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Monash Leads the Charge in Reforming Malaysia’s Contract Law

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Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – Monash University Malaysia is playing a pivotal role in reforming Malaysia’s contract law through its newly established Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies – Malaysia Hub (CLARA-MH), School of Business. The initiative, spearheaded by Monash University Malaysia in collaboration with the National University of Malaysia (UKM), aims to modernise the Contract Act 1950 (Act 136) and ensure that Malaysia’s legal framework evolves to meet the demands of the digital age.

A committee, led by Federal Court judge and Adjunct Professor at Monash University Malaysia’s Department of Business Law and Taxation, Justice Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, has been set up by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division to conduct an extensive review of the Act, which has not seen amendments since 1976. The committee will focus on addressing outdated definitions, tackling the complexities of modern transactions, particularly in e-commerce and digital agreements, and ensuring that Malaysia’s contract law can effectively respond to emerging challenges in the legal and commercial landscapes.

Monash University Malaysia’s role in this reform initiative is underscored by its expertise in commercial law. The university’s Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies – Malaysia Hub (CLARS-MH) was appointed by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division to coordinate the review process. Monash’s involvement is a direct result of its strong academic reputation in the field and its commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s legal and commercial frameworks.

The project, which will run from January 2025 to December 2026, represents a significant collaborative effort between Monash University Malaysia, UKM, and the Legal Affairs Division. Monash’s commitment to law reform was cemented in 2024, when the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Legal Affairs Division to establish the CLARS-MH. The Hub is tasked with providing expert research and support to modernise Malaysia’s legal framework in line with international best practices.

The committee’s work will be carried out in three phases, culminating in a comprehensive report on the need to update Act 136. Among the key aspects of the review is the creation of eight specialised working groups that will delve into specific areas of contract law, including contract illegality, unfair contract terms, and the integration of new legal concepts, such as cyber law and artificial intelligence.

Two academics from Monash University Malaysia are playing a crucial role in driving the project forward. Associate Professor Adnan Trakic, Director of CLARS-MH, is leading the project as the committee’s primary coordinator. His expertise in contract law is instrumental in guiding the work of the eight specialised working groups. Associate Professor Trakic has been widely published in areas requiring reform, such as restitution, unfair contract terms, and promissory estoppel. Dr Ridoan Karim, Deputy Director of CLARS-MH, brings his extensive knowledge of cyber law, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to the committee. His role focuses on ensuring that the proposed reforms align with technological advancements and modern commercial practices, particularly in e-commerce.

The establishment of CLARS-MH, as outlined in the MOU signed in 2024, highlights Monash University Malaysia’s continued leadership in law reform. The centre is dedicated to supporting broader law reform initiatives in Malaysia, providing expertise and research to modernise the legal system. This project, in particular, aligns with Monash’s long-term commitment to advancing legal and commercial innovation in the region.

This project marks a milestone in Monash University Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to advancing legal education, research, and innovation in the region. By providing academic expertise and a global perspective, Monash is proud to contribute to this important initiative that will have far-reaching implications for Malaysia’s legal system.

Hashtag: #monashuniversitymalaysia

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

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

CDNetworks to Showcase Innovative Gaming Solutions at ICE 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE / BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – CDNetworks, the APAC-leading network to deliver edge as a service, will present its latest gaming solutions at ICE 2025 in Barcelona, Spain on 20th – 22nd January. At the event, the company will demonstrate how its advanced solution enables game providers to deliver seamless, secure, and high-performance gaming experiences on a global scale.

The gaming industry has become one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing sectors. As the industry grows, cyberattacks have become more frequent, intense, and sophisticated than ever before. To tackle these evolving threats, CDNetworks is at the forefront, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that ensure both security and speed.

“Gaming is no longer just about entertainment—it’s a global ecosystem where performance and security must coexist in real-time,” said Antony Li, APAC Head of Sales at CDNetworks. “As game developers push the boundaries of speed, they’re also facing an onslaught of ever-more sophisticated cyber threats. We understand that balancing both is the key to long-term success. At ICE 2025, we’re excited to showcase how our solutions can empower game providers to stay ahead of both the game and the threat.”

Highlights of CDNetworks’ Gaming Solutions:

  • Gaming Shield (Advanced Anti-hijacking): Utilizes IP scheduling, link encryption, and hijacking monitoring to tackle network hijacking and safeguard your business comprehensively.
  • AI-Powered DDoS Protection: Provides real-time, AI-driven DDoS mitigation with 40+ scrubbing centers and 20Tbps capacity for fast and reliable defense.
  • Ultra-low Latency Streaming: Empowers a wide range of streaming use cases, including real-time game streaming, cloud gaming, and esports events, offering latencies as low as 500ms.
  • Extensive Global Network: A robust infrastructure with over 2,800 PoPs across more than 70 countries and regions.

Visit CDNetworks at Stand #5B11

Don’t miss the chance to meet CDNetworks at Stand #5B11, Hall 5. Schedule a personalized meeting to connect with their experts and experience firsthand how their innovative gaming solutions are shaping the future of the gaming industry.

https://www.cdnetworks.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdnetworks/
https://twitter.com/cdnetworks
https://www.facebook.com/CDNetworks-156678131058653/

Hashtag: #CDNetworks #CDN #Gaming #CloudSecurity

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

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

Clarification: Ponsonby arrest on Tuesday

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are issuing a correction to media for a file number issued as part of a media release on Tuesday evening.

The original release, appealing for further information after a man was arrested in Ponsonby, contained an incorrect file number. 

Police ask media to update the file number in online stories to 250113/5152.

We apologise for this oversight. 

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

OutLine Aotearoa : a financial update and plea to the government to do more, urgently

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Source: OutLine Aotearoa

Just over a month ago, we shared the heartbreaking news that OutLine Aotearoa, after 50 years of tautoko for Rainbow communities, might have to close its doors. We asked for awhi and launched a crowdfunding campaign to help us survive.
Today, we want to share where things are at and thank everyone who has shown manaakitanga to keep us going. Since December 6th, we’ve raised $47,316.27 across our Raisely and Givealittle campaigns alone (as of January 15th 2025 at 1:20PM). Every koha, big or small, has made a difference. It’s been humbling to see so many people step up to support the kaupapa during an already difficult financial climate.
This aroha, has given us some breathing room. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to keep running our services, including our free support line, peer support groups, and advocacy for Rainbow whānau across the motu for almost another month.
We would also like to thank The Tindall Foundation, Len Reynolds Trust and the Wayne Francis Trust for listening to us and providing us with emergency funding to support us in our time of need. Collectively they provided another $85,000 for OutLine to continue providing our services to the community.
We wanted to share what this means for us moving forward. $132,316 dollars sounds like a big number but the reality is our operating costs alone for a year are around the $700,000 mark. This means we are still running however we still need further support and we are working hard to ensure that we can continue providing free counselling, peer support, education, training and care for our communities. So whilst we are extremely grateful to our donors especially our communities, we will be pushing hard to find support to keep us going. The NGO and Charity sector needs to change.
While this government refuses to listen to the people on the ground and continue to make decisions that go against well researched and evidence based advice our people suffer. So we will not be giving up and we will continue to lobby this government to do better for our sector. A healthy country cannot be sustained in any way by the government running the NGO sector into the ground by not providing financial resources for mental health care in Aotearoa. It is not healthy for us to be consistently chasing money to provide the health care that our government is not providing to our people when it is their responsibility. It is not healthy for the NGO Sector to have such high staff turnover because of burnout. It is not healthy to have the NGO sector begging for money on national broadcasters from a country who is already struggling to put food on their tables, while Ministers actively choose to ignore our plea. It is not healthy for us to be stuck in a cycle of stress and fear and trauma while the government sits back and gives Landlords tax breaks. It is not healthy to ignore your most vulnerable sectors and fund your mates with handshake deals.
Finally Minister Matt Doocey has consistently lead with his line that ‘nothing is a silver bullet’ and his aim is to fund ‘scaleable’ orgs and projects yet he still has not responded to our requests for a face to face hui and he still has not given us any other options for government assistance beyond a second round of mental health innovation fund which again is unachievable for the sector. If Minister Matt Doocey is serious about his role and the work he is doing then they very least he can do is agree to come to our tari and meet with us. Anything else is performative and political posturing for the media. He talks a big talk and we would like to see him walk that walk and do the right thing for Mental Health organisations like ours, our communities and the members of the public who contribute to his larger than average salary and deserve better mental health outcomes. 
Ka nui te mihi kia koutou,
Team OutLine Aotearoa 

MIL OSI

First Responders – Taheke vegetation fire

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responding to a vegetation fire at Taheke, which began at around 12.45pm this afternoon.
There are six trucks, one tanker, and three helicopters attending, with another helicopter on standby.
Northland District Commander Wipari Henwood says the fire is 10ha in size, and fire crews are protecting one structure which is threatened by the fire.
“We’re asking people to stay away from the Horeke Road area so our crews can work to contain the fire,” he says.
“If you see smoke, please move away from it, and any affected properties should shut their doors and windows.”
All fire permits are currently suspended in Northland until Sunday 19 January, which means no outdoor fires are allowed.
“The fire danger is increasing in Northland, so please take extreme care with anything that could cause a fire.”

MIL OSI

Health – Stab-proof vests for mental health nurses? – NZNO

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Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) is concerned that some mental health nurses are so worried about their safety, they are asking Te Whatu Ora to look into the use of stab-proof vests and personal alarms.
It follows the stabbing of a nurse during an after-hours callout to the Rotorua suburb of Ngongotahā by Te Whatu Ora Lakes’ acute mental health response team on 28 December.
NZNO and the Public Service Association (PSA) – which both have members who are mental health workers – are calling for a full investigation into the incident by Te Whatu Ora and WorkSafe, and for the matter to be referred to the Health Quality Safety Commission.
NZNO mental health nurse and delegate Mitchell Mclaughlan said the stabbing was a random event.
“However, violent incidents have become more frequent in recent years. We are seeing escalating aggressive behaviours in the community. More members of our society are presenting as highly distressed due to their social and financial situations, increased drug use along with a swell in anti-social behaviours.”
Rotorua mental health staff have requested a review of the incident with Te Whatu Ora management, Mitchell Mclaughlan says. “We want to discuss whether extra security measures such as personal alarms or stab-proof vests should be worn from now on by nurses and kaiāwhina working in mental health.”
NZNO Mental Health Nurses Section chair Helen Garrick called on Te Whatu Ora to report the incident to the Health Quality Safety Commission and follow all “learning from harm processes” necessary to determine ways to enhance safety for all concerned including staff, whānau and service users.
“All aspects of this incident must be reviewed. Stab-proof vests and alarms may not have resulted in a different outcome and we don’t want knee-jerk solutions. We also shouldn’t accept that nurses have to deal with such a level of violence they need stab-proof vests.
“However, I understand mental health nurses are fearful and looking for solutions. They need to be safe when they’re attending call outs. With the Police proposing withdrawal from emergency mental health call outs, nurses are being left increasingly vulnerable,” Helen Garrick says.
PSA Health National Sector lead Sue McCullough says the nurse, who is a PSA member, underwent surgery, and has been discharged from hospital. She is now recovering at home.
Sue McCullough says the PSA is supporting the nurse, and their members, following the very traumatic event.
“Health workers’ safety is paramount as they deliver essential health care to all New Zealanders. Devastating incidents like this highlight the consequences of the Government’s relentless health budget cuts. These funding cuts, along with short staffing, will continue to endanger the entire health care system and all New Zealanders’ health and wellbeing.
“Consultation on health cuts continues. We ask those who care about the health of New Zealanders and who care about our health care workers to speak up. Incidents like this have lifelong impacts and need to be prevented,” Sue McCullough says.

MIL OSI

Outdoor fires restricted in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

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Source: Auckland Council

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has moved Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into a restricted fire season from Thursday 16 January until further notice.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz.

Fire and Emergency’s Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin says outdoor fires will be restricted in the Waitematā, Auckland City and Counties Manukau districts due to the high fire risk throughout Auckland at present.

“While there is some rain forecast next week, this isn’t going to be enough to counter the effects of the recent warm, dry weather,” he says.

“We continually monitor the weather conditions throughout the region, and keep an eye on how quickly vegetation is drying out.

“Right now, we consider flammable vegetation such as mānuka, kānuka and grass, and forestry areas as being particularly high risk, as these burn easily, spread fast, and can be really difficult to contain.”

The Hauraki Gulf Islands remain in a prohibited fire season, which means all outdoor fires are banned on the islands.

“If you’re thinking about starting a fire, you must go to www.checkitsalright.nz first to find out if you can, and what restrictions apply,” Ron Devlin says.

“There’s also excellent safety advice, which I strongly urge people to follow, to help us keep Tāmaki Makaurau fire-free this summer.”

An image from the end of Anawhata Road, taken on Thursday 16 January 2025, shows the devastation caused by a fire to native vegetation on the headland.

Fire risk prompts warning from regional parks rangers

As a total fire ban applies to the Auckland region , Auckland Council rangers are reminding visitors to avoid taking any risks with barbecues, fireworks and fires in remote park areas to prevent further damage from outbreaks. 

Scott De Silva, Regional Parks Manager, says uncontrolled recent fires at Te Henga Bethells Beach, Long Bay and at Anawhata Beach show how quickly fires can spread at the height of summer.

“We are urging people to be sensible and mindful of the dry conditions, especially now that Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s fire restrictions have been extended.

“Remote locations, uneven terrain, and difficult access to water present a serious challenge to fight fires in our regional parks. Despite this, the support we receive from Fire and Emergency NZ in response to these incidents has been fantastic,” says Scott.

Fire and Emergency placed the season’s first fire restrictions in Tāmaki Makaurau on 2 December across the Hauraki Gulf islands, which remain in place.

With a shift to a La Niña weather pattern, from last summer’s El Niño, bringing warmer than normal temperatures over much of the country, any rainfall during the summer months is unlikely to prevent vegetation from drying out.

“Don’t take the risk of lighting any fires or fireworks – just one spark can get out of control so quickly and have devastating consequences for the safety of people, their livelihoods and of course, the flora and fauna we are trying to protect,” says Scott.

What does a total fire ban mean?
  • Open fires are prohibited in all public areas throughout Auckland

  • This includes on beaches and foreshores, in parks, conservation areas and forests

  • It’s prohibited to light fireworks in any public places.

Firewise tips
  • Avoid any outdoor activity that could cause a spark.

  • Leave portable barbecues at home.

  • Only use established barbecues at parks and beach areas to cook food.

  • If you see smoke that could be a threat, dial 111.

Visit checkitsalright.nz for updates to the fire season (currently prohibited, a total fire ban).

MIL OSI

Alert: glitch in AboutMe tool

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Source: Privacy Commissioner

AboutMe (Request My Info Tool) had a glitch between 19 December 2024 and 12 January 2025 and any requests made during that time haven’t been forwarded on to the agency involved.

What happened was that an error in our system stopped people receiving an email verification link, which is a step in the process that lets your request go through. 

Like any glitch, it was unintended, and we apologise for any inconvenience. We also recommend that if you used the AboutMe tool between 19 December 2024 and 12 January 2025 that you redo your request. 

MIL OSI

Alpro Group Partners with Skechers Malaysia to Launch “Silver Step-Pro: Empowering Seniors to Take Every Step with Confidence” Campaign in Support of Active Aging and Fall Prevention

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Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 Alpro Group, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to enhancing the well-being of seniors, has announced a strategic partnership with Skechers Malaysia to launch the “Silver Step-Pro: Empowering Seniors to Take Every Step with Confidence” campaign. This collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to promoting active aging and raising awareness about fall prevention, aligning with Malaysia’s government initiatives to support a healthier aging population.

(From left: Ms. Joe Ann Chong (Branding Promotion & Trade Marketing Manager of Alpro Group), Ms. Wong Siew Piin (Operation Director of Alpro Group), Stephanie Chang (Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia), Alex Ong (Sales Account Manager of Skechers Malaysia) )

Through this initiative, Alpro Group’s Silvercare Initiatives have provided exclusive benefits for members, including access to Skechers’ innovative footwear designed to enhance comfort, mobility, and safety. The campaign also includes educational videos and workshops that empower seniors with the knowledge and tools needed to lead active, independent lifestyles.

“At Alpro Group, we want to drive a partnership rooted in a shared commitment that goes beyond price,” said Ms. Joe Ann Chong, Branding Promotion & Trade Marketing Manager of Alpro Group. “Together with Skechers, we’ll be collaborating to create a line of footwear designed specifically for the senior community—combining Skechers’ innovative design with Alpro’s deep understanding of senior care needs. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to providing solutions that improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they can take every step with confidence, safety, and comfort.”

From Left 9: Ms. Joe Ann Chong (Branding Promotion & Trade Marketing Manager of Alpro Group), Left 10: Ms. Wong Siew Piin (Operation Director of Alpro Group), Left 11: Stephanie Chang (Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia), Left 12: Zann Lee (Managing Director of Skechers Southeast Asia), Left 17: Alex Ong (Sales Account Manager of Skechers Malaysia).

Exclusive Benefits for Alpro Group Members

As part of the “Silver Step-Pro” campaign, Alpro Group members enjoy:

  • Special Skechers Privileges: Special discounts on Skechers footwear tailored for seniors, featuring enhanced arch support, slip-resistant soles, and easy-to-wear designs.
  • Educational Resources: Access to videos and workshops on fall prevention, geriatric care, and healthy aging, delivered through engaging and practical formats.
  • Silvercare Initiatives: Ongoing support through programs that provide seniors with tools, knowledge, and products to maintain an active lifestyle.

Empowering Active Aging Together

Stephanie Chang, Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Skechers is honored to collaborate with Alpro Group in empowering seniors to lead active and independent lives. Our high-performance footwear is designed to provide the perfect balance of comfort and stability, helping seniors take confident steps every day. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, ensuring their mobility and safety are prioritized.”

Invitation to Join the Movement

To further amplify the campaign’s impact, Alpro Group and Skechers Malaysia will be hosting workshops and creating video content focusing on the benefits of active aging, footwear safety, and fall prevention. Seniors and their families are encouraged to participate in these programs to gain valuable insights and make informed health decisions.

“This campaign is about more than just products; it’s about fostering awareness and creating a supportive environment for seniors to thrive,” added Ms. Joe Ann Chong. “Our joint efforts aim to empower seniors to live healthier, more fulfilling lives by addressing their unique mobility and safety needs.”

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OCM6Ib2AKGz-y8cGmhntGMhILJuW93Z9?usp=sharin

Hashtag: #AlproPharmacy #SkechersMalaysia #AlproSilvercare

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

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

Resealing work ahead for SH50 near Taradale

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 50 (SH50) Links Road in Napier will be closed for two nights later this month for resealing.

The road, between SH50 Korokipo Road and SH2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway, will be closed Friday 24 January and Saturday 25 January.

The work will take place between 8pm and 5am both nights and will be finished at 5am Sunday 26 January.

A detour is available for light vehicles. People travelling on SH50 wanting to access the expressway will be detoured through Waiohiki, onto Gloucester Street and right into Meeanee Road before joining the expressway. The reverse will apply for people travelling the expressway who want to access SH50.

This detour isn’t suitable for High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV). The detour is expected to add approximately 5-10 minutes to people’s journeys.

This work is weather dependent and contingency dates are Sunday 26 and Monday 27 January, 8pm to 5am each night.

The following week (Monday 27 January to Friday 31 January), sections of SH50 Korokipo Road, between Ngaruroro River Bridge at Omahu and Omarunui Road, will be under stop/go traffic management for resealing.

That work will take place during the day between 7am and 5pm. Please expect delays of up to 10 minutes to journey times.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks all road users for their patience while we improve both sections of SH50, ultimately making them more resilient, safer and efficient for travellers.

MIL OSI