Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Upper Canada College: Redefining the modern boarding experience for global learners

    Upper Canada College: Redefining the modern boarding experience for global learners

    As Upper Canada College (UCC) approaches its bicentennial in 2029, this historic institution continues to innovate, blending its rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to boarding education. Founded in 1829, UCC has long been a beacon of academic excellence in Canada, and today, it is redefining the boarding experience for globally minded students.

    At the core of UCC’s philosophy is a commitment to holistic education, which integrates academic rigor with personal growth, intercultural understanding, and wellbeing. Alexandra Zourntos, Director of Admission, Upper School and Boarding, emphasizes that boarding at UCC is more than just accommodation—it’s a vibrant, inclusive environment where students thrive intellectually, emotionally, and socially. This approach is anchored in the school’s five core values: learning, pluralism, service, community, and wellbeing.

    UCC’s diverse student body is one of its greatest assets. With 88 boarding students from 25 countries speaking 24 languages, the school fosters a multicultural community that enriches classroom discussions and builds lifelong connections. International-themed dinners, cultural showcases, and inclusive programming ensure that every student feels valued and at home. The admission team actively engages with families across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, further solidifying UCC’s global reputation.

    The Middle East, in particular, has shown growing interest in UCC. Families from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond are drawn to the school’s alignment with shared values such as community, tradition, and academic ambition. UCC’s International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, combined with culturally aware programming and familiar culinary options, makes it an ideal choice for students from the region.

    Located in Toronto, UCC benefits from the city’s multicultural vibrancy, providing an ideal setting for global learning. The school’s 35-acre urban campus offers access to over 80 sports teams, 90 clubs, and 14 music ensembles, ensuring a well-rounded education. Beyond academics, students engage in arts, athletics, outdoor education, and community service. The Norval Outdoor School, a 450-acre second campus, offers leadership retreats, sustainability studies, and team-building activities that promote resilience and environmental stewardship.

    While technology is integral to modern education, UCC strikes a balance between digital tools and personal interaction. Students in Years 8 to 11 surrender devices at curfew, and dedicated “Boarding Weekends” encourage disconnection from screens to focus on building friendships and shared experiences. This blend of cutting-edge education and genuine human connection defines UCC’s enduring legacy.

    For more information about Upper Canada College and its boarding admission, visit www.ucc.on.ca/admission.

  • Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch on fear, silence and the story of our times

    Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch on fear, silence and the story of our times

    Irish author Paul Lynch, winner of the 2023 Booker Prize, recently shared insights into his acclaimed novel ‘Prophet Song’ ahead of his appearance at the Sharjah International Book Fair. The novel, which delves into the insidious nature of authoritarianism and its impact on everyday life, continues to resonate deeply with readers. Lynch spoke with ‘City Times’ about the themes of fear, helplessness, and the grim realities that define his work. He revealed that the inspiration for ‘Prophet Song’ stemmed from observing the fragility of Western liberal democracies, the rise of right-wing politics in Europe, and the global refugee crisis exacerbated by climate change. Lynch’s narrative seeks to articulate modern terror in a manner reminiscent of literary giants like Beckett and Kafka. Reflecting on Irish literature, Lynch highlighted its unique position in world literature, shaped by the legacy of writers such as Yeats, Joyce, and Beckett. He emphasized the transformative power of the English language in Irish hands, a result of historical colonization. Lynch also discussed the role of writers in politically charged times, asserting that fiction should frame questions rather than provide answers. He believes literature serves as a witness to the human condition, exploring the tension between rationality and irrationality, creation and destruction. Drawing from his background in film criticism, Lynch approaches storytelling with a visual lens, crafting narratives that balance complexity and simplicity. Silence, he noted, plays a crucial role in his work, representing the unknown and the unspeakable. Lynch also shared his meticulous writing process, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and meaning. While ‘Prophet Song’ confronts fear and darkness, Lynch aims to evoke empathy rather than intimidation, focusing on the human cost of societal collapse. Winning the Booker Prize, he acknowledged, has validated his work but also pulled him away from writing. Now, Lynch is back at his desk, working on a new novel.

  • Typhoon Kalmaegi kills 188 in Philippines, brings more destruction to Vietnam

    Typhoon Kalmaegi kills 188 in Philippines, brings more destruction to Vietnam

    Typhoon Kalmaegi has wreaked havoc across the Philippines and Vietnam, claiming at least 188 lives and causing extensive damage. In the Philippines, officials reported 135 people missing and 96 injured, while Vietnam faced significant destruction in its coastal regions. The storm, which made landfall in central Vietnam late Thursday, uprooted trees, damaged homes, and caused widespread power outages. Although it weakened as it moved inland, authorities warned of continued heavy rainfall, with up to 200 millimeters expected in central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri. In Vietnam, state media confirmed one fatality in Dak Lak province due to a collapsed house, while social media images depicted scenes of devastation, including flooded homes, torn-off roofs, and streets strewn with debris. The Philippine government mobilized over 268,000 soldiers for search-and-rescue operations and issued flood warnings for low-lying areas, which could impact agriculture in the Central Highlands, a key coffee-growing region. Kalmaegi is the 13th typhoon to form in the South China Sea this year, highlighting the vulnerability of Vietnam and the Philippines, both located along the Pacific typhoon belt. As the region braces for another impending typhoon, the Philippines’ civil aviation regulator has heightened alert levels for airport operations and area centers.

  • World leaders gather for second day in Brazil, seeking solutions to confront global warming

    World leaders gather for second day in Brazil, seeking solutions to confront global warming

    As global leaders convened for the second day of the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at safeguarding the world’s tropical forests. The proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility seeks to incentivize 74 developing nations to preserve their forests by offering financial rewards funded through interest-bearing loans from wealthier countries and commercial investors. This innovative approach aims to make forest conservation more economically viable than deforestation, which currently benefits industries like cattle ranching, mining, and illegal logging. Belem, the summit’s host city, holds symbolic significance as part of the Amazon rainforest, a critical regulator of the global climate. The fund’s structure allocates 20% of its resources to Indigenous communities, who have historically been stewards of these lands. Norway led the charge with a $3 billion pledge, followed by other nations, bringing total commitments to $5.5 billion. However, the absence of leaders from the world’s top polluters—China, the United States, and India—highlighted ongoing geopolitical divisions. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres criticized global powers for prioritizing fossil fuel interests over public welfare, warning that exceeding the 1.5°C warming threshold would result in catastrophic consequences. The summit underscored the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change while addressing economic and social inequities.

  • India: Air traffic control glitch delays flights at Delhi airport

    India: Air traffic control glitch delays flights at Delhi airport

    A significant technical malfunction in the air traffic control system at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, led to widespread flight delays on Friday. The issue, which disrupted operations during peak hours, affected numerous flights, including those operated by major carriers such as IndiGo and Air India. Data from Flightradar24, a global flight tracking service, confirmed the delays, highlighting the scale of the disruption. The Airports Authority of India, responsible for managing the airport’s operations, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the glitch or the steps being taken to resolve it. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in critical aviation infrastructure and raises concerns about the potential impact on passenger travel and airline schedules. Delhi Airport, a key gateway for both domestic and international flights, has faced similar challenges in the past, emphasizing the need for robust systems to ensure seamless operations.

  • Xi congratulates Paul Biya on re-election as president of Cameroon

    Xi congratulates Paul Biya on re-election as president of Cameroon

    Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to Paul Biya on his re-election as the President of Cameroon in a formal message on Friday. Xi highlighted the enduring friendship between China and Cameroon, emphasizing the strengthened political trust and successful collaborations across multiple sectors in recent years. Both nations have consistently supported each other on critical issues related to their core interests and major concerns. Xi also pointed out that the upcoming 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries presents a fresh opportunity to further enhance bilateral ties. He expressed his commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Cameroon, leveraging the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit to bring greater benefits to their peoples.

  • ‘I thought it was a prank’ – How a Brazilian woman became the face of India vote fraud row

    ‘I thought it was a prank’ – How a Brazilian woman became the face of India vote fraud row

    Larissa Nery, a Brazilian hairdresser, has unexpectedly become the focal point of a political storm in India following allegations of election fraud. The controversy erupted after Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference on Wednesday, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission (EC) of manipulating voter lists in last year’s Haryana state election. During the conference, Gandhi displayed a series of slides, including one featuring Nery’s photograph, claiming that her image had been used multiple times under different names on the voter list. Nery, who lives in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and has never visited India, initially thought the situation was a mistake or a prank. However, as her social media accounts were flooded with messages and journalists began contacting her, she realized the gravity of the situation. Nery confirmed to the BBC that the photograph was indeed hers, taken in 2017 by Brazilian photographer Matheus Ferrero. Ferrero, who shared the photo on Unsplash with Nery’s consent, expressed his shock at the misuse of the image and the sudden attention it garnered. Both Nery and Ferrero are now grappling with the unexpected intrusion into their lives, as the allegations continue to unfold in India. The BJP has denied the accusations, and the Election Commission has yet to respond to specific claims made by Gandhi. The incident has raised questions about the credibility of India’s electoral process and the implications of such allegations on the country’s political landscape.

  • Dubai Garden Glow to reopen as a day park; new location revealed

    Dubai Garden Glow to reopen as a day park; new location revealed

    Dubai Garden Glow, a beloved family attraction known for its enchanting glow-in-the-dark displays, is set to reopen with a significant transformation. For the first time since its inception a decade ago, the park will operate as a day park, welcoming visitors from 10am to 9pm daily. Previously, it opened only after 5pm. The park, which had announced its closure after 10 successful seasons, has relocated to a new site next to Dubai Frame at Zabeel Park Gate 3. Organizers confirmed the move on Instagram, promising all-new attractions, including an upgraded Dinosaur Park and a Fantasy Park. The new location marks a fresh chapter for Dubai Garden Glow, shifting from an evening-only spectacle to an all-day experience. Visitors will enjoy two experiences under one ticket, although the official reopening date and entry fees are yet to be announced. The Dinosaur Park will feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs with movement and sound effects, alongside new interactive displays for hands-on learning. The Fantasy Park will offer whimsical, Instagram-worthy structures blending natural scenery with imaginative art installations. Since its opening in 2015, Dubai Garden Glow has captivated millions with its illuminated displays made from recyclable materials, combining sustainability with spectacle. More details, including ticket prices and the official opening date, are expected to be announced soon.

  • Xinjiang launches consumption voucher program to boost winter tourism

    Xinjiang launches consumption voucher program to boost winter tourism

    In a strategic move to invigorate its winter tourism sector, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China has announced the launch of a consumption voucher program starting November 14, 2025. This initiative, unveiled by the regional culture and tourism department, aims to attract more visitors to its renowned ski resorts during the snowy season. A total of 10,000 vouchers, each valued at 20 yuan (approximately $2.82), will be distributed. These vouchers are redeemable at 11 high-quality ski resorts rated 4S class or above, located in popular winter destinations including Urumqi, Changji, Ili, and Altay. To utilize the voucher, skiers must purchase a ski pass worth at least 100 yuan, and the vouchers can be claimed via a WeChat mini-program. Xinjiang, celebrated for its extended snowy periods and superior snow quality, offers a robust winter tourism experience that combines skiing, snow sightseeing, and cultural immersion. The previous winter season saw a significant influx of 3.57 million tourists to standardized ski resorts in the region, marking a 10.22% increase from the previous year, and generating a tourism revenue of 844 million yuan, up by 39.13%. According to Li Meng, an official from the department, the voucher program is set to continue until February 2026, with the dual objectives of stimulating expenditure on winter sports and fostering the high-quality development of the region’s winter tourism industry.

  • Man jailed for life over ‘monstrous’ killing of family

    Man jailed for life over ‘monstrous’ killing of family

    A 20-year-old Sri Lankan student, Febrio De-Zoysa, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of six people, including a mother and her four young children, in Ottawa, Canada. The horrific incident occurred in March 2024, when De-Zoysa, who was living in the basement of the Wickramasinghe family’s rented townhouse, fatally stabbed Darshani Ekanayake, 35, and her children: Inuka, 7; Ashwini, 4; Ranaya, 3; and two-month-old Kelly. A family friend, Gamini Amarakoon, 40, was also killed, while the father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, sustained injuries. Justice Kevin Phillips, delivering the verdict, described De-Zoysa’s actions as ‘stupefying, monstrous,’ and emphasized the profound loss and grief caused by the crimes. De-Zoysa, who cannot seek parole for 25 years, showed no emotion during most of the hearing but apologized, stating he would spend his life acknowledging the truth of his actions. The victims, except for the newborn, were Sri Lankan immigrants who had moved to Canada in search of a better life. De-Zoysa claimed he committed the murders because he was out of money and did not want to return to Sri Lanka when his student visa expired. He used a 38cm hunting knife, which he had purchased over a month prior, initially intending to take his own life. The tragedy has left the survivors and the community devastated, with Mr. Wickramasinghe expressing that his world has been irreparably destroyed. The case has been described as one of the most shocking incidents of violence in Ottawa’s history.