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A Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) team, led by Professor Lam Hon-Ming, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Life Sciences and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, has successfully transported rhizobia specimens (soybean nitrogen-fixing bacteria) into space.
This ground-breaking achievement was made possible through collaboration with the China Manned Space Agency, China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology (CRRIST), and a space biotechnology company. The specimens were launched aboard the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft on 10 May 2023 and have now reached the Chinese space station Tiangong. This marks the first agricultural research project from Hong Kong to be sent to space, establishing a significant milestone in the fusion of aerospace and agricultural technologies.
Rhizobia, a type of bacteria known for its ability to establish nodules with legume roots and convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds for plants, play a vital role in nitrogen fixation. In this project, the team is focused on investigating the effects of the space environment on rhizobia through mutagenesis and conducting space biology research.
The objective is to understand how rhizobia adapt and change under extra-terrestrial conditions. Following the collection of rhizobia samples from space, the research team plans to conduct further studies with the aim of developing stress-tolerant rhizobia strains that exhibit enhanced nitrogen-fixing efficiency. The ultimate goal is to optimize the utilisation of rhizobia, reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilizers, improve soil conditions, and contribute to a sustainable environment.
The research team has been devoted to soybean research for over 25 years. The team has successfully developed three new stress-tolerant soybean cultivars, Longhuang 1, Longhuang 2 and Longhuang 3, which have been distributed to local farmers in Gansu province at no cost since 2016.
To further advance soybean breeding technology, Professor Lam is collaborating with CRRIST and the space biotechnology company and planning to send the cultivars into space as a complementary experiment, to investigate any induced mutagenesis under space conditions.
The team will conduct a meticulous analysis of the precious returned specimens to explore the mutation mechanism of soybean seeds in space, aiming to achieve breakthroughs in agricultural technology. The team also plans to screen for new soybean seed materials with promising application prospects, aiming to enrich national strategic agricultural germplasm resources.
Professor Lam Hon-Ming envisions the Tianzhou-6 spacecraft not only as a carrier of his agricultural project but also as a representation of Hong Kong’s scientific and innovative aspirations. He believes that this endeavour symbolises Hong Kong’s role as an international hub for science and innovation.
The project’s objective is to merge agricultural and aerospace technologies to develop novel strategies applicable to agricultural fields. By integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional wisdom, the project aims to push technological boundaries, achieve breakthroughs in agrobiotechnology, and enhance agricultural productivity. The intended beneficiaries are farmers and the wider community, while simultaneously highlighting Hong Kong’s scientific research capabilities to the global stage.
The advancement of aerospace breeding and its associated technologies serves as a crucial link, bringing together China’s strategic agricultural technology and state-of-the-art aerospace advancements. Through dedicated efforts in expanding knowledge and capabilities, as well as promoting innovative research on germplasm resources in space, significant strides are being made towards technological breakthroughs.
These breakthroughs not only contribute to human health but also contribute to the preservation and well-being of our planet. By harnessing the power of aerospace technology, the project is empowering scientific advancements that have the potential to safeguard both human and planetary health.


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Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong recently participated in the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Detroit, Michigan. With the theme “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” the APEC MRT meeting was hosted by the U.S., APEC 2023 Chair, and was attended by Trade Ministers and Senior Officials from the 21 APEC economies.
Minister Gan made three suggestions to ensure that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) responds more effectively to the challenges nowadays. First, restoring a fully functioning and effective Dispute Settlement System. Second, updating the WTO’s rulebook to address emerging issues on digital trade and environmental sustainability. Third, improving the WTO’s decision-making process.
In today’s interconnected world, digital trade is critical for facilitating frictionless transactions, improving market access, and supporting economic progress. It increases efficiency, creativity, and global connectivity while decreasing barriers and expenses while environmental sustainability is critical for protecting the planet’s resources and combating climate change.
Hence, countries can achieve a healthy balance between economic development and environmental stewardship by integrating digital trade and environmental sustainability, assuring a profitable and sustainable future for future generations.
In addition, Minister Gan spoke on Singapore’s commitment to transition to a green economy. He highlighted that Singapore remained steadfast in securing greener sources of energy, investing in new technologies, strengthening businesses’ capabilities, and upskilling the workforce. The Minister added that Singapore would continue to look towards new trade architectures, such as Green Economy Agreements, to harness green growth opportunities for the people.
One year, after Leaders launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in May 2022, Ministers from the 14 IPEF partner countries, announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations on an IPEF Supply Chain Agreement.
This is the first multi-country arrangement to strengthen the resilience and connectivity of supply chains through collective and individual actions. Three coordination bodies will be established to advance cooperation among IPEF countries:
- A Supply Chain Council that will develop sector-specific action plans to strengthen resilience in critical sectors and key goods;
- A Crisis Response Network to facilitate emergency communications and coordination between governments during supply chain disruptions; and
- A tripartite Labour Rights Advisory Board that will help promote labour rights in IPEF countries’ supply chains.
The Ministers also introduced a regional hydrogen initiative to encourage the widespread deployment of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen and its derivatives in the Indo-Pacific region, by drawing upon expertise from both the public and private sectors.
According to Minister Gan, Singapore joins other IPEF partners in welcoming an innovative Supply Chain Agreement that will enhance the individual and collective efforts to strengthen the resilience and connectivity of the supply chains.
This will also put the nation in a stronger place to anticipate and respond to any future disruptions to these supply chains. Singapore looks forward to the early operationalisation of the Agreement, as well as further progress being made on the negotiations on the other IPEF pillars. Singapore welcomes the introduction of the hydrogen initiative among interested IPEF partners, to capitalise on the promise of growth in this area and support the respective green economies.
To support these efforts, Minister Gan announced that Singapore will offer capacity-building programmes on topics relevant to each of the four IPEF pillars, such as trade and business development, supply chain management, clean energy and emission reduction, and anti-corruption.
The programmes are organised by Singapore government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Infocomm Media Development Agency (IMDA), Maritime Port Authority (MPA), Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), Tax Academy, and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), as well as with other IPEF partners like Japan.
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Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, stands out as a frontrunner in digital transformation, with a significant proportion of its population embracing electronic accounts on public service portals. 43% of Da Nang’s population aged 18 and above own electronic accounts, indicating a strong presence of digital engagement in the city.
Digital transformation is a collective effort involving various entities, including government agencies, businesses, and residents. In 2022, the digital economy played a significant role in the overall economic landscape of the city, contributing to 17% of Da Nang’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).
According to Nguyen Quang Thanh, the Director of the Department of Information and Communications in Da Nang, the city’s digital transformation is inspired by the development of e-government and smart urban areas. He emphasised that data plays a pivotal role in generating new values for the city.
Since 2020, Da Nang has embarked on a comprehensive effort to build a robust database that encompasses various sources of information. Including comprehensive records of citizens, businesses, household registrations, officials, employees, and administrative procedures.
Local authorities and agencies have built 560 public service databases. In addition, free wifi stations are now available in the city. To further enhance connectivity and digital accessibility, the city has established free WiFi stations across various locations. These WiFi stations provide residents and visitors with convenient and reliable internet access, contributing to the city’s digital infrastructure.
Moreover, Da Nang has invested in the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure to expand its data sources and capabilities. Key IoT initiatives include the implementation of a security and order centre, a smart traffic centre, and a water and air environment monitoring centre. These facilities collect and analyse data to monitor and manage public safety, traffic flow, and environmental conditions in real-time, enabling more informed decision-making and enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.
According to Thanh, the availability of data has significantly improved the management capabilities of state agencies in Da Nang. The utilisation of data has facilitated more efficient work processes, enhanced the supervision of public service provision, and enabled effective monitoring of traffic flow as well as water and air quality.
In addition to leveraging data, the city has embraced digital assistants to enhance the delivery of administrative procedures and public services. These digital assistants include chatbots and voicebots that automatically provide instructions and guidance to residents regarding administrative processes and various public services.
The Da Nang smart city mobile platform provides more than 30 smart services and utilities for communities. In the city, every citizen is provided with an electronic account, which offers them access to the available database. This system requires citizens to register for an electronic account only once, granting them access to a wide range of digital services and information. As of now, approximately 260,000 citizens in Da Nang have successfully registered for electronic accounts. This number represents over 43% of the population aged 18 and older.
The region has achieved significant progress in digitising document handling processes, with over 78% of documents being handled online, 1.5 times higher than the national average.
The administration of Da Nang has witnessed numerous agencies actively embracing digital technology in their operations and service delivery. The Ngu Hanh Son Medical Centre has introduced a digital health certificate system. This initiative aims to facilitate the process for individuals applying for a driving license by providing them with a digital health certificate.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transport has introduced QR codes for bus tickets, offering commuters an efficient and contactless way to access public transportation. It has also implemented online payment options. The Department of Information and Communications has added rainfall and flood maps to Da Nang Smart City App for residents to access and follow.
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Since it started working in 2021, the Chengdu Heavy Industry Fund, an investment fund for big industrialisation projects in Chengdu province, has signed more than 12 billion yuan (S$2.4 billion) in contracts, which have led to investments of more than 100 billion yuan (S$20 billion).
The total size of the parent-child fund group is more than 80 billion yuan (S$16 billion). There are 14 authoritative lists in the equity investment industry, such as Science and Investment, and the contribution of the industry and the effect of brands are becoming more and more noticeable.
Recently, the honourable title “Advanced Collective in Investment Promotion in Sichuan Province” was given to Chengdu Heavy Industry Fund, which was the only industry fund in the province.
The Chengdu Heavy Industry Fund recognises the important role that chain-owner enterprises and high-energy level projects play in driving industrial growth. The fund gives priority to industry attention because it knows a lot about big industrialisation projects that involve big investments, a lot of industrial energy, and a lot of technology.
It takes advantage of the main chain industry’s tendency to group together and uses a strategy in which investment and hiring are linked to help big development projects.
The Chengdu Heavy Industry Fund gives top priority to setting up a method for bringing in new investors and hiring people. By using the fixed-increase method, it was able to help local businesses cut costs and get out of the secondary market. This set a pattern for future self-circulating investments.
The fund took advantage of the chance for central-local cooperation in the digital economy and this investment not only gave better results but also helped bring in economic base projects and helped Chengdu’s digital economy grow.
The fund also set up assistance for the digital economy industry, which helps build Chengdu into a smart city and makes it easier to bring more digital transformation resources to the city.
The fund focuses on key economic ecosystems, especially in areas like carbon neutrality, where it can make a big difference. It uses the province’s resources, like lithium mines and hydropower, to set up business chains that are green and low in carbon. Its main goal is to build production and research and development bases for Southwest power batteries and serve as a model for regional cooperation.
The fund works with banking institutions to invest in projects like the Chengdu Intelligent Computing Centre. It uses an east-to-west growth plan to spread the overall development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.
The main idea behind the fund is to lead chain masters and bring together chain owners. It focuses on building industrial ecology circles and strengthening key industry chains. It also encourages integration and co-development between groups upstream and downstream and between the left and right banks.
Also, the fund tackles shortcomings in the power battery manufacturing line and establishes a strategic layout for the new energy industry system by engaging with upstream and downstream firms in the project’s industrial chain. This display of “industry + park + fund” ecological collaboration is a key component of their efforts.
To attract money, the Chengdu Heavy Industry Fund takes a holistic approach, with a particular emphasis on digital technologies. By bringing together “chain owners + leading talents + industrial funds + intermediaries + public platforms,” the fund builds an industrial ecosystem that acts as a map for potential investors.
Sub-funds are formed through collaborations with financial institutions, large-scale investment groups, industry guidance funds, and well-known industrial businesses, boosting investment collaboration. Collaborations leveraging diverse resources such as state ministries, central enterprises, and others, is one successful example.
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Associate Professor Jaydee Cabral, a researcher from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Otago University, is creating a project focused on developing 3D-printed nipple areolar complexes specifically designed for breast cancer patients. The objective of this innovative research is to support individuals who have had a mastectomy (breast-conserving surgery), helping them regain a sense of self-confidence.
Despite significant advancements in mastectomy procedures, there is still a prevailing gap in clinical solutions to effectively replace the nipple area that can be lost during surgery. This absence of suitable options has been a persistent challenge for breast cancer patients seeking aesthetic restoration and psychological well-being after mastectomy. The absence of a clinically available replacement for the nipple area has left many patients with limited choices and compromised body image and self-confidence outcomes.
By utilising the advanced 3D printing technology, Professor Cabral and her team were able to create customisable and highly accurate nipple areolar complexes that closely mimic the natural appearance and texture of the breast of the patient.
“My research resides at the interface of chemistry, microbiology, and bioengineering to develop novel medical devices for various biomedical applications and I would love to bring students into this global phenomenon,” Professor Cabral said.
This 3D bio print technique technology utilises a specialised bioprinter capable of creating a gel-based environment that is conducive to cell growth and serves as a scaffold system. The gel provides a cell-friendly structure where the cells can organise themselves into more intricate living structures.
The technique involves using water-loving polymers with a soft texture suitable for the extrusion of 3D printing. These polymers provide a cell-friendly environment, allowing cells to grow into complex living structures. The process involves carefully extruding the polymers using a bioprinter, layer by layer, to create the desired three-dimensional object.
Once the printing is finished, UV light solidifies the structure into a more rigid form. UV light enhances the molecular bonds within the material, strengthening it and enabling seamless integration with surrounding tissues.
Dr Cabral’s research expertise lies in developing 3D bio-printed vasculature, specifically focusing on the intricate network of blood vessels. The creation of thicker tissue poses unique challenges compared to thinner tissue due to the increased risk of inadequate oxygen levels and limited nutrient supply, which can result in tissue necrosis.
A recipient of the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Catalyst Seed Fund, she said that this research is important because there is currently nothing clinically available to replace the nipple area that can be lost during a mastectomy.
Consequently, there is a growing need for innovative research and development efforts to bridge this gap and provide breast cancer patients with reconstructive alternatives that can restore the natural appearance of the nipple area.
The 3D bioprinting approach holds great potential in revolutionising innovations, particularly in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. It represents a significant advancement in reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients.
Dr Cabral is optimistic that her innovation in addressing the challenge of vascularisation for thicker tissue, such as creating 3D bio-printed vasculature, will create opportunities which could lead to other remarkable advancements in tissue engineering in the future.
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In our interconnected and globally integrated world, the emergence of various pathogens is just a plane or ship journey away, and their impact can be substantial on both local and global economies. In light of this issue, Professor of Data Science, Alex Gavryushkin, is co-leading the new research exploring the algorithm to respond to a biosecurity outbreak swiftly and effectively.
Associate Professor Gavryushkin said that agriculture is vital for Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy and is the basis of global exports. The agricultural sector produces 40% of New Zealand’s exports. Agriculture is the backbone of rural economies, providing employment opportunities for farmers and farmworkers and supporting industries such as agribusinesses, equipment manufacturers, and food processing companies.
However, agriculture is not only limited as a significant source of employment in several rural areas. Its performance also influences the success of urban areas and many secondary industries which depend on it, increasing economic well-being and sustainability, influencing their growth, infrastructure development, and quality of life.
As we can see, agriculture brings a significant impact on New Zealand itself. People must take it seriously to prevent highly contagious viral infections such as foot and mouth disease (FMD). If agriculture were to be affected by such an outbreak, it could potentially throw the national economy into a recession, causing losses upward of NZ$16 billion.
Professor Gavryushkin strongly emphasises the significance of making highly accurate predictions regarding the potential spread of an outbreak. This accuracy is crucial in facilitating policymakers to foster their decision-making processes and implement effective measures to mitigate and control the outbreak’s impact.
By utilising advanced algorithms capable of dynamically updating results in real time, the research seeks to provide policymakers with up-to-date and reliable information about the evolving nature of the outbreak.
It includes predicting the areas at the highest risk of transmission and identifying potential hotspots, enabling policymakers to allocate resources strategically and implement targeted interventions to limit the spread of the disease
This research has the potential to significantly enhance the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to outbreaks, thereby safeguarding communities and facilitating a more efficient and proactive approach to public health management.
Afterwards, he is embarking on collaborating with the University of Auckland’s Dr Remco Bouckaert and partners from Massey University and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for doing research in terms of developing a new type of algorithm to improve outbreak response by providing more precision and accurate results.
The objective of the research is to create algorithms that can dynamically update results in real-time, eliminating the need to restart computations from the beginning when large volumes of new data are received. Instead, the algorithms will revise previous calculations and adjust predictions as necessary.
The current algorithm system presents policymakers with only one scenario, based on it being statistically the most probable. Its transmission tracing lacks the ability to effectively handle the continuous influx of new data, which is common during an ongoing outbreak when the transmission tree rapidly expands in size.
According to Associate Professor Gavryushkin, establishing a solid infrastructure for biosecurity algorithms will greatly enhance their ability to proactively address potential issues in the future. By conducting intricate and time-intensive pre-computations well in advance, including prior to outbreaks and concurrently with them, they can significantly mitigate challenges that may arise down the line. This proactive approach ensures that comprehensive preparations are in place, enabling a more efficient and effective response to biosecurity threats.
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Digital innovation empowers ageing individuals by promoting better health management, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, safety, and access to resources, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.
While ageing is frequently accompanied by a deterioration in functional mobility, loss of muscle strength, and an increase in body fat, this trend could be reversed thanks to a novel magnetic muscle therapy developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Weekly exposure to very low levels of proprietary pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) using the BIXEPS device invented by NUS researchers in 2019 is associated with significant improvements in mobility and body composition after 12 weeks, particularly in older people, according to a recent community study conducted in Singapore involving 101 participants aged 38 to 91 years old. After three months of magnetic muscle therapy, participants reported reduced pain perception.
Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón, who led the research team and is a Principal Investigator with NUS iHealthtech and co-founder of QuantumTX, says that the BIXEPS device uses a specific magnetic signature to target the muscles in a user’s leg and create metabolic activity in the cells, just like when a person exercises.
Studies from the past showed that when magnetic muscle treatment was used on one leg after knee surgery, the whole body’s metabolism improved. This was mostly seen as changes in the blood lipid profiles. That is, the effect went beyond just the leg that was treated and led to changes throughout the whole body.
After eight weeks of treatment, 72% of individuals reported improved skeletal muscle maintenance along with reductions in total and visceral fats, with 85% of subjects reporting improvements in functional mobility after 12 weeks, most notably among the elderly.
These encouraging findings suggest that this PEMF-based technology could be a beneficial adjunct to traditional geriatric therapies aimed at lowering the prevalence of frailty and metabolic diseases in the elderly population.
Importantly, visceral fat is an inflammatory fat that has been linked to a variety of metabolic diseases, including diabetes. Previous research has found that people in Southeast Asia retain visceral fat more persistently than persons in other regions of the world, despite exercise.
As a result, people in Southeast Asia get diabetes at a lower BMI than persons of other ethnicities. This has created a significant challenge for the Southeast Asian health business. Researchers finally have a solution to this local healthcare dilemma in the form of magnetic field therapy.
Based on the promising findings of the community study, the team has collaborated with research groups in the United States and Hong Kong to perform randomised controlled clinical studies to further validate the advantages of frailty across various ageing groups.
Since 2022, the team has also begun a senior-focused study with 200 elders across four Singapore community care centres to assess how the technology can improve function and ease chronic problems. This research is projected to be completed in 2023.
Real-world pilot data from current community programmes have also shown promise of improved HbA1c control – the most common measure for diabetes progression – after beginning weekly BIXEPS sessions.
The research team is currently collaborating with the Singapore General Hospital to perform a clinical trial to evaluate further the therapeutic potential of PEMF-based therapies for diabetes progression management.
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The consultative committee of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs was briefed by Hardeep S. Puri, the Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, about the progress made in the Smart Cities Mission. Minister Puri highlighted the significant advancements taking place within the 100 smart cities and their positive impact on India’s urban future. He underscored the vital role played by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) in effectively managing and implementing the mission at the city level, thus maximising its potential.
The Smart Cities Mission, launched in June 2015, seeks to enhance the lives of citizens by implementing “smart solutions” that focus on core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a high quality of life. Under the initiative, 100 cities were selected through a two-stage competition to be developed as Smart Cities. According to the government, the regions are showcasing satisfactory advancements.
The Smart Cities Mission is overseen by an Apex Committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. They regularly provide updates on the implementation status of projects through the Real-Time Geographical Management Information System (GMIS). According to the Smart Cities Mission Statement and Guidelines, each city establishes a Smart City Advisory Forum (SCAF) at the local level to facilitate collaboration and provide guidance. The SCAF comprises various stakeholders such as Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Mayor, the District Collector, local youth, technical experts, and other relevant parties. So far, the Smart Cities have convened more than 756 SCAF meetings.
In addition, at the state level, a High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC) chaired by the Chief Secretary has been established. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the Smart Cities Mission within the state. Furthermore, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs appoints Nominee Directors to the Boards of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) who actively monitor the progress of projects in their respective cities.
The Committee conducted visits to various project sites in Goa, including the ‘Mandovi Riverfront Promenade’, ‘Flood Mitigation Works’, and the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). During these visits, the status and progress of the projects were discussed as of 1 May 2023. It was highlighted that the Smart Cities Mission comprises approximately 7,800 projects with a total value of INR 1.8 trillion (US$ 21 billion). Out of these, more than 5,700 projects (73% by number) worth INR 1.1 trillion (US$ 13.3 billion) (60% by value) have already been completed. The remaining projects are expected to be completed by June 2024. Also, INR 38,400 crores (US$ 4.6 billion) have been released under the Smart Cities Mission as of 1 May, out of which INR 35,261 crores (US$ 4.2 billion) has been used.
The Ministry maintains regular communication and engagement with the states and Smart Cities through video conferences, review meetings, field visits, regional workshops, and more. These interactions occur at different levels and serve multiple purposes, including assessing the performance of cities and providing necessary support and guidance for their improvement.
An official said that ICCCs play a crucial role in enhancing situational awareness through the utilisation of advanced technologies. These centres provide comprehensive visualisations that enable civic officials to effectively address various urban functions and handle daily tasks, issues, and emergencies following detailed standard operating procedures. ICCCs have evolved into the central hubs of these smart cities, showcasing the effective application of technology in fortifying urban management.