#Hong Kong risk reporting

[darkautomaton]

Integrating Risk Management into Corporate Culture in Hong Kong

As regulatory complexity and economic uncertainty continues rising across Hong Kong and mainland China markets, establishing risk-aware cultures has become pivotal for corporations seeking to embed resilience against crises. Beyond building risk monitoring systems, companies today need to drive mindset shifts from the leadership down to infuse vigilance and responsibility towards hazard identification at all levels.

Cultivating Risk Intelligence Starts at the Top

For most organizations, the cultural transformation necessary to view enterprise risk oversight as a shared culture rather than just a compliance activity starts with Asia regional leaders and Hong Kong senior executives. This means not only investment into formal governance through appointing Chief Risk Officers but also having CXOs like Chief Finance, Information and HR Officers spearhead training to their teams around prevailing risk landscapes and vigilance necessary in day-to-day decision making.

Incentivizing Risk Reporting from the Ground Up

Middle managers and frontline analysts will then carry this risk-aware DNA through the organizational bloodstream into daily processes. This demands establishing transparent reporting channels, securing anonymity and anti-retaliation policies to encourage surfacing of suspected risks through what-if questioning or flagging incidents that seemed“off” without fear. Especially around integrity hazards like fraud/bribery, safety hazards like harassment or mental health situations, or regulatory hazards like IP/data transfer violations, removing stigma is key.

Aligning Strategy and Operations with Risk Perspectives

Ultimately, for a risk-informed culture to stick, considerations around financial, reputational and regulatory exposures should drive strategy planning as well as operational enhancements across everything from supply chain design to cybersecurity to financial controls. Key risk indicators must be integrated into dashboards at multiple levels with drilling down to understand root causes. Frameworks like ISO 31000 or COSO provide blueprints here from setup to ongoing assessments into mitigation tracking.

With leadership setting the tone, transparency enabling ground up risk reporting without repercussions, and strategy/operations reflecting risk learnings - global companies can align around managing uncertainty as Hong Kong/China markets, regulations and technologies rapidly evolve. Risk management thereby transforms from restrictive compliance activity to enabler of sustainable advantage and resilience.

[mariacallous]

Georgians are in the streets fighting for their democracy. The Georgian Dream party, which is working to align Tbilisi with Moscow’s interests, declared victory in the country’s Oct. 26 election before the votes were even counted. Voters and election observers were harassed by Russian-funded gangs and mobsters; just after the election, protesters holding European Union flags were sprayed with water from high-powered hoses. And the person who has the iron will necessary to lead the charge against Russian-inspired authoritarianism in Georgia? A woman: President Salome Zourabichvili.

This is no accident. Across the world, women have, and are, playing incredible roles as bulwarks against the rise of authoritarianism. Moldovan President Maia Sandu is standing up to a tsunami of Russian disinformation. In Poland, women played a critical role in the effort to oust the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party. In Hong Kong, women continue to be the practical and normative face of resistance to Chinese authoritarian rule.

These are the freedom fighters of the 21st century. And yet, the U.S. national security community tends to view women’s issues as a domestic concern, frivolous, or irrelevant to “hard” security matters. For example, in 2003, discussions of securing Iraq excluded women, with a top U.S. general stating, “When we get the place secure, then we’ll be able to talk about women’s issues.” More recently, the role of women in the military has been reduced to discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion, rather than a focus on how women have been vital to solving the United States’ most wicked national security problems—from serving on the front lines in combat to providing essential intelligence analysis. But if the overall aim of U.S. national strategy is to shore up democracy and democratic freedoms, the treatment of women and girls cannot be ignored.

Globally, women’s rights are often eroding in both policy and practice, from the struggles of the Iranian and Afghan women who exist under gender apartheid to the Kenyan women experiencing the harsh backlash of the rise of the manosphere. In tandem, there’s been a sharp rise in reports of online harassment and misogyny worldwide.

National security analysts explore issues and psychologies through any number of prisms, but Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) remains an underutilized one. One of the national security community’s core tasks is discerning signals from noise in the global strategic environment, and regressive ideas on gender and gender equality can be a useful proxy metric for democratic backsliding and authoritarian rise.

The United States’ 2023 Strategy and National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security provides the backbone for the United States to leverage WPS to counter authoritarianism. It highlights that displays of misogyny online are linked to violent action. The plan also points out that formally incorporating gendered perspectives is essential for maintaining democratic institutions at home and modeling them aboard. This includes recognizing misogyny—online or in policy—as an early indicator of authoritarian rise.

Unfortunately, WPS is often misread as simply including more women in the national security workforce. But it is more than that. It offers a framework for understanding why it is useful to take gendered perspectives into account when assessing how the actions of individuals or groups enhance national security, which is especially important at a time when authoritarian regimes are weaponizing gender in ways that strengthen their grip on power domestically and justify their aggression abroad.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin has argued that he is the guardian of traditional Christian values, telling women that they should be back at home raising children, and has been rolling back domestic violence laws at the same time. Days before invading Ukraine in February 2022, Putin said, “Like it or don’t like it, it’s your duty, my beauty,” which was widely interpreted within Russia as a reference to martial rape. Russia’s own army is built on a foundation of hierarchical hazing in which “inferior” men are degraded by their comrades. With that kind of rhetoric from the top, is it any wonder that Russian soldiers’ war crimes have included the rapes of women and children?

But Putin isn’t alone. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has consolidated media outlets to censor women’s voices, in the name of protecting traditional values. He has also used coercive financial practices to push women out of the workforce and positions of political power and into more traditional roles of wife and mother. In Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko attempted to force the deportation of the most prominent woman opposition leader and imprisoned her after she tore up her passport to prevent it. In China, where women were once told they “hold up half the sky,” President Xi Jinping has worked to undo decades of Chinese Communist Party policy on gender equality. Chinese women are now being encouraged to return home and become mothers, while feminists have been targeted legally and socially.

The WPS agenda provides the U.S. national security community with three opportunities to recognize, understand, and counter early-stage authoritarianism.

First, the United States can do a much better job of supporting women’s groups around the world as a central aspect of its national security strategy. Women’s groups are often a bellwether for authoritarian rise and democratic backsliding—as currently on display in Russia, China, Hungary, Georgia, and Belarus, where women inside and outside their respective regimes have been specifically targeted or attacked.

Women have also found innovative ways to resist the rise of authoritarian norms. In places like Moldova, women have acted as bulwarks against authoritarianism despite vicious disinformation campaigns targeting women leaders. Yet when it comes to formulating and executing strategies on national security, women’s groups are often left in the margins and their concerns dismissed.

Second, gender perspectives are essential to more fulsome intelligence gathering and analysis. The U.S. intelligence community can do a much better job of integrating gender—particularly as it relates to the treatment of the most vulnerable—as an indicator of societal and democratic health. This includes understanding how both masculinities and femininities influence decision-making and how, in turn, lived experiences act as necessary analytical tools. Training collectors and analysts of intelligence to recognize gendered indicators will provide a more robust view of the geopolitical landscape and fill critical holes in national security decision-making.

Finally, the United States must improve the participation of its national security community in WPS and feminist foreign-policy discussions. For too long, the “hard” security sector has distanced itself from more “human” security-focused endeavors and treated women’s rights as something that’s just nice to have.

Yet national security is an essentially human endeavor, and gender is a central component of what it means to be human. This is something that needs to be appreciated to better understand the many dimensions of the conflict—disinformation, online influence campaigns, and lawfare—that authoritarian regimes are waging against the United States and its allies.

[hello-there]

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[azlia-iconoclast]

All that is confirmed will be modified:

the abortion ban that already exist to state level and killed teens on texas because they got denied even in a SA situationa will now be nationwide

ending any chance to integrate minorities and just letting the hate and discrimination run rampant again without institutions to keep watch

allowing states to ban diverse number of Healthcare treatments and medications which go from gender hormones to the morning after pills

tariffs are gonna have backlash and cause countertarrifs ending many of our trade deals and evaluating the dollars

the billionares that backed trump like the ultraconservative Timothy mellon, the heritage foundation with the hyper religious agaenda or elon musk that is obsessed with hating public transport and trans people are going to have free reign to do as they please.

the ending of several institution and more privatization which includes less education subsidies for poor families, help for disabled people, subsidies for Healthcare, the weather system and report, the department of education shrinking and allowing old religious policies, the watch for the compliance of the civil rights act is going to disappear , the department of health is also going to shirk, the watch for compliance for climate change is going to disappear the DEI, EPA, and the ACA will be erased with many more, just to name the ones that are going to affect directly the most

as consequence of the mentioned institutions disappearing hate speech will basically be legal again affecting the culture and the amount of religious propaganda, discrimination while hiring and helping disable people get a job will be legally impossible

completing the genocide in gaza and continuing funding Israel expansion into Lebanon not to mention he's dividing Ukraine in 2 with a neutral zone which will cause a second bigger war because nobody is going to be conformed with that.

the peace attempts that were happening with china over Taiwan and Hong kong are now going to be closed leaving war as only option for the long future

The SCOTUS will now have 5 of 9 Supreme Court LIFETIME seats filled by Trump and the damage will be generational given the justices are young for the lifelong position and all 5 are part of the Christian nationals. Any attempt to undo what trump is going to damage with his policies will be blocked by their majority specially the medical bans and the freedom corporations will now have, so not only our full generation will suffer trump legacy but your kids and their kids

when trump took the confidential documents boxes to mar a lago when he lost last election it made him look to NATO and the 5 eyes intelligence institution (fuck them both hypocrite imperialists) complain for the security risk which means the allies will not want to share intel with the us now that he's back forcing America to have the old interventionist spionage role to get it's own, which will increase world tensions.

whether people voted for trump to punish dems not fulfilling their promises or being part of such mentioned genocides, because they hate the lgbtq and DEI or they really want to go back to the dark ages culturally and socially with christian nationalism ideology, all of them just shot themselves and everyone kids future.

Adieu à jamais Amérique, je croyais que tu changeais mais ceci est ton cœur et ton vrai visage, je pensais vivre ici plus d'un siècle et t'aider à te transformer, mais il est clair que tu choisis la Cruauté. J'ai de toute façon un dernier coup à tirer, si cela se brise au moins je mourrai enfin avant que tu ne commences ton interventionnisme mondial comme dans les années 50 encore.

[madamepestilence]

H5N1: What to know before fear spreads

What is H5N1?

H5N1 is a 1996 strain of the Spanish or Avian Flu first detected in Chinese birds before spreading globally across various avian species. H5N1 is similar to H1N1, but spreads slower and has a much higher mortality rate.

H5N1 may also be referred to as Influenza A. The American Association of Bovine Practitioners has seen fit to rename H5N1 to Bovine Influenza A Virus, or BIAV, and are encouraging others to use the same terminology.

I would not be surprised if the colloquial name among the public becomes Bovine Flu or American Flu in the coming months, and may be referred to as the Chinese Flu by the same folks who took the spark of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic as an excuse to be publicly racist to East Asian people without social repercussions.

BIAV is a virus, meaning that it is a (probably) non-living packet of self-replicating infectious material with a high rate of mutation. BIAV is structured similarly to SARS-CoV-2, having a packet of infectious material encased in a spherical shell with a corona, or crown, of proteins that can latch to living cells to inject RNA.

Image source with interactive model: ViralZone - H5N1 subtype

What is the history of BIAV?

In 1996 and 1997, an outbreak of BIAV occurred among poultry and infected 18 people in Hong Kong, 6 of which died. This seemingly isolated incident then infected ~860 people with a >50% death rate.

At the time, BIAV was known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, and killed nearly 100% of chickens within a 48 hour period.

From 2003 to 2005, continual outbreaks occurred in China and other East Asian countries, before spreading to Cambodia, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Vietnam.

From 2014 to 2016, it began being detected in American fowl, as well as mutating the H5N6 (lethal in birds, no human to human transmission) and H5N8 (largely spread through turkeys, ducks had immunity) viruses.

BIAV has since evolved into a clade known as 2.3.4.4b, and was first detected in 2021 in wild American birds. This then caused outbreaks in 2022 among wild and domesticated birds (such as chickens) alike, but was largely being overshadowed by the pressing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the time.

From 2022 to 2023, it was observed to be spreading among various mammals, including humans. Now, in 2024, we're having the most concerning rapid outbreak of BIAV since 2003.

BIAV is known to spread from mammal to mammal, particularly between cows and humans. BIAV may also be spread from cow to cow (highly likely, but not confirmed - this is likely the reason the virus has spread to Idaho from Texan cattle), and is known to be lethal to domestic cats and birds within 48 hours.

How does BIAV spread?

BIAV spreads through fomites - direct contact with infected animals or infected surfaces and then touching parts of your face or other orifices - as well as through airborne particulates, which may be inhaled and enter the sinuses and lungs.

BIAV is known to spread through:

Asymptomatic Ducks, geese, swans, various shorebirds

Symptomatic, may be lethal Foxes, bears, seals, sea lions, polar bears, domestic cats, dogs, minks, goats, cows, (potentially human to human, but unconfirmed - there have only been 8 potential human to human cases in 2024).

How can I protect against BIAV?

As BIAV is a type of Influenza A, existing protocols should do fine.

Current recommendations are to wash your hands vigorously after interacting with birds (I would also recommend doing this with mammals), avoid touching your face or other open orifices, and wear N95 masks.

Avoid sick or dead animals entirely - I would also recommend reporting them to your local Animal Control or veterinary centre and warning them about the infection risk. People who work with animals are recommended to also wear full PPE such as N95 masks, eye protection, gloves, and partake in vigorous hand washing.

If you suspect you've caught BIAV, seek medical attention immediately. Existing medications such as oseltamivir phosphate, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil can reduce BIAV's ability to replicate.

Standard flu shots will not protect against BIAV. Remember - symptoms of BIAV may not manifest for between 2 to 8 days, and potentially infected people should be monitored for at least 10 days.

How far has BIAV spread?

BIAV is currently a global virus, though the current infection location of note is the United States.

Image Key: Dark red - Countries with humans, poultry and wild birds killed by H5N1 Deep red - Countries with poultry or wild birds killed by H5N1 and has reported human cases of H5N1 Light red - Countries with poultry or wild birds killed by H5N1

Image source: Wikipedia - Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 - File: Global spread of H5N1 map

Image source: Metro.co.uk - Map shows where bird flu is spreading in US amid new warning - File: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s H5N1 bird flu detections map across the United States

Should I be afraid?

You needn't be afraid, just prepared. BIAV has a concerningly high lethality, but this ironically culls its spread somewhat.

In the event human to human transmission of BIAV is confirmed, this will likely mainly affect marginalized communities, poor people, and homeless people, who are likely to have less access to medical care, and a higher likelihood of working in jobs that require frequent close human contact, such as fast food or retail jobs.

Given the response to SARS-CoV-2, corporations - and probably the government - may shove a proper response under the rug and refuse to participate in a full quarantine, which may leave people forced to go to work in dangerous conditions.

If this does spread into an epidemic or pandemic, given our extensive knowledge about Influenza, and the US having a backup vaccine for a prior strain of H5N1, a vaccine should be able to be developed relatively quickly and would hopefully be deployed freely without charge - we won't have to worry about a situation like The Stand.

Wash your hands, keep clean, avoid large social gatherings where possible, wear an N95 mask if you can afford them (Remember: Cloth masks are the least protective, but are better than nothing. If you can't afford N95 masks, I recommend wearing a well-fitted cloth mask with a disposable face mask over it to prevent pneumonia from moisture buildup in the disposable mask), support the disabled, poor, and homeless, and stay educated.

We can do better this time.

Further things to check out:

YouTube: MedCram - H5N1 Cattle Outbreak: Background and Currently Known Facts (ft. Roger Seheult, M.D.)

Wikipedia - Influenza A virus subtype H5N1

Maine.gov - Avian Influenza and People

CDC.gov - Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses

Wikipedia - H5N1 genetic structure

realagriculture - Influenza infection in cattle gets new name: Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV)

[covid-safer-hotties]

The Long-term Complications of Covid-19 Infection - Published Sept 13, 2024

Context.— As the Covid-19 pandemic continues into its 4th year, reports of long-term morbidity and mortality are now attracting attention. Recent studies suggest that Covid-19 survivors are at increased risk of common illnesses, such as myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus and autoimmune disorders. Mortality may also be increased. This article will review the evidence that supports some of these observations and provide an opinion about their validity and their relevance to insured cohorts.

Background Many Covid-19 survivors report protracted symptoms, sometimes lasting 3 years or more. These are collectively called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or long Covid. They have been frequently described.1–4 In the past year, reports of long-term complications such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke and pulmonary embolism have emerged. In some reports these established disease entities are erroneously described as long Covid, generating confusion. The distinction is important: illness reported in Covid survivors are not restricted to the long Covid cohort. Thus, they are relevant to the majority of the North American population who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2, and not just the estimated 5-10% of individuals who belong to the long Covid cohort. This paper will examine the reports of increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in both and will examine the reported long-term increase in mortality.

Cardiovascular disease after 1 and 2 years Multiple studies have reported an increased risk of cardiovascular events at 1 year. A February 2022 analysis of 153,760 US veterans, followed for 1 year after Covid-19 infection, reported an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.53), ischemic heart disease (HR 1.66), thromboembolic disease (HR 2.39) and atrial fibrillation (HR 1.71).5 Risk was greatest in those hospitalized and those with pre-morbid illnesses. However, risk was also elevated in outpatients, who constituted the vast majority of the cohort. These findings have been corroborated in 2 further studies. In a 2023 analysis of 690,000 Covid-19 survivors, drawn from the TriNetX database–self-described as the world’s largest global Covid-19 dataset–there was an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.6), ischemic heart disease (HR 2.8), thromboembolic disease (HR 2.6) and atrial fibrillation (HR 2.4) at 1 year.6 In contrast to the VA study which examined a predominantly older male population, the subjects in this study were younger, with mean age 44, and 57% were female. Risk was higher in the >65 age group and was not limited to inpatients. In a May 2023 Lancet retrospective analysis of 535,000 Hong Kong (HK) and 16,000 UK Covid 19 survivors, similar hazard ratios were recorded for stroke (HR 1.2), ischemic heart disease (HR 1.32), atrial fibrillation (HR 1.31) and deep venous thrombosis (HR 1.74).7 However, it is worth noting that while follow-up was described as 28 months for the HK cohort and 17 months for the UK cohort, the median follow-up for the HK group was 146 days and was 243 days for the UK cohort, somewhat limiting the conclusions of true impact at 1 year. Contradicting these studies, a prospective analysis of 17,000 Covid-19 survivors in the UK Biobank, did not document an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes amongst outpatients, with the exception of thromboembolic disease (HR 2.7).8 An August 2023 analysis of 138,000 VA Covid-19 survivors followed for 2 years– the longest follow-up period to date– reported that the risk of complications in outpatients had returned to baseline at 6 months.9 In contrast, the risk for multiple cardiovascular and thromboembolic complications in the hospitalized cohort remained elevated at 2 years. None of these 5 studies was limited to individuals with long Covid, but similar findings have been reported in this group: a recent analysis of 13,435 individuals who had been diagnosed with long Covid, based on a typical array of symptoms, reported increased risks at 1 year for ischemic heart disease (HR 1.7), ischemic stroke (HR 2.1) and pulmonary embolism (HR 3.6).10

These studies document a fairly consistent, increased risk of cardiovascular complications among Covid-19 survivors. However, important questions remain. Amongst these: does increasing population immunity and vaccination change the risk? Is the magnitude of risk similar for all SARS CoV-2 variants? Does reinfection increase the risk? Answers to some are available. Vaccination appears to attenuate the risk: a Korean study of 592,000 individuals post-Covid-19 infection, showed that vaccination decreased the risk of heart attack and stroke by approximately 50%.11 This finding was replicated in a large US cohort where major adverse cardiovascular events were reduced by a similar amount for full vaccination, and by 25% for partial vaccination.12 Thus, while vaccination does not eliminate long-term complications, it appears to provide a substantial protective effect.

Reinfection may increase the risk of sequelae. In a large US VA cohort of 440,000 Covid survivors, of whom 40,000 had one or more SARS-CoV-2 reinfections, the risk of cardiovascular disorders was increased (HR 3.02), when compared to a single infection.13 Moreover, this risk was not modified by vaccination.

The impact of different variants is less clear. Most of the described studies were conducted in 2020-2021 when delta and pre-delta variants predominated. It is unclear whether similar outcomes would characterize infection with Omicron variants, which remain dominant in most countries since November 2021. Interestingly, the risk of cardiovascular complications in the cohort of Hong Kong survivors described above, where the Omicron was the prevalent strain, was no different than among the comparator UK Biobank cohort, where pre-Omicron strains were prevalent.7

Is there extra long-term mortality after Covid-19 infection? Extra mortality has been reported by several studies.6,8,14–18 A 2021 US analysis of 400 Covid-19 survivors, documented increased mortality (HR 2.5) at 1 year.14 The additional risk was confined to individuals who had been hospitalized. In 2022, 3 studies reported excess mortality in 3 different countries. The first, an Estonian whole-population study of 66,000 Covid-19 survivors, of whom 8% were hospitalized, reported a 3-fold increase in mortality at 12 months.15 Mortality was particularly elevated in the first 5 weeks following infection. For those over age 60, increased mortality persisted until 12 months (HR 2.8). However, for those less than age 60, mortality was not increased after 35 days. The second, an analysis of 690,000 Covid-19 survivors from the TriNetX database also reported increased 1-year mortality risk (HR 1.6).6 This was largely explained by excess deaths in individuals over age 65; below age 45 risk was not increased. For the outpatient cohort the risk of mortality was lower than that of the comparison group (HR 0.46). The third, a study of 25,000 Covid-19 survivors drawn from the UK Biobank, reported increased mortality risk at 20 months, for those with severe Covid infection (HR 14.7), but also an increased risk for those with mild disease (HR 1.23).16 Stratification by age was not provided.

In 2023 4 further studies reported similar, but at times quantitatively different results. Two analyses drew on the UK Biobank cohort. In the first, a prospective evaluation of 7,800 SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive individuals, increased mortality was reported for the study group at 18 months (HR 5.0), when compared to both a contemporary and an historical cohort.17 For the non-severe cases the mortality risk remained elevated (HR 4.8). The second study, already described above– a comparative analysis of 7600 Covid survivors from the UK Biobank and 530,000 Covid survivors in Hong Kong–reported increased mortality (HR 4.16) after 17 months for the former and 28 months for the latter.7 The risk of mortality was higher in the UK than the HK cohort, a difference the authors posited was due to Omicron being the dominant variant in HK during the study period. The risk remained elevated, but less so, for younger cohorts and for mild Covid-19 infections.

Finally, 2 large US studies recently reported mortality at 2 years. In the first, an analysis of 138,000 US veteran Covid-19 survivors with 5.9 million controls, the risk of death for the hospitalized cohort remained elevated at 2 years (HR 1.29).8 In contrast, the risk of death for the outpatient cohort returned to baseline at 6 months. Breakdown of risk by age-group was not provided. The second study, also of US veterans, reported similar findings. In a cohort of 280,000 Covid-19 survivors the risk of death remained elevated at 2 years (HR 2.0).18 The risk was highest in the first 90 days (HR 6.3) and decreased at 6 months (HR 1.18). Thereafter, the risk in Covid-19 survivors was slightly less than the control group (HR 0.89). A post-hoc subgroup analysis examined and refuted the possibility that accelerated mortality in the control group could have explained the lower mortality in Covid-19 survivors. The risk of death in hospitalized individuals remained elevated at 2 years (HR 1.22).

How Plausible is this Information? The studies described above command attention by virtue of their size and the consistency of their findings in different populations, and in different countries. They are also supported by the observations of long-term pathophysiologic abnormalities following SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as ongoing inflammation, persistence of virus, and immune system dysfunction. However, the negative ledger is also substantial. Observational studies such as these, no matter how well-designed, remain open to many types of bias. Reliance on diagnostic codes, prescription records, laboratory results and tallies of clinical visits, to establish disease incidence, is intrinsically error-prone and makes cross-study comparisons difficult. Perhaps more importantly, the cohorts described above were different in many respects, varying from the older, male-predominant cohort of the US VA system to the younger healthier cohort of the UK Biobank. Further, cohorts were constituted during the first year of the pandemic, at a time when healthcare delivery was disrupted, lockdowns were in effect, vaccination and antivirals were largely unavailable, and population immunity levels were low. Thus, it could be argued that the observed outcomes are better explained by an evolving pandemic, rather than solely SARS-CoV-2 infection. This could also explain the most recent reports that after 2 years of follow-up, the risk of both Covid-19 complications and mortality, in most of those infected (i.e., the non-hospitalized), is no longer elevated. It also evident that most of the reported extra mortality is occurring in the early months following infection, where survival curves separate rapidly.6,10,15,18

Are these findings relevant to an insured population? ‘Partially’ is probably the best answer. The most important observation is that hospitalization, and in-particular an intensive care unit admission, is the dominant risk factor for both morbidity and mortality. This risk appears to persist up to 2 years. The second important risk element is the presence of comorbid conditions. This observation raises the interesting question of what exactly causes the extra mortality. Is it due to ‘protracted’ SARS-Co-V-2 infection or is it caused by a recognized complication of Covid-19, such as pulmonary fibrosis or acute kidney injury? Or is it explained by an aggravation of a comorbid illness? Or is it a complication of long Covid? There is a likelihood that all these mechanisms were at play in the cohorts under study.

For non-hospitalized individuals, and those that are healthy, the evidence for extra morbidity and mortality after the first 3-6 months is far from conclusive. For the long Covid cohort, the evidence for additional mortality requires further supporting evidence. As the prevalence of co-morbid conditions is lower in insured populations, one might reasonably expect, based on current evidence, that longer-term morbidity and mortality due to Covid-19 infection will be minimally affected.

References 1.Davis H, McCorkell L, Vogel, J. et al Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 21, 133–146 (2023). doi.org/10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2

2.Meagher T. Long COVID - An Early Perspective. J Insur Med. 2021 Jan 1;49(1):19–23. doi: 10.17849/insm-49-1-1-5.1. PMID: 33784738.

3.Meagher T. Long COVID – One year On. J Insur Med. 2022 Jan 1;49:1–6. doi: 10.17849/insm-49-3-1-6.1. PMID: 33561352.

4.Meagher T. Long Covid - Into the Third Year. J Insur Med 2023;50(1):54–58. doi.org/10.17849/insm-50-1-54-58.1

5.Xie Y, Xu E, Bowe B et al Long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19. Nat Med 28, 583–590 (2022). doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01689-3

6.Wang W, Wang CY, Wang SI et al Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in COVID-19 survivors among non-vaccinated population: A retrospective cohort study from the TriNetX US collaborative networks. eClinicalMedicine. 2022 Nov;53:101619. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101619

7.Lam I, Wong C, Zhang, R et al Long-term post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection: a retrospective, multi-database cohort study in Hong Kong and the UK. eClinicalMedicine Vol. 60 Published: May 11, 2023. doi: doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102000

8.Raisi-Estabragh Z, Cooper J, Salih A, et al Cardiovascular disease and mortality sequelae of COVID-19 in the UK Biobank Heart 2023;109:119–126.

9.Bowe, B., Xie, Y. & Al-Aly, Z. Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 at 2 years. Nat Med 29, 2347–2357 (2023). doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02521-2

10.DeVries A, Shambhu S, Sloop S et al One-Year Adverse Outcomes Among US Adults With Post–COVID-19 Condition vs Those Without COVID-19 in a Large Commercial Insurance Database. JAMA Health Forum. 2023;4(3):e230010. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.0010

11.Kim Y, Huh K, Park Y et al Association Between Vaccination and Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke After COVID-19 Infection. JAMA. 2022;328(9):887–889. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.12992

12.Jiang J, Chan L, Kauffman J, et al Impact of Vaccination on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With COVID-19 Infection. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023 Mar, 81(9):928–930. doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.12.006

13.Bowe B, Xie, Y, Al-Aly Z. Acute and postacute sequelae associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. Nat Med 28, 2398–2405 (2022). doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02051-3

14.Mainous AG, Rooks BJ, Wu, et al COVID-19 post-acute sequelae among adults: 12 month mortality risk. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;8:778434. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.778434

15.Uuskula A, Jurgenson T, Pisarev H et al Long-term mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A national cohort study from Estonia. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe 2022;18:100394 Published online 29 April 2022. doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100394

16.Xiang Y, Zhang R, Qiu G. et al Association of Covid-19 with risks of hospitalization and mortality from other disorders post-infection: A study of the UK Biobank. medRxiv doi: doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.23.22272811

17.Wan E, Mathur S, Zhang R et al Association of COVID-19 with short- and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort in UK Biobank, Cardiovascular Research, Volume 119, Issue 8, June 2023, 1718–1727. doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac195

18.Iwashyna TJ, Seelye S, Berkowitz TS, et al Late Mortality After COVID-19 Infection Among US Veterans vs Risk-Matched Comparators: A 2-Year Cohort Analysis. JAMA Intern Med. Published online August 21, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.3587

[panicinthestudio]

COVID rapidly spreads in China as government eases strict quarantine rules, December 27, 2022

China is grappling with the rapid spread of COVID-19 after the government began rolling back its zero-COVID restrictions earlier this month. Now, cases are spiraling across towns and cities, hospitals are overburdened, medical staff are outnumbered and crematoriums are running out of space. Judy Woodruff reports.

PBS NewsHour

There is no nuance left in politics or public health policy when there is either an absolute and strict inflexibility of zero COVID or wholesale dismantling of safeguards before the healthcare or support systems are prepared for the waves that have been forcibly suppressed. The political insistence on using their own less effective, non-mRNA vaccines based on the original strains rather than Delta or Omicron, coupled with a low vaccination rate of the vulnerable and elderly is not helping easing the transition at all.

The way they’ve been counting mortality from COVID diverged from nearly every other country since early 2020. A death had to be directly attributable to SARS-CoV-2 eliminating cases of many preexisting or undiagnosed conditions, chronic illnesses, and other high risk factors that may have been exacerbated by the virus which became listed as the direct cause or if they simply tested negative in the few days before dying. The policy as of this week will further limit the count only to deaths caused by pneumonia or respiratory failure after contracting COVID, in addition to dropping much of the remaining inbound quarantines and regular case counts becoming even more inconsistent with lived reality.

It appears the PRC was prepared to stay in suspended animation within an onionskin of self-isolation layers indefinitely, maintaining the appearance of control and adherence to policy that was left to different local officials to execute. Downgrading the classification removes the local, emergency-style powers to lockdown and quarantine which were used capriciously. Residential buildings, offices and commercial areas such as malls, and even theme parks could be suddenly cordoned without warning, causing panic due to the stringency of testing and knock-on effects if a positive case was found rather than fear of having contacted or contracted the virus. Becoming listed as a close contact or a complete stranger’s positive result could mean further quarantining and repeated testing, as well any change in one’s COVID passport status severely restricting mobility for work or education, travel, or even basic necessities. The protests spread because “dynamic zero” was anything but dynamic, refusing to change or amend course in preparation for a transition to an endemic or post-epidemic state. People were simply fed up and the building momentum was becoming a potential danger to a regime that had just renewed its own political mandates.

These things aren’t happening in isolation, China is also changing tact on its travel restrictions domestically and internationally. The Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau have been trying to reopen ports and travel with the Mainland for years now for travel and economic reasons. Both were forced into accepting one-way policies where it was difficult for their citizens to enter China or even between one another, while rules were softened for travelers and politicians entering from and returning to the Mainland for short trips with the reason that the pandemic was less well-contained than within the Mainland.

As news of the highly visible current outbreak within China is continuing to emerge, the Hong Kong SAR is now proudly announcing agreements have been made with the Mainland to drop their travel restrictions posthaste. It’s being reported that many are travelling specifically for mRNA vaccines which are approved in Macau and Hong Kong.

[pscottm]

“In New York and London, owners of gleaming office towers are walking away from their debt rather than pouring good money after bad. The landlords of downtown San Francisco’s largest mall have abandoned it. A new Hong Kong skyscraper is only a quarter leased,” Bloomberg reports. “The creeping rot inside commercial real estate is like a dark seam running through the global economy. Even as stock markets rally and investors are hopeful that the fastest interest-rate increases in a generation will ebb, the trouble in property is set to play out for years.”

Remember kiddies, it's OK to walk away from you debts! A lender will present payments as a moral obligation but as demonstrated by businesses, they are not. Lenders assume risk and sometimes lose as do you.

Except for student loans. Congress made those non-dischargable during bankruptcy into law.

[the50-person]

There go the medicines and medical supplies. Ground reports from ppl I know indicate that much of it was already swept up north anyway. And that increased risk of new COVID variants...yikes

When you open borders something crazy like this almost always happens...I rmb at the start of the pandemic smth similiar occurred in France. 🙄

A total of 4,113 people have arrived from China since Monday and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said 917 test results showed that 239 of them, or 26.1% of them, were infected with COVID. On Wednesday, 31.5% of 327 people tested produced a positive result, agency data showed.

All the more supporting the idea that the borders should never have opened in the first place. People I know from the mainland also think it is an incredibly dumb move. But what can we do? The ppl up there suddenly decided to open at this exceedingly confounding time.

[vergess]

Let's all remember that despite the temptation, this isn't actually funny. These people went to a concert, and were blinded en masse.

This is horrific.

The organizers of this concert need to be held accountable for maiming an entire audience, as well as possibly the performers.

I don't know literally anything about Hong Kong law, but if it is in any way possible, this needs to be pursued as what it is: negligence leading to a mass maiming.

After all, this is a known risk that concert organizers are supposed to be aware of. It has happened before.

However, as of this time, the "lab grade UV-C lamp" thing seems to be a rumour. The only lab which has investigated this incident (on the event organizer's payroll), says this was caused by a malfunctioning UV-A lamp.

It is unknown if the blindness will be permanent or temporary at this time.

[inkovsky]

After opening 117 points lower at 19,678 points, the Hang Seng Index once fell 174 points to 19,620 points. It rose 135 points in the afternoon and reached a high of 19,930 points. Afterwards, the selling pressure returned and closed down 95 points or 0.48% at 19,700 points, falling the 20-DMA (19,722)fell for the third consecutive trading day; the technology index fell 25 points or 0.58% to 4,389 points. Main board transaction volume was HK$131.9 billion.

The Hong Kong stock market is currently at great risk to the downside, with the 20,000 level becoming a resistance. Even if it reaches this level again, the resistance at 20,800 will be greater. With the US President-elect Trump taking office, it is believed that more policies that are unfavorable to China will be introduced, and the market outlook is expected to be at 19,000 points. The level rises and falls, and turns and weakens.

European stock markets developed individually, with British and German stocks falling 0.81% and 0.33% respectively, while French stocks rose 0.12%.

U.S. retail sales expanded to 0.7% month-on-month in November, better than expected growth of 0.6%. Investors are worried that the Federal Reserve will suspend interest rate cuts in January next year. U.S. stocks retreated on Tuesday. After the Dow opened 61 points lower, the decline had expanded to 381 points, as low as 43,336 points; the S&P 500 once fell 0.64%, and the Nasdaq, which is dominated by technology stocks, retreated at most 0.84%, and the psychological mark of 20,000 points almost fell.

U.S. stocks closed, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 267 points, or 0.61%, to 43,449 points, falling for nine consecutive trading days, the longest losing streak since 1978; the S&P 500 fell 23 points, or 0.39%, to 6,050 points; the Nasdaq fell. 64 points, 0.32%, reported at 20,109 points.

The U.S. dollar index rose 0.21% to 107.084; the euro once fell 0.31% to $1.0479; the yen rose as much as 0.64% to 153.16 per dollar.

[darkautomaton]

Best Practices in Corporate Risk Management in Hong Kong

With an increasingly complex legal, regulatory, economic, and technological environment, effectively managing organizational risks is critical for companies striving towards sustainable growth in Hong Kong. By taking a strategic approach to identifying key risk exposures and establishing governance policies to address vulnerabilities, both local and multinational corporations can enhance resilience.

Conduct Extensive Risk Assessments

The foundation for building robust risk oversight is to regularly conduct enterprise-wide assessments, tapping perspectives from leaders across functions on risks emerging within main business units, as well as at the corporate level. Special focus should be placed on emerging risks - from supply chain disruptions to fast-evolving cybersecurity threats. Risks posed by Hong Kong regulations and legal responsibilities around data, employment, IP, taxation and import/export controls should also be incorporated.

Appoint Centralized Risk Leadership

While business heads are accountable for risks within their domains, oversight at the core by a Chief Risk Officer and/or risk management committee provides critical independence and cross-functional coordination. Responsibilities span creating risk reporting procedures to keeping senior leadership and board directors appraised, to aligning mitigation plans with corporate strategy. Risk managers also liaise with insurance providers to secure proper coverage against financial hazards.

Implement Key Risk Policies

Findings from risk assessments should drive key policy changes, be it business continuity planning to address operational crises, instituting ethics training to reduce fraud and corruption, or enacting information handling protocols to avoid data leaks, hacking and illegal trading incidents that would undermine Hong Kong stock listings. Anti-money laundering and sanctions/export controls compliance also need special attention in Hong Kong as a gateway between China and global trade.

Monitor External Signals

In addition to internal risk monitoring, closely follow legislative or law enforcement policy shifts, as well as economic/political disruptions arising locally as well as in mainland China that stand to impact operations. Participate in trade groups and maintain contacts in agencies like InvestHK to receive critical market updates. Regular stress tests help evaluate Hong Kong megaprojects like the Greater Bay Area growth plan or One Belt One Road initiative - and gauge ensuing risk reprioritizations.

By approaching risk oversight as an integrated corporate capability monitoring both internal weaknesses and external threats, companies gain enhanced visibility into vulnerabilities which allows preemptively strengthening of operations against cascading Hong Kong/China hazards - thereby boostinglong-term performance and valuation for shareholders.

[mariacallous]

In 2024, increased adoption of biometric surveillance systems, such as the use of AI-powered facial recognition in public places and access to government services, will spur biometric identity theft and anti-surveillance innovations. Individuals aiming to steal biometric identities to commit fraud or gain access to unauthorized data will be bolstered by generative AI tools and the abundance of face and voice data posted online.

Already, voice clones are being used for scams. Take for example, Jennifer DeStefano, a mom in Arizona who heard the panicked voice of her daughter crying “Mom, these bad men have me!” after receiving a call from an unknown number. The scammer demanded money. DeStefano was eventually able to confirm that her daughter was safe. This hoax is a precursor for more sophisticated biometric scams that will target our deepest fears by using the images and sounds of our loved ones to coerce us to do the bidding of whoever deploys these tools.

In 2024, some governments will likely adopt biometric mimicry to support psychological torture. In the past, a person of interest might be told false information with little evidence to support the claims other than the words of the interrogator. Today, a person being questioned may have been arrested due to a false facial recognition match. Dark-skinned men in the United States, including Robert Williams, Michael Oliver, Nijeer Parks, and Randal Reid, have been wrongfully arrested due to facial misidentification, detained and imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. They are among a group of individuals, including the elderly, people of color, and gender nonconforming individuals, who are at higher risk of facial misidentification.

Generative AI tools also give intelligence agencies the ability to create false evidence, like a video of an alleged coconspirator confessing to a crime. Perhaps just as harrowing is that the power to create digital doppelgängers will not be limited to entities with large budgets. The availability of open-sourced generative AI systems that can produce humanlike voices and false videos will increase the circulation of revenge porn, child sexual abuse materials, and more on the dark web.

By 2024 we will have growing numbers of “excoded” communities and people—those whose life opportunities have been negatively altered by AI systems. At the Algorithmic Justice League, we have received hundreds of reports about biometric rights being compromised. In response, we will witness the rise of the faceless, those who are committed to keeping their biometric identities hidden in plain sight.

Because biometric rights will vary across the world, fashion choices will reflect regional biometric regimes. Face coverings, like those used for religious purposes or medical masks to stave off viruses, will be adopted as both fashion statement and anti-surveillance garments where permitted. In 2019, when protesters began destroying surveillance equipment while obscuring their appearance, a Hong Kong government leader banned face masks.

In 2024, we will start to see a bifurcation of mass surveillance and free-face territories, areas where you have laws like the provision in the proposed EU AI Act, which bans the use of live biometrics in public places. In such places, anti-surveillance fashion will flourish. After all, facial recognition can be used retroactively on video feeds. Parents will fight to protect the right for children to be “biometric naive”, which is to have none of their biometrics such as faceprint, voiceprint, or iris pattern scanned and stored by government agencies, schools, or religious institutions. New eyewear companies will offer lenses that distort the ability for cameras to easily capture your ocular biometric information, and pairs of glasses will come with prosthetic extensions to alter your nose and cheek shapes. 3D printing tools will be used to make at-home face prosthetics, though depending on where you are in the world, it may be outlawed. In a world where the face is the final frontier of privacy, glancing upon the unaltered visage of another will be a rare intimacy.

[kelpeigh]

I was at one of the few shows in which he played Jackboot Jump.

He made a little speech beforehand that I don't remember verbatim (there's probably video out there; NYC 11/2019) except for the last two words but it went along the lines of:

I've been struggling to find a balance writing protest music. I'm constantly trying to get important messages across in my work. If I weave them into art, people will be more receptive to hearing the message in the first place. The more subtle I am, the more people I reach. But I look around and see students and reporters being brutalized in shopping malls for daring to speak up and all I can think is... fuck subtlety.

For context, this was amid the Hong Kong protests of 2019 and there had recently been some particularly gruesome accounts in the news

So yeah, Jackboot Jump was a calculated risk. It's not a surprise that it didn't blow up ("fuck subtlety", no studio recording release, not on an album). It's doubly a shame because all royalties are diverted to BLM (at least they were, I'm only assuming they still are). But it and the rest of this post go to show he's not a musician who's also an activist sometimes; his discography is saturated with activism.

🙃 Regular reminder that while Hozier has amazing love songs, he is ALSO very outspoken about his leftist politics, specifically anti-fascism, anti-racism, reproductive rights, Palestinian rights and more.

Take Me To Church and Foreigner’s God are scathing critiques of organized religion, specifically the Catholic Church.

Moment’s Silence is about oral sex but it’s ALSO about how that specific sexual act is often distorted to a show of power rather than that of love.

Nina Cried Power is an homage to various civil rights activists from the US and Ireland and a call to follow their path.

Be specifically criticizes anti-migrant policies and Trump and his ilk.

Jackboot Jump is about the global wave of fascism.

Swan Upon Leda is about reproductive rights and the violent colonial oppression of Ireland and Palestine.

Eat Your Young is about the ruinous way the 1%/capitalism prioritizes short-term profit over everything else to the detriment of the youth/99%.

Butchered Tongue is about Irish and other indigenous languages being suppressed and erased by imperial powers.

If any of the above surprised you, please, please delve deeper into Hozier’s music, you’re missing such an important part of his work.

[kghconsultancy]

How KGH Consultancy Empowers Businesses to Achieve Their Goals?

In today’s ever-changing corporate market, meeting organizational goals might feel like navigating a maze. From start-ups looking for their footing to established organizations looking to expand, having the right partner can make all the difference. This is where KGH Consultancy comes in as a reliable advisor and enabler. With offices in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), KGH Consultancy is at the forefront of providing personalized business solutions that promote success across industries. In this detailed guide, we’ll look at how KGH Consultancy’s range of services, industry experience, and client-focused approach help organizations achieve and surpass their goals.

A Vision for Empowerment and Success

KGH Consultancy was established with a clear mission: to empower businesses by offering world-class consulting solutions. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, expand globally, or ensure compliance with regulations, KGH Consultancy’s team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized strategies that align with your objectives.

The consultancy believes that no business challenge is too big or small, and this mind-set is reflected in their commitment to delivering results-driven solutions.

Tailored Services for Diverse Business Needs

KGH Consultancy takes pride in offering a wide array of services that cater to different aspects of business management. Here’s a closer look at how these services contribute to achieving business goals:

A. Business Setup and Expansion Starting a business in competitive markets like Hong Kong and the UAE might be difficult, but KGH Consultancy makes the process easier. Their business setup services include everything from corporate registration to legal documentation and compliance. KGH advises organizations wishing to grow globally on market entry strategy, licensing, and operational setup. This ensures a smooth transition into new markets, allowing businesses to meet growth ambitions without undue delays.

B. Corporate Governance and Compliance

In an era of stringent regulations, ensuring compliance is crucial for avoiding penalties and safeguarding reputation. KGH Consultancy specializes in corporate governance and compliance services, offering solutions such as statutory filings, company secretarial support, and corporate governance frameworks.

Their expertise in regulatory compliance ensures that businesses operate within the legal framework, freeing up valuable time and resources for core activities.

C. Financial and Tax Advisory

Effective financial and tax management is crucial for long-term profitability and sustainability. KGH Consultancy offers customized financial advisory services, such as:

• Tax planning and optimization

• VAT and GST compliance

• Financial reporting and audits

These services assist organizations in reducing financial risks, optimizing costs, and maintaining healthy cash flow, ensuring they remain on pace to fulfil their objectives.

D. HR and Payroll Solutions

A dedicated and well-compensated workforce is critical to corporate success. KGH Consultancy provides HR and payroll administration services that make it easier to onboard employees, process payroll, and comply with labor laws.

By automating HR operations and ensuring timely payments, businesses can concentrate on developing a productive team that drives growth.

E. Strategic Business Consulting

KGH Consultancy focuses on strategic business consulting services, including market research and analysis.

• Formulating growth strategies

• Risk mitigation plans

These services are intended to assist firms in identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and implementing strategies that promote long-term success.

Expertise Across Key Markets

Hong Kong: A Gateway to Asia

Hong Kong is known for its business-friendly atmosphere, strong financial system, and strategic position. KGH Consultancy uses its extensive knowledge of the Hong Kong market to help firms manage its unique difficulties and possibilities.

From aiding with company incorporation to delivering tax-efficient solutions, KGH ensures that Hong Kong firms are well-positioned to achieve their goals.

UAE: A Hub for Global Business

The UAE provides an exceptional opportunity for enterprises seeking to build a presence in the Middle East. KGH Consultancy assists clients in establishing and expanding their activities in free zones, mainland areas, and offshore jurisdictions, leveraging its experience in the region’s regulatory framework.

KGH helps businesses survive in this dynamic industry by providing end-to-end support such as visa processing, office setup, and compliance services.

Client-Centric Approach: The Key to Success

One of KGH Consultancy’s distinguishing characteristics is its continuous commitment to client satisfaction. The firm has a client-centric approach, which includes:

• KGH prioritizes understanding each client’s unique needs and concerns.

• KGH offers personalized solutions that correspond with the client’s goal.

• Provide ongoing support to ensure success beyond installation.

KGH provides ongoing support to help clients stay on course and adjust to changing situations. This individualized approach has helped KGH Consultancy establish a reputation for excellence and dependability in the consulting sector.

5. Empowering Startups and SMEs

Startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges, from limited resources to fierce competition. KGH Consultancy plays a pivotal role in empowering these businesses by offering affordable, scalable solutions that address their pain points.

How KGH Helps Startups

Feasibility studies to evaluate business ideas

Assistance with funding and investment strategies

Support in building robust operational frameworks

How KGH Supports SMEs

Cost-effective compliance and tax solutions

Growth strategies for scaling operations

Technology integration for improved efficiency

By addressing the specific needs of startups and SMEs, KGH helps them build a strong foundation for success.

Focus on Innovation and Technology

Utilizing technology is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the current digital world. KGH Consultancy promotes the use of cutting-edge solutions by companies, including: cloud-based financial management systems; digital marketing tactics to increase brand awareness; and AI-powered tools for consumer insights and market analysis.

Businesses may increase productivity, make better decisions, and accomplish their objectives more quickly by incorporating these technologies.

Why Choose KGH Consultancy?

Partnering with KGH Consultancy has many benefits, such as: • All-inclusive Services: KGH offers business consulting services for every stage, from setup to scaling. • Market Knowledge: KGH is well-versed in the specifics of the UAE and Hong Kong markets, having established a significant presence in both. • Track Record of Success: A list of happy customers says a lot about KGH’s talents. • Dedication to Excellence: KGH goes above and beyond to guarantee the success of its clients.

Steps to Get Started with KGH Consultancy

Partnering with KGH Consultancy is easy:

Initial Consultation: Discuss your business goals and challenges.

Customized Strategy: Receive a tailored action plan designed for your success.

Implementation: Let KGH handle the execution while you focus on your business.

Ongoing Support: Stay on track with regular updates and expert guidance.

Conclusion: Empowering Businesses, Driving Success

KGH Consultancy is a partner on your path to success, not merely a supplier of services. KGH has become a well-known brand in business consulting thanks to its client-focused strategy, extensive service offering, and industry knowledge. KGH Consultancy can help you reach your objectives, whether you’re an established company trying to reach new heights or a startup hoping to make an impression. Are you prepared to empower your company? To start your journey to success, stop by KGH Consultancy Hong Kong or KGH Consultancy UAE right now!

Other Links:

Company Formation in Mainland & Freezones

Business Structuring

Funding Assistance

[starseedfxofficial]

APAC Markets Slide, Broadcom Shines: Forex Insights The Subtle Market Shifts You Missed: A Forex Insider's Take The Forex market is a beast, roaring with daily news and trends that leave even the sharpest traders scratching their heads. Today, we’re diving into the market movements you need to know, seasoned with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of insider wisdom. Let’s decode the latest global market signals and what they mean for your trading game. The APAC Domino Effect: Markets Feeling the Heat APAC stocks have been dancing to a somber tune after Wall Street’s uninspired performance. It’s like showing up to a party only to find out everyone’s already left. Here’s the gist: - Australia (ASX 200): Hit hard by gold’s recent slump as the US dollar flexed its muscles. Gold miners saw red, with the metals sector feeling the pinch. - Japan (Nikkei 225): Dropped below 40,000 despite a weaker yen. A surprising optimism from the Bank of Japan’s Tankan survey—a rare bit of sunshine—was largely ignored. Traders seem unimpressed, focusing on bigger storms ahead. - China and Hong Kong (Hang Seng, Shanghai Composite): Both indices faltered after the Chinese Economic Work Conference left investors disappointed. It’s like getting socks for Christmas when you were hoping for a shiny new gadget. What It Means for Traders: This is a clear signal of broad risk aversion across APAC markets. Keep an eye on commodity-linked currencies like AUD and emerging market FX pairs. They could mirror the pressure from declining equity markets. Broadcom Breaks Through: A Lone Star in the US Market While US equity futures remain mixed, tech heavyweight Broadcom is basking in the glow of its recent earnings report. With a 14.1% share price surge, Broadcom’s optimism provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise lukewarm market. - Why It Matters: The tech sector can often dictate broader market sentiment. A strong tech performance might buoy indices like the NASDAQ, even if the overall mood is cautious. - Forex Takeaway: Watch USD/JPY and other dollar pairs. A bullish tech outlook could fuel safe-haven flows, bolstering the dollar further. Europe: A Sleeper Hit or a Missed Opportunity? European equity futures hint at a muted opening. The Euro Stoxx 50 futures slid 0.2%, a slight retrace from Thursday’s marginal gains. It’s not the blockbuster opening traders were hoping for, but the market isn’t entirely asleep either. - Hidden Gem: European Central Bank (ECB) commentary could provide some cues later this week. Keep tabs on EUR crosses for potential volatility spikes. Advanced Strategies: Navigating the News with a Pro’s Edge - Counterintuitive Trading: Many traders overreact to initial news headlines. Instead, track price action—especially during major market opens—for confirmation before jumping in. - Commodity Currency Watch: With commodities slipping, currencies like AUD and CAD might struggle. Look for opportunities in cross pairs like AUD/JPY or CAD/CHF, where trends often diverge. - Volatility Spreads: With mixed equity performance, volatility spreads can hint at market expectations. Consider options or derivatives to capitalize on volatility discrepancies. Hidden Gems and Opportunities The Forex market’s landscape is never static. Today’s news offers a treasure trove of insights for the savvy trader. From Broadcom’s tech surge to APAC’s broad market slump, the opportunities are there for those who know where to look. Remember, staying ahead means staying informed—with a touch of humor to keep the chaos in check. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[tba-associates]

Offshore Company Formation: Unlocking Global Business Opportunities

Setting up an offshore company is a strategic move for businesses and individuals seeking financial flexibility, global reach, and tax efficiency. At TBA Associates, we specialize in guiding entrepreneurs and investors through the intricate process of offshore company formation, ensuring compliance, transparency, and optimized benefits.

What Is Offshore Company Formation?

Offshore company formation refers to the establishment of a business entity in a foreign jurisdiction, typically in a country or territory with favorable tax laws, business regulations, and privacy policies. These companies often serve as holding entities, asset protection vehicles, or international trade hubs.

Key Advantages of Offshore Company Formation

Tax Optimization

Enjoy reduced tax rates or complete exemptions in many offshore jurisdictions.

Benefit from double taxation treaties between countries.

Asset Protection

Safeguard assets from legal disputes or domestic financial risks.

Maintain confidentiality with strong privacy laws in offshore jurisdictions.

Global Business Expansion

Operate seamlessly across borders without restrictions.

Tap into emerging markets and new business opportunities.

Ease of Administration

Benefit from simplified reporting requirements and flexible corporate regulations.

Enhanced Privacy

Offshore jurisdictions often protect business and shareholder information.

Improved Access to Capital

Open doors to international banking, loans, and investment opportunities.

Popular Offshore Jurisdictions

British Virgin Islands (BVI): Known for its simplicity and tax neutrality.

Cayman Islands: A premier choice for hedge funds and investment firms.

Delaware, USA: Ideal for startups and corporations seeking legal protection.

Hong Kong: A gateway to the Asian market with robust infrastructure.

Cyprus: Offers low corporate taxes and EU market access.

How TBA Associates Simplifies Offshore Company Formation

Jurisdiction Selection:

Help you choose the best location based on your business goals.

Company Registration:

Handle all paperwork, legal requirements, and compliance measures.

Bank Account Setup:

Assist with opening offshore corporate bank accounts for seamless operations.

Tax and Legal Advice:

Provide expert guidance on international tax laws and asset management.

Ongoing Support:

Offer post-formation services, including accounting, reporting, and compliance.

Myths About Offshore Companies

“Offshore companies are illegal.” Offshore companies are legitimate business structures used worldwide. Misuse leads to misconceptions.

“Only the wealthy benefit from offshore companies.” Businesses of all sizes can benefit from offshore setups, not just high-net-worth individuals.

The Future of Offshore Company Formation

The landscape of offshore businesses is evolving with:

Enhanced Transparency: Jurisdictions are adopting international standards for compliance.

Digital Solutions: Remote management of offshore entities is becoming easier with technology.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Jurisdictions are incentivizing businesses that promote sustainability.

Contact TBA Associates

For tailored offshore company formation services, TBA Associates is your trusted partner. Our expertise and commitment ensure a seamless experience as you navigate the complexities of global business structures.