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China is moving to leverage data as a core strategic asset, aiming to build industry-specific data sets to power its next-generation artificial intelligence models, as developers worldwide grapple with a looming data drought. On Monday, the country’s data authority unveiled a sweeping nationwide plan to boost the supply of high-quality AI training data, underscoring Beijing’s resolve to secure a leading position in the global AI competition. The draft plan, published online by the National Data...

South China Morning Post

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Trump booed by crowd at NBA Finals in New York

US President Donald Trump was booed loudly by fans inside Madison Square Garden when he was shown on video screens during the national anthem prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. Trump was shown for several seconds giving a military salute. The boos ended when the US flag followed him on the screens, and fans cheered when New York Knicks players were shown. Mentions of the San Antonio Spurs also elicited loud boos. Trump was watching from Knicks owner James Dolan’s suite, along...

South China Morning Post

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Chinese team injects desert moss gene into Xinjiang cotton to beat fungus, boost output

Chinese scientists who inserted a gene from desert moss into cotton say their innovation can boost yields by nearly a quarter through protection against a pervasive fungal disease that threatens crops worldwide. The team, led by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), inserted a stress-resistance gene from a species of steppe moss that thrives in the deserts of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region into cotton plants. The resulting...

South China Morning Post

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Tibet quartz discovery boosts China’s self-sufficiency push for hi-tech materials

China has discovered a new source of high-purity quartz in its western Tibet autonomous region, potentially reducing its reliance on imports of the critical material to make solar panels and semiconductors. High-purity quartz is a gold standard manufacturing material for numerous hi-tech items, including some whose global market is dominated by China. China has relied on imports to obtain the important material, with most coming from the United States, because of a lack of domestic sources for...

South China Morning Post

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China urged to fast-track carrier fleet upgrades as Japan boosts strike power

China should speed up aircraft carrier group upgrades and boost their combat capabilities to counter Japan’s growing defence strength amid mounting tensions, military experts have said. This comes as Tokyo ramps up its defence posture with long-range anti-ship missiles and deployments on Japanese islands near Taiwan, putting Beijing on high alert. A recent simulated attack also highlighted the potential threat. As tensions escalated in December over the Japanese prime minister’s comments on...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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'CE's Central Asia visit a super success'

Trade Development Council (TDC) chairman Frederick Ma on Sunday described the visit by a Hong Kong delegation to Central Asia as super successful, with more firms from the region possibly seeking to raise capital in the SAR. Ma – who was one of the 70 members of a delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee – said more Kazakh state-owned enterprises may seek to list on Hong Kong's stock exchange, with a railway company already expected to go public on the city's bourse some time this year. "I believe that after our visit, they have a deeper understanding of us. In the future, they may send more of their companies to list in Hong Kong. This will definitely be a significant boost to our financial industry," he told a TVB programme. He noted that some Kazakh companies are already using Hong Kong's bond market and anticipated further financial cooperation ahead. Ma said the delegation had explored opportunities with businesses in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with representatives from the Airport Authority, education and cultural sectors signing multiple agreements. He also said the TDC is thinking about elevating its consultant office in the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan so it could carry out a more formal role to handle liaison work with the Kazakh government and businesses. He added that there is a need to maintain ties with Central Asian partners in the coming years to follow up on agreements and advance projects. Edited by Aaron Tam

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Committee formed to drive AI boost: FS

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said a committee dedicated to artificial intelligence development in Hong Kong would hold its first meeting this month. Writing in his weekly blog, Chan said the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy consists of experts, academics and business representatives. It will study the use of AI in life and health science, embodied AI as well as AI application strategies in various aspects such as transport, culture and sustainable development, he said. Chan also said the government had allocated HK$50 million to launch AI training for all, including courses on AI application, lectures and competitions. He said over 200 events were expected to be hosted in two years, benefiting some 50,000 people. Chan went on to say that the form of AI training would be diversified to meet the needs of different groups. “For example, training for students can place more emphasis on encouraging practical application,” he said. “To help the elderly gain a basic understanding of AI so that they can better use the tool and avoid being scammed, we will first offer training for the community and students and let them become ambassadors for seniors’ AI learning.” The FS also said a mainland firm working on embodied AI would launch a robot retail store at the Hung Hom harbourfront soon, with a robot store manager serving customers in multiple languages around the clock. “A person-in-charge told us they chose Hong Kong as the first stop for their retail stores to go global because of the city’s international platform, open atmosphere for new technologies and visibility of innovation and technology projects,” Chan said. “International capital continues to pay attention to and be optimistic about our country’s leading advantages in several emerging industries. The Hong Kong market, as an important international financing centre for these companies, also enhances the city’s attractiveness to start-ups and technology companies.” Chan added that the SAR has been promoting AI development at full speed over the past few years. Edited by Tony Sabine

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Chinese pupils seek oxygen therapy to boost memory, reduce anxiety for national exam

As China’s most important national examination, known as gaokao, looms, many students are flocking to hospitals to inhale oxygen in the belief that doing so will “recharge” their brains. Gaokao refers to the country’s national university entrance exam which takes place between June 6 and 8 every year. Many people believe it can make or break a young person’s future since scores in the test will largely determine in which university and what major a student can study. In the past few years,...

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China, South Korea boost commercial flights as tourism increases between the 2 countries

China and South Korea will allow 70 more flights per week between the two countries in view of fast-growing, two-way tourism and a drop in Chinese group travel to Japan. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Seoul said in a statement Thursday that passenger flight capacity would grow from 608 to 664 per week and that maximum air freight flights would expand from 54 to 68 per week. These expansions, the first since before the Covid pandemic, reflect a surge in two-way tourism,...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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'Incentives needed to boost tourism to Central Asia'

Direct flights and longer visa-free access for travellers will help unleash the potential of tourism across Central Asia, industry representatives said as Chief Executive John Lee concludes his visit to the landlocked region on Friday. SAR passport holders can travel to both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan visa-free, but the length of stay per visit is "borderline", according to Sunny Yip, director of Hong Kong travel agency Goldjoy Travel. Currently, Hong Kong permanent residents can stay in Kazakhstan up to 14 days each time, and 10 days in Uzbekistan. "These countries have a great deal of historical sites. From one site to another takes half a day or more by road," Yip said in an interview with RTHK. "If the countries could consider having 30 days visa-free, which is quite common for Hong Kong travellers to other countries, it would be very advantageous." But he said the real game-changer would be the introduction of direct flights. Hong Kong has never had direct air services to Uzbekistan, while Air Astana, Kazakhstan's flag carrier, used to operate flights between the SAR and Almaty before Covid. Lee on Tuesday announced that a Hong Kong carrier will start operating services to Almaty from the first quarter of 2027, with more details to follow. Sardor Nuritdinov, general director of Marco Polo Central Asia Travel in Uzbekistan, explained the importance of direct flights. "Most number of people travelling to Uzbekistan [from Hong Kong], they are 65-plus-year-old elderly people. For them, the biggest issue for them is the flight time and extra hassle in getting to the destination," he said. "If there is a direct flight ... it will at least increase the number of travellers to Uzbekistan in the first year already at least 10 times than what is right now." Yip said Hong Kong businesses can also actively participate in the development of tourism-related industries in Central Asia. "I would expect our chief executive to encourage more Hong Kong investment into hotel sectors," he said. "The airports are relatively basic. Development will be important to increase capacity." Nuritdinov agreed, noting that while Tashkent has no shortage of five-star hotels, cities like Samarkand and Bukhara lack premium accommodation. "Travellers from Hong Kong, they prefer more comfort compared to what can be offered in Uzbekistan at the moment in terms of accommodation," he said. With China emerging as a major market, Nuritdinov said Putonghua-speaking local guides remain scarce. "The local universities are also starting to think we need to add Chinese language as a course to the classes in the university," he said. "But I think it's a long way ahead. I'm thinking like five, 10 years ahead." Despite these challenges, both Nuritdinov and Yip see enormous potential in the region's tourism industry. Instability in the Middle East, they say, could also drive tourists to Central Asia. Nuritdinov recommended immersive experiences beyond historical sites, be it cooking Kazakhstan's national dish plov with a local family, silk embroidery workshops or dance lessons. Edited by Raymond Yeung

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Canada PM unveils AI strategy, warns of foreign dominance

Prime Minister Mark Carney launched his AI strategy on Thursday, warning Canada’s slow adoption of the frontier technology had created risks and that domestic capacity needed a boost to avoid it being “weaponised against us”. Reducing Canada’s reliance on the US is a central part of Carney’s agenda, and his AI strategy nodded to concern about the influence of US tech giants. “We are highly dependent on foreign suppliers for the infrastructure that powers AI,” he said. “That creates real risks...

South China Morning Post

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China’s futuristic stealth sub to boost ‘hunt-and-kill’ capabilities: experts

China is aiming to boost its “hunt-and-kill” capabilities with a new submarine that boasts futuristic features, according to Chinese analysts. A submarine that appeared to lack a traditional fin was being built at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, France-based Naval News reported on Wednesday, citing Vantor satellite images dated June 1. A submarine’s fin is a tower on its topside, usually used for observation and communications. Analysts said a finless design could boost the craft’s stealth,...

South China Morning Post

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Chinese carmakers BYD, Chery chart 80% growth overseas as EV demand spikes

Leading Chinese carmakers like BYD and Chery Automobile are reaping rewards from their efforts to boost sales abroad, as they chase higher profitability amid rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Chery, which spearheaded the go-global drive among mainland China’s automotive groups and is the country’s largest car exporter, delivered three times as many cars overseas as at home last month. The state-owned company, based in eastern China’s Anhui province, handed 181,571 vehicles to customers...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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'Direct flight to Central Asia could lift HK tourism'

The executive director of the Travel Industry Council Fanny Yeung said on Wednesday she believes the planned launch of a direct flight linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan would further boost the city's tourism industry. Her remarks came as Cathay Pacific announced it would start operating the route to Kazakhstan's biggest city, Almaty, in the first quarter of next year, significantly cutting the travel time between the two places. Speaking at a press conference on the upcoming International Travel Expo (ITE), Yeung said the council is pleased to learn about the flight arrangements to tap into the Central Asian market as the region is relatively unexplored. "We found that the tourism resources [there] are very, very interesting and the scenery is beautiful as well, so definitely it will attract Hong Kong people," she said, adding that the council had led a delegation to the region in 2024. "Prior to Covid, we [actually] had direct flights to Kazakhstan, but since Covid [they] stopped and didn't reopen again. I am quite positive that it will help us to explore this new destination for Hong Kong residents once the direct flight is available," she told reporters. Regarding the the SAR's tourism outlook, Yeung said she is confident that Hong Kong could welcome about 53 million visitors this year, despite risks arising from the Iran war that has reduced demand from long-haul markets. "We have less tourists from the long-haul markets, but on the other hand, Hong Kong is also very attractive to mainlanders," she said. Asia's annual flagship travel fair ITE is set to return to Hong Kong from June 11 to 14 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is expected to attract over 500 exhibitors from 66 countries and regions, including newcomers Uganda, Mongolia, and Peru. Edited by Aaron Tam

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Education MoUs boost HK-Kazakhstan ties: CE

Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between education institutions in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan lay the foundation for further cooperation between the two sides in the long run. He witnessed the exchange of MoUs between Nazarbayev University and Education University of Hong Kong as well as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University during a visit to the institution in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on the final day of his trip to the Central Asia country. “These agreements will deepen academic and research collaboration. They will strengthen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan,” Lee said in a speech. “This growing network of institutional partnerships is precisely how we build enduring foundations for long-term cooperation and mutual rewards." The CE noted that some 500 students from Kazakhstan are currently studying in universities in Hong Kong, and he invited more people from the country to pursue career opportunities in the SAR. “The Kazakh community in Hong Kong is growing, and I invite you to look to Hong Kong for your future. To students here, we welcome talented youth and entrepreneurs with open arms. The opportunities are wide open too.” Lee also pointed out that Nazarbayev University was where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Belt and Road Initiative back in 2013. "Since its inception, the Belt and Road has developed a comprehensive framework for global partnership. It's anchored in policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, free and unfettered trade, financial integration, and critically, people-to-people bonds. More than a decade on, the foundations laid here are delivering rewarding results," he said. Professor Waqar Ahmad, president of Nazarbayev University, said his institution, which opened in 2010, has a lot to learn from universities in the SAR. Last year, Nazarbayev University launched a partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to establish a joint Bachelor of Business Administration programme under which students spend two years at each institution. “One of the inspiring examples for us is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,” Ahmad said. “35-year-old doesn't behave like a 35-year-old institution, behaves like a fantastic, mature institution which competes with universities which are 200, 300, 400 years old, fantastic in everything that it does, and that's the kind of inspiration that we get excited by. “We are a university which is still in the making. You've got well-established universities with a global reputation. We need to learn from you to get there.” Before the exchange ceremony, Lee and his delegation toured the university and visited its teaching facilities on artificial intelligence, new materials and energy technologies. Lee will head to Uzbekistan on Wednesday afternoon to continue his trip in Central Asia. Edited by Edmond Fong

South China Morning Post

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Rising seas: Japan makes pitch to Pacific Island nations caught in US-China rivalry

Japan is positioning itself as a partner for Pacific Island nations struggling with rising seas and caught between the US-China rivalry, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledging on Wednesday to help fight climate change and boost maritime cooperation. Speaking at the inaugural Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, Takaichi made a direct pitch to Pacific leaders, presenting Japan as a reliable partner that upholds the rule of law at sea and delivers consistent support. “Japan will continue to...

South China Morning Post

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Can China’s caesium-from-brine tech cut reliance on Canadian, Australian ores?

Chinese researchers have developed an environmentally friendly method to extract caesium from brine, a process they say could boost China’s supply of the strategic resource. Caesium, a rare metal, is a critical strategic resource used in satellite atomic clocks, missile thermal imaging sensors and advanced speciality glass. China and the United States are the top consumers of caesium, yet both rely heavily on imports. It is primarily found in the Earth’s crustal ores as well as salt lake brines...

South China Morning Post

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Hong Kong media groups sign Kazakhstan deals to deepen journalism, business ties

Two Hong Kong media organisations have joined forces with one of Kazakhstan’s largest state-owned conglomerates to strengthen collaboration in journalism and information exchange. The South China Morning Post also signed a partnership with Kazakhstan’s special financial zone to boost ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong and mainland China. The agreements are among 13 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed on Tuesday between Hong Kong sectors and their counterparts in Kazakhstan, as Chief...

South China Morning Post

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Philippine President Marcos’ ratings hit record low as inflation bites

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s net satisfaction rating has hit an all-time low, with observers citing deep-seated economic anxieties as the main driver behind the slump – even as expanded media exposure has helped boost awareness of his foreign policy initiatives. The latest Social Weather Stations survey put Marcos’ net satisfaction rating at minus 15 in March: a 12-point drop from minus 3 in November 2025 and the worst figure of his presidency, eclipsing the previous nadir of...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Yacht tourism boom on horizon as sailing curbs eased

A new policy aimed at allowing yachts from Hong Kong and Macao to enter or exit nine mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area will be a massive catalyst for growth in yacht tourism, said David Norton, vice commodore of Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club, on Tuesday. His remark came after the SAR on Saturday welcomed the State Council's approval of exemption from the requirement of a guarantee and implementation of temporary ship nationality registration, enabling yachts from both SARs to access the nine mainland cities. Speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme, Norton said there used to be great financial and administrative hurdles in the past in trying to get boats across the border in the mainland or Hong Kong for yacht races and sailing events. "It's very difficult for them to bring their boats into China and for our members to get their boats to attend events in the Chinese mainland, so this [new policy] is a massive boost, and the opportunities for cruising around the beautiful Guangdong coast is also a very interesting prospect," he said. It will also bring greater convenience and more opportunities for yachters to explore the region, Norton added. He also said the industry was looking forward to more details of the scheme being made available and the city becoming a focal point for people who wish to enter Chinese mainland waters. Speaking on the same programme, Dennis Kwok from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education said the policy will have spillover effects for other industries as well. "Not only will the owners travel, they might have their guests, their business partners, and also the maintenance crew, everything that will provide a lot of economic benefits to the tourism industry in Hong Kong," said the head of the department of hospitality at the institute's campuses in Chai Wan and Haking Wong. Although yachts travelling to Hong Kong might not be great in number, Kwok said, they have a major impact on tourism branding and make the city more unique. He also said a recent proposal for an operational merger for China Ferry Terminal and the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal was timely as passenger throughput at these two checkpoints had dropped by 6.5 percent last year. He suggested that one of the ferry terminals be used as additional location to serve yacht tourists. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

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