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Response to budget announcement 2024/2025 from Mr. Paul Chan, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 –

Acknowledge the problem of inadequate per capita public open spaces

  • The Institute is pleased to see the Government promoting sustainable innovation and growth while aiming to protect the natural ecosystems and provide citizens with a better quality of life. However, there is no mention of strengthening and implementation of various government policies related to climate change, biodiversity, ecological and landscape in the budget proposal. The Institute advocates for Nature-Based Solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change. These measures will help Hong Kong become a more resilient and appealing international city.
  • In response to the issue of insufficient public recreational spaces per capita, the Institute suggests to develop new and to enhance existing public open space in addressing the specific requirements for public recreational spaces in individual districts, we can enhance community and greening functions, ensuring widespread benefits for citizens. The Institute suggests also to explore public-private partnership in the management of public open space, that on one hand reduces government long term recurrent cost and on the other hand promote innovative design in our public realm. Adequate investment to our public open space promotes physical and mental well-being, ultimately leading to long-term reductions in healthcare and social welfare expenses.

Organising large-scale exhibitions to link up the development of the landscape industry with socio-economic development

  • The Institute is pleased to see the Government actively preparing for over 80 different themed events to enhance urban competitiveness and attract talent and visitors. Additionally, we have successfully secured the right to host the 2026 International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress, which we hope will contribute to the development of the industry and the economy. This event is supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture, representing the national landscape architecture profession, has committed to collaborate in the event. We hope that the relevant departments of the SAR Government will support the Institute to successfully host this rare international event, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique achievements in ecological civilization.
  • The Institute strongly supports the recent initiative proposed by the Secretary, “Innovation and Technology Empowerment, Industry Leads to Development.” We suggest that the HKSAR Government apply to the Ministry of Housing and Construction for the organization of the China International Garden and Flower Expo (CIGFE) in 2027-28. The theme, “Gardening Industry, Expo for the Future,” would involve constructing a nature-based green industry demonstration zone in alignment with the development direction of the northern metropolis. This initiative would leverage existing infrastructure in Sandy Ridge to optimize the natural environment in the eastern part of the northern metropolis and inject additional economic power.

Utilising the advantages of Hong Kong’s landscape architects to promote Hong Kong’s social development

  • The Institute acknowledges that the proactive development of various sectors by the Government plays a crucial role in Hong Kong’s economic progress. Compared to neighbouring regions, Hong Kong’s landscape architectural profession is well established and enjoys one of the most advanced recognitions in the regions. The Institute believes that, given the shortage of manpower in the construction industry, landscape architects should have equal opportunity to bid for lead consultancy or direct consultancy for projects primarily focused on public spaces or landscapes, adhering to the principle of specialization.

Hashtag: #HKILA

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

BingX Launches Ethereum Layer 2, Bitcoin Layer 2, and Web3 Game Token Airdrop Guide for 2024

BingX QA, known for its innovative approach to cryptocurrency research, has unveiled the 2024 Airdrop Guide featuring Ethereum Layer 2, Bitcoin Layer 2, and Web3 Game tokens


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 – BingX QA, known for its innovative approach to cryptocurrency research, has unveiled the 2024 Airdrop Guide featuring Ethereum Layer 2, Bitcoin Layer 2, and Web3 Game tokens.

In 2023, BingX QA released Airdrop Guides for tokens such as Starknet and Arbitrum, providing users with valuable insights into airdrop opportunities. Following these guidelines, numerous users participated in the Starknet airdrop in February 2024 and received a minimum of $1000 worth of STRK tokens. In response to inquiries from users eager for more airdrop opportunities, BingX QA intensified its exploration and research efforts.

The latest Airdrop Guide includes promising projects such as Ethereum Layer 2 Blast, Bitcoin Layer 2, Celestia, Ronin Network, and the ERC404 protocol.

Blast, developed by the NFT trading market Blur, is an Layer 2 public chain where users can receive airdrops by staking ETH.

The development of Bitcoin Layer 2 has been a hot topic, with the recent Merlin coin airdrop requiring staking of Bitcoin ecosystem’s BRC-20 Ordi tokens.

Celestia, being one of the earliest modular public chains, also requires staking of Tia tokens for airdrop eligibility.

Additionally, the ERC404 protocol released its first token, Pandora, in February 2024, with the promise of future airdrops for holders of Pandora tokens.

In order to facilitate user participation in airdrops, BingX has listed coins such as Ordi, Celestia, and Pandora on the spot trading market. Investors can use BingX Price Tools to access price estimates, valuations, and risk assessments to decide whether to purchase tokens for airdrop participation.

Peter, BingX QA’s Researcher, stated, “Despite the abundance of bull market airdrop projects, Ethereum’s price performance continues to correlate with Bitcoin’s price fluctuations. Since acquiring airdrops requires staking tokens of the respective public chains, investors should also be mindful of the risk of token price declines due to Bitcoin price depreciation.”

Hashtag: #bingx #btc #eth #blockchain #airdrop




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

BingX

BingX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, derivatives, grid, and copy trading services to users in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. With a user base of over 5 million, BingX facilitates connections between users, expert traders, and the platform itself in a secure and innovative manner. BingX recently listed and on the spot market.

Public Health Project Plays Part in Controlling Dengue Transmission in Vientiane Capital

A recent report by Save the Children showed a major reduction in dengue fever instances across Vientiane Capital, Laos, between 2022 and 2023.
FILE: young student looking at a cup of Wolbachia mosquitoes (photo: Save the Children)

A recent report by Save the Children signified a major reduction in dengue fever instances across Vientiane Capital, Laos, between 2022 and 2023.

Major Road Upgrade Project in Vientiane to Be Completed by March 2025

Sikhai-Sikeuth road upgrade. (Photo: Lao National Radio)

Residents and motorists traveling between Sikhai village in Sikhottabong district and Sikeuth village in Naxaithong district, Vientiane, can anticipate smoother journeys as the road upgrade project progresses steadily toward its anticipated completion by March 2025.

Newborns in Japan Are at a New Low, While Fewer Couples Marry

A pedestrian crossing a street with a child is seen through a taxi window in Tokyo. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

TOKYO (AP) — The number of babies born in Japan last year fell for an eighth straight year to a new low, government data showed Tuesday, and a top official said it was critical for the country to reverse the trend in the coming half-dozen years.

The 758,631 babies born in Japan in 2023 were a 5.1% decline from the previous year, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry. It was the lowest number of births since Japan started compiling the statistics in 1899.

The number of marriages fell by 5.9% to 489,281 couples, falling below a half-million for the first time in 90 years — one of the key reasons for the declining births. Out-of-wedlock births are rare in Japan because of family values based on a paternalistic tradition.

Surveys show that many younger Japanese balk at marrying or having families, discouraged by bleak job prospects, the high cost of living that rises at a faster pace than salaries and corporate cultures that are not compatible with having both parents work. Crying babies and children playing outside are increasingly considered a nuisance, and many young parents say they often feel isolated.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters Tuesday that the ongoing declining birth rate is in a “critical state.”

“The period over the next six years or so until the 2030s, when the younger population will start declining rapidly, will be the last chance we may be able to reverse the trend,” he said. “There is no time to waste.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called the low births “the biggest crisis Japan faces,” and put forward a package of measures that have included more support and subsidies, mostly for childbirth, children and their families.

But experts say they doubt whether the government’s efforts will be effective because so far they have largely focused on people who are already married or are planning to have children, while not adequately addressing a growing population of young people who are reluctant to go that far.

The number of births has been falling since 50 years ago, when it peaked at about 2.1 million. The decline to an annual number below 760,000 has happened faster than earlier projections predicting that would happen by 2035.

Japan’s population of more than 125 million is projected to fall by about 30% to 87 million by 2070, with four out of every 10 people at age 65 or older. A shrinking and aging population has big implications for the economy and for national security as the country seeks to fortify its military to counter China’s increasingly assertive territorial ambitions.

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI, The Associated Press

Calling All Global Innovators: Keep Up with the Golden Era of I&T

HKSTP heads to LEAP 2024 to fuel the Saudi and Middle East tech boom and spark collaboration between fast-rising global innovation forces amidst new phase of Belt and Road Initiative


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 – Two innovation and technology flagships in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Hong Kong Cyberport, are collaborating to co-host the first-ever Hong Kong Pavilion at Saudi Arabia’s largest tech event, “LEAP 2024”, in Riyadh from 4-7 March. The event will showcase 16 cutting-edge technologies from Hong Kong to over 172,000 visitors, symbolising a significant milestone for the Hong Kong I&T industry on the global stage.

Eight forward-looking startups and tech ventures from HKSTP will be featured at the Hong Kong Pavilion, with cutting-edge innovation from sectors such as biotech, healthtech, logistics, AI, robotics, and new energy (refer to Appendix for details of the eight companies). HKSTP aims to establish partnerships with Saudi businesses and inject new energy into the Belt and Road Initiative, which encompasses over 180 countries and international organisations, including the Middle East.

Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, stated, “A golden era of innovation and technology is emerging in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and across Asia, and we see incredible co-innovation potential in the joining of our two ecosystems in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. HKSTP’s participation in LEAP 2024 signifies our commitment to leaping into new worlds and embracing the new cradle of global innovation, which is multilateral and impactful. Our mission is to propel success by advancing in the journey from research to commercialisation, from innovation to financial success, for both home-grown and international startups.”

HKSTP is proud to forge strong connections between two of the world’s rapidly rising forces in global innovation. Hong Kong’s vibrant startup scene ranks second in the world and first in Asia among the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems, with an estimated value of the city’s startup ecosystem at US$70 billion, twice the global average.1 In parallel, the Saudi tech market reached an impressive US$40 billion by the end of 2022, solidifying its position as the largest in the MENA region.2

As part of the LEAP 2024 event, HKSTP will host a high-profile discussion panel focused on the growing biotech and healthtech sectors, which are key areas for collaboration as both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have prioritised them as pillars for economic diversification and future growth.

Titled “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come” the panel will be moderated by HKSTP’s CEO Mr Albert Wong and feature leaders in the Hong Kong biotech and healthtech innovation scene: Prof Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics; Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group; and Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communication, Information and Technology (MCIT) H.E. Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha visited Hong Kong Science Park at the “One Gateway Shared Vision – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region x Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” event in July 2023, presenting boundless opportunities for tech companies, start-ups and talent. Supported by MCIT Saudi Arabia, LEAP 2024 shall deepen cooperation of two I&T forces and fortify the Hong Kong-Saudi relations in the Belt and Road region.


For more information on LEAP 2024, please visit:

https://www.hkstp.org/our-community/events-and-happenings/leap-2024/

Hong Kong Pavilion @ LEAP 2024

Date: 4 to 7 March 2024

Venue: Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham, Saudi Arabia (Hall 5 – World Tech)

Booth Number: HKSTP H5.D10 | Cyberport: H5.C10

“Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come” Panel Session presented by HKSTP

Date: 4 March 2024

Time: 14:40 – 15:20

Venue: Orbital Stage, Hall 5

Data Sources:
1 https://www.investhk.gov.hk/es/why-hong-kong/whats-happening-hong-kong/a-global-hub-of-innovation-and-technology/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202023%20Emerging,fundraising%20hub%20for%20biotechnology%20companies.

2 https://www.frost.com/frost-perspectives/unlocking-growth-opportunities-saudi-arabias-booming-ict-sector/#:~:text=According%20to%20The%20Communications%2C%20Space,in%20reshaping%20policies%20and%20regulations

Appendix: HKSTP Park companies participating in LEAP 2024 (arranged in alphabetical order according to company names):

ALcarbo Technology Limited (ALcarbo)
ALcarbo is a biotech company pioneering a sustainable algae photobioreactor system to absorb and neutralise carbon dioxide. At LEAP 2024, Alcarbo will introduce its new carbon-capturing algae reactor.

Applied Technology Group Limited (ATG)
ATG is a healthtech company using cloud computing and big data analytics to develop one-stop healthcare management platforms. ClinicONE, a smart clinic solution for doctors and patients, will be showcased at LEAP 2024.

Cornerstone Robotics Limited (CSR)
CSR is committed to developing practical and innovative solutions and providing high-quality medical devices for users and patients around the world. Sentire Endoscopic Surgical System, a surgical robot developed by CSR, will make its debut in the Middle East at LEAP 2024.

Fano Labs Limited (Fano Labs)
AI expert Fano Labs will introduce Callinter, an AI interaction analytics system, at LEAP 2024. Callinter empowers contact centres to analyse customer interactions and specialises in analysing call recordings in multilingual and mixed language settings.

FJ Dynamics International Limited (FJ Dynamics)
FJ Dynamics is a robotic company providing digital and autonomous solutions for agriculture, construction, and other sectors. At LEAP 2024, FJ Dynamics will be showcasing the three components of its Digital Construction Management Platform – 3D LiDAR Scanner, Digital Construction Machine Control System, and RTK Rover.

Floship Limited (Floship)
Floship is a leading global circular supply chain and fulfilment solution provider for global e-commerce brands and crowdfunding campaigns. First time joining LEAP, Floship will introduce its new warehouse and fulfilment locations across the Middle East and Australia.

Geek Plus International Company Limited (Geek+)
Geek+ is a global leader in reliable mobile robotics and a smart logistics provider. In 2023, Geek+ opened the first robotic e-commerce fulfilment centre in Saudi Arabia with Starlinks. At LEAP 2024, Geek+ will demonstrate how its picking robots maximise warehouse efficiency and boost picking accuracy.

Halo Energy​ Limited (Halo Energy)
Halo Energy is a provider of smart and sustainable electric-vehicle (EV) charging solutions. First time joining LEAP, Halo Energy will showcase its award-winning Active Load Management System, which optimises power distribution to maximise efficiency, along with other charging management platforms.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 with a mission to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. HKSTP has created a thriving I&T ecosystem supporting over 10 unicorns with more than 13,000 research professionals and around 1,700 technology companies from 24 countries and regions focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.

We offer comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures on their I&T journey. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined for a new generation of industry.

To support Hong Kong’s future development and its growing demands of the I&T industry, HKSTP is actively connecting the city with Shenzhen. This aims to strengthen cross-border exchange, attract technology companies as well as talent from around the world, helping them go global by exploring the mainland China and overseas markets.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen, opened in September 2023 with a gross floor area of 31,000 square meters. The two buildings provide both dry and wet laboratories, co-working areas, conference and exhibition spaces, and more. We will focus on attracting enterprises in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability.

Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong, while reinforcing the city’s international I&T hub status as a launchpad for growth at the heart of the GBA innovation powerhouse.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

National Anti-Corruption Commission Thailand Exposes More Than 1,500 Instances of Corruption Through Proactive Investigations


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 – The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is steadfast in its role as Thailand’s principal agency for corruption prevention and suppression. The NACC’s National Corruption Deterrence Center (CDC) has reported the identification of 1,553* corruption cases with project values totaling over 140 billion baht between January 19, 2022, and the end of January 2024.

Mr. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the Secretary-General of the NACC, highlighted the CDC’s crucial role since its inception on January 19, 2022. The Center is instrumental in monitoring, evaluating, and investigating corruption cases, in line with the policy to actively prevent and suppress corruption. Over the past two years, the CDC’s effective preventative measures have significantly reduced the number of corruption cases within the suppression system.

The CDC’s operational report reveals the following actions taken on the identified cases:

  • 985 cases have undergone verification, and monitoring, and have been directed to the appropriate agencies for action.
  • 339 cases have been successfully resolved by the responsible agencies.
  • 169 cases are in the preparatory phase pending initial data verification.
  • 60 cases have been confirmed as corrupt activities and are now recorded in the Preliminary Examination System on Corruption Accusation (PESCA).

The cases reported to the CDC encompass various categories, including:

  • 1,151 cases related to the scrutiny of procurement and construction in public utility projects.
  • 223 cases of misconduct or neglect of duty.
  • 130 cases involving the misuse of public resources by state officials.
  • 47 cases of solicitation or acceptance of assets or other benefits by state officials.
  • 2 cases of unusual wealth amongst state officials.

The NACC underscores that the cumulative value of projects scrutinized by the CDC exceeds 146.65 billion baht. Without the CDC’s vigilant oversight, these funds could have potentially been lost to corruption.

Furthermore, the NACC is committed to leveraging all its resources to combat corruption, aiming to enhance Thailand’s reputation as a nation striving towards zero corruption. This effort promotes transparency and fosters trade and investment. The NACC’s comprehensive anti-corruption strategies and recommendations to the government reflect the dedication of officials towards achieving a corruption-free Thailand and improving the country’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score.

Despite the importance of the CPI score in the national strategy for anti-corruption (2018 – 2037), and the goal to score above 50, Transparency International’s 2023 CPI revealed that Thailand scored 35 points, ranking 108th out of 180 countries globally and 4th among ASEAN members.

Although the CPI score remains low, the NACC is determined to persist in its anti-corruption mission. The Commission believes that the true measure of success lies in the collective efforts of government, public, and private sectors working transparently, monitoring diligently, and uniting against corruption. With an unwavering commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, Thailand can achieve its goal of a corruption-free society.

The NACC acknowledges that while there has been significant improvement in the corruption situation in Thailand, the CPI score has not reflected this progress adequately. The Commission urges Transparency International to disclose the sources of their survey data and provide targeted recommendations, enabling precise resolutions to the issues identified.

* https://www.nacc.go.th/categorydetail/20180831184638361/20240215102232

Hashtag: #IntegrityWay #AntiCorruption #ZeroCorruption #NACC #NACF

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

National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Thailand

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is a constitutional independent organization and supervised by nine commissioners selected from various professions. It is authorised to undertake work on the prevention and suppression of malfeasance, particularly in government agencies, on assets investigations, as well as on the monitoring of ethics and virtues of political position holders.

It has the authority to file charges in court as well as support and build up awareness of the penalties for committing corruption. The NACC is supervised by the NACC Board and has the Office of the NACC as its administrative agency.

Since 1997, Thai Courts have ruled against and punished politicians, former ministers, high-ranking government officials as well as executives of the private sector in the thousands of cases submitted by the NACC.

Media OutReach Newswire Launches USA Press Release Distribution Network


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2024 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia’s first global newswire, has launched its own press release distribution network for the USA market.

Media and Journalists Insights

As the first global newswire in Asia to build a dedicated distribution network across the USA, clients will have unlimited access to a proprietary database of more than 50,000 journalists and editors covering more than 443 trade media categories, distribution to Associated Press (AP) Newsroom, and news posting on more than 430 news sites, including APNews, to provide extensive reach to local USA media outlets for corporate announcements, brand and product launches, partnerships, and brand awareness.

Across the US distribution, clients also will benefit from high engagement rates through Media OutReach Newswire’s journalist database of US media outlets that includes The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, People Magazine, New York Post, Digital Journal and The Washington Post. With email open rates of up to 25 per cent, Media OutReach Newswire’s US distribution is already offering clients unprecedented access to journalists and media outlets across the USA market.

Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, says the USA distribution network is focused on supporting PR professionals and PR agencies to build authentic media relations with journalists and editors and optimize news write-up opportunities.

“Through our proprietary Media and Journalist Insights, our clients are informed of the number of journalists that we distribute to, and how many journalists by publication have opened their release,” Kok says.

“This information has been lacking in the newswire industry and we are proud to be able to provide these insights to our clients. This journalist engagement provides holistic insights for better strategic communications planning and making informed strategic decisions.”

Media OutReach Newswire’s proprietary Media and Journalist Insights allows clients to monitor journalists’ interaction with their press release with detailed distribution details, email open rates and open rates by publication. This gives clients a powerful tool for strategic communications planning and making informed strategic decisions with holistic PR insights. These ready-to-use post-release reports allow communications professionals to generate intelligence reports in English and Simplified Chinese for C-Suite reporting.

Media OutReach Newswire guarantees news posting on all the world’s financial terminals, reaching financial professionals, investors, analysts, and fund managers globally via Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon, Dow Jones Newswire, Factset, Infront and Morningstar.

Access to international news partners allows brands to reach editors and journalists through Reuters News Agency, Associated Press (AP), Agence France Presse (AFP). Media OutReach Newswire also guarantees news posting to APNews, The Financial Times, Markets Insider, as well as data services of Acquire Media and Comtex.

An integrated communications solution for PR professionals, Media OutReach Newswire’s next generation AI-driven communications portal is redefining press release distribution and connecting brands in Asia to a global network of journalists and media outlets, powered by in-depth reports and PR campaign intelligence.

Media OutReach Newswire has been entrusted by PR and communication departments across Asia and internationally to build their global brand reputation in the USA by engaging journalists and editors for corporate and brand reputation, building media relations, and generating earned media coverage from journalists.

Hashtag: #MediaOutReachNewswire #pressrelease




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

Media OutReach Newswire

Launched in 2009, Media OutReach Newswire is the first global newswire founded in the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company operates regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, China, Thailand, and Taiwan.

Media OutReach Newswire was founded with an objective to facilitate Public Relations and Investor Relations professionals to build authentic relationships with journalists and editors and provide ready to use multiformat reports with pioneering insights and intelligence on Public Relations Campaign performance.

With SaaS portal and proprietary AI technology at its core, Media OutReach Newswire distributes multi-language and multimedia press releases directly to the inbox of editors and journalists to optimise write-ups, build media relations and post their press releases online to build visibility and strengthen organic SEO.

As a pioneering global newswire agency and the voice of Asian companies, Media OutReach Newswire is the only press release company that owns its distribution network in 26 countries across Asia Pacific region, USA, and with partners in Canada, Latin America, UK, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

For more information about us, please visit: