Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • Heriot-Watt University Dubai convenes global and regional leaders at the second edition of the Sustainability Symposium

    Heriot-Watt University Dubai convenes global and regional leaders at the second edition of the Sustainability Symposium

    Heriot-Watt University Dubai has successfully concluded its second annual Sustainability Symposium, creating a pivotal platform for addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The February 2026 gathering united academics, industry pioneers, policy architects, humanitarian organizations, and students under the thematic focus “The Essential Role of Strategic Partnerships in Achieving Sustainable Packaging Solutions.”

    The symposium built upon the foundational work initiated in 2024, emphasizing that sustainable packaging transformation cannot occur through isolated efforts. Through expert keynote presentations, real-world business case studies, and dynamic panel dialogues, participants explored practical methodologies for post-consumption waste management, emerging sustainable materials, and scalable solutions applicable to both commercial and humanitarian supply chains.

    Dr. Matthew Sukumaran, Chief Operating Officer of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, emphasized the institution’s dedication to converting theoretical concepts into actionable environmental solutions. “This platform actively bridges the gap between academia and implementation by bringing together diverse stakeholders,” Sukumaran noted. “Strategic partnerships form the cornerstone of meaningful progress in sustainable packaging, demonstrating how collective action generates measurable, scalable impact.”

    Maher Al Kaabi, Advisor to the Group Chairman of Al Serkal Group and UAE Circular Economy Council member, delivered a keynote address highlighting the multidimensional nature of packaging sustainability. “Addressing sustainable packaging demands synergistic alliances that integrate scientific innovation, industrial capability, regulatory frameworks, and humanitarian considerations,” Al Kaabi stated. “Academic institutions like Heriot-Watt play crucial roles in translating research into circular solutions that support national sustainability objectives while delivering economic and environmental value.”

    The symposium featured deep-dive examinations of critical packaging challenges, including the complexities of collection systems, segregation technologies, and recycling infrastructure. Discussions also covered advancements in biodegradable and compostable materials alongside adaptations of international best practices for regional implementation.

    A standout feature was the presentation of the II Design Competition outcomes, where Heriot-Watt students developed applied solutions for Expo City Dubai’s post-consumption waste management and sustainable packaging for humanitarian supply chains. These student projects, created in collaboration with Dubai Humanitarian and Othalo, demonstrated how innovative design thinking combined with strategic partnerships can produce tangible environmental benefits.

    The event reinforced Heriot-Watt University’s position as a convening force in sustainability discourse, actively supporting the UAE’s circular economy objectives through knowledge exchange, partnership facilitation, and practical innovation.

  • Former Xinjiang herder discovers prosperity and passion on the ski run

    Former Xinjiang herder discovers prosperity and passion on the ski run

    URUMQI, China – At a premier ski resort near China’s northwestern city of Urumqi, 19-year-old Huzar Tohtarhan navigates a demanding schedule between coaching sessions and an unexpected second career as an action sports videographer. The former herder from Miao’ergou village has transformed his childhood passion into a thriving profession, emblematic of Xinjiang’s growing winter tourism economy.

    Huzar’s days are structured around tight intervals between day and night skiing sessions, often allowing less than an hour for meals and preparation. His expertise extends beyond instruction to capturing follow-cam footage for clients seeking professional-grade skiing videos. This specialized service has gained significant popularity through social media platforms like Douyin, with approximately 30 skiers booking purely for filming services this winter alone.

    The transition from rural herding to ski professionalism represents a remarkable journey. Huzar first encountered snowboarding at age six through his parents, who worked at a local ski area. Despite initial injuries and without formal training, he developed his skills through middle school teams and relentless practice. As China’s skiing popularity surged and Xinjiang developed its winter sports infrastructure, what began as hobby evolved into viable career opportunity.

    Local government and village support enabled Huzar to obtain professional instructor certification, marking his official departure from traditional herding life. “Herding meant being under the sun and wind all day, often alone,” he reflected. “Now I’m doing what I truly love.”

    His technical proficiency now includes backward skiing for frontal shots—a skill acquired through persistent practice that initially resulted in numerous bruises. Beyond athletic mastery, Huzar emphasizes the human connections forged through his work: “Before, my companions were horses and sheep. Sometimes I didn’t speak all day. Now I meet people from all over.”

    The economic impact extends beyond individual success. Nearby villages have developed complementary businesses including guesthouses, restaurants, and extended-hour strawberry-picking gardens, transforming seasonal summer tourism into year-round industry. During Xinjiang’s inaugural “snow holiday” in December 2025, the resort attracted over 20,000 skiers, with Huzar personally instructing more than 500 students this season.

    Through social media, Huzar shares technical advice, behind-the-scenes content, and scenic landscapes, hoping to inspire others to discover unconventional career paths. His story reflects broader regional development where traditional livelihoods are evolving alongside emerging economic opportunities in China’s northwestern frontier.

  • Young railway staff on track for Spring Festival travel rush

    Young railway staff on track for Spring Festival travel rush

    As China’s monumental Spring Festival travel period commences, a dedicated team of young technicians at Chongqing West EMU Depot stands at the forefront of transportation safety. These skilled mechanics, including 26-year-old Shi Gaohua, have intensified their maintenance protocols to ensure the seamless operation of China’s high-speed rail network during the world’s largest annual human migration.

    The 2026 Spring Festival travel rush, spanning from February 1st to March 13th (a 40-day period), anticipates transporting hundreds of millions of passengers returning to their hometowns for family reunions. At the heart of this operation, the maintenance crew works meticulously through night shifts, conducting comprehensive inspections on bullet trains’ critical systems including braking mechanisms, electrical components, and structural integrity.

    Shi Gaohua, representing the new generation of railway professionals, exemplifies the technical expertise required for maintaining China’s advanced rail infrastructure. ‘Every bolt, every circuit matters when millions of families are counting on us for safe journeys,’ Shi remarked during a recent overnight shift. His team employs specialized diagnostic equipment and follows rigorous checklists to identify potential issues before they escalate.

    The Chongqing West Depot, serving as a crucial maintenance hub in southwestern China, has implemented extended work schedules and enhanced quality control measures to handle the increased operational demands. These young technicians, many fresh from specialized railway academies, combine digital monitoring systems with hands-on mechanical expertise to maintain the world’s largest high-speed rail network operating at peak efficiency during this critical travel period.

    China’s railway system expects to handle approximately 480 million passenger trips during this year’s Spring Festival migration, with high-speed trains accounting for over 70% of total railway transportation. The work of these maintenance crews remains largely unseen by travelers but forms the essential foundation enabling the massive seasonal migration that defines Chinese cultural traditions.

  • Israel kills at least ten Palestinians in Gaza, including three children

    Israel kills at least ten Palestinians in Gaza, including three children

    Israeli military operations resulted in the deaths of at least ten Palestinians, including three children, during early Wednesday attacks across Gaza. Hamas has urgently called upon international mediators and guarantor states to intervene against what it describes as daily violations of the ceasefire agreement.

    According to a source within Gaza’s ambulance and emergency services who spoke with Al Jazeera Arabic, Israeli artillery strikes targeted the Zaytoun and Tuffah neighborhoods east of Gaza City at dawn, killing seven individuals including two infant girls. Simultaneously, in southern Gaza, the Nasser Medical Complex reported that an Israeli strike hit tents sheltering displaced Palestinians outside Khan Younis, resulting in three additional fatalities including one child.

    These developments follow Tuesday’s demolitions conducted by Israeli troops targeting buildings and facilities in areas under their control east of Al-Tuffah. Despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect in October of last year, Israeli operations have reportedly killed more than 526 Palestinians and wounded 1,447 others through repeated violations of the truce.

    The ceasefire initially halted Israel’s military campaign on Gaza that commenced on October 8, 2023—a conflict that has claimed at least 72,000 Palestinian lives, injured over 171,000, and destroyed or damaged approximately 90% of the enclave’s infrastructure. Thousands more remain buried under rubble according to estimates.

    In a separate incident in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 24-year-old Palestinian man Saeed Nael Saeed al-Sheikh during a Tuesday evening raid in Jericho. Palestinian officials confirmed the death, with Riyad Eid, director of Jericho Governmental Hospital, detailing that al-Sheikh sustained a fatal abdominal gunshot wound causing severe internal damage, including liver rupture. Three other Palestinians suffered injuries of varying severity during the incursion.

    Meanwhile, despite an agreement to reopen the Rafah crossing, only forty Palestinians returned to Gaza early Wednesday after significant delays, with Israeli forces implementing rigorous searches, questioning, and movement restrictions. The crossing had reopened on February 2nd on a limited basis for the first time in nearly two years under strict Israeli restrictions. While the agreement anticipated 50 Palestinians returning to Gaza and 50 patients (each with two companions) exiting to Egypt on the first day, actual numbers fell dramatically short with only 12 entries and 8 exits recorded.

    Hamas condemned the mistreatment of returnees at Rafah as ‘a crime’ and urged mediators to take immediate action. The group further accused Israel of maintaining severe limitations on humanitarian aid entry despite ceasefire provisions. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem warned that worsening cold-weather conditions are exacerbating the dire situation for displaced families living in tents, while Israel continues to restrict adequate quantities of fuel and cooking gas from entering the territory.

  • Olympic hosting race for 2036 set to be more transparent when India, Qatar vie for votes

    Olympic hosting race for 2036 set to be more transparent when India, Qatar vie for votes

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has initiated a comprehensive reform of its host city selection process for future Games, responding to internal demands for greater transparency and structured evaluation criteria. This strategic shift, announced Wednesday during an IOC session, directly impacts the upcoming contest for the 2036 Summer Olympics—a highly sought-after event with strong interest from India and Qatar.

    Under the leadership of President Kirsty Coventry, who assumed office in June, the IOC has abandoned the opaque, fast-track approach that secured Brisbane’s 2032 hosting rights eleven years in advance. Instead, the committee has established a review panel chaired by Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, former President of Croatia, to implement a more transparent system with documented procedures and regular updates for all stakeholders.

    The reformed process introduces several key changes: a mandatory short-list stage requiring detailed project plans from candidate cities earlier in the process, recognition of prior multisport event hosting experience, and increased involvement of IOC members through confidential briefings and secure online consultations. Grabar-Kitarović emphasized that these measures would ‘build legitimacy and guard against perceptions of favoritism’ while ensuring ‘structured timelines, greater transparency and more meaningful IOC member involvement.’

    The 2036 bidding competition, currently paused pending formal approval of the new process in June, has attracted global interest. India’s Ahmedabad project, backed by the influential Ambani family, and Qatar’s Doha bid are considered frontrunners, though Turkey, Hungary, Germany, and Chile have also expressed interest. Indonesia was reportedly removed from consideration in October after refusing to host Israeli athletes at an international sporting event.

    The revised evaluation criteria will emphasize venue master plans, sports program clarity, financial guarantees, and the added value of prior multisport event experience. Both Qatar and India possess relevant hosting credentials: Doha hosted the 2006 Asian Games and will host again in 2030, while India has hosted multiple Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

  • Sri Lanka: A strategic gateway for investment trade and tourism

    Sri Lanka: A strategic gateway for investment trade and tourism

    Strategically positioned along major global shipping corridors in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is rapidly transforming into a pivotal investment destination for international markets. The nation’s comprehensive economic reforms, competitive trade agreements, and diversified sectors present substantial opportunities across multiple industries including tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, ICT/BPO services, and textiles.

    Sri Lanka’s geographic advantage provides unparalleled access to regional and global markets, enhanced by pro-business policies featuring tax incentives, regulatory streamlining, and continuous infrastructure development. The country boasts a young, skilled workforce that further strengthens its competitive positioning for foreign enterprises seeking expansion in South Asia.

    A cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s investment appeal lies in its extensive Free Trade Agreement network. The landmark FTA with Singapore (2018) opened access to ASEAN’s 650 million consumers, while an impending agreement with Thailand and renewed negotiations with China demonstrate the country’s commitment to global trade integration. Sri Lanka remains the only South Asian nation maintaining FTAs with both India and Pakistan, providing duty-free access to 1.6 billion people.

    The EU GSP+ and UK GSP+ schemes grant zero-duty access for over 6,000 product lines to markets exceeding 450 million consumers, creating exceptional export advantages. These trade frameworks, combined with ongoing negotiations with major economies, position Sri Lanka as a resilient and attractive long-term investment destination.

    Tourism represents a particularly promising sector, with Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems attracting global travelers. The island offers unique cultural experiences including the historic Kandy Esala Perahera festival, Ayurvedic wellness traditions, and renowned cuisine featuring signature dishes like hoppers and kottu. Adventure tourism continues to grow with activities ranging from hiking in Horton Plains to whale watching in Mirissa.

    Sri Lanka’s export portfolio maintains global recognition for quality and craftsmanship, particularly Ceylon tea, precious gems (including renowned blue sapphires), ethically produced apparel for major international brands, and premium spices. These exports underscore the nation’s unique position in global markets through quality production and enduring appeal.

    The convergence of strategic location, trade advantages, sectoral diversity, and investment-friendly policies establishes Sri Lanka as one of South Asia’s most promising economic landscapes for international investors.

  • Why Trump called Trevor Noah ‘talentless’ after the Grammys

    Why Trump called Trevor Noah ‘talentless’ after the Grammys

    Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on comedian Trevor Noah following a controversial joke made during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, which drew over 15 million viewers on Sunday night. The incident marks the latest escalation in Trump’s ongoing conflicts with late-night comedians.

    During his opening monologue for his final Grammy hosting appearance, Noah made pointed references to Trump’s political ambitions through ‘term limits’ humor. The most provocative moment occurred during the Song of Year introduction, where Noah quipped that the award was ‘almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,’ adding that with Jeffrey Epstein’s island unavailable, Trump ‘needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.’

    The joke prompted an immediate response on Truth Social, the social media platform Trump launched in 2022. The former president denounced the broadcast as ‘virtually unwatchable’ and specifically targeted Noah, describing him as ‘almost as bad as Jimmy Kimmel’ while vehemently denying any association with Epstein’s island. Despite documented appearances in Epstein-related files, no evidence exists confirming Trump actually visited the controversial location.

    Trump escalated his rhetoric by labeling Noah a ‘total loser’ and ‘talentless dope’ while threatening legal action. ‘He better get his facts straight,’ Trump declared, announcing his intention to ‘send my lawyers’ after the comedian.

    Legal experts remain skeptical about the viability of Trump’s threats. The former president currently maintains multiple ongoing lawsuits against media organizations including The New York Times and BBC. According to defamation specialists consulted by Vulture, successful litigation over an awards show joke would face significant constitutional hurdles, as courts traditionally protect satirical content and comedy under free speech provisions.

    The confrontation represents another episode in Trump’s extensive history of conflicts with comedians who satirize his public persona, with the legal threats appearing to lack substantial foundation in defamation law.

  • ‘Win-win’ ties walk the talk

    ‘Win-win’ ties walk the talk

    Amidst a blistering Australian summer, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian convened a significant New Year media briefing in Canberra, attended by representatives from over twenty Chinese and Australian media outlets. The event, held on January 28, provided a platform for substantive dialogue that transcended conventional diplomatic formalities, focusing instead on direct engagement and mutual understanding.

    Ambassador Xiao characterized the past year as one of ‘steady progress’ in bilateral relations, emphasizing the resilience of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as it enters its second decade. This assessment comes against a backdrop of increasing global turbulence, with the relationship demonstrating remarkable durability despite international challenges.

    The diplomatic landscape has been revitalized through increased high-level engagements, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China and numerous face-to-face meetings between leaders. These interactions have strengthened political trust and facilitated tangible progress in rebuilding the bilateral framework.

    Economic cooperation remains the cornerstone of the relationship, with bilateral trade once again surpassing AUD $300 billion in 2025. China maintains its position as Australia’s largest trading partner, primary export destination, and leading source of imports. The exchange of agricultural products, mineral resources, and healthcare goods represents more than mere economic statistics—it directly sustains employment and livelihoods in both nations.

    A particularly significant development is the ongoing review of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which celebrated its tenth anniversary last year. Ambassador Xiao highlighted that most trade now enjoys ‘basically zero tax,’ using Australian wine exports as a concrete example of how tariff elimination benefits both economies. Both countries have agreed to assess potential upgrades to further enhance trade liberalization and economic cooperation.

    The ambassador emphasized that the full potential of economic collaboration remains untapped, indicating substantial opportunities for future growth. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to managing differences constructively while expanding areas of mutual interest.

    This engagement demonstrates how sustained dialogue and practical cooperation can transform abstract diplomatic concepts into tangible benefits, creating a resilient partnership that withstands global challenges and delivers real value to both nations.

  • Myanmar military-backed party declared election winner as army plans new body to maintain control

    Myanmar military-backed party declared election winner as army plans new body to maintain control

    BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s political landscape has solidified with the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) securing a decisive electoral victory, according to final official results released Wednesday. The outcome, widely anticipated due to the exclusion of major opposition parties and severe restrictions on dissent, reinforces the military’s continued dominance over the nation’s governance structures.

    Concurrent with the election certification, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military government, enacted legislation establishing a powerful Union Consultative Council. This advisory body—comprising at least five members including a chairman—holds authority to advise on national security, international relations, peace processes, and legislation without formally interfering with executive or judicial powers.

    The constitutional framework guarantees the military automatic control of 25% of parliamentary seats, effectively ensuring allied parties maintain overwhelming legislative control. Final figures reveal the USDP captured 339 of the 586 available parliamentary seats, while the military retains its constitutionally mandated 166 seats. This coalition controls approximately 86% of the legislature, with 21 other parties securing minimal representation.

    The electoral process, conducted in three phases across December and January, excluded approximately one-fifth of Myanmar’s 330 townships due to ongoing conflict. Official reports cite a 54% voter turnout among eligible citizens, though international observers have raised concerns about widespread coercion and suppression of fundamental rights.

    United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the electoral process as fundamentally flawed, stating it exacerbated violence and societal polarization rather than advancing civilian rule. Reports indicate widespread voter intimidation tactics, including threats of forced conscription, food access restrictions, and administrative penalties.

    The creation of the consultative council mirrors the military’s established pattern of establishing parallel governance structures since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. This move potentially enables Min Aung Hlaing to maintain influence without assuming the presidency, which would require relinquishing his powerful commander-in-chief position under constitutional provisions.

    Parliament is scheduled to convene in mid-March to elect a new president, though the general’s potential role remains uncertain amid these institutional rearrangements.

  • Striking iron flower ignites Pudong skyline

    Striking iron flower ignites Pudong skyline

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has established stringent copyright protection protocols for all digital content published through its platforms. The comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits unauthorized republication or utilization of any materials—including textual content, photographs, and multimedia information—without obtaining prior written consent from CDIC.

    The company has implemented technical specifications recommending 1024*768 or higher display resolution for optimal viewing experience. CDIC maintains formal publishing accreditation under License 0108263 and operates with official registration number 130349, underscoring its status as a regulated information provider.

    Beyond content protection measures, the organization facilitates multiple engagement channels including corporate advertising opportunities, direct contact protocols, and career placement services catering to both domestic and expatriate professionals. The company further maintains active presence across various social media platforms to enhance audience connectivity.