Global Pulse

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  • 4 scientists awarded Shaw Prize in Hong Kong

    4 scientists awarded Shaw Prize in Hong Kong

    On October 21, 2025, the prestigious Shaw Prize was awarded to four eminent scientists at a grand ceremony held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The laureates, recognized for their groundbreaking contributions across three categories, each received a cash award of $1.2 million. The event highlighted the global significance of their work and underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation.

    In the field of Astronomy, the prize was jointly awarded to John Richard Bond, a professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, and George Efstathiou, an astrophysics professor at the University of Cambridge. Their pioneering research in cosmology has led to precise determinations of the universe’s age, geometry, and mass-energy content.

    Wolfgang Baumeister, director emeritus and scientific member of the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, was honored in the Life Science and Medicine category. His development and application of cryogenic-electron tomography have revolutionized the three-dimensional visualization of biological samples in their natural cellular environments.

    Kenji Fukaya, a professor at the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications and the Yau Mathematical Sciences Center of Tsinghua University, received the Mathematical Sciences prize. His innovative work on symplectic geometry, particularly the conceptualization of the Fukaya category, has had a profound impact on the field.

    Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, lauded the laureates for their exceptional contributions to science and civilization. He emphasized the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s dedication to advancing innovation and technology through substantial investments in research and development. Lee also paid homage to the late physicist Chen Ning Yang, a Nobel laureate and founding member of the Shaw Prize, for his transformative influence on modern physics and his commitment to China’s scientific and educational progress.

    Established in 2002 and managed by the Shaw Prize Foundation, the Shaw Prize has been awarded annually since 2004, celebrating remarkable scientific achievements on an international scale.

  • Journalists imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia win EU’s top human rights award

    Journalists imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia win EU’s top human rights award

    In a powerful statement supporting press freedom, the European Union has awarded its prestigious Sakharov Prize to two journalists currently imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision on Wednesday, highlighting their unwavering commitment to justice and democracy. Andrzej Poczobut, a correspondent for Poland’s Gazeta Wyborcza, is serving an eight-year sentence in Belarus for allegedly “harming national security.” Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent Georgian journalist and founder of independent media outlets, was sentenced to two years for slapping a police chief during an anti-government protest—a case widely criticized as an attack on media freedom. Both journalists have become symbols of the fight for human rights and democracy in their respective countries. The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, honors individuals or groups defending fundamental freedoms. This year’s award sends a strong message of solidarity to political prisoners worldwide, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime. The ceremony will take place in December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, accompanied by a €50,000 ($58,000) endowment.

  • A visual feast showcases modern China through global lenses

    A visual feast showcases modern China through global lenses

    A captivating photography exhibition titled ‘The Greater Bay Area Sightings’ recently opened at the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia, Los Angeles, offering a unique glimpse into modern China through the lenses of five acclaimed photographers. The exhibition, themed ‘Reflections of the Greater Bay Area: The Future City Through Our Eyes,’ showcases the work of Nick Ut, Irfan Khan, Ringo Chiu, Michael Nelson, and Sarah Reingewirtz, who traveled through the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in September. Their photographs capture the region’s energy, beauty, and potential, reflecting China’s path toward modernization and openness. Nick Ut, the Vietnamese-American photographer renowned for his Pulitzer Prize-winning image ‘The Terror of War,’ expressed his deep affection for China, highlighting the peace and joy he found in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Irfan Khan’s works, including ‘Unseen,’ portray the serenity and vibrancy of modern Chinese life, while Ringo Chiu’s images emphasize Hong Kong’s resilience and economic integration. Michael Nelson’s piece ‘Flowing’ captures the dynamic rhythm of Hong Kong’s skyline, symbolizing China’s rapid modernization. The exhibition’s curatorial theme, ‘FUTURE,’ is explored through six key words: Flowing, Unseen, Tech-driven, Unique, Resilient, and Enjoyable. Organized by Guangdong Radio and Television and R & C Media Group, the exhibition aims to present the Greater Bay Area in a global context, using photography as a universal language to tell the story of China’s development and its place in the world.

  • Louvre reopens three days after French crown jewels stolen

    Louvre reopens three days after French crown jewels stolen

    The Louvre Museum in Paris has resumed operations three days after a daring daylight robbery saw thieves make off with €88 million worth of jewelry. The museum reopened its doors at 09:00 local time on Wednesday, though the Apollo Gallery, the site of the heist, remains closed. The audacious theft, which took place on Sunday morning, involved masked thieves using power tools to break into the museum and escape on scooters within eight minutes. The stolen items include a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife, a tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, and several pieces from Queen Marie-Amelie’s collection. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for accelerated security enhancements at the Louvre, labeling the incident an attack on the nation’s heritage. A preliminary investigation revealed significant lapses in the museum’s security, including the absence of CCTV in one-third of its rooms and a malfunctioning alarm system. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, is scheduled to address the French Senate’s culture committee to discuss the incident. Meanwhile, French authorities have intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expressing confidence in their capture. The heist has prompted a nationwide review of security measures at cultural institutions.

  • UAE: New assessments for Arabic, English, Math in schools; weightings explained

    UAE: New assessments for Arabic, English, Math in schools; weightings explained

    The United Arab Emirates has introduced a groundbreaking diagnostic assessment system in public and private schools following the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum. This initiative, aimed at enhancing personalized learning, focuses on identifying individual student strengths and challenges early in the academic year. The system combines classroom-based evaluations with centralized diagnostic exams in core subjects—Arabic, English, and Mathematics—targeting approximately 26,000 students in Grades 4 to 11 during its initial phase. The assessment framework varies by grade level, with weightings adjusted to reflect developmental needs. For instance, Grades 1–2 rely entirely on school-based evaluations, while Cycle 3 students (Grades 9–11) have 60% of their assessments centralized. School leaders emphasize that the system provides teachers with immediate insights into student performance, enabling tailored instruction and targeted interventions. Principals like Shiny Davison of Woodlem Park School Hamidiya highlight the strategic integration of assessments into the academic schedule, supported by teacher training in data analysis. Similarly, Natalia Svetenok of Woodlem British School, Ajman, notes the alignment of diagnostic practices with national standards, ensuring every student is supported from day one. Parents will receive regular updates on their child’s progress, fostering a collaborative approach to education. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to data-driven, responsive teaching and improved student outcomes.

  • Botswana calls for youth, local communities to seize mining opportunities, diversify economy

    Botswana calls for youth, local communities to seize mining opportunities, diversify economy

    Botswana’s government and financial institutions have issued a clarion call to the nation’s youth and local communities to actively engage in the mining sector, leveraging partnerships and financing opportunities to foster economic diversification. The appeal was made during the opening of the Botswana Mining Show in Gaborone on October 21, 2025, where key officials outlined the country’s strategic vision for sustainable industrial growth. Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa, speaking on behalf of President Duma Boko, emphasized Botswana’s transition from a raw mineral exporter to a regional leader in mineral beneficiation and value-added transformation. He underscored the critical role of technology, innovation, and a digital-enabled economy in achieving this goal. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Noah Salakae highlighted Botswana’s vast untapped mineral resources, including coal, copper, nickel, gold, and rare earth elements, which are pivotal for global renewable energy and advanced technology sectors. Salakae urged citizens to explore creative funding options and joint ventures to operationalize mining licenses, positioning Botswana as a hub for responsible and diversified mining. The government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in non-diamond minerals to reduce reliance on diamond exports and broaden the economic base. The three-day event, expected to draw 10,000 participants, aims to catalyze collaboration among ministers, entrepreneurs, financiers, and students to shape Botswana’s mining future.

  • Farm work helps autistic youths improve life skills

    Farm work helps autistic youths improve life skills

    On a sunny autumn day in Tianjin, a group of teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents were actively engaged in harvesting corn and sweet potatoes at Hui’ai Farm. Established by eight families with autistic or intellectually disabled children, the farm, whose name translates to ‘collecting love,’ has become a sanctuary for these youths to develop essential life skills. Yunyao, a 17-year-old autistic youth, shared his joy after tasting the corn he helped grow, saying, ‘It’s very yummy.’ His father, Zhu Xijun, a former lawyer, has dedicated himself to the farm since leasing the land in October 2024, emphasizing that the initiative is not about profit but about providing meaningful activities for the children. Autism spectrum disorder, which affects 13 million people in China, presents challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and emotional regulation. Guan Xiaoyan, another founder, quit her job as a software engineer to care for her autistic son, who had regressed in life skills after leaving school. She noted that farm work has helped him become more cooperative and sociable. The farm has also received support from local enterprises and individuals, including Liu Zhiqiang, a villager with a limb disability, who finds fulfillment in helping the children. China has made strides in early screening, diagnosis, and rehabilitation for ASD, with initiatives like inclusive education and employment programs for disabled individuals. Hui’ai Farm, which yielded over 500 kg of corn and 15,000 kg of sweet potatoes this year, aims to develop high-value agricultural products to enhance the youths’ skills and the farm’s sustainability. Zhu expressed hope that the farm will inspire similar initiatives to support people with mental challenges.

  • History shows two sides fought to be together

    History shows two sides fought to be together

    A significant exhibition is currently underway, chronicling the historical efforts of Taiwan compatriots to reunite with the Chinese mainland. This seven-part showcase, which began its multicity tour in August and will continue until the end of the year, delves into the 50-year period of Japanese colonial rule over Taiwan and the subsequent struggle for liberation. The exhibition, organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots in collaboration with several institutions, including the Fujian Provincial Archives and Fujian Normal University, highlights the collective efforts of Taiwanese and mainland Chinese people in reclaiming the island. A pivotal moment in this history is the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession on October 25, 1945, when the Chinese government resumed control following Japan’s surrender in World War II. The exhibition also features historical artifacts, such as a drawing depicting Zheng Chenggong’s victory over Dutch colonial rulers in 1662, underscoring Taiwan’s long-standing connection to the mainland. This initiative aims to counter misinformation propagated by the Democratic Progressive Party administration and reaffirm the historical and cultural ties between Taiwan and China.

  • Seminar eyes fresh Sino-Australian growth frontiers

    Seminar eyes fresh Sino-Australian growth frontiers

    A recent seminar in Melbourne has underscored the growing momentum in economic cooperation between China and Australia, with participants emphasizing the potential for deeper collaboration in finance, clean energy, and emerging industries. The event, themed ‘Australia-China Economic Relations: Future Prospects,’ was part of the Bank of China Melbourne Branch’s 30th anniversary celebrations and the Victoria Business Confucius Institute’s Doing Business with China Workshop Series 2025. Craig Emerson, managing director of Emerson Economics and a former Australian trade minister, highlighted the renewed exchanges between the two countries, which he said are helping rebuild goodwill and restore trust. Emerson, who recently co-chaired the latest round of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue in Beijing, noted that the talks have not only restored the good relationship but are now opening a new chapter. He also pointed out the economic complementarity between the two countries, with trade relationships evolving as China’s demands change what is bought and sold. Fang Xinwen, Chinese consul general in Melbourne, emphasized the resilience and long-term momentum of China’s economy and expressed optimism for deeper bilateral economic collaboration. He mentioned that the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China is convening its fourth plenary session in Beijing to deliberate on a blueprint for China’s development over the next five years, marking the opening of a new chapter in the country’s modernization drive. Fang also highlighted that China will continue to advance reform and opening-up, develop new quality productive forces, and release the potential of its vast market, bringing more opportunities and confidence to countries including Australia. Last month, the Australian state of Victoria released a new strategy outlining its engagement with China over the next five years, envisioning ‘a new golden era’ of cooperation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and innovation. Fang said the strategy would inject renewed momentum and offer clearer direction for deepening bilateral economic engagement. Li Mang, general manager of Bank of China Sydney Branch and chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Australia, noted that China is developing new quality productive forces through technological innovation and green transformation, while Australia is prioritizing clean energy, critical minerals, and local manufacturing—areas that align closely with China’s development strategy. Li emphasized that by leveraging complementary strengths and promoting innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable investment, both countries can unlock new drivers of growth and enhance long-term competitiveness. He also stressed the importance of strengthening not only trade and investment ties but also cultural and educational exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the business and academic communities of both countries. Emerson added that future cooperation could expand into health services and artificial intelligence, noting that home-based rehabilitation, aged care, and AI-assisted medical diagnostics could benefit both countries and the wider region under Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation-related mechanisms.

  • Ukraine unveils upgraded sea drone it says can strike anywhere in the Black Sea

    Ukraine unveils upgraded sea drone it says can strike anywhere in the Black Sea

    Ukraine’s state security service, the SBU, has introduced an upgraded version of its maritime drone, the ‘Sea Baby,’ which now boasts enhanced capabilities, including artificial intelligence (AI) for precision targeting, extended operational range, and the ability to carry heavier payloads. This cutting-edge unmanned vessel has been instrumental in Ukraine’s strategic strikes against Russian naval assets and infrastructure in the Black Sea, forcing Russia to relocate its primary naval base from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. The Sea Baby’s range has been expanded to 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), and it can now carry up to 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) of payload, making it a formidable tool in modern naval warfare. At a recent demonstration attended by The Associated Press, variants of the drone were showcased, including models equipped with multiple-rocket launchers and stabilized machine-gun turrets. Brig. Gen. Ivan Lukashevych of the SBU highlighted the drone’s advanced features, such as AI-assisted targeting systems, the ability to deploy small aerial attack drones, and multilayered self-destruct mechanisms to prevent capture. The Sea Baby has evolved from a single-use strike craft to a reusable, multipurpose platform, marking a significant advancement in asymmetric naval warfare. The SBU emphasized that the drone’s development has been partially funded by public donations through a state-run initiative and is closely coordinated with Ukraine’s military and political leadership. The Sea Baby has already been used in successful attacks against 11 Russian vessels, including frigates and missile carriers, and has played a key role in high-profile strikes, such as repeated attacks on the Crimean Bridge. The SBU’s pioneering efforts in this new form of naval warfare underscore Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging technology to counter Russian aggression effectively.