A stretch of State Highway 51 Georges Drive/Ellison Street in Napier will be closing for 2 days of resealing next month.
Crews will be working on SH51 between Marine Parade and Kennedy Road on Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February.
The work is being done during the day on the weekend to minimise disruption to traffic and residents.
This stretch of road will close between 6am and 8pm on Saturday and between 6am and 1pm on Sunday. The road is opening earlier on the Sunday to avoid disruption of an event at McLean Park that evening.
Following that work, the road will be under stop/go traffic management for the following 2 days for line marking and sweeping loose chip.
The road won’t be closed at night, however a temporary speed restriction will be in place.
During the work, detours will be available:
Detour 1: Kennedy Road to Wellesley Road to Latham Street
Detour 2: Marine Parade to Warren Street to Hastings Street to Latham Street
Please allow for delays, follow detour signs and instructions from our crew onsite. Traffic will be able to cross SH51 Georges Drive at the Latham Street roundabout. Emergency services will be assisted through the site.
This work is dependent on dry weather conditions. If weather delays this work, the contingency dates are Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks road users for taking the detours and to communities along this stretch of road.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Kaplan (Singapore) officially launched its new Odeon 333 City Campus1 on 17 January 2025, another dynamic hub for delivering Murdoch University and Kaplan programmes and fostering a vibrant environment for student activities. This landmark occasion also celebrates the longstanding partnership between Murdoch University and Kaplan, recently renewed for another 15 years in 2024.
From left to right, Professor Peter Waring, Professor Simon McKirdy, Professor Andrew Deeks, His Excellency Allaster Cox, Ms Denise Phua, Mr David Jones, and Dr Susie Khoo commemorated the launch of the Odeon 333 City Campus
The launch comes at a milestone year, with Singapore and Australia celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, a moment that underscores the important role of education in strengthening connections between the two nations. This year also marks Murdoch University’s 50th anniversary and 25 years of delivering quality education to students in Singapore, making the new campus opening a fitting reflection of Kaplan and Murdoch’s shared commitment to advancing education and collaboration.
Professor Andrew Deeks, Vice-Chancellor and President of Murdoch University shared, “Over the past five decades, Murdoch has grown from a single campus in Perth to a university with a global presence. We began with a culture of critical thinking, of nurturing a community of scholars who are dedicated to making a positive impact – and with a commitment to academic excellence – and this has not changed today. As we embark on this new chapter, we reaffirm our commitment to international partnerships, and we look forward to building a brighter future in Singapore for a long time to come.”
The new campus inauguration was graced by distinguished guests, His Excellency Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, and Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, who officiated the event with a symbolic LED ball lighting ceremony. Guests were also treated to a campus tour, featuring immersive VR demonstrations that brought cutting-edge technology to life, along with a livestream connection to Murdoch’s Perth campus, showcasing the exciting potential for lessons to transcend physical boundaries.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Susie Khoo, President of Kaplan (Singapore) remarked, “This campus represents more than a new space right in the heart of the city; it embodies our commitment to investing in education, offering students diverse pathways to success and supporting them in achieving their learning goals. Located in Odeon 333, a BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified2 building, it also reflects our dedication to sustainability and building a better future.”
Campus Features The Kaplan City Campus @ Odeon 333 spans three levels, offering thoughtfully designed study areas and well-equipped classrooms that promote learning and innovation in today’s tech-driven landscape. Its facilities include high-capacity computer labs, a wellness room, a reference room, and the Connexion, which is equipped with writable tables that double as height-adjustable whiteboards, enabling dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, a club room enhances the student experience by offering a welcoming space for relaxation, social interaction, and community-building.
High-Capacity Computer Labs Our state-of-the-art computer labs are designed to equip students with future-ready skills in this transformative age of AI. Featuring cutting-edge hardware for maximum performance and productivity, the labs are optimised with dual monitors and an inverted-U layout that facilitates seamless interaction between students and lecturers to enhance learning outcomes.
Wellness Room Among its key features, the campus provides a dedicated wellness room to support students’ mental and physical well-being. This serene space is designed for relaxation and self-care, ensuring a holistic approach to student support.
Club Room With amenities for leisure, collaboration, and games such as air hockey, darts, tabletop curling, and a game console, this vibrant space offers students a place to unwind, connect, and spark creativity.
Self-Study Areas Configured to facilitate self-study or productive group discussions while maintaining an environment conducive to focused studies, our multiple self-study areas offer a blend of comfort and functionality.
Odeon 333 City Campus Opening Promotion Celebrate the opening of the Odeon 333 City Campus with exclusive sign-up incentives when you enrol in selected Murdoch University programmes through Kaplan during the January or May intakes! Enjoy an Education Grant of up to S$6,540 and stand a chance to win exciting prizes like laptops and Apple AirPods in our lucky draw. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your education journey with added rewards—visit https://murdoch.kaplan.com.sg/ for details.
1. Kaplan City Campus @ Odeon 333 is located at 333 North Bridge Road, Level 2, Singapore 188721 2. https://www.uol.com.sg/odeon/
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – KPMG in Singapore (KPMG) has launched a strategic guide, Advancing Digital Sustainable Talent for the Future, to support local businesses in developing digital talent while embedding sustainability into their operations. Created with contributions from the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) Sustainable Tech SIG, the guide is closely aligned with national priorities such as the Forward Singapore exercise and the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
From Left to Right: Mr Francis Lee, SCS Executive Director Mr Benjamin Soh, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Ms Ang Guat Ling, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Mr Kenneth Ng, Vice-Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Joey Tan, Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Lim Bee Kwan, Vice-President, SCS Executive Council Sam Liew, President, SCS Executive Council Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore Lyon Poh, Partner, Head of Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore James Wilson, Partner, Technology Consulting Nicki Doble, Principal Advisor, Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore Dr. Deven Chhaya, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Singapore
The guide highlights how many businesses already possess essential digital talent – such as AI specialists, software developers, and network engineers – and offers actionable strategies to upskill them for evolving technological demands. It also advocates for businesses to adopt ‘Green by Design’ principles, where sustainability is built into core operations and workforce strategies from the start, rather than being treated as an afterthought.
This guide seeks to equip businesses with insights to plan ahead, offering observations of the current landscape, guidance on incorporating sustainability into business strategies, and actionable recommendations to address digital and green priorities. It supports Singapore’s vision of fostering a skilled workforce ready to leverage AI to drive sustainable innovation and long-term economic resilience.
Lyon Poh, Partner and Head of Corporate Transformation at KPMG in Singapore, remarked, “The green transition is a strategic inflection point for Singapore businesses. To succeed, companies must embed sustainability into their core strategies, not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for innovation and growth. By remapping the mindsets and skillsets of their existing workforce, leveraging digital talent to drive green innovation, and aligning with national frameworks such as the Green Plan 2030, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Practical steps include investing in energy-efficient technologies, redesigning operations for circularity, and collaborating across sectors to scale impactful solutions. Singapore’s strong policy environment and tech-capable workforce uniquely position it to lead in this space, creating economic value while ensuring long-term resilience. Businesses that act decisively now will not only secure a competitive edge but also contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s sustainable growth story.”
Joey Tan, Chairman, SCS Sustainable Tech SIG, said: “For a successful sustainability transformation, practitioners need to combine specialised knowledge with multidisciplinary skill sets. Green skills, including those related to green software, are essential for building a sustainable future and supporting Singapore’s transition to a resource-efficient society.”
Strategic Guide Overview – Driving Green Transformation The guide outlines four key focus areas to help businesses succeed in integrating digital and green priorities:
1. Landscape Analysis Examines Singapore’s digital and green initiatives while addressing global commitments like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Identifies workforce gaps and proposes tailored solutions to improve alignment between talent development and sustainability strategies.
2. “Green by Design” Principles Inspired by Singapore’s “Secure by Design” framework, these principles advocate embedding eco-conscious practices early in procurement, systems development, and operations, ensuring sustainability underpins all processes.
3. Digital Talent Roadmap Offers a clear framework for businesses to upskill existing digital roles with emerging green competencies. For example, software engineers can optimise algorithms for energy efficiency, while network specialists can architect sustainable systems. This roadmap is designed to support Singapore’s Skills Frameworks.
4. Recommendations for Businesses Practical steps include fostering a culture of green innovation to seek competitive advantage, advancing cross-sector collaborations to scale sustainable solutions and aligning processes with national initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Strategic Imperatives for Businesses To seize the opportunities presented by the green economy and AI, Singapore businesses must act boldly. Key imperatives include:
Embedding Sustainability Across Functions
Integrate sustainability as a guiding principle across all departments to seek performance improvement opportunities instead of treating it as mere compliance.
Investing in Green Innovation
Commit resources to sustainable R&D and foster a culture of eco-friendly problem-solving at every level.
Uplifting and Leveraging Talent
Fully utilise current talent by embedding green mindsets and skillsets into digital roles, ensuring employees have the expertise to lead in this transformation.
Leading with Purpose
Purpose-driven organisations that align profitability with societal responsibility will differentiate themselves in this unprecedented economic shift.
A Wider Economic and Social Vision The green economy has far-reaching implications. Its benefits include:
Economic Evolution
Industries such as renewable energy, green logistics, and low-carbon technologies are expected to expand, creating opportunities for market growth and adaptation.
Global Competitiveness
Nations and businesses adopting innovative sustainability practices will lead in setting benchmarks for global operations.
Social Equity
A green transition opens up new pathways of inclusivity, enabling diverse talents to play a role in shaping the global economy.
A Call to Action The guide emphasises that the challenges posed by the green transition offer unprecedented opportunities for growth and leadership. By upskilling workforces, embedding Green by Design methodologies, and leveraging existing digital capabilities, businesses can remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals.
KPMG’s strategic guide provides a roadmap to help enterprises lead in the green transition by making sustainability a core pillar of their operations and talent strategies. Download the guide here to take the first step in driving innovation while building a sustainable future.
Hashtag: #KPMG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – MSIG Asia Pte Ltd (“MSIG”), a leading general insurance brand in the region, and The RiskPoint Group (“RiskPoint”), one of Europe’s largest Managing General Underwriters specialising in renewable energy, have announced a strategic partnership to advance renewable energy insurance in Asia Pacific. This collaboration underscores both organisations’ shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in addressing the evolving needs of the sector.
With approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for RiskPoint’s appointment as MSIG Singapore’s MGA, the partnership will leverage Singapore’s position as a regional insurance hub to provide coverage for renewable energy projects across the broader Asia Pacific region.
Enhancing risk management for Asia Pacific’s renewable energy sector
The Asia Pacific region is projected to invest over US$3 trillion in power generation over the next decade with nearly 49% of the investment dedicated to wind and solar projects and 12% for energy storage. Renewable energy is emerging as a key driver of both economic and environmental progress as countries in the region accelerate their green efforts to combat climate change and enhance long-term energy security1.
With MSIG’s extensive regional distribution network and financial strength, combined with RiskPoint’s technical expertise and underwriting capabilities, the partnership is poised to significantly impact the renewable energy insurance landscape in Asia Pacific. Together, MSIG and RiskPoint will deliver tailored insurance solutions for construction and operation of solar, wind, and hydroelectric assets to project owners and their appointed brokers.
“The renewable energy sector faces unique challenges, including regulatory changes, natural disasters, and operational risks. Our collaboration with RiskPoint will provide significant support to our broking partners and their clients in overcoming these challenges. Together, we are confident in making a meaningful contribution to the region’s accelerated transition towards a sustainable future. We are excited to work with RiskPoint to seize the promising opportunities ahead. This partnership is a key part of our MSIG Asia 2029 Growth Ambition, as recently outlined to the financial markets2,” says Clemens Philippi, CEO of MSIG Asia.
Mack Eng, CEO of MSIG Singapore adds: “As Singapore solidifies its position as a regional insurance hub and accelerates its green energy transition, the opportunities in this space are immense. We are proud to partner with RiskPoint to support Singapore’s and the region’s green energy transition, collaborating with our business units across the Asia network to drive large-scale renewable energy projects.”
MSIG and RiskPoint share a long-standing relationship dating back to 2008 in Europe, covering renewable energy, property, casualty, and financial lines. The expansion into Asia Pacific marks a critical milestone, further strengthening RiskPoint’s market-leading panel of ‘A’ or above rated insurance companies in the renewable energy insurance sector. It also highlights the broader RiskPoint’s dedication to work with world-class insurance providers to deliver exceptional value.
Kenneth Nielsen, CEO of RiskPoint Group comments: “In our pursuit to provide service excellence and expand our footprint in AsiaPac, I am proud to welcome MSIG as a business partner. This new partnership enhances our ability to offer unique value propositions to the region and reaffirms the RiskPoint Group’s commitment to supporting the expansion of renewable energy solutions. We are excited to be part of driving the green transition also in AsiaPac in collaboration with MSIG.”
1APAC to invest US$3.3 trillion in power generation over next decade | Wood Mackenzie 2https://www.ms-ad-hd.com/en/ir/ir_event/presentation.html
Hashtag: #MSIGAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Only qualifications and programmes at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) are eligible. Eligible qualifications and programmes must be recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or Universities New Zealand and funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) from:
the Delivery at Levels 3–7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF and all industry training Fund (DQ3-7), or the Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF Fund (DQ7-10), or grants under section 556 of the Education and Training Act 2020 for tertiary provision towards a qualification on the NZQCF at Levels 3 or above.
Provider-based qualifications Eligible provider-based qualifications are TEC-funded and are equal to or greater than 0.5 equivalent full-time students (EFTS). Work-based programmes Eligible work-based programmes are TEC-funded programmes comprising at least 120 credits. Qualifications and programmes that are not eligible for final-year Fees Free The following are not eligible for final-year Fees Free:
School learning programmes and secondary tertiary programmes Certificates of proficiency Pathway qualifications Zero fee programmes Programmes where fees are met under another funding arrangement, such as the Youth Guarantee (YG) Fund, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), or the Refugee English Fund Qualifications and programmes at Levels 1 or 2 on the NZQCF Provider-based qualifications that are less than 0.5 EFTS, or work-based programmes that are less than 120 credits.
Pathway qualifications Pathway qualifications are qualifications that prepare learners to progress into further study and training by supporting them to meet minimum entry requirements and/or develop the required skills for higher study. For the purposes of final-year Fees Free:
This includes bridging qualifications, Certificates of University Preparation, Certificates in Study and Employment Pathways, and Level 3 Study and Career Preparation (except when primarily intended for career preparation). This does not include qualifications that are used for staircasing, or programmes that comprise part of, or are cross-credited towards a higher qualification.
Any qualification confirmed as a pathway qualification will be excluded for all learners. The exclusion is not able to take into account individual learner intentions. You can view the list of pathway qualifications that are excluded from Fees Free: Pathway qualifications (XLSX 15 KB) To request to add or remove a qualification from the list of pathway qualifications excluded from Fees Free, contact customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject: (EDUMIS number) Final-year Fees Free – pathway qualifications. Please briefly outline how the qualification you wish to add/remove from the list does/doesn’t meet the definition of a pathway qualification. Qualification completion date The date the learner completes their eligible provider-based qualification or work-based programme is defined as the date the requirements have been met by the learner to be awarded the qualification. This should align with what is recorded on the learner’s New Zealand Record of Achievement. For provider-based study, TEOs will be required to submit the qualification completion date as part of their SDR submission from August 2025. TEOs already report work-based programme completion dates to NZQA, which NZQA provide to TEC. Qualification and programme eligibility FAQs Why must provider-based qualifications comprise at least 0.5 EFTS and work-based programmes at least 120 credits to be eligible? Setting a minimum threshold mitigates the risk of learners using their Fees Free entitlement on small pieces of study or training. For example, a learner will not be able to inadvertently consume their entitlement on a very short programme of 0.2 EFTS. Setting the eligibility criteria for provider-based qualifications at 0.5 EFTS or greater means that the large number of learners who complete qualifications at this level, and don’t go on to do further study or training, can access final-year Fees Free. A work-based programme minimum of 120 credits gives assurance that the training programme has career benefit to the learner. It reduces the risk that learners will use up their Fees Free entitlement on short training programmes directed by (and often entirely paid for by) their employers, or that employers will shift training costs onto learners. Why aren’t Level 1 and 2 qualifications covered by Fees Free? The Fees Free policy aligns eligibility with student support and government tuition subsidies. Foundation programmes and qualifications (at NZQCF Levels 1 and 2) are excluded because provider-based Level 1 and 2 study is already fees-free, and learners shouldn’t have to use their Fees Free entitlement on courses and programmes intended to prepare them for tertiary education at Levels 3 and above. Why do programmes and courses have to be recognised and funded to be available for Fees Free? Fees Free was designed to help New Zealanders access high-quality tertiary education that provides skills for life and work. When a course or programme is both recognised by the NZQA or Universities New Zealand, and funded by the TEC, it means the course is of a high educational standard. Are private training establishment (PTE) courses covered by Fees Free? Yes, as long as the provider-based qualification or work-based programme meets the eligibility criteria. What happens if a learner is enrolled in two qualifications at the same time? For provider-based study, a learner enrolled in two qualifications at the same time will only receive Fees Free on completion of their first qualification. This applies, for example, when a learner is enrolled in a concurrent degree, or is studying towards two qualifications simultaneously. We’ll use the qualification completion date reported by TEOs to determine the first completed qualification. For work-based learning, eligibility is based on the learner’s first programme completion (apprenticeship or training programme) rather than the qualifications that make up that programme, many of which will be under the 120-credit minimum.
Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Historian Dr Toby Boraman has been appointed as the 2025 JD Stout Fellow by the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
As the JD Stout Fellow, Dr Boraman will continue his in-depth research for his upcoming book, provisionally titled Knocking Off: A History of Strikes in Aotearoa New Zealand from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s.
Dr Boraman says this was the most popular and lengthy period of strike action in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history, yet it has been often overlooked.
“It was a time of profound strike activity, yet it has remained largely unexplored in historical scholarship.
“This project will explore the extent to which the period under study was a key transitional phase that has profoundly shaped the present. Much like today, it also demonstrates how political polarisation, and right-populism, can develop rapidly in response to major crises and conflict.”
A specialist in the labour history and social movements of Aotearoa New Zealand, Toby has published numerous articles and chapters on the political and social turbulence of the 1970s and 1980s. He has also worked as a historian at the Waitangi Tribunal and served as a politics lecturer at Massey University. His international experience includes a fellowship at the re:work International Research Centre studying the global history of work at Humboldt University in Germany.
His research aims to uncover the hidden history of strikes, amplifying voices that have long been excluded—Māori workers, migrant Pasifika workers, women workers, and rank-and-file unionists—while offering a comprehensive, multi-dimensional history of workplace conflict, combining critical analysis of the causes, reactions, lasting impacts, and contested legacies of these disputes.
“This research project will close a significant gap in our knowledge of the period in question. I am very much looking forward to hosting Toby at the centre,” says Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich, Director of the Stout Research Centre.
The JD Stout Fellowship is funded from the legacy of John David Stout and stewarded by Perpetual Guardian. It awards a scholar of high standing the opportunity to research an area of New Zealand society, history, or culture.
The Fellowship, which was established in 1985, has resulted in a body of influential publications in the field of New Zealand studies.
Dr Boraman will take up the Fellowship on 1 March 2025.
Re-imagining a Classic Tale of the Three Kingdoms in English; Renowned Theatre Director Dr Vicki Ooi’s 101st Production
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Widely celebrated for its literary and artistic value, as well as its timeless virtues, the Chinese literary classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms continues to inspire audiences across generations. The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection (AFTEC), known for its innovative bilingual Learning Theatre™ approach, is set to present its latest production, Rousing the Dragon, this March. This English retelling of the Three Kingdoms saga will bring to life the legendary tales of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang. Directed and adapted by Dr Vicki Ooi, recipient of the 31st Hong Kong Drama Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, the production will feature live music, bilingual surtitles, and a captivating performance that promises to move audiences.
Rousing the Dragon marks the 101st production by AFTEC’s Artistic Director, Dr Vicki Ooi, a leading figure in Hong Kong’s arts and education sectors. Known for her dedication to holistic education and her passion for youth theatre, bilingual theatre, and arts education, Dr Ooi has spent decades creating thought-provoking works. Reflecting on this milestone, Dr Ooi shared: “We believe in the transformative power of the arts, which goes far beyond mere visual spectacle. With Rousing the Dragon, we aim to present a fresh and innovative take, engaging audiences with dynamic performances and powerful storytelling to ignite their interest in classic literature and the arts.”
Rousing the Dragon is the first instalment of AFTEC’s Three Kingdoms Trilogy. As a prequel to last year’s Strategy, which depicted the battle of wits between Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu, this new production returns audiences to the world of the Three Kingdoms. Iconic stories such as the Oath of the Peach Garden, Crossing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals, and Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage are brought to life on stage, with a focus on the legendary bond between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang. The performance explores three core themes: loyalty and nobility, brotherhood and fraternal bonding, and determination and resilience. The trilogy’s final chapter, Taming the Dragon (working title), is scheduled to premiere in March 2026 at the newly refurbished Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre Theatre, AFTEC’s venue partner, and will highlight the intense confrontation between Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi.
For this production, Dr Vicki Ooi has enlisted Selina Kan of the Seals Players Foundation as a guest performer for two public shows. Dr Ooi and Kan share a collaborative history spanning half a century, blending mentorship and friendship. Kan has performed in 16 of Dr Ooi’s productions, including Volpona and Skin of Our Teeth, making her an integral part of this milestone work.
Through From Page to Stage®, AFTEC integrates theatre and education, offering students and the public an opportunity to enjoy drama while exploring traditional Chinese virtues and values. This innovative approach makes learning English and historical knowledge accessible and enjoyable, providing a fresh perspective on Chinese literary epics and sparking interest in English, Chinese literature, and theatre arts.
Two public performances of Rousing the Dragon will be held on 8 and 15 March at the Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium. Tickets will be available for purchase from 24 January through URBTIX and art-mate. Pre- and post-show foyer activities will be open to ticket holders, along with a post-show stage tour led by the cast, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at theatrical productions.
Secondary school shows will run from 4 to 7 March and on 10 March at the Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium. Participating schools will gain access to pre-show learning resources, in-school workshops, and post-show activities. These resources provide students with a deeper understanding of the script, story, and characters while encouraging them to apply creative thinking skills to appreciate theatrical productions. Students will also have the chance to re-enact scenes under the guidance of the cast, experiencing the thrill of performing on stage.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Wildberries, a leading e-commerce platform in Eurasia, saw a surge in sales turnover for its operations in Central Asia in 2024.
With a population of 75 million and rapidly growing online retail penetration, Central Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic markets for e-commerce growth. Wildberries currently operates in three of the region’s five countries.
Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, is Wildberries’ third-largest market after Russia and Belarus. The company began operating there a decade ago. Purchases in Kazakhstan on the Wildberries marketplace increased by 96% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024.
Sales by Kazakhstan-based sellers on the platform grew by 67% during the same period. With more than one million sellers on its platform, Wildberries supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region by enabling them to sell their products not only on their domestic markets but across all countries where the company operates.
In Kyrgyzstan, where Wildberries began operations seven years ago, purchases grew 2.3-fold year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024. Sales by Kyrgyz sellers on the platform more than doubled over the same period.
The fastest-growing market for Wildberries is Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia with a population of 36 million people. Wildberries entered Uzbekistan, which is known for its cotton production and high-quality yet affordable textiles, in 2022. Sales by Uzbekistan-based sellers on the platform grew 87-fold year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024, with most of these goods sold to neighboring countries in the CIS. Purchases in Uzbekistan increased by 47% during the same period.
Wildberries is actively developing its logistics infrastructure in Central Asia to further improve its storage and delivery services for local buyers and sellers and support its expansion in the region.
In Kazakhstan, the company operates 1,600 pick-up points and 43,000 square meters of warehouse space. Additionally, two large logistics hubs with a combined area of 269,000 square meters are currently under construction near the country’s largest cities, Almaty and Astana. Wildberries also opened its first large-scale logistics complex in Uzbekistan in 2023, with plans for further expansion.
Hashtag: #wildberries
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Cardholders with locally issued Visa credit cards in Vietnam will soon have access to real-time installment offers at top merchants in South Korea, enhancing repayment convenience while traveling
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and DealMe, a fintech company, have joined forces to address the increasing demand for cross-border shopping and flexible payment options. This collaboration will introduce cross-border card installment payment services, offering greater payment flexibility to Vietnamese and other international consumers.
Cardholders with locally issued Visa credit cards in Vietnam will soon have access to real-time installment offers at top merchants in South Korea, enhancing repayment convenience while traveling. This initiative will benefit Vietnamese shoppers, as Visa’s data indicates that 75% of surveyed Vietnamese consumers plan to travel for leisure next year, with South Korea being the top destination (18% planning to travel there)[1]. Vietnamese travelers with Visa credit cards issued in Vietnam will be able to shop at duty-free shops, department stores, and medical institutions in South Korea.
This collaboration allows Visa and DealMe to provide card installment payments for foreign customers at participating merchants, a service that was previously unavailable. When international consumers use their Visa cards at these merchants, their cards will be checked for eligibility for the cross-border installment service. If eligible, consumers can choose the installment duration and complete their payments.
DealMe plans to leverage Visa’s extensive global network, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Visa’s Asia-Pacific headquarters in November 2024. DealMe will initially pilot this service in South Korea, in collaboration with Visa, and plans to expand it to other markets, including Vietnam, the United States, Australia, Japan, and Singapore.
“This collaboration with DealMe reinforces Visa’s commitment to enhancing cross-border payments in Vietnam. The timing is ideal, with South Korea a favored destination for Vietnamese travelers and Asia Pacific travelers, and inbound tourism to Vietnam rebounding strongly. This innovative cross-border installment solution offers greater flexibility for both inbound and outbound travelers, supporting Vietnam’s future tourism payments and contributing to the nation’s digital transformation,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos.
Mr. KIM Tae Hong, SVP of DealMe, said: “We are delighted to partner with Visa to enable card installment payment on cross-border transaction. This gives consumers an additional payment option when traveling overseas.”
[1] The Green Shoots Radar study (Wave 15, October 2024) was conducted online with 8,400 consumers across 14 Asia Pacific countries and territories including 500 Vietnamese/Korean respondents aged 18-65 years old: Japan is the leading destination for leisure travel in the next 12 months, followed by Australia, South Korea, and Mainland China.
Arthur’s Pass is about to get the benefits of the ongoing state highway summer maintenance season.
Contractors will be hard at work on the Alpine Highway near Arthur’s Pass Village early next month carrying out essential resurfacing works.
Work is planned for Monday, 3 February, and Tuesday February. It will require State Highway 73 to be closed between Rough Creek Bridge and Peg Leg (near the Otira Viaduct Lookout) between 10 am and 5 pm on both days.
The highway will open on the hour, every hour, to clear queued traffic. However, travel delays can be expected, and drivers must plan their journeys accordingly.
The narrowness or the road means a full closure is required. This is for the safety of road crew as well as drivers. It will also allow the work to be completed faster.
Because resealing work requires warm and dry conditions, and the location is in an alpine area, this work can only be done during the day.
State Highway 73 is a critical link between the South Island’s east and west coasts. This maintenance is essential for ensuring it remains a safe and resilient route for road users.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks drivers for their patience and co-operation while this work is underway.
Works Schedule:
Monday, 3 February and Tuesday, 4 February. 10 am – 5 pm
SH73 CLOSED between Rough Creek Bridge and Peg Leg
The highway will reopen on the hour, every hour, to let queued traffic through.
These works are weather-dependent and may be scheduled if bad weather occurs
