BEIJING, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily:

Greater efforts are needed to strengthen international cooperation in science and technology, explore ways of jointly solving important global issues through technological innovation, and develop new quality productive forces, said officials, experts and company executives on Thursday in Beijing.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum, Vice-Premier Ding Xue­xiang said China is willing to work with the international community to practice the concept of open, fair, just and nondiscriminatory international sci-tech cooperation, and to jointly build a global sci-tech community.

The country will explore a new model regarding mutually beneficial global cooperation in sci-tech innovation, and will break down barriers restricting the flow of knowledge, technology, talent and other innovative factors, to jointly create an open innovation ecosystem.

Yin Li, secretary of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, said the capital will ramp up efforts to improve its innovation capacities, accelerate the building of world-leading science and technology parks, increase investment in basic research and make breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields.

Data from the Ministry of Science and Technology showed that China’s research and development investment exceeded 3.3 trillion yuan ($455.4 billion) in 2023, up 8.1 percent year-on-year, and the spending on fundamental research reached 221.2 billion yuan, an increase of 9.3 percent over the previous year.

China’s strength in scientific and technological innovation has taken a major leap in recent years. Marco Aleman, assistant director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organization, said China is a powerhouse of innovation that contributes to global growth and sustainable development.

According to WIPO, the country stands as a global innovation leader, ranking 12th in the Global Innovation Index 2023, and it owned 24 of the top 100 science and technology clusters globally by the end of last year, ranking first in the world for the first time.

Quarraisha Abdool Karim, president of the World Academy of Sciences, said ensuring a sustainable future through partnership and cooperation creates an opportunity for all participants to explore new pathways toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Chinese tech company Xiaomi Corp, said the company will continue to step up investment in R&D and strive for breakthroughs in core technologies.

     Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2398374/Visitors_interact_a_humanoid_robot_opening_2024_Zhongguancun_Forum_Beijing.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/greater-efforts-urged-on-sci-tech-cooperation-302128473.html

PASAY CITY, Philippines, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The SM group continues to expand its presence nationwide to serve more Filipinos and communities.

“We will continue to invest in growth in the Philippines and we are committed to being a catalyst for responsible development. We have a young, dynamic, higher-earning population who will help support and drive economic activity,” said SM Investments Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio.

There are many areas in the country which have yet to benefit from access to modern retailing, formal financial services and integrated property developments.

“Our strategy is to continue to expand coverage nationwide to create new markets that improve access to these sectors,” he added.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is opening four new malls, one in Metro Manila and three in the provincial areas in 2024.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is planning to roll out 8,000 to 10,000 residential units this year in the northern part of the Philippines and across Visayas and Mindanao.

SM Hotels officially launched its first Lanson Place property at the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.  

Alfamart, SM’s minimart grocery format, is set to increase its store expansion by at least 400 stores in 2024.  

BDO also continues to expand coverage nationwide with BDO and BDO Network Bank planning to increase branches by a combined 100 to 120 this year.

Following its acquisition of the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), SM is set to explore new steam fields with the aim to double the company’s current steam production of 300 megawatts within the medium-term.

These projects are set to generate around 2,000 jobs during exploration and development, which will boost livelihood in each respective locality.

2GO Group, Inc. added two new ships and will have 11 ships in its fleet, serving 19 ports of call.

Airspeed, another SM-owned logistics company, is also keen on expanding its distribution facilities in key cities in the regions along with opening more kiosks and collaborations with service providers to offer better customer options, wider network, and quicker delivery times.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1880730/4673034/Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sm-focuses-on-expansion-to-serve-more-regions-302128477.html

SYDNEY, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Leading multi-asset broker, Vantage Markets (or Vantage), is pleased to announce the ongoing impact of its contribution to support the protection and resettlement of refugees and stateless people in Australia. This follows its US$100,000 donation to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in May 2023.

Australia’s refugee landscape presents complex challenges, with thousands seeking asylum and protection. UNHCR’s efforts, bolstered by Vantage’s support, have been instrumental in navigating these challenges and providing critical assistance to these individuals, by advocating for improved refugee and stateless protection, offering direct counselling support, and facilitating durable solutions for eligible refugees.

The impact of this partnership has been profound, touching the lives of approximately 788 refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees in 2023 alone. Of these, 119 individuals were successfully resettled from Australia to New Zealand, 39 found new homes in Canada and 19 individuals departed to the United States.

“Our collaboration with UNHCR underscores our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world,” said Jack Kelly, Head of Sales, Vantage Australia. “We are humbled to see how our partnership has enabled UNHCR to delicately navigate the complexities of refugee support, ensuring that every step taken is a step towards a better future.”

These efforts have resulted in meaningful changes in the lives of those in need. For instance, one woman from Iran, who had endured violence and social isolation due to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), found solace through UNHCR’s support. With the funding support from Vantage, UNHCR had sufficient resources to support her mental health and complete the necessary interviews for resettlement to New Zealand. Today, she awaits the outcome of her application, hopeful for a brighter future.

Similarly, another Kurdish man, grappling with chronic PTSD and a life-threatening health condition, demonstrated remarkable resilience. Through UNHCR’s holistic support, he stabilised his mental health and was able to complete the extensive and detailed interviews to start his resettlement process. Today, he remains stable and hopeful for a new beginning.

“The completion of these activities has had a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of refugees and asylum-seekers under UNHCR’s protection,” said a report compiled by UNHCR Australia. “By empowering them and fostering a sense of self-agency, these activities have offered a pathway for refugees and asylum seekers to regain some control over their lives. More importantly, this engagement has kept their options open for eventual resettlement, offering hope and a tangible pathway towards a brighter future.”

“We’re honoured to be supporting UNHCR’s efforts — the team is doing incredibly important work and we’re proud to be part of their journey,” said Kelly. “We hope that our initiative encourages more individuals and organisations to support UNHCR’s ongoing efforts and join in the mission of creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

About Vantage

Vantage (or Vantage Markets) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 13 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

https://www.vantagemarkets.com/en-au/

Vantage Global Prime Pty Ltd (ACN 157 768 566) (“Vantage”), located at 12/15 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000, and is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) AFSL no. 428901.

Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products, you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the advice, you should consider whether the advice is suitable for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.

You should consider whether you’re part of our target market by reviewing our Target Market Determination (TMD), reading our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), and other legal documents to ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. The organization delivers life-saving assistance including shelter, food and water, helps to safeguard fundamental human rights and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted nationality.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2396068/Photo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1745281/Vantage_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantage-unveils-significant-impact-of-donation-on-unhcrs-ongoing-refugee-support-in-australia-302126915.html