32.6 C
Vientiane
Friday, October 10, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 829

Beijing Review: Chinese and U.S. youth explore the charm of Beijing’s history and modernity

BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 7-12, 25 young delegates from China and the United States gathered in Beijing for the Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program.


Chinese and U.S. youth explore the charm of Beijing’s history and modernity

This cross-Pacific initiative opened a new chapter in people-to-people diplomacy, giving American students a deeper and more nuanced view of China, and allowing young voices from both nations to find common ground where history meets modernity.

The delegation visited the Blue Hall of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 11, where they attended a live press briefing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning joined the group for an open, face-to-face conversation afterward.


“When Ms. Mao walked toward us, I was genuinely thrilled,” Gina Egito, a computer science major from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, recalled. She had chosen her seat carefully to observe and take notes.

Mao shared a group photo of her with the delegates on her official X account later that night, captioning it, “A delightful exchange with Chinese and American youth.”

Over the course of the week, the group visited a range of institutions and landmarks, including China Agricultural University (CAU), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) China Office, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, as well as innovative tech titans like Tencent and Xiaomi.

At CAU, delegates explored China’s rural development strategies. At the WFP office, discussions turned to pressing global issues, including food security and South-South cooperation.

“I think it’s really interesting to see the developing countries working together to collaborate for their shared interest, for their shared problems, because it showcases a sense of camaraderie of being together. I’m really impressed with the WFP and their commitment to sustainable learning, intellectual sharing, and making sure it’s accessible, because that’s going to make their solutions long term,” said Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel, a student studying International Affairs and Chinese at East Tennessee State University.

At the U.S. Embassy, the group engaged in frank and constructive conversations about the role youth can play in improving bilateral ties and mutual understanding.

Cultural immersion was just as impactful. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside the Forbidden City, Justin Isaiah Seymour Welch, a master’s student in Technology Management at New York University, paused to take photos.

“This is my third time in Beijing. I was here last November, and I visited this park at night. So, this is my first time experiencing it during the day. It’s really nice to see it in a whole new light—there’s such a lively atmosphere with people hanging out, and you can hear the bugs chirping. It’s a refreshing, vibrant experience,” he said.

The group’s visits to Tencent and Xiaomi brought the Chinese tech industry to life. At Tencent, delegates explored AI-driven tools and cutting-edge platforms like AI assistant Tencent Yuanbao and the 3D model generator Hunyuan3D.

“That’s something you can’t truly learn from a textbook or a class—you have to be here, see it with your own eyes. It’s definitely been an eye-opening experience,” Erik Michael Larson, an undergraduate from Indiana University, said after a ride in a Xiaomi vehicle.

The program also gave students a taste of everyday life in Beijing—from a boat ride down the gleaming Liangma River to the lively atmosphere of the city’s Lotus Market.

“When I think about China from what I’ve learned in class, it’s mostly about special holidays or cultural events. But you don’t really get to see what daily life is like. Experiencing it firsthand here has been a completely different perspective,” said Larson.

On the river cruise, a moment of surprise captured the imagination of Wayne State University law student Michael Alexander Buzzy. When a giant 3D screen lit up over the water, he instinctively reached for his camera.

“It’s incredible to be in a city—and a country—that has such a rich history. I feel like Beijing does a fantastic job of showcasing that, especially through this experience,” he said. “For example, when we visited the Forbidden City, we got a deep dive into China’s classical history. But in the heart of the city, you also get a real sense of China’s modern-day development, technology, and how far it’s come. It’s been amazing to experience both sides of China in such a short time. I’m really excited for what’s still to come.”

The youth delegation will travel onward to Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, Suzhou, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai for further exchanges and site visits from July 12 to 23. In Suzhou, they’ll take part in the China-U.S. Future Diplomats summer camp.

This program is jointly hosted by the China International Communications Group Center for the Americas, the U.S.-based International Student Conferences (ISC), and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi’an Jiaotong University. All 25 U.S. and Chinese delegates were selected through the ISC.

Comments to pengjiawei@cicgamericas.com
Company Name: Center for the Americas, China International Communications Group
Contact Person: Peng Jiawei
Email: pengjiawei@cicgamericas.com
Country: People’s Republic of China

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/VZG8mm3lYuk

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15RJB2cQS3/

X:
https://x.com/BeijingReview/status/1944756209011106116

TT:
https://www.tiktok.com/@cachinachic/video/7526941186376895774?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7227134149436605995

Electrifying and Proven: ExploMar’s WAVE300 Makes Waves at Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

SHANGHAI, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (MEBC), XNRG.tech, a subsidiary of Xtenders, brought its high-performance energyX 6.3 carbon RIB to the world stage — powered by ExploMar’s WAVE 300 electric outboard (300HP), making its official debut at this prestigious event and demonstrating its proven performance under real racing conditions.

From R&D, testing to racing

Developed and manufactured by ExploMar, a high-performance electric outboard manufacturer based in China, the WAVE 300 is one of the world’s earliest and most powerful 300hp electric outboard systems, powered by a 125kWh high-energy-density lithium-ion battery.

Delivered to XNRG.tech in mid-2024, the propulsion system has since undergone extensive real-world testing. At this year’s Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, it delivered electrifying performance in both the Endurance Race and the 16-nautical-mile Speed Trial.

High Performance in Electric

On July 4, the energyX 6.3, powered by the WAVE 300 system, finished with 1st place in the Electric propulsion system – Open Sea Class during the MEBC Endurance Race. The RIB completed 27 laps on a 0.66-nautical-mile circuit, with a top speed of 42 knots, and returned to the dock with 11% battery remaining — a remarkable showcase of both performance and energy efficiency. The MEBC Endurance Race is a 3-hour challenge to test the boats’ energy capabilities.

Fastest Finish – 16NM Speed Trial

On July 5, the energyX 6.3 once again showcased its speed capabilities in the 16 Nautical Mile Speed Trial, racing from Monaco to Ventimiglia. It was the first electric boat to cross the finish line, completing the course in just 29 minutes with 40% battery remaining. In a thrilling head-to-head battle, ExploMar’s WAVE 300 system held its own against top-tier electric competitors, staying neck and neck until the final moments — underscoring its competitive edge in real-world coastal performance.

Mr. Herbert Dercksen stated, CEO of XNRG.tech, ‘Great to see how the combination of a light weight carbon boat, with a total boat weight of only 1400 kg incl battery and engine, performs compared to the other participants.’

“We are proud to support XNRG.tech in this challenge and thrilled to see WAVE300 prove itself on such an international stage,” said Alex Dong, CEO of ExploMar. “Our on-site engineers worked closely with the XNRG team during every stage of preparation and racing. Behind the scenes, our R&D team in China provided continuous technical support to ensure optimal system performance. Participating in MEBC has given us the opportunity to showcase not just the power and reliability of WAVE300, but also the strength of our engineering team and product development capabilities.”

Yum China to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

SHANGHAI, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987, “Yum China” or the “Company”) today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 before the U.S. market opens on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 (after the trading hours of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, August 5, 2025).

Yum China’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 (7:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Tuesday, August 5, 2025).

A live webcast of the call may be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/kij3u6kb.

To join by phone, please register in advance of the conference through the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN.

Pre-registration Link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIb7706c47c6cf42db8f213a8ac7f0329c 

A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the event and will remain accessible until August 4, 2026. Additionally, earnings release accompanying slides will be available at the Company’s Investor Relations website http://ir.yumchina.com.  

About Yum China Holdings, Inc. 

Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company operates over 16,000 restaurants under six brands across around 2,300 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has also partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world’s most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 7556
E-mail: IR@yumchina.com 

Media Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 8288 / +852 2267 5807
E-mail: Media@yumchina.com 

A depressed art market may present a historical buying opportunity, say CKGSB and SDA Bocconi

BEIJING and MILAN, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amid a cooling global art market, a new suite of data-driven tools offers investors a rare edge. The Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) and SDA Bocconi School of Management have jointly launched the MM Art Indices, a pioneering set of indices tracking global art market performance and provide institutional-grade analysis.

MEI Jianping, Professor of Finance, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB)
MEI Jianping, Professor of Finance, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB)

Building on the success of CKGSB’s MM Chinese Art Indices (launched in 2023), the new MM Art Indices present MM Continental Art Price Indices, the first-ever comparative, long-term art price benchmarks constructed according to artists’ birthplaces, spanning Asia-Africa-Oceania, Europe, and the Americas.

According to the MM Art Indices, based on auction records (since 1873) from Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips across major global cities, Asia-Africa-Oceania recorded the strongest long-term growth, with a CAGR of 7.7%, despite a 6.4% decline in Spring 2025. The Americas rebounded sharply by 31.7%, while Europe increased by 22.4%, nearly recovering pandemic-era losses, though its long-term growth remains more modest at 2.3% CAGR. “These regional patterns reflect deeper economic shifts,” said Mei Jianping, CKGSB Professor of Finance. “Europe’s market is mature and stable, while the Americas show postwar expansion and volatility. Asia’s growth, driven by China and India, is rapid but uneven.” The Chinese art market rebounded by 9% in Spring 2025, despite a 48.2% drop from its 2020 peak.

By combining the Sotheby’s Mei & Moses Index (1928–2000) with the MM Art Indices (2000–2024), researchers found that 10-year rolling returns on art turned negative in 2023-2024–the worst in 70 years. “We’re seeing a rare alignment of market conditions that suggest art may be undervalued on a historical basis,” said Mei. “For long-term collectors, this could represent a strategic entry point into the market.”

CKGSB and SDA Bocconi have signed an MOU to co-develop new tools, including European country-level indices and sentiment metrics, under the newly launched Art Market and Finance Monitor at SDA Bocconi. “The MM Art Indices bring much-needed transparency to a market that has traditionally lacked standardized benchmarks,” said Brunella Bruno, Professor of Finance at SDA Bocconi. “By applying rigorous financial methodologies, we’re helping bridge the gap between cultural value and market performance,” added Andrea Rurale, Director of Intensive Program in Art Markets and Finance at SDA BOCCONI.

To read the full report, click here.

From Borneo to ASEAN: ICW & BuildXpo 2025 to Drive Regional Collaboration, Innovation and Growth

The ASEAN edition to expand on the event’s momentum with new markets, tech showcases, and global participation

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The highly anticipated 27th International Construction Week (ICW) & BuildXpo 2025, is set to take place from 28 to 30 October 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), following the successful debut of ICW Borneo 2025 in Kuching in May.


Held under the theme “Constructing the Future of ASEAN”, ICW & BuildXpo 2025 reflects Malaysia’s dual leadership as ASEAN Chair and President of the UN-Habitat Assembly (2025–2029), strengthening its position at the forefront of regional policy direction and global urban transformation.

Organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia in partnership with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Qube), and hosted by the Ministry of Works Malaysia, ICW & BuildXpo 2025—the anchor construction industry event for Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship—will build on the momentum of the inaugural Borneo edition, which saw over 3,000 participants converge to discuss the future of sustainable and tech-driven development for ASEAN across the various programmes curated. ICW Borneo 2025 generated estimated sales close to RM48 million at its official trade showcase, BuildXpo.

Held under the theme “Constructing the Future of ASEAN”, ICW & BuildXpo 2025 reflects Malaysia’s dual leadership as ASEAN Chair and President of the UN-Habitat Assembly (2025–2029), strengthening its position at the forefront of regional policy direction and global urban transformation.

A Comprehensive Platform for Collaboration, Innovation, and Trade

ICW & BuildXpo 2025 will feature a robust three-day programme combining high-level conferences, specialised forums, technical competitions, and a dynamic exhibition. Highlights include the International Construction Transformation Conference (ICTC), the Digital Construction Summit (DCS), and the Global Opportunities Seminar, which will explore new markets and export pathways for Malaysian firms.

Other featured segments include the Women in Building Malaysia (WIBM) Roundtable, the return of the popular Construction Dispute Resolution Conference with a focus on AI-powered contract management, and a host of youth- and skills-driven activities including the National Crane Competition, QUEST Award 2025, and the MSSA Open Ideas Competition.

The official trade showcase, BuildXpo, will feature over 350 booths across five key segments: Construction Technology, Construction Materials, Construction Equipment, Construction Machinery & Systems, and Supporting Services, which includes start-ups, educational institutions, financial service providers, and trade publications. Complementing this will be the International Sourcing Programme, jointly organised with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), to connect local exhibitors with buyers from emerging and established markets. CIDB IBS will also present three events at BuildXpo this year: the innovative IBS Homes showcasing modular technologies; the Construction Career Spotlight for young and experienced professionals in construction; and the NextGen TVET Modular Thinker competition for TVET students.

Scaling Up from 2024: New Markets, New Technologies

Building on the success of last year’s edition—which generated over RM654,000 in projected trade through the BuildXpo showcase and international sourcing—ICW & BuildXpo 2025 aims to scale up significantly through several strategic thrusts. These include enhanced ASEAN engagement via the ASEAN Pavilion, deeper participation from East Malaysia through the Sabah and Sarawak Pavilions, and increased focus on China’s expanded presence—spotlighting smart infrastructure systems, sustainable solutions, heavy machinery, and advanced construction technologies.

CIDB Chief Executive Puan Zainora Zainal commented: “From Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur, ICW & BuildXpo 2025 is a platform for transformation. It brings together people, ideas, and opportunities—enabling Malaysian firms to grow, export, and lead the regional shift toward a sustainable, inclusive and digital construction future.”

ICW & BuildXpo 2025 invites construction professionals, policymakers, investors, innovators, students, and entrepreneurs to be part of this transformative journey. By bridging business, technology, and policy, the event offers a vital platform to shape the next chapter of ASEAN’s built environment.

For more information and to register, visit www.icw.my 

About CIDB Malaysia

The Construction Industry Development Board was established under the Construction Industry Development Act (Act 520) to develop the capacity and capability of the construction industry through enhancement of quality and productivity by placing great emphasis on professionalism, innovation, and knowledge in the endeavour to improve the quality of life.

About Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Qube Integrated, based in Kuala Lumpur since 2003, excels as a B2B and B2C exhibition and event organiser with a global presence. Known for its venue management, World Expo pavilion creation, and comprehensive event services, Qube leverages its extensive experience to provide end-to-end solutions. Operating across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, its team specialises in creating impactful event experiences, excelling in design, planning, and management for various events. Qube’s award-winning services extend to exhibition management, interior design, and venue management, making it a leader in the events sector.

CONTACT: Yasmin Bathamanathan, yasmin@qube.com.my

ACTIVE 2.0 Project Launches in Malaysia to Improve Cervical Cancer Treatment

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A regional effort to improve cervical cancer care for patients has launched in Malaysia. Involving 6 countries in Southeast Asia, Project ACTIVE 2.0 aims to enhance cervical cancer treatment and support patient recovery across Southeast Asia. The three-year initiative will focus on strengthening healthcare systems through clinical training, infrastructure upgrades, and digital innovations, with the goal of expanding access to high-quality, targeted cervical cancer care for patients and their families.

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge in Southeast Asia, with over 69,000 new cases and 38,000 deaths reported in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While modern radiation treatment has significantly improved outcomes, gaps in access to advanced treatment and trained experts persist. ACTIVE 2.0 addresses these gaps through expanded medical training, upgraded infrastructure, and patient-centered innovations in cancer care.

“ACTIVE 2.0 is an important step toward improving access to advanced cancer care across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia,” said Paul Lee, Project Director  of ACTIVE 2.0. “Through this project, Malaysia will boost the number of clinicians trained in advanced cervical cancer treatment, strengthen the local hospital capabilities, and better support patients through their recovery journey. The aim is bringing hope to everybody dealing with cervical cancer.”

ACTIVE 2.0 will collaborate with the top oncology treatment centers in peninsula Malaysia as well as east Malaysia, to establish a network of four Centers of Excellence (CoE) for cervical cancer treatment. These centers will receive from the project advanced radiotherapy training equipment as well as infrastructure to support the long-term recovery of their patients.

Dr. Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, Head of Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Paul Lee, Project Director of ACTIVE 2.0.
Dr. Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, Head of Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Paul Lee, Project Director of ACTIVE 2.0.

“Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern in Malaysia, particularly for women in underserved communities,” said Dr. Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, Head of Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. “While radiotherapy is already part of cancer care in the country, ACTIVE 2.0 allows us to further strengthen local expertise in very advanced cancer treatment, and contribute to Malaysia’s development.  Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance treatment quality and support broader access to advanced cancer care in Malaysia.”

Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG)

DEG Impulse, a member of the KfW Bankengruppe (KfW banking group), finances investments of private companies in developing and transition countries. As one of Europe’s largest development finance institutions, it promotes private business structures to contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved living conditions.

For more information, visit www.deginvest.de

Elekta 

As a leader in precision radiation therapy, Elekta is committed to ensuring every patient has access to the best cancer care possible. We openly collaborate with customers to advance sustainable, outcome-driven and cost-efficient solutions to meet evolving patient needs, improve lives and bring hope to everyone dealing with cancer.

For more information, visit www.elekta.com 

The Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO)

FARO is a non-profit and scientific organization which is intended to function as a federation of radiation oncology societies in Asia and aims to foster the role of radiation oncology to improve the basic level of radiotherapy for the benefit of the cancer patients in the Asian region.

For more information, visit www.faro.asia 

Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)

ASSIST is an international non-government organization focused on capacity building. Its goal is to empower its target groups to make them resilient to the social, economic and environmental challenges.

For more information, visit www.assistasia.org 

Lao Authorities Arrest 59 Vietnamese Nationals in Fraud Crackdown

Lao Authorities Arrest 59 Vietnamese Nationals in Fraud Crackdown
Colonel Vu Van Dau, Director of Dien Bien Provincial Police, directly questioned the subjects. (Photo credit: DIEN BIEN POLICE)

Lao and Vietnamese police have arrested 59 Vietnamese nationals involved in a high-tech fraud ring based in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province.

Baseus Becomes One of the First to Deliver Qi2.2-Certified Power Banks to The Market

SHENZHEN, China, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Baseus proudly announces that it is set to become one of the first brands to deliver Qi2.2-certified power banks to consumers, with three new models rolling out globally starting this August. As wireless charging technology enters a new era, Baseus leads the way—bringing the speed, safety, and precision of Qi2.2 to users through practical, stylish devices.

Qi2.2: Faster, Smarter, More Precise

Qi2.2, introduced by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), marks a major leap in wireless charging. The standard raises maximum wireless output from 15W to 25W—ideal for modern high-demand smartphones. ±0.5mm magnetic alignment precision improves charging efficiency by up to 40%, reducing misalignment-related energy loss. An upgraded foreign object detection (FOD) system enhances user safety, while backward compatibility ensures seamless support for Qi1.3, Qi2.0, and other mainstream devices. For more details on the Qi2.2 standard and its benefits, please visit the Qi2.2 guide on our blog.

Three Devices, One Seamless Qi2.2 Experience

Baseus introduces a trio of Qi2.2-certified charging solutions, each tailored to different user needs but united by next-gen speed and precision. The PicoGo AM61 Magnetic Power Bank features 25W magnetic wireless charging and a built-in 45W USB-C cable—an all-in-one solution for fast, flexible power. The PicoGo AM52 Ultra-Slim Magnetic Power Bank packs the same wireless performance into a slim, ergonomic aluminum-silicone body, perfect for everyday portability. The PicoGo AF21 Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charger features a foldable 3-in-1 design, delivering up to 35W total output—ideal for powering multiple devices at once. The new Qi2.2-certified power bank series will launch globally starting this August through Baseus’s official online store and leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.

Leading the Future of Charging Technology

Baseus’s  leadership in Qi2.2 reflects its ongoing mission to push the boundaries of charging innovation. As a pioneer in GaN fast-charging, Baseus has introduced some of the world’s most compact and powerful GaN chargers, developed in collaboration with industry leaders. The brand is also globally recognized as the No.1 name in retractable power accessories, with its patented cable technology delivering unmatched durability, flexibility, and ease of use—powering users across commuting, travel, and home environments.

With the arrival of Qi2.2-certified power banks, Baseus reaffirms its commitment to creating high-performance, user-first solutions that are both accessible and beautifully designed.

About Baseus

Founded in 2011, Baseus was born out of utmost care for users. The company embodies its slogan: Practical. Reliable. Base on User. This shows the pursuit of ultimate practicality to solve users’ problems with outstanding design and fashionable appearances that also reflect reliability, high quality, and cost-effectiveness. Baseus delivers a variety of products – including Portable Chargers, Desktop Chargers, Wall Chargers, Wireless Earbuds, and Docking Stations. Chosen by 300 million users and providing 6 billion services, Baseus delivers over 100 million practical and aesthetic products each year, continuously enhancing users’ sense of fulfillment. Join the Baseus family today to see a new world of technological innovation.

Media Contact:

Email: pr@baseus.com 
Baseus Official Website: https://www.baseus.com/