By SCMP
Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China science stories of the year. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
Chinese scientists have sent a hypersonic aircraft with a remarkably bulky body soaring through the sky, reaching a speed that could cover the distance from Beijing to New York in two hours.
Chinese scientists have achieved a breakthrough in submarine detection by successfully creating a radio-emitting source in the sky using high-energy microwave synthesis technology.
Chinese scientists have unveiled Zuchongzhi 3.0, a 105-qubit quantum processor that puts China on par with the United States in the race to build the world’s most powerful quantum computer.The Zuchongzhi 3.0 processor. Photo: CCTV
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Malaysian court clears Najib’s wife Rosmah Mansor of money-laundering charges
By Hadi AzmiJoseph Sipalan
A Malaysian court on Thursday quashed over a dozen charges of money-laundering and tax evasion against Rosmah Mansor, the wife of jailed former leader Najib Razak.
The once-powerful couple faced a string of trials linked to alleged corruption and abuse of power over the course of Najib’s nine-year tenure as prime minister.
A Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the charges filed by the prosecution were flawed as they failed to make clear what offences Rosmah had allegedly committed.
Judge K Muniandy granted Rosmah a full acquittal from all 17 charges without having to go through a full trial.
Rosmah, 72, welcomed the ruling, which she described as a true representation of justice.
“This is what I call justice, and this is the kind of justice that everybody should have,” she told reporters after the hearing.
Rosmah was first charged in 2018 with 12 counts of money-laundering involving 7.09 million ringgit (US$1.6 million) and five counts of failing to declare her income to the tax authorities.
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By Hadi AzmiJoseph Sipalan
A Malaysian court on Thursday quashed over a dozen charges of money-laundering and tax evasion against Rosmah Mansor, the wife of jailed former leader Najib Razak.
The once-powerful couple faced a string of trials linked to alleged corruption and abuse of power over the course of Najib’s nine-year tenure as prime minister.
A Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the charges filed by the prosecution were flawed as they failed to make clear what offences Rosmah had allegedly committed.
Judge K Muniandy granted Rosmah a full acquittal from all 17 charges without having to go through a full trial.
Rosmah, 72, welcomed the ruling, which she described as a true representation of justice.
“This is what I call justice, and this is the kind of justice that everybody should have,” she told reporters after the hearing.
Rosmah was first charged in 2018 with 12 counts of money-laundering involving 7.09 million ringgit (US$1.6 million) and five counts of failing to declare her income to the tax authorities.
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Operation Santa Claus: runners don festive outfits for Hong Kong charity run
By Jay Ganglani
Dressed in Christmas outfits, more than 120 people joined an annual cross country run to help raise funds for a Hong Kong charity drive.
Participants of “Santa Hash” gathered at the Lockhart Road Playground in Wan Chai at 2:30pm on December 8 before they made their way around some of the city’s key landmarks, including Star Ferry Pier, St John’s Cathedral and Hong Kong Park.
“This is the one event in the year where we all come together for a good cause,” organiser Mark Hope said.
Santa Hash originated in Malaysia in 1944, while the Hong Kong edition was started in 1991. At the time, the main items of donation were toys.
Last year’s Santa Hash raised more than HK$60,000 (US$7,721) for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual fundraising drive established by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
“I don’t get much opportunity to otherwise give back to the community. It’s also a bit more meaningful than simply just putting money in a box,” participant Allan Knowles said.
The annual event also helps bring people of different backgrounds together.
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By Jay Ganglani
Dressed in Christmas outfits, more than 120 people joined an annual cross country run to help raise funds for a Hong Kong charity drive.
Participants of “Santa Hash” gathered at the Lockhart Road Playground in Wan Chai at 2:30pm on December 8 before they made their way around some of the city’s key landmarks, including Star Ferry Pier, St John’s Cathedral and Hong Kong Park.
“This is the one event in the year where we all come together for a good cause,” organiser Mark Hope said.
Santa Hash originated in Malaysia in 1944, while the Hong Kong edition was started in 1991. At the time, the main items of donation were toys.
Last year’s Santa Hash raised more than HK$60,000 (US$7,721) for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual fundraising drive established by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
“I don’t get much opportunity to otherwise give back to the community. It’s also a bit more meaningful than simply just putting money in a box,” participant Allan Knowles said.
The annual event also helps bring people of different backgrounds together.
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By SCMP
We have selected five Trending in China stories from the past seven days that resonated with our readers. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
A viral video of a 16-month-old boy in China, who died in his mother’s arms while watching fireworks, has touched the hearts of millions of internet users.
A Hong Kong woman shared her disappointing experience at a “matchmaking corner” in southern China, where she faced rejection due to her age and height of only 154cm, igniting ridicule and humorous debate among mainland netizens.A Hong Kong woman was rejected for her height at a “matchmaking corner” in mainland China, sparking humorous debate about dating preferences. Photo: SCMP composite/Sohu/Xiaohongshu
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Russia rewards top neuroscientist who left Europe for China with Vyzov Prize
By Victoria Bela
A prominent neuroscientist who left Europe to join a brand new research facility in China has won one of Russia’s top science awards for opening up the possibilities of non-invasive studies of brain activity in real time.
Nikos Logothetis was awarded the Vyzov Prize’s discovery category for his contributions to the development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and its introduction into the study of human brain activity.
“When I started, I realised to my surprise that people have no idea what fMRI signals are,” said Logothetis, co-director and senior investigator at the International Centre for Primate Brain Research in Shanghai.
According to the Vyzov Foundation, Logothetis was recognised for making it possible to study brain activity non-invasively at a high resolution, potentially leading to new ways to diagnose and treat neurological conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Logothetis said it was an “extremely nice” surprise to win the international category, which this year received more than 600 nominations from scientists in more than 30 countries.
He is the first non-Russian to win the prize, which was established in 2023 in partnership with the government. Logothetis will receive his award at a ceremony in Moscow on Thursday night.
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By Victoria Bela
A prominent neuroscientist who left Europe to join a brand new research facility in China has won one of Russia’s top science awards for opening up the possibilities of non-invasive studies of brain activity in real time.
Nikos Logothetis was awarded the Vyzov Prize’s discovery category for his contributions to the development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and its introduction into the study of human brain activity.
“When I started, I realised to my surprise that people have no idea what fMRI signals are,” said Logothetis, co-director and senior investigator at the International Centre for Primate Brain Research in Shanghai.
According to the Vyzov Foundation, Logothetis was recognised for making it possible to study brain activity non-invasively at a high resolution, potentially leading to new ways to diagnose and treat neurological conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Logothetis said it was an “extremely nice” surprise to win the international category, which this year received more than 600 nominations from scientists in more than 30 countries.
He is the first non-Russian to win the prize, which was established in 2023 in partnership with the government. Logothetis will receive his award at a ceremony in Moscow on Thursday night.
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Malaysia’s first home-grown EV sparks debate: local innovation or pricey Chinese ‘rebadge’?
By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia’s first home-grown electric vehicle (EV) has triggered a debate on whether it is great value for money or a pricey Chinese knock-off, as locals remain unconvinced over the ability of the country’s flagship carmaker to keep pace in the hypercompetitive EV market.
Proton, Malaysia’s first car company, launched its e.Mas7 on Monday, stepping up to the EV plate with a sports utility vehicle crafted with clean panels that wrap seamlessly around the body, all for an entry price of under US$25,000.
The roll-out came less than two years after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mandated that Proton and fellow national marque Perodua develop and bring to market their own EVs by 2025.
The push was part of the government’s efforts to get a foot in the door for local industry players, as well-capitalised Chinese EV makers increasingly crowd out markets in Southeast Asia to cushion hundreds of millions of dollars in potential losses from damaging tariffs imposed by the US and European nations.
The e.Mas7 received “more than 1,000 units of pre-launch bookings”, according to a spokesperson from PRO-NET, Proton’s new energy vehicle arm in charge of the EV’s marketing.
But the e.Mas7 appeared to have struggled to win over fans on Malaysia’s often bellicose social media, with many dismissing it as a watered down and overpriced “rebadge” of the Galaxy E5 built by Chinese carmaker Geely.
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By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia’s first home-grown electric vehicle (EV) has triggered a debate on whether it is great value for money or a pricey Chinese knock-off, as locals remain unconvinced over the ability of the country’s flagship carmaker to keep pace in the hypercompetitive EV market.
Proton, Malaysia’s first car company, launched its e.Mas7 on Monday, stepping up to the EV plate with a sports utility vehicle crafted with clean panels that wrap seamlessly around the body, all for an entry price of under US$25,000.
The roll-out came less than two years after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mandated that Proton and fellow national marque Perodua develop and bring to market their own EVs by 2025.
The push was part of the government’s efforts to get a foot in the door for local industry players, as well-capitalised Chinese EV makers increasingly crowd out markets in Southeast Asia to cushion hundreds of millions of dollars in potential losses from damaging tariffs imposed by the US and European nations.
The e.Mas7 received “more than 1,000 units of pre-launch bookings”, according to a spokesperson from PRO-NET, Proton’s new energy vehicle arm in charge of the EV’s marketing.
But the e.Mas7 appeared to have struggled to win over fans on Malaysia’s often bellicose social media, with many dismissing it as a watered down and overpriced “rebadge” of the Galaxy E5 built by Chinese carmaker Geely.
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Seoul lawmaker says at least 100 North Koreans killed in Russia-Ukraine war
By Reuters
At least 100 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed with another 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in intense fighting in the Kursk region, a South Korean lawmaker said on Thursday citing the country’s spy agency.
The heavy losses are attributed to the lack of experience by North Korean troops in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with the open terrain where they are taking part in the battle, a member of parliament Lee Seong-kweun told reporters.
Lee was speaking after a closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to parliament.
The discrepancy in the estimate of the troops killed from that made by a US military official who cited several hundred casualties is because of the relatively conservative analysis by the NIS, Lee said.
“There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000,” he said.
There are indications that the North is preparing for additional deployment, Lee said, including intelligence of the country’s leader Kim Jong-un overseeing training.
The report echoed comments by US and Ukrainian officials that North Korean losses are heavy and that Russia was using them in large numbers in assaults in Kursk, a Russian region where Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion in August.
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By Reuters
At least 100 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed with another 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in intense fighting in the Kursk region, a South Korean lawmaker said on Thursday citing the country’s spy agency.
The heavy losses are attributed to the lack of experience by North Korean troops in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with the open terrain where they are taking part in the battle, a member of parliament Lee Seong-kweun told reporters.
Lee was speaking after a closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to parliament.
The discrepancy in the estimate of the troops killed from that made by a US military official who cited several hundred casualties is because of the relatively conservative analysis by the NIS, Lee said.
“There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000,” he said.
There are indications that the North is preparing for additional deployment, Lee said, including intelligence of the country’s leader Kim Jong-un overseeing training.
The report echoed comments by US and Ukrainian officials that North Korean losses are heavy and that Russia was using them in large numbers in assaults in Kursk, a Russian region where Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion in August.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping tours Macau university on second day of visit
By Kahon Chan
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a university in Macau on the second day of his trip to the city.
He arrived at Macau University of Science and Technology at 10am on Thursday after he left Xinzhuyuan guest hotel, according to media reports.
During his speech at the airport on Wednesday, Xi pledged to “go around, take a look and deliberate” on Macau’s development plans during his three-day tour.
He also described Macau as the “cherished pearl of the motherland”, saying the city’s development “gradually unleashes deep potential accumulated over time”.
The president is expected to make other community visits, and attend a gala dinner and cultural performance in the evening. He will swear in Chief Executive-designate Sam Hou-fai on Friday.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will also travel to Macau in the afternoon for evening events.
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By Kahon Chan
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a university in Macau on the second day of his trip to the city.
He arrived at Macau University of Science and Technology at 10am on Thursday after he left Xinzhuyuan guest hotel, according to media reports.
During his speech at the airport on Wednesday, Xi pledged to “go around, take a look and deliberate” on Macau’s development plans during his three-day tour.
He also described Macau as the “cherished pearl of the motherland”, saying the city’s development “gradually unleashes deep potential accumulated over time”.
The president is expected to make other community visits, and attend a gala dinner and cultural performance in the evening. He will swear in Chief Executive-designate Sam Hou-fai on Friday.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will also travel to Macau in the afternoon for evening events.
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Operation Santa Claus: Hong Kong conglomerate upholds steadfast charity support
By Guy Haydon
One of Hong Kong’s major philanthropic-focused conglomerates has donated HK$200,000 (US$25,700) to a local Christmas charity drive this year.
John Swire and Sons (Hong Kong), the holding company for publicly-listed conglomerate Swire Pacific, also donated the same amount to Operation Santa Claus (OSC) in 2023.
It has supported the annual fundraising initiative, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK, since 1995.
“Swire has been part of the Hong Kong community for over 150 years, and we are committed to serving this city that, in turn, has helped us thrive,” said James Tong, the holding company’s director of group public affairs.
“Giving back is in Swire’s DNA, which is why we are delighted to continue supporting Operation Santa Claus to encourage the spirit of giving love and care to the people around us.”
He said this year’s OSC tagline, “#EveryoneCanBeASantaClaus”, was very meaningful because it encouraged people to embrace the spirit of giving.
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By Guy Haydon
One of Hong Kong’s major philanthropic-focused conglomerates has donated HK$200,000 (US$25,700) to a local Christmas charity drive this year.
John Swire and Sons (Hong Kong), the holding company for publicly-listed conglomerate Swire Pacific, also donated the same amount to Operation Santa Claus (OSC) in 2023.
It has supported the annual fundraising initiative, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK, since 1995.
“Swire has been part of the Hong Kong community for over 150 years, and we are committed to serving this city that, in turn, has helped us thrive,” said James Tong, the holding company’s director of group public affairs.
“Giving back is in Swire’s DNA, which is why we are delighted to continue supporting Operation Santa Claus to encourage the spirit of giving love and care to the people around us.”
He said this year’s OSC tagline, “#EveryoneCanBeASantaClaus”, was very meaningful because it encouraged people to embrace the spirit of giving.
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Japanese angered by Denmark’s refusal to extradite anti-whaling activist Paul Watson
By Julian Ryall
Japan has expressed its deep regret over Denmark’s refusal to comply with an extradition request to send anti-whaling activist Paul Watson to Tokyo to face trial after he was freed from prison.
Japan’s justice ministry had formally requested Watson’s return to answer a charge over the alleged stink bombing of a Japanese whaling ship in 2010.
Its Danish counterpart gave its reason for rejecting the request on Tuesday, citing inadequate assurances from Tokyo that Watson’s time in custody would count towards any sentence that he may receive in Japan.
Watson, who founded the Sea Shepherd environmental group, was detained in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, in July following an Interpol warrant issued in 2012 for the 2010 incident. Japanese officials previously said they were confident that Watson would be handed over to Tokyo.
Watson was released on Tuesday after spending 150 days in jail.
In a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed his disappointment at Denmark’s decision.
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By Julian Ryall
Japan has expressed its deep regret over Denmark’s refusal to comply with an extradition request to send anti-whaling activist Paul Watson to Tokyo to face trial after he was freed from prison.
Japan’s justice ministry had formally requested Watson’s return to answer a charge over the alleged stink bombing of a Japanese whaling ship in 2010.
Its Danish counterpart gave its reason for rejecting the request on Tuesday, citing inadequate assurances from Tokyo that Watson’s time in custody would count towards any sentence that he may receive in Japan.
Watson, who founded the Sea Shepherd environmental group, was detained in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, in July following an Interpol warrant issued in 2012 for the 2010 incident. Japanese officials previously said they were confident that Watson would be handed over to Tokyo.
Watson was released on Tuesday after spending 150 days in jail.
In a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed his disappointment at Denmark’s decision.
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Sumo wrestler Hiyori Kon brings sport to Argentina, fights for women’s place in the ring
By Yannis Tan
When opportunities for female sumo wrestlers were scarce in Japan, Hiyori Kon decided to bring her country’s sport to as far as Argentina.
While promoting the ancient Japanese sport in the South American country, Hiyori has battled for gender equality in the male-centric sport, which she hopes will one day become an Olympic event.
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By Yannis Tan
When opportunities for female sumo wrestlers were scarce in Japan, Hiyori Kon decided to bring her country’s sport to as far as Argentina.
While promoting the ancient Japanese sport in the South American country, Hiyori has battled for gender equality in the male-centric sport, which she hopes will one day become an Olympic event.
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Man allegedly sets Hanoi karaoke bar on fire, killing 11 people
By Agence France-Presse
A fire ripped through a karaoke bar in the Vietnamese capital, killing 11 people and injuring two others in a case of suspected arson, police said on Thursday.
Pictures on state media showed the blackened multi-storey building in western Hanoi, mostly destroyed by flames, and piles of twisted metal strewn nearby.
Police said they received reports of a fire at 11:00pm Wednesday (local time) “with many people trapped inside”.
Rescuers rushed to the scene and managed to bring out seven people alive, two of whom were rushed to hospital. Eleven others were found dead, they said.
“The police suspect that the cafe was [deliberately] burned down and … have arrested the perpetrator,” Hanoi police said in a statement.
Witnesses told state media the fire was so large that no one dared to attempt to rescue those trapped inside. Photos from the scene showed that the building’s balconies were enclosed with metal bars, likely making escape difficult.
Nguyen Minh Hung, who was nearby at the time, told the Dan Tri newspaper: “We were shouting for the trapped victims, but we heard no ask for help from inside the building.”
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By Agence France-Presse
A fire ripped through a karaoke bar in the Vietnamese capital, killing 11 people and injuring two others in a case of suspected arson, police said on Thursday.
Pictures on state media showed the blackened multi-storey building in western Hanoi, mostly destroyed by flames, and piles of twisted metal strewn nearby.
Police said they received reports of a fire at 11:00pm Wednesday (local time) “with many people trapped inside”.
Rescuers rushed to the scene and managed to bring out seven people alive, two of whom were rushed to hospital. Eleven others were found dead, they said.
“The police suspect that the cafe was [deliberately] burned down and … have arrested the perpetrator,” Hanoi police said in a statement.
Witnesses told state media the fire was so large that no one dared to attempt to rescue those trapped inside. Photos from the scene showed that the building’s balconies were enclosed with metal bars, likely making escape difficult.
Nguyen Minh Hung, who was nearby at the time, told the Dan Tri newspaper: “We were shouting for the trapped victims, but we heard no ask for help from inside the building.”
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Trump’s Mar-a-Lago dinner with Shinzo Abe’s widow raises questions about Japan-US ties
By Maria Siow
United States president-elect Donald Trump’s meeting with the widow of a former Japanese leader while seemingly snubbing Shigeru Ishiba could be a bid to “humiliate” the current prime minister, raising anxieties of tensions between both countries.
Analysts also say Trump’s meeting with Akie Abe, wife of slain former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is aimed at sending a “message” to Ishiba to maintain good relations with the US.
Trump on Sunday reportedly met Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, hosting a private dinner with his guest and wife Melania.
“It was a privilege to host Mrs Akie Abe at Mar-a-Lago once again,” Melania said on X, posting a photo of the three of them.
“We fondly remembered her late husband, former Prime Minister Abe, and honoured his remarkable legacy,” she added, referring to the former Japanese leader who was assassinated in 2022 during a campaign speech.
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By Maria Siow
United States president-elect Donald Trump’s meeting with the widow of a former Japanese leader while seemingly snubbing Shigeru Ishiba could be a bid to “humiliate” the current prime minister, raising anxieties of tensions between both countries.
Analysts also say Trump’s meeting with Akie Abe, wife of slain former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is aimed at sending a “message” to Ishiba to maintain good relations with the US.
Trump on Sunday reportedly met Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, hosting a private dinner with his guest and wife Melania.
“It was a privilege to host Mrs Akie Abe at Mar-a-Lago once again,” Melania said on X, posting a photo of the three of them.
“We fondly remembered her late husband, former Prime Minister Abe, and honoured his remarkable legacy,” she added, referring to the former Japanese leader who was assassinated in 2022 during a campaign speech.
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