分类： society

Two Dubai students, Vanya Pahwa and Inaya Danish, have been selected to join the newly formed Dubai Students Council, a prestigious role that comes with significant responsibility. Inspired by the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the students are determined to focus on wellbeing, environmental action, and cultural awareness. Their selection was confirmed through personal letters from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marking a pivotal moment in their lives. Vanya, from Springdale School Dubai, and Inaya, from Bloom World Academy, both bring a wealth of experience in student leadership. Vanya’s journey began with her active participation in various school roles, which honed her ability to bridge the gap between students and teachers. Inaya, on the other hand, was driven by instinct when she applied for the Council, seeing it as an opportunity to make a difference. The selection process was rigorous, involving interviews and group tasks, but both students emerged as part of the final 40 chosen citywide. Their visions for the Council are deeply personal. Vanya aims to address mental health and real-life skills, while Inaya is passionate about environmental sustainability and cultural understanding. Both students received a copy of ‘Lessons from Life’ by Sheikh Mohammed, which has profoundly influenced their approach to leadership. Vanya was inspired by the message of taking initiative, while Inaya resonated with the idea of compassionate leadership. As they embark on this new chapter, both students see the Council not as a platform for personal gain, but as an opportunity to serve and make a lasting impact on their community.

Malaysia is set to enforce a nationwide ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16, effective from 2026. This decision aligns with a global trend of governments addressing the adverse effects of digital platforms on youth mental health and safety. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on Sunday that the government is studying age restriction mechanisms employed by countries like Australia to safeguard young users from online threats such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child exploitation. Fadzil emphasized the expectation that social media platforms will comply with the new regulation, preventing minors from creating accounts. The move comes amid escalating international scrutiny of tech giants like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta Platforms, which face lawsuits in the U.S. for their alleged role in exacerbating mental health crises among young users. Australia is set to deactivate accounts of users under 16 next month, while European nations like France, Spain, and Italy are piloting age verification systems. Indonesia, Malaysia’s neighbor, has also introduced measures to filter harmful content and strengthen age verification. Malaysia has intensified its oversight of social media platforms in recent years, citing a surge in harmful content, including online gambling and sensitive posts about race, religion, and royalty. Under new regulations effective since January, platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia must obtain a license to operate.

In a landmark ruling, a 33-year-old South Korean man, Kim Nok-wan, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating a sprawling online blackmail ring that sexually exploited 261 victims, including 16 minors he raped or assaulted. The Seoul Central District Court emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating that Kim’s actions necessitate his “permanent isolation from society.” Additionally, 10 accomplices received prison terms ranging from two to four years in what authorities have dubbed the largest cybersex crime case in the country’s history.

The city of Dali in China’s Yunnan province has become the focal point of cultural preservation and innovation as it launched a week-long promotion event for intangible cultural heritage brands on November 23, 2025. The event, which officially commenced on Sunday, features over 120 heritage brands, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditional craftsmanship and cultural practices unique to the region. Among the highlights was a live demonstration by a skilled artisan crafting a Dulong blanket, a testament to the intricate techniques passed down through generations. This initiative aims to elevate the visibility of these cultural treasures, fostering both local and international appreciation. The promotion week not only celebrates the artistic legacy of Yunnan but also seeks to integrate these heritage brands into modern markets, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. The event has drawn significant attention, with participants and visitors alike marveling at the diversity and depth of the cultural heritage on display.

The Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Scenic Area in Dunhuang city, located in Northwest China’s Gansu province, has recently become a breathtaking winter wonderland. On November 23, 2025, tourists flocked to the iconic site, which was adorned with a pristine blanket of snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque scene. The snow-covered dunes of Mingsha Mountain and the serene waters of Crescent Spring created a unique and mesmerizing view, drawing visitors from near and far. Known for its natural beauty and cultural significance, the area continues to be a major attraction, especially during the winter months when the snow adds an extra layer of charm. The local tourism industry has seen a boost as more people are inspired to experience the tranquil and awe-inspiring scenery. The event highlights the enduring appeal of Dunhuang’s natural landmarks and their ability to captivate visitors year-round.

In a remarkable recovery effort, the city of Shigatse in Southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region has successfully restored over 32,500 houses devastated by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri county in early January. The earthquake, which caused widespread destruction, left thousands of homes in ruins. However, within ten months, the local authorities have managed to rebuild and reinforce homes across 486 villages in seven counties. The reconstruction included the complete rebuilding of more than 22,000 houses and the reinforcement of an additional 10,500 homes. The first batch of residents affected by the quake were able to move into their new homes as early as August. The swift response included the immediate rollout of a post-disaster reconstruction plan, which involved field surveys, housing design, and debris clearance, all initiated within three days of the disaster. This extensive restoration project highlights the resilience and efficiency of the local government and community in the face of natural calamities.

Taiwanese travelers are increasingly drawn to explore the Chinese mainland, driven by the allure of social media and the mainland’s extensive railway network. This growing interest was evident at the 2025 Tainan Travel Expo, currently underway in southern Taiwan. The event features a booth by the Kaohsiung office of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits and Fujian province’s cultural and tourism department, showcasing Fujian’s top attractions and travel routes.

Carol Liu, a local resident planning a trip to Fujian next year, shared her positive experiences from three mainland trips over the past year. She highlighted the affordability and quality of food and accommodations, which have changed her friends’ initial hesitations. Liu also expressed hope for more direct flights to facilitate easier access to various destinations.

Nino Wang from Kaohsiung recounted her month-long solo journey across more than a dozen mainland destinations, including the lesser-known border city of Ruili in Yunnan. She praised the kindness of locals and the ease of travel, expressing a desire to visit Quanzhou in Fujian soon.

Wang Hsien-wen, vice director of the Tainan Association of Travel Agents, noted the mainland’s high-speed railway system’s role in making travel more accessible. He observed a shift among young travelers from traditional nature-focused trips to city-based explorations, inspired by social media platforms like RedNote and Douyin. Chongqing, with its unique metro train passing through an apartment building and the iconic Hongya Cave, has become a new favorite.

Despite this enthusiasm, practical obstacles remain. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan have yet to lift the ban on organized group tours to the mainland or remove the travel alert for Taiwan residents. Direct cross-Strait flights and routes are also not fully restored. Wang Hsien-wen hopes for the restoration and expansion of direct flights, which would save travelers time and allow for more extensive exploration.