UAE to introduce AI classes for children as young as four (May 12, 2025, Financial Times) (Subscription required)
Wealthy Gulf country hopes to become a regional tech hub but has underperformed in education. The country is rolling out an artificial intelligence curriculum from the earliest years in state schools as it seeks to become a regional AI hub and avoid the past “mistake” of not reacting to the spread of social media.
Unpacking the local impacts of foreign interests in Timor-Leste (May 13, 2025, Devpolicy)
Through our Timor-Leste case study, we explored the diversity of foreign interests in relation to police reform and infrastructure development, how these interests were pursued and the impacts at the local level. What we found was a methodological challenge in untangling foreign interests and their local impacts.
Central Asia Planning to Launch Schengen-Like Visa for Tourists (March 20, 2025, ProPakistani)
Central Asia, known for its breathtaking landscapes and ancient cities, could soon undergo a travel revolution. President Japarov’s proposal for a unified visa, reminiscent of Europe’s Schengen Area, aims to simplify travel and enhance regional integration. This ambitious initiative has the potential to redefine how travelers experience the heart of Asia.
A Digital Explanation of Tariffs’ Impact on East Asia (May 2, 2025, Council on Foreign Relations)
President Donald Trump’s proposed “reciprocal” tariff plan places some of the highest tariff levels on East Asian countries—many of which depend on U.S. markets to grow their economies.
Qatar real estate market attracts global investors as Doha emerges as wealth hub, report Knight Frank (May 5, 2025, Arabian Business)
Doha is establishing itself as a hub for global wealth as Qatar’s economy, opportunities across sectors and government planning attract international real estate investors. The residential sector shows continued strength in prime locations, with total residential sales reaching $3.2bn last year.
Farming In The Desert: A Small Green Revolution In The Sahara (May 11, 2025, World Crunch)
In a land battered by sandstorms and scorched by summer heat that can climb to fifty degrees Celsius. But how many of them have truly thrived? And what does it mean to practice agriculture in the middle of a desert?
China's 'Loving Meals': A Heartfelt Initiative for Migrant Workers (May 13, 2025, DevDiscourse)
In China, a movement known as 'aixincan' offers free or discounted meals to those in need, particularly benefiting migrant workers in urban areas. This initiative reflects changing social dynamics amid the rise of gig economy jobs, and the erosion of traditional support networks.
Hong Kong’s robustness continues to strengthen its status as an international talent hub (May 2, 2025, South China Morning Post) (Subscription required)
Financial services, aviation, shipping, and innovation and technology are among the key industries expected to generate a new surge of growth in Hong Kong. To meet changing business needs, the city is seeking high-calibre professionals from these sectors as part of its strategic approach to talent acquisition.
China sees surge in 'digital intelligence' jobs (May 11, 2025, MSN - The Manila Times)
In recent years, China's intelligent connected vehicle industry has seen explosive growth as the country strives to take the lead in the reshuffling of the global auto industry. China is moving from being a manufacturing giant to becoming a smart manufacturing powerhouse.
China Builds World’s Largest Dam in Tibet: Threat or Innovation? (May 11, 2025, Modern Diplomacy)
China has embarked on an ambitious dam construction project in Tibet, which is expected to be the world’s largest hydropower plant. The plan will see clean energy such as hydropower as one of the focuses, and the massive dam structure will be seen as a symbol of China’s technology in response to future energy needs.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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