Asia Insights

23/11/2024

A record number of cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in Japan this year has focused attention on the rare and potentiallydeadly bacterial infection. There have been 1,019 cases of STSS in the first six months of 2024, surpassing the total number recorded last year in the country.

Washington Post Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome kills up to 30 percent of patients and is “highly associated” with flesh-eating infections. Symptoms include fever and a red rash. A record number…

13/11/2024

Important Update for E-Visa Applicants in Vietnam

The Department of Immigration and Export Management under the Ministry of Public Security has announced that, starting at 8:00 a.m. on November 11, 2024 (GMT+7), the e-visa portal for Vietnam will be accessible through two new domains:

https://thithucdientu.gov.vn

https://evisa.gov.vn

To submit and verify the required documents for obtaining a visa, you can access one of the new addresses listed above.

By AsiaToursClub S.B.

For outside Viet Nam Foreigners personally applying for e-Visa

09/11/2024

James Cameron and the Fear of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

James Cameron, the renowned writer and director of "The Terminator," recently expressed serious concerns about the evolution of artificial general intelligence (AGI) — a still-theoretical form of artificial intelligence capable of thinking and reasoning as complexly as a human.

In "The Terminator," the 1984 film, an artificial intelligence network created by the U.S. Department of Defense becomes self-aware and eventually triggers a global catastrophe through a nuclear attack against humanity. However, according to Cameron, this dystopian vision may not be the darkest scenario we can imagine. He highlighted, in a virtual message sent to the AI+Robotics Summit, that AGI will not emerge from government programs but will be developed within giant corporations, which are investing billions of dollars in this technology’s research and development.

"You’ll live in a world you didn’t agree to, didn’t vote for, coexisting with a super-intelligent alien species that answers to a corporation's goals," Cameron said. This “entity” will have access to all our personal data, information about our beliefs, and the location of every individual in society. In Cameron's opinion, surveillance capitalism — in which corporations collect consumers' personal data for profit — can quickly degenerate into a form of digital totalitarianism.

"At best, these tech giants become the self-appointed arbiters of human goodness, just like a fox guarding the henhouse," he warned. This reality, according to Cameron, is much more terrifying than the scenario presented in "Terminator" nearly 40 years ago. AGI will not just be a simple intelligent machine but a mirror of humanity itself, reflecting both our good and bad traits. "Since evil exists in our world, and we lack a consensus on what is good, what could possibly go wrong?"

Beyond his career in film, Cameron is also known for his involvement in technology. He co-founded the visual effects studio Digital Domain in 1993 and has used advanced technology in his films, including the "Avatar" franchise. Over time, the director has shared his thoughts on AI’s potential impact on society, explaining that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to write science fiction given the rapid pace of technological progress. "Any idea I have now could become reality in just a few years," he told Bill Gates on the show "What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates."

However, Cameron has remained active in the technology and AI industry, recently joining the board of directors of Stability AI, a company specializing in generative artificial intelligence. The company's CEO stated that "James Cameron lives in the future and is waiting for the rest of us to catch up."

07/11/2024

Avionul supersonic de pasageri al Chinei care poate zbura la Mach 4.

Deja am terminat primul zbor.

Avion de pasageri de dimensiuni complete gata până în 2027.

Prețul biletului de turism spațial va scădea de la 450.000 $ la 64.000 $. Zboară
- Beijing la New York în 2 ore (6.900 km),
- Londra la New York în 90 de minute (3.100 km).


https://www.facebook.com/share/v/gAstHAcoCx914WBe/

30/10/2024

Seven of the top ten cars with the most advanced intelligent driving systems belong to Chinese brands, according to the German automotive consulting company P3.

17/10/2024

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Dr. Luo Qingquan of Shanghai Chest Hospital successfully performed a remote robotic lung surgery on a patient over 5,000 kilometers away in Kashgar, Xinjiang! Using 5G technology and state-of-the-art surgical robots, this incredible procedure marks a new era for healthcare, bringing life-saving treatments to patients in remote areas. With the power of 5G, expert care can now transcend borders and distances. The future of medicine is here! 🌍💉

06/10/2024

Revolutionary News in Battery Technology!

Betavolt, an innovative Chinese company, has developed a nuclear battery that promises an incredible lifespan of 50 years! This battery utilizes the nickel-63 isotope to generate energy through nuclear decay and is designed for applications such as aviation, medical devices, and drones.

Measuring just 15x15x5 mm, this miniature battery offers safety by operating in extreme conditions without the risk of catching fire or exploding. Once mass-produced, it could revolutionize the energy industry by eliminating the need for recharging everyday electronic devices.

For more details about this innovation, read the full article here: China Daily and NUCNET.

16/09/2024

Grow your business in Vietnam!

Does the Vietnamese government offer significant advantages for small businesses? Absolutely! This is your chance to establish a company in one of the most dynamic markets in Southeast Asia, and recent legislative changes make this opportunity even more attractive.

What's coming up? In a revolutionary move, the Ministry of Finance in Vietnam is proposing tax cuts that could radically transform the business landscape. The new bill focuses on tax reductions for micro and small enterprises, offering a major boost to entrepreneurs. This law is expected to be enacted soon, and once it’s in effect, it will create a much more favorable fiscal environment for small business growth.

What does this mean for you?

15% tax rate for revenues under 121,000 USD
17% tax rate for revenues between 121,000 USD and 1.99 million USD
These huge cuts will affect 94% of all businesses in Vietnam, helping them increase profitability and grow faster. Currently, all businesses are subject to a standard 20% corporate tax. Once the new law is enacted, small businesses will have a significantly reduced tax burden, allowing them to reinvest their earnings and expand.

Why choose Vietnam for your business?

Rapid economic growth: Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. Its GDP is constantly expanding, creating vast opportunities for new investors and businesses.
Young and skilled workforce: With over 55% of the population under 35 years old, Vietnam offers access to a dynamic and educated labor force at competitive costs.
Strategic geographic location: Vietnam is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, offering direct access to large markets such as China, Japan, and other major economies in the region, making it an ideal hub for trade and exports.
Attractive fiscal policies: Besides the proposed tax cuts, Vietnam already has various fiscal incentives supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
Access to global markets through international trade agreements: Vietnam is part of major trade agreements, such as CPTPP and EVFTA, facilitating access to international markets and reducing trade barriers.
📞 Now is the time to act! Contact us today to prepare your business and take advantage of these major changes that will soon come into effect. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Vietnam’s spectacular economic growth!

03/09/2024

US-9539210-B2 Patent Overview: Advanced Nanocarriers for Targeted Vaccine Delivery to Immune Cells"

The US-9539210-B2 patent is an invention related to the development and use of nanocarriers, which are extremely small particles used to deliver vaccines directly to immune system cells. These nanocarriers are designed to stimulate a specific immune response in T cells and/or B cells, which are essential components of the immune system.

The main points of the invention are:

Vaccine Nanocarriers: These are very small particles that can transport and deliver vaccines directly to immune cells. The nanocarriers are designed to stimulate an efficient immune response, meaning they can help the body better fight against diseases.

Nanocarrier Composition: In some embodiments, the nanocarriers may contain:

Immunomodulatory Agent: An ingredient that can modify or regulate the immune response.
Targeting Fragment: A component that helps the nanocarriers attach to specific cells or tissues.
Immunostimulatory Agent: A substance that can amplify the immune response, making the vaccine more effective.
Pharmaceutical Compositions: The invention also includes pharmaceutical formulations containing these inventive vaccine nanocarriers, meaning they can be used in the development of medicines or treatments.

Design, Manufacture, and Use Methods: The invention details how these nanocarriers can be designed, manufactured, and used to create vaccines or other treatments.

Application in Prophylaxis and Treatment: Nanocarriers can be used not only for disease prevention (prophylaxis) but also for treatment. They could be administered to a subject (patient) in need of such treatment.

In summary, this invention proposes an advanced technology to improve the efficiency of vaccines and treatments by using nanocarriers that can deliver active components directly to immune cells, thereby increasing the chances of triggering a strong and specific immune response.

For precise and complete information about the US-9539210-B2 patent, search for it on:

USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office): USPTO Search

Google Patents: Google Patents

The US-9539210-B2 patent is an invention related to the development and use of nanocarriers, which are extremely small particles used to deliver vaccines dir...

31/08/2024

China: Global Leader in University Research and Innovation according to CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024

In recent years, China has made a remarkable rise in international research and innovation rankings, becoming an undisputed leader in this field. According to the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024, Chinese universities occupy 16 of the top 25 positions worldwide, confirming the country's dominance in the global academic landscape.

Among the top institutions are Zhejiang University, ranked 1st, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 3rd place, and Sichuan University in 4th. These universities are recognized for the volume and significant impact of their scientific publications. For example, Zhejiang University published 37,457 scientific papers during the analyzed period (2019-2022), of which 12.4% have a notable impact on the international academic community.

China has achieved this impressive performance through a strategic mix of massive investments in education and research, as well as by promoting meritocracy at all academic and administrative levels. In recent years, China has implemented policies aimed at attracting international talent, offering research grants and financial support for relocation, a model reminiscent of strategies previously adopted by the United States.

This growth, however, was not coincidental. The Chinese government's consistent investments in education, along with a rigorous meritocratic system, have been essential for the success of the country's universities. Today, Chinese universities not only produce a vast amount of research, but their innovations also have a significant global impact, contributing to scientific progress in various fields.

The comparison with the situation two decades ago is revealing. Between 2006 and 2010, China had only one university in the top 25 global positions. The spectacular evolution of the Chinese university system demonstrates the transformative power of education and meritocracy, a model successfully followed by other countries like South Korea and Singapore.

This ranking reflects just the beginning of an era of innovation in China, which continues to expand its global academic influence, attracting more and more international talent and solidifying its position as a global knowledge center.

Here is the complete list of the top 25 universities worldwide:

1.Zhejiang University (China)

2.Harvard University (USA)

3.Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China)

4.Sichuan University (China)

5.Central South University (China)

6.Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China)

7.Sun Yat-sen University (China)

8.University of Toronto (Canada)

9.Xi'an Jiaotong University (China)

10.Tsinghua University (China)

11.Fudan University (China)

12. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)

13.Peking University (China)

14.Harbin Institute of Technology (China)

15.Shandong University (China)

16.University of São Paulo (Brazil)

17.Wuhan University (China)

18.University of Michigan (USA)

19.Jilin University (China)

20.Seoul National University (South Korea)

21.Johns Hopkins
University (USA)

22.Tianjin University (China)

23.Stanford University (USA)

24.University of Pennsylvania (USA)

25.University of Oxford (UK)

China has solidified its leadership position through massive investments in education and research, combining meritocracy with national strategies to attract international talent. This is an extraordinary achievement, comparable to the model previously adopted by the United States.
By Asia Insights

For more details, you can consult the original source: CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024
Source in comment.

30/08/2024

Japan's New Travel Rules: How JESTA Will Impact Visa-Exempt Travelers

Traveling to Japan has always been easy for tourists from 71 visa-exempt countries and regions, as there was no need to obtain a short-stay visa from local embassies before traveling. However, these conveniences are about to change as the Japanese government has announced plans to introduce a new travel authorization system requiring visitors to declare personal information online before entering the country.

The new system, tentatively named JESTA (Japan Electronic Travel Authorization System), will function similarly to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), introduced as an anti-terrorism measure. Just as ESTA determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, the Japanese version will screen visitors before entry using a similar online system.

The government’s aim is to reduce the number of illegal immigrants coming to Japan from visa-exempt countries and regions who overstay their permitted stay, which currently ranges from 14 to 90 days depending on the passport. Under the current system, international airlines provide the government with passenger information for screening shortly after takeoff, which means travelers who don’t pass the screening still arrive in Japan. Although they are officially ordered to leave the country, many fail to comply.

According to the Japanese government, the number of people abusing this system and staying illegally in the country is significant — of the 49,801 short-term illegal visitors recorded in January 2016, more than 28,000 came from visa-exempt countries and regions.

JESTA will require visa-exempt foreign nationals to declare their purpose of entry and place of stay online for screening by the Immigration Services Agency before traveling. If the application is flagged as a risk for illegal stay, the travel authorization required to leave the country will not be granted, and the traveler will be encouraged to obtain a formal visa through their local embassy instead.

Travelers from the following 71 countries and regions will be required to declare their details using JESTA once it’s launched:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.

The government plans to allocate research costs for JESTA in next year’s budget, with a target implementation by 2030. Additionally, another system will be launched on a trial basis this fiscal year, where passenger information will be sent to the Immigration Services Agency after boarding procedures are completed.

These details will be checked against a “blacklist” of travelers, including foreign nationals of interest and those with criminal records, and the airline will be notified so they can refuse boarding, preventing these individuals from traveling to Japan.

While JESTA is designed to keep Japan and its visitors safe, it will undoubtedly cause headaches for travelers accustomed to the ease of entry provided by the visa exemption agreements. More details on how the system will work, including timelines for applying and personal information requirements, will be provided as we approach the launch date.

By Asia Insights Japan

Source: Sankei via Yahoo! Japan, Jin

04/08/2024

According to the IMF World Economic Outlook (April 2024), Romania's nominal GDP in 2024 is projected to be around $370 billion at current prices. Based on PPP, Romania's GDP in 2024 is forecast at 818 billion international dollars.

Romania has the 16th largest economy by GDP (nominal) and ninth by GDP (PPP) in Europe, the 43rd largest by nominal GDP in the world, and 35th by GDP (PPP).

GDP of Romania in nominal and ppp terms. Estimates by world bank since 1960 in nominal terms and since 1990 in ppp terms at current and constant prices. Projections by IMF.

04/08/2024

Comparing Real GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)

Real GDP, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), compares the value of final goods and services produced within a country using prevailing prices in the United States. This provides a more accurate picture of the size of economies and the standard of living across different countries, avoiding distortions caused by exchange rate fluctuations.

Here are the top 5 countries by real GDP (PPP):

1.China - $31,227,000,000,000

2.United States - $24,662,000,000,000

3.India - $13,104,000,000,000

4.Russia - $5,816,000,000,000

5.Japan - $5,761,000,000,000

25.Vietnam :
ranks 25th with a real GDP (PPP) of $1,354,000,000,000

34. Romania is 34th with a real GDP (PPP) of $772,107,000,000.

Source: CIA World Factbook

https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/real-gdp-purchasing-power-parity/country-comparison/

30/07/2024

🇫🇷 🇻🇳 Host country France has chosen two Vietnamese dishes to serve athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Paris 2024 Olympic Organizing Committee has officially announced the menu for the athletes participating in the world's largest sporting event, including two well-known Vietnamese dishes (pho and spring rolls).

Notably, in the Asian pavilion, pho is designated as the "Soup of the Day," served during three main meals. The nutritional information of the dish is published in the official system, helping participants refer to it.

Furthermore, the organizing committee gives special recognition to the dish (NEM) by introducing it as "Vietnamese cuisine" instead of using previous popular names like "Spring Roll" or "Chinese Spring Roll." 🍜



Source: SeaAsia

27/07/2024

Anthony Bourdain and Vietnam: A Culinary Love Story

Anthony Bourdain, one of the most well-known chefs and television personalities, had a special connection with Vietnam, which he described as one of his favorite places on Earth. Throughout his career, Bourdain visited Vietnam multiple times, exploring every corner of this fascinating country and capturing its unique essence in his television shows.

In his shows "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown," Bourdain took viewers on a culinary and cultural journey through Vietnam. He visited the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City, savored traditional dishes in Hoi An, and navigated the tranquil waters of the Mekong Delta. Bourdain was always impressed by the authenticity of Vietnamese cuisine, the complexity of its flavors, and the hospitality of its people.

A particularly memorable moment was his meeting with former U.S. President Barack Obama in a small restaurant in Hanoi, where they shared a meal of bún chả. This iconic scene symbolized not only the friendship between two influential people but also the power of food to bring people together.

Bourdain had a unique gift for storytelling and creating connections with people, and his travels in Vietnam were always filled with respect and admiration for the local culture. He succeeded in showing the world the beauty and complexity of Vietnam, contributing to the growing global interest in this country.

Anthony Bourdain's legacy lives on through his shows and the impact he had on how travelers and food enthusiasts around the world perceive Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

27/07/2024

that the Romanian passport is one of the world’s most powerful travel document in a quarterly ranking of the passports with the most international clout?

✅ Romania is in 14th place in this ranking compiled by the Henley Passport Index because Romanians can enter 177 countries without needing a visa. In 2006, Romania was on the 34th place in the same top.

✅ For the past 19 years, the Henley Passport Index, created by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, has been tracking global freedoms in 227 countries and territories around the world, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations. Updated monthly, the Henley Passport Index is considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum.
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22/07/2024

Ho Chi Minh City has been ranked 4th in the list of the world's 20 best cities for food in 2024 by Time Out. This ranking highlights the city's vibrant and diverse culinary scene, which includes both traditional Vietnamese dishes and innovative modern cuisine. The list also features other top food cities like Naples, Johannesburg, and Lima, which hold the first three spots, respectively.

Here is the full list of the best 20 food cities and their representative dishes:

Naples, Italy

Dish: Pizza Margherita

Johannesburg, South Africa
Dish: Bunny Chow

Lima, Peru :
Dish: Ceviche

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Dish: Phở

Beijing, China
Dish: Peking Duck

Bangkok, Thailand
Dish: Pad Thai

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Dish: Nasi Lemak

Mumbai, India
Dish: Vada Pav

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dish: Shawarma

Portland, OR, USA
Dish: Food Truck Cuisine

Liverpool, UK
Dish: Scouse

Medellín, Colombia
Dish: Bandeja Paisa

Seville, Spain
Dish: Serranito

Porto, Portugal
Dish: Francesinha

Marrakech, Morocco
Dish: Tagine

Lyon, France
Dish: Saucisson Brioché

Sydney, Australia
Dish: Barramundi

Montreal, Canada
Dish: Poutine

Osaka, Japan
Dish: Okonomiyaki

Copenhagen, Denmark
Dish: Smørrebrød

These cities were chosen for their diverse and high-quality culinary offerings at reasonable prices​ (Time Out Worldwide)​​ (Time Out Worldwide)​.

18/07/2024

21 Things You Didn't Know About China:

1.China hosts the world's oldest continuous civilization, with written records spanning over 3,500 years.

2. The Great Wall of China is not a single uninterrupted wall, but a series of walls and fortifications. It is the longest wall in the world, with an estimated length of 13,170 miles (21,196 kilometers).

3. China is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people, representing approximately 18% of the global population.

4. The country uses a "social credit" system that evaluates citizens based on their behavior and rewards or penalizes them accordingly.

5. The Yangtze River in China is the third longest river in the world, stretching 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles).

6. The Chinese invented paper, the compass, gunpowder, and printing, among other things. These inventions are often referred to as the four great inventions of ancient China.

7. The Giant Panda, one of the most endangered and beloved animals in the world, is native to China and serves as an unofficial national symbol.

8. China is the largest producer and consumer of rice in the world and plays a central role in the country's cuisine and culture.

9. China is one of the largest countries by land area, covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, making it the fourth largest country in the world.

10. The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974 in Xi'an, consists of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that were buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, to protect him in the afterlife.

11. Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice of arranging the physical environment to harmonize with spiritual energies, originated in China over 3,000 years ago.

12. The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected China to the Mediterranean, facilitating not just trade, but also the exchange of ideas and cultures.

13. China is one of the oldest tea-producing countries in the world, with a history of tea cultivation dating back over 3,000 years.

14. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional Chinese holiday, celebrated with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions.

15. The Forbidden City in Beijing is the largest palace complex in the world, consisting of 980 buildings over 180 acres.

16. China's high-speed rail network is the most extensive in the world, with over 37,000 kilometers (about 23,000 miles) of tracks.

17. Traditional Chinese medicine, with its roots over 2,500 years old, emphasizes balancing the body's internal energy and harmony with the natural world.

18. China was the first country to use paper money, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

19. The concept of Yin and Yang, representing the idea that opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent, originates from ancient Chinese philosophy.

20. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan Province is a renowned facility dedicated to the conservation of giant pandas.

21. China has a "megacity" called the Pearl River Delta, which is the largest urban area in the world by both size and population, surpassing Tokyo.