The keffiyeh, a widely recognized symbol of Palestinian heritage, has once again been misrepresented as controversial. As an integral part of Palestinian cultural identity, recently recognized by UNESCO, the keffiyeh represents resilience, history, and a deep connection to the land. Attempts to frame it as divisive are part of a broader effort to silence and erase Palestinian identity from public life.
New Zealand prides itself on diversity and inclusivity, values that must extend to all communities. Palestinian cultural expression should be treated with the same respect as any other, without fear or scrutiny. The keffiyeh is not a political threat – it is a symbol of history, survival, and belonging.
We call on media outlets, public institutions, and community leaders to reject narratives that delegitimize Palestinian identity and instead foster an environment where all cultures are celebrated and respected.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – Renaissance College (RCHK) is thrilled to announce that its Learning Technology hub, the Red Door Centre (RDC), and the Library have been recognised for excellence at the prestigious Greater Bay Area (GBA) School Awards. The school received the Judges’ Choice Award in the “EdTech Program K-12” category and was named a finalist in both the “EdTech Program – Primary” and “School Library” categories.
The Judges’ Choice Award in the “EdTech Program K-12” category recognises RCHK’s innovative approach to modern STEM education. The RDC helps the school to integrate advanced technological programmes that empower students to explore, experiment, and bring their ideas to life. Through hands-on experiences with robotics, filmmaking, maker-centred learning, and visual content creation using green screen technology, students learn to apply their knowledge in practical and engaging ways. This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—essential skills for success in the 21st century.
RCHK’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and creative thinking was also recognised with its Library’s finalist status in the “School Library” category. The library serves as a dynamic learning space, offering a rich collection of resources and supporting students in their academic pursuits and personal growth.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Mr. Stu Lowe, Vice Principal (Learning Technologies) at Renaissance College. “These awards showcase the amazing work of the Learning Technology and Library Teams. Renaissance College embraces the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning across the entire school. Seeing that recognised in these awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of our commitment to innovation.”
The following individuals were instrumental in this success:
Ms. Ness Matthews, Primary Learning Technology Coach Mr. Sze Lok Kai, Learning Technology Educational Assistant Mr. Stu Lowe, Vice Principal (Learning Technologies) Mr. James Sandford, Secondary Learning Technology Coach Mr. Jœrgen Mortsensen, Media Literacy & Authentic Technology Integration Coach Ms. Kim Wells, Library Coordinator Ms. Melissa Cooper, Library Teacher Ms. Shirley Chan, Librarian (Teaching)
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ESF Renaissance College Hong Kong
Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK), a student-centred independent school founded by the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in 2006, serves the local and expatriate communities. Offering all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP), RCHK provides a through-train education for students aged 5-18. With over 2,000 students representing 40+ nationalities, RCHK celebrates its diverse community, where English is the language of instruction. Students benefit from rich Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC) and Creative, Action, Service (CAS) programmes, fostering real-world learning and community engagement. RCHK’s Red Door Centre, a state-of-the-art technology hub, provides 1:1 devices (iPads Years 1-3, MacBooks Years 4-13), robotics equipment, and modern fabrication facilities, integrating technology across the curriculum. Wellbeing is paramount at RCHK, with strategies in place to ensure every child feels known and supported. The College also offers scholarships for driven and ambitious secondary students, and financial aid (Youth Empowerment Scheme) to promote inclusivity.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, has revealed that Thailand’s music and content industries continue to experience sustained growth, aligning with the global expansion of the sector. To ensure that Thai artists and content creators can achieve lasting success on the international stage, CEA is set to launch two major flagship projects in 2025, building on their remarkable achievements of 2024. The ‘Music Exchange’ project aims to propel Thai artists onto global festival stages while attracting international event organizers and promoters to Thailand, creating invaluable opportunities for local musicians and businesses. Meanwhile, the ‘Content Lab’ initiative serves as a platform for Thai content creators to connect with investors both domestically and internationally, paving the way for commercial production. Additionally, it will focus on upskilling professionals in film, series, and animation, ensuring their expertise meets global standards and aligns with key target markets. These initiatives are expected to drive employment opportunities and contribute significantly to Thailand’s economic growth, further strengthening the country’s position in the international creative industry.
CEA Drives Thailand’s Creative Industry Forward: Expanding Thai Music and Content into Asian and European Markets
Dr. Chakrit Pichyangkul, Executive Director of the Creative Economy Agency, stated, “The creative content and media industries—encompassing music, film, series, and animation—continue to thrive globally, particularly in the digital streaming era, which have made access to entertainment more seamless than ever. Additionally, the full-scale revival of concerts, music festivals, and cinemas in the post-COVID era has further accelerated this growth. For Thailand, these industries are expanding in line with global trends. Currently, the music business in Thailand is valued at 3-5 billion baht, while the film, series, and animation industries are worth approximately 18 billion baht. This sector has been attracting growing interest from both audiences and investors, domestically and internationally. A testament to this momentum is the recent success of Thai films and series, which have not only generated impressive revenues but have also secured screenings at international film festivals. A standout achievement is the critically acclaimed film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, known locally as Lahn Mah, which was recently selected as one of 15 films shortlisted to determine the five final nominees for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards 2024. This recognition reinforces the immense potential of Thai creators in these industries and their ability to compete on the world stage.”
A crucial factor in propelling Thailand’s music and content industries towards global success lies in financial investment and sustained government support. This backing enables artists and content creators to produce high-quality work and consistently showcase their talent on the international stage. Countries that prioritize the development of their creative industries, such as South Korea, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have established dedicated agencies to support music businesses, screenwriters, and content creators. These agencies not only drive employment and attract foreign investment but also contribute significantly to measurable economic growth. Inspired by these successful models and recognizing the immense potential of Thailand’s music and content industries, the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, has implemented the ‘Flagship Industries Project’ strategy within the Creative Content & Music sector. This initiative focuses on film, series, animation, and music, serving as a key economic driver that will generate substantial revenue for Thailand while solidifying the nation’s presence in the global creative economy.
CEA continues to propel Thailand’s music industry forward and strengthen the Thai Music Wave through the Music Exchange project, which is built on two core activities:
● PUSH – Supporting Thai artists in securing performance slots at international music festivals, helping them expand their fan base and introduce their music to global markets. Notable participating artists include 4EVE, Alec Orachi, WIM, and Polycat.
● PULL – Inviting international music festival organizers and business stakeholders to witness live performances by Thai artists while facilitating business matching sessions to foster networking and commercial opportunities.
This project is driven by the strategic development plan for Thailand’s creative music industry, with a focus on increasing economic value and propelling the industry onto the global stage. Beyond international exposure, CEA is committed to elevating the creative capabilities of Thai musicians, ensuring they remain competitive in the global arena (Strategy: Building Global Standard).
Additionally, the initiative emphasizes music intellectual property protection (Strategy: Promoting Music IP) and aims to strengthen the music business ecosystem (Strategy: Strengthening Music Business Ecosystem), fostering diversity and long-term industry sustainability. Over the past year, Music Exchange has successfully showcased Thai artists in key markets such as Japan, China, and South Korea, forging connections with major global businesses. Throughout 2024, the project has supported over 70 performances by Thai artists, attracting 78 music festival organizers and industry professionals from Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States. These efforts have facilitated more than 300 business opportunities, boosting international visibility for Thai artists and reaching a global audience with 35 million views.
In its mission to strengthen Thailand’s film, series, and animation industries, CEA has spearheaded the Content Lab initiative, designed to nurture and elevate Thai content creators from emerging talents to industry professionals. Through incubation programs, the initiative provides structured training courses tailored to both fundamental and advanced skills, ensuring that participants gain expertise relevant to the evolving demands of the content industry. Additionally, selected projects receive funding to develop their ideas into pilot projects, which can then be pitched to film studios and potential investors. A key highlight of the initiative is the launch of Thailand’s first-ever ‘Content Project Market’—a dedicated marketplace where participants from incubation Programs, as well as independent content creators, can showcase their projects to investors, paving the way for commercial production. In 2024 alone, Content Lab successfully upskilled over 288 participants, empowering them with essential content creation expertise. Moreover, one of the projects that received funding for pilot project development from Content Lab 2023, the film ‘Happy Monday(s)’ or Sawasdee Wan Jan(s) [สวัสดีวันจันทร์(ส)], has successfully transitioned into full-scale production. Produced by Neramitnung Film, the film was released in theaters on 20 February 2024.
Through these strategic initiatives, CEA continues to drive the Thai content industry forward, ensuring its creators are equipped with the tools, opportunities, and global exposure needed to thrive in international markets. Recognizing the immense potential and global growth opportunities for Thailand’s content and creative media industries, CEA is committed to continuing its support for both the Music Exchange and Content Lab initiatives in the coming year. For 2025, the Music Exchange project, led by the Subcommittee on Music Industry Development and CEA, will further drive Thailand’s soft power strategy in the music sector by promoting Thai artists on the international stage. The initiative aims to support over 100 artists and bands, enabling them to perform at world-renowned music festivals while also facilitating business-matching opportunities and global networking. The project will focus on connecting Thai record labels with international festival organizers in key markets across Asia and Europe, further strengthening the Thai Music Wave as a recognized global phenomenon. Meanwhile, the Content Lab program will refine its incubation curriculum to align with the evolving media consumption habits of modern audiences. The program aims to train and develop at least 170 mid-career professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to compete on the global stage. This effort is not only about nurturing talent but also about laying the foundation for a sustainable content industry ecosystem, ensuring that Thai creators can continuously innovate, produce, and generate long-term revenue. These initiatives are pivotal in preparing Thai artists and content creators for international competition, while also reinforcing a thriving creative ecosystem that fosters sustainable industry growth,” Dr. Chakrit concluded.
The Content Lab 2025 initiative is now entering its third consecutive year, continuing its mission to develop film and series projects by participants in Thailand’s film and series industries. Some of its incubation programs are already set to open for applications, providing opportunities for aspiring and mid-career creators to enhance their skills and take their developing projects to the next level. Meanwhile, this year marks the second year of the Music Exchange project, which is in its final stages of preparation, with details expected to be announced soon. Those interested in participating or following updates on these projects can stay informed via the CEA’s website: www.cea.or.th and the CEA’s official Facebook page.
Hashtag: #CEA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has officially launched its first Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru (JB), which is strategically located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). As part of plans to expand its regional footprint, ISCA hopes to tap on the potential growth opportunities within the JS-SEZ, and to contribute to the growing economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia.
ISCA’s Professional Services (PS) Centre in Johor Bahru is the first of 10 such centres that ISCA will be launching across major cities around the world by June 2025, to support the growth of businesses in their respective countries. These centres mark a new joint partnership between ISCA and the following organisations, which are part of ISCA’s Professional Accountancy Hub:
Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME)
Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS)
Law Society of Singapore
Singapore Manufacturing Foundation (SMF)
Tax Academy of Singapore
ISCA’s PS Centre in Johor Bahru will serve as a conduit to promote the expansion and availability of professional services such as accounting, sustainability, legal, business valuation, taxation and other corporate services, to meet the needs of Singaporean businesses seeking to expand in Malaysia and vice versa. In addition, it will help to foster cross-border partnerships, and drive the development of accountancy talent in both countries. This is done in anticipation of the future growth of businesses in the JS-SEZ, as more entities tap on the collective resources and collaborative environment within the Zone to expand operations. ISCA expects a considerable increase in demand for professional services and accountancy firms to meet these needs and navigate evolving regulations from a growing pool of clients, particularly in areas such as corporate set-up, cross-border taxation, business expansion advisory, sustainability standards and adoption of technologies.
Recognising the growing need for professional services, the Malaysian government recently announced a target to train 60,000 professional accountants by 2030. The JS-SEZ will create even more demand for professional accountants. In alignment with this vision, ISCA will be forming partnerships with local universities based in Malaysia (Sunway TES College, University of Reading Malaysia, and the University of Southampton Malaysia) to create dedicated pathways for their students to pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), though provisions of resources, learning support as well as scholarships.
“ISCA is committed to supporting the growth of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone,” said Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA. “Our Professional Services Centre in Johor Bahru and our partnerships with universities in Malaysia aim to ensure that businesses across both countries prosper, and that a steady supply of skilled accountants will be available to support the Zone’s development. We also look forward to facilitating regional interaction between Malaysian and Singaporean professional services firms, fostering knowledge sharing and mutually beneficial relationships.”
“By leveraging Singapore’s expertise in family offices and sustainability, ISCA’s new business centre in Johor Bahru will provide their members and Malaysian SMPs with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt and excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Together, the joint expertise and resources of the accounting fraternity from both countries will surely be an important support to the development of the JS-SEZ,” said Mr Wong Wen Tak, CEO of Grant Thornton Malaysia – Johor Office.
For more information on the quotes from ISCA Professional Services Centre Partner Organisations, please refer to the Annex via our website.
Hashtag: #ISCA
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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – VinFast and Motech Automotive Service Centers, through itsfranchisor and operatorin the Philippines, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on expanding the service network for VinFast electric vehicles in the market. The agreement aims to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles among Filipino consumers, while affirming VinFast’s long-term commitment and determination to promote green transformation across the region.
VinFast Philippines Director of After-Sales Service, Margarita Olivia Cuena Delfinado (left) and Motech Automotive Philippines President and CEO, Johann Rommel Naguiat at the MOU signing ceremony.
Under the MOU, VinFast and Motech will actively work together toward the goal of accrediting 63 Motech service workshops as authorized VinFast service centers. These service centers will be authorized to perform repairs, warranties, and maintenance for VinFast electric vehicles in the Philippines.
As part of its commitment to enhancing customer experience, VinFast plans to establish more than 100 similar service workshops across the Philippines this year, and its recent agreement with Motech is part of the Vietnamese electric vehicle maker’s plan to expand its partner network in the Philippines.
Motech’s service workshops will meet VinFast’s standards for facilities, equipment, and personnel, with a priority on providing genuine services and parts to VinFast owners.
To facilitate the rapid expansion of Motech’s authorized VinFast service workshop system, VinFast will provide personnel training and technical advice. This support is especially important given the expected volume growth of VinFast electric vehicles in the Philippines.
Motech currently operates a chain of auto service centers with a variety of models and scales, encompassing hundreds of facilities throughout the Philippines, including locations from the tip of the Philippine archipelago in Tuguegarao, to the main cities of Metro Manila, and down south to the island of Mindanao.
Furthermore, the two parties will actively explore business cooperation opportunities, information sharing, and joint marketing activities related to electric vehicle after-sales services in Southeast Asia.
Johann Rommel Naguiat, President and CEO of MotechAutomotive Philippinesshared:“Motech is thrilled to partner with VinFast as an authorized service provider for their electric vehicles in the Philippines. Confident in VinFast’s potential within Southeast Asian market, Motech looks forward to this collaboration to support the growing EV market and to continue to deliver exceptional customer experience. Further, this partnership between VinFast and Motech, a first of its kind in the Philippines, helps the Philippine market embrace the change to greener mobility, by answering the issue of not only range anxiety, but that of the issue of service anxiety as well. With Motech’s network of stores and the reputation it has built in its communities, VinFast customers can drive with confidence, that their VinFast vehicle will be well cared for, anywhere at anytime.“
Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said:“Leveraging Motech’s strong reputation, experience, and extensive service network, we aim to provide Filipino customers with peace of mind and satisfaction, aligning with VinFast’s core principles of highquality vehicles, inclusive pricing, and outstanding after-sales policy. We are confident this partnership will simplify EV ownership and usage, empowering customers to join the global movement towards green transportation.“
Since officially entering the Philippine market in 2024, alongside launching its green and smart car models, VinFast has strongly affirmed its long-term commitment through attractive sales policies and a continuously expanding after-sales network.
By partnering with leading, reputable after-sales service providers, VinFast has not only optimized its Philippine operations but also strengthened its brand recognition, demonstrating its “Customer-centric” philosophy throughout its global expansion.
In Southeast Asia, VinFast is actively pursuing its “For a Green Future” vision by developing a comprehensive and inclusive electric vehicle ecosystem, focusing on expanding the network of charging stations through collaborative efforts. This vision has achieved significant success in Vietnam and is expected to continue growing in other potential markets./.
https://vinfastauto.id/en
Hashtag: #vinfast
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – KPMG welcomes the Hong Kong Government’s Budget, recognising it as a well-considered strategy that balances the needs of society with economic development goals. The Budget focuses on key areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), infrastructure investment, and innovative industries, creating new opportunities for high-quality economic growth in Hong Kong while further strengthening its international competitiveness.
The Hong Kong SAR Government has revised its 2024/25 Budget, projecting a consolidated deficit of HKD 87.2 billion. By the end of March 2025, Hong Kong’s fiscal reserves are expected to reach HKD 647.3 billion, closely aligning with KPMG’s estimates of HKD 89.7 billion deficit and HKD 645 billion in reserves, indicating that fiscal reserves remain relatively robust. The projected GDP growth rate for 2025/26 has been adjusted to between 2% and 3%, down from the previous year’s forecast of 3.2%. KPMG attributes this revision to ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and a slower-than-expected decline in interest rates. To address these challenges, KPMG recommends that the government allocate more resources to high-growth sectors such as asset management and innovation, aiming to stimulate economic growth in Hong Kong and deliver benefits to the general public.
John Timpany, Head of Tax in Hong Kong, KPMG China, says: “In the Budget, the HKSAR Government has clearly positioned AI as the core driver for cultivating new quality productive forces, and is promoting its development through a series of policy measures, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s ambition as an international innovation and technology hub. We are pleased to see the Government leveraging the advantages of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ to actively establish Hong Kong as an international exchange hub for the AI industry, and strengthening the integration of scientific research and industrial applications through projects such as Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre, Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, and the soon-to-be-established Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute. This not only creates opportunities for local technology companies but also injects new momentum into the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, narrowing the gap with other leading jurisdictions.”
Stanley Ho, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: “To ensure the strategic infrastructure projects stay on schedule, KPMG believes that raising capital by issuing government bonds at a moderate pace is a wise move. We support the government’s commitment to using bond proceeds exclusively for infrastructure investments, ensuring they are not directed towards recurring government expenditures. This disciplined approach, outlined in the new bond program, should keep the government debt-to-GDP ratio at a manageable level and protect Hong Kong’s credit rating. We encourage the government to proactively explore ways to make infrastructure projects more cost-effective. Embracing technological innovations and encouraging public-private partnerships are two promising avenues for expense optimisation.”
Alice Leung, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: “We welcome the Financial Secretary’s proposal to expand the classes of investments permitted under the family office tax regime. To make Hong Kong even more attractive to family offices, it makes sense to include digital assets and art as eligible investments. These are already common asset classes for family offices, so adding them to the regime could encourage more family offices to set up in Hong Kong. This would be a win-win, creating jobs and boosting demand across a range of professional services. Additionally, it is encouraging to see the government actively pursuing tax treaties with 17 jurisdictions – this is a significant step in supporting Hong Kong taxpayers investing overseas. We also applaud the government’s initiative to attract more commodity trading activity to Hong Kong through a competitive 8.25% tax rate. These measures will inject vitality into the local market, enhance liquidity, and further solidify Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre.”
Chi Sum Li, Head of Government & Public Sector in Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, said: “We support the government’s prioritisation of investment in developing the Northern Metropolis. The focus on key industries such as innovation and technology, high-end professional services, modern logistics, tertiary education, cultural, sports, and tourism in the area demonstrates a commitment to a diversified development blueprint. Meanwhile, the accelerated progress of projects like Kwu Tung North / Fanling North, along with the implementation of transport infrastructure including the Northern Link and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway, will enhance connectivity in the region and lay a solid foundation for commercial and innovation technology development. We believe the development of the Northern Metropolis will inject new vitality into Hong Kong’s economy and create better living and career prospects for citizens.”
In terms of nurturing and attracting talent, KPMG welcomes the government’s proposal to enhance the “New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme”. It is encouraging to know the scheme has already received over 880 applications with an expected HKD 26 billion in investments. We suggest lowering the residential property price threshold from HKD50 million to HKD 30 million. This would open up the scheme to a broader range of talents looking to invest in Hong Kong real estate and we don’t anticipate this change having a major impact on housing affordability for the general public. Additionally, the government can consider shortening the current seven-year waiting period for permanent residency applicants, to make the scheme even more attractive.
Amid fiscal constraints, the government has taken measures to control expenditure growth. For 2026/27 and 2027/28, the Financial Secretary announced a 2% annual reduction in the civil service, with an estimated reduction of approximately 10,000 positions by April 1, 2027. Additionally, a salary freeze for all personnel across the executive, legislative, judicial branches, and district councils has been proposed for 2025/26. KPMG believes that job cuts and the salary freeze are signals to the public that the government is closely monitoring its spending, as taxpayers would expect during a period of fiscal deficits. This demonstrates the Hong Kong government’s commitment to prudent management of public finances.
In light of the fiscal deficit and the aging population, KPMG supports the government’s proposed optimisation of the “HKD 2 Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme.” The proposal maintains eligibility for individuals aged 60 and above but introduces a monthly cap of 240 trips. Additionally, for fares of HKD 10 or more, the subsidy will be adjusted to a 20% discount of the full fare. These measures aim to balance the travel needs of the elderly and the silver economy with smarter use of public funds. At the same time, this will enable the government to more accurately forecast related expenditures in the future.
Hashtag: #KPMG
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Three people have been injured in an incident on Kutukutu Street in Takanini this evening.
Police were called to the street at 7.50pm, after what appears to be an altercation involving neighbours.
The three victims have been transported to hospital with serious injuries.
The person believed to be responsible left the scene in a car and was located by the Police Eagle helicopter on Takanini School Road a short time later.
He has been taken into police custody.
Cordons are in place on Kutukutu Street and residents are asked to follow the instructions of police staff in the area.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has underlined an agenda of practical cooperation with Mongolia, following a visit to Ulaanbaatar.
“This visit enabled us to explore and develop modest and practical New Zealand support for Mongolia in diverse areas, such as sheep shearing, agricultural management, English Language Training for Officials, tax policy and clean drinking water.
“Mongolia also presents lessons for New Zealand, in areas such as how to attract investment, how to develop infrastructure, and how to utilise natural resources effectively to help expand their people’s wealth,” Mr Peters says.
Mr Peters’ visit to Ulaanbaatar marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Mongolia – and is the first visit to Mongolia by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2013.
The visit involved discussions with Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg and Chairman of the Mongolian Parliament Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan.
“Despite the geographic distance between us, New Zealand and Mongolia have much in common,” Mr Peters says.
“We are small, democratic states navigating a complex strategic environment, including by strongly supporting the rules-based international order and multilateral system.”
While in Ulaanbaatar, the Minister also attended a photo exhibition celebrating our 50 years of diplomatic relations; was gifted a horse called “Stamina” by the Mongolian Government; and visited a traditional Mongolian dwelling (a “ger”) and sampled Mongolian fare while interacting with a nomadic family.
Mongolia is the fourth country in Mr Peters’ ongoing overseas trip, following United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and China. He is now in the Republic of Korea.
Nelson Police are appealing for information following a serious crash on SH6/Queen Elizabeth II Drive on Wednesday 12 February.
Emergency services were notified of the two-vehicle crash at around 11.30am near Atawhai Drive.
One person was transported to hospital with critical injuries, where they remain in a serious condition.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of the crash or the events leading up the crash – specifically footage between Marybank Road and Atawhai Drive near the Wakapuaka Cemetery.
Anyone with information that may assist Police in our enquiries is urged to contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105.
Inspiring Collaboration and Innovation to Drive Impactful Research Addressing Global Challenges
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)’s inaugural International Interdisciplinary Research Summit (IIRS) has convened leading scholars, researchers, and innovators from diverse fields from Hong Kong and worldwide to foster collaboration and address pressing global challenges, particularly in fields including Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Health and Drug Discovery.
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) hosted its inaugural International Interdisciplinary Research Summit (IIRS), convening international scholars, academics, professors, and researchers from HKBU and other universities across Hong Kong.
Interdisciplinary Solutions: Enabling Early Identification of High-Risk Individuals for Disease Treatment
In a world where health challenges have reached unprecedented levels, HKBU’s inaugural International Interdisciplinary Research Summit (IIRS) showcased how interdisciplinary collaboration, between Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Health and Drug Discovery, can revolutionize and accelerate the development of new and more effective treatments for a range of diseases. As highlighted by Vice President (Research and Development) Professor Aiping Lyu, the university is dedicated to fostering international research collaboration against today’s complex challenges. He noted that the university’s focus on four transdisciplinary clusters – creative media and practice, health and drug discovery, analytics and AI, and humanity and culture, is crucial for fostering innovation.
Keynote speakers of the Summit included Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Director, Australian National Phenome Centre, Murdoch University, Australia; Albert Einstein Honorary Professor of Medical Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; Emeritus Professor of Biological Chemistry, Imperial College London, UK. Known to be one of the world’s foremost coronavirus experts, Nicholson covered the topic of “Molecular Phenomic Approaches in Population Health and Disease Diagnosis”. He unveiled how AI and advanced data analysis are used to analyse genes and lifestyle, highlighting that studying humans for future scientific relevance requires considering the complex interplay of genes, environment, politics, funding, and human interactions that ultimately influence the translation of science into clinical medicine.
Professor Thomas Efferth, Director, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, and Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany, leads a research team developing compounds that could replace opioids as pain relief without addiction. In the speech titled “Artificial Intelligence and Network Biomedicine in Natural Product Research”, Efferth highlighted the transformative role of AI and systems biology in natural product research, explaining that tasks previously performed manually by generations of PhD students, such as pipetting in wet labs, can now be automated with robots. Moreover, AI can optimize experiment design, creating significant opportunities for deep learning and AI in research.
Likewise, Professor Gavin Winston, Department of Medicine, Centre for Neuroscience Studies and School of Computing, Queen’s University, Canada, is leveraging AI and ML to revolutionise brain imaging for neurological diagnosis and treatment. In his presentation titled “Machine Learning in Neuroimaging across Disciplines”, he highlighted how advanced techniques like deep learning are enabling more efficient and precise analysis of MRI and CT scans, ultimately leading to improved outcomes. Notably, his current research focuses on utilising robotics and neuroimaging to understand and address cognitive impairment in individuals with epilepsy, demonstrating a commitment to improved patient care.
Professor Jianfeng Feng, Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence and School of Data Science at Fudan University, spoke on the topic “From Multi-Omic Data to Brain Diseases, Digital Twin Brains, and Brain-Inspired AI”. One of Feng’s research projects found that blood biomarkers can forecast the risk of dementia 15 years before diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He emphasised that AI and ML are transforming healthcare, from understanding the foundations of diseases to developing personalised medicine.
The summit’s panel discussions further amplified the impact of interdisciplinary approaches in disease treatment. Leading experts delved into crucial discussions, enriched by perspectives on natural products and Traditional Chinese Medicine, centred on the challenges and way forward in translating big data into actionable understanding. Key topics included integrating Al capabilities with domain knowledge for data-driven model interpretation, addressing the paradox of using doctor-labelled data for Al training in clinical applications, managing multi-scale parameter calibrations and validations in principle-based modelling, and balancing computational cost with biological predictability through strategic coarse-graining. These sessions generated a wealth of new perspectives and underscored the indispensable role of science in addressing societal health challenges.
Professor Johnny Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research), HKBU, remarked that the IIRS cultivated a vibrant atmosphere for sharing knowledge and working together. Scholars have gathered and expressed enthusiasm for the groundbreaking research expected to result from the relationships formed at the summit.
As one of the priorities of the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028, HKBU aspires to be a leading, research-led, liberal arts University in Asia. The University keeps enhancing its capacity and strength to produce world-class research with an aim to bring significant impact to society. To learn more about HKBU’s research strengths and our publications, visit HKBU Research Website.
Hashtag: #HKBU
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