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Legal aid in South Asia is failing to reach survivors of sexual violence


DHAKA, BANGLADESH – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2025 – Across South Asia, alarmingly high rates of sexual violence stand in stark contrast to extremely low conviction rates. Survivors encounter overwhelming barriers to justice—including weak enforcement of laws, lengthy delays in investigations and trials, and a lack of accessible survivor-centred legal support. State-run legal aid programmes in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have been established to assist marginalised communities, but the specific needs of sexual violence survivors are not being met, with many excluded or struggling to navigate complex legal systems.

A new advocacy brief from the South Asian Movement for Accessing Justice (SAMAJ) highlights gaps in legal assistance for survivors within legal aid delivery systems and outlines a roadmap for reform. Exploring Legal Aid Mechanisms: Lessons from South Asia offers practical guidance for governments, legal aid providers, justice institutions, and civil society actors to enhance access to justice for sexual violence survivors and victims’ families.

The brief builds on findings in the landmark report, Sexual Violence in South Asia: Legal and Other Barriers to Justice for Survivors. Co-authored by Equality Now, which is now the SAMAJ Secretariat, the research revealed how sexual violence laws are often poorly implemented and inconsistently enforced, with survivors frequently further victimised by communities and criminal justice systems. This places women and girls at heightened risk of abuse and makes justice less attainable.

SAMAJ identifies how public awareness of legal rights and services remains low. Legal processes are typically lengthy, confusing, and don’t meet survivors’ distinct requirements.

Under-resourced legal aid systems lack the funding and trained personnel required to provide timely, rights-based support. Rural areas face especially acute shortages of high-quality legal aid lawyers, leaving many survivors without effective assistance.

Intersecting forms of discrimination based on gender, age, disability, caste, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and religion must be addressed, with legal aid services tailored to meet the distinct needs of marginalised groups, including Dalit and Indigenous communities.

SAMAJ urges South Asian governments to strengthen the implementation of laws, enact legal reforms to close protection gaps, and increase investment in survivor-centred, locally accessible legal aid services.

Delivering meaningful access to justice requires expanding public awareness of legal aid and conducting targeted community outreach. States must prioritise inclusivity and foster strong partnerships between legal aid institutions and civil society organisations, as collaboration enhances effective development and supply of services. Bolstering training of legal professionals and monitoring legal aid provision are also critical.

Hashtag: #SouthAsianMovementforAccessingJustice #SAMAJ

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

About SAMAJ:

is a coalition of organisations from Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka that are united in their mission to end sexual violence and strengthen access to justice for survivors in South Asia. SAMAJ aims to respond to legal and systemic barriers by fostering collective action that drives meaningful legal and policy change. For more details, please see .

Nine Major Accolades for Kenanga Investment Bank at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2024


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2025 – Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga” or “the Group“) is proud to be recognised for its market-leading achievements at the prestigious Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 held at St. Regis Kuala Lumpur on 25 April 2025.

From left: Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director, Kenanga Investors Berhad; Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Non-Independent Executive Director, Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”); Datuk Lee Kok Khee, Executive Director, Head of Group Equity Business, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad; Tan Sri Abdul Wahid bin Omar, Chairman, Public Interest Director and Independent Non-Executive Director, Bursa Malaysia; and Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director & Head of Listed Derivatives, Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd.
From left: Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director, Kenanga Investors Berhad; Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Non-Independent Executive Director, Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”); Datuk Lee Kok Khee, Executive Director, Head of Group Equity Business, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad; Tan Sri Abdul Wahid bin Omar, Chairman, Public Interest Director and Independent Non-Executive Director, Bursa Malaysia; and Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director & Head of Listed Derivatives, Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd.

The event was graced by Yang Berhormat Puan Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Finance, and Tan Sri Abdul Wahid bin Omar, Chairman of Bursa Malaysia Berhad. Themed “Advancing Horizons, Celebrating Excellence”, the awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of both local and foreign financial institutions for their contributions to the growth of the country’s investment landscape in 2024.

The Group was awarded in the following categories:

  • Best Retail Equities Participating Organisation (Champion)
  • Best Structured Warrants Issuer (Equity Warrants) (Champion)
  • Best Structured Warrants Issuer (Index Warrants) (Champion)
  • Best Remisier (Champion) – Chu Yee Seng @ Chew Yee Seng
  • Best Overall Derivatives Trading Participant (Champion)
  • Best Trading Participant Commodity Derivatives (Champion)
  • Best Institutional Derivatives Trading Participant (Champion)
  • Best Trading Participant: Equity & Financial Derivatives (Champion)
  • Special Award – Thought Leadership – Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd

Kenanga’s listed derivatives business, Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd, retained its leading position, once again winning the Champion title for Best Overall Derivatives Trading Participant, a recognition of its consistent performance and market leadership in the derivatives space. The Group’s Stockbroking division also continued to reinforce its position as a key player in Malaysia’s retail broking industry, clinching the Champion title for Best Retail Equities Participating Organisation.

In addition, Kenanga’s Group Asset and Wealth Management arm secured the Special Award – Thought Leadership through Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd, recognised for launching Eq8WAQF, the world’s first Waqf-featured Exchange Traded Fund. Introduced under a newly established category, the award highlights meaningful innovations that are reshaping the investment landscape.

“These awards reflect the strength of our strategy, the resilience of our people, and our steadfast commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders. As we navigate an increasingly dynamic landscape, we remain focused on driving sustainable growth in Malaysia’s capital markets,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (197301002193 (15678-H))

Established for over 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“The Group“) is a leading financial group in Malaysia, offering a wide range of services, including equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending, and trade financing. The Group’s digital innovations include the launch of KDi GO, a wealth-centric app, along with game-changing products such as Rakuten Trade, Malaysia’s first fully digital stockbroking platform, and Kenanga Digital Investing, an A.I. robo-advisor.

Kenanga has garnered multiple awards, including top honours at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2023 and The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club 2023. The Group also secured the Top 20 Overall Excellence and the Niche Cap Excellence Award at the National Corporate Governance and Sustainability Awards 2024. As one of the highest- scoring constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, Kenanga continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the financial industry.

For more information, please visit

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability Department.

Kaplan Higher Education Academy Recognised For Excellence And Trust

Kaplan wins Singapore Business Review International Business Awards 2025 and Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands 2025


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2025 – In recognition of its continued excellence in education and student development, Kaplan Higher Education Academy (Kaplan) has clinched two prestigious accolades: the Singapore Business Review (SBR) International Business Awards 2025 in the Educational Management category, and the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Award 2025 (Gold) in the Private Higher Institutions category.

Established in 2014, the SBR International Business Awards honours the outstanding achievements of foreign companies with global headquarters outside of Singapore, celebrating innovative strategies, transformative business initiatives, and impactful contributions. Kaplan’s win affirms its commitment to Raising the Bar in Education with Academic Excellence and Holistic Student Development.

As part of its dedication to delivering high-quality education that seamlessly integrates academic rigour and student well-being, Kaplan has made significant investments in its campuses, including its new city campuses at Odeon 331 and 333, now offering 100,000 square feet of modern learning spaces across three centrally located campuses.

To encourage interactive teaching and hands-on education, Kaplan offers purpose-built High-Capacity Computer Labs that are equipped with NVIDIA graphics, Intel Core i9 processors, dual monitors, and an inverted-U layout. Kaplan Odeon Campuses also encourage collaborative learning through the 31 modern classrooms, including The Nexus and The Connexion, as well as cosy study corners for focused research, group discussions, and independent studies. Part of its well-rounded learning environment is also a Wellness Room and a Club Room, alongside a comprehensive suite of support services that prioritise mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Specifically addressing the diverse needs and varied commitments of today’s learners, Kaplan offers flexible learning options, including recorded classes for on-demand access, synchronous online delivery, blended learning models, and 100% assignment-based programmes. Students can further enhance their expertise through the various Double Specialisation Diplomas, Double Majors, and Double Master’s Degrees offered at Kaplan, broadening their skill sets for multi-disciplinary career opportunities. Additionally, Kaplan aligns its programme offerings with the SkillsFuture Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report1 to ensure graduates are equipped with in-demand competencies for high-growth sectors.

Kaplan remains steadfast in its resolve to empower the futures of students and graduates through career readiness and employability. Through industry collaborations and practical learning experiences, personalised career coaching, a dynamic alumni network and over 400 employability events providing skills development, networking opportunities, and career insights, Kaplan ensures students are workforce-ready.

With an overall student satisfaction score of 4.4 out of 52 and 9 in 10 graduates employed within six months3, Kaplan continues to drive positive outcomes through its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. As a forward-thinking institution, Kaplan continues to shape the future of education by offering a complete package – flexible, student-centric learning models, and industry-aligned programmes, all anchored in a vibrant and supportive campus environment that fosters engagement, wellness, and success.

Commenting on Kaplan’s achievement, Alex Chevrolle, Managing Director at Kaplan Higher Education Academy said, “As one of Singapore’s leading providers of private education, this esteemed recognition reaffirms our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, industry relevance, and holistic student development across all levels of study, such as Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Financial Certifications.”

The story of Kaplan began with Stanley Kaplan’s vision to make higher education accessible to all students based on their academic merit and regardless of their background. Founded on this belief, Kaplan Inc. has built a longstanding legacy in education, empowering learners worldwide. In Singapore, Kaplan continues to uphold this commitment, guided by the conviction that education holds the power to open doors, helping students pass any test, achieve any goal, and reach every milestone they aspire to.

Today, Kaplan in Singapore is recognised as a trusted brand by Singaporeans, having been awarded Gold in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Award 2025 for the fourth consecutive year since 2022. Since its launch in 1999, the Trusted Brands survey has become a reliable benchmark of quality and reliability, recognising brands that Singaporeans trust most in their daily lives. Being acknowledged as a Trusted Brand is more than a badge of honour; it affirms that, beyond academic outcomes, Kaplan continues to stand out as a brand that delivers on its promises—empowering individuals, nurturing aspirations, and creating positive impact on lives and careers.

For more information on Kaplan’s notable achievements, please visit: https://www.kaplan.com.sg/why-kaplan-awards-and-accolades


[2] Kaplan Student Course Evaluation 2024.
[3] All statistics are based on the Kaplan Graduate Employment Survey 2021/2022 conducted by Nexus Link Pte Ltd for graduating cohorts between June 2021 – August 2022. Respondents include full-time (FT) graduates: 917; and part-time (PT) graduates: 2,190. This survey is not the same survey conducted by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). The SSG Graduate Employment Survey may therefore not be directly comparable due to some differences in sample size scope between the two surveys. Base: FT & PT Diploma + External Degree Programme graduates (FT & PT employed + Self-employed + Freelance + Seeking employment).

Hashtag: #KaplanSingapore #KaplanTheChoice #SingaporeBusinessReview #ReadersDigest





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

About Kaplan (Singapore)

Kaplan (Singapore) is part of Kaplan Inc., one of the world’s most diverse education providers, and is 4-year EduTrust certified, demonstrating the excellent quality of our programmes and services, as well as business operations. To date, Kaplan (Singapore) has students from over 55 countries and regions, and has served more than 100,000 graduates. With over 450 academic and professional certification programme options for higher learning and skills development, Kaplan (Singapore) provides opportunities for individuals to pursue lifelong learning. Find out more at .

About Kaplan

Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries and regions continue Stanley’s mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 15,000 corporate clients, and 3,300 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at .

Thai Prosecutors Drop Royal Insult Charge Against United States Academic

Thai Prosecutors Drop Royal Insult Charge Against United States Academic
Paul Chambers photographed at the Phitsanulok Provincial Court (photo credit: The Isaan Record)

AFP – On 1 May, Thai prosecutors dropped royal defamation charges against an American scholar accused of insulting the monarchy over an article published on a political website.

Australians more anxious ahead of 2025 election

New research reveals growing scepticism around political news, social media, and AI-generated misinformation

SYDNEY, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Australians are heading into the 2025 federal election with higher anxiety levels than in both 2022 and 2019, with economic instability, global tensions, and misinformation among their biggest concerns.

According to the Real Concerns Report 2025 by Real Insurance, Australians’ concern level has risen to an index score of 61.9, up from 59.7 in 2022 and 44.5 in 2019. To paint a picture of the top worries on Australians’ minds as they head into the election, the survey asked respondents to identify their overall greatest concern.

Greatest Overall Concerns for Australians in 2025:

  • Financial concerns (i.e., cost of living, economic stability, and financial security) – 52%
  • Health concerns (i.e., efforts required to eat/exercise right, stay safe, and be healthy) – 13%
  • State of the nation (i.e., clarity in government policies, stability in local politics, international relations) – 13%
  • Climate change and environment (i.e., degrading environment and legacy left for children) – 10%
  • Work and education (i.e., work-life balance, stress, career development, and job security) – 7%

Compounding these concerns this election year is the rise of misinformation. Nearly nine in ten (87%) Australians are concerned that deepfakes and AI-altered images make it harder to distinguish real from fake, while 86 per cent worry about misinformation spreading rapidly online. This scepticism extends to political news, with two-thirds (66%) reporting feeling more sceptical than in previous election years.

Over one in three (33%) have corrected or fact-checked someone close to them about misinformation, a trend particularly prevalent among younger generations. The report also highlights concerns about the negative influence of social media on political discourse (85%).

Dr. Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, Associate Professor at The University of Technology Sydney, comments: “Voters need to understand that even factually accurate content can be weaponised when presented selectively or out of context to trigger specific emotional responses”.

In response to rising scepticism, Australians are actively adopting more rigorous news verification habits. Nearly 4 in 5 (77%) are making a conscious effort to fact-check political news, primarily by checking multiple news sources (59%) and assessing the credibility of news outlets (40%). Furthermore, the majority (86%) have changed their tech habits to avoid misinformation, including avoiding clickbait (41%) and relying on trusted news sources (36%).

For more information or to access the full Real Concerns Report 2025, click here.

AROA hits evidence milestone with real-world study validating the efficacy of Endoform in treating challenging venous leg ulcers.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Soft tissue regeneration company, Aroa Biosurgery, is pleased to announce a milestone in clinical evidence.

There are now over 100 peer-reviewed studies describing the efficacy of the company’s proprietary AROA ECM technology.

AROA’s most recent publication was a large retrospective analysis of real-world evidence (RWE) from wound care centers in the US, assessing the efficacy of the company’s Endoform NaturalTM product in treating venous leg ulcers (VLUs), in comparison to a leading reconstituted collagen dressing.

VLU’s are open sores that are hard-to-heal because of impaired blood flow and can be very debilitating and painful.  These types of wounds are difficult for clinicians to treat successfully. For example, only ~40% of VLUs can be healed after 3 months of treatment and there is a relatively high chance that these wounds will recur[1].

The peer-reviewed study, entitled “Clinical Efficacy of Ovine Forestomach Matrix and Collagen/Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose for the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers: A Retrospective Comparative Real-World Evidence Study” was published in the open access journal ‘International Wound Journal in April 2025.

The study compared 470 VLU’s that had been treated with Endoform Natural to 360 VLU’s that had been treated with a reconstituted collagen product. The study used existing data from 223 wound care centers with minimal inclusion or exclusion criteria so that ‘real-world’ use of both products could be compared.

“There is a growing awareness of RWE studies to validate clinical performance” says Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Barnaby May. “These types of studies enable much larger patient numbers to be compared versus traditional randomized controlled trials. Given that RWE studies use data from ‘real-world’ use of a treatment, the results can be more meaningful, especially in wound care where there is a high degree of variability in how wounds are cared for and patient factors.”

The study found that VLUs treated with Endoform Natural healed up to ~ 8 weeks faster versus the comparator group, and the chances of the wound healing were significantly improved when Endoform Natural was used as part of treatment.

The striking difference in the healing outcomes demonstrate the potential for considerable cost reductions and improvements in patient quality of life, due to the significant improvements seen when VLUs were treated using Endoform Natural.

Dr. Gregory Bohn MD was part of the research team. “I was first introduced to Endoform in 2012 and started using the product to treat my own patients with VLUs. This new data validates what I have seen in my own practice managing VLUs with Endoform.”

This is the second large retrospective RWE comparing Endoform Natural to a leading reconstituted collagen dressing. A previous study included the analysis of over 2,200 diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and also demonstrated significantly faster healing of DFUs using Endoform Natural[2].

The study is available online here.

[1] Kolluri R, Lugli M, Villalba L, Varcoe R, Maleti O, Gallardo F, et al. An estimate of the economic burden of venous leg ulcers associated with deep venous disease. Vasc Med. 2022;27(1):63-72.

[2] Bosque BA, Frampton C, Chaffin AE, Bohn GA, Woo K, DeLeonardis C, Lepow BD, Melin MM, Madu T, Dowling SG, May BCH. Retrospective real-world comparative effectiveness of ovine forestomach matrix and collagen/ORC in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Int Wound J. 2022 May;19(4):741-753.

Korea Electric Power Corporation Files 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F

NAJU, South Korea, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 28, 2025, Korea Electric Power Corporation (NYSE: KEP) (“KEPCO”) filed its annual report including audited consolidated financial statements on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The report is available at KEPCO’s website, home.kepco.co.kr/kepco/EN/ (Investor Relations – IR Information – U.S. Filing), as well as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website, www.sec.gov. Investors may request a hard copy of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F, free of charge upon request by sending an email to taeseop.eom@kepco.co.kr.

Neumann Introduces RIME

An Integrated Solution for Monitoring Immersive Audio on Headphones

BERLIN, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — German pro audio specialist Neumann is proud to announce the release of RIME (Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment), a new software solution for Neumann headphones. RIME enables music producers and mixing engineers to monitor immersive formats like Dolby Atmos in reference quality, providing an excellent alternative when a multichannel loudspeaker setup is unavailable or when working on the go.

RIME (Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment) a newly launched software solution for Neumann headphones
RIME (Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment) a newly launched software solution for Neumann headphones

“Immersive audio is the new standard. Streaming services favor content that can be enjoyed in spatial audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality. More and more DAWs now offer immersive audio capabilities, and engineers, producers, and musicians alike are eager to explore these new possibilities. Reliable monitoring is essential for this,” said Yasmine Riechers, CEO of Neumann. “With RIME, we’re offering an integrated solution that meets these evolving needs, providing a more cost-effective and mobile alternative to loudspeaker-based monitoring solutions. Our NDH headphones have the same carefully balanced sound as our studio KH studio monitors, making it easy to switch between the two. With RIME this unique benefit extends to immersive monitoring as well.”

Neumann RIME Room View
Neumann RIME Room View

RIME is a plug-in for all major DAWs on Mac and PC (VST3/AU/AAX) and is typically used on the output or monitoring bus. It converts multichannel formats to binaural audio, retaining surround and height channel information, thus enabling users to monitor and mix content in formats such as Dolby Atmos using headphones.

RIME captures a real purpose-built studio room using reference-quality Neumann equipment throughout. Immersive setups of Neumann KH Line loudspeakers and subwoofers were installed by acoustics experts and fine-tuned using MA 1 automatic monitor alignment. The three-dimensional sound field was captured using the legendary KU 100 binaural head microphone connected to Neumann’s acclaimed MT 48 audio interface featuring cutting-edge preamp and converter technology. This state-of-the-art setup ensures pristine sound quality throughout the entire signal chain.

“As RIME is made for Neumann headphones exclusively, this perfect signal chain extends all the way to the user,” explained Product Manager Jorma Marquardt. “Our NDH 20 and NDH 30 headphones are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. And of course, we know all their acoustic parameters. Using groundbreaking AMBEO algorithms, we are able to realize true immersion with unmatched sonic consistency and razor-sharp 3D localization.”

Unlike competing solutions that confound the user with a multitude of options and different sounding virtual spaces, RIME is easy to use and reproduces one reference room as a single source of truth. “RIME is not a simulation but captures an optimal control room in ultimate quality. RIME sounds real, because it is real!” Marquardt stated.          

For added realism, RIME supports OSC compatible head tracker devices to create a listening experience that responds to the user’s head move–ments. Moreover, RIME can also be used for stereo playback to enjoy a loudspeaker-like listening experience without the in-head localization typically associated with headphones. This feature enables users to check their mixes for loudspeaker compatibility using Neumann headphones, allowing them to mix with confidence that their tracks will translate perfectly to all playback systems.

With the launch of RIME, Neumann continues to serve the audio community with pioneering innovation. RIME makes immersive audio accessible and easy to handle. Finally, mix engineers can work from anywhere. Likewise, artists can now approve immersive mixes using NDH headphones, without having to visit a physical studio.

RIME is out now and available from authorized Neumann dealers. RIME licenses can also be purchased directly from the Neumann web shop (select countries only).

Price: EUR 99.00 / USD 99.95 / GBP 85.00

System Requirements
Mac: macOS 10.15 and above, Intel and Apple Silicon native
PC: Windows 10 and above
Plug-in formats: VST3, AU, AAX
Compatible with major DAWs such as Pro Tools, Pyramix, Logic, Reaper, Cubase/Nuendo

More information: www.neumann.com/en-gb/products/software/rime