Merit Food Products Named PETA Asia’s 2024 Company of the Year

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February 19, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 18 February 2025 – On February 18, HUAWEI revealed its latest products at a launch event in Malaysia, including the HUAWEI Mate XT | Ultimate Design, while announcing a strategic collaboration with Macau Pass. This partnership integrates MPay—Macao’s leading mobile payment platform—making it one of the first three international e-wallets supporting the HUAWEI watch. This not only represents an innovative step in Macao’s digital payment landscape, but also set a new template for wearable technology applications.

MPay becomes one of the first three international e-wallets supporting the HUAWEI watch

MPay ewallet payment is now available on HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series, HUAWEI WATCH GT5 series, HUAWEI WATCH FIT3, HUAWIE WATCH D2 and HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE. The above mentioned HUAWEI watch series also support GCash (Philippines) and Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet (Malaysia). Users can link their MPay accounts to the HUAWEI watch, allowing them to pay by tapping wrist without using smartphones to pay. This provides significant convenience, especially during outdoor activities and fitness routines. The system utilizes dynamic encryption technology to prevent QR code fraud, ensuring secure and reliable transactions. Visitors from Chinese mainland and Hong Kong can download and register the MPay app, link it to their HUAWEI watch, and enjoy the seamless “tap your wrist to pay” experience in Macao.

Dickson Yang, Director of Huawei Device Business Hong Kong, stated, ” Technology exists to serve humanity. In designing and innovating wearables, we focus on incorporating more practical features into users’ daily lives. As Macao’s leading financial technology company, Macau Pass has established MPay not only as a widely used regional payment platform but also as a way that connects users to diverse services. This collaboration will drive innovation in wearable device payments, with plans to explore further partnerships in various scenarios, aiming to build a comprehensive ecosystem for wearable devices.”

Sun Ho, Chairman and CEO of Macau Pass, said, “We’re honored to partner with global technology leader HUAWEI as one of the first three international e-wallets supporting HUAWEI watch. The first launch of the wearable payment solution in Macao not only enhances payment convenience for users, but also represents a significant innovation in Macao’s financial technology industry and injects fresh energy into Macao’s smart city construction.”

At the product launch event, Macau Pass has been honored with HUAWEI Outstanding Ecosystem Award 2025. As strategic partners, HUAWEI and Macau Pass will leverage their respective strengths in technology and finance to explore new collaboration opportunities, engage in extensive and in-depth partnerships, and offer users a more seamless smart living experience. This will also contribute to the construction of Macao as a smart city and further enhance its global influence.

Hashtag: #AGTech

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

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

The Most Beloved Tenor Andrea Bocelli, the “Voice of God”, Returns to Macau After Nine Years for His Galaxy Arena Debut with a Unique Setlist

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February 19, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 February 2025 – Galaxy Macau™ presents the world-renowned Italian crossover king of classic and pop music, Andrea Bocelli, who will perform his first concert in Macau at Galaxy Arena on March 29, 2025. This marks the first time the legendary tenor has appeared at Macau’s largest indoor arena. This concert will feature a unique setlist, offering fans in Macau, Hong Kong, and throughout Asia-Pacific a rare opportunity to experience this exceptional artist live.

The most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli, who will perform his first concert in Macau at Galaxy Arena on March 29, 2025.

As the most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli is celebrated for his ability to blend Italian folk, opera, and pop music, earning acclaim for his distinctive crossover style. He is one of the most recognizable voices globally, with Celine Dion famously dubbing him the “Voice of God”. With over 90 million albums sold and more than 16 billion streams, Andrea Bocelli is the biggest-selling artist in the classical genre.

Over his remarkable 30-year career, Andrea Bocelli has achieved significant international success, including his unforgettable duet with Sarah Brightman on “Time to Say Goodbye”, which topped the German singles chart for an impressive 14 weeks. His collaboration with Celine Dion on “The Prayer” and “Vivo per lei” further showcased his talent. A long-standing ambassador for Italian culture, Andrea Bocelli drew worldwide attention in 2020 with his record-breaking Music for Hope event, which became one of the largest musical live-stream performances of all time. He also participated in Lady Gaga’s One World: Together at Home concert, joining stars like Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Lang Lang, and John Legend to spread messages of love and hope during challenging times.

Over his remarkable 30-year career, Andrea Bocelli has achieved significant international success, including his collaboration with global stars and his performance for numerous presidents and prime ministers.

One of the most recognizable voices in the world, Andrea Bocelli has performed for four U.S. presidents, three popes, the British royal family, and numerous prime ministers. He has graced the stages of iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Statue of Liberty in New York, and Milan Cathedral. He has also performed at numerous high-profile events, including the UEFA Euro 2020 Opening Ceremony and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and served as the opening act for the World Expo in 2010, 2015, and 2021. In 2021, he was also invited to perform at the CCTV New Year’s Gala, extending warm wishes for enduring friendship between the people of China and Italy. His collaborations, meanwhile, have included global stars like Ed Sheeran, Jennifer Lopez, and Christina Aguilera.

As the most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli is celebrated for his ability to blend Italian folk, opera, and pop music, earning acclaim for his distinctive crossover style.

March 29 promises to be an unforgettable night as Andrea Bocelli takes his first concert for the first time in Macau at Galaxy Macau, the city’s newest beacon of cultural and entertainment excellence. As the new year unfolds, Galaxy Macau is making headlines with a series of exciting entertainment announcements, aimed at elevating the quality and diversity of performances. These efforts will enhance international elements, delighting both citizens and tourists, and further shining a light on Macau’s status as a global metropolis.

Galaxy Macau is making headlines with a series of exciting entertainment announcements, reinforcing Macau’s status as a global metropolis shine even brighter.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the “Voice of God” live in Macau—tickets will be available soon, so stay tuned to Galaxy Macau’s official website for more updates on this extraordinary event!

Galaxy Macau™ Presents: ANDREA BOCELLI Live in Concert

Date:	March 29, 2025
Time:	20:00
Venue:	Galaxy Arena
Organizer:	NGE ARTS & CULTURE COMPANY LIMITED

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

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

Bills aim to boost justice and reduce regulation

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February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Improving people’s experience with the Justice system is at the heart of a package of Bills which passed its first reading today Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.

“The 63 changes in these Bills will deliver real impacts for everyday New Zealanders. The changes will improve court timeliness and efficiency, boost access to justice, and reduce regulatory burdens,” Mrs McKee says.

The Regulatory Systems (Courts) Amendment Bill will enable coroners to better direct their resources to where they are most needed, and in doing so reduce wait-times and uncertainty for grieving families.

“We are enabling coroners’ cases to be dealt with more efficiently, which will mean families and whānau will receive coroners’ findings sooner.

“This Bill also strengthens the protections for witnesses and informants. It clarifies that information which may lead to the identification of the address of the place where a witness or informant works cannot be disclosed to the defendant, except in specific circumstances. This will increase safety and privacy for witnesses and informants,” Mrs McKee says.

The Regulatory Systems (Tribunals) Amendment Bill will increase access to justice by allowing the Disputes Tribunal to order the respondent to pay the filing fee to successful claimants.

This will make the system fairer for successful applicants to the Disputes Tribunal by enabling them to be reimbursed for the costs of enforcing their legal rights.

This Bill will also allow the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority to accept complaints about people who are allegedly working without a licence or certificate of approval. This amendment will help to ensure that people working in the security industry are appropriately licensed and qualified. This should have a positive impact on public safety.

The final Bill in the package, the Regulatory Systems (Occupational Regulation) Amendment Bill, will increase operational efficiencies for regulators, reduce the burden of compliance and ensure services are performed with reasonable care and skill.

“This Bill will reduce the burden of regulatory compliance by removing the current five-year disqualification period for failure to complete a real estate agent’s continuing professional development requirement. No other profession has this disqualification period. It is a disproportionate response that stops people from working in their chosen profession for five years,” Mrs McKee says.

“It is clear that the justice system touches the lives of many people. We understand that engaging with the justice system can be frustrating, stressful, and confusing. These Bills are delivering on this Government’s commitment to improve access to justice, court timeliness, and the quality of existing regulation.”

IT Leaders Forum 2025: Shaping the Future of Business and Technology in Africa

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February 18, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 February 2025 – IT News Africa is proud to announce the IT Leaders Forum2025, a premier gathering of top technology and information industry experts. The event is set to take place on March 12, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in Sandton.

As organizations grapple with technology skills gaps, economic uncertainty, and ESG compliance mandates, IT leaders are increasingly turning to technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and drive profitability. The IT Leaders Forum 2025 is designed to equip CIOs and IT executives with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to navigate these challenges and seize new opportunities.

According to Abe Wakama, CEO of IT News Africa, “The IT Leaders Forum 2025 comes at a crucial time when businesses are navigating unprecedented technological advancements, economic shifts, and cybersecurity challenges. This event will provide a platform for IT executives to gain valuable insights, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions that will drive their organizations forward. Our goal is to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and stay ahead in this fast-evolving digital era.”

What’s Included at IT Leaders Forum 2025:

This exclusive event will serve as a hub for cutting-edge discussions, industry trends, and innovative solutions shaping Africa’s IT landscape. Attendees can expect:

Expert-Led Discussions – Gain insights into IT leadership, cybersecurity, digital transformation, application modernization, and infrastructure management.
Industry-Specific Impact – Explore how emerging technologies are revolutionizing banking, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Networking with Industry Leaders – Connect with top CIOs, IT executives, and technology innovators from across Africa.
Actionable Takeaways – Discover practical strategies to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital space.

Key Benefits of Attending:

With digital transformation accelerating across industries, businesses must adapt, innovate, and secure their operations. The IT Leaders Forum 2025 will address key challenges and opportunities, covering topics such as:

Enhancing cybersecurity frameworks to mitigate risks.
Developing effective cloud strategies for business scalability.
Leveraging AI, automation, and emerging technologies to gain a competitive edge.
Building resilient IT leadership for future-proofing businesses.

Ideal Attendees for IT Leaders Forum:

The IT Leaders Forum 2025 is tailored for technology professionals and decision-makers, including:

Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
IT Directors & Managers
Tech Entrepreneurs
Cybersecurity Experts
Digital Transformation Leaders
Tech Vendors & Solution Providers
Policymakers & Government Officials in Technology

Key Speakers

The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:

John Bosco Arends – Chairperson, Chartered CIO Council
Manish Hira – IS Regional Manager: Asia Pacific, Servier
Ruan Schutte – Innovation Specialist, Liberty
Henry Abea – Head of ICT, Kimisitu SACCO, Kenya
Faith Burn – CIO, Eskom
Denisha Jairam-Owthar – CIO, Council for Medical Schemes

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities Reasons to Sponsor IT Leaders Forum 2025

We offer a range of customizable sponsorship and exhibition opportunities tailored to meet your business objectives. Here’s why you should get involved:

Direct Access to Decision-Makers – Engage with top-level IT executives and industry leaders.
Brand Visibility & Recognition – Position your company as an industry leader among a highly targeted audience.
Unparalleled Networking – Forge valuable relationships with potential clients, partners, and peers.
Showcase Innovations – Present your latest technologies, solutions, and services to an engaged audience.
Market Insights & Trends – Gain insider knowledge on emerging IT challenges and opportunities.
Lead Generation – Connect with CIOs and IT professionals actively seeking solutions.

Save the Date & Special Offer

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to engage with some of the most influential IT leaders in Africa. Mark your calendars for March 12, 2025, and be part of a transformative event that will shape the future of IT.

Register before February 28, 2025, using the discount code ‘ITLEADERS50’ and save 50% on delegate passes!

Stay tuned for updates on the event agenda, speakers, and registration details.

For more information, visit IT News Africa and join the conversation on shaping Africa’s digital future.

Hashtag: #ITNewsAfrica

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

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

Fatality – Mountfort Park, Weymouth

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February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A person has died following an incident involving a motorcycle in Mountfort Park in Weymouth this evening.

The incident was reported to Police at 7.40pm.

Cordons are in place within the park and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

State Highway 8 between Millers Flat and Raes Junction impacted by flooding

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February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 8 between Millers Flat and Raes Junction is being impacted by flooding.

Motorists are asked take alternative routes if possible, or delay travel.

Anyone travelling on the road is asked to drive with caution and adjust your driving to the conditions.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Trump has sent a message on trade: Time to scrap Kiwi tariffs

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February 18, 2025

Source: ACT Party

Responding to President Trump’s announcement of a reciprocal tariff regime, ACT Finance spokesperson Todd Stephenson says:

“ACT has previously argued to scrap our remaining tariffs. President Trump’s announcement makes this urgent.

“New Zealand charges tariffs on imported products like clothing, makeup, biscuits, gardening tools, railway locomotives, and ambulances. Under Trump’s plan, these tariffs would be reflected in tariffs charged on our exports to the US – unless we choose to ditch the tariffs, in which case Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will be lifted.

“It’s a no-brainer. By scrapping our remaining tariffs we can spare local exporters from the cost of a reciprocal American regime. At the same time, we’ll be cutting the cost of popular imported goods for Kiwi households and firms.

“When two countries trade, both are better off. New Zealand has preached the gospel of free trade on the world stage since the 1980s, and it’s time to start practising what we preach.

“It appears possible that Trump’s plan will impose a reciprocal tariff in response to our GST regime. This would impose a significant cost on companies exporting to the US. Abolishing our remaining tariffs would at least somewhat offset this cost.”

State Highway 2, Matatā blocked by crash

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February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 2 near Matatā is blocked following a crash this evening.

Police were advised at 6.20pm that a ute had rolled on State Highway 2, between the two turnoffs into McPherson Street.

The driver is reported to have serious injuries and the road is expected to remain closed for some time.

Motorists are asked to take alternative routes where possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Activist News – No to anti-protest law – Peace Action Wellington

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February 18, 2025

Source: Peace Action Wellington

In a report released today, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has called for new standalone legislation directed at preemptively policing protest.

“I completely reject the IPCA recommendation for a specific protest law. It will limit our fundamental rights and freedoms,” said Valerie Morse.

“We already have a great protest law: it’s called the NZ bill of rights.”

“Police regularly try to limit or shut down protests that are simply embarrassing or unhelpful for the government. They cannot be trusted to prioritise people’s rights at protests.”

“I have been arrested a number of times at protests. When these charges have gone to court the judge has thrown them out. If the police had had their way these protests never would have occurred.”

“Just because similar jurisdictions have laws about policing protests doesn’t mean that they are a good idea. The US, UK and Australia are all suffering from extreme democratic deficits – in part due to authoritarian responses like these anti-protest laws.”