Faith and Religion – Religious Freedom Violation and Intolerance Spark International Controversy amongst multiple Religious Groups within South Korea

  • : SCJ Canberra
  • : 04/11/2024

  • South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage.

    On October 29th, an administrative decision by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.

    The “Religious Leaders Forum and 110,000 Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea.  The event, hosted by the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

    However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under the Gyeonggi Province, abruptly cancelled the venue rental without prior notice.

    The Shincheonji Church of Jesus states: “This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the event, as well as all organizers and parties involved.”

    Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation commits an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

    The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, reported that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also report that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group – other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, and that the cancellation was an “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the [South Korean] Constitution.”

    The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions, and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were still permitted within the same designated area.

    The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.

    The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus have expressed frustrations and call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and to rectify this decision. They also urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

  • Event_Organizers_have_staged_a_protest_in_front_of_the_Gyeonggi_Tourism
  • : SCJ CBR
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  • : scjcbr84@gmail.com
  • : 0424663278
  • : https://www.shincheonji.org/introduce/church/

Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ position on the abrupt cancellation of the Imjingak Peace Nuri Hall for their 110,000 Graduation

  • : SCJ Canberra
  • : 01/11/2024

  • Shincheonji Church of Jesus are in the face of legal pressure, following the sudden cancellation and banning of the use of their venue of choice for their annual graduation ceremony for their theology school, Zion Christian Mission Centre.

    Shincheonji allege that Gyeonggi Tourism Organization have committed unconstitutional acts of the sudden blockage of their event, on the premise of religious oppression.

    Shincheonji Church of Jesus had rented the Imjingak Peace Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province from October 29 to 31 to hold a Religious Leaders Forum and their 110,000 Graduation Ceremony on the 30th. Tens of thousands of graduates and religious leaders from both Korea and abroad had already entered the country and completed all preparations to participate in the event. Shincheonji had already spent hundreds of billions of won to conduct the event at this scale. However, on the morning of the 29th, it was reported the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization unilaterally cancelled the rental without consultation or notice to the other parties involved.

    Frustrations from Shincheonji come from reports that all administrative procedures for the procession of the Religious Leaders Forum and the Graduation Ceremony were of legal nature and in constant cooperation with the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation – both parties received an approval notice as early as July 22, rental fee from Shincheonji being paid in full on October 2 and on October 16, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization gave final reviews of all the details of the event, undergoing extensive safety inspections. In particular, on the same day, there was news that Gyeonggi Province had designated the entire Paju City as a danger zone, but under the guise to block the distribution of leaflets to North Korea. Furthermore, on October 23 and 28, figures from the tourism organisation confirmed twice that “there are no plans to cancel the venue booking.”

    The Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon had ordered the cancellation of the venue, due to the reason of “provoking North Korea.”

    Shincheonji and many others allege that large-scale events that had taken place at Imjingak Peace Nuri had never brought forth any unwanted attention from the nation’s direct opposition. Speculations arose that it was due to the targeting of a specific religious group from the local government.

    Knowing that this stemmed from such and that it also defies many aspects of the Korean constitution, it has caused much outcry from those both in and outside of Shincheonji.

    Shincheonji are looking to take all possible legal means to resolve the issue if the events proceed in a way where the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization fail to take responsibility, or fail to settle the matter civilly.

    Street protests from members within Shincheonji are also being considered.

    Shincheonji are also asking for an official public apology from their former event partners, and to put a halt to religious discrimination against them and others.

    Freedom of religion has been stressed heavily, with Shincheonji officials stating “freedom of religion is not a subject of negotiation” in order for them and their congregation to exercise their faith without discrimination.

  • : SCJ CBR
  • : Publicity Director
  • : scjcbr84@gmail.com
  • : 0424663278

Religion and Faith – Large Gathering of 16,000 People and Pastors Marks Conclusion of Evangelism Seminar at Shincheonji Jeonju Church

  • : SCJ AUS Canberra
  • : 14/10/2024

  • Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do – The Shincheonji Jeonju Church of Jesus hosted a grand Evangelism Seminar on October 13, attended by approximately 250 pastors and viewed online by over 117,000 people. This event marked the culmination of a 20-day festival focused on the Book of Revelation, a topic often considered complex and challenging.

    Festivities began well before the seminar, with attendees arriving hours early to experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional Korean performances. Military and Nongak bands entertained crowds, creating a festival-like ambiance. Participants lined up for over a kilometer from the Jeonju IC’s ‘Honam First Gate’ to the venue, showcasing the strong interest in the seminar.

    The Chairman of the Shincheonji Church, Man-Hee Lee opened the event by inviting pastors to engage directly with his teachings, stating, “If there is anything wrong with the words I am preaching, please raise your hand and ask questions at any time.” He emphasized the significance of the Book of Revelation, explaining its current relevance and urging attendees to verify its teachings.

    The Chairman reiterated, “The contents of the Book of Revelation should not be arbitrarily added to or subtracted from,” encouraging pastors to explore and learn from the Shincheonji. Following his lecture, the attending pastors expressed their gratitude and many stated that they will relay what they have learnt to their respective churches.

    Attendees echoed the impact of the seminar. A pastor from the Jeonbuk region remarked, “It was impressive to see him strongly say that the Book of Revelation is Jesus’ promise and therefore should not be added to or taken away from it arbitrarily.” Missionary Park, who attended after watching previous seminars online, noted, “The words were shockingly refreshing. I feel like I’ve found a new guide for my future missionary work.”

    The Shincheonji Church of Jesus actively engaged with the local community, promoting the seminar’s purpose and capturing the attention of residents, who photographed the lively street parade. Earlier this month, the church’s Thomas Tribe Branch organized events to spread the message of the Book of Revelation, further enhancing community involvement.

    The Shincheonji Church expressed gratitude to all participants for their support during the 20-day event, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to sharing the fulfilled messages of the Book of Revelation. With many more future dialogue and engagements announced, the church is a representative of the many current and active initiatives in shaping and supporting the religious communities today.

  • CHJN photo
  • : Elaine
  • : Volunteer
  • : canberra.church84@gmail.com
  • : 0415222392

Faith News – Pastors with decades of experience: “I read the Bible literally. Now I’m learning it correctly.”

  • : SCJ AUS Canberra
  • : 01/10/2024

  • The Yeongnam Shincheonji Word Conference Chairman Lee Man-hee, who made pastors pour out their sincere testimonies of faith, said, “I must realize who I am as the Bible says and have faith according to the Word.”

    The response from established church pastors who attended the Shincheonji Word Conference held in the Yeongnam region is enthusiastic. Pastor Cho, who is serving as a senior pastor in Gimhae, said that he came to know the Bible properly after attending the Word Conference.

    After attending the ‘2024 Shincheonji Word Conference’ held in Masan, Pastor Cho confessed, “I have read the Bible many times, but it seems like I read it literally,” and “I feel like I learned the exact revelation that is suitable for this era only after attending the Word Conference.”

    He continued, “ Many pastors of established churches, including myself, have been doing ministry based only on what Bible scholars have said .

    “I think we need to open it up and make an effort to find the right thing,” he added.

    After attending the Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ Word Conference like Pastor Cho, there have been numerous confessions of pastors and church leaders looking back on themselves and their denominations, needing to re-focus their ministry on the Word.

    Pastor Oh, who has been a member of the Presbyterian Church and has been a pastor for 17 years , said; “I was skeptical about the lack of words within denominations and the constant division, but after hearing the words of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, I realized that this is a place that preaches the words according to the Bible.”

    He continued, “ I feel a lot of guilt as a pastor for having taught the word incorrectly, ” and added, “ I hope that pastors of established churches, like me , will open their hearts, learn about the word of Shincheonji, and then make their own judgment.”

    Another Presbyterian pastor, Kim, said, “Korean Christian churches are currently in a state of confusion, and many church members are leaving,” and added “this is a time when we must make an effort in the Word.”

    The response of these pastors is due to the consistent Word Conference by Shincheonji Church of Jesus. In particular, four Word Conferences were held in the Yeongnam region this year alone. In January, they were held in Ulsan and Busan. And last month, they were held in Masan and Busan – the Word Conference held in Masan on the 25th of last month was attended by 16,000 people, including 100 pastors from neighboring regions such as Gyeongnam, and lasted for four days.

    Pastors who have heard the words of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in response to this request from the Shincheonji Chairman are signing MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) for word exchange with Shincheonji Church of Jesus. As of early last month, the number of domestic churches that have signed MOUs for word exchange with Shincheonji Church of Jesus has reached 727. In the case of overseas churches, a total of 13,053 churches in 84 countries have signed MOUs with Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

    For believers who were unable to attend the event due to physical limitations such as time and location, Shincheonji Church of Jesus supported a live YouTube broadcast. It was reported that approximately 500,000 people watched the live broadcast of the Word Conference.

    A Shincheonji Church of Jesus official said, “I think the biggest change is that pastors are the first to listen to the words of Shincheonji. God’s will is for all of humanity to follow His will and be saved… I hope that pastors will truly understand God’s words and enlighten church members through this opportunity.” He continued; “I hope that people, regardless of denomination or sect, will properly learn and understand the Bible and continue to cooperate through the exchange of words.”

    The Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ Word Convention will be held in Seoul on the 5th, after passing through the Yeongnam region including Busan, and will then be held in other regions.

  • : Alina
  • : Volunteer
  • : canberra.church84@gmail.com
  • : 0415222392

Alimetry Secures CPT III Reimbursement Code for the Gastric Alimetry Test and Announces Positive Clinical Study Results

  • : Alimetry Ltd
  • : 12/02/2024
  • Alimetry CPT III Press Release 12th Feb 2024 (1)
  • : Hanie Yee
  • : Chief Commercial Officer, Alimetry
  • : Hanie@alimetry.com
  • : 64021651226
  • : https://www.alimetry.com
  • US Phone Number: +1 (657) 267 1082 | https://nz.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd | @alimetry_ltd

Christmas crunch: 60% of Kiwis stressed about the cost of Christmas

  • : Banked NZ
  • : 30/11/2022

  • 30 November 2022, New Zealand

    Highlights

    • Kiwis to spend an average of $623 on gifts this year.
    • Women much more stressed about Christmas costs than men.
    • Almost two-thirds would pay more for a sustainable gift.

    The majority of Kiwis feel stressed about the cost of this year’s Christmas, reveals the latest research from personal finance information website Banked.

    A survey of 1,020 New Zealanders found that 60% of Kiwis describe themselves as either a ‘little stressed’ (46%) or ‘very stressed’ (14%) about the expenditure involved with this year’s festivities.

    Women are feeling under more pressure than men, with 70% reporting some level of stress, compared with 49% of men.

    Banked’s Christmas spending report found that Kiwis will spend an average of $623 on gifts this year. Women said they expect to spend $566 on average, while for men that figure climbs to $712.

    “With rocketing inflation and a cost of living crisis to contend with, lots of New Zealanders are really feeling the pinch this Christmas,” says Kevin McHugh, Head of Publishing at Banked.

    “Many will be worrying about their personal finances when they should be able to wind down and appreciate some well-earned time off with friends and loved ones.”

    Banked’s research also found that sustainability is an important consideration for Kiwis when buying gifts. Almost two-thirds (65%) say they would be willing to pay more for a gift if it was sustainable, such as one that involved zero waste or was made from recyclable materials.

    Younger people are even more interested in sustainable gift-giving, with 76% of those aged 18-24 (falling into the Gen Z age group) stating that they would be willing to pay more for a sustainable gift.

    Conversely, under half (49%) of those aged 55 and older say they would be willing to pay extra for a gift if it was sustainable.

    “Sustainability is a vital issue and it’s pleasing that so many Kiwis are willing to support it, even if it costs them a little extra at the checkout,” says McHugh.

    See Banked’s NZ Christmas Spending Report 2022.

    Top ways to save this Christmas

    Don’t feel obligated to spend beyond your means – “Christmas is an expensive time and many feel pressure to spend money that they don’t have,” says McHugh.

    “Don’t feel an obligation to buy gifts you’ll struggle to afford or take part in every costly social event. Put your wallet and your wellbeing first.”

    Secret Santa or group gifting – “Arranging a Secret Santa is a great way to cut costs. It can also be lots of fun and lets you focus on getting a great gift for one person.

    “Chipping in with others for a group gift is another excellent way to save, plus it makes it possible to purchase an otherwise unaffordable present,” says McHugh.

    Set a budget (and stick to it) – “It can be easy to overspend at Christmas. But by setting a budget and keeping track of your spending, you’ll make managing your finances over the festive period much easier,” advises McHugh.

    ENDS 

    About Banked

    Banked is a financial information and deals website that has the goal of helping New Zealanders make the best decisions on the products they need.

  • : Kevin McHugh
  • : Head of Publishing
  • : hello@banked.co.nz
  • : 642108881973
  • : https://banked.co.nz/

Alimetry announces US FDA Clearance for Gastric Alimetry – A Breakthrough Non-Invasive Wearable Device for Gut Diagnostics

  • : Alimetry Ltd
  • : 15/06/2022

  • Auckland, New Zealand – Alimetry, a medical device and digital healthcare company, today announced it has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Gastric Alimetry, a pioneering non-invasive medical device for aiding the diagnosis gastric disorders. Alimetry also announced today the launch of Alimetry Inc., a subsidiary based in Minneapolis, MN, that will market and distribute Gastric Alimetry in the United States.

    “Gastric Alimetry is an industry-first and genuine breakthrough in gut diagnostics.” said CEO Greg O’Grady, a Professor of Surgery and co-founder of Alimetry. “Alimetry’s unique technology harnesses the power of stretchable electronics, wearables, digital health, and cloud-based analytics to deliver a completely non- invasive solution. We are thrilled to announce FDA’s clearance of Gastric Alimetry, making this new test available to millions of Americans suffering from chronic gastric symptoms”.

    The Gastric Alimetry test is performed in a clinical setting. Recordings are taken before and after a meal, while patients simultaneously log their symptoms into the Gastric Alimetry App. The system performs a high-resolution recording of digestive patterns from the skin surface and delivers clinical reports via the cloud to inform the diagnosis of gastric diseases and support personalized therapy.

    The system is indicated for common stomach disorders including nausea and vomiting, gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia, affecting over 8% of the world’s population, and costing billions of dollars in healthcare expenses.1,2 The test is also currently available in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

    “Diagnosing gastric symptoms has been a deeply challenging clinical problem.” Dr. O’Grady said. “Existing tests are frequently unreliable and inconclusive, and patients may undergo months or even years of testing – often costly, invasive, or involving radiation – only to end in confusion and trial-and-error care. Gastric Alimetry is a game-changing tool that will bring improved clarity to field, enabling enhanced clinical outcomes, and safer, more accessible, and less-invasive care.”

    Gastric Alimetry is the result of a decade of world-leading science and innovation by an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, engineers, designers and scientists.
    “FDA clearance of Gastric Alimetry cements Alimetry’s path to leadership in gastrointestinal wearables and non-invasive diagnostics.” Dr. O’Grady said. “Alimetry has an outstanding pipeline of innovation and this is the first plank in a series of innovative new features and products that stand to transform care in disorders of gastrointestinal function”.

    Gastric Alimetry will be available commercially from July 2022.

    For more information on Gastric Alimetry visit www.alimetry.com

    About Alimetry

    Alimetry was spun-out of the University of Auckland in 2019 from a centre of excellence in digestive diseases. The company was founded by Professor Gregory O’Grady, a gastrointestinal surgeon, and Dr. Armen Gharibans, on the background of a decade of award-winning science.

    References

    1. Sperber AD, Bangdiwala SI, Drossman DA, Ghoshal UC, Simren M, Tack J, Whitehead WE, Dumitrascu DL, Fang X, Fukudo S, Kellow J. Worldwide prevalence and burden of functional gastrointestinal disorders, results of Rome Foundation global study. Gastroenterology. 2021 Jan 1;160(1):99-114.
    2. Lacy BE, Weiser KT, Kennedy AT, Crowell MD, Talley NJ. Functional dyspepsia: the economic impact to patients. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 2013 Jul;38(2):170-7.
  • Alimetry_System_Grey
  • : Hanie Yee
  • : Chief Operating Officer Alimetry Ltd
  • : hanie@alimetry.com
  • : 6421651226
  • : https://alimetry.com
  • https://nz.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd | @alimetry_ltd

Alimetry raises $16.3 Million to launch wearable diagnostic device for the gut

  • : Alimetry Limited
  • : 02/03/2022

  • Alimetry, a digital healthcare and medical device start-up, announced today it has closed a NZ$16.3 Million financing round led by New Zealand largest venture capital investor Movac. Existing investor partners IP Group, Matū Karihi, and UniServices supported the round, with K1W1 also participating.

    The company will use the funding to accelerate the international launch of its first product, a wearable diagnostic device called Gastric Alimetry. Gastric Alimetry uses a stretchable high-resolution sensor to non-invasively map digestive patterns, and delivers clinical reports via the cloud to inform the diagnosis and classification of gastric disorders.

    “Chronic gastric symptoms are extremely common, yet many of our patients still suffer from repeated inconclusive tests, trial and error care, and confusion,” said CEO Greg O’Grady, a Professor of Surgery and co-founder of Alimetry. “Gastric Alimetry is on track to deliver breakthrough results in diagnosing gastric symptoms, enabling enhanced clinical outcomes and safer, more accessible, and less-invasive care.”

    Gastric Alimetry targets prevalent stomach diseases including nausea and vomiting, gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia, affecting over 8% of the world’s population and costing billions of dollars in healthcare expenses. The device is currently undergoing clinical trials in 5 countries, with results and further regulatory approvals expected during 2022. Alimetry will also use the new funding to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and expand its product pipeline.

    Lovina McMurchy, a General Partner at Movac who will join Alimetry’s Board, stated: “While Alimetry has only recently come out of stealth mode in New Zealand, the team has made an incredible amount of progress in bringing their product to market globally. They are already working with the top gastroenterology clinics in the world to trial the devices and they are in the approval process with the Federal Drug Administration in the US for full scale commercialization. This is a tremendous example of what our science ecosystem can produce at it’s very best.”

    Gastric Alimetry has recently received numerous innovation and product design awards, including Gold from the Australian Good Design Awards, and a prestigious ‘Purple Pin’ at the New Zealand Best Design Awards. The Best Awards judges stated: “This is a tangible example of how New Zealand science, technology and design can work together to produce brilliant results.”

    Alimetry was spun-out of the University of Auckland in 2019 from a centre of excellence in digestive diseases. The company was founded by Prof. Greg O’Grady and Dr. Armen Gharibans, on the background of a decade of award-winning science.

    To learn more about Alimetry visit www.alimetry.com.

    About Movac

    Movac is New Zealand’s largest and most experienced venture capital fund, supporting technology founders from early stage through to growth investing. Movac was the first institutional grade venture investor supported by both New Zealand Superannuation and Kiwi Wealth. It currently has $400m funds under management and invests across deep tech, software, hardware and healthtech.

    About IP Group

    IP Group is a leading intellectual property commercialisation company focused on evolving great ideas and cutting-edge research from its partner universities into world-changing businesses. The Group pioneers a unique approach to developing these ideas and the resulting businesses by providing access to business building expertise, capital, scientific insight, and supporting infrastructure. IP Group, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IPO), has a strong track record of success and, its portfolio comprises holdings in early stage to mature businesses across life sciences and technology. In Australia and New Zealand, IP Group works in close partnership with the Go8 Universities and the University of Auckland to identify ground-breaking technologies rooted in hard science, which have the most promising commercial potential. www.ipgroupanz.com

    About University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund, managed by Auckland UniServices

    The University of Auckland Inventors Fund is an evergreen, open-ended $20 million investment fund owned and managed by Auckland UniServices Limited, the commercial  company for The University of Auckland. The Inventors’ Fund provides seed capital for ventures started out of the University of Auckland.  www.uniservices.co.nz

    About Matū Karihi Fund.

    Matū is a venture capital fund investing in early-stage science and deep technology commercialisation from education and research institutions and the private sector. Karihi (nucleus) is Matū’s original pre-seed and seed-focused fund, working with start-ups at the earliest stages of their journey. As an open fund it raises capital over time and holds investments through to exit where possible, and therefore invests on a long timeframe. www.matu.co.nz

    About K1W1

    K1W1 Ltd is an investment company owned by Sir Stephen Tindall. It has invested over a total of $100M Seed and Venture capital into a large number of start-up and early stage businesses from Biotech, environmental technology, high tech, software and other high export potential businesses. The aim is, either directly or as a “fund of funds” to assist young entrepreneurs to grow New Zealand as a leader in the “knowledge economy” and to help create a culture of making New Zealand “cash flow positive” in international goods and services trade.

    Attached files: Gastric Alimetry-11

  • Alimetry_System_Light
  • : https://youtu.be/Tw2sBEDQsPU
  • : Hanie Yee
  • : Chief Operating Officer
  • : hanie@alimetry.com
  • : 6421651226
  • : https://alimetry.com
  • @alimetry_ltd | https://nz.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd

Teams “Yadrava na Vanua” from Fiji and “Not Basic” from New Zealand win the Grand Prizes for Space Challenge

  • : SpaceBase Limited
  • : 18/02/2022

  • Christchurch—18 February 2022. 

    Yadrava na Vanua (Environment Watch) from Suva, Fiji won the Grand Prize today for the Space for Planet Earth Challenge.

    Their project focused on integrating satellite data on land cover types across Fiji with ground truth measurements, and refining the carbon sequestration data with machine learning analysis of high resolution satellite images from Planet to generate international standard levels of measurements, reporting, and verification of carbon stocks.

    Separately, “Not Basic” from Newlands College, Wellington, New Zealand, won the Grand Prize at the High School level. Their work featured using machine learning analysis of satellite data to predict the conditions leading to coral bleaching as detected within the Allen Coral Atlas with Planet satellite data.

    Six teams from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji competed in demo sessions with a panel of judges, then a Pitch presentation to a live online audience. The winners are awarded cash prizes of $30,000 and $10,000 each, satellite data from company Planet, and mentorship from SpaceBase.  Additionally the High School team will receive scholarships from the US Based MMAARS Academy to attend their Level 1 Virtual Mars Programme.

    “The presentations that I’ve seen were so amazing…and I was blown away by the ideas and the ability that they’ve shown…Planet is so proud to be part of this competition,” Dr. Tanya Harrison, Director of Strategic Innovation for Planet and a Finals Judge for the competition, said at the event.

    The winners were selected by judges from Planet, the U.S. Embassy to New Zealand, Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council, Rocket Lab, Callaghan Innovation, ChristchurchNZ, Callaghan Innovation, and Consegna.cloud.

    The awards were presented by the NZ Space Agency and the U.S. Embassy. 

    “I’ve been extremely impressed with the sophistication of the solutions that have been developed, by the approach of looking for different data sources to incorporate into those solutions, to reaching out to other organisations, establishing partnerships to make this more effective, and the quality of the presentations,” said Dimitri Geidelberg, Principal Advisor to the Agency.

    The Challenge was the brainchild of SpaceBase founders who leverage incentive prizes and space technologies to catalyse innovation while solving tough problems in the region.  “Already, we see the Challenge as pushing the teams to accelerate their research and create opportunities they may not otherwise have been able to realise.” said Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, CEO of SpaceBase. “We think this is only the beginning for these climate change focused innovations, and we hope to continue to support these teams in their progress over the coming months and years.”

    For more information about the Challenge and the Winners, go to spaceforearth.org

    The Challenge is made possible by a partnership between SpaceBase Limited and Planet.  Sponsors include the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, K1W1, NZ Space Agency, ChristchurchNZ, Consegna.cloud, Clare Foundation, Greenlight Ventures, Namaste Foundation, Engineering Dreams, MMAARS Academy, and Christchurch City Council.

    SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand based education and consulting social enterprise, whose mission is to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunity to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth, by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand.  Since its incorporation in 2017, it has collaborated with economic development agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 100 educational presentations and workshops; two national space and aerospace competitions, as well as helping birth space communities and organisations locally and globally. SpaceBase created a platform for the NZ Aerospace Directory and a free course, Catalysing a Space Industry in Your Region, for anyone interested in creating a local space industry. SpaceBase is also the NZ Ambassador for the International Space University. 

  • Promo Video Thumbnail
  • : Emeline Dulce M Paat-Dahlstrom
  • : CEO
  • : emeline@spacebase.co
  • : 0224021936
  • : https://spacebase.co
  • https://twitter.com/SpaceBaseNZ + https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpaceBaseNZ + https://www.linkedin.com/company/13643678/admin/

PIONEERING DECENTRALISED SECURE MESSAGING PLATFORM MANYONE ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP WITH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON CENTRE BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

  • : Manyone Inc.
  • : 25/02/2021

  • Vancouver, Canada – February 25th, 2021 – Manyone Inc., a pioneering technology venture in decentralization and digital identity, is delighted to announce that it has entered into a new strategic relationship with the globally renowned University College London (UCL) Centre Blockchain Technology (CBT).

    This partnership will support research conducted by UCL CBT’s Senior Research Associate, Dr Geoffrey Goodell, to explore and evaluate end-user technology systems, infrastructure, business imperatives, and regulatory policy to support the privacy, dignity, and market power of individual persons in the emerging digital economy. The research is aimed at identifying the requirements and approaches for systems whose features specifically support the advancement of truly consensual trust relationships, the empowerment of local communities, and the public interest.

    Vancouver-based Manyone believes in empowering solutions and technologies with the potential to produce a new, distributed internet where everyone can feel safe, secure and in control of their digital identity.

    Dr Paolo Tasca, Founder and Executive Director of the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, notes that, “On behalf of UCL and the Centre for Blockchain Technologies, I am delighted to begin our new partnership with international industry partners Peer Social Foundation and Manyone. We are grateful for their support and recognition of the impactful research being done to meet our shared ambitions. Thanks to their generosity we will continue our proud tradition of enabling academic research with real-world application.”

    Michael Cholod CEO at Manyone and Executive Director of The Peer Social Foundation comments, “As a dedicated group of decentralists, our teams look to find ways to free communication from manipulation and control by protecting individual, business or governmental digital identities. Part of that mission is to work with the most respected and knowledgeable people in the field. The team at UCL represent some of the best thinkers in the area and we’re honoured to work with them.”

    Dr Geoffrey Goodell, Senior Research Associate at UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, specifically ads that, “The funding from The Peer Social Foundation and Manyone will provide vital resource to explore and evaluate user-controlled identity management, decentralised social networks, and tokenisation as vehicle for authorisation without identification. Our partnership will support the advancement of trusted relationships in the digital economy, the empowerment of local communities for the benefit of public interest. I am excited to deepen our collaboration and share our insights.”

    Manyone, with offices in Vancouver, Canada and Stockholm, Sweden are looking to launch the first decentralised secure messaging solution by Mid-2021.

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    Manyone is a pioneering technology venture that aims to deliver private secure networks and private digital identities, to increase personal and enterprise productivity and digital security. Manyone actively works with The Peer Social Foundation on education and research into topics of interest to consumers and enterprise. The Peer Social Foundation and Manyone believe in empowering a distributed internet where everyone can feel in control of their digital identity. They do this by delivering a self-sovereign digital identity and decentralized communication and sharing platform for enterprise and consumers. A critical component of this is to work beside and support vital education, R&D and the open-source community to connect people, business.

    Find out more here: www.manyone.one  http://blockchain.cs.ucl.ac.uk/

  • : Michael Cholod
  • : Chief Executive Decentralist
  • : info@manyone.one
  • : 16048361112
  • : https://manyone.one
  • https://www.linkedin.com/company/manyoneapp/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true