Author: shuiyaoinns.com

On October 26, State Senator Iwen Chu collaborated with 11 community organizations and local businesses in Brooklyn’s South District to host a “Halloween Family Fun Day” at Seth Low Park in Bensonhurst. The event brought together residents to celebrate Halloween on a sunny autumn day. Activities included candy distribution, pumpkin giveaways, instant photo opportunities, and a highlight—a children’s costume contest. Over 200 residents from various backgrounds attended the event, with five outstanding children being awarded after impressive performances.

Halloween is a cherished tradition in the United States, especially among children, including those in the Chinese community. In her speech, Senator Chu emphasized that Halloween not only creates happy memories for kids but also serves as an excellent opportunity for community bonding and promoting dialogue among different ethnicities, ultimately aiming to reduce biases and enhance inclusivity.

This year’s costume contest stood out, featuring over 20 participants. Children showcased their creativity on stage, performing in groups of four while striking various poses. A panel of four judges carefully evaluated the performances and selected the top five winners. The first-place winner was a young boy named Ansen, who humorously attached a picture of his sister to his tummy, with the playful tagline “I ate my sister.” His creativity earned him high praise from the judges and a new scooter as a prize.

The Halloween Family Fun Day distributed 250 pumpkins along with copious amounts of candy, and booths were set up for festive photo sessions for families with children, providing printed keepsakes. Other engaging activities included face painting, dancing, and crafts, all of which were well-received by attendees.

According to Zhang Yi, Chief of Staff for Senator Chu, this marks the second consecutive year that her office has organized the Halloween Family Fun Day. After receiving positive feedback from last year’s event, they expanded the offerings this year, attracting an even larger crowd.

The costume contest was hosted by Ding Mingxian, President of the Chinese American Association, with judges that included Chen Weiyi, President and CEO of Songbai Home, Zhang Yi, Li Zhibo, President of the Bay Parkway Chamber of Commerce, and Sonia Valentin, Chair of the Community Board for the 62nd precinct. Organizations such as the New York Unity Association and the Chinese Cultural Center also provided children with a wealth of gifts and useful community resource information.

On October 18, during a parliamentary session, Malaysian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim presented the 2025 fiscal budget. The Malaysian government projects a GDP growth of 4.5% to 5.5% for the coming year, and based on this optimism, has proposed the largest budget in the country’s history.

Anwar forecasts that Malaysia’s GDP will grow by 4.8% to 5.3% this year, with a potential peak of 5.5% next year. The government anticipates total revenue of 339.7 billion ringgit (approximately $78.8 billion), representing a 5.5% increase from the current year, while total expenditure is expected to reach a record high of 421 billion ringgit, an increase of 27.2 billion ringgit from last year. He expressed confidence that this budget will stimulate economic growth in the upcoming year.

According to the budget proposal, Malaysia’s fiscal deficit is projected to be around 3.8% of GDP next year, a decrease from last year’s 4.3%. Currently, the national debt stands at approximately 1.2 trillion ringgit, roughly 63% of GDP. Anwar emphasized the government’s commitment to gradually reducing the deficit through cautious fiscal measures to avoid further national debt escalation.

To achieve deficit reduction, Anwar noted that the government is optimizing spending in next year’s fiscal budget, maintaining and increasing targeted welfare expenditures while refining existing welfare policies. One of the most talked-about changes will involve adjustments to the current subsidy program for RON95 gasoline. The Malaysian government has long subsidized the price of RON95, which is currently about one-third of the price in Thailand and less than one-quarter of that in Singapore. Anwar stated that the adjustments will primarily affect high-income groups and foreigners, while the majority—about 85%—of the population will continue to benefit from low prices. This adjustment aims to cut the government’s annual expenditure on subsidies by approximately 40%, reducing the current spending of around 20 billion ringgit.

Reflecting on the importance of optimizing fiscal spending and subsidy policies, Anwar quoted a line from the Analects of Confucius in Chinese: “To err but not to change is to err indeed,” stressing the need to avoid repeating mistakes. This is not the first time Anwar has drawn on classical Chinese philosophy during budget presentations; last year he referenced Mencius’ concepts of “benevolence,” “righteousness,” “wisdom,” and “propriety.”

On October 23, during an interview, Tang Zhengzhu, the first-level inspector of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s Culture and Tourism Department, highlighted the significant progress made in recent years regarding the protection and inheritance of the Zhuang Tianqin art. He emphasized that Tianqin art has emerged as a key medium for cultural exchange between China and ASEAN countries.

The “2024 Tianqin Culture Seminar” was held on the same day in Chongzuo City, where representatives engaged in deep discussions on the theme “Revitalizing Tianqin Culture in the New Era.” They explored practical issues, pathways for development, and innovative theories and practices to provide fresh perspectives and ideas for the inheritance and growth of Tianqin culture.

During the seminar, participants were captivated by the performance of Tianqin artists, who held the instrument while tying copper bells to their feet, creating a beautiful melody rich in Zhuang cultural flavors. The Tianqin, an ancient plucked instrument of the Zhuang people, is commonly referred to as “Ding” or “Ting.” Its name comes from traditional Zhuang folk activities involving singing and playing.

Tang noted that the Culture and Tourism Department of Guangxi is actively supporting efforts to protect and develop Zhuang Tianqin art, allocating special funds to establish five Tianqin art inheritance and display bases and demonstration households. The government is also working to secure additional funding for initiatives in Chongzuo such as recording and digitizing Tianqin art, transmission practices, exhibitions, and public awareness campaigns.

The Guangxi cultural authorities have organized artistic teams to delve into the cultural connotation of Tianqin art in Chongzuo’s border areas, continually enriching related performances and producing high-quality works. Moreover, they have arranged for Zhuang Tianqin art groups to participate in major cultural exchange activities, visiting countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Russia to enhance the visibility and influence of this art form.

Tianqin art enjoys wide popularity in regions like Chongzuo City. According to local officials, the city is committed to systematic protection of the art and has implemented the “Regulations on Inheritance and Development of Zhuang Tianqin Art.” Since 2019, Chongzuo has held five Tianqin art training courses, producing over 400 key students who are vital for the promotion and teaching of this art.

Chongzuo is dedicated to discovering and innovating the artistic value of Tianqin, actively working to promote its art on a broader scale. The city is accelerating the development of related cultural and creative products, drafting the “Chongzuo City Tianqin Art Protection Plan,” and hosting international seminars and discussion forums on co-construction and sharing of Zhuang Tianqin with ASEAN countries to bolster academic exchange.

Officials from Chongzuo stated that the city will serve as a bridge for cultural exchanges with ASEAN nations through Tianqin art. They are also committed to enhancing the interplay between culture and tourism, encouraging performances in scenic areas, creating unique cultural IPs, and developing educational travel routes that integrate Zhuang Tianqin art with the tourism industry, thereby increasing the influence of the “Cross-Border Intangible Cultural Heritage Tour” as a national tourism route.

During a recent interview, Michael Jabbara, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Head of Global Fraud Services, addressed the rising concerns surrounding a new scam known as “digital pickpocketing.” This revelation came just ahead of the Money20/20 conference, held in Las Vegas from October 27 to 30, where Visa shared its latest findings in a report detailing various fraudulent tactics targeting banks and consumers.

“The landscape of fraud is evolving,” Jabbara stated, referring to the “Fraud Landscape: Fall 2024 Semiannual Threat Report.” Over the past six months, the report highlights a resurgence of physical theft incidents, where criminals exploit stolen payment information and credit card numbers to purchase gift cards or physical products, often reselling them or transferring funds online.

One alarming trend noted in the report is the emergence of digital pickpocketing, a technique that gained traction in March 2023. This method primarily involves the use of mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) systems, typically utilized for transactions through smartphones, tablets, or wireless devices. Jabbara describes how these criminals operate in crowded environments, employing mPOS devices to discreetly steal credit card information from unsuspecting consumers and initiate payments.

“Traditional pickpockets steal physical possessions, but digital pickpockets are after your financial information,” Jabbara explained. He emphasized the importance for consumers to remain vigilant of their surroundings to protect themselves against these new-age thieves, much like how one would safeguard against conventional pickpockets. “Criminals tend to target those who are distracted,” he added.

Jabbara also offered practical advice for consumers, suggesting they set up real-time purchase alerts on their accounts. If a transaction appears that wasn’t initiated by them, they should promptly inform their bank. “This not only safeguards your own finances but also helps protect potential victims,” he noted.

The report further identifies that criminals often exploit busy travel seasons, setting up scams aimed at individuals making travel plans. The most prevalent schemes involve fraudulent websites that imitate those of major airlines, luring consumers with attractive deals while ultimately stealing personal information and money.

“If consumers suspect any unusual activity, they should immediately contact their financial institutions,” Jabbara urged. He also stressed the importance of updating passwords and ensuring two-factor authentication settings are correctly configured. If theft is confirmed, reporting to local law enforcement is crucial for further action.

On October 22, the Qinghai Branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China officially launched the Overseas Guest Payment Service Center at the Xining Railway Station. This center marks the bank’s first of its kind in the region.

The establishment of this service center is set to significantly enhance the payment service quality at Qinghai’s key transportation hub. It aims to diversify the payment services for foreign visitors to the province, establishing a more efficient ecosystem for payments in the station’s core business area. This initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to serving travelers visiting Qinghai, delivering a practical financial solution right from their first stop in the province.

In a statement, Chen Bin, a member of the bank’s party committee and vice president, expressed, “By setting up this service center, we have achieved comprehensive coverage of foreign card services, including currency exchange, ticket purchases, and business inquiries. We want to present a welcoming image of our payment services to travelers as they arrive in Qinghai and establish a fresh identity for the province’s banking industry in optimizing payment solutions.”

Since the end of March 2024, the Dongchuan Branch of ICBC in Xining has been dedicated to developing the Overseas Guest Payment Service Center. They have made significant efforts in refining the payment environment for visitors by engaging in extensive groundwork and multiple discussions with the China Railway Qinghai-Tibet Group Co., Ltd. This collaboration has enabled the successful establishment of the service center, which safely and accurately meets the payment needs of foreign visitors and senior travelers in Qinghai.

Emmanuel Addehin from Abuja, Nigeria, sat down to discuss the significant rise in energy costs that has been impacting everyday Nigerians. Over the past year, petrol prices have surged by 64%, while the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas, has jumped 60%. In addition, the average retail price of diesel has soared by 59.2%, and household kerosene has risen by 50%.

According to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), September saw Katsina experiencing the highest petrol prices, averaging N1,096 per litre. Meanwhile, Rivers topped the list for cooking gas, with prices reaching N7,285.71 for a 5kg cylinder.

This rise in energy prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including fluctuations in the international oil market, where crude oil has recently topped $80 per barrel, and President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove petrol subsidies and float the Naira. When he assumed office, the official price set by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) was N194. Today, the lowest price for petrol across the country stands at N1,030 per litre.

The transition to a floated naira has also contributed to this financial strain. Under the previous administration, the ‘managed’ exchange rate was around N460 to the dollar, compared to the current rate of approximately N1,700 to the dollar, marking a significant devaluation of the local currency.

Transportation challenges also add to rising prices. Tanker operators have inflated their costs due to poor road conditions and the need to frequently replace spare parts.

In September 2024, consumers paid an average retail price of N1,030.46 for petrol, reflecting a 64.55% increase from N626.21 in September 2023. It also showed a 24.08% increase from August 2024, when the price was N830.46. Katsina has the highest average petrol retail price at N1,096.15, followed by Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom at N1,090.94 and N1,085.71, respectively. Interestingly, northern states like Yobe, Sokoto, and Kebbi had the lowest prices, with averages of N939.38, N961.67, and N986.67, respectively.

On a zonal basis, the Northwest recorded the highest petrol prices at N1,036.52, while the Northeast had the lowest at N1,014.55.

In terms of cooking gas, despite the federal government’s announcement to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT), the price for refilling a 5kg cylinder increased by 4.19% from N6,430.02 in August to N6,699.63 in September. Year-on-year, this represents a 59.90% rise from N4,189.96 in September 2023. Rivers again led with the highest price at N7,285.71, followed closely by Gombe and Borno.

When it comes to a 12.5kg cylinder, the average price rose by 4.89% month-on-month, reaching N16,313.43 in September 2024, up 76.41% from N9,247.40 a year earlier.

Diesel prices also reflect this upward trend, rising by 59.28% compared to last year, from N890.80 to N1,418.83 per litre. Month-on-month, there was a slight increase of 0.91% from August. The states experiencing the highest diesel prices included Bauchi (N2,061.67), Gombe (N1,615.00), and Akwa Ibom (N1,592.86).

Kerosene prices followed suit, averaging N1,957.44 in September 2024—up 5.95% from August and 50.68% from the previous September. Abuja recorded the highest price for kerosene at N2,816.67, while Bayelsa had the lowest at N1,416.67.

In regional analysis, the North-Central zone reported the highest average kerosene price at N2,194.05, while the Southeast recorded the lowest at N1,718.89.

The data underscores the growing financial pressure on Nigerians as energy prices continue to rise significantly.

On October 18, the Guangdong Traffic Group announced a significant milestone in the construction of the Lion Rock Tunnel project. After two hours of careful lifting operation, a prefabricated box beam measuring approximately 28 meters in length and weighing about 103 tons was successfully positioned on the Xiaohu Island Elevated Bridge at 4 PM. This marked the installation of the first prefabricated box beam for the entire project, effectively kicking off the construction of the upper structure of the approach bridge.

The Lion Rock Tunnel is the first east-west dual-layer cross-river passageway in the Pearl River Delta, representing a crucial step in enhancing the highway network in Guangdong Province and contributing to the development of a one-hour transportation circle in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. Upon completion, this project is expected to deliver a new leap in scale and span for bridge construction in China.

The Xiaohu Island Elevated Bridge plays a vital role as a key link between the main bridge and the approach bridge on the Nansha side of the Lion Rock Tunnel. This two-layer simply-supported beam bridge comprises a total of 56 spans designed as prestressed concrete box beams. Each layer consists of 12 segments per span, totaling 672 segments. The span lengths alternate between 30 meters and 31 meters, while the prefabricated box beams come in lengths of 28 meters and 29 meters. Erection of the beams involves both truck cranes and bridge erecting machines, with the entire superstructure and installation being undertaken by China Communications Construction Company’s Second Public Bureau.

During the erection of the first prefabricated box beam on the Xiaohu Island Elevated Bridge, two 500-ton truck cranes were employed. The beam had to be rotated horizontally in mid-air, creating significant safety risks during the dual-machine operation. To ensure a safe and smooth installation, the construction team meticulously planned the procedure, conducted safety briefings, and intensified training efforts to enhance on-site execution capability, ultimately leading to a successful installation. A total of 24 prefabricated box beams have already arrived at the construction site, with expectations set to complete the installation of 120 beams by the end of this year.

The first prefabricated box beam was produced by the Guangzhou Highway Engineering Group. The project team undertook extensive trial mixing and employed self-made mortar pads with the same mix ratio as the beams to address aesthetic issues like color discrepancies and imprinting. Adjustments to the curing spray nozzle shapes and waterproof tape application were implemented to mitigate secondary contamination concerns. The design of the steel template’s edges, along with careful control of mix ratios and demolding times, helped resolve quality issues such as edge chipping at the ends of the prefabricated beams, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality production of the box beams.

Overall, the project is progressing smoothly, with the main bridge, the Lion Rock Bridge, currently undergoing tower and anchor filling works, while the approach bridge transitions to the construction of the upper structure. The project is expected to be completed and opened to traffic by the end of 2028.

On October 22, the Ministry of Emergency Management held its quarterly press conference, where it provided an update on the national safety production and natural disaster situation in the first three quarters of the year, along with insights into its recent key initiatives. During the conference, Chen Sheng, the director of the Ministry’s Disaster Relief Department, emphasized the daunting challenges facing disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. He mentioned that the Ministry would collaborate with relevant departments to guide and assist affected areas in planning their post-disaster reconstruction projects, ensuring comprehensive preparations for project applications, and striving to keep disaster-affected residents warm during the winter to prevent poverty caused by disasters.

During the press conference, a reporter inquired about the current status of disaster relief efforts in regions impacted by this year’s severe floods and typhoons, noting the extensive work carried out by the National Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Relief Office and the Ministry of Emergency Management in conjunction with other departments.

Chen Sheng replied that the natural disaster situation this year has been complex and severe, presenting significant challenges to disaster relief efforts. He highlighted that the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Ministry, along with relevant departments, have made substantial progress in their relief work. He outlined several key aspects of this progress:

First, there has been a notable increase in the frequency of response activations. In January, the State Council released a revised “Emergency Plan for National Natural Disaster Relief,” optimizing conditions for initiating disaster response. In light of severe disasters, they proactively assessed situations and responded early, activating disaster relief responses 23 times this year, the highest in nearly a decade. Specifically, a Level II response was initiated for Hunan, and four responses were activated for Guangdong, which played a crucial role in organizing rescue efforts efficiently.

Second, financial support has been significant. The Ministry reviewed the rapid funding allocation practices from last year’s main flood season, which received positive feedback. They subsequently improved the rapid funding disbursement mechanism, resulting in a remarkable increase in efficiency this year, with more than 80% of emergency funds already allocated. Additionally, the clearing process for these funds has been accelerated, with damage assessments in the most affected provinces expected to be completed by the end of October.

Third, the implementation of practical measures has proven effective. The National Committee for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has strengthened its coordination role, improving communication and action planning in response to the severe impacts faced by major disaster areas such as Pingjiang and Zixing in Hunan and Jianchang in Liaoning and Linjiang in Jilin. Working groups have been deployed to assess local conditions firsthand, facilitating policy guidance and providing substantial support, resulting in noticeable progress.

Chen noted that production and daily life in affected regions are recovering rapidly, with efficient progress in disaster relief and assistance. As an example, in Jianchang, Liaoning, after rescue efforts concluded on August 24, the focus quickly shifted to post-disaster reconstruction. Damage assessments and repairs for affected schools were completed within a week, allowing them to reopen on schedule on September 1. Out of 4,295 homes needing reconstruction, 3,839 have been finished, with the remainder expected to be completed by the end of October, ensuring that residents will have new homes before winter.

Looking ahead, Chen acknowledged that the tasks associated with recovery and reconstruction remain significant. The Ministry will continue to guide and assist affected areas in planning their reconstruction projects and enhancing preparations for project applications. There will also be increased financial support for municipal infrastructure, road traffic, water conservancy projects, and recovery of damaged farmland, with a steadfast commitment to ensuring that disaster-affected residents stay warm during the winter and to prevent them from falling back into poverty due to the disaster.

On October 27, 2024, the China (Changsha) Private Enterprise Technological Innovation Development Conference took place in Changsha. During the event, the Hunan Xiangjiang New Area Dacheng Enterprise Research Institute was officially launched.

Founded in May 2024, the Dacheng Enterprise Research Institute aims to establish itself as a think tank and a new type of research institution that is distinctive to the Xiangjiang New Area, leading in the province and renowned nationwide. This institute is the first professional think tank in Central China dedicated to researching the innovative development of private enterprises.

The Dacheng Enterprise Research Institute focuses on empowering businesses through various services, including conducting economic and social surveys, facilitating deep collaborations between enterprises, promoting high-tech advancements, assisting in technology transfer and intellectual property application, providing management consulting services, offering high-end management talent training, and organizing trade exchanges and international cooperation forums. Its goal is to drive high-quality development in Hunan.

Additionally, the institute seeks to serve as a resource for decision-making by party committees and government officials. By continuously monitoring the private economy and conducting cutting-edge research, the institute aims to track economic trends across industries, analyze industrial development in depth, and provide strategic decision-making support with a global perspective.

As an important channel for inheriting the experiences of Hunan merchants, the Dacheng Enterprise Research Institute promotes frequent exchanges and establishes teaching and practice platforms to help businesses integrate into the dual-circulation development pattern. It offers high-quality training designed to foster the growth of private entrepreneurs, precisely matching top-notch teaching resources with well-structured training courses and practical activities to meet the development needs of entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the institute plans to enhance its outreach efforts by establishing a research base dedicated to the heritage of Hunan merchant culture, with the aim of deeply exploring and promoting the stories and spirit of Hunan merchants in the new era.

In an effort to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has launched an initiative to support farmers across the nation. The overarching goal of this ambitious project is to boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria.

During a recent meeting with Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, NLTF’s Executive Secretary, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, shared insights into the fund’s food security plan.

“We are committed to delivering Good Causes and enhancing social welfare,” Adeyanju explained. “Our support for the agricultural sector is a strategic move aimed at empowering Nigerian farmers, improving food security, and driving economic growth.”

Adeyanju emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We are dedicated to working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this project. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of rural farmers in Nigeria and contribute to the country’s development.”

Senator Abdullahi commended NLTF’s efforts, saying, “This support will significantly benefit our farmers, particularly those in rural areas. We are grateful for NLTF’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural development.”

The NLTF’s intervention is poised to assist millions of rural farmers and vulnerable populations, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and bolster food security, thereby playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic growth.

In addition to the agricultural initiative, Adeyanju also inaugurated a two-day training program for NLTF staff from finance, accounts, and audits. He praised their dedication and reiterated the importance of building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.

“I am passionate about fostering our staff’s growth and development,” said Adeyanju. “This training is vital for improving our team’s expertise and efficiency in delivering exceptional services. We need to stay ahead in financial management, accounting, and auditing.”

He encouraged the participants to engage actively during the training, pointing out that “Your involvement is not just about learning new skills but also about networking and building relationships that will drive our success. I urge you to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from each other.”

The two-day program is designed to equip staff with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in best practices for financial management, accounting, and auditing.