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Year: 2024

KazNARU’s International Summer School 2024 focuses on climate change

Posted on by Rafis Abazov

The Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) hosted an International Summer School-2024 from June 3-15. The event attracted over 400 students, both online and offline, from 14 countries including China, Turkey, South and Central Asia. The summer school offered 10 sections focusing on innovative approaches to addressing climate change and technology adaptation for sustainable agricultural development. Topics included agribusiness development, dry land and forest management, food security, and veterinary issues.

The event featured more than 20 speakers from 12 countries who delivered lectures on the major challenges related to climate change. Additionally, practical seminars provided participants the opportunity to work on developing innovative “green” startups in the agro-industrial sector and food processing and preservation.

During the seminars and brainstorming sessions, students discussed the adaptation of new technologies and technology transfers to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics. Foresight sessions focused on exploring future challenges related to the introduction of new technologies in the agricultural sector and capacity building for sustainable livelihood and food security.

Akhylbek Kurishbayev, the Chairman of the Board and Rector, emphasized that the International Summer School serves as a unique opportunity for leading scholars and experts from around the world to address complex issues related to the transformation of agriculture in response to global realities. He highlighted that KazNARU provided students with access to labs, experimental stations, and greenhouses, offering both theoretical learning and practical experience.

The International Summer School aims to bring together lecturers and students from the region to discuss the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national and regional levels. With challenges such as water shortages, deforestation, and desertification transcending national boundaries, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and effectively implement SDGs.

Beijing Jiaotong University holds 2024 Editors-in-Chief Face-to-Face Conference on Economics

Posted on by Ying Zhang

The 2024 Editors-in-Chief Face-to-Face Conference on Economics was successfully held at Beijing Jiaotong University from May 28 to June 6, 2024. The conference was organized by the School of Economics and Management of Beijing Jiaotong University and Elsevier. It was conducted in the form of ZOOM online conference and was simultaneously livestreamed by Elsevier. The conference invited the editors of the seven top journals in the field of economics and academics and scholars in China to gather online to discuss journal publication issues and the latest research in various sub-fields of economics. The conference was divided into two modules, the plenary meeting and the thematic lecture series. With its high-level positioning, cutting-edge themes, rich content, multi-dimensional interaction and innovative forms of activities, the conference attracted more than 50,000 participants. Registered scholars came from University of British Columbia, University of Glasgow, Yale University, Columbia University, Indiana University, Monash University, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China and so on. The conference received widespread attention and follow-up from many academic groups and media.

The ten invited editors of the seven top economics journals were Nathan Nunn, co-editor of The Quarterly Journal of Economics, professor in University of British Columbia; Stephen Ross, co-editor of American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, Professor in University of Connecticut; Hervé Moulin, editor-in-chief of Games and Economic Behavior, Professor in University of Glasgow; Martín Uribe, co-editor-in-chief of Journal of International Economics, Professor in Columbia University; Costas Arkolakis, co-editor-in-chief of Journal of International Economics, Professor in Yale University; Lata Gangadharan, co-editor-in-chief of Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Professor in Monash University; Daniela Puzzello, co-editor-in-chief of Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Professor in Indiana University; Andreas Lange, co-editor-in-chief of Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Professor in Universität Hamburg; Robert Johnston, co-editor-in-chief of Resource and Energy Economics, Professor in Clark University; Stefan Ambec, co-editor-in-chief of Resource and Energy Economics, Professor in Toulouse School of Economics.

The conference kicked off with the first module of the thematic lecture series held from May 28 to June 5, 2024. It consisted of 7 thematic lectures, each of which invited one editor to present his or her up-to-date research, and two well-known scholars in the same field were invited to make in-depth comments. Seven editors of top economic journals gave lectures on “Aggregate Implications of Firm Heterogeneity: A Nonparametric Analysis of Monopolistic Competition Trade Model”, “Fiat Exchange in the Laboratory”, “The Design of Welfare Guarantees”, “Efforts and Morals in Markets: Experimental Evidence on Technology Choice and Voluntary Donations”, “The Economics of Carbon Leakage Mitigation Policies”, “ Driving Change: Evaluating Connecticut’s Collaborative Approach to Reducing Racial Disparities in Policing”, “On the Causes and Consequences of Zero-Sum Thinking”. The invited discussants, in order of commentary time, were Hongsong Zhang, Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong; Xiang Ding, Assistant Professor, Georgetown University; Jie Zheng, Professor, Shandong University; Li King King, Associate Professor, Shenzhen University; Yuqing Kong, Assistant Professor, Peking University; Bo Li, Assistant Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Binglin Gong, Research Fellow, East China Normal University; Zhi Li, Associate Professor, Xiamen University; Zhongxiang Zhang, Professor, Tianjin University; Maosheng Duan, Research Fellow, Tsinghua University; Shihe Fu, Professor, Wuhan University; Qian Weng, Associate Professor, Renmin University of China; James Kai-Sing Kung, Professor, University of Melbourne; Ruixue Jia, Associate Professor, UC San Diego.

The discussants’ incisive remarks further enhanced the participants’ comprehension of the cutting-edge research presented by the invited editors, covering diverse aspects including the design of research, the construction of models, the methodologies for data acquisition and processing, the practicality of conclusions, and the policy-oriented implications. Additionally, during the interactive Q&A session, the participants enthusiastically joined the discussions, sparking novel perspectives and insights.

The second module of the plenary meeting was held on June 6, 2024. It was moderated by Professor Yacan Wang from Beijing Jiaotong University. The seven editors engaged with senior experts and young scholars, discussing the issues of journal positioning, submission, and publication. The editors talked about their experiences in manuscript reviewing, and offered targeted advice on critical considerations for authors, trending topics of interest, and crucial steps to follow up during the submission and revision process of returned manuscripts. Furthermore, the editors highlighted recent submissions from Chinese scholars, sparking keen interest among the participants. Enthusiastic responses were evident, as many questions from participants poured in through various platforms like ZOOM and WeChat scholar groups. The editors responded thoroughly to each question, clearing up the doubts and misconceptions encountered by participants, especially younger researchers, during the process of writing and submitting manuscripts.

The 2024 Editors-in-Chief Face-to-Face Conference on Economics, hosted by the School of Economics and Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, has been hailed as a resounding success. This prestigious event, now in its fourth iteration, continues to uphold the university’s “Zhi Xing” motto, fostering an environment of academic excellence and international scholarly exchange. With the collaboration of Elsevier, a leading academic publisher, the conference featured ten editors from seven top economics journals, offering a unique opportunity for Chinese scholars and researchers to hold direct and constructive dialogues with the leading scholars in the field of Economics.

Looking ahead, the conference organizers are committed to building on this year’s success, aiming at further expanding the international reach and impact of the event. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, the conference aspires to continue serving as a catalyst for academic growth, fostering a vibrant and outstanding community of economists and researchers. We believe the research in Economics would be prosper more worldwide, and we will make every effort to support young researchers and scholars in their pursuit of academic excellence.

Cards for Everyone: Creative Action of USU Students to Support Mental Health

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

A group of creative students at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) have taken a unique approach within their campus to boost their peers’ mental well-being. As part of a Leadership course project, these students have strategically placed motivational cards at several bus stops around the campus for others to pick up freely. These cards contain messages designed to help individuals accept themselves and encourage a positive outlook on life.

Aditya Pratama, a Social Anthropology student, shared that the initiative stemmed from concerns over the high rates of mental health issues among students. To draw attention, the cards are brightly colored. The project, named Card to Everyone, not only aims to provide motivation but also to foster a sense of caring among the student community. Vicky Rifai Adriansyah, another student, explained that the project has helped them become more empathetic towards others, noting that one significant cause of mental health problems is the feeling of isolation among students. In addition to distributing these cards, the student group has also set up an Instagram account @spread.positiveness to continuously share uplifting messages aimed specifically at students.

The project is overseen by Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, Dr. Irfan, and M. Rifai, MSc., and aims to equip students not just with knowledge but with tools to address challenges. Although it’s a small-scale initiative, it encourages students to think creatively about solving real-world issues.

Applying science and AI to the challenge of carbon capture

Posted on by Editorial Team

At the recent Global Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok, Professor Xi Chen of Lingnan University delivered a keynote address highlighting the urgent need for groundbreaking solutions to combat climate change. As the Chair Professor and Dean of Lingnan’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Chen brought a wealth of expertise from his previous roles at Harvard and Columbia Universities.

Chen’s talk focused on the critical issue of “Addressing Climate Change: Negative Emission based on AI-Driven Evolution of Advanced Materials .” He emphasized that while reducing emissions through clean energy and energy efficiency improvement is crucial, it will not be enough to achieve carbon neutrality and combat climate change on its own. Direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide and other carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are essential to actively remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

“It is only the CO2 in the air that can affect our climate,” Chen stated. “The Earth has the capability of absorbing CO2 naturally through forests, the oceans, and the soil; however, even during the preindustrial period, that takes tens of thousands of years. Therefore, to rely on Mother Nature to absorb the huge amount CO2 we are now producing will be impossible.”

With atmospheric CO2 levels now reaching over 420 parts per million (ppm), Chen warned that besides global warming and extreme weather we are experiencing, the first critical threshold is 450 ppm, beyond which the oceans will become dangerously acidic, leading to the potential collapse of coral reef and endanger ocean ecosystems.

Economy growth heavily relies on energy, where the inertia of fossil fuel is massive and more CO2 will be produced. Chen estimated that even by the time of carbon neutrality, over 40% of carbon emission may still persist and that must be removed through engineering pathways.

Addressing this challenge, Chen highlighted the development of “moisture swing” materials that can capture CO2 effectively from air. Furthermore, his team developed multiple ways of converting CO2 into various products, closing the carbon loop in an economical way. He led the establishment of China’s first negative emission industrial park zone, and his overall effort of distributed carbon capture and utilization has been recognized by many awards.

Furthermore, Chen discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing carbon capture and utilization technologies. He explained that existing AI systems like ChatGPT lack the specific knowledge required to enhance the performance of these systems. By encoding the necessary chemistry language and design principles, Chen’s team has been able to develop generative AI platforms that can predict and optimize innovative materials and processes for more effective carbon removal.

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, Professor Chen’s work at Lingnan University underscores the critical importance of pursuing multifaceted solutions that combine cutting-edge technology, policy, and individual action. By addressing the challenge of negative emissions through DAC and CCUS, alongside AI-driven advancements in energy systems, the global community can take concrete steps towards a more sustainable future.

Please click here for details of Lingnan’s talks at the Congress.

UCV: Educational excellence and commitment to innovation in Latin America

Posted on by Editorial Team

With three decades of democratizing higher education, Universidad César Vallejo (UCV) drives success for those who want to rise and thrive.

Universidad César Vallejo relentlessly pursues high standards of educational quality, offering a prestigious education to over 190,000 students. Thus, UCV is actively working on initiatives that promote its dedication to entrepreneurship, innovation and environmental preservation, as well as its commitment to selecting highly experienced teachers.

UCV achievements

According to the prestigious Times Higher Education magazine, UCV currently ranks in the top 8 universities in Peru recognizing its international excellence.

Furthermore, UCV has recently received a four-star rating in teaching, employability, environmental impact, and academic development from the QS Stars evaluation, a leading international standard of institutional excellence.

The “V Summit of Academics UCV 2024” was another important milestone, featuring distinguished representatives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who lectured faculty and administrative staff.

“At the heart of educational excellence and the forefront of innovation, Universidad César Vallejo stands as an example of progress and perseverance. With three decades democratizing higher education, UCV has managed to transform the lives of its students and their families. Its unwavering commitment to quality and excellence is reflected in each of its achievements. UCV is a clear example of how education can be the engine of change and the key to a bright and sustainable future”, said Dr. Jeannette Tantaleán, rector of UCV.

What characterizes UCV?

UCV has over 130 agreements in 17 countries, promoting student internationalization. On top of that, the curriculum was updated to meet market demands, including English courses in all cycles to provide students with a global perspective.

From the fifth cycle onwards, students will be prepared to work before graduating, thanks to the intermediate certifications that contribute to boosting their professional profile, enabling them to work in any company or start their own business driven by the entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes all Vallejianos.

The Employability Center further supports the community by promoting job placement through workshops and partnerships with renowned companies in Peru.

UCV is the only university in Peru with the Immediate Degree System, allowing students to submit their thesis projects in the last week of classes. It also offers double degree agreements, enabling students to complete their degrees abroad and earn two diplomas.

In summary, Universidad César Vallejo not only provides exceptional education, but also opens doors to meaningful opportunities for the personal and professional development of Peruvians. For further information, visit www.ucv.edu.pe and learn more about this innovative university that trains enterprising professionals with a human touch.

“From the beginning, our mission has been clear: to open the doors of knowledge and opportunity to everyone. Our commitment to educational quality, entrepreneurship, innovation and environmental sustainability remains unwavering. We are proud to be among the best universities in Peru, internationally recognized for our excellence. UCV is more than an institution, it is a vibrant and diverse community, a place where dreams come true and where the future is written every day”, said Dr. César Acuña, founder of UCV.

International Youth Conference “Model UN – New Silk Road” 2024 held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Posted on by BKMISD Al-Farabi KazNU

On June 8, 2024, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) launched the international youth conference “Model UN – New Silk Road” 2024, dedicated to empowering youth in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference, which underscores climate action, gender equality, and the attainment of all 17 SDGs, also commemorates the 90th anniversary of the university and the 10th anniversary of its designation as a Global Hub for the United Nations Academic Impact program.

Yerkin Duyssenov, Chairperson of the Sustainable Development Committee and Vice-Rector for Operational Activities at KazNU, inaugurated the event. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the crucial role of youth as a vital component of human capital and the evolving demands on universities. He highlighted the need for universities to go beyond imparting academic knowledge and focus on preparing graduates to adapt to change and embrace continuous development. Today’s students, he noted, must be leaders capable of making unconventional decisions and addressing contemporary challenges.

“As a Global Hub of the UN Academic Impact program on sustainability since 2012, KazNU has actively supported the international youth platform Model UN ‘New Silk Road’ and has been committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals through education, scientific research, and cooperation with international organizations,” stated Vice-Rector Duyssenov. He also noted the successful operation of two UNESCO chairs at the university, the Academic Regional Resource and Information Center of the UN at the Faculty of International Relations, and the reinstatement of the Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development.

The conference aims to educate students in international diplomacy and develop their skills in addressing global issues through international law. Participants are tackling critical topics such as climate action, gender equality, and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Esteemed speakers at the conference included Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan; Dr. Amir Piric, Acting Director of the UNESCO Cluster Office; Dr. Vlastimil Samek, Head of the UN Department of Global Communications; Dr. Serik Naryssov, Chairman of the Asian Diplomatic Society; Mr. Fayzulla Nurullayev, Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Almaty; Dr. Rustem Kurmanguzhin, Associate Professor at Narxoz University; and Dr. Rafis Abazov, Vice-Rector of KazNARU.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in three committees to discuss the significance of education in promoting human rights and reducing inequality, enhancing the resilience of Central Asian economies amidst climate change, preserving cultural heritage, and amplifying the role of women.

The conference concluded with all active participants receiving certificates and commemorative prizes, underscoring the pivotal role of youth in solving global problems and strengthening international cooperation.

EdUHK Wins Seven Awards at 2024 Geneva Invention Exhibition

Posted on by eduhk

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) garnered seven prestigious awards – four Silver Medals and three Bronze – at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Invention Exhibition). These accolades span across areas including healthcare, educational technology, and games & toys. Their success demonstrates EdUHK’s commitment to research and innovation in a diverse range of fields.

Dr Anna Kam Chi-shan, Associate Professor at the Department of Special Education and Counselling (SEC), has invented the ‘Automatic Screening System for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia with Auditory Tasks’, which won a Silver Medal.

Two of the other Silver Medal-winning innovations are collaborations between EdUHK and industrial partners, ‘I-well Home’ and ‘Pelios: Revealing and predicting emotion through wearable and digital biomarkers for Special Education Needs (SEN) children’. The collaborative efforts between EdUHK and industrial partners demonstrate the University’s commitment to integrating research outcome and applied technology in fostering the well-being and development of the new generation.

The Geneva Invention Exhibition is a renowned annual international event that celebrates ground-breaking inventions from around the world. This year, it attracted entries from 38 countries and regions, featuring a total of 1035 exhibits. EdUHK’s award-winning innovations are:

Silver Medals

  1. Automatic Screening System for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia with Auditory Tasks
    Dr Anna Kam Chi-shan, Associate Professor, SEC
    A semi-sealed system enabling the screening of hearing loss, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia as a routine elderly healthcare examination in the community
  2. I-well Home
    Professor Leung Chi-hung, Professor (Practice), Department of Special Education and Counselling
    All-in-one furniture which integrates scientific learning into everyday life. It inspires the well-being of children physically and psychologically alongside accessible and fun ways of growth and learning.
  3. Pelios: Revealing and predicting emotion through wearable and digital biomarkers for Special Education Needs (SEN) children
    Mr Victor Wong Chun-man, EdUHK Education+ And Social Entrepreneurs (EASE) Fund Scheme
    The first emotion prediction and recognition platform in the world specifically designed for SEN children, which enables us to understand and support them better.
  4. Smart Headset featuring Adaptive Noise Filters for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Dr Steve Mung Wai-yin, Research Assistant Professor, Research and Development Office
    The personalised adaptive noise filter generated by this innovative smart headset caters specifically to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Bronze Medals

  1. A+Sleep: Personalized Acoustic Control Pillow
    Dr Steve Mung Wai-yin, Research Assistant Professor, Research and Development Office
    A serenity pillow with an intelligent acoustic control platform to ensure sleep quality by adjusting sound interference.
  2. Digital Puppetry System: Connecting Young Generation and Cultural Heritage with Novel Technology
    Professor Hung Keung, Professor, Department of Cultural and Creative Arts
    The system technologises puppets to render traditional puppetry performance techniques as interactive graphic animation. It modernises and reactivates cultural heritage using the latest technology.
  3. Make-Play Station
    Dr Hu Xinyun and Dr Vivienne Leung Wai-man, Assistant Professor, Department of Early Childhood Education
    A transformative, multifunctional all-in-one station for children’s STEAM learning. The classroom-fit station blends creative, exploratory, and maker play to spark curiosity and nurture their love for learning.

Ajman University Professor Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Industrial Marketing Management

Posted on by Ajman University

The Digital Transformation Research Center (DTRC) at Ajman University is proud to announce that Professor Guangming Cao from DTRC has been honored for his outstanding contribution to the field of industrial marketing. The prestigious journal Industrial Marketing Management (IMM) (A* in ABDC, CABS3, and 94% in Scopus) recently awarded the IMM Best Paper Award 2023 to a ground-breaking article co-authored by Professor Guangming Cao and Professor Jay Weerawardena from the Business School at the University of Queensland.

Their winning article, titled “Strategic use of social media in marketing and financial performance: the B2B SME context,” explores the strategic use of social media in enhancing market-sensing and customer-linking capabilities that influence the performance of business-to-business small and medium-sized enterprises (B2B SMEs). Their research provides valuable insights into how B2B SMEs can effectively leverage social media to enhance their market-sensing and customer-linking capabilities and achieve sustainable competitive advantages.

This accolade is a testament to the outstanding quality, originality, and significance of research and scholarship at DTRC, Ajman University. We thank Professor Cao for his contribution to the field and his service to the academic community.

ITS’ Anargya Team Ready to Compete in FSAE Japan 2024

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

The Anargya team from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is gearing up for the next Formula SAE Japan 2024, where they will compete once more. As part of the preparations, the team is actively working on developing an electric formula car and seeking help from Indonesia’s President, Mr. Joko Widodo. Rafi Ahmad Fadilah, the Non-technical Manager of the Anargya team, highlighted the significance of FSAEJ as a global competition for students creating electric formula cars. The event is scheduled to take place on September 9, 2024 at Aichi Sky Expo in Japan. To ensure their readiness for the competition, both technical and non-technical aspects are being thoroughly addressed.

This year marks the third participation of the Anargya ITS team in FSAEJ, and according to Rafi Ahmad Fadilah, their technical preparations encompass three main stages: design, manufacturing, and testing. The design phase commenced in October 2023, followed by ongoing manufacturing, with a particular focus on mechanical aspects this year. Ahmad, a student of the Department of Materials and Metallurgy Engineering, emphasized that alongside technical efforts, the team is also engaging in non-technical initiatives such as building collaborations with various stakeholders. These partnerships have provided the team with support and opportunities to showcase their innovation, Anargya EV Mark 3.0, at the 2024 Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show (PEVS) in Jakarta.

During the PEVS, the Anargya team met President Joko Widodo, who expressed strong support for their endeavors in electric vehicle technology. This encouragement from the President, along with backing from various stakeholders, has motivated the team to strive for excellence in FSAEJ 2024. Ahmad hopes that their preparations will lead to a successful performance in the competition, aiming for optimal car performance and the ability to compete effectively in the Dynamic Event. He concluded with optimism, hoping that their efforts would yield significant achievements.

Students of Communications Science Program, FISIP USU Promote Importance of Digital Media Literacy in Schools

Posted on by taichi

It is widely known that the advent of social media offers numerous benefits to human life. The quick, easy, and cheap access offered by social media in spreading various types of information is the key reason why this technology is favoured by many, including students. However, this ease of access also poses new challenges for social media users, such as difficulties in distinguishing between facts and fictions and the dangers of photo manipulation, which make individuals susceptible to fake news (hoaxes).

Acknowledging the importance of digital media literacy and the skills needed to minimize the spread of fake news, students from the Communications Science program at the Faculty of Social and Politics, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), held an educational socialization event on May 15 and 18, 2024, addressing two interesting topics: “Differentiating Facts and Opinions and Identifying Photo Manipulation on Social Media” and “Fighting Fake News on Social Media”.

The event, which was held at SMA Negeri 15 Medan and SMP Negeri 10 Medan, was attended by 66 students and supervised by Yovita Sabarina Sitepu as the co-lecturer of the Digital Media Literacy course in the Communications Science program at USU.

This socialization event is equipped with pre-test and post-test designed to measure students’ understanding of the topics before and after the material was presented. These tests revealed that this event significantly enhanced the students’ knowledge and comprehension of the discussed topics. To further develop students’ skills, various online tools that can be used to identify fake news were also introduced. Additionally, the students were tested on their ability to distinguish between authentic and manipulated photos through interactive games. The students actively participated and showed their enthusiasm throughout the whole event.

Through this socialization event, it is hoped that students will become more critical in receiving information—either online or offline—, more active in fighting the spread of fake news, and capable of addressing photo or video manipulation. This socialization also aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a wiser and more responsible social media user.