MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

From grocery hacks to scam smarts, The Brighter Side returns with money-saving hacks and inspiring stories to help boost financial confidence.

Aussies are making every dollar count and improving their money behaviours, with research showing 81 per cent of viewers of The Brighter Side took action and put into practice one learning after watching the show¹. That’s the equivalent of more than 1.5 million people taking one small step towards their financial future.

Now returning for season two, The Brighter Side will deliver even more practical tips, money-saving hacks and inspiring real stories, from families and side-hustlers to small businesses and scam-busters.

Ahead of the witness examination and hearing of activist and conscientious objector to military service Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal on 9 September, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said:

“Netiwit’s refusal to take part in this outdated system should be a wake-up call for the Thai authorities to urgently reform the country’s legal framework to allow for alternative services, in line with international human rights law and standards.

“International law requires countries with compulsory military service to provide alternative, civilian forms of national service. This reform is long overdue in Thailand, where refusing military conscription can result in three years’ imprisonment.

“As a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and a member of the UN Human Rights Council, the Thai government has an obligation to respect and uphold the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and refrain from punishing conscientious objectors. Authorities must immediately drop all charges against Netiwit.”

Background

In Thailand, military conscription for men aged 21 and over is determined each April through a lottery system – drawing a red card results in up to two years of mandatory service, while a black card grants exemption. There is also an option for voluntary enlistment.

On 22 May, the public prosecutor at the Samut Prakan Provincial Court indicted Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, a prominent Thai human rights activist, for allegedly evading military conscription under Article 45 of the 1954 Military Conscription Act. If found guilty, Netiwit could be sentenced to up to three years' imprisonment.

Netiwit’s indictment is linked to his refusal on 5 April 2024 to take part in military conscription. His refusal was an act of civil disobedience in relation to the army, where human rights abuses against military conscripts and low-ranking officials are rampant. In 2020, Amnesty International released a report  detailing mental, physical and sexual abuse against conscripts in the Thai military.

UN human rights bodies, including the Human Rights Committee and the UN Human Rights Council, have recognized the right of conscientious objection to military service as part of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Netiwit joined the Amnesty International movement in 2012 and previously served on the Board of Amnesty International Thailand between 2018 and 2019.

– Flights commencing from 5 September, 2025

Nauru Airlines has announced a further network expansion, with the addition of services to Clark, Philippines, commencing from today 05 September, 2025.

“Adding the Republic of the Philippines to our network is a key development for us,” said Mr Robert Eoe, CEO of Nauru Airlines.

“Clark International Airport is a strategically important gateway and a natural fit for our expansion into Asia. We look forward to unlocking new revenue opportunities, and offering even greater passenger, ACMI and cargo opportunities to our customers,” he said.

“We are pleased to welcome the forthcoming launch of Nauru Airlines’ new service from Clark to Koror, which supports the airline’s Asia expansion,” said Noel Manankil, President and CEO of LIPAD Corp, the consortium that manages and operates Clark International Airport.

“We are also pleased to note that this particular service will provide additional connectivity for our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) heading to different parts of the region.

“We, at Clark International Airport, are committed to providing a seamless airport experience and ensuring a memorable journey for Nauru Airlines passengers, as well as our OFWs” Mr Manankil added.

Nauru Airlines service to Clark will commence as a weekly operation connecting with the airline’s Australia-North Pacific Connector service operating Brisbane-Nauru-Kiribati-Marshall Islands-Pohnpei-Koror.

Effective from 5 September, services will also operate from Koror to Clark.

A Friday service will operate from Koror (Palau) to Clark (Philippines) departing at 18:20 and arriving at Clark at 1650 (local time).

Nauru Airlines said the new routing will improve access for passengers in the North Pacific seeking travel to Asia and vice versa.

The airline said the link to and from Clark also enhances opportunities for the movement of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and labour from Indonesia and neighbouring markets, to support workforce demands in construction, hospitality, domestic care, and professional services such as medical, dental, and engineering sectors.

Nauru Airlines has appointed Manila-based General Sales Agent Sparkle Traveland Tours to support introduction of the new services.Clark International Airport is located approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Manila, within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. The airport serves the wider Central and Northern Luzon region as well as Metro Manila and, offering both international and domestic connections.

The 2,367 hectare airport clarkinternationalairport.com serves as the central hub of transportation in the area with an expansion plan to accommodate up to 25 million passengers annually, and a vision to develop the airport as the next premium gateway to Asia.

About Nauru Airlines

Nauru Airlines operates a fleet of 7 x Boeing 737 aircraft – Three dedicated to freight operations, Four operating as passenger aircraft. As one of the Pacific regions’ most experienced charter operators, Nauru Airlines offers scheduled passenger services as well as charter solutions to clients in Australia, New Zealand and the South/Central Pacific and Asia.

The airline provides ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance), freight and passenger charter solutions to meet the needs of diverse clientele including government agencies, educational and religious organisations, emergency response service providers, corporate entities, entertainment, sporting and large private tour groups, and other transportation partners.

Farmed fish are increasingly replacing wild fish to meet consumer demand in China, as well as Australia – and barramundi is a popular choice.

Aquaculture research led by Flinders University and experts in China continues to examine the benefits – and possible side effects – of improving fishmeal for farmed fish, with a new study investigating the potential of herbal additives to improve fish immunity in more sustainable future production systems.

The increasing global demand for sustainable and antibiotic-free aquaculture has prompted the exploration of natural plant extracts as alternatives to traditional chemical additives, particularly antibiotics, in improving fish immunity, says Flinders University Professor of Aquaculture Jian Qin.

“Some of the herbal additives in this study benefited the biochemical and immune responses in juvenile barramundi, at a stage when they are more susceptible to disease or infections,” says Professor Qin, from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.

Collaborator Professor Zhenhua Ma, director of the Tropical Fisheries Research and Development Centre at the  South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, adds: “While these results indicate that some plant extracts tested could be beneficial additives in aquaculture feed, their potential risk to other environmental organisms should be further investigated before their extensive application in aquaculture.”

Testing led by Flinders PhD candidate Ms Zhengyi Fu, who is based at the Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute in Hainan Province and the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences in Guangzhou, sought to assess the environmental toxicity of the plant extracts in various marine environments.

The ecotoxicity and physiological impacts of four plant extracts – gallnuts (Rhus chinensis), green chiretta (Andrographis paniculata), white mustard (Sinapis alba), and betel nut (Areca catechu) – were tested on juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) as well as three other marine species including brine shrimps (Artemia salina).

While plant-based additives are generally safe, some bioactive compounds within these extracts have demonstrated potential toxicity, raising concerns about their environmental and ecological impacts,  

Along with the potent antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of the four herbs tested was a focus on bioactive compounds within them such as phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids and organosulfides, which may affect aquatic ecosystems, according to the new article published in Ecological Indicators journal.

The article, Evaluation of plant extracts as aquaculture feed additives: Ecotoxicological and physiological responses in marine species (2025) by Zhengyi Fu, Tao Zhang, Zhenhua Ma and Jian G Qin has been published in

Ecological Indicators, an Elsevier journal DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113964

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113964

Acknowledgements: The coauthors of this study have various affiliations with the Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences and Dalian Tianzheng Industrial Co.

Singapore, 4 September: The Liveability Challenge (TLC) is powering up with a game-changing injection of over S$4 million in catalytic funding and support – its biggest boost yet – to fast-track cutting-edge sustainable innovations from the lab to market.

This includes S$2 million in catalytic grants from Temasek Foundation, S$2 million worth of development support from Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and grant support from Enterprise Singapore, as announced during the launch of the ninth edition of TLC at Google Singapore today.

Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, TLC was established in 2018 and has grown to become a global crowdsourcing platform for sustainability solutions.

With eight successful editions concluded, the annual crowdsourcing platform has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 54 finalists and deployed almost S$14 million in catalytic funding to help these start-ups scale and commercialise.  

“This catalytic boost of more than S$4 million represents our commitment to turning bold ideas into real-world impact for the environment. Through The Liveability Challenge, Temasek Foundation is providing catalytic funding to empower innovators to push boundaries, tackle pressing challenges and create lasting benefits for the planet and future generations,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.  

September 4 2025 – Gold has stormed to fresh record highs, breaking through $3,575 an ounce, as global investors accelerate their flight to safety amid mounting geopolitical and economic turmoil.

The precious metal is trading at its strongest levels in history, lifted by expectations of imminent US interest rate cuts, a weakening dollar, and unprecedented central bank demand.
Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group, says: “Gold's surge into record territory underscores the scale of unease among investors.

“Currently, we predict the price will reach $5,000 per ounce by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The drivers are already in place and momentum is compounding.”

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce a rate cut this month as the US labor market softens and recession risks mount.

Lower rates reduce the appeal of cash deposits and government bonds, while simultaneously supporting bullion.

“Each cut removes oxygen from cash and bonds, leaving gold as the standout alternative,” notes the deVere CEO.

“With inflation still running above target and government debt expanding at record speed, investors are seeking a store of value that requires no political guarantees.”

The dollar index has slipped to its weakest level in over a month, magnifying gold's appeal to overseas buyers. At the same time, silver has broken through $40 an ounce for the first time since 2011, reinforcing precious metals' broad safe-haven bid.

Central banks are intensifying their accumulation. The People's Bank of China has expanded its bullion holdings for 22 consecutive months, while countries in the Middle East and Asia are adding reserves at the fastest pace in decades.

“We expect this accumulation to continue as sovereigns look to reduce reliance on the dollar,” Nigel Green explains.

On the supply side, constraints remain entrenched. Global mine output has stagnated, discoveries are increasingly scarce, and environmental costs are rising.

“When overwhelming demand collides with flat supply, there is only one logical direction for price,” adds the chief executive.

“This imbalance will not resolve quickly, which is why we expect gold's trajectory to remain sharply upward.”

Private investors are also reshaping allocations. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are recording robust inflows, sovereign mints are reporting elevated bullion sales, and institutions are embedding gold into core holdings rather than treating it purely as insurance.

In addition, the US non-farm payrolls report on Friday is expected to show further deterioration in hiring, strengthening the case for monetary easing. At the same time, trade frictions and fiscal uncertainty under President Trump continue to unsettle markets.

“Gold thrives in environments where governments appear unpredictable,” Nigel Green notes.

“Attacks on the independence of the Federal Reserve, erratic trade policy, and spiralling deficits are all elements that erode confidence in fiat currencies. Investors respond by turning to assets that are politically neutral and globally recognized.”

Nigel Green concludes: “Gold is reflecting today's reality of high debt, unstable currencies, and structural inflation.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Riyadh – 14 August Under the patronage of His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Music Commission’s Board of Directors, the Music Commission, one of 11 sector specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, proudly announces the forthcoming concert, “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra,” set to take place on Friday, September 5th, at the Palace of Versailles in Paris – one of France’s most revered cultural and historical monuments. The concert serves as a cultural bridge, further deepening the ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France.

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir is set to dazzle audiences with an exquisite repertoire that reflects the majestic depth and artistic plurality of Saudi Arabia’s musical legacy and will be accompanied by a compelling array of performing arts organized by the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission who grace the stage, further enriching this cultural tapestry showcasing four traditional Saudi performing arts: Al Khobeiti, Al Majroor, Al Rifaihi, and Al Khathwah. Complementing this radiant display, the Royal Opera House Orchestra will perform sublime French masterpieces, paying homage to the illustrious heritage of the Palace of Versailles itself.

A captivating fusion segment will artfully intertwine Saudi and French musical traditions, symbolizing a harmonious dialogue between these great cultures.

The landmark concert celebrates the beauty of Saudi music as it blends with French artistry in a live musical and cultural dialogue, performed by the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir alongside the Orchestra of the Royal Opera of the Palace of Versailles. This distinguished return to Paris marks the eighth illustrious stop on the global tour of the Marvels of Saudi Orchestra.

The anticipated return to Paris follows the inaugural performance at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet. The tour has already enchanted audiences across the globe, from Mexico City’s National Theatre to New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, London’s Central Hall Westminster to Tokyo Opera City, then to Riyadh’s King Fahd Cultural Centre, and Sydney’s world-renowned Opera House.

The Marvels of Saudi Orchestra at the Château de Versailles stands as a testament to the unifying power of music, bridging cultures and celebrating the shared beauty of Saudi and French artistry. The concert reaffirms the Music Commission’s commitment to empowering talents, providing a platform and showcasing the Kingdom’s musical heritage.

About the Ministry of Culture:

Saudi Arabia has a vast history of arts and culture. The Ministry of Culture is developing Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy and enriching the daily lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.

Overseeing 11 sector-specific commissions, the Ministry works towards the support of and preservation of a vibrant culture that is true to its past and looks to the future by cherishing heritage and unleashing new and inspiring forms of expression for all.

Find the Ministry of Culture on social media: X @MOCSaudi (Arabic); @MOCSaudi_En (English) | Instagram @mocsaudi

About the Music Commission:

The Music Commission, one of the Ministry of Culture’s 11 sector-specific commissions, was launched in 2020 to oversee the development of the Kingdom’s music sector.

The Commission supports the growth of the music sector and provides universal access to music education and empowers musical talent. It aims to increase the economic contribution of the music sector through job creation, sector regulation and by building world-class infrastructure.

To learn more about the Music Commission, please visit https://music.moc.gov.sa/en and the commission’s page on X @MOC_Music

About the Theater & Performing Arts Commission:

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission is one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture. Founded in 2020, it is leading the further development of the theater and performing arts sector in Saudi Arabia.

The Commission is working towards enhancing the sector’s infrastructure through refining the quality of content, increasing local production, supporting talent and creating opportunities for cultural exchange.

To learn more about the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, please visit the Commission’s website and page on X @MOCPerformArt

September 3 2025 – Global bond markets are under mounting pressure as a major international financial advisory giant warns this could have implications across almost every asset class.

Benchmark long-term yields are climbing to levels that are unsettling investors worldwide.

The 30-year US Treasury has returned to 5% for the first time since July before easing slightly to 4.98%. In the UK, the 30-year gilt yield touched 5.75% this week, the highest since 1998. In Japan, the 30-year yield reached a record 3.29%

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “The return of the 30-year US Treasury to 5% is a wake-up call.

“Investors need to act. Markets are confronting a perfect storm of enormous debt issuance, inflation that is proving sticky, and central banks that have stepped back from bond buying.

“The result is sustained downward pressure on long-term bond prices with global repercussions.”

Governments have resumed heavy borrowing after the summer pause.

The UK's record £14 billion 10-year gilt syndication highlighted demand at shorter maturities but hesitation at the long end. In Washington, the Treasury has signalled heavier auction schedules into the autumn. This surge of supply comes just as the base of demand from pension funds, insurers, and central banks is fading.

Nigel Green comments: “The imbalance between supply and demand is striking. For years pension funds and insurers were reliable buyers of long bonds, while central banks absorbed vast amounts of issuance. This period has ended.

“Institutions are reducing exposure to duration risk and governments are leaning more heavily on private markets. This dynamic points to yields remaining elevated.”

Inflation adds to the strain. US headline inflation is still above 3%. Eurozone inflation is hovering near 2.6%. In the UK, policymakers are still working to bring inflation back towards the 2% Bank of England target. Political risks are layering on further uncertainty. In Washington, President Donald Trump has criticised the Federal Reserve, raising investor concerns that monetary policy could be influenced by fiscal pressures.

The deVere chief executive explains: “If markets come to believe that central banks are not fully independent, the cost of long-term borrowing is likely to increase further.

“The widening gap between 30-year and 10-year US Treasury yields, which is now the largest since 2021, suggests that pressure is intensifying at the long end of the curve.”

The implications reach far beyond government debt.

Higher long-term yields affect valuations across global equities, real estate, and corporate credit. Growth and technology stocks are particularly exposed to higher discount rates. Property markets could see renewed downward revisions as financing costs rise. Companies looking to refinance debt may face heavier costs, while emerging markets reliant on dollar funding could experience additional volatility.

Nigel Green says: “The short-term trajectory points to further strain.

“Investors should be adjusting portfolios now. Long-duration assets may face more pressure, while areas such as energy, financials, and infrastructure appear better positioned to deliver returns in this environment.”

Currency markets are also responding. The dollar is continuing to attract inflows, strengthening against risk-sensitive currencies.

Sterling and the euro are showing vulnerability amid fiscal concerns and weaker growth. Emerging market currencies are prone to renewed selling episodes whenever US yields climb.

Nigel Green concludes: “Investors should be prepared for yields to stay high and for volatility to rise.

“Portfolios need to evolve for a world where governments are issuing record debt, inflation is sticky, and the long end of the market is under sustained stress.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.