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Three-Colored Bronze Buddha Recognized as Local National Heritage in Vientiane Province

Three-coloured bronze Buddha. (Photo: Lao News Agency)

Vientiane Province authorities formally recognized the Three-Colored Bronze Buddha as a local-level national heritage site on 26 December during a ceremony at Ban Lingsan Temple in Thoulakhom district.

Vice Chairman of the Vientiane Provincial Administrative Committee Somphasong Souvongkhamchan attended the event alongside representatives from provincial and district offices, monks and nuns, village leaders, parents, and students. Officials presented the designation as part of efforts to preserve local history and cultural identity.

The Three-Colored Bronze Buddha holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the village. Ban Lingsan is home to 301 households and 1,588 residents. The community practices Buddhism alongside traditional beliefs, with livelihoods based mainly on farming and animal husbandry.

Authorities recognize Ban Lingsan as a conservation village and an ancient cultural site known for preserving the Long Ngum tradition. The Three-Colored Buddha, locally known as Phra Thong Sam Si, has long served as a spiritual symbol for residents of the village and nearby communities.

The statue stands 56 centimeters tall, with a forehead width of 37 centimeters and shoulder width of 21 centimeters. Its base measures 23.5 centimeters in height and 51 centimeters in width. Craftsmen created the statue using bronze, brass, silver-gold alloys, and rare gemstones. 

Experts believe a skilled artisan produced the work during the Lane Xang Kingdom period, between 1353 to 1707. However, the exact date reman unknown. 

The ceremony included a procession carrying the Three-Colored Buddha around the temple grounds, followed by traditional dance performances by students from Lingsan Village Primary School and Ban Wit Kham Secondary School.

Masa Draws the Sea Again

The Norwegian Refugee Council’s Better Learning Programme, funded by Education Cannot Wait, delivers mental health and psychosocial support alongside education for children in Gaza.

GAZA, Palestine, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a tent in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, 12-year-old Masa carefully places her colored pencil on the page, tracing the curve of a wave. Her brown hair is pulled back in a ponytail, secured with two plastic barrettes. The sea she draws is calm and glimmering. 

Masa works on a drawing during a session of the Better Learning Programme in Gaza. © NRC
Masa works on a drawing during a session of the Better Learning Programme in Gaza. © NRC

In her real world, nothing is calm. But in this small act of creativity – in the rhythm of drawing and comfort of her new learning space – Masa is learning to breathe again. 

She has already endured more loss than any child should. “I used to live a beautiful and peaceful life in the Al-Nasr area. My school was my wonderful world where I gathered with friends. But after the war started, we were forced to flee multiple times until we ended up in a tent at the Saned site in Deir al-Balah. My life became nothing but emptiness, suffering and extreme loneliness,” Masa says. After attacks and displacement orders forced her to flee her home – and the school and friendships that once gave her joy – she faced a daily battle with fear and feelings of despair. 

When a temporary learning space was established at the Saned site, Masa regained a small semblance of the childhood she once knew. She now attends learning sessions in a safe environment where she’s rebuilding her lost skills in Arabic and mathematics, making new friends, learning calming and coping techniques, and rediscovering joy through play and art. 

This initiative is funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, and is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) flagship Better Learning Programme (BLP). For children like Masa, it’s a first step towards recovery and hope.

Where Learning Establishes the Foundation for Healing

When Masa’s family fled Al-Nasr, the 12-year-old not only left behind her home, but her school, friends and beloved teachers. She spent long days in the family’s small tent in Saned site, her anxiety growing in the silence. She says, “I always felt isolated and distressed, with no one to talk to.” 

Even stepping outside of the tent was dangerous. Her mother urged her to stay inside, afraid for her safety. Her beloved aunt was killed in an airstrike on a school where she was sheltering, and her cousin’s leg was amputated after sustaining injuries in the same attack. Masa says, “I woke up terrified many times at night, sometimes waking my brother to calm me. I felt that death was getting closer to us and war and bombings were stealing the people we love.”

Everything changed the day a group of teachers visited her family’s tent. They spoke to her mother about a new learning tent at the site and encouraged Masa to join. 

Today, Masa regularly attends psychosocial and learning sessions through the BLP. The initiative weaves together basic education – including Arabic and mathematics – with therapeutic tools like breathing techniques, storytelling and guided drawing to help children process trauma and stress. “I learned deep breathing exercises, the safe place technique and relaxation methods. I practiced these techniques regularly, especially picturing my safe place,” says Masa.

One core aim of the initiative is to teach children self-regulation, calming and coping skills. Now, when Masa feels afraid, she remembers her teacher’s words – that negative thoughts make us feel hopeless. She then takes out her drawing supplies or talks to friends to cope.

Educators and community members are also equipped with tools to create safe learning environments and support children’s emotional recovery – part of ECW’s commitment to holistic quality education. ECW has supported education in the State of Palestine since 2019, where its investments have reached nearly one million crisis-affected children to date, 51% of them girls.

Masa says, “Since joining the sessions at the educational tent, I have felt some hope that life could return to us. I made friends and established a routine in my life. I also started drawing beautiful pictures again.” 

Rediscovering Hope, One Lesson at a Time

Masa now walks to the learning tent each day, where she reads, draws and relearns math and Arabic – the building blocks to education that two years of war had threatened to erase. She dreams of becoming a doctor. “I want to help children. It is my right, like all children in the world, to dream, grow and build my future,” she says. 

Yet, for children like her, that future hangs in the balance. Continued investment in education and mental health support is not a luxury – it is a necessity. BLP is just one step in a much longer journey towards recovery. But it is a powerful one.

“This grant from ECW allows us to begin restoring mental health and learning services,” says Jan Egeland, Secretary General of NRC. “But it is only a drop in an ocean of need. These children must not be forgotten.” 

In a corner of a tent in Deir al-Balah, Masa picks up her pencil again. The waves on the page are growing stronger. She still carries the weight of grief, but her drawings whisper something else: resilience. “I love drawing the sea because it reminds me that life is still possible and beautiful.” 

 

NEC Wins at Newsweek AI Impact APAC & EMEA Awards

How NEC’s AI Is Creating What’s Ahead in Malaysia

TOKYO, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) recently won awards in various categories at the Newsweek AI Impact APAC & EMEA Awards, which identify and recognize organisations for their innovative use of AI to solve everyday business challenges.

Malaysia’s continued focus on digital transformation across industries underscores the need for AI that is reliable, transparent, and trusted. NEC’s recognition at the Newsweek AI Impact Awards reflects the growing relevance of trusted AI as organisations across Malaysia scale digital services and drive innovation.

Award Summary

NEC’s proprietary AI technologies and solutions were recognized in the following categories.

1.     AI Brand & Retail > Best Outcomes, Product Development and Innovation

(1)  Title

AI-Powered New Product Demand Forecasting: Driving Consensus Through Predictive Insights

(2)  Overview

In traditional new product development, insufficient historical data made it difficult to create accurate forecasts. NEC’s AI-powered New Product Demand Forecasting Solution leverages proprietary AI to predict and support stakeholder consensus-building.

(3)  Reference URL

https://jpn.nec.com/press/202406/20240617_01.html (Japanese text)

2Best of “Most Innovative AI Technology or Service” > Extraordinary Impact in AI innovation

(1)  Title

NEC’s Negotiation AI: Automating Delivery Adjustments for Greater Efficiency

(2)  Overview

NEC’s proprietary AI technology automates the negotiation and adjustment processes traditionally performed by humans. It automatically derives essential and desirable conditions for negotiations and proposes mutually acceptable, optimal terms. Leveraging this technology, NEC aims to automate delivery date and quantity adjustments in the procurement of parts from suppliers. A proof-of-concept applied to procurement operations within the NEC Group confirmed significant improvements in operational efficiency.

(3)  Reference URL

https://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/ai/analyze/negotiationai.html

3Best of “Most Innovative AI Technology or Service” > Extraordinary Impact in AI Transparency or Responsibility

(1)  Title

Fact or Fiction?  How NEC’s AI Keeps LLMs Trustworthy

(2)  Overview

NEC is addressing LLM hallucination issues by providing three functions—Quality Checker, LLM Explainer, and Fact Checker—to verify LLM outputs and enhance safety. Rollout began sequentially starting in October 2024. These functions are compatible with both NEC’s proprietary AI core technology NEC cotomi and the “Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.” This enables reliable generative AI across a wide range of applications.

(3)  Reference URL

https://jpn.nec.com/press/202409/20240918_04.html (Japanese text)

4AI Workplace > Best Outcomes, Leadership and Succession Planning

(1)  Title

Client Zero: NEC Leading AI Implementation at the Forefront of Transformation

(2)  Overview

NEC positions itself as “Client Zero” (the first customer of its own solutions), building a model for corporate transformation by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI. It also extends these results to its customers, with the introduction of AI into management dashboards, for example. This enables not only the visualization of actual performance data but also the incorporation of performance forecasts, facilitating rapid decision-making and swift action to anticipate future developments.

(3)  Reference URL

https://jpn.nec.com/press/202407/20240710_01.html (Japanese text)

Going forward, NEC will continue to research and develop safe and secure AI that successfully drives transformation, contributing to solving customers’ business challenges.

Wataru Irie, Managing Director of NEC Corporation of Malaysia, shares, “This recognition reinforces NEC’s commitment to delivering trusted and responsible AI in support of Malaysia’s Smart Nation 2030 ambitions. By ensuring every innovation is reliable and built for long-term impact, we continue Creating What’s Ahead for Malaysia.”

About NEC

The NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.

For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Nominations Open for 2026 Women Leaders in Energy Awards to Honor Female Pioneers in Asia-Pacific’s Energy Sector

HONG KONG, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Women Leaders in Energy Awards 2026, a cornerstone initiative of The Battery Show Asia, have officially opened for global nominations. The awards seek to honor the women driving strategic innovation and sustainable development across the entire energy value chain. This initiative shines a spotlight on women pioneers who are reshaping the future of energy through strategic innovation, technological breakthroughs, and sustainable development.

Women Leaders in Energy Awards
Women Leaders in Energy Awards

According to International Energy Agency (IEA), women represent only about 20% of the workforce in the global energy industry, with the proportion of female senior managers significantly lower than in other industries. Structural barriers continue to limit women’s participation in driving energy innovation and influencing management decision-making. The Women Leaders in Energy Awards aim to address these gaps by amplifying the voices of women in the energy sector, establishing a global platform for female leaders, and fostering a paradigm shift toward gender inclusivity and innovation.

Despite women being pivotal to innovation, they remain significantly underrepresented in the energy sector, particularly in leadership roles”, said Dan Ye, Vice President – Strategic Initiatives at Informa Markets Asia and Head of The Battery Show Asia. “The Women Leaders in Energy Awards are more than just recognition. They are a critical platform to amplify these voices, inspire the next generation, and accelerate the industry’s shift towards true gender inclusivity and collaborative innovation.”

Award Categories

Under the theme “The Dawn Light, Illuminating the Future of Energy”, the Women Leaders in Energy Awards 2026 feature two distinguished categories:

  • Energy Changemaker Award: Recognizing influential female leaders who are driving industry transformation and creating significant value for the energy sector.
  • Energy Rising Star Award: Celebrating women leading the charge in energy innovation through cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking business models.

Nomination and Timeline

Nominations are now open to honor established industry leaders and inspiring stories of resilience and innovation from women rewriting the narrative of energy transformation. Key dates include:

  • Nomination Deadline: January 30, 2026
  • Shortlist Announcement: February 27, 2026
  • Award Ceremony: March 10, 2026, during The Battery Show Asia 2026 Gala Dinner

This initiative is more than an accolade – it is a vital platform connecting female leaders, industry organizations, and decision-makers. We encourage:

  • Corporate Leaders: Nominate the women changemakers in your teams.
  • Emerging Innovators: Boldly share your groundbreaking achievements.
  • Energy Enthusiasts: Spread the word about this dual revolution of gender and innovation.

For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit: www.thebatteryshow.asia/awards/

Let us celebrate and empower the women shaping the future of energy!

About The Battery Show Asia

The world’s leading battery and energy exhibition, The Battery Show made its electrifying Asian debut in July 2025. In 2026, the show returns to AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong (March 10–12), welcoming 20,000+ policymakers, innovators, engineers, manufacturers, and thought leaders for three days of immersive networking and cutting-edge showcases.

For Awards Nomination & Sponsorship, please contact:

Hubert Guan

Email: Hubert.Guan@informa.com

NAVER D2SF Invests in Sorcerics, an Ambient AI Startup Developing Autonomous AI Home Solutions

-Advances smart homes through Ambient AI that understands user context and delivers proactive services

-Leverages a single camera and proprietary on-device LLMs to enhance privacy protection and product competitiveness

-Targets the North American smart home market with a global product launch planned for Q1 2026, with NAVER D2SF providing active support for global expansion

SEONGNAM, South Korea, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NAVER D2SF, corporate venturing(CV) arm of NAVER, announced a new investment in Sorcerics, an Ambient AI startup developing autonomous AI home solutions. Sorcerics has built an AI-powered home system that understands users’ situations, intentions, and contextual signals to proactively deliver services, and is preparing for a global product launch in North America in the first quarter of 2026.

[Image] NAVER D2SF Invests in Sorcerics, an Ambient AI Startup Developing Autonomous AI Home Solutions
[Image] NAVER D2SF Invests in Sorcerics, an Ambient AI Startup Developing Autonomous AI Home Solutions

Guided by the philosophy of Ambient AI—where technology blends naturally into everyday environments—Sorcerics aims to transform smart homes into spaces that “take care of users on their own.” While conventional smart home systems operate passively by responding only to explicit commands, Sorcerics pursues a fully autonomous AI home that adapts to users and delivers services proactively based on contextual understanding.

Sorcerics’ AI home solution combines a single camera with its proprietary large language model (LLM) to analyze user gestures, behaviors, and environmental cues, enabling a nuanced understanding of user intent and the delivery of optimal services. For example, instead of simply turning off the lights when a user lies down, the system interprets the user’s readiness for sleep and adjusts lighting levels accordingly. By running up to five AI models simultaneously on-device, the solution enhances privacy protection while maintaining high performance. In addition, Sorcerics has secured product competitiveness by developing aesthetically refined hardware at approximately one-quarter of the cost of comparable solutions.

The Sorcerics founding team, led by CEO Hyeonjong Ryu, brings strong engineering expertise and execution capabilities, with more than a decade of experience in core product development and research at global technology companies including Google. The company is currently conducting beta tests in North America and is targeting a Kickstarter launch in the first quarter of 2026. Sorcerics also plans to participate in CES 2026 to showcase its product to global consumers and potential partners.

Although approximately 48% of households in North America already own at least one smart device, the market still lacks proactive, integrated solutions capable of meeting rapidly growing user expectations. Sorcerics plans to address this gap swiftly, aiming to establish a strong market position and build durable entry barriers. To support this growth, the company is actively recruiting top talent across AI, software, hardware, business, and marketing functions.

Yang Sang-hwan, Head of NAVER D2SF, stated, “The true value of technology lies not in users having to understand and learn it, but in technology understanding users and delivering services naturally. Sorcerics has the potential to overcome the limitations of existing smart home solutions and create truly convenient smart environments for users.” He added, “With more than 80% of NAVER D2SF’s portfolio companies actively expanding into global markets, we will continue to support capable technology startups as they pursue meaningful growth on the global stage.” (END)

About NAVER
Founded in 1999, NAVER is Korea’s largest Internet company and one of the world’s top tech companies. Leading cutting-edge technologies, NAVER operates No.1 search engine in Korea and holds various business portfolios encompassing commerce, fintech, cloud, AI and robotics, as well as other global online services such as LINE mobile messenger, Webtoon and Webnovel publishing, SNOW video camera app and ZEPETO metaverse platform.

NAVER recorded sales of KRW 10.74 trillion (USD 7.5 billion) in 2024. TEAM NAVER continues to enhance its business portfolio and expand its global presence across Japan, North America, and Europe, while pursuing innovation through continuous research and development in future technologies.
To learn more, visit www.navercorp.com/en

Laos Ranks Among World’s Most Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2026

Nam Song River in Vang Vieng district, Vientiane Province, Laos.

Laos has earned recognition as one of the world’s most economical travel destinations for 2026, according to Indie Traveller magazine.

Featured in the publication’s “26 Amazing Cheap Places You Should Travel to in 2026,” Laos stands out for exceptional value. Budget-conscious visitors can explore the country for approximately USD 25 daily, while those seeking more comfort need only USD 45 per day, costs that encompass lodging, meals, and local transportation. 

This positions Laos as one of the most affordable destinations, the magazine reports.

The magazine also noted that the country draws travellers with its mountains and forests, covering nearly 70 percent of the land, and offers affordable adventures from trekking, rock climbing, zip-lining, etc.

Recent infrastructure developments have enhanced accessibility, particularly the Laos-China Railway, which has slashed journey times between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage City from around eight hours to merely two.

The magazine further noted the must-see attractions including the renowned Gibbon Experience, featuring canopy zip-lines and treehouse accommodations, plus the spectacular cascades of southern Laos’s Bolaven Plateau.

Optimal visiting periods include the peak winter months of November through February. Alternative seasons offer unique experiences: October marks the transition from monsoon to dry weather, while March and April culminate with the Lao New Year celebrations, the famous Water Festival, in mid-April. The Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) lights up various regions during May and June.

Tourism figures demonstrate growing popularity, with nearly 3.8 million international visitors arriving in the first ten months of 2025, a 13 percent year-on-year increase. Officials anticipate reaching 4.3 million visitors by year-end.

Global Times: ‘China has become the center and focus of international attention’

BEIJING, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To continuously observe how China is perceived by the world, the Global Times once again launched the “Global Survey on Impression and Understanding of China,” covering 46 countries and about 51,700 respondents. The survey found that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era receives high international recognition. International community’s favorability toward China continues to rise, with growing expectations for China to play a greater role. Following the release of the survey results, it sparked positive responses, with several Chinese and foreign scholars analyzing various factors contributing to the sustained improvement of China’s international image.

‘Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era embodies advanced, shared aspirations of human society’

This survey has selected several key concepts from Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and asked foreign respondents for their views. “Building a community with a shared future for humanity” and “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” received approval from nearly 80 percent of international respondents, while “advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance,” “further deepening reform comprehensively,” and “people-centered development philosophy” each receives over 70 percent recognition. Approval rate for the above five concepts exceeds 80 percent among respondents from developing countries, and surpasses 60 percent in developed countries. As for the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative (note: the Global Governance Initiative had not been announced when the survey began), and joint pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative, over 70 percent of foreign respondents have indicated recognition, which is higher than that of 2024.

Wang Fan, Vice President of the China National Association for International Studies

From the perspective of recognition rates, more than 60 percent of respondents express approval of these concepts not only in developing countries but also in developed countries, indicating that these concepts hold significant value and embody the advanced, shared aspirations of human society. The current international community is rife with turmoil and disorder, with many countries in a state of confusion and actively seeking directions and answers. Some Western developed countries are mired in a development dilemma characterized by high welfare and high burdens, lacking clear judgement on the path forward; developing countries likewise need more explicit development approaches, models, and pathways. Concepts such as “building a community with a shared future for humanity” and the “two mountains” have garnered widespread resonance, grounded in clear practical logic and a contemporary context, and they align closely with the goals and approaches of human societal development.

Essam Sharaf, Former Egyptian Prime Minister

I appreciate China’s wisdom and carefulness regarding global affairs, especially the concept of “building a community with a shared future for humanity.” A people-centered approach and concrete actions will benefit the entire world. This is precisely what the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) is designed to address. The GGI focuses on actions that can bring change. The initiative is timely in responding to the fragile international environment. Actionable practices will first strengthen Global South countries’ capacity-building and long-term governmental effectiveness. The Global South has learned the importance of cooperation among themselves. Global South countries should cooperate and pursue the best possible conflict-resolution mechanisms. This cooperation will foster peace, and peace will in turn lead to development.

Muhammad Asif Noor, Director of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Pakistan

Amid the intensifying international geopolitical conflicts, slowing economic growth, and the global challenges of climate crises and governance deficits, the concept of “building a community with a shared future for humanity” and related initiatives directly respond to interconnected crises that transcend borders, offering a future-oriented blueprint for collective action where traditional frameworks fall short. China actively promotes climate cooperation, technology sharing, and other initiatives, gradually being regarded as an important provider of international public goods. Especially amid the escalation of great power competition, China’s proposal of these concepts fully embodies the responsibility of a responsible major power.

Liang Xue, Assistant Researcher with the China Institute of International Studies

An increasing number of countries recognize that “building a community with a shared future for humanity” is the path forward for the peoples of all nations. This major concept has been incorporated into UN General Assembly resolutions for consecutive several years, with its core implications included in the United Nations’ “Pact for the Future,” and it is increasingly becoming a significant international public good that serves as a hallmark of the contemporary world. The concept of “building a community with a shared future for humanity” highly aligns with the core values accumulated over the long term in the cultures of various countries, in terms of their spiritual essence. “Building a community with a shared future for humanity” clearly advocates the common values of all humanity, resonating and integrating with the core ideas of unity, coexistence, cooperation, and mutual benefit championed by various civilizations, thereby drawing the largest concentric circle encompassing the value pursuits of peoples from countries with diverse historical and cultural backgrounds.

Kin Phea, Director General of the International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy of Cambodia

The cross-regional recognition of China’s vision of “building a community with a shared future for humanity” reflects a growing demand for inclusive cooperation amid global uncertainty. China’s concept resonates because it prioritizes shared development, mutual respect, and collective security rather than ideological conformity. It accommodates diverse political systems while emphasizing practical cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, climate change, and public health. This flexible and non-exclusionary approach aligns with the realities of a multipolar world, enhancing its credibility and appeal across different regions.

Rafael Zerbetto, Brazilian expert at China International Publishing Group and a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award

Now, for first time we will see an ancient civilization with other values (different from Western ones) and mindset starting to lead the world. The four global initiatives appear in this context, signaling essential values and guidelines that China wants to share with the world. These initiatives support and complement each other. They share the same spirit of promoting win-win cooperation, mutual understanding, mutually beneficial exchanges and common development. Altogether they can be regarded as a framework that allows other countries to better understand China’s philosophy on global governance and what we can expect. A major secret behind China’s development success lies in its long-term systematic planning and strong implementation capacity.

‘A major secret behind China’s development success lies in its long-term, systematic planning and strong executive force’

Survey results show that nearly 70 percent of foreign respondents hold a positive attitude toward the Communist Party of China’s concepts and practices related to exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, including implementation of the spirit of central Party leadership’s eight-point decision on improving work conduct. They agree that “the ruling party members in all countries should be held to higher standards than ordinary citizens” or “strict standards for the ruling party members are essential.” More than three-fourths of foreign respondents have an objective and positive understanding and evaluation of the formulation and implementation of five-year plans, agreeing that “this is an important mechanism in China’s economic and social development” and “an approach” the government of their country would do well to adopt.

Huang Jing, Distinguished Professor of Shanghai International Studies University 

The governance concepts and experience, such as implementing the spirit of the eight-point decision and formulating five-year plans, have won international acclaim, reflecting the international community’s widespread expectations for China’s development path and governance model. The international community’s recognition of the practice of exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance demonstrates that the ruling party can maximize the containment of the breeding and spread of corruption through rigorous self-governance – a political courage rarely seen in the practices of political parties in other countries.

No country in the world, especially one with a population as large as China’s, has been able to achieve the “two miracles” of rapid economic development and long-term social stability in over seven decades. To sum up, China’s approach consists of two aspects: first, adhering to a consistent long-term strategy; second, advancing continuous reform and opening-up. It is precisely this practice of ensuring policy continuity amid stability and deepening reform amid continuity that has enabled China to form clear and stable expectations in its long-term development. Continuity begets stability; stability begets predictability; predictability begets trust. This fully explains why favorability and recognition ratings on China have been on the rise.

Wang Fan

In some countries, the ruling parties lack effective mechanisms for rigorous self-restraint and self-reform. They often make promises during election campaigns that are not matched by their actions once in office, and their governance efforts are geared more toward electoral goals rather than enhancing long-term governance capacity.

By contrast, the CPC has always maintained high standards for itself, and through constant self-reflection and self-improvement, it continuously strengthens its capacity for leadership and sustains its vitality. This has gained considerable recognition from the international community. Furthermore, under China’s system, reforms can be advanced in a coordinated manner. This endows the comprehensive deepening of reforms with special significance, which has been positively evaluated by many countries.

Wu Xinbo, Dean of the Institute of International Studies of Fudan University

This year, international media have widely discussed and noted that a major secret behind China’s development success lies in its long-term, systematic planning and strong executive force. The international community’s high praise for the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) also echoes this consensus: for a country to achieve sound development, it needs both rational, long-term and systematic planning, as well as robust execution to deliver on every item of the plan. The fact that China can fulfill its plans – even ahead of schedule or exceeding targets – is precisely the key to its development success.

Combating corruption is one of the top concerns of the general public worldwide. The spirit of the eight-point decision is not only crucial to improving China’s social conduct, but also sends a positive message to other countries that China has always attached great importance to governance capacity and work conduct while pursuing development.

Da Wei, Director of Center for International Security and Strategy and Professor at Department of International Relations of Tsinghua University

For developing countries, China serves as a successful model in the fields of development and governance. The practical approaches it has adopted for economic development and social governance are instructive, and thus its growing recognition is expected. In particular, concepts such as exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, comprehensively deepening reform, people-centered development, and combating corruption address the key areas where developing countries are generally deficient. It is for this reason that these countries all recognize the significant value of such concepts.

Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at the Queensland University of Technology

Results speak louder than words. China has for decades been consistent in its focus on deeds and outcomes, and as it became wealthier itself, it has worked to mobilize its resources, experiences and lessons to enable others in the global south to step out from the shadows of colonialism and begin their own pathways of modernization and development.

In essence, China’s foreign policy has been framed by the idea of being a “great enabling power.” Because of its constructive role, its willingness to contribute, partner and support to create mutually beneficial outcomes, it’s hardly surprising that there’s strong support for China to continue playing this kind of role. Additionally, China focused on building consensus to address problems and conflicts. This takes more time than effort but has the prospects of being sustainable, as conflict parties are part of the solution rather than simply having so-called “solutions” imposed for forced upon them from outside.

‘The international community is broadly optimistic about China‘; ‘The rise in its international favorability rating comes as no surprise’

Nearly 80 percent (78 percent) of foreign respondents recognize that China’s comprehensive national strength is increasing, marking an 8-percentage-point rise from 2024. Survey data shows that nearly 70 percent (69 percent) of foreign respondents have a favorable impression of China, up 6 percentage points from 2024. Over 90 percent of foreign respondents have expressed interest in China and the area of top interest is “culture” in developed countries, and “technology” in developing countries. More than 70 percent hope that future China-US relations will “tend to be eased” or “maintain status quo.” In the comparison of “which country do you have a more favorable opinion of, China or the US?” the proportion of international public opinion choosing China is 39 percent, which is 1.5 times that of choosing the US (26 percent).

Wang Youming, Director of the Department for Developing Countries Studies at the China Institute of International Studies

The upward momentum of China’s international image is distinct, and the rise in its international favorability rating comes as no surprise. The international community now has more convenient and diverse channels to learn about China, and the country’s international image – both in terms of hard power and soft power – is fully consistent with what we observed during our field research abroad.

China’s stance of actively mediating disputes and promoting dialogue on global hot-button and intractable issues, its opposition to unilateralism and trade protectionism, its efforts to actively expand opening-up, and its actions to promote win-win cooperation such as hosting of the China International Import Expo all align with the interests and aspirations of most countries in the world, especially developing nations.

As the world’s two largest economies and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the stability of China-US relations bears on global stability, and cooperation between the two countries is vital to global development. China-US cooperation benefit both sides and confrontation hurt both sides. It is for this reason that the international community widely expects the two countries to maintain stable relations and boost global economic growth.

Wu Xinbo

China’s achievements in development and governance are gaining growing recognition from the international community, and the distorted narratives about China once peddled by some Western media have now lost their appeal. Notably, since the start of this year, there has been a marked positive shift in perceptions of China among academic, political, business and student circles in the US. The “DeepSeek phenomenon” has prompted American society to rethink China’s innovation capabilities, shattering long-held stereotypes. China’s response to the reckless imposition of tariffs by the US has deepened American society’s understanding of China’s economic resilience, while also correcting the biased judgments of some US media outlets and analysts who have long been predicting China’s economic decline.

Views on China’s progress in development and governance have tend to be more objective. Although ideological and value-based prejudices still persist, they have diminished compared with the past. At a recent international conference, a former official of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “China has become the center and focus of international attention.”

Muhammad Asif Noor

In recent global surveys conducted throughout 2025, a discernible shift in public perceptions has favored China over the US in various metrics of international favorability. This shift is particularly pronounced in the Global South, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where economic and geopolitical dynamics have amplified China’s appeal. Key factors driving this change include the perceived fallout from US policies under the second Trump administration, particularly the escalation of tariff wars and an “America First” approach that has been viewed as isolationist and unpredictable. 

In contrast, China’s consistent emphasis on multilateralism, non-interference, and economic cooperation through initiatives like BRI has bolstered its image as a stable and beneficial partner, especially in developing regions where infrastructure investments and trade have delivered tangible gains without conditional demands. Additionally, China’s growing economic clout, now seen by many as the world’s leading power, and its neutral stances in global conflicts, such as in the Middle East, have contributed to perceptions of it as a counterbalance to US unilateralism. This trend, of course, does not mean that the international community is making a simplistic binary choice between China and the US. Rather, it reflects the relative judgments made by the public of various countries on the roles of different major powers, based on practical interests, stable expectations and governance outcomes, against the backdrop of accelerating multipolarity.

Wang Fan

China’s development is reflected not only in its scale, but also in multiple dimensions such as speed and efficiency. As the world’s largest manufacturing country, China has become a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions across the globe, boasting a vast market scale and a continuous unleashing of market vitality. Meanwhile, as a major representative of emerging market economies, China has been constantly exploring new development models in practice and put forward a series of innovative development concepts.

Like other countries in the world, China faces various challenges in the course of development. Yet what the international community pays greater attention to is the development potential and sustained innovation capacity that China has demonstrated, as well as its exploration of a more equitable and rational development model. More importantly, China’s development is not merely focused on its own growth; instead, it has always emphasized common development with other countries. It is precisely for this reason that the international community is broadly optimistic about China and expects that China’s development will bring about mutually beneficial opportunities for more countries.

China’s foreign policy is increasingly regarded as a force for stability’

More than 70 percent of respondents expect China to participate more in international affairs or play a greater role in the future, an increase compared to previous years. In areas such as building a more equitable and just international order, mediating and coordinating on international and regional hotspot issues, and conducting economic, trade, and educational and cultural cooperation, around 80 percent expect China to take more actions. Over 80 percent of international respondents believe that their country has a normal, friendly, or strategic cooperative relationship with China, an increase compared to 2024. Over two-thirds of international respondents hope that their country’s relationship with China will improve in the future. Over three-fourths of international respondents give positive and objective evaluations of China’s neighborhood policy.

Abbas Jawad Kdaimy, one of the translators of the Arabian edition of the book series Xi Jinping: The Governance of China

The expectation for China to assume a more prominent and constructive role in addressing global challenges is met with a keen understanding of the distinct attributes of its foreign policy and international engagement. China’s foreign policy is characterized by a strong advocacy for multilateralism and respect for the sovereignty of other nations. By prioritizing collaborative relationships over hegemonic ambitions, China distinguishes itself from other global powers.

China’s proactive participation in global governance frameworks reflects its determination to contribute meaningfully to resolving international disputes. This multifaceted approach creates an environment in which the global public feels optimistic about China’s potential contributions to tackling pressing global challenges.

Muhammad Asif Noor

China’s foreign policy is increasingly regarded as a force for stability. In diplomatic practice, China places greater emphasis on mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, as well as collective problem-solving, rather than unilateral dominance. Developing countries remain wary of aid with strings attached and external interference, and China’s long-standing adherence to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs – along with its opposition to politicizing development and cooperation – has garnered widespread resonance. By advocating for UN reforms and proposing and promoting a series of global initiatives, China positions itself as a supporter of inclusive decision-making, striving to amplify the voices of the Global South. At the same time, China integrates traditional cultural concepts into its contemporary diplomatic narrative, constructing a cultural framework that emphasizes peaceful coexistence and equal mutual benefit. In the current context of China’s rapidly rising economic strength and increasing diplomatic activism, this fusion of ideas is reshaping the international community’s perception of China, gradually establishing it as a reliable partner for resolving disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation, and as an important player in exercising constructive leadership in a multipolar world. Particularly among younger demographics, favorability toward China and recognition of its soft power are showing a steady and sustained upward trend.

Huang Jing

Both China and the US are major powers, and the words and deeds of the two countries will have a profound impact on the global situation, as well as significant spillover effects on their respective peripheries. Among China’s neighboring countries, Southeast Asian countries serve as the most representative example. Over the past few decades, Southeast Asian countries have achieved coordinated development and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes in the process of continuously deepening economic and trade exchanges and industrial collaboration with China, demonstrating the driving and altruistic nature of China’s development. When compared with the intervention approaches of certain major powers in various parts of the world after the end of the Cold War, these differences are particularly stark. In addressing relevant issues in the Asian region, China has consistently adopted an attitude of safeguarding peace, emphasizing dialogue and the management of differences, which reflects the unique path it adheres to in handling regional and international affairs.

Da Wei

Neighboring countries are of vital importance to China. These countries maintain extremely close economic ties with China; many share mountains and rivers with it, and are highly similar at the social and cultural levels, fostering natural bonds between them. Over the past few decades, China’s rapid economic development has created numerous opportunities for its neighbors, driving the progress of the entire region. China has always attached great importance to relations with neighboring countries. While advancing its own development, China will continue to create space for the growth of these nations, achieving overall regional prosperity and long-term stability through mutually beneficial cooperation.

Wang Youming

Over 80 percent of international respondents believe that their country has a normal, friendly, or strategic cooperative relationship with China. This perception is highly correlated with the reality that China has become the main trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions. Economic ties, as an important foundational factor in interstate relations, to some extent, reflect the actual warmth and stability of bilateral relations between China and relevant countries. China’s neighborhood diplomacy concepts, such as “amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness,” are deeply welcomed by regional countries. The demeanor exhibited in China’s diplomacy brings harmony, tranquility, and development to neighboring countries.

Maya Majueran, Director of BRISL, an independent & pioneering Sri Lankan-led organization, with expertise in BRI advice and support

China’s approach appears markedly different: inclusive, cooperative, and rooted in the idea of a shared future. This perception is fueling a surge in global support for Beijing’s vision. At the core of China’s appeal is a principle that resonates deeply with many nations: non-interference in domestic affairs. Unlike models that tie engagement to political conditions, China positions itself as a development partner open to collaboration with countries of all sizes regardless of population, economic strength, or military power. For nations weary of external pressure, this is a refreshing alternative.

A Decade of Challenge and Collaboration: APRIL Reflects on Scientific Leadership in Peatland Management

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 December 2025 – APRIL Group recently marked a decade of groundbreaking collaboration between its independent Peatland Expert Working Group (IPEWG) and its in-house Peatland Science team, highlighting the role of science in guiding responsible peatland management.

APRIL, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, set up IPEWG in 2015 to provide independent advice on responsible peatland management. Over the past ten years, the group’s work has not only informed APRIL’s operational decisions but has also contributed significantly to the global understanding of tropical peatlands.

“The launch of the IPEWG was a leap of faith for both the company and the scientific community,” said Dr. Ruth Nussbaum, IPEWG Coordinator and Director of Proforest. “What made it truly unique was the level of access and collaboration granted to independent scientists, allowing us to rigorously advise on operational decisions while contributing to global research.”

IPEWG members worked closely with APRIL’s Peatland Science team, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, including four Eddy Covariance Flux Towers measuring greenhouse gas emissions from different landscapes at heights of 40 to 48 meters above the forest canopy. Long-term monitoring studies across hundreds of sites provided a robust evidence base for operational decisions, from canal infrastructure planning to broader sustainability initiatives.

This collaboration has also advanced peatland science worldwide. Research co-published by IPEWG and APRIL’s scientists in leading journals such as Global Change Biology, Nature Geoscience and Nature has enriched understanding of tropical peatlands, while data and findings have been shared at international scientific conferences to the benefit of the broader scientific community.

With the conclusion of the IPEWG’s current phase, APRIL is integrating its expertise into the next stage of oversight. Dr. Fahmuddin Agus of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), a long-standing IPEWG member, has joined APRIL’s independent Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) in December 2025. His role will strengthen the SAC’s expertise in sustainable peatland management and greenhouse gas monitoring, offering a more interdisciplinary perspective on the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of peatland landscapes beyond APRIL’s concessions.

“The inclusion of Dr Fahmuddin Agus ensures the spirit of independent scientific challenge continues within APRIL’s governance framework,” said Craig Tribolet, Director of Sustainability and External Affairs, APRIL Group. “It reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining world-class standards in peatland management as outlined in SFMP 2.0 and our APRIL2030 commitments.”

Over the past decade, APRIL and IPEWG have built trust, refined operational practices and shared knowledge with the global scientific community. While challenges remain in managing peatlands amid climate change, APRIL’s experience demonstrates how science-driven collaboration can yield lasting sustainability outcomes.

The newly published report, Challenge & Collaboration: A Decade of the Independent Peat Expert Working Group, documents this journey, highlighting lessons learned and the path forward for integrating rigorous science into corporate sustainability leadership. Read the report here: https://www.aprildialog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IPEWG-FA_Digital_upsize.pdf.Hashtag: #RGE #APRIL #APRIL2030 #IPEWG #GHG #Biodiversity #Conservation #Peatland #Nature #Indonesia #Sustainability


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About APRIL Group

APRIL Group is a leading producer of fibre, pulp and paper with plantations and manufacturing operations in Riau Province, Indonesia. We are committed to sustainability in our business and in the broader landscapes where we operate. Under our production-protection model, we adopted a unique 1-for-1 goal where we aim to conserve one hectare of forest for every hectare of plantation, and currently conserve and restore about 460,000 hectares of forests, including the largest peatland restoration project in Indonesia. For more information, visit www.aprilasia.com.