke are advised to stay inside with their doors and windows shut to avoid exposure to the smoke.
Police and St John have also been at the scene, which is routine for a fourth alarm level fire.
