分类： society

The UK’s Charity Commission has initiated a compliance case into Policy Exchange, a prominent think-tank, following a detailed complaint by the Good Law Project. The 27-page complaint alleges that Policy Exchange, registered as a charity, has violated charity law by engaging in partisan activities rather than fulfilling its stated mission of non-partisan public education. The think-tank, founded in 2002 by Conservative MPs, is accused of lobbying, influencing government policy, and producing biased reports. The Good Law Project claims that Policy Exchange’s activities are primarily aimed at policymakers, politicians, and journalists, rather than educating the public in a balanced manner. The complaint also highlights the think-tank’s focus on right-wing politics, including a year-long festival celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s centenary and its controversial stance on transgender issues. Policy Exchange has been influential in shaping counter-terrorism policies and was a key promoter of the discredited ‘Trojan Horse’ narrative, which falsely accused Muslim teachers of plotting to Islamize Birmingham schools. Despite the controversy, Policy Exchange continues to produce reports on topics such as Islamophobia and Churchill’s legacy. The Good Law Project has urged the Charity Commission to take action, warning of potential legal challenges if the regulator fails to address the alleged breaches.

The Shanghai Youth Online Public Service Center, initially established in 2005 as a local counseling service, has grown into a robust mental health support network, serving over 594,000 individuals and addressing critical emergencies. The center offers a wide range of services through multiple channels, including the 12355 hotline, online platforms, face-to-face consultations, and crisis intervention. Wu Zhihui, the center’s director general, emphasized the platform’s comprehensive approach, which includes mental health support, legal consultation, and youth rights protection. The center handles approximately 300 calls daily, with peaks reaching 500, reflecting a significant shift in public attitudes toward mental health. Wu noted that the increasing call volume, rather than being a cause for concern, indicates a growing awareness and willingness to seek help. The center has shifted its focus toward preventive measures and early intervention, maintaining rigorous professional standards. All volunteer counselors are required to hold certifications in psychological counseling or social work, pass strict examinations, and undergo background checks. The diverse volunteer team, ranging from individuals in their 20s to 70s, with an average age of 40, underscores the center’s broad appeal and expertise. A notable trend is the increasing number of direct calls from teenagers themselves, rather than their parents, with children as young as 13-14 and university students reaching out for support. The service has expanded beyond Shanghai, assisting callers from other provinces through both online chat services and offline counseling. The center has handled various critical situations, including rescuing a teenager trapped in Myanmar, addressing adolescent depression, and responding to domestic violence cases. Song Yaru, a 79-year-old psychological counseling expert with nearly two decades of experience at the center, shared a memorable case involving a suicidal 26-year-old. The young man later told her, ‘Seeing how you’re still helping others at your age makes me believe I too can live a good life.’ Song expressed her dedication to the center, motivated purely by her commitment to youth work. He Lingfeng, a psychology professor at Shanghai University of Sports and a counseling expert on 12355, highlighted the platform’s broader impact. With over 1,300 volunteer counselors and experts, the 12355 team has become increasingly professional, serving not only as a social service but also as a valuable platform for talent development and practical psychology training.

In a significant move to bolster educational and innovative synergies, China and Italy have pledged to enhance their cooperation in higher education. This commitment was formalized during the 2025 China-Italy University Presidents Forum held in Beijing, where over 60 universities and institutions from both nations convened. The event saw the signing of 16 memorandums and agreements, underscoring a mutual dedication to fostering talent and driving innovation. Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng and Italian Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini inked a joint statement, marking a pivotal moment in the educational partnership between the two countries. Minister Huai highlighted the evolution of this partnership from individual exchanges to a structured framework emphasizing talent development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. He urged universities to adapt to the latest technological and industrial transformations, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-academia integration. Minister Bernini emphasized the integration of science with humanities and arts, expressing Italy’s eagerness to deepen cultural and artistic exchanges with China. This forum not only strengthens the educational ties but also sets a foundation for future collaborative ventures in various fields.

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated his 43rd birthday on November 14, 2025, by continuing to inspire the emirate’s residents with his dynamic and active lifestyle. Known for his leadership as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Hamdan defies the stereotype of slowing down in mid-life, instead embracing physical fitness and encouraging others to do the same. Through his social media presence, particularly on Instagram where he boasts over 17 million followers, he shares glimpses of his daily gym routines and promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle. His passion for sports has also led to Dubai hosting the World Sports Summit from December 29 to 30, 2025, which is expected to attract global sports stars, industry leaders, and policymakers. Beyond his personal fitness, Sheikh Hamdan actively participates in community events such as the Dubai Marathon and Mallathon, further engaging with residents and fostering a culture of health and vitality. From skydiving over The Palm to climbing the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Hamdan’s adventurous spirit and commitment to wellness serve as a powerful example for Dubai and beyond.

At the prestigious World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, Dong Yuhui, a renowned livestream influencer and former English teacher, shed light on the profound cultural ethos of hospitality in China. Addressing a global audience, Yuhui delved into the concept of ‘Ren’—a cornerstone of Confucian philosophy that emphasizes benevolence and harmonious coexistence. He articulated how this ancient principle continues to shape the Chinese approach to interpersonal relationships, fostering a societal inclination towards peace rather than confrontation. Yuhui’s insights not only highlighted the enduring relevance of traditional values but also underscored their practical application in contemporary Chinese society. His discourse served as a bridge between historical wisdom and modern-day practices, offering a nuanced understanding of why the Chinese people prioritize amicable interactions in both personal and professional spheres. This presentation at the summit was a testament to the global appeal of China’s cultural heritage and its potential to inspire harmonious living worldwide.

In a significant move to address food safety concerns, Shanghai authorities have announced the revocation of licenses for Shanghai Green Jie Industrial Development Co., following a series of violations uncovered during an investigation. The probe was initiated after complaints from parents regarding contaminated shrimp and scrambled egg dishes served to students on September 15. The investigation revealed multiple illegal activities, including improper food handling, bid rigging, and systematic cover-ups by the company. The company’s operator, surnamed Zhang, along with eight other individuals, has been arrested. Additionally, Bright Food (Group) Co Ltd, a state-owned enterprise, has taken over meal provision for 484 schools across the city since September 23. The investigation team discovered that Green Jie staff failed to wash shrimp before cooking, leading to the discovery of worms in the food. Managers reported the issue to Zhang, who ordered the destruction of all shrimp distributed to 211 schools that day but concealed the incident. Further investigations revealed improper handling of frozen shrimp in seven school kitchens and a history of unreported food safety issues. Due to its organized efforts to falsify and destroy evidence, the company’s food business license will be revoked, and key personnel face fines and a five-year ban from the food industry. Shanghai’s education and market authorities have pledged to strengthen supply chain management and enhance oversight of school meals to prevent future incidents.

The ongoing debate over school timings in the UAE has intensified as Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, a prominent billionaire and head of Dubai’s Al Habtoor Group, reiterates his call for shorter school days. Speaking on November 14, 2025, Al Habtoor emphasized that the quality of education should not be measured by the number of hours students spend in classrooms. This is not the first time he has raised this issue; a similar appeal in May sparked widespread discussions among parents, many of whom agreed that extended school hours are detrimental to children’s energy, health, and family life. Al Habtoor argued that prolonged school schedules often lead to student fatigue, diminished enthusiasm, and a loss of focus, turning education into a burden rather than a joyful experience. He urged the UAE’s Ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to reconsider school hours, not to reduce learning but to enhance its quality. Citing Switzerland’s successful educational model, Al Habtoor highlighted how Swiss students benefit from shorter, balanced academic blocks with regular breaks, allowing their minds to rest and function effectively. He also pointed out that many of the UAE’s founding leaders were educated in schools with shorter hours, yet they achieved remarkable success through determination, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. The debate has gained traction as Dubai residents grapple with increasing traffic congestion, further fueling calls for reforms in school timings.