标签： Asia

Hong Kong is undergoing a transformative educational overhaul aimed at positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and technology. Spearheaded by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, the reforms focus on bridging the talent gap by increasing the intake of international students, enhancing academia-industry collaboration, and addressing critical infrastructure needs such as student housing. The initiative aligns with the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing the cultivation of a diverse, market-ready talent pool to drive strategic sectors like artificial intelligence, new energy technology, and pharmaceuticals. Projections from the Labour and Welfare Bureau highlight the urgency of these reforms, with demand for inno-tech professionals expected to surge to over 100,000 by 2028. Key measures include raising the admission ceiling for nonlocal students to 50% of funded local student places and expanding research postgraduate programs. Additionally, the government is incentivizing the conversion of underused commercial buildings into student dormitories and designating universities of applied sciences to foster vocational learning. The reforms also promote cross-boundary collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating seamless employment and study opportunities. A HK$40 million grant will bolster international marketing efforts under the theme ‘Hong Kong: Your World-class Campus,’ showcasing the city’s academic excellence. Tech leaders emphasize the need for a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, including safety nets for failed ventures, improved investment platforms, and streamlined cross-boundary channels. These comprehensive measures aim to transform Hong Kong into a thriving innovation powerhouse, leveraging its unique position to commercialize cutting-edge technologies and attract global talent.

In a heartbreaking incident, Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old Indian student and recipient of the UAE Golden Visa, passed away suddenly in Dubai just one day after Diwali celebrations. The young scholar, who was pursuing his first year of BBA in Marketing at Middlesex University Dubai, collapsed outside his home late Tuesday evening, with the preliminary cause of death identified as cardiac arrest.

The sudden demise of 18-year-old Vaishnav Krishnakumar during a Diwali celebration in Dubai has left his family and community in profound grief. Described as an extraordinary individual, Vaishnav was a top student, a leader in his school, and a role model to many. His uncle, Nitish, shared with Khaleej Times that Vaishnav was not only academically brilliant but also actively involved in extracurricular activities, earning him the prestigious Golden Visa for his academic achievements. The Indian teenager, who hailed from Kerala, collapsed unexpectedly during the festivities, leaving his family inconsolable. Vaishnav’s parents, who have been UAE residents for over two decades, are now preparing to take his body back to Kerala for the final rites. His younger sister, aged eight, is particularly devastated, as the siblings shared a close bond despite their age difference. Vaishnav’s self-reliance and determination were evident when he secured a part-time job to fund his university gadgets, embodying the qualities of an ideal son. The community has rallied around the grieving family, with many parents and friends expressing their sorrow and admiration for the young man who touched so many lives.

In a groundbreaking move to address severe air pollution, Pakistani authorities have introduced anti-smog guns in Lahore for the first time this winter. Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for the Punjab Environment Protection Agency, confirmed that over a dozen truck-mounted devices are now operational across the city, spraying fine mists of water to reduce dust and airborne particles. While the initiative marks a proactive step, Bashir highlighted that vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, construction dust, and crop residue burning remain significant contributors to the worsening air quality. He also cautioned that cross-border winds could exacerbate the situation in the coming days. Lahore, once celebrated as the ‘City of Gardens’ for its Mughal-era greenery, now grapples with toxic smog each winter, a consequence of rapid urbanization and population growth. Last year, attempts to disperse the haze through artificial rainfall proved ineffective, leaving residents to endure school closures and prolonged indoor confinement. The deployment of anti-smog guns represents a renewed effort to mitigate the city’s annual environmental crisis.