Mohamed Ali is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Harnessing Social Proof: The Marketer’s Guide to Influencing Decisions

01 Dec 2024  |  medium.com  |  English  |  Social Proof

In the digital age, marketers face challenges in capturing consumer attention, with social proof emerging as a powerful tool to influence decisions. Social proof, where individuals mimic others' actions, is rooted in the need to belong and make safe choices. Studies show its effectiveness in increasing demand for popular dishes in restaurants and promoting environmentally friendly behaviors in hotels. Research highlights that social networks significantly influence adherence to pandemic guidelines. For marketers, leveraging social proof through customer testimonials, influencer endorsements, and showcasing user numbers can boost sales and credibility. Engaging content with visual elements further enhances the impact of social proof.

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Peking University Duke University British Journal of Psychology Journal of Consumer Research

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Meredith Chen is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Covid pushed foreign students out of China. Will politics, red tape and poor job prospects keep them away?

25 Oct 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Covid-19 Impact

The article explores the challenges faced by foreign students in China post-Covid, including political concerns, bureaucratic hurdles, and uncertain job prospects. It highlights the decline in international student enrollment, particularly from the US and South Korea, and the impact of China's strict data protection laws on academic research. Despite these challenges, some students remain optimistic about the value of studying in China, citing the need for in-depth knowledge of the country. The article also discusses the efforts of educational institutions and think tanks to address these issues and improve the situation for international students.

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Yenching Academy of Peking University Chinese Ministry of Education Institute of International Education British Chamber of Commerce in China Centre for China and Globalisation Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference

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Antony Dapiran is a writer & commentator based in Hong Kong. He is the author of two books on Hong Kong, including most recently "City on Fire: The Fight for Hong Kong" (Scribe, 2020). His bylines have appeared in The Atlantic, New Statesman, Foreign Policy, Quartz, The Guardian, Bloomberg Opinion, ...

Book review - City of Protest: A Recent History of Dissent in Hong Kong is timely handover anniversary read

25 Jun 2017  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Book Review

Antony Dapiran's 'City of Protest' is a timely and insightful book that explores the history of dissent in Hong Kong, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the city's handover from British to Chinese rule. The book provides a balanced explanation of the motivations behind Hong Kong's protests, highlighting key events such as the Occupy Central demonstrations and the Fishball Riots. Dapiran argues that protests in Hong Kong are effective and deeply rooted in the city's culture. The book's final chapter discusses the ongoing conflict between Hong Kong's freedoms and its governance by a distant communist power, suggesting that protests will continue as long as this system remains.

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Freelance journalist: science, culture, technology, travel, education & personal essays for National Geographic, SmithsonianMag, Aeon, GOOD, Discover, BBC Wildlife, Psychologies, Huck, Matador Network and more. Digital media professional: video, photography and web. I am location independent and ...

LLM Hallucinations: A Bug or A Feature?

23 May 2024  |  cacm.acm.org  |  English  |  Technology

Large Language Models (LLMs) are capable of impressive feats but are prone to 'hallucinations,' where they generate plausible yet inaccurate responses. This issue is significant in fields like healthcare, finance, and law, where accuracy is crucial. Various organizations, including Stanford University and Oxford Internet Institute, are researching the causes and solutions for these hallucinations. Some view them as bugs to be fixed, while others see them as inherent features. Efforts to mitigate hallucinations include fine-tuning models, developing sector-specific approaches, and rethinking the perception of hallucinations. The rapid growth of LLMs poses challenges, as future models may be trained on flawed outputs, potentially amplifying inaccuracies over time.

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Peking University Hong Kong University of Science and Technology New York University University College London Stanford University Oxford Internet Institute Pew Research Center Demos Facebook AI Research Meta National University of Singapore

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Robert Foyle Hunwick is a writer and editor based in Beijing, China. He has written extensively for various US and UK magazines and newspapers, including The Times, Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph, The Atlantic, Esquire, Foreign Policy, Global Post (now PRI), Asia Sentinel, Danwei, Time Out Beijing, ...

Chinese tabloid journalists took pictures of dead body of pop star Yao Beina

19 Jan 2015  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Press Freedom

Chinese journalists from Shenzhen Evening News have been accused of sneaking into a hospital dressed as nurses to photograph the deceased pop star Yao Beina. The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning the unethical tactics of China's tabloids. Yao Beina, known for her theme song to the film 1942 and her participation in Voice of China, died of cancer at age 33. Her agent and fans expressed their anger, highlighting the ongoing issues with press freedom and media ethics in China.

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Peking University Hospital Shenzhen Evening News Weibo

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Julie Gaubert is a journalist based in Lyon, France.

This father created a home laboratory to make life-saving medicine for his son

25 Nov 2021  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Science & Environment

Xu Wei, a father in Kunming, China, created a home laboratory to produce a copper histidine treatment for his son Haoyang, who suffers from Menkes Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting copper processing in the body. With no available treatment in China and travel restrictions due to COVID-19, Xu educated himself using online resources and translation software. Despite initial doubts and challenges, he successfully produced the medicine and observed improvements in Haoyang's blood tests. The treatment is not a cure but can slow down the disease. Xu's efforts have attracted the attention of VectorBuilder, a biotech lab, which is now collaborating with him on gene therapy research for Menkes syndrome.

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Tours University Hospital Peking University Rare Diseases AFP

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Bo Gu is a journalist based in Washington, DC, United States of America.

New COVID Wave in China Hits 65 Million People Every Week

07 Jun 2023  |  www.voaindonesia.com  |  Indonesian  |  Medical

China, where COVID-19 was first identified, is experiencing a new wave of infections, with an estimated 65 million cases per week by the end of June, according to a model presented at a health conference. Despite the large number, the symptoms are reportedly less severe. The outbreak is likely limited to China, with the world having experienced all variants, including XBB. After easing zero-COVID policies, China faced a different omicron variant in December 2022 and January 2023, with 80% of the population infected during that period. Hospitals were crowded, and cremation waits were long. Many people, including Mr. Lin from Fujian, are not taking the new wave seriously, not wearing masks, and not testing for mild symptoms.

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Peking University First Hospital New York Institute of Technology Global Times CNN China Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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Joyce Huang is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. She currently works as a free-lancer, covering news about Taiwan and China. Throughout her journalistic career in the past two decades, she has had experience working for or contributing to both Taiwanese and foreign news outlets. Those include ...

Experts: How China Reports COVID19 Deaths Keeps Total Low

21 Dec 2022  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  China

China's National Health Commission reports low COVID-19 death figures, attributing deaths only to pneumonia and respiratory failure directly caused by the virus. Experts argue this underestimates the true toll by excluding deaths with underlying conditions. Taiwan's approach contrasts by including deaths within 60 days of infection. The article highlights skepticism over China's reporting standards and the potential strain on its healthcare system. Global comparisons show varying methodologies in counting COVID-19 deaths, with excess mortality statistics offering a more comprehensive measure.

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University of Edinburgh Peking University First Hospital National Health Commission State Council of China Department of Health Development Center for Biotechnology WHO Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation

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Rebecca Kanthor is a journalist based in Shanghai, China.

A Yiddish revival is underway at this prestigious Chinese university

12 Oct 2022  |  theworld.org  |  English  |  Jewish Culture

Peking University, known as the Harvard of China, has introduced its first Yiddish language course, taught by assistant professor Yang Meng. The course has attracted 30 students, including medical student Huang Zijing, who are eager to learn about Jewish culture and history. Yang aims to dispel stereotypes about Jewish people and address global anti-Semitism through her teaching. The course uses media clips and cultural context to enhance learning. Students appreciate the broader cultural exposure and the lessons in adaptation and preservation of endangered languages.

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Elie Lai is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. I'm focusing on Mainland China news, and also International news and Sports news are also available. Welcome to contact me for writing reports and photoshooting.

Continuous Contraction in Chinese Manufacturing Activity, Youth Unemployment Becomes Urgent Issue

01 Aug 2023  |  美国之音  |  Chinese  |  Manufacturing Industry

China's manufacturing activity continued to contract in July, with the Caixin PMI index dropping to 49.2, indicating a slowdown in economic recovery. Employment in the sector worsened for the fifth consecutive month due to limited market demand. The youth unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds hit a record 21.3%, but some argue the actual figure could be as high as 46.5% when considering non-working, non-student youth. Low wages contribute to the employment crisis, with many young people unwilling to take on demanding jobs with poor pay. Political factors, including government policies towards private enterprises and the US-China trade war, are exacerbating the unemployment issue. Efforts to attract private capital to national projects and improve market access have been announced, but skepticism remains about the government's commitment to supporting private businesses.

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Violet Law is a tri-lingual American journalist currently based in Hong Kong and southern China. She has filed for The Associated Press, The Economist, the Los Angeles Times, the Christian Science Monitor, USA Today, etc.

When walls talk: Hong Kong protesters bring grievances to suburbs

24 Jul 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Civil Rights

In Hong Kong, protesters have turned to 'Lennon Walls' covered with sticky notes to express their grievances and demands amid ongoing anti-government protests. These walls, reminiscent of similar movements in Prague and mainland China, have become a symbol of resistance and direct democracy. Despite incidents of vandalism and violence, the walls continue to serve as a platform for public expression, reflecting the limited space available for dissent in Hong Kong. Protesters like Elmo Ho and Tang Shun emphasize the importance of these walls in uniting the community and sustaining the movement's momentum.

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A former auditor turned into an investigative journalist. Writes about China technology, the US-China relationship, and China's propaganda system for the New York Times, Foreign Policy, WIRED, ChinaFile, and other publications.
Contributing US-Correspondent for Deutsche Welle Chinese.
My Chinese ...

Young Chinese Are Despairing of a Zero-COVID Future

24 Oct 2022  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Government Policies

The article discusses the despair and frustration among young Chinese people due to the country's strict zero-COVID policies. It highlights the impact of these policies on daily life, employment, and mental health. The article also addresses the economic downturn, high youth unemployment rates, and the reluctance to have children. It reflects on the growing desire among young Chinese to leave the country and the increasing difficulty of living under stringent government regulations.

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Peking University Fudan University Chinese Government National Bureau of Statistics National Health Commission

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I am a freelance journalist based in Tokyo, Japan. I contribute articles to a number of international media and companies, including Forbes Asia and Singularity Hub. 

My main areas of expertise are science, technology and finance. However, I have spent time working at both local newspapers in ...

Inside China’s Play to Become the World’s CRISPR Superpower

18 Aug 2019  |  singularityhub.com  |  English  |  Scientific Research

China is rapidly advancing in CRISPR research, potentially outpacing the US in patents and scientific papers. The country's government and educational institutions are heavily investing in gene-editing technology, focusing on areas like agriculture, human medicine, and basic research. Ethical concerns are less prevalent in China compared to Western countries, allowing for more aggressive experimentation. China's efforts aim to address domestic challenges such as food production and healthcare shortages, while also positioning the country as a global leader in biotechnology. The competition between China and the US in CRISPR research is expected to drive significant scientific advancements.

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University of Pennsylvania University of Peking Salk Institute National Institutes of Health Goldman Sachs

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Ke Qin is a marketing and pr professional based in New York, United States of America.

Artificial Cysteine S-Glycosylation Induced by Per-O-Acetylated Unnatural Monosaccharides during Metabolic Glycan Labeling

01 Jul 2018  |  Wiley Online Library  |  English  |  Metabolic Labeling

The article discusses the induction of artificial cysteine S-glycosylation by per-O-acetylated unnatural monosaccharides during metabolic glycan labeling. The research was conducted by a team from the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University, Beijing. The study highlights the biochemical processes and implications of this glycosylation method, contributing to the broader understanding of metabolic labeling in molecular sciences.

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Peking University Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education

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Liam Scott is an independent journalist based in Washington, D.C. He focuses on human rights and mass atrocities, China, press freedom, and disinformation.

What’s on Weibo: A Look Inside Chinese Social Media

05 Apr 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Chinese Society

Manya Koetse, a Dutch national, founded 'What's on Weibo' to understand and share trends on Chinese social media after feeling left out of conversations among her Chinese friends. The site, which started in 2013, offers insights into Chinese society by tracking viral content and has faced challenges such as censorship and harassment. Despite being blocked in China since 2018, it attracts around 250,000 monthly visitors, including those using VPNs in China. Koetse, who now resides in Amsterdam, has introduced a premium subscription to potentially earn a full-time income. The site's coverage includes a variety of topics, providing a perspective on China that differs from the Western media's focus on politics and human rights. Koetse, a Sinologist, emphasizes the importance of social media in understanding the views of ordinary Chinese people, especially as foreign media faces challenges reporting from within China.

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Peking University VOA Freedom House China Internet Network Information Center

Yun Sun is a think tank scholar.

All style, no substance for Iran in China

24 Feb 2023  |  www.jordannews.jo  |  English  |  Economic Policy

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Beijing highlighted the lack of substantial economic agreements between China and Iran, despite previous promises of a $400 billion investment. China's cautious approach is influenced by international pressure, its critical view of Iran's policies, and the uncertain future of the JCPOA. While China values Iran as a strategic partner against American dominance, it has prioritized improving ties with the US and GCC states. China's trade and investment in the GCC far outweigh its economic engagement with Iran. Raisi's visit, including receiving an honorary title at Peking University, was symbolic but failed to secure the investments needed for Iran's economy.

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Laura van Megen is a journalist based in Beijing, China. 
Fact-checking, interviews in Mandarin, geopolitical analysis, Chinese social movements, and domestic politics.

US-China Chip War – Policy Recommendations by PKU Scholar Lu Feng

01 Feb 2023  |  www.sinification.com  |  English  |  Industrial Development

Lu Feng, a political economist and professor at Peking University, advocates for Chinese independent innovation and has significantly influenced readers interested in China's industrial development. The interview, conducted by journalist Gao Yanping for the news website Guancha, highlights Lu's long-standing involvement in China's industrial policy, including his role in developing a homegrown passenger jet.

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Peking University Guancha

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Rachel is a Hong Kong based journalist available for writing, photography and videography work.
She is currently covering Hong Kong's ongoing political turmoil stemming from the controversial extradition bill. 

Rachel has previously worked in the Hong Kong desk at South China Morning Post. As a ...

Hong Kong now in ‘golden window for development’ with quick revival of economic activities, finance chief Paul Chan says

20 Apr 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Green Technology

Hong Kong is experiencing a 'golden window for development' with a swift revival of economic activities, according to finance chief Paul Chan. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, industry actors from the mainland have supported Hong Kong's development. Chan's visit to Peking University was well-received, highlighting the city's appeal. He also emphasized Hong Kong's potential as a leading international green technology and financial center, citing significant green debt raised and the presence of green tech companies in Cyberport. Chan encouraged students to start businesses in Hong Kong, noting available funds and a large market in the bay area.

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Peking University Lingnan University Cyberport

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YAO YU is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

The anesthesiologists’ perception of malignant hyperthermia

22 Aug 2024  |  www.dovepress.com  |  English  |  Medical Training

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a critical condition often triggered by certain anesthetics, with a historically high mortality rate in China due to lack of awareness and availability of the treatment drug dantrolene. A nationwide survey of 11,354 anesthesiologists revealed significant gaps in MH knowledge and inconsistent availability of dantrolene across regions. Higher professional titles and education levels correlated with better MH knowledge. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive MH training and a national emergency system for dantrolene distribution to improve timely treatment and reduce mortality rates.

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Peking University Third Hospital Chinese Society of Anesthesiologists China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care Chinese Association of Anesthesiologists National Medical Products Administration Beijing Center of Quality Control and Improvement on Clinical Anesthesia

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