Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Bright future tipped for Sino-Thai green growth

    Bright future tipped for Sino-Thai green growth

    Thailand’s financial sector anticipates significant collaborative opportunities in sustainable development with China, particularly under Beijing’s forthcoming Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Pipit Aneaknithi, Chairman of Global Sustainability at Kasikornbank, Thailand’s leading financial institution, emphasized that China’s sustained commitment to environmentally conscious growth creates fertile ground for bilateral cooperation.

    In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Pipit highlighted Thailand’s strategic positioning to leverage Chinese technological leadership in artificial intelligence and digital industries. This alignment, he noted, would facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes while advancing green economic transformation across both nations.

    The banking executive articulated that synergistic partnerships would enable Thailand to capitalize on China’s advanced capabilities in renewable energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, and smart infrastructure development. Such collaboration aligns with Thailand’s own Bio-Circular-Green economic model, creating complementary pathways toward carbon neutrality goals.

    Pipit further observed that China’s methodical long-term planning through its five-year cycles provides exceptional predictability for international partners seeking sustainable investment opportunities. This systematic approach to green development, combined with China’s technological advancements, positions the country as an ideal partner for Southeast Asian nations pursuing ecological modernization.

    Financial institutions like Kasikornbank are preparing to facilitate cross-border green financing initiatives, sustainable supply chain development, and technology transfer programs that support both countries’ environmental objectives while generating economic growth.

  • BM Digital Marketing Agency broadens services post Dubai Media City relocation

    BM Digital Marketing Agency broadens services post Dubai Media City relocation

    BM Digital Marketing Agency, an officially recognized Google Ads Partner, has significantly broadened its comprehensive service range following its strategic relocation to Dubai Media City. This move positions the agency at the epicenter of the region’s media innovation landscape, enabling enhanced creative and technological capabilities.

    The expansion introduces a specialized Creative Content Creation Studio offering premium video production, professional photography, advanced editing services, and compelling visual storytelling solutions tailored for social media platforms, digital advertising campaigns, and corporate brand communication. According to Digital Marketing Director Bilal Azam, this initiative addresses the growing market demand for content that captures audience attention and builds brand credibility in saturated digital environments.

    Beyond creative services, BM has fortified its performance marketing infrastructure with AI-driven automation tools, predictive audience analytics, and sophisticated lead attribution models. The agency now delivers a complete digital ecosystem encompassing advertising management across major platforms including Google Ads, Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), complemented by specialized industry-specific lead generation strategies.

    Technical capabilities have been simultaneously enhanced through advanced GA4 and GTM configurations, server-side tracking implementation, and comprehensive website development services covering WordPress, Shopify, and custom landing page optimization. The agency’s branding division also offers complete visual identity systems including logo design and brand guideline development.

    This strategic expansion responds to increasing demand from both UAE-based businesses and international companies entering the GCC market, positioning BM as a holistic digital growth partner focused on delivering measurable results and sustainable online visibility.

  • China again urges Japan to withdraw incorrect words, abide by one-China principle

    China again urges Japan to withdraw incorrect words, abide by one-China principle

    Beijing has issued a renewed diplomatic appeal to Tokyo, demanding the immediate retraction of what it characterizes as fundamentally incorrect remarks concerning Taiwan. The statement was delivered by Zhang Han, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, during a regularly scheduled press conference on Wednesday.

    Zhang emphasized that recent comments attributed to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan constitute unacceptable interference in China’s internal affairs. Such statements, according to the spokesperson, send dangerously misleading signals to separatist factions advocating for Taiwanese independence while simultaneously undermining regional stability across the Taiwan Strait.

    The spokesperson invoked significant historical anniversaries to contextualize China’s position, noting that 2025 marks eight decades since victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan’s restoration to China. Additionally, this year commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the Cairo Declaration—a document that, along with other internationally recognized legal instruments, explicitly affirms China’s sovereign claim over Taiwan.

    Zhang underscored that Japan bears specific obligations under international law to adhere to the provisions outlined in these foundational documents. The spokesperson concluded with an unequivocal declaration: ‘Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. It has never been, and will never be, a country. The future of Taiwan must be determined collectively by all Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan.’

  • Hong Kong orders removal of scaffolding mesh after deadly blaze

    Hong Kong orders removal of scaffolding mesh after deadly blaze

    Hong Kong authorities have issued an urgent directive requiring the removal of all scaffolding netting from renovation sites by Saturday following the territory’s most devastating fire in decades. The catastrophic blaze at Wang Fuk Court housing complex has now claimed 159 lives, with 31 individuals still unaccounted for as search operations continue.

    Investigations reveal that the protective netting surrounding the complex, which was undergoing extensive renovations, failed to meet flame retardancy standards. The highly flammable material enabled flames to spread rapidly across multiple tower blocks, creating what survivors described as an uncontrollable inferno.

    Development Secretary Bernadette Linn Hon-ho announced that new testing guidelines for scaffolding materials will be implemented next week. “I assure the public that we will chase to the end the accountability of any contractors using substandard scaffolding mesh,” Linn stated, confirming that samples have already been collected for comprehensive analysis.

    The removal order affects approximately 300 buildings across Hong Kong, including 200 private residential structures and 10 public buildings currently undergoing renovations. Police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as the criminal investigation progresses.

    Police Commissioner Joe Chow reported that search teams have completed interior examinations of all seven towers but continue recovery efforts in areas obscured by collapsed bamboo scaffolding. To date, 140 victims have been identified—49 males and 91 females ranging from one to 97 years old.

    Survivors recounted the horror of watching flames engulf building after building. “It all happened within just an hour or two,” said a woman identified only as Leung, who lost her home in the disaster. “The bamboo scaffolding cracked and there was banging that sounded like exploding windows. The flames were completely out of control.

    Her daughter Bonnie expressed the family’s hope for accountability: “We also hope the truth will come out—whether there were hidden hands behind this, corruption or any improper dealings.”

  • SELHAYA showcases British luxury craftsmanship at Istanbul Halal Expo

    SELHAYA showcases British luxury craftsmanship at Istanbul Halal Expo

    ISTANBUL – SELHAYA, the pioneering British luxury abaya Maison founded by acclaimed designer Aisha Hossain, has garnered significant international attention during its presentation at the Modest Fashion & Art Trade Show in Istanbul. The event, held under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, coincided with the 10th OIC Halal Expo and the 12th World Halal Summit – premier gatherings that shape the global halal economy landscape.

    The luxury brand showcased its exclusive silk capsule collection featuring six meticulously crafted pure-silk abayas, each design inspired by feminine resilience and strength. This presentation marked a milestone for the London-founded brand that draws spiritual inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

    During the summit, Hossain received formal recognition from Halal Expo 2025 for SELHAYA’s contributions to sustainable modest luxury and UAE-crafted cultural couture. The award highlights the brand’s unique position at the intersection of British design sophistication and Emirati cultural refinement.

    Hossain participated in a high-level panel discussion on fashion diplomacy, articulating how modest fashion serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression beyond traditional diplomatic channels. She emphasized how design functions as a universal connective language and how women-led fashion houses can maintain cultural authenticity while achieving global market relevance.

    The showcased capsule collection originally debuted in Abu Dhabi during October’s ‘Wayakoum’ Breast Cancer Awareness initiative under the patronage of Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan. Demonstrating its philanthropic commitment, SELHAYA gifted bespoke abayas valued at Dh10,000 each to cancer fighters, reflecting the brand’s dedication to community upliftment and women’s wellbeing.

    ‘This collection honors women – their strength, and the quiet beauty they carry through every season of life,’ stated Hossain, who serves as both founder and creative director.

    SELHAYA continues to expand its global presence, bridging cultural aesthetics from London to Abu Dhabi while maintaining its commitment to elegance, resilience, and purposeful design across international markets.

  • UAE Fifa fans to get priority US visa interview slots for World Cup 2026

    UAE Fifa fans to get priority US visa interview slots for World Cup 2026

    The United States Embassy has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to facilitate visa processing for UAE residents planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026. In response to concerning backlog issues, the U.S. Department of State has developed the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), designed specifically for verified ticket holders.

    Current non-priority visa interview wait times at U.S. diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have extended beyond one year, with many applicants receiving scheduled dates that fall considerably after the tournament’s conclusion. This situation has created significant apprehension among football enthusiasts who have already invested in match tickets and travel arrangements.

    Through the PASS mechanism, successful ticket applicants will gain access to expedited interview slots once they complete their visa application procedures. Embassy officials emphasized that while the system prioritizes scheduling, it does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must still satisfy standard eligibility criteria under U.S. immigration legislation, with each case undergoing individual assessment.

    The implementation of PASS is scheduled for early 2026, strategically timed to ensure adequate processing periods before the tournament’s commencement. This diplomatic measure particularly benefits residents from countries requiring B1/B2 visitor visas, addressing a critical logistical challenge for international fans attending the globally anticipated sporting event.

  • Yemen’s Houthis release mariners held since July ship attack

    Yemen’s Houthis release mariners held since July ship attack

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have released eleven international mariners who had been detained since July following a deadly attack on the commercial vessel Eternity C in the Red Sea. The seafarers, comprising nationals from India and the Philippines, were transferred to Omani custody on Wednesday amid ongoing regional tensions.

    The release operation involved a Royal Oman Air Force jet that landed in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital, before transporting the mariners to Muscat. Omani authorities confirmed receiving the individuals “in preparation for their return to their home countries” and released photographs showing diplomats from both nations greeting the arrivals.

    This development comes despite contradictory narratives regarding the mariners’ status. While the Philippines Foreign Ministry had previously characterized them as “held hostage,” the Houthi leadership maintained the men were “guests, not detainees” who had been rescued after abandoning their damaged vessel. Notably, the rebels’ media channels displayed images of only ten individuals, leaving the whereabouts of the eleventh mariner temporarily unverified.

    The July attack that precipitated this captivity resulted in four fatalities and the eventual sinking of the Eternity C. This incident forms part of a broader pattern of maritime aggression, with Houthi forces having targeted over 100 ships through missile and drone strikes since commencing their campaign, resulting in at least nine mariner deaths and four sunken vessels.

    The timing of this release remains strategically ambiguous, occurring during a period of reduced hostilities following the implementation of a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Previous Houthi ceasefires have similarly correlated with pauses in their maritime offensive operations.

  • Chinese researchers achieve thorough simulation of Martian dust cycle

    Chinese researchers achieve thorough simulation of Martian dust cycle

    Chinese scientists have made a monumental leap in planetary science by successfully completing the first comprehensive simulation of Mars’ complex dust cycle. The breakthrough comes from researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, who employed their independently developed next-generation Mars general-circulation model called GoMars.

    The research, detailed in the prestigious journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, represents a critical advancement in understanding the behavior of atmospheric dust on the Red Planet. This achievement establishes a fundamental foundation for reliable Martian weather forecasting and long-term climate projections, addressing what has historically been one of the most challenging aspects of Martian atmospheric modeling.

    Mars, frequently described as Earth’s closest planetary relative, presents severe environmental challenges including an extremely thin atmosphere, intense radiation levels, and violent dust storms. These planet-wide dust events, which can emerge without warning, constitute extreme weather phenomena that dramatically influence annual climate variations on Mars.

    The research team conducted an extensive 50-Martian-year dust cycle simulation, enabling GoMars to replicate the complete life cycle of airborne dust particles. Despite limitations in existing observational data—which suffers from significant gaps in temporal continuity, spatial coverage, and resolution—the numerical model effectively fills critical knowledge voids.

    In validation tests, researchers compared GoMars’ surface wind-stress dust lifting flux against established models including MarsWRF. The results demonstrated strong agreement between models regarding both seasonal timing and geographic patterns of dust activity.

    Remarkably, GoMars demonstrated capability to spontaneously generate simulated planet-encircling dust storms, accurately identifying their initiation dates, epicenters, and transport pathways. These simulations align closely with actual observational data from specific Martian years, despite the sparse nature of available measurements.

    Looking forward, the scientific team plans to integrate Martian water cycle dynamics into the model to examine intricate interactions between dust and water vapor. The ultimate objective involves transforming GoMars into an operational system that will incorporate real-time data from China’s upcoming Tianwen 3 mission, potentially enabling daily weather briefings for future Martian exploration activities.

  • O’Hagan’s hole-in-one headlines three-way lead at MENA Tour’s Algarve Classic

    O’Hagan’s hole-in-one headlines three-way lead at MENA Tour’s Algarve Classic

    The MENA Golf Tour’s Rolear Algarve Classic commenced with spectacular drama as Scotland’s Aidan O’Hagan, England’s Chris Wood, and Italy’s Aron Zemmer each carded flawless seven-under-par 65s to establish a commanding three-way lead. The opening round at Portugal’s Amendoeira Golf Resort witnessed a masterclass in precision golf, headlined by O’Hagan’s stunning hole-in-one at the 181-yard par-3 sixth hole.

    O’Hagan’s remarkable ace served as the centerpiece of an otherwise blemish-free performance that demonstrated both technical mastery and mental fortitude. The Scottish golfer described the perfect eight-iron shot that landed beyond the pin before spinning back into the cup, noting how the achievement immediately boosted his confidence. His front-nine 31 included the spectacular ace and a birdie at the fifth, while his back-nine navigation featured an impressive recovery from a bogey on the 13th with consecutive birdies and an eagle across three holes.

    Joining O’Hagan atop the leaderboard, three-time DP World Tour winner Chris Wood displayed renewed competitive sharpness with a bogey-free round that began with three consecutive birdies. The Englishman, recently successful at Q School, expressed satisfaction with returning to form after early-season difficulties, emphasizing the importance of becoming accustomed to shooting lower scores consistently.

    Completing the leading trio, Aron Zemmer delivered a similarly impressive performance with his own mistake-free 65. The Italian’s round gained momentum on the back nine where he recorded six birdies, including four consecutive from the 10th hole, showcasing exceptional putting precision and strategic course management.

    The tournament’s $100,000 purse, featuring an $18,000 winner’s share, remains fiercely contested with defending champion Ludovico Addabbo staging a notable back-nine recovery to finish at even-par 72 after initially struggling. UAE professional Ahmad Skaik, in only his second professional appearance, carded a two-over 74 as he continues his transition into the professional ranks.

    With 36 holes remaining and the leaderboard tightly compressed, Wednesday’s second round promises to significantly shape the championship outcome as competitors adapt to the O’Connor Course’s challenging layout and variable conditions.

  • YouTube says Australia social media ban makes children ‘less safe’

    YouTube says Australia social media ban makes children ‘less safe’

    In a striking confrontation with Australian regulators, YouTube has launched a vehement critique against the nation’s pioneering social media prohibition for users under 16, branding the legislation as hastily conceived and ultimately detrimental to youth protection online. The video streaming behemoth contends that rather than enhancing security, the ban will compromise the digital safety of Australian minors.

    The controversial law, scheduled for implementation on December 10, 2025, will automatically deactivate accounts for users under 16 across major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, utilizing age data linked to Google accounts. This sweeping measure represents the world’s first comprehensive restriction of its kind, compelling social media corporations to undertake substantial compliance measures or face severe financial penalties exceeding AU$49.5 million (approximately US$32 million) for non-compliance.

    Rachel Lord, YouTube’s Public Policy Manager, articulated the platform’s position in an official statement, emphasizing that the regulation fundamentally misinterprets both their service and how young Australians engage with digital content. “This legislation will not fulfill its promise to make children safer online,” Lord asserted. “We’ve received concerning feedback from parents and educators who share these apprehensions regarding the ban’s practical implications.”

    Originally, YouTube had been exempt from preliminary proposals due to its educational content, but the Australian government expanded the ban in July 2025 citing concerns about “predatory algorithms” that could exploit young users. Under the new framework, underage users attempting to access YouTube without accounts will lose critical protective features including wellbeing settings and safety filters specifically designed to shield them from inappropriate content.

    YouTube has announced it will preserve deactivated accounts in archived form, allowing users to reactivate their profiles and access all existing content and data upon turning 16. This approach aims to balance regulatory compliance with user experience preservation.

    The company’s stance has drawn sharp rebuke from Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells, who characterized YouTube’s response as “outright weird.” Wells countered that if YouTube acknowledges safety issues on its platform, that represents a problem the company should address directly rather than criticizing protective legislation.

    Globally, regulators are closely monitoring Australia’s unprecedented approach to social media age restrictions as they grapple with similar concerns worldwide. The Australian government acknowledges that initial implementation will be imperfect, with some underage users likely circumventing the restrictions during the rollout phase.

    Adding legal complexity to the situation, the Digital Freedom Project advocacy group has mounted a High Court challenge against the ban, arguing it constitutes an unfair infringement on freedom of speech. Meanwhile, Meta has already begun preemptively deactivating accounts based on registration age data, signaling platforms’ rapid adaptation to the new regulatory landscape.