标签： Asia

Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to establish 60 affordable schools over the next eight years, a move hailed as a ‘game changer’ for the city’s education landscape. Approved by the Dubai Executive Council under the ‘Policy to Expand and Promote Affordable High-Quality Schools,’ the plan aims to serve approximately 120,000 students and is a cornerstone of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033, which aspires to position the emirate among the world’s top ten cities for education quality. To incentivize investment, the government will offer discounts on fees and land leases, ensuring affordability without compromising educational standards. Education leaders, including Dino Varkey of GEMS Education, have praised the initiative for its potential to strengthen communities and provide every child with the opportunity to excel. However, they caution that balancing affordability with quality will be critical. Punit MK Vasu of The Indian High Group of Schools emphasized the importance of sustainable affordability, while Noufal Ahmed of Woodlem Education highlighted the policy’s role in fostering inclusivity and innovation. Despite challenges such as teacher recruitment and financial management, the initiative is expected to diversify and enhance Dubai’s education ecosystem, offering greater parental choice and improved learning opportunities for all.

A significant milestone in wildlife conservation was marked on Tuesday as the Mianyang base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda commenced its trial operations. Located in the Guloushan ecological park within the Mianyang Science and Technology City New Area, the base welcomed 13 giant pandas from the Wolong Shenshuping and Dujiangyan bases. These pandas, ranging from juveniles to elderly individuals, were accompanied by their keepers and veterinarians to ensure a smooth transition. Huang Zhi, head of the base’s management and operation branch, noted that while the pandas exhibited some initial nervousness, their overall condition was good. The base, a collaborative effort between the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Mianyang city government, spans approximately 120 hectares and features 50 enclosures designed to meet the pandas’ habitat needs. Advanced preparations for facilities, environmental enrichment, food supply, and staffing were completed to ensure optimal conditions. The base aims to leverage Mianyang’s technological strengths to enhance giant panda conservation and research, particularly for the wild populations in the Minshan Mountains. According to the fourth national giant panda census, the Mianyang section of the Giant Panda National Park is home to 418 wild pandas, representing about 22.4% of the country’s total. Established in October 2021, the Giant Panda National Park spans over 22,000 square kilometers across Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces, providing strict protection for about 72% of the wild giant panda population. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda has made significant strides in captive breeding since the 1980s, overcoming challenges related to estrus, mating, and cub survival. The captive panda population has grown from six in 1983 to over 380 today, marking the largest such population globally with improved genetic diversity. The Mianyang base will open to the public once the pandas have completed their adaptation period.

The 15th National Games, a collaborative effort between Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, have significantly contributed to rural revitalization and infrastructure development in Langtou village, Guangzhou. This historic village, founded during the late Southern Song Dynasty, has undergone transformative changes in preparation for the Games, which are scheduled from November 9 to 21.

In an increasingly competitive job market, university graduates are exploring unconventional career paths to secure their livelihoods. Lu Yiding, a former university student, exemplifies this trend. After attempting to start his own business during his studies in 2018, Lu left his job in 2023 to run a cake stall at a night market in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Similarly, Wu Yun’e, a graduate with a degree in internet of things engineering from Hunan Agricultural University, found himself working as a server at a Chef Fei restaurant. Initially struggling with social anxiety, Wu has since risen to become the head of a branch in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, within just two years. His journey highlights the growing number of graduates who, unable to find jobs in their chosen fields, are turning to alternative professions. Wu’s initial difficulty in greeting customers and presenting the restaurant’s signature dish underscores the challenges faced by many in transitioning to new roles. These stories reflect a broader shift in the career trajectories of graduates, driven by the need to adapt to a challenging economic landscape.