Category: Technology

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Molesworth Station: The groups vying to take over the country’s largest farm

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Molesworth landscape. Supplied / Pamu Farms

Five groups are vying to take over the country’s largest farm.

Molesworth Station, the iconic high country property, is run as a cattle farm by state-owned Pāmu.

The area, known formally as the Rangitahi/Molesworth Recreation Reserve, at the top of the South Island, covers 180,000-hectares of land owned by the Crown and administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) .

However, with Pāmu’s lease ending in June, DOC has been seeking new applicants to take over.

Applications closed last week with five groups putting forward applications to take over running farm operations at Molesworth.

DOC’s South Marlborough operations manager Stacey Wrenn said it was a “big decision”.

“We’re looking at the next 30 years of this absolutely, incredibly and nationally important place as well as New Zealand’s largest farm,” she said.

“So we are so excited that we have got this set of really high quality proposals. And we’re looking forward to working through those and working out who the best and most appropriate person is to take Molesworth forward into the future.”

Jim Ward, former manager of Molesworth station. PAMU / SUPPLIED

Molesworth’s former-manager of more than 20 years, Jim Ward, confirmed he had been involved in a proposal to see it run as a not-for-profit with heritage status.

“There’s three things that everything revolves around,” he told RNZ.

“The first is the vision for the proposal is we’re calling it the ‘Station for the Nation’, and the values are ensuring accessibility for all and the mission is to maintain the integrity of the land and ensure the longevity of the cultural and historic assets.”

The existing lease with Pāmu expires on the 30th June 2026. It would not confirm if it had put forward an application.

DOC and Pāmu were working together to ensure operations continue smoothly while the preferred operator is selected and new concession processed, and to work through the change of operators, if necessary.

“As the incumbent, Pāmu continues to engage closely with the Department of Conservation regarding the future of the Molesworth lease, and we’re committed to working constructively through their process,” a Pāmu spokesperson said.

Wrenn said she appreciated the effort that had gone into preparing the applications which would now be carefully assessed against set criteria with DOC hoping to select a preferred operator by the end of May.

“Assessment criteria includes the operator’s experience, skills and resources, how biodiversity and heritage values will be protected, how cultural values will be upheld, and how public access will be improved and facilitated.

“Once a preferred operator is chosen, they will be invited to apply for a concession, which will be publicly notified so people can have their say on the proposal.”

Wrenn previously said Molesworth was a special place that was home to threatened plants and animals so there would be restrictions on any lease – the farm can not be used for deer farming, forestry or for activities like game hunting or safari parks.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/molesworth-station-the-groups-vying-to-take-over-the-countrys-largest-farm/

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Illegal street racing sees arrest and car impounded

Source: New Zealand Police

Raglan Police have arrested one person and impounded their car after reports of illegal street racing around the area over the weekend.

The arrested person was one of multiple drivers seen driving dangerously on Nau Mai Road.

The 19-year-old man was taken into custody around 1.30am on Sunday. He is due in Hamilton District Court on 27 March, charged with operating a motor vehicle causing sustained loss of traction, and excess breath alcohol.

Senior Constable Brendon Richardson, Waikato Road Policing Team, says Police continue to run a dedicated operation focused on responding to and investigating illegal street racing activity that endangers road users, damages roads and causes disturbance to the public.

“We are taking a district-wide approach to this and will take action against those that are putting others at risk.

“Police are also working with our partner agencies and local councils around other measures that can assist us in preventing this behaviour.

“I also want acknowledge Constable Hetal Patel who assisted with this arrest and contributed greatly to the outcome,” Senior Constable Richardson says.

Police are asking anyone that sees illegal or dangerous driving to make reports so officers can follow up and hold offenders to account.

Photos and video footage is helpful for Police to follow up on offenders that quickly speed off when driving unlawfully. These can also be used to identify the vehicles, hotspots and times dangerous driving occurs and helps to identify the drivers.

If you see any dangerous driving, call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/illegal-street-racing-sees-arrest-and-car-impounded/

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Employers offering transport perks warned of tax rules

Source: Radio New Zealand

The price of 91 is now more than $3.30 a litre on average across the country, and forecast to rise further. RNZ / Dan Cook

Any businesses planning to offer extra support for their staff facing fuel cost rises will need to consider the tax implications.

Fuel prices have risen sharply in the past month as conflict in Iran has put pressure on oil supplies.

The price of 91 is now more than $3.30 a litre on average across the country, and forecast to rise further.

That adds to the cost of commuting – the Public Service Association earlier called for employers to allow staff to work from home to help offset the cost.

Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker said any form of payment from an employer to an employee would generally be taxable through the PAYE system – even if it was a short-term fix for the petrol problem.

If it was offered in the form of goods or services, that could trigger fringe benefit tax.

But she said there were some exceptions for transport, which employers could consider.

The fringe benefit tax legislation has an exemption for ebikes, bikes, scooters and escooters provided by employers and used for commuting to work.

That means that as long as the employee is intending to use the bike mostly for commuting, it can be provided without needing to pay any fringe benefit tax (FBT).

She said there could also be significant benefits for employees taking a “salary sacrifice” arrangement.

This means their income is reduced by an amount equal to the cost of the bike. Because the cost of the bike was taken out of pre-tax income the final impact on the employee would be lower than if the bike was paid for out of after-tax income.

She said it could help someone afford a bike they might not otherwise be able to purchase. Some providers such as WorkRide and Northride have set up systems to streamline this process.

Another option is Extraordinary, which allows employers to offer public transport benefits either by salary sacrifice or as part of a total remuneration package, without attracting FBT.

This also has the potential to make public transport cheaper for employees.

Walker said employers could also start getting more claims for mileage from employees travelling for work in their own vehicles, where previously they might not have thought the administration was worth it.

“There are some quite detailed rules around how this works and generally ‘home to work’ travel can’t be reimbursed tax-free, but travel from home to a client – in excess of normal travel distances, or from work to a client is able to be paid tax exempt.

“Inland Revenue issues new reimbursement rates each year, which are based on historic costs. These are essentially a ‘safe harbour’, whereby they are comfortable that reimbursement at that level is reasonable; employers are not bound to use those rates, so could opt to pay a higher amount while fuel costs are high. This would need to be supported with some calculations to explain why the amount paid is reasonable.”

At present, the rate for a petrol car is $1.17 per kilometre.

“It is technically possible for an employer to provide tax-free allowances for employee transport costs in some limited circumstances. This exemption is targeted at scenarios where an employee’s commuting costs are more than what would ordinarily be expected – for example, if the employer operates in a remote location or if the location isn’t serviced by public transport and/or the employee is working hours where public transport isn’t available.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/employers-offering-transport-perks-warned-of-tax-rules/

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Global family office leaders gather for Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – A principal dinner was held by the Government this evening (March 23), bringing together about 130 family office decision-makers from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa to set the stage for the fourth edition of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong (WGHK) Summit themed “Building Lasting Legacies”, which will take place tomorrow (March 24).

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the principal dinner of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit today (March 23).

“For many, the future may feel less certain, more complex, than it did when we were at this event a year ago. But rest assured: Hong Kong stands strong and unwavering – a city where capital, institutions and families can keep a firm footing, even as the world around them is shifting,” the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said in his welcome remarks. “More and more family offices are turning to Hong Kong. We are now home to over 3 380 single family offices – a 25 per cent increase in the past two years. More than half of them have second-generation members, or beyond, in leadership roles. This reflects the confidence that ultra-high-net-worth families have in Hong Kong as a base for wealth transfer between generations.”

The night was highlighted by a magnificent “human-robot lion dance” performance at the start, where traditional lion dancers performed alongside agile robot dogs, bringing the stage to life through vivid movements. The display was a seamless blend of cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology, embodying Hong Kong’s spirit of embracing both tradition and innovation, while echoing the Summit’s focus on frontier themes such as AI and robotics.

Set against a vibrant blend of heritage and innovation, attendees of the principal dinner had an enjoyable night filled with great food and lively exchanges. They were also impressed by the fascinating world-famous Hong Kong skyline, glamourised by photo spots decorated with neon light and retro Hong Kong vibes set up at an open area of the venue. The beautiful night scene created a more relaxing atmosphere for them to connect and share their ideas of bringing social impacts with their wealth.

Tomorrow, family office decision makers and successors from around the world will engage in thought leadership by speakers on three core themes – “Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy”, “Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market”, and “Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation”- as well as a fireside chat on “Sports and Philanthropy” at the WGHK Summit. These conversations aim to inspire participants in various ways towards building legacies, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as the premier hub for global family offices for legacy planning and value creation.

Hashtag: #WGHK

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/global-family-office-leaders-gather-for-wealth-for-good-in-hong-kong-summit/

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Melco garners six diamonds in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide

Source: Media Outreach

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment has garnered six diamonds in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, further reaffirming the Company’s status as a global leader in fine dining and underlining its commitment to culinary excellence.

Jade Dragon at City of Dreams – Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Three-diamonds Restaurant

City of Dreams’ signature Cantonese fine dining restaurant Jade Dragon secured the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide‘s coveted Three Diamonds accolade for the seventh consecutive year, upholding its status as Macau’s one and only three diamond Chinese restaurant, and was honored the special “Annual Dish Award” for its signature “Steamed Garoupa Fillet on Egg White Custard with Aged Chinese Hua Diao Wine Sauce” course. Innovative Chinese restaurant Yí at City of Dreams received One Diamond, marking its seventh year of such achievement. Revering the great traditions and savoir-faire of French cuisine, Alain Ducasse at Morpheus maintains its One Diamond status for the third consecutive year, whilst City of Dreams’ tranquil Japanese restaurant Sushi Kinetsu upholds its One Diamond honor in the esteemed guide for the third consecutive year.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “It is a profound honor for Melco to be recognized once again by the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide in 2026. In addition to the recent achievements in the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026, these prestigious accolades are a testament to our unwavering dedication to culinary innovation and our commitment to strengthening Macau’s position as a UNESCO-designated Creative City of Gastronomy.

“This achievement would not be possible without the incredible passion and hard work of our Colleagues. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our world-class culinary and front-of-house teams; it is their relentless pursuit of service excellence that allows us to consistently deliver the most memorable and exquisite dining experiences to our guests from around the globe. We remain steadfast in our mission to push the boundaries of luxury hospitality and contribute to the vibrant diversification of Macau’s tourism landscape.”

At the award ceremony which took place today in Singapore, Melco properties’ restaurants received the following honors:

JADE DRAGON – Three Diamonds and Annual Dish Award for “Steamed Garoupa Fillet on Egg White Custard withAged Chinese Hua Diao Wine Sauce”
Being the only Cantonese restaurant in Greater China awarded with both Three Black Pearl Diamonds and Three MICHELIN Stars, Jade Dragon showcases exquisite culinary masterpieces created with the freshest seasonal ingredients and delectable delicacies. Jade Dragon sets the benchmark for fine dining in Macau with its spectacular designer décor and superlative personalized service. Recent honors and awards include:

  • Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Three Diamonds (2020-2026)
  • MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau Three Stars (2019-2026)
  • Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating (2014-2026)
  • Trip.com Gourmet’s Black Diamond award (2021-2023, 2026), Diamond award (2024-2025)
  • Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s Restaurant of the Year (2026), BAZAAR Taste Elite Macao (2024-2026)
  • Tatler Best Awards Asia Pacific’s Best 100 Restaurants (2024-2025)
  • Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong & Macau’s Restaurant of the Year Macau (2025), Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
  • Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
  • South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2014-2025)
  • TARGET ELITE SELECT Awards’ Chinese Restaurant of the Year (2025), Cantonese Restaurant of the Year (2024)
  • TimeOut Beijing Food & Bar Awards’ Cantonese Restaurant of the Year (2025)
  • China Feast Restaurants Awards’ Annual Influential Restaurants (2025)
  • La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
  • Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2014-2025)
  • World Culinary Awards’ Asia’s Best Hotel Restaurant (2025), Macao’s Best Hotel Restaurant (2022-2025)
  • Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024-2025)
  • Three Stars in Golden Phoenix Tree China Restaurant Guide (2024-2025)

YÍ – One Diamond
One-diamond award winner Yí, located on the 21st floor Sky Bridge of Morpheus, offers the very heights of innovative fine dining and Chinese cuisine served in a modern seasonal tasting menu format. Its degustation menu is inspired by the 24 Solar Terms of the Traditional Chinese Calendar (Jie Qi), changes 12 times a year and highlights many of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Recent honors and awards include:

  • Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2020-2026)
  • Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards (2020-2026)
  • Trip.com Gourmet’s Platinum award (2021-2026)
  • Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s BAZAAR Taste Elite Macao (2024-2025)
  • Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau’s Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
  • Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
  • South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2019-2025)
  • China Feast Restaurants Awards’ Best Innovative Restaurants (2025)
  • Food&Wine The Best Awards’ Hotel Restaurant of the Year (2025)
  • La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
  • Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2022-2025)
  • Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024-2025)

ALAIN DUCASSE AT MORPHEUS – One Diamond
Awarded One Diamond, Alain Ducasse at Morpheus redefines legendary French classics with a contemporary vision and sentimental approach to cooking. The restaurant located at City of Dreams sources produce from the best regions which is harvested at its optimal time, highlighting a deep appreciation for nature and an intimate understanding of the seasons. Sourcing from small-scale farms and line-caught fish, the restaurant ensures unparalleled quality and a distinctive tasting experience. Recent honors and awards include:

  • Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2024-2026)
  • MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau Two Stars (2019-2026)
  • Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating (2020-2026)
  • Trip.com Gourmet’s Diamond award (2022-2026)
  • Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s BAZAAR Taste Elite Macao (2026)
  • Tatler Best Awards Asia Pacific’s Best 100 Restaurants (2025)
  • Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong & Macau’s Best Service (2025), Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
  • Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
  • South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2020-2025)
  • TimeOut Beijing Food & Bar Awards’ French Restaurant of the Year (2025)
  • La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
  • Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2019-2025)
  • TARGET ELITE SELECT Awards’ French Restaurant of the Year (2024)
  • Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024)

SUSHI KINETSU – One Diamond
Bestowed One Diamond, Sushi Kinetsu at City of Dreams offers authentic Edomae sushi across a beautiful, centuries old Hinoki wood sushi bar. The tranquil restaurant serves seasonal delicacies using only the finest ingredients, crafted by Japanese master chefs. Recent honors and awards include:

  • Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2024-2026)
  • MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau One Star (2024-2026)
  • Trip.com Gourmet’s Diamond award (2024-26), Platinum award (2023)
  • Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s BAZAAR Taste Spotlight Macao (2026)
  • Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau’s restaurant list (2025)

https://www.melco-resorts.com
https://hk.linkedin.com/company/melco-resorts-entertainment
https://x.com/MelcoResorts
https://www.facebook.com/MelcoCSR/
Wechat: 新濠博亚娱乐

Hashtag: #melco #blackpearl #cityofdreamsmacau #jadedragon #alainducasseatmorpheus #sushikinetsu #yi

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/melco-garners-six-diamonds-in-the-2026-black-pearl-restaurant-guide/

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MSIG Helper Insurance unveils new campaign: ‘Assured Helper, Confident Employer’

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG”) today announced the launch of its new helper insurance promotional campaign, appointing the esteemed artist, Mr Lam Shing Bun (Bob Lam), as product ambassador. Under the theme “Assured Helper, Confident Employer”, the campaign promotes MSIG Helper Insurance across multiple channels, including television commercials, online videos, outdoor advertising and digital platforms, further cementing the brand’s position as the market leader.

Crafting insurance that delivers shared peace of mind

Philip Kent, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Hong Kong, stated: “Hong Kong today is home to more than 360,000 foreign domestic helpers, as well as over 20,000 local ‘hourly workers’. As such, there is significant market demand for insurance that specifically caters both to their needs and those of their employers. That’s why we have developed a comprehensive and affordable plan that provides extensive medical coverage for domestic helpers and helps their employers cope with financial burdens associated with illness.

We view helper insurance as one of our flagship offerings and believe it truly embodies our commitment to ‘Assured Helper, Confident Employer’, which is the essence of the campaign. We aim to help the public understand how helper insurance can benefit families and to establish MSIG as the market leader in Hong Kong for this type of insurance.”

Bob Lam set to resonate with viewers

Targeting Hong Kong families as its primary audience, this campaign features the popular celebrity Bob Lam as product ambassador. Bob maintains an active presence across social media and traditional platforms, frequently sharing humorous glimpses into his life with his family of six. His relatable persona has earned him a reputation as an endearing husband and devoted father, aligning with MSIG’s brand ethos. Importantly, as an experienced employer who has long employed domestic helpers, Bob’s first-hand experience significantly enhances the credibility of the product information and strongly resonates with the target audience, making him the ideal ambassador for MSIG’s Helper Insurance.

The campaign video opens with Bob livestreaming from home, seamlessly integrating relatable moments such as his wife prompting him to tackle household chores and netizens asking questions about domestic helpers. This light-hearted, humorous approach captures the everyday realities of employer households, eliciting knowing smiles from viewers while introducing the product’s key features in a natural way:

  1. Comprehensive coverage: Includes outpatient, surgical & hospitalisation, dental, domestic helper liability, service interruption, fidelity guarantee and more
  2. Exceptional value: 2-year premium as low as HK$566 for online applications1
  3. Speedy claims processing: Online claims approval in as fast as 15 minutes
  4. Flexible and adaptable: Suitable for local domestic helpers, post-natal care helpers and home-based elderly carers, accommodating diverse family needs

Multi-channel media campaign to maximise reach

This initiative marks MSIG’s first major promotional campaign for 2026, employing a multi-dimensional media strategy to achieve seamless online and offline coverage. The campaign will be rolled out across television, YouTube, other major social media platforms and digital channels, targeting the intended audience with precision. Outdoor media placements include tram and bus wrap advertising, large-scale billboards in Causeway Bay and digital screens at multiple high-traffic locations. Through this tightly integrated multi-channel network, the campaign will significantly boost brand visibility and message penetration, ensuring the core message of helper insurance is powerfully conveyed to every corner of Hong Kong.


 1 Offer applies to designated MSIG Helper Insurance plan, please refer to MSIG website and terms and conditions of relevant product.

Hashtag: #MSIG

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/msig-helper-insurance-unveils-new-campaign-assured-helper-confident-employer/

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Cathay Pacific Expands Global Partnership with Adyen

Source: Media Outreach

Adyen’s direct acquiring solution boosts performance for Hong Kong’s home carrier in the world’s most dynamic markets

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, today announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s home airline. This deepening of collaboration marks a significant milestone, with Adyen now providing direct acquiring services for the airline in markets including Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, and most recently, India.

Adyen’s partnership with Cathay Pacific, which began in 2014, has evolved from its initial scope to become a core component of the airline’s global commerce strategy. With the successful implementation of direct acquiring in Cathay Pacific’s key markets, this expansion underscores Adyen’s role as a strategic growth partner, using direct acquiring capabilities to increase authorization rates, reduce payment fees, and unlock new revenue.

Notably with the recent roll-out in India, Adyen’s acquiring solution ensures performance. Since implementation, Cathay Pacific achieved a 10% increase in authorization rates in the market.

“At Cathay Pacific, we believe that a seamless and trusted shopping experience is essential to elevating ourselves to become the most loved service brand of our customers,” said Kinto Chan, General Manager, Sales and Distribution, Cathay Pacific. “By leveraging Adyen’s single integration and trusted extensive global acquiring network, we can ensure our customers transact securely while allowing us to expand into our target markets with ease.” “Our partnership with Cathay Pacific is centered on turning global payment complexity into a competitive advantage,” said Warren Hayashi, President, Asia Pacific, Adyen. “By optimizing authorization rates across diverse geographies, we ensure more bookings take flight, helping Cathay achieve commercial growth on a global stage.”

https://www.adyen.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/adyen

Hashtag: #ADYEN #CATHAYPACIFIC #PAYMENTS #TRAVEL #RETAIL #PAYMENTTECHNOLOGY #ENTERPRISETECHNOLOGY

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/cathay-pacific-expands-global-partnership-with-adyen/

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Singapore cybersecurity firms showcase SME-focused innovations to counter rising cyber threats at RSAC 2026 Conference

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – As cyber threats intensify globally, the World Economic Forum (WEF) projects that the global economic impact of cyberattacks will surge from US$8.44 trillion in 2022 to US$23.84 trillion by 2027[1], exposing a widening gap between escalating risk and cyber readiness.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of most economies, are particularly vulnerable. The WEF’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Outlook[2]highlights that limited access to cyber services, tools and skilled talent continues to hinder smaller organisations from achieving even baseline resilience, an increasingly urgent concern in today’s highly interconnected digital ecosystem. As a result, SMEs are often more exposed to common risks such as accidental data leaks and unpatched vulnerabilities in the software and open‑source components used to build modern digital applications.

To help address these challenges, three homegrown companies from Singapore, AgileMark, Scantist and StrongKeep are pioneering technologies that make cybersecurity more accessible and effective for businesses, including SMEs without dedicated security teams. Their solutions focus on strengthening data loss protection and mitigating risks from human behaviours like screen photography and unsafe network use, uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in software systems, and simplifying the adoption of essential security measures through easy-to-deploy platforms.

These companies are supported by the S$20 million CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre (TIG Centre), a joint initiative between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). The TIG Centre works closely with cybersecurity companies and start-ups to co-develop solutions that help organisations stay ahead of emerging threats while enabling the safe and confident adoption of new technologies.

“Many businesses today, especially SMEs, face escalating cyber risks but often lack the resources to protect themselves effectively. In Singapore, online scams and ransomware attacks continue to be key concerns. At the same time, advances in AI are transforming both cyber threats and cybersecurity and rapidly expanding the attack surface of enterprises. Through the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre, we support innovators developing practical solutions to address these challenges, and bring Singapore’s most promising cybersecurity start-ups to the global stage at the RSAC 2026 Conference,” said Mr Willis Lim, Executive Director, TIG Centre.

AgileMark: Preventing data leaks caused by everyday human actions

Many data exposure incidents stem not from sophisticated cyberattacks, but from routine behaviours such as photographing screens, copying sensitive documents or working in unsecured environments.

AgileMark mitigates this risk by introducing visible, dynamic watermarks on corporate screens. These act as behavioural cues to deter unauthorised capture, reinforce employee awareness of data sensitivity, and enable traceability if leaks occur. Designed with a human-first approach, it addresses the reality many SMEs face: limited time, resources and expertise to manage complex tools. By focusing on user behaviour rather than adding new systems, it reduces risk without increasing operational burden. Today, AgileMark protects over 300,000 devices globally, reducing investigation time from weeks to hours and enabling faster response to potential data breaches.

Scantist: Finding security flaws in software before hackers do

As organisations accelerate software development, greater reliance on open-source components and third-party dependencies has increased exposure to supply chain risks and hard-to-detect vulnerabilities.

Scantist provides an AI-powered application security platform that helps organisations manage open-source, software supply chain and AI-related risks across the development lifecycle, from code to deployment. Complementing its defensive capabilities, Scantist also offers an autonomous, agentic penetration testing solution that simulates attacker behaviour, enabling more frequent testing and reducing assessment timelines from days to hours. For SMEs in particular, Scantist makes advanced security testing and risk management more accessible without requiring large in-house security teams, helping businesses strengthen resilience and keep pace with evolving threats in a cost-effective, scalable manner.

StrongKeep: Making cybersecurity simpler and more affordable for SMEs

Many SMEs face barriers to adopting cybersecurity tools due to cost, complexity and the need for specialised expertise.

StrongKeep addresses this challenge with an all-in-one cybersecurity platform tailored for SMEs. The platform integrates essential protections such as device security, website filtering, phishing awareness training and password management into a single, easy-to-use system. Organisations can deploy the platform and begin protecting their systems in under 60 minutes, even without dedicated cybersecurity staff. With subscriptions starting from S$39 per month, the solution enables SMEs to achieve comprehensive protection and compliance up to 10 times faster than traditional approaches.

Showcasing Singapore’s cybersecurity solutions at the RSAC Conference 2026

AgileMark, Scantist and StrongKeep are among eight TIG Centre-supported companies that will showcase their solutions at Singapore’s national pavilion at the RSAC 2026 Conference, held from 23 to 26 March 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, United States.

Organised by the TIG Centre and SGTech, the leading trade association for Singapore’s tech industry, the Singapore Pavilion underscores Singapore’s role as a cybersecurity innovation hub and a strategic gateway to Asia’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

https://www.rsa.cybersg.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybersg-tig-collaboration-centre/

Hashtag: #cybersecurity #singaporecybersme #CybersgTIG #nusenterprise #NUS

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/singapore-cybersecurity-firms-showcase-sme-focused-innovations-to-counter-rising-cyber-threats-at-rsac-2026-conference/

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From AI to Sustainability, Five Key Skills Singapore’s Workforce Will Need in 2026

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – Singapore’s economy continues to evolve amid rapid technological change and sustainability priorities, workforce capabilities are expected to shift significantly over the next few years. Workforce insights from Singapore agencies and global labour market research indicate that professionals will need to strengthen both emerging digital competencies and transferable professional skills to remain competitive.

SIM Academy (SIMA), the professional development arm of the Singapore Institute of Management, offers programmes that support several capability areas highlighted in Singapore’s workforce insights. According to SkillsFuture Singapore’s Skills Demand for the Future Economy report, emerging demand is being shaped by growth in the digital, green and care economies, alongside transferable capabilities such as business management and data-related skills. These trends reflect the increasing importance of capabilities such as data and artificial intelligence literacy, cyber resilience awareness, sustainability and ESG knowledge, project management and delivery, as well as risk management and strategic planning. SIMA’s professional development programmes are designed to help working professionals build competencies in these areas as organisations adapt to technological change and sustainability priorities.

Global labour market analysis supports this shift. The World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report identifies AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy among the fastest growing skills worldwide as organisations adopt digital technologies and automation.

In Singapore, workforce insights from SkillsFuture Singapore SSG and Workforce Singapore WSG highlight growing demand for skills aligned with the digital, green and care economies, alongside transferable competencies such as project management, risk assessment and digital tool proficiency.

Among the emerging capabilities, data and AI literacy is becoming increasingly important across industries as organisations adopt data driven decision making and artificial intelligence enabled tools. According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, AI and big data are among the fastest growing skill areas globally as companies accelerate digital transformation. In Singapore, organisations including small and medium sized enterprises are also exploring practical ways to adopt AI in their operations. To support this need, SIM Academy offers programmes focused on digital innovation and emerging technologies. These include AI.dea: An AI Bridge Programme, developed in collaboration with Singtel, that helps SMEs develop actionable AI adoption strategies and prepare for scalable AI implementation.

Another skill gaining prominence is cybersecurity, which increasingly affects organisations of all sizes and sectors. In Singapore, the growing importance of cybersecurity skills is reflected in national workforce and digital economy priorities. SIM Academy supports capability building in this area through selected programmes for different audiences. These include Cyber Resilience programmes for corporate learners, as well as cybersecurity training offered under the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme SCTP. Together, these programmes support workforce development in cybersecurity and organisational resilience in an increasingly digital operating environment.

Singapore’s sustainability agenda is also shaping workforce needs. With the government advancing initiatives under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, businesses are strengthening capabilities related to sustainability strategy and ESG practices. SIM Academy offers sustainability focused programmes such as Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainability, which equips professionals with knowledge in LCA frameworks, enhance sustainability decision-making and strategic sustainability and compliance.

Organisations are also prioritising risk management and strategic planning capabilities as they navigate evolving geopolitical, technological and economic uncertainties. SIM Academy’s leadership and management programmes help professionals develop strategic thinking, systems leadership and decision making capabilities relevant to today’s complex business environment.

SIMA offers more than 300 professional development courses across areas such as management and leadership, digital innovation and sustainability. These programmes are designed to support working professionals in upgrading their skills and staying competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

References:

  1. SIM Academy Professional Development – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/overview
  2. SIM Academy Course Listings – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing
  3. Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Organisation – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/life-cycle-assessment-for-sustainable-organisations
  4. PMP Prep Course – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/project-management-professional-pmp-l4-sfw
  5. World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report – https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/
  6. SkillsFuture Singapore Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/insights/sdfe
  7. Singapore Green Plan 2030 – https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/
  8. SkillsFuture Singapore Green Skills Committee Report – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/green-skills-committee-report-identifies-green-skills-and-training-pathways-needed-for-a-low-carbon-economy-/
  9. Ministry of Education / SkillsFuture Singapore speech on skills demand – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
  10. MyCareersFuture CareersCompass insights on future skills – https://content.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/futureproof-career-top-demand-skills-2025/

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

Hashtag: #SIMAcademy #SIMA

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/from-ai-to-sustainability-five-key-skills-singapores-workforce-will-need-in-2026/

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Mangakara Nature Walk to reopen, caution urged

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  23 March 2026

DOC Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says his staff have been working hard to reopen and assess tracks, and the latest to be made available to the public is Mangakara Nature Walk.

The Mangakara Nature Walk is a family friendly short walk and easily accessible from Grey Road. It has a range of educational information signs about the various specimen trees and plants found there.

Niwha says the storm destroyed two footbridges on the track – meaning the loop of the walk cannot be completed.

“It’s going to take us several months to arrange replacement of those bridges, so until that work is done the Mangakara Nature Walk is a ‘there and back’ experience to two end points,” he says.

Niwha discourages inexperienced visitors from crossing streams on the track while bridges remain unavailable, and to comply with all DOC signage and website alerts for all tracks.

“We want people to have a safe and enjoyable experience, so please enjoy the walk in its current configuration.”

Meanwhile, DOC staff have used a drone to capture footage of some of the landslips further up Pirongia maunga. The footage shows two large landslips near the Mahaukura Track, which includes a helicopter pad used by DOC for various operations.

“The drone footage the team has captured reinforces our view this track is not safe for naturing and we do not want people using it. The slip hazards are considered significant and further assessment is needed.”

Niwha says his team still has a lot of work to do in the wake of the February storm and urged the public to respect closures and ensure they make sensible decisions to have safe experiences on the maunga.

“If it’s closed, there’s a very good reason it’s off-limits to the public – and we ask people to respect those closures.”

People can visit the DOC website pages for individual tracks for the latest updates. Website pages carry alerts on closures, detours or other information people need to be aware of.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/mangakara-nature-walk-to-reopen-caution-urged/

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Health – New partnership targets long-term GP workforce sustainability through international recruitment

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) have announced a partnership focused on increasing the number of international GPs coming to New Zealand, to join our local GP workforce.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s GP workforce by making it easier for international doctors to understand the roles, pathways and support available to them.
General practice offers a career with real impact combining clinical autonomy, professional development and strong community connection. The campaign positions New Zealand as a destination where doctors can practise high-quality, specialist medicine while enjoying a world-class lifestyle and a health system built around teamwork and continuity of care.
RNZCGP plays a key role in this partnership, supporting high-quality general practice through training, standards and advocacy.
Together with Health New Zealand the campaign reinforces a coordinated, long-term approach to international recruitment that supports workforce sustainability across both urban and rural communities.
College President Dr Luke Bradford says the initiative comes at a critical time for the workforce.
“New Zealand needs more skilled GPs. These stories show the professionalism, purpose and privilege of delivering continuity of care in our communities from major centres to the most remote parts of the motu.”
Astuti Balram (Acting Director- Living Well) says “Health NZ is about the whole health system – not just specialist hospital services. We are delighted to be working with the college to attract more UK trained doctors to become NZ GPs.”
“GPs are central to high-quality primary care, and we need to continue to grow our workforce by recruiting local and international doctors. This work sits alongside our initiatives to strengthen primary and rural care, including funding up to 50 New Zealand-trained graduate doctors a year to train in primary care settings.”
The campaign, launched today, includes a new suite of resources and video testimonial stories aimed at attracting international doctors to work in Aotearoa.
The campaign highlights what overseas doctors can expect when working in community-based medicine offering practical insights into day-to-day clinical work, workforce pathways and lifestyle opportunities across both urban and rural settings.
Developed in alignment with Health New Zealand’s international recruitment programme, the resources are designed to support growing international interest in community-based specialist roles within a team-focused health system. 
More information:
The video campaign can be viewed below:
Health NZ is also progressing a range of initiatives as part of the Primary Care Tactical Action Plan (PCTAP) to strengthen the GP workforce including:
  • Funding 100 overseas-trained doctors already living in New Zealand to begin work in GP practices over the next two years.
  • Funding up to 50 New Zealand-trained graduate doctors a year to train in primary care settings.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/health-new-partnership-targets-long-term-gp-workforce-sustainability-through-international-recruitment/

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ChildFund – Water at risk in Middle East War – on World Water Day

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

ChildFund New Zealand is warning that escalating global conflict is no longer just driving up fuel prices – it is putting children’s access to clean water directly at risk.
Today Iran announced its plans to target desalination plants and critical infrastructure in response to President Trump’s threat to ‘obliterate’ power plants if the Strait of Hormuz does not open.
Today is World Water Day.
Water infrastructure – including desalination plants, pipelines and treatment facilities – are increasingly being hit as strategic targets in conflict.
“Access to water is getting caught up in this war. When oil prices surge, most people think about petrol. Few think about water,” says ChildFund NZ CEO Josie Pagani.
Water systems run on energy. When fuel prices spike – or when infrastructure is directly threatened – the cost of pumping, treating and delivering water rises immediately. In vulnerable communities, there is no buffer.
In many of the communities where ChildFund NZ works, access to clean water depends on pumps powered by fuel. 
“This is true in the Middle East, and in the Pacific where we have many water projects that still rely on fuel.”
When water systems become unreliable, families are forced to turn to unsafe sources. Waterborne diseases spread more easily. Girls are pulled out of school to collect water. Household income is diverted to cope with illness or to buy water.
“Both children living in warzones, and children living thousands of kilometres from a battlefield, are impacted, ” says Josie Pagani.
ChildFund NZ is urging all parties in conflict to recognise water systems as critical civilian infrastructure and ensure they are protected from attack.
In a video shared today, CEO Josie Pagani highlights that children – even in the Middle East – are more than 20 times more likely to die from a lack of clean water than from a bomb, underscoring the critical but often overlooked role water plays in conflict.
“Access to clean water should not be weaponised in war.”
Donate to ChildFund NZ’s Middle East Appeal to support local partners delivering urgent water, food and shelter on the ground.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/childfund-water-at-risk-in-middle-east-war-on-world-water-day/

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First Impressions of Maukahuka Auckland Island

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

12 March 2026 – Blake Hornblow

During my first night on Auckland Island, I wake to the sound of my tent fly trying to take flight, 50 knot winds battering it in relentless gusts. As the flapping subsides, I hear a loud cry somewhere in the dark outside the tent—a female sea lion calling for her pup. Still half-asleep, I reach for my headtorch—only for my hand to plunge straight into a pool of water surrounding my sleeping mat.

Naturally. It appears that some of the 40 mm of rain overnight has decided to drain directly into my tent.

In that moment I realise one thing: Auckland Island doesn’t do gentle introductions.

As I emerge from the tent and stand amongst the wind beaten rātā trees I think to our mission here for the next six weeks. I have been dreaming of working on this island for years, driven by the chance to contribute to the Maukahuka Auckland Island Restoration programme — an ambitious effort to remove feral pigs, feral cats, and mice from this wild subantarctic island, so that the multitude of endemic flora and fauna can once again thrive. Now I’m finally here.

While here, our team of four will be living some 500 km south of New Zealand’s mainland at a remote field base called Camp Cove, tucked into the bottom of Auckland Island. Camp Cove has hosted people before: first, on 7 February 1905, it was here that the castaways of the Anjou found shelter after their ship struck rocks on the western cliffs two days before.

The dramatic western cliffs of Auckland Island with nesting White-capped mollymawks on the cliffs below. Video: DOC Blake Hornblow

When we first arrived on the SV Evohe we worked not far from where the Anjou wrecked at Bristow Point on the western cliffs. The scale of these cliffs is immense. While looking at them I found it hard to imagine, not only surviving a shipwreck here but also the challenge that lies ahead to remove feral pigs, feral cats and mice that hunt for seabirds and megaherbs there. These cliffs hold some spectacular seabird species and some of the only albatross that still manage to breed on the main Auckland Island. Predation from feral pigs is a major problem so most of the remaining nests are now on steep, inaccessible ledges. White-capped mollymawk / Toroa and Light-mantled sooty albatross / Toroa pango still breed in a colony at South-west Cape.

I had the privilege of mapping the extent of the colony using a drone. Flying from nearby cliffs it was breathtaking to see the island alive with such impressive birds. Once the island is pest-free we hope to see a return of these birds to other parts of the island.

Team members descend the cliffs from SW Cape, Auckland Island. Looking down into Carnley Harbour which separates the main Auckland Island (left) from Pest-Free Adams Island (right). Photo: DOC Blake Hornblow

The team saw a few lone Gibson’s Albatross sitting on failed nests, tucked among the tall, wind-swept tussocks. Nearby, the ground was torn up by feral pig rooting. Here on Auckland Island, feral pigs and feral cats make it almost impossible for these birds to successfully breed. These albatrosses are made for the open ocean — they spend most of the year gliding over the Southern Ocean, sometimes circling the globe — but they still need a safe refuge to return to when it’s time to nest. This subantarctic island, just a speck in the South Pacific, could once again become that haven for them and so many other species.

A White-capped mollymawk chick perched on the edge the 200m cliff, safe from pigs at Southwest Cape. Photo: DOC Millie Mannering

For those of us without a three-metre wingspan, getting to the Auckland Islands isn’t quite so simple. With no airport within hundreds of kilometres, our only option was the sea — a 48-hour voyage from Bluff aboard the 25-metre sailing yacht Evohe. She and her crew know these waters better than most, having ferried conservationists south for nearly three decades. Rolling over five-metre waves for two days gives you plenty of time to appreciate just how remote this place is, and just how determined you must be to reach it.

The Evohe at anchor with Camp Cove, Auckland Island behind. Photo: DOC Blake Hornblow.

Now the boat has left us, and my flooded tent is a stark reminder of how far I am from home. I start to ferry my damp sleeping bag into the shelter of our base tent and reflect how Maukahuka is more than just a project — it’s a world-first effort by DOC and Ngāi Tahu to remove feral pigs, feral cats, and mice from Auckland Island and restore the mana of this subantarctic World Heritage site. By returning 46,000 ha of wilderness to its natural state, we’re safeguarding habitat for more than 500 native species. One of Earth’s last truly wild places. Maybe that’s worth a flooded tent or two.

What species would you love to see return to Auckland Island once it’s pest-free? To hear more from the field follow DOC’s Conservation Blog over the next six weeks. To learn more about the programme or to be part of this incredible endeavour follow the link below to donate.

Auckland Island/ Maukahuka | NZ Nature Fund

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/first-impressions-of-maukahuka-auckland-island/

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Misinformation being spread on fuel price app, but intentions unclear

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Thousands of people seeking to shave a few cents off petrol prices are flocking to a fuel price app – while some are fuelling false information about shortages.

On Sunday morning, the Gaspy app altered its reporting features so people could report shortages directly to the company, and made other changes in an attempt to avoid errors and deliberate misinformation.

The app, which relies on user reports of petrol prices to allow people to compare prices across petrol stations, has gained thousands of users a day as fuel prices surge.

Gaspy director Mike Newton said the app had seen a huge influx of new users in recent weeks.

“We’ve had generally between 6 and 10,000 new users every day for the last couple of weeks – that compares to a baseline level of about 700 every day so it’s a pretty massive uptick in new users. In terms of active users on the app, we normally see between 50,000 and 100,000 a day … for the last week and a half, we’ve had over 200,000 active users every day and a couple of days of over 300,000.”

Newton said the surge in new users meant many people were still getting used to how the app worked, which could see them enter prices in the wrong category.

“With that comes some learning. People are figuring out how to enter the prices and sometimes they’re not getting it quite right.”

But he said there was also people entering misinformation about petrol being $4 a litre – potentially as a way to indicate stations had run out, as there was no other way to do so.

The app had introduced a temporary system to allow people to message them directly about shortages, which would then be checked, Newton said.

The company was working on longer term fixes.

“We’d like to put in a much more robust system for handling reporting of shortages, but that’s going to require some dev [development] work, and so it takes a little bit of time for us to turn that around, test it, and get it out to the users.

“We’re also looking at putting AI measures in place … to make sure that our fuel updates are accurate. It could look at a station and go, well, somebody’s getting the diesel price higher than the 91 price, you know, maybe that doesn’t seem right, we should probably just reject that update.

It had also removed the ability to submit a price update from a distance.

“We’ve actually clamped that right down so you have to be next to the station to update prices at the moment … if there were some bad actors out there – and we don’t believe that there are a significant number, they would actually have to drive to a station to be a nuisance, and I just don’t see people going to that effort,” Newton said.

False reporting was not a “massive problem”, and errors were being picked up quickly because there were so many active users at present.

“It’s unprecedented territory – we’ve been running for 11 years, and we’ve never had to deal with widespread shortages before.”

Newton urged users to keep updating prices and notifying shortages given it didn’t look like the conflict in the Middle East or rising fuel prices would be resolved any time soon.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/misinformation-being-spread-on-fuel-price-app-but-intentions-unclear/

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KiwiSaver members get human rights warning

Source: Radio New Zealand

Responsible investment platform Mindful Money said investments in companies with exposure to human rights abuses rose 43 percent in the past six months. RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Responsible investment platform Mindful Money warns that KiwiSaver investors are increasingly exposed to human rights abuses – but one KiwiSaver manager says the list of companies to avoid is becoming too long to be realistic.

Over the past six months, Mindful Money said investments in companies with exposure to human rights abuses rose 43 percent, reaching more than $3.5 billion. This has been fuelled by both an increase in the number of companies identified as violating human rights and increased investment in those companies.

It said public surveys consistently showed that avoiding human rights abuses was the No.1 concern for KiwiSaver members.

“These findings highlight a growing gap between what New Zealanders want from their investments in terms of human rights and where their money is actually going,” said Mindful Money founder Barry Coates.

In recent years, attention has increasingly focused on the activities of major technology companies, particularly around surveillance, social media harms and their use in conflict situations, he said. Companies identified as raising human rights concerns included Meta, Tesla, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Palantir Technologies.

“KiwiSaver providers need stronger policies to screen out companies linked to serious human rights harms,” Coates said. “New Zealanders deserve confidence that their retirement savings are not contributing to exploitation or conflict.”

Concerns have also grown over investments in companies linked to the conflict in Gaza, the West Bank and Ukraine. KiwiSaver investments in companies providing weapons, surveillance technology or other support linked to these conflicts increased 14 percent between March and September 2025, reaching $856 million.

Companies receiving increased investment during this period included IBM, Booking Holdings, Palantir Technologies, Motorola Solutions and Caterpillar, but Koura founder Rupert Carlyon said the bar was too high.

“We look at a company like Caterpillar, which is on their list of human rights issues, because they supply machinery into Israel.

“It’s also a company that does a huge amount of good in other parts of the world – it’s extremely hard to measure.”

He said clients were most concerned about returns and fees.

“My very strong view is actually, if you really want to make a difference, then you’re going to make much more of an impact, if you don’t support them as a customer than as an investor.

“Airbnb… you’re going to stop investing in Airbnb, because you think there are human rights issues? Does that mean that, you know what, we’re never going to use Airbnb ever again?”

Pathfinder Asset Management founder John Berry said his KiwiSaver funds avoided those companies.

“Based on the approach taken by Mindful Money, they are taking a values-based approach to human rights and other issues, and I think it’s entirely appropriate,” he said. “They disclose their methodology and the approach they’re taking, and they give the managers the opportunity to respond.

“I think that’s a really well-developed and well-thought-out approach.

“I think it’s good that there’s a range of options for, you know, some fund managers may focus primarily on just making money. Other fund managers, like Pathfinder, focus on putting a values-based lens, really strong values-based lens over our investing.”

He said individuals and fund managers should make their own decisions about what they were comfortable with.

“I think the starting point with thinking about human rights, and thinking about it from a fund-manager perspective and an investor perspective, is to think about what is your mission with investing.

“There are two sides to it. One is you can consider human rights from a values-based perspective, that you care for people, planet, animals and you want to sleep at night with your investments.

“The other side is you believe that companies that comply with human rights will deliver better long-term returns, because they will be trusted, they’re good corporate citizens and they will have stronger reputations, so they’ll be financially better.

“I actually believe both those things are true.”

Coates said avoiding problematic companies would likely be more effective than trying to change them.

“These are major global corporations and New Zealand investors have only a small share of their capital,” Coates said. “It is unlikely that fund managers sending letters or voting a few shares will change their practices.

“If companies are linked to human rights violations, fund providers should respect the wishes of their clients and avoid investing in them.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/kiwisaver-members-get-human-rights-warning/

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Hundreds of Countries, Thousands of Cities, Ten Thousand Events’ Cloud Taiji Global Flash Mob Held at Wudang Mountain in Shiyan, China

Source: Media Outreach

SHIYAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 March 2026 – On March 21, the world’s first “International Taijiquan Day,” jointly organized by the Wushu Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Wushu Association, the Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Hubei Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Shiyan Municipal People’s Government, officially opened. As one of China’s four main venues, Shiyan staged a themed performance at Wudang Mountain under the banner “Wudang of the World; Taiji for Humanity,” and simultaneously launched the “Hundreds of Countries, Thousands of Cities, Ten Thousand Events” Cloud Taiji global flash mob, inviting Taijiquan enthusiasts worldwide to perform Taiji together and witness this historic moment.

At 9:00 a.m., nearly a thousand guests, inheritors and Taiji culture enthusiasts from across China and abroad gathered at the foot of Wudang Mountain. Landmark sites around the world—Times Square in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, the Egyptian Pyramids, and others—joined via video link to “dance the charm of Taiji” in unison. Taijiquan practitioners of all ages, genders and ethnicities synchronized to lift the creatively conceived global flash mob “Hundreds of Countries, Thousands of Cities, Ten Thousand Events.” Correspondingly, Yuzhen Palace—covering nearly 60,000 square meters—was transformed into a sea of Taiji: 1,000 practitioners dressed in white performed the nine postures of Wudang Taijiquan together, creating an unprecedented global relay of Taiji culture and a crossocean cultural resonance, vividly illustrating the profound meaning of ” civilizations have become richer and more colorful with exchanges and mutual learning.”

That day also saw the global release of the “Meet Wudang; Practice Taiji” Wudang Taiji Nine Postures tutorial video, with live demonstration by Yang Qunli—Chinese wushu 9thgrade, creator of the Wudang Taiji Nine Postures, and representative inheritor of the provincial intangible cultural heritage Wudang martial arts project. The Taiji cultural performances included a grand thousandperson Taiji exhibition, the combined songandmartial performance “Taiji of the World Meets Wudang,” the martialrooted “Quest for Wudang,” a Wudang Taiji costume show and global release of design results, and the strongly traditional “Ode to Wudang Taiji,” together offering the world a splendid Taiji cultural feast.
On November 5, 2025, the UNESCO General Conference designated March 21 as “International Taijiquan Day.” This is the first UNESCO international day named for a martial art, marking Taijiquan—an invaluable part of Chinese traditional culture—as formally recognized global shared cultural heritage.

Wudang Mountain is an important birthplace of Taiji culture. Today, Wudang has established 57 martial arts promotion centers domestically and internationally, attracting over 3 million Taijiquan practitioners from more than 150 countries and regions as “foreign disciples,” and helping promote Taijiquan practice to over 500 million people worldwide. Every year tens of thousands of international visitors come to Wudang to study, practice martial arts and pursue health. Shiyan has successively hosted large events including the International Wudang Taiji Culture Festival, the Wudang Taiji International Fellowship Competition, the World Taijiquan Health Conference, and the World Traditional Wushu Festival.

In recent years, Shiyan has leveraged Wudang Taiji cultural heritage to accelerate breakthroughs in Hubei tourism and Wudang development, extend industrial chains, and vigorously develop industries such as pilgrimage tourism and ecological wellness. The city is building globally influential tourism products and internationally aligned tourism environments, forging “Wudang of the World, Taiji for Humanity” into an important emblem of Chinese traditional culture in external exchanges. At the same time, Shiyan is actively promoting public Taijiquan classes into communities, schools, government agencies and enterprises so that this thousandyearold martial art “enters ordinary households.”

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/hundreds-of-countries-thousands-of-cities-ten-thousand-events-cloud-taiji-global-flash-mob-held-at-wudang-mountain-in-shiyan-china/

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Cancer researcher celebrates double milestone at EIT Tairāwhiti graduation

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

50 seconds ago

Jordon Lima (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāpuhi) took to the stage twice at EIT Tairāwhiti’s graduation ceremony on Friday – first to address the graduates as guest speaker, then to join her fellow graduates to receive her New Zealand Diploma in Te Reo Māori.

The 28-year-old completed the Level 5 Rumaki (full-immersion) Diploma at EIT while simultaneously finishing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences through Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (the University of Otago).

Jordon said being asked to speak at the ceremony came as a surprise but was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on her journey.

EIT graduate and guest speaker Jordon Lima with her grandparents Tangi and Pete Kelleher.

In her address, she encouraged graduates to pursue further study no matter what stage of life, drawing on the statistic that the average age for Māori students completing a doctorate is 48.

“At the time I heard that, when I was starting my doctorate, I was not even half of that age! Studying for me was about curiosity and pursuing a passion – something anyone can do at any age.”

Jordon graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours at the University of Otago in 2020. Last month, she defended her PhD in Biochemistry and Māori Studies at the Mātai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne.

Her doctoral research examined how circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) – cancer-specific DNA detectable in the blood – could improve cancer screening and outcomes for Tairāwhiti communities.

Using a Kaupapa Māori approach to Biomedical Sciences, the project required close partnership with the communities her research was designed to benefit.

Her research is deeply personal, having lost several whānau members to cancer over the years, including her Aunty Hariata Green, who passed away in 2022 and before then, her Nanny Pōrua and Papa Joseph Green, who were all reo Māori teachers in Gisborne.

Jordon Lima addressed the crowd at EIT Tairāwhiti’s graduation ceremony on Friday.

“Aunty had been complaining of pain for ages before she was even diagnosed, and when she was, it was stage four. That was my turning point to design technologies that are actually going to be used by our people. I wanted to focus on empowerment in healthcare and do something with te reo to whakamana the people that we lost.”

Born in Tairāwhiti and raised in Christchurch, Jordon returned to her birthplace during the latter stages of her PhD to deepen her understanding of the tikanga, reo and kawa of the region.

“It felt wrong to write about it from anywhere else but here.”

Having not grown up with te reo Māori, Jordon turned to Te Whatukura at EIT, where she said the kōkā Barbie and kōkā Ange’s knowledge of her whakapapa made it feel like a place she belonged.

“As soon as I moved home and started learning our histories and mātauranga, I actually felt safe. They knew a lot about my whakapapa that I wanted to know. It was a beautiful space to be in.”

Jordon said studying at EIT alongside her PhD was one of the most rewarding parts of her academic journey. She described the rumaki environment as transformative – learning through stories, waiata and games in a way that reminded her of what it would have been like if she had gone to kōhanga reo.

She submitted her thesis midway through last year, returning for the second half of the programme able to fully immerse herself in her reo studies.

“It was hectic. I would start early in the morning, do work on my PhD, go to class from nine until three, and then stay on campus writing my thesis until I was basically kicked out when the building closed.”

Jordon said the kōkā at Te Whatukura were instrumental in her journey, not only as teachers but as connectors to her whakapapa. Kōkā Barbie, who is connected to Jordon’s whakapapa, gifted her a whakapapa booklet that contributed to an entire rewrite of her doctoral thesis.

The rumaki environment also helped her build confidence in te reo Māori, which she had never had before.

“It was super fulfilling to learn about the tikanga, reo and kawa of Tairāwhiti. When I first moved home, I didn’t understand anything that was being said on the paepae, but towards the end of my reo classes, I realised that I’ve actually learned heaps of reo just from being spoken to all day.”

She said that confidence is now central to her work. “It’s still quite rare to see scientists who can also kōrero Māori. Being able to go into the community and talk about science in reo is something I’m really excited about.”

Since completing her PhD, Jordon has been awarded the 2025 Otago Health Sciences Māori Postdoctoral Fellowship, through which she is establishing a molecular biology laboratory in Tairāwhiti capable of conducting blood-based cancer detection tests.

Jordon will formally graduate with her PhD in May this year. And she hasn’t ruled out one day completing the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) at EIT.

“I don’t know where I would find the time right now. But I’d love to do that one day.”

Tairāwhiti Campus Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere said: “I suggested Jordon as guest speaker due to her academic achievement, but also her desire to succeed in Māori health outcomes while being culturally grounded”.

“Having the life experience and stronger cultural skills, such as te reo, helps in communities like ours. Jordon has significant drive and passion. She’s a wonderful role model for us all.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/cancer-researcher-celebrates-double-milestone-at-eit-tairawhiti-graduation/

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Global flavours on display at EIT Taste of Cultures Day

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

Taste of Cultures Day brought students and staff together at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus this week, as food and performances highlighted the diversity of the community.

Ten cuisines were on offer, from French and Nepalese to Māori, Pacifica and Sri Lankan.

Students, staff and whānau attended a Taste of Cultures Day at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale on Wednesday.

Flags from around the world lined the campus, while cultural performances added to the atmosphere.

International Student Support Officer Song Sim said the event was a valuable way to bring people together.

“It is a really good opportunity to learn about the diversity of many cultures on campus. The best way of doing this is through food and performances.”

EIT Student Support Services Manager Sonya Aifai said the event also fostered a strong sense of connection.

“The Taste of Cultures Day is an event that brings everyone together on the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale in a fun way to experience the different cultures that make up EIT,” she said.

Joy Capila with Jeremy Nacar and Anne Margarette Zausa Nacar.

“It has an amazing atmosphere, sharing food, dance and collegiality.”

Among those taking part was Master of Nursing Science student Anne Margarette Zausa Nacar, who moved to New Zealand from the Philippines in July last year with her husband Jeremy.

Anne said it was her first time participating in the event and described the experience as rewarding.

“It’s a good opportunity and experience. I’m really happy that we get to share our delicacies with different cultures. It’s lovely seeing people enjoying the food.”

Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine student Khageswori Budapal also took part for the first time, serving momos inspired by her Nepalese background.

Te Ūranga Waka performed kapa haka at EIT’s Taste of Cultures Day.

Having started at EIT in 2023, Khageswori said she wanted to make the most of her final year.

“This is my last year, and I want to participate in every event so I can make memories.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/global-flavours-on-display-at-eit-taste-of-cultures-day/

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Keep yourself, family, and friends safe from life-threatening listeriosis

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is sharing some simple guidance to prevent people getting a rare but life-threatening foodborne illness.

“Although listeriosis is rare in New Zealand, vulnerable people die of this preventable disease every year, so we want to share some practical steps people can take at home to avoid getting sick,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

Listeriosis is caused by eating or drinking food that has high levels of Listeria, a bacterium that is widespread in the environment. Listeria is invisible, has no odour and, unlike most bacteria, can continue to grow when food is refrigerated.

“The most recent Annual report concerning Foodborne Diseases in New Zealand shows that there was a single death from listeria in 2024, down from 6 in 2022 and 7 in 2023.

Annual report concerning Foodborne Diseases in New Zealand [PDF, 2.6 MB]

“But even one death is one too many, so that’s why we are continuing our efforts to get those most at risk – pregnant women and older people – to better understand the dangers of listeriosis and what to do to decrease them.”

Infections in healthy adults are unlikely to be severe, but listeriosis during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature labour, stillbirth, or disease in the newborn baby.

As you age – and particularly over 65 – your immune system gets weaker. This means foods you safely ate in the past may no longer be safe for you to eat.

“Some people may not be aware of this. So, we’re highlighting higher-risk foods while sharing some food-safety advice on how to make them safe to eat,” says Mr Arbuckle.

Higher-risk foods include:

  • ready-to-eat meat products (like deli meats and pâtés) 
  • smoked seafood (especially cold smoked fish)
  • soft cheeses (like brie, camembert, and paneer)
  • unpasteurised dairy products (like raw milk and cheese)
  • leafy greens and bagged salad (like mesclun and spinach).

For a fuller list see our webpage:

Listeria infection: symptoms and advice

To lower the risk of getting listeriosis, you can:

  • choose safer foods
  • heat food to piping hot (over 75°C) before eating
  • when eating raw fruit and vegetables, wash and dry thoroughly first
  • only eat food that was recently prepared
  • refrigerate leftovers quickly and avoid eating leftovers that won’t be reheated
  • wash and dry your hands thoroughly and follow good food hygiene practices.

“New Zealand Food Safety requires food businesses to manage Listeria in the processing environment and to have strict measures in place to eliminate its presence in products,” says Mr Arbuckle.

“If something goes wrong, we support food businesses with their consumer-level food recalls. In 2024, there were 4 consumer recalls due to the possible presence of Listeria.

“But there’s also something you can do to protect yourself and others. If you make or buy food for vulnerable people, or are vulnerable yourself, please sign up to our food recall alerts.

“Also look out for our current awareness campaign so you can share it with people who may not know the life-threatening risks. Let’s work together to not lose another person to listeriosis.”

Find out more

Food and pregnancy

Food safety advice for over-65s

Food safety advice for people with low immunity

Food safety in the home [PDF, 1.1 MB]

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/keep-yourself-family-and-friends-safe-from-life-threatening-listeriosis/

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Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit to be held next Tuesday to chart new milestone in global family office succession

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – The Government announced that the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong (WGHK) Summit will return next Tuesday (March 24). Under the theme “Building Lasting Legacies”, this year’s summit in its fourth edition highlights the wave brought by continuous growth of family office assets and generational wealth transition in recent years. In addition to serving as an exchange platform for overseas, Mainland and local family office decision-makers and successors, the WGHK Summit is also an occasion for them to experience firsthand how Hong Kong leverages its solid financial foundation to facilitate wealth succession and value appreciation.

Co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the WGHK Summit will once again convene influential family office decision-makers and successors from around the world in Hong Kong. Participants from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa will join attendees from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong in insightful sharing. This year’s summit is going to showcase Hong Kong’s profound strengths and development potential through three core themes: “Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy”, “Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market”, and “Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation”. A number of heavyweight speakers will inspire the participants with their visionary thinking on the future of the family office ecosystem.

Nowadays, quite a number of family offices are deepening their philanthropic endeavours. Taking advantage of Hong Kong’s diverse and vibrant philanthropic ecosystem, a special fireside chat on “Sports and Philanthropy” is set for the summit to explore how sports and philanthropy can work together to create positive value for society.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The global landscape is evolving fast these days with geopolitics getting more complex. There has never been a better time for hosting the WGHK Summit than now to give family offices looking for diversified allocation and risk dispersion an occasion to connect with each other and explore opportunities. Hong Kong offers a highly favourable development environment with numerous potential and predictability for family offices, underpinned by our diversified international financial markets coupled with resilience, robust and transparent legal and tax systems, world-class financial and professional services, and well-developed ecosystems for philanthropy, arts, and innovation. The WGHK Summit is a flagship event hosted by our Government to showcase to the global wealth owners the unique advantages of this city. We will continue to consolidate Hong Kong’s leading position as a family wealth hub in the Asia-Pacific region, and adopt a multipronged approach to keep fostering the development of the family office sector through measures in areas such as tax concessions, talent attraction, investment facilitation and building of an ecosystem. All these will make Hong Kong even more attractive in all aspects to global family capital, positioning this city as the most preferred platform for ultra-high-net-worth families worldwide to manage their cross-border wealth.”

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, noted, “According to the latest market study, the number of single-family offices in Hong Kong surpassed 3 380 by the end of 2025, reflecting a growth of over 25 per cent in two years – a testament to Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a global family office hub. The WGHK Summit serves as a pivotal platform for Hong Kong to deepen connections with the global family office community and foster cross-border collaboration. Against the backdrop of increasing trend of reallocation of global capital toward Asia, alongside rising trade protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantage of enjoying strong support from the motherland and being closely connected to the world. We will provide global families with a predictable, one-stop environment for establishing a presence and operating in Hong Kong, helping them capture growth opportunities on the Chinese Mainland and in Asia, and steadily advancing long-term investment and multi-generational succession through diversified asset allocation and professional risk management.”

The WGHK Summit will feature a distinguished line-up of guest speakers:

  • Dr Han Bicheng – Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), BrainCo
  • Mr Maximilian Kaufmann – Representative of Major Shareholder of Leica Camera AG
  • Mr William Heinecke – Founder and Chairman, Minor International PCL
  • Mr François Pictet – Managing Partner, Pictet Group
  • Mr Yao Ming – Founder of Yao Foundation; Former Chairman of Chinese Basketball Association; NBA All-Star
  • Mr Qiu Heng – Chief Marketing Officer, AgiBot
  • Ms Irene Lee – Chairman, Hysan Development Company Limited
  • Dr Ren Feng – Co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, Insilico Medicine
  • Mr Wesley Ng – CEO and Co-founder, CASETiFY
  • Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges – CEO, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and
  • Mr Michael Wilding – Group Chief Operating Officer, ZURU Group

Beyond the WGHK Summit, the Milken Institute and Bloomberg LP (Bloomberg) will also host the Global Investors’ Symposium (March 23) and the Family Office Forum (March 25) respectively in the same week, focusing on wealth management and global investment trends. The synergy generated by these three major forums will showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm in the family office landscape to the fullest to international capital, allowing participants to interact, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities together in Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #WGHK

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/21/wealth-for-good-in-hong-kong-summit-to-be-held-next-tuesday-to-chart-new-milestone-in-global-family-office-succession/