Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Global experts gather in Macao for talks in space, planetary sciences

    Global experts gather in Macao for talks in space, planetary sciences

    Macao has positioned itself at the forefront of space exploration dialogue by hosting the 2026 Macao International Forum on Space and Planetary Sciences, which commenced on Tuesday. The prestigious gathering attracted over 300 distinguished scholars specializing in space and planetary sciences from more than 10 countries and regions worldwide.

    The landmark event, organized through a collaboration between Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), Shandong University, and the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macao, features an extensive program of academic presentations and specialized thematic discussions. Forum organizers designed the conference to establish an open international platform that fosters dialogue among researchers from diverse backgrounds and promotes coordinated development in future space research initiatives.

    MUST President Zhu Jian-Kang emphasized the forum’s strategic significance during his opening ceremony address. “This initiative aims to leverage Macao’s evolving role as a critical hub for China’s aerospace and deep-space research endeavors,” he stated. “By strengthening academic exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and international planetary science communities, we hope to inspire a new generation of young scholars to engage in space science research.”

    The Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) provided additional support for the event, with committee member Cheang Kun Wai highlighting the organization’s long-term commitment to advancing scientific innovation. “The FDCT has consistently promoted interdisciplinary collaboration and local scientific advancement,” Cheang noted. “Our support facilitates Macao’s active participation in global scientific development trends, particularly within the rapidly evolving field of space science.”

    The forum represents a significant milestone in Macao’s growing influence within the international scientific community, demonstrating the special administrative region’s capacity to host major academic gatherings that bridge Chinese and global space research initiatives.

  • First national standard for disease classification and coding in Tibetan medicine released

    First national standard for disease classification and coding in Tibetan medicine released

    China has achieved a significant milestone in traditional medicine with the official release of the Tibetan Medicine Disease Classification and Code, the country’s first national standard for disease categorization within an ethnic-minority medical system. The groundbreaking standard, developed under the guidance of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation.

    Professor Mima, President of Xizang University of Tibetan Medicine and head of the Tibetan medicine standardization working group, emphasized that the new framework remains firmly rooted in core Tibetan medical theories while addressing contemporary clinical diagnostic requirements. The comprehensive system organizes treatable conditions into 15 major categories and 97 subcategories, establishing a detailed terminology and coding table that assigns unique identifiers to more than 3,000 specific diseases.

    This development represents a transformative advancement in the formalization of traditional healing practices, providing a structured approach that will enhance the scientific development and standardization of Tibetan medical services nationwide. The establishment of this standardized classification system is expected to facilitate better integration with modern healthcare infrastructure while preserving the unique theoretical foundations of Tibetan medicine.

  • China records 697 million border crossings nationwide in 2025

    China records 697 million border crossings nationwide in 2025

    China witnessed an unprecedented surge in cross-border mobility during 2025, with official data revealing a record-breaking 697 million border crossings throughout the year. This represents a substantial 14.2% increase compared to 2024 figures, marking the highest annual tally in the nation’s history.

    The remarkable rebound in border activity signals a complete restoration of China’s international connectivity following global pandemic restrictions. The double-digit growth percentage indicates not merely recovery but accelerated transnational movement across air, land, and sea ports of entry.

    This mobility milestone reflects China’s deepening integration with global networks through business travel, tourism, and trade. The increased crossings coincide with China’s expanded visa-free policies for numerous countries and enhanced transportation infrastructure facilitating smoother international transit.

    Analysts interpret these figures as evidence of China’s reestablished position within global circulation systems, with the border statistics serving as a key indicator of economic vitality and international engagement. The data demonstrates successful implementation of policies designed to stimulate international exchange while maintaining efficient border security protocols.

    The comprehensive border management system has effectively accommodated this increased traffic through technological advancements including automated clearance gates, biometric verification, and streamlined customs procedures that balance security concerns with passenger convenience.

  • Confidence, time management biggest challenges student entrepreneurs face, says CEO

    Confidence, time management biggest challenges student entrepreneurs face, says CEO

    Young entrepreneurs embarking on business ventures while pursuing academic studies are confronting a distinct set of challenges that extend far beyond curriculum choices. According to Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), the primary obstacles for student founders are not about choosing between education and enterprise, but rather developing the crucial skills needed to thrive in both realms simultaneously.

    Al Nuaimi identifies three fundamental hurdles: limited entrepreneurial experience, poor time management, and critically, insufficient exposure to real-world business environments. She emphasizes that early exposure plays a transformative role in shaping how students comprehend business operations and decision-making processes. “Student founders are entering entrepreneurship earlier than ever, often while still navigating their academic journeys,” Al Nuaimi told Khaleej Times. “What they need most at this stage is exposure to real founders, real decisions, and real pathways beyond the classroom.”

    Sheraa, a government-supported incubator based in Sharjah, has demonstrated remarkable success in addressing these challenges. The organization has supported over 180 startups, with more than half led by female entrepreneurs, upskilled more than 18,000 young individuals, and generated over $248 million in revenue through its initiatives.

    The upcoming Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival serves as a prime example of the platforms addressing these needs. The event will convene investors, established entrepreneurs, and executives from prominent companies including WHOOP, Revolutionary, and Kitopi. Such gatherings provide student entrepreneurs with invaluable opportunities to move beyond theoretical concepts and gain practical insights.

    Perhaps most significantly, these experiences help combat what Al Nuaimi identifies as another major challenge: confidence building. Many capable students hesitate to fully pursue their ideas due to uncertainty about how and when to begin. Exposure to authentic entrepreneurial journeys helps reframe this uncertainty as a natural part of the learning process rather than an insurmountable barrier.

    The success of Eshara, an AI-powered Arabic sign language platform founded by students, exemplifies this approach. Through structured ecosystem support including incubation, mentorship, and live testing opportunities, the student founders transformed an academic concept into a functional startup addressing communication barriers for the hearing-impaired community.

    These experiences demonstrate that with proper guidance and access to supportive environments, students can successfully develop as entrepreneurs while continuing their education, effectively bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world business application.

  • Japan bids farewell to panda twins

    Japan bids farewell to panda twins

    Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens witnessed an outpouring of emotion on Tuesday as thousands gathered to bid farewell to Japan’s last remaining giant pandas, twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, who embarked on their journey to China. This departure signifies the first time in approximately half a century that Japan will be without these beloved bears, closing a significant chapter in Sino-Japanese cultural exchange.

    The atmosphere was charged with sentiment as devoted fans, many carrying panda-themed accessories and plush toys, formed extensive queues outside the zoo hours before the scheduled departure. Despite each visitor being allocated merely one minute for final viewing during Sunday’s last public appearance, the crowd remained enthusiastic, with many expressing hopes to eventually visit China to see the pandas again.

    According to Chinese media reports, the twins departed Ueno Zoo for Narita International Airport in the afternoon, scheduled to board a flight to Sichuan province where they will reunite with their mother Xian Nyu and elder sister Xiang Xiang at a specialized facility.

    The announcement of their December departure triggered a significant surge in zoo attendance, necessitating the implementation of an online reservation system to manage unprecedented visitor numbers. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed the pandas’ transfer under bilateral agreements, while extending warm invitations for Japanese friends to visit pandas in China.

    This panda conservation program, initiated in 1972 with the arrival of the first bears, has been widely regarded as exceptionally successful, fostering cooperation in breeding, veterinary care, and public education. Over three decades, more than 30 giant pandas were either loaned to Japan or born there under this initiative.

    Doi Toshimitsu, president of a panda protection institute and former Ueno zoo director, emphasized how the original pandas’ arrival symbolized the normalization of Japan-China relations, noting that these charismatic animals remain enduring symbols of friendship and cultural exchange between the nations.

    The economic impact of panda diplomacy extends beyond conservation. Panda-themed merchandise, souvenirs, and snacks have generated substantial revenue for local businesses throughout the years. Following the departure announcement, nearby shopping districts launched special panda-themed promotions featuring bear-modeled desserts and merchandise.

    Miyamoto Katsuhiro, professor emeritus of economics at Kansai University, projected that the absence of pandas at Ueno Zoo would result in estimated annual economic losses of at least 15.4 billion yen ($100 million), significantly affecting adjacent hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

    The zoo has housed 15 pandas since 1972, with the birth of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei on June 23, 2021, triggering neighborhood-wide celebrations that became cherished community memories. Their departure follows the return of elder sister Xiang Xiang in February 2023 and parents Bi Li and Xian Nyu in September 2024, along with four pandas from Adventure World in Wakayama prefecture last June.

  • Chinese premier urges integrity, anti-corruption efforts in government work

    Chinese premier urges integrity, anti-corruption efforts in government work

    In a significant address at the State Council meeting on clean governance, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has issued a powerful directive reinforcing the nation’s commitment to governmental integrity and anti-corruption measures. The high-level gathering, held on January 27, 2026, brought together top leadership including Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang who presided over the meeting, and discipline chief Li Xi from the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

    Premier Li, who also serves on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized that robust anti-corruption mechanisms and ethical governance would serve as fundamental pillars for achieving China’s developmental objectives throughout the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The comprehensive strategy outlined during the meeting focuses on multiple dimensions of governance reform.

    The Premier called for enhanced standards and more practical implementation of full and rigorous Party self-governance, ensuring these efforts permeate all aspects of governmental operations. He stressed the necessity of resolutely executing the CPC Central Committee’s decisions while fostering appropriate performance metrics for officials.

    Additional measures include combating bureaucratic formalism and alleviating administrative burdens on grassroots-level officials. The Premier specifically highlighted the critical need for strengthened audit oversight and accounting controls to guarantee the secure and efficient management of public funds and assets.

    Notably, Li Qiang directed attention toward addressing corruption in high-risk sectors and resolving misconduct that directly impacts citizens’ daily lives. This dual approach targets both systemic vulnerabilities and community-level grievances, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of corruption’s multifaceted nature.

    The high-level participation in this meeting signals the coordinated commitment across China’s leadership structure to advance transparency and accountability within governance systems.

  • Scientists find clues to hiking chip storage

    Scientists find clues to hiking chip storage

    Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in materials science that could fundamentally transform data storage technology. A team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Physics has identified previously unknown one-dimensional boundaries within three-dimensional ferroelectric crystals that measure merely one hundred-thousandth the diameter of a human hair.

    The study, published in the prestigious journal Science, reveals that these atomic-scale linear structures—previously thought to be unstable—can be stabilized through crystal imperfections. Specifically, missing or additional oxygen atoms function as atomic-level adhesive, preventing these charged lines from disappearing due to electrical forces.

    This finding challenges long-standing physics theories about material interfaces. Where scientists previously believed data-storing boundaries within crystals were two-dimensional planes, the research demonstrates they can contract into stable one-dimensional lines approximately the width of a single atom.

    The technological implications are staggering. Current storage technology operates at scales of tens of nanometers, while these newly discovered structures are hundreds of times smaller. According to Dr. Zhong Hai, the study’s lead author and associate professor at Ludong University, this discovery could enable storage densities approximately 600 times greater than current capabilities.

    Practical applications could include postage stamp-sized chips capable of storing 20 terabytes of data—equivalent to approximately 10,000 high-definition movies. The technology also promises artificial intelligence chips hundreds of times more powerful and energy-efficient than contemporary models.

    While the researchers successfully manipulated these atomic lines using advanced electron microscopes and localized electric fields, significant engineering challenges remain before commercial application. The team emphasizes this represents fundamental research that opens new pathways in materials science rather than immediately market-ready technology.

  • Chengdu firm sets up large computing model in space

    Chengdu firm sets up large computing model in space

    In a groundbreaking advancement for space technology and artificial intelligence, Chengdu-based GuoXing Aerospace Technology has successfully deployed a general-purpose AI model aboard orbiting satellites, creating the world’s first operational space-based computing center. The company announced this technological milestone at a recent seminar, revealing they have uplinked Alibaba’s sophisticated Qwen3 large language model to their inaugural satellite cluster launched in May 2025.

    The achievement represents a significant leap in space computing capabilities, with the system successfully completing multiple end-to-end reasoning tasks entirely in orbit. During trials, questions transmitted from Earth to the satellite were processed on board and results returned to ground stations—all within an impressive two-minute timeframe.

    This development emerges as global demand for computing power reaches unprecedented levels, driven largely by artificial intelligence applications. The space-based computing race has intensified with recent developments, including SpaceX’s November launch of the Starcloud-1 satellite equipped with Nvidia GPUs.

    Wang Yabo, Executive Vice-President of the Sichuan-based startup, outlined ambitious plans to expand this initial success into a comprehensive network of 2,800 specialized computing satellites by 2035. The proposed constellation will include 2,400 inference satellites and 400 training satellites deployed across multiple orbital configurations at altitudes ranging from 500 to 1,000 kilometers.

    The system is designed to utilize advanced laser inter-satellite links for high-speed data transfer, with projected capabilities of delivering 100,000 petaflops of inference compute and 1 million petaflops of training compute worldwide. The company plans to deploy additional satellite clusters this year, targeting completion of a 1,000-satellite network by 2030.

  • Palantir: Why is the Israel-linked surveillance firm embedded in Britain’s NHS?

    Palantir: Why is the Israel-linked surveillance firm embedded in Britain’s NHS?

    The British government confronts intensifying criticism regarding its substantial contractual agreements with Palantir Technologies, a U.S.-based artificial intelligence and data analytics firm. Recent revelations indicate the company secured a £330 million NHS England contract in 2023, scheduled for renewal in 2027, alongside a £240 million Ministry of Defence agreement finalized in December—tripling the value of its previous 2022 defense contract.

    This strategic partnership, formalized in September, includes a £1.5 billion investment pledge to advance military artificial intelligence capabilities. The collaboration focuses on developing sophisticated combat systems, including an AI-enhanced ‘kill chain’ targeting mechanism designed to improve battlefield precision.

    Controversy surrounds Palantir’s expanding role within UK public services due to its involvement in multiple international controversies. Campaigners highlight the company’s provision of targeting software to Israeli military operations in Gaza and its collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during controversial immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration.

    British parliamentarians have expressed apprehension following reports that Swiss military authorities rejected Palantir over concerns regarding potential U.S. intelligence access to sensitive data. Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, emphasized the necessity for ‘transparent due diligence’ in government contract reviews.

    Medical associations including the British Medical Association (BMA) and Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) strongly oppose Palantir’s NHS Federated Data Platform initiative. The BMA declared Palantir an ‘unacceptable partner’ in June 2025, citing ethical incompatibility with healthcare values. DAUK’s polling indicates 48% of patients would opt out of data sharing if Palantir manages their information.

    Privacy advocates warn of systemic risks, noting Palantir’s software interoperability between its Foundry healthcare platform and Gotham military application. Health data experts caution against creating technological dependency that might prove irreversible, comparing the situation to subscription models where initial free access leads to indispensable integration.

    Legal challenges led by DAUK and The Good Law Project seek to halt further implementation, while several NHS trusts explore alternative data management solutions. With the contract review approaching in 2027, opposition groups aim to mobilize broader resistance against Palantir’s deepening integration into UK public infrastructure.

  • ASML made record $11.5 billion profit in 2025 thanks to AI-driven demand, plans to cut 1,700 jobs

    ASML made record $11.5 billion profit in 2025 thanks to AI-driven demand, plans to cut 1,700 jobs

    Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML has reported unprecedented financial performance for 2025, achieving a historic net profit of €9.6 billion ($11.5 billion) on sales totaling €32.7 billion. This remarkable growth, driven primarily by artificial intelligence-related demand, represents a significant milestone for the chip machinery manufacturer.

    Despite operating under Dutch government export restrictions targeting advanced chipmaking equipment that could be utilized in weapons systems, ASML has demonstrated remarkable resilience. These export controls, initially implemented in 2023 and subsequently expanded, align with broader U.S. initiatives to limit China’s access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology.

    President and CEO Christophe Fouquet emphasized the transformative market shift, stating: ‘Recent months have witnessed our customers expressing substantially more optimistic medium-term market assessments, fundamentally anchored in strengthened expectations regarding the sustainability of AI-driven demand. This positive outlook has translated into significant enhancements to their capacity planning and our record-breaking order intake.’

    Concurrently, ASML announced strategic workforce reductions affecting approximately 1,700 positions, representing roughly 4% of its global workforce. The company characterized these measures as proactive streamlining initiatives designed to enhance operational efficiency and innovation capacity. Internal communications to employees clarified that these organizational changes are being implemented from a position of corporate strength rather than financial necessity.

    The restructuring primarily targets technology and IT departments, aiming to sharpen ASML’s engineering focus and innovation capabilities. Company leadership emphasized that process and system improvements will facilitate more effective innovation, ultimately driving responsible growth for ASML and its stakeholders.

    Looking forward to 2026, ASML anticipates another year of expansion, with growth expected to be propelled by continued strong demand for its extreme ultraviolet lithography systems—the sophisticated machinery essential for producing the world’s most advanced semiconductors.