Ideological (mega)projects: Xiong’an and Nusantara

Shanghai-based start-up Agibot, founded by former Huawei recruit Peng Zhihui, has begun mass production of its AI-powered humanoid robots, producing 962 units by December 15. Peng, known for viral inventions like an Iron Man-inspired robotic arm, left Huawei in 2022 to start Agibot, which is backed by investors like Hillhouse Investment and BYD. The move by Agibot intensifies competition in China's robotics industry, with local governments supporting the sector's growth. Full Article

Christian Kimberley-Bowen, former global lead at X, has joined Pinterest as senior global agency lead for Omnicom after spending 11 months at X. He previously worked at Meta for over nine years and will now be based in London alongside Ben Buxton. Soniya Monga was also appointed as vice-president of global agency sales at Pinterest, leading relationships with agencies worldwide under the guidance of Pinterest CRO Bill Watkins. Full Article

Two years ago, Eric, who is autistic, experienced a severe anxiety attack at Jurong East MRT station after forgetting his home keys, leading to a misunderstanding with a passerby and a security guard. A Ministry of Social and Family Development report revealed a decline in positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities, particularly those with invisible disabilities like autism, despite public education efforts. SG Enable highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities due to...

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg's political science faculty reveals that, for the first time in two decades, closed autocracies outnumber liberal democracies globally. The decline in democracy is most pronounced in the Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, marking a significant shift in political landscapes worldwide. This trend underscores the growing challenges faced by democratic governance and highlights the need for renewed efforts to protect and promote...

The increasing complexity and interconnectedness of the world have highlighted the importance of insurance, particularly in developing countries where many lack adequate coverage. Artificial Intelligence offers a solution by improving risk assessment, enhancing underwriting efficiency, streamlining claims processing, enabling personalised pricing, and enhancing customer engagement. By leveraging AI in the insurance industry, we can increase insurance penetration, making insurance more accessible and affordable for everyone, ultimately promoting economic stability and improving overall quality of life....

The main suspect in Germany’s deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, held strong anti-Islam views and was angry with Germany's migrant policy. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack that killed five people, including a nine-year-old child, and injured 205 others in Magdeburg. Abdulmohsen, a Saudi atheist and activist, railed against Islam and Germany’s permissive attitude towards refugees from mainly Muslim countries, despite past online posts suggesting a different motive for the attack....