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MEET48 Unveils Multiple AI Products, Redefining the Future of the Entertainment Industry

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – MEET48 officially launches its world-first virtual entertainment, social, music, and dance AIGC creator platform, MEET48.ai, on February 7.

MEET48.ai: Effortlessly Create Idol AI-Agents and AIGC Content with One-Click Intelligence

By accessing MEET48.ai, users can create virtual Idol AI-Agents through simple customization steps. These AI-Agents support various functions, including chatting, live streaming, companionship, and virtual performances.

As the world’s only platform offering efficient AIGC content generation with text-to-music, music-to-dance, AI-powered choreography, and voice cloning capabilities, MEET48.ai enables Idol-Agents to autonomously create multimedia content, including AI graphics, AI songs, and AI virtual dances which can be instantly shared on social media platforms. MEET48.ai also provides a wide range of application scenarios, such as 1-on-1 or group text/voice chats, real-time live streaming, and planned features like animated shows, variety programming, and virtual concerts.

Additionally, MEET48.ai introduces AISHOWBOX, an exclusive AI creation tool that enables users to achieve in-depth creation functions such as heterogeneous 3D image creation, AI-powered choreography, and Idol Agent Group content, significantly enhancing the quality of AIUGC creations.

MEET48 ecosystem creates an exclusive competitive “moat” by integrating a vast array of high-quality entertainment resources

At its initial stage, MEET48.ai has already integrated a large number of exclusive entertainment resources from the MEET48 ecosystem. Over 700 songs and dances from SNH48 GROUP have been added to the asset library, and more than 250 current idols will join to create their Idol AI-Agents.

Under the concept of “AI Reshaping SNH48”, Meet48 will offer virtual images and 3D models of over 700 members from the past decade of SNH48 Group. Users can freely create AI-AGENTs by utilizing AI technology to recreate SNH48 Group’s historical milestones and initiate future growth in the AI era.

Co-create and co-build community consensus, realizing an AIUGC community where “Everyone Can Be a Creator”

MEET48.ai community fosters consensus through a co-creation and co-building mechanism. Users can engage closely with creators, facilitating the generation and dissemination of idol content, which attracts more users to join and generate revenue, creating a virtuous ecological cycle. In the future, MEET48.ai will also integrate with MEET48’s graphical social platform, Metaverse, offering an innovative virtual-spatial intelligent agent interaction experience.

Moreover, AI-AGENT creators can assess their growth through the MEET48 entertainment ecosystem’s Top 5 fan-voted annual popularity competitions, gaining broader exposure through the resource incentives provided by the community.

Historically, a few dominant entities controlled content creation and revenue in the idol economy. However, the Web3 era is gradually dismantling this traditional system. The rapid development of AIGC and AI-Agent technologies heralds the arrival of the AIUGC era, where “everyone can be a creator.” MEET48.ai aligns perfectly with this emerging societal need.

The global entertainment market is on the verge of transformation, and MEET48.ai is poised to become the most influential leader in Idol-Agent and virtual music-dance AIGC within the global entertainment industry.

Hashtag: #MEET48

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

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

12 Malaysian students celebrate as Octa broker’s bootcamp reaches completion

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Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – In 2024, Octa broker sponsored a coding bootcamp for Malaysian students, STATUS 200. Organised in cooperation with Ideas International, this charity project was held on-site in Kuala Lumpur and lasted from April to November 2024. The program was divided into three stages, each filled with intense learning and challenging assignments. While many participants could not go through the first two stages, 12 completed the course—and are now choosing one of many career paths open to them.

The STATUS 200 bootcamp aimed to create new career opportunities for dedicated Malaysian students passionate about programming. To bring this project to life, Octa broker joined forces with Ideas International, a Malaysian academy focusing on providing high-quality, affordable education for youths with diverse backgrounds.

STATUS 200 offered a rigorous, high-paced program from day one—that was the only way to ensure each student can successfully complete the assignment projects scheduled after Stages 2 and 3. The bootcamp’s program combined conceptual computer science topics with workshops focused on acquiring and developing practical coding skills.

Twelve students achieved Stage 2 certification and enrolled in Stage 3, finishing it with impressive results. The graduates successfully completed their final assignments—each had to develop a fully functional webshop from scratch. Based on these individual projects, these students’ skill level corresponds to a junior web developer position.

The bootcamp has already brought significant positive change into the lives of the participants:

  • Several students engaged in paid, commissioned web development projects on a freelance basis after completing Stage 2
  • Three students were offered internships in the field
  • One student with no prior teaching experience became a coding teacher
  • One student applied for a computer science scholarship in Australia, and the instructors wrote a recommendation for him—the eligibility for this scholarship was solely based on his bootcamp results.

On top of that, the skills acquired during the bootcamp are fully transferable to other fields of study, which will contribute to their future career success.

With STATUS 200, Octa broker made another step towards its long-term social mission: To bring lasting positive change to local communities through small steps—incremental, targeted, and timely initiatives.

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

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

Gaw Capital Partners and Patience Capital Group Complete Acquisition of an Iconic Mall in Central Ginza, Tokyo

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Source: Media Outreach

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – Real estate private equity firm Gaw Capital Partners today announced that the firm, through a fund under its management and investment from co-investors, has partnered with Patience Capital Group (PCG) to form a joint venture for the acquisition and management of prime retail asset “Tokyu Plaza Ginza” in Ginza 5-chome, Tokyo, Japan. Gaw Capital holds 91% of the venture while PCG holds the other 9%.

Tokyu Plaza Ginza

Completed in 2016, Tokyu Plaza Ginza has a gross floor area of 15,153 tsubo (50,093 sqm). It has direct access to Ginza Station and is a short walk from JR Yurakucho Station. The mall is surrounded by flagship stores of luxury brands, renowned department stores and upscale hotels, in the heart of one of Tokyo’s most prestigious shopping districts. The asset is one of the largest and rarest retail facilities in Ginza, occupying a high-street footprint of over 1,139 tsubo and spanning an entire block with four-sided frontage. Its unparalleled location offers exceptional accessibility and prestige.

Tokyo retail sales volume continued to outperform, fueled by robust spending on luxury goods by increasing number of tourists and the yen depreciation. Furthermore, domestic consumption in Japan benefits from the positive wage growth outlook. With the government’s planned revitalization of the adjacent Tokyo Expressway (KK Line) into a green pedestrian walk, known as the Tokyo Sky Corridor (High Line) that is set to partially open in 2029, it is expected to further enhance the potential value of Tokyu Plaza Ginza.

Isabella Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Investments and Head of Japan at Gaw Capital, commented, “We are thrilled to acquire this iconic retail asset in Ginza, Tokyo. Our partnership with Patience Capital Group brings together synergies that will maximize the value of this iconic asset. By combining Patience Capital Group’s ability to source unique opportunities and Gaw Capital’s extensive retail experience, we are confident in our ability to reposition the mall as a premier retail destination. With favorable macroeconomic fundamentals supporting Japan’s retail sector, this is a highly opportune time to invest.”

Alvin Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Asset Management at Gaw Capital, added, “Leveraging the firm’s extensive expertise in retail value-add strategies, Gaw Capital is excited to lead the asset management strategy and leasing of the asset. The business plan involves transforming the mall into a vibrant, brand-new retail destination with a refreshed tenant mix and a coherent concept.”

Ken Chan, Founder and CEO, Patience Capital Group said, “We are excited about our partnership with Gaw Capital. PCG’s extensive relationships in Japan gives us unique access to off-market opportunities. These deep connections were key in helping us source and put together this deal. With the Japanese retail sector’s resilient demand, Gaw Capital’s retail experience and PCGs track record of working with brands to craft the ideal tenant mix, we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to unlock the potential of this exceptional asset.”

Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners

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

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

Tunnelling begins at site of Mt Messenger Bypass

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Tunnelling has begun this week at the Te Ara o Te Ata – Mt Messenger Bypass project in North Taranaki.

Following an early morning blessing from mana whenua and iwi partner Ngāti Tama, the first cut was made by a 110-tonne road header machine that will excavate the project’s 235-metre tunnel.

Road headers have boom-mounted telescopic cutting heads, making them ideal for diverse geological conditions.  A shovel plate at the front of the road header collects the excavated rock and soil, which is then conveyed via a belt to dump trucks at the back of the machine.  

The 235-metre tunnel will be an important part of the Bypass project, contributing to a much more resilient stretch of State Highway 3.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Project Manager Caleb Perry says having the road header onsite is really exciting for the project.

“We’ll start to see some progress with the road header excavating up to 3 metres every day.

“The tunnel will be cut in two stages, with the upper portion (top heading) first, followed by the bottom section (bench). At regular intervals, excavation will be paused and ‘shotcrete’ – a sprayed-on concrete – will be applied to the crown and walls to line and support the structure.

“The design and construction of the tunnel are similar to the Northern Gateway Tunnel in Auckland and the tunnel will be large enough to accommodate loads up to and including house removals – this isn’t something that can currently be accommodated on the steep, narrow winding stretch of SH3.”

At this stage, the excavation is expected to be completed later this year.

“The Mt Messenger Bypass will make this stretch of SH3 much more resilient, and safer for all motorists, providing a secure connection through North Taranaki, especially for freight.

“The finished tunnel will incorporate cultural elements acknowledging Ngāti Tama tūpuna, the traditional guardians of the northern gateway to Taranaki.”

Backgound

The Mt Messenger project has named this road header ‘Hinetūparimaunga’ – the atua of mountains and cliffs.

A design on the side of the roadheader depicts Hinetūparimaunga with outstretched limbs supporting the roof, walls and floor of the underground space. A yellow background represents the light that will flood into the tunnel upon its completion.

Images: The roadheader and initial progress

MIL OSI

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Romance and Refinement at Amari Phuket and Amari Vogue Krabi

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Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – This Valentine’s Day, couples can treat themselves to an unforgettable experience at two of Thailand’s most romantic destinations: Amari Phuket and Amari Vogue Krabi. With their exclusive Valentine’s offers, these stunning beachfront resorts promise to deliver the ultimate romantic getaway.

Amari Phuket:

Nestled on the serene shores of Patong Beach, Amari Phuket offers couples an enchanting escape to the tropics. With its prime location overlooking the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, the resort combines luxury with tranquillity. Guests can choose from a variety of elegantly designed rooms and suites, such as the Superior Balcony Room or the Club One Bedroom Suite Ocean View Balcony, all offering breathtaking views and modern comforts.

Amari Phuket boasts exceptional dining venues such as their exclusive TreePods, offering an unparalleled dining experience high among the treetops, La Gritta, serving authentic Italian cuisine, and Rim Talay, which offers international and Asian dishes with panoramic sea views. For those seeking a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere, Samutr Bar and The Jetty provide the perfect settings for sunset cocktails and romantic stargazing dinners.

For adventurous couples, the resort is ideally located near Phuket’s popular attractions, including Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Central Patong, and the vibrant Phuket Town. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, scuba diving, and jet skiing directly from the property.

To make this Valentine’s Day even more special, Amari Phuket presents three exclusive dining experiences on 14 February 2025, from 18:00 – 22:00:

  1. Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Treepod
  2. Valentine Spread at Rim Talay
  3. Valentine’s Day – L’amore in Spiaggia

Amari Vogue Krabi: Sunset Beach Romance

Located on the pristine Tubkaek Beach, Amari Vogue Krabi is a haven of tranquillity and elegance. This 5-star resort is renowned for its contemporary Thai-style architecture, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern comforts. Guests are welcomed into a serene setting with lush tropical gardens, stunning Andaman Sea views, and a range of luxurious accommodation options, from Deluxe Rooms with private balconies to family-friendly villas with private plunge pools.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Marco’s Restaurant & Bar, offers a relaxed beachfront dining experience with Pan-Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, complemented by creative cocktails and live music on selected evenings. For a taste of authentic Thai flavours, Lotus Restaurant provides a rich menu in a beautifully decorated setting. Guests can also enjoy bespoke experiences like the Sunset Beach Picnic, where they can unwind on the soft sands of Tubkaek Beach with wine, canapés, and the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset.

On 14 February 2025, Amari Vogue Krabi presents two exclusive dining experiences:

1. Romantic Candlelight Dinner

Couples can celebrate their love with an exquisite four-course menu in the romantic candlelight setting of Marco’s Restaurant.

Price: THB 3,499++ per couple

2. Sundown Beach Romance

Couples can enjoy a curated five-course menu at a romantic beachside candlelit dinner, featuring breathtaking limestone views. Complimentary welcome bubbles included.

Price: THB 5,499++ per couple

Beyond dining, the resort offers a range of activities, including rejuvenating treatments at Chaonang Spa, three swimming pools, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Guests can also embark on island-hopping adventures to iconic locations like Hong Island, just 10 minutes away by longtail boat, or explore Krabi’s lively town centre, a 40-minute drive from the resort.

Why Choose Amari for Valentine’s Day?

Amari Phuket and Amari Vogue Krabi offer more than just a holiday – they create moments to treasure forever. Whether it’s a secluded dining experience in a treetop pod, a candlelit dinner by the sea, or indulgent spa treatments, every detail is designed to celebrate love in the most enchanting settings. For more information or to book your romantic getaway, visit www.amari.com.

For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group please visit: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Hashtag: #ONYX

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

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

Auckland overnight motorway closures 7–17 February 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 14 February 2025.

Please note this traffic bulletin is updated every Friday.

Daily updated closure information(external link)

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Onewa Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
  • Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
  • Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

  • SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
    • SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Westbound lanes between Stanely Street off-ramp and Newtown Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
  • SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 13 February
    • Hobson Street westbound on-ramp, 13 February
    • Newton Road westbound on-ramp, 13 February
    • St Lukes Road westbound on-ramp, 13 February
    • SH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 February
  • Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 11-13 February
  • Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 7 February to 5:00am 10 February (24/7)
  • Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 14 February to 5:00am 17 February (24/7)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 9 February
    • Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 9 February
    • Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 9 February
  • Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 10-13 February
    • Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 February
    • Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 February
    • Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 10-13 February
  • Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February
  • Bombay southbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
  • Bombay northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February
  • Bombay northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
  • Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 February
  • Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • SH16 eastbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 February
    • Great North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 February
  • Westbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 February
  • Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 February
    • St Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 February
    • SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • None planned

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
    • Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
  • Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 February
    • SH20 Northbound to SH16 Eastbound Link, 12-13 February
    • SH20 Northbound to SH16 Westbound Link, 12-13 February
    • Maioro Street northbound on-ramp, 12-13 February
  • Southbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 9 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 9 February

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • None planned

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

  • None planned

Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Current overnight closure information(external link)  

Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

MIL OSI

Maintenance work ahead on SH1 through Rangitikei

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users travelling through the Rangitikei district are advised to expect some minor delays on State Highway 1 in the coming weeks due to planned maintenance and resilience works.

The Manawatū-Whanganui 2024/25 renewals season is nearing completion, with less than 2 months left.

Some crucial work on SH1 is still to be completed, with crews scheduled to be at different sites over the coming weeks.

The timing and location of these scheduled works has been specifically chosen to minimise disruption for travellers.

  • Utiku: From Monday 10 February, tree felling works will be taking place off the state highway near Utiku. Work to remove the trees will take place over 4 days, with crews working from 7am til 7pm. Temporary traffic management will be in place, with an occasional stop/stop (stopping traffic flow completely) while trees are removed alongside the highway. Motorists can expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
  • Taihape: Preseal repair works are taking place between Manu Road and Rauma Road, just south of Taihape, from Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February. Crews will be working from 8am til 5pm. Stop/go temporary traffic management and a reduced speed limit of 30km/h will be in place, with delays of up to 15 minutes expected. Following these works, crews will return to complete resealing works before the end of this renewals season. This will be communicated closer to the time. 

Once these works are complete, further road maintenance is planned later in the month for SH1 near Mangaweka and Bulls. 

  • North of Bulls: From Monday 17 February – Friday 28 February, planned road maintenance work will take place on SH1 near the intersection with Wellington Road. Crews will be working from 6am til 6pm each day. Stop/go temporary traffic management and a reduced speed limit will be in place, with delays of 5 minutes expected.
  • Bulls: From Wednesday 19 February, crews plan to complete a 3-week road rebuild on the passing lane north of Watson St, Bulls. This road renewal work will take place each day, with crews working from 6am til 6pm each day. The first week of work involves contraflow  (allowing both directions of travel) and the remaining 2 weeks of work involves stop/go temporary traffic management, with delays of 5 minutes expected.
  • Mangaweka: Road rebuild works are planned for the passing lane near Mangaweka, from Thursday 20 February to Thursday 20 March.  These renewal works will be completed under contraflow so minimal disruption is expected for road users.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges State Highway 1 has seen a lot of construction activity over the past few months during the renewals season and we really appreciate people’s patience during this work to increase the resilience of the network.

The upcoming works are weather dependent and may be postponed or rescheduled at short notice. Changes in programming will be communicated on our online channels such as NZTA’s Journey Planner.

Journey Planner(external link)

MIL OSI

Firearms and ammunition seized following a Porirua traffic stop

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Vincent Smylie:

A man is before the courts following a vehicle stop which led to the discovery of two firearms and shotgun ammunition.

Around 4pm on Tuesday 4 February, Police conducted a vehicle stop in Cannons Creek, after seeing a person of interest in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

The 34-year-old man was arrested in relation to a warrant to arrest.

The day after, Wednesday 5 February, Police conducted a search warrant at his house nearby, leading to the discovery of two firearms, shotgun ammunition, and gang insignia that had allegedly been displayed in an earlier incident in January.

He is due to reappear in Porirua District Court on Friday 21 February, facing charges of prohibited display of gang insignia in a public place, burglary, male assaults female, intentional damage, speaks threateningly, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Further charges relating to the two firearms are being considered.

Police are glad to have been able to pull two more unlawfully possessed firearms off the street, as they have the ability to cause serious harm in our community.

“We will continue to target offenders who show little regard for the community, including violent offenders, and those who unlawfully possess firearms,” Detective Sergeant Smylie said.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Wildberries Empowers Women in Tech in Kyrgyzstan

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Source: Media Outreach

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2025 – Wildberries, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Eurasia, has become an official partner of Women in Tech Kyrgyzstan, part of a global community dedicated to empowering women in technology and reducing gender inequality.

Wildberries experts shared their experience in training young women for digital professions at the launch of the Kyrgyzstan Chapter of Women in Tech, which took place at the American Institute of Central Asia in Bishkek on 2 February.

As part of its Girls in IT initiative, Wildberries last year trained 30 young women from low-income families across seven regions of Kyrgyzstan in marketplace design. Participants learned to use the Figma interface design tool, develop product cards for the online marketplace and design one-page websites. The two-month online course was led by top design and content creation experts from Wildberries and the company’s WH School.

“We strive to ensure that women in Kyrgyzstan have access to modern e-commerce technologies. The Girls in IT project is not just about education—it’s an opportunity to apply knowledge in practice,” said Ksenia Shkolnikova, head of Wildberries in Kyrgyzstan.

The initiative was supported by the First Lady’s Foundation of Kyrgyzstan, the country’s Ministry of Education and Science, and Kyrgyz Post. Eight of the top-performing participants were offered internships with Kyrgyz sellers on the Wildberries marketplace.

The pilot project in Kyrgyzstan sets the stage for expanding the Girls in IT initiative to other countries where Wildberries operates. The project is planned to launch in Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in 2025.

Founded by the entrepreneur Tatyana Kim while she was on maternity leave, Wildberries actively supports the advancement of women in tech professions and educates aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life. The company offers an online educational program for marketplace sellers, PRO WB, which has held 650 webinars that engaged 80,000 sellers across eight countries over the past six months.

Hashtag: #wildberries

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

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

Extradition file to be prepared in Wellington assault case

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police investigating alleged criminal behaviour by visiting Vietnamese officials are preparing an extradition file.

Police received two complaints of assault following an incident at a Wellington restaurant in March last year.

Detectives investigating the matter identified the suspects as members of a Vietnamese delegation, who had already left the country.

While no extradition treaty exists between New Zealand and Vietnam, Police have continued to explore all available options.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says extradition needed to be explored, and preparing an extradition file is the next step in progressing this matter.

“We have had positive engagement with Vietnamese officials to date, and I am confident that will continue.

“While this process is ongoing and complex, we hope our ongoing efforts provide some assurance to the complainants that we are taking this matter seriously,” Commissioner Chambers says.

Travel alerts are in place at the border to ensure Police are notified, and given the opportunity to take affirmative action, if the individuals of interest in this case return to New Zealand.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI