Latest news with #CASS
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Times: Chinese online novels inspire waves of readers, creators around the world, bridging various cultures
BEIJING, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, a new wave of Chinese cultural products, represented by games, short dramas, and online literature, has captivated millions overseas. Data underscores this rise. In 2024, Chinese independently developed games generated $18.57 billion in overseas sales. Chinese micro-short drama companies have launched over 300 apps overseas, amassing more than 470 million downloads across over 200 countries and regions, while a top Chinese platform for online literature exports attracted nearly 300 million users from abroad. More importantly, this global spread of culture has evolved from "one-way exports" to "co-creation." In this "Cultural Voyages" series, the Global Times will talk to cultural consumers, creators, and practitioners from both China and abroad to see how Chinese cultural products are changing people's lives. In the quiet corners of Scotland, a 19-year-old college student named Antechao (pseudonym) stumbled upon Chinese web novels - a discovery that opened a new world of literature and culture. It was five years ago when Antechao first encountered Chinese web novels through a Reddit thread. "My first Chinese web novel that I remember the most about would be Emperor's Domination," Antechao recalled. "My impression of it was 'Wow!'" he told the Global Times. "It was an entirely different reading experience that I had never had before and it was a bit overwhelming at first, but I did get engrossed the more I read." His journey reflects a global wave, where millions of readers in more than 200 countries and regions are embracing China's online literature amid a phenomenon that is transcending borders and redefining storytelling. Literary powerhouse China's online novels have evolved from a niche pastime into a cultural and economic powerhouse. By the end of 2024, the scale of China's online literature reading market had reached 43.06 billion yuan ($5.99 billion), up 6.8 percent year on year, according to a research report released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The year 2024 also witnessed the release of a number of online literary works featuring realistic themes and fine traditional Chinese culture, which are dynamic vehicles for promoting mainstream values and spurring cultural innovation, the Report on the Development of Chinese Online Literature said. In 2024, market revenue generated by online literature adaptations reached 298.56 billion yuan, forming a synergy with short-format dramas, games, and other forms of content on various user platforms, the report revealed. Ding Guoqi, director of the Literary Institute at the CASS attributes this success to a "content + industry" model. "IP adaptations have become the core path to cross-industry monetization," he noted. With over 30 million authors crafting 41.651 million works for 575 million users - more than half of China's netizens - the industry embodies a "nationwide participation" creative landscape. This economic might is matched by a cultural resonance, as readers like Antechao discover a treasure trove of Chinese traditions within these novels. For readers like Antechao, however, the diversity is a draw. "There's a lot to draw on and many different interesting things from Chinese culture that can make a very compelling and interesting novel," he noted, highlighting the appeal of cultivation narratives and unique power systems. Bridging civilizations The global reach of Chinese online literature is undeniable, with 808,440 exported works and 352 million users across more than 200 countries and regions in 2024. A milestone in this expansion was the British Library's inclusion of these novels, which were displayed alongside classics like the Diamond Sutra. In November 2024, it added 10 online novels by Chinese authors, including Lord of the Mysteries, Soul Land and The Joy of Life. This library first added a Chinese online literature work to its collection in 2022. Ding sees this as embodying "mutual learning between civilizations," where storytelling disseminates Chinese culture while absorbing global influences. "Through 'cultural translation,' online literature promotes mutual understanding across civilizations," he said, citing elements like traditional architecture and intangible cultural heritage that captivate overseas readers. For Antechao, this cultural exchange has been personal. "I've seen elements like Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism," he said. "Taoism comes up very often in my reading as it's realistically the end goal of everything - to follow your own path." He also finds traditional Chinese medicine fascinating for its "broad and cool applications," deepening his appreciation of Chinese culture. Yet, Ding cautions that full mainstream recognition remains elusive, driven more by popularity than traditional elite systems. "Much more work needs to be done. For the industry, establishing a dynamic evaluation system for the overseas expansion of Chinese online literature can help us timely understand the effectiveness and existing problems of such an expansion, so as to adjust strategies and promote its better development," adds Ding. To resonate globally, Chinese online literature must balance its distinct "Chinese feature" with universal appeal. Ding advocates for integrating traditional elements - represented by the guochao (Chinese-style trend) with modern expression and AI translation. This cultural exchange isn't just for readers. It's inspiring creators worldwide, like Russian author Barisbi Alborov, known by his pen name Guiltythree, whose novel Shadow Slave has amassed over 50 million views. Inspired by Chinese works like Super Gene, Alborov blends Eastern fantasy with his own cultural perspective. This influence has shaped his own work. "I wanted Shadow Slave to be a lot more like Super Gene," he admitted. "But my own imagination and cultural background took control and led the story in a unique direction." Alborov's pen name, a playful choice after finding the names "Guiltyone" and "Guiltytwo" taken, reflects his lighthearted approach, though his work is serious business. Transitioning from game writing to web novels, he found freedom on the WebNovel platform. "I believed that I could write a good story, and I liked the idea that its success or failure would be solely my responsibility," he said. In his eyes, the language of stories is universal, and people in any part of the world can enjoy a good story equally. It is a unifying force. At the same time, the cultural heritage and personal imagination of authors enrich their stories with unique and distinct flavors, which makes reading such works a varied and pleasurable experience. In his case, China's online literature changed him, firstly as a reader, and then as a writer. "I spent a blissful year reading wonderful web novels, from Release That Witch, The Legendary Mechanic to Supreme Magus and so on," the Russian gamer and narrative designer recalled. "These stories reignited my love for reading," he noted. After a while, he decided to "try writing a web novel of my own." His dystopian tale, infused with Eastern influences, shows how Chinese literature has inspired global creators. "I've been to China twice, and both trips were wonderful and unforgettable experiences for me as I could enjoy China's rich history and amazing culture just like how I was inspired by novels," he said. Voices of a global community The industry now boasts 449,000 overseas authors, many of them Gen Z creators like Alborov, who enrich its narrative tapestry. "Overseas Gen Z creators bring new creative perspectives," Ding observed, noting their ability to blend local myths with Chinese elements. Alborov's routine - two chapters daily, fueled by reader interaction - illustrates this engagement. "I feel a responsibility both to my readers and to my story," he said, noting that he has connected with a cosmopolitan audience, from researchers to families. "I even talked to a person who was reading Shadow Slave in Antarctica once, which was pretty amazing." Antechao, too, reflects this global readership. "It's made me more open-minded regarding different cultures and my outlook on things," he said, noting that he is considering learning Chinese. His advice to new readers - "be open-minded and not have any bias" - mirrors the cultural learning curve these novels demand. When reading these novels, he encountered different philosophies, which found very interesting as they presented other views. "I can consider and use these to further develop my own thoughts, ideas and values. It helps me learn and consider things I might not have before." The story of Japanese screenwriter and director Hikaru Takeuchi is a little different from other readers-turned-writers. Takeuchi is an avid fan of the Chinese web novel Apocalyptic Forecast, a fantasy fiction about a disillusioned young man who gains mysterious powers and is drawn into a hidden world of supernatural conflict and secret societies. Although she studied classical Chinese literature in school, she had little exposure to online works. That changed when her work introduced her to Apocalyptic Forecast, which, in her words, "opened up a whole new world," according to a Xinhua News Agency report. She was especially struck by the multidimensional characters and the emotional complexity of the protagonist, whose joy and struggles resonated with her. When the novel ended, Takeuchi felt compelled to write a letter to its author, Feng Yue. This cross-border fan mail became a symbolic bridge between cultures. Now Takeuchi is not just a fan, but also a translator and grassroots promoter of Chinese web literature. Over the past three years, the 50-something creative has translated more than 200 chapters of Apocalyptic Forecast into Japanese and shared them with friends. As Chinese online literature expands abroad, a growing number of overseas readers are becoming not just consumers, but translators, creators, and even co-developers of new intellectual properties. Challenges and innovations Rapid growth brings challenges. The 20-fold increase in AI-translated works on Chinese online literature platforms in 2024 has sparked concerns about "diminishing literary style." "We should leverage technologies such as AI translation to make works more accessible to overseas readers, thus spreading Chinese stories and Chinese culture worldwide," said Ding, who also recommends optimizing human-machine collaboration, with translators refining AI output, and establishing industry standards to maintain quality. Alborov, meanwhile, thrives on immediacy, publishing fresh chapters daily despite the difficulty involved. "I can't create a stockpile to save my life," he said, noting that he relies on readers' support to sustain his pace. Consistency is definitely difficult to maintain. Writing daily requires a lot of discipline and willpower, while maintaining sufficient quality demands talent and dedication. "What helps me the most is the thought that I am writing for actual people, who expect to read new chapters of Shadow Slave each day," he added. Ding also envisions a "dynamic evaluation system" to assess the impact of web novels overseas and tailor stories for Gen Z. "We should create more contemporary and youthful works closely aligned with Gen Z lifestyles," he urged, noting that it will be important to leverage platforms like social media for promotion. Collaborations signal a bright future. The report shows there was a 180 percent rise in online literature readers in Japan in 2024 alone, ranking the country among the top five growth markets alongside Spain, Brazil, France, and Germany. "Japan's growth may stem from a foundation of accepting Chinese culture," Ding noted, adding that he sees potential in localized development. The online novel platform WebNovel also unveiled its plan to work with Japanese bookstores to provide localized content for Japanese readers. Inspired by his Chinese online literature experiences, Alborov said he hopes to visit China again, while Antechao ponders learning Chinese, hinting at deepening ties. In this global tapestry, China's online novels weave together diverse voices. Ding, Alborov, and Antechao illuminate a phenomenon that transcends storytelling, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. As Ding put it, "Online literature has played a vital role in spreading Chinese culture and enhancing national cultural soft power." For readers and writers alike, it's a journey of discovery - one chapter at a time. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major bank giving away £180 free cash – here is how you can get your hands on it
Read on to learn about other banks giving away free cash BANK ON IT Major bank giving away £180 free cash – here is how you can get your hands on it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR bank is giving away £180 free cash - here is how you can get your hands on it. Santander has launched a new switching incentive to lure customers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Santander has launched a new switching offer Credit: Getty The bank is offering the cash to new customers who open an eligible current account with the high street lender. That includes the bank's fee free Everyday Current Account. As part of the deal, customers will receive £180 within 90 days of making the switch. But there are some requirements to get the cash. For starters, customers need to pay £1,500 into the account within 60 days. This does not have to be deposited all at once. Customers must also set up two active household Direct Debits on the new account. This can include your council tax, mobile phone, home phone, broadband, paid-for TV packages, water, gas and electricity bills. If you are interested, you will need to make the switch by using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). CASS helps people switch their current accounts by handling the move for free, including moving balances and payments to the new account and closing the old one. It is a free service and helps move customers' balance, direct debits and salary over in seven days. Switch bank accounts for free perks Existing Santander customers may also be eligible for the free cash. Customers might still qualify for the incentive if they opened an account after January 1 2025. The bank can switch a current account existing customers hold at another bank to their Santander current account. Although the offer is enticing, it always pays to read through the full terms and conditions and ensure the available accounts match your banking needs. OTHER SWITCHING OFFERS TSB is giving new customers who switch to the high street bank a £100 switching incentive. You get the £100 upfront but if you spend on you debit card for 20 times in the first six months you get a £15 a month cash back. Co-op bank is also paying £175 to new customers. Meanwhile, Nationwide is giving existing customers a £100 cash boost. This is part of Nationwide's Fairer Share programme, which set out to reward customers who bank with the lender or meet certain lending criteria. The payment goes to members who bank with Nationwide regularly. Those who have a savings account or mortgage product could also qualify. It will be paid directly into customers Nationwide current account between June 18 and July 4.
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major bank giving away £180 free cash – here is how you can get your hands on it
A MAJOR bank is giving away £180 free cash - here is how you can get your hands on it. Santander has launched a new switching incentive to lure customers. 1 The bank is offering the cash to new customers who open an eligible current account with the high street lender. That includes the bank's fee free Everyday Current Account. As part of the deal, customers will receive £180 within 90 days of making the switch. But there are some requirements to get the cash. For starters, customers need to pay £1,500 into the account within 60 days. This does not have to be deposited all at once. Customers must also set up two active household Direct Debits on the new account. This can include your council tax, mobile phone, home phone, broadband, paid-for TV packages, water, gas and electricity bills. Current Account Switch Service (CASS). CASS helps people switch their current accounts by handling the move for free, including moving balances and payments to the new account and closing the old one. It is a free service and helps move customers' balance, direct debits and salary over in seven days. Switch bank accounts for free perks Existing Santander customers may also be eligible for the free cash. Customers might still qualify for the incentive if they opened an account after January 1 2025. The bank can switch a current account existing customers hold at another bank to their Santander current account. Although the offer is enticing, it always pays to read through the full terms and conditions and ensure the available accounts match your banking needs. OTHER SWITCHING OFFERS TSB is giving new customers who switch to the high street bank a £100 switching incentive. You get the £100 upfront but if you spend on you debit card for 20 times in the first six months you get a £15 a month cash back. Co-op bank is also paying £175 to new customers. Meanwhile, Nationwide is giving existing customers a £100 cash boost. This is part of Nationwide's Fairer Share programme, which set out to reward customers who bank with the lender or meet certain lending criteria. The payment goes to members who bank with Nationwide regularly. Those who have a savings account or mortgage product could also qualify. It will be paid directly into customers Nationwide current account between June 18 and July 4. How do I switch bank accounts? SWITCHING bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up - there's a full list on CASS' website. Under the switching service, swapping banks should take seven working days. You don't have to remember to move direct debits across when moving, as this is done for you. All you have to do is apply for the new account you want, and the new bank will tell your existing one you're moving. There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account. You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements. When switching current accounts, consider what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society. Some banks offer 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit, and others might offer better rates on savings accounts. And some banks offer free travel or mobile phone insurance with their current accounts - but these accounts might come with a monthly fee.
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Exact date millions of Nationwide customers will get free £100 cash – check if you're eligible
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of Nationwide customers will get £100 free cash within weeks – but you'll need to have met key criteria to qualify. The payment will hit accounts between June 18 and July 4, but only if you had a Nationwide current account open by March 31, 2025. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The payment will hit accounts between June 18 and July 4 Credit: PA To be eligible, you must also have had: At least £100 in savings, or owed £100 or more on a mortgage by that same March deadline. And you'll need to have used your account between January 1 and March 31 this year. Nationwide is handing out the cash as part of its Fairer Share scheme, which rewards loyal members who save or borrow with the building society. This year's payout is set to benefit around 4million customers – with a whopping £410million being shared in total. It's the third year in a row the mutual has handed out a payment like this. Last year, £385million was paid to 3.85million people, and £340million the year before. It's worth bearing in mind, the £100 Fairer Share payment is separate to the £50 issued to around 12million Nationwide customers between April 9 and May 14. Nationwide chief Debbie Crosbie said: 'Nationwide has had an outstanding twelve months. "We returned a record £2.8billion in value to our members and recorded our highest ever year for growth in mortgage lending and retail deposit balances, and we remain first for customer service.' More rewards for savers Nationwide has also launched a new Member Exclusive Bond, paying market-leading interest over 18 months. The bond is available from May 30 to all of the building society's 16 million existing members and can be opened in branch, via the app, or online. Santander's £130 Million Recovery: What You Need to Know It's a fixed-rate savings bond, and those saving the full £10,000 will earn £762.50 in interest after 18 months — over £150 more than Nationwide's next-best option (a 4% one-year fixed bond). Not a customer? If you're not banking with Nationwide, you won't get the £100 this time – but you can still sign up to be eligible for future offers. And other banks are offering switching perks too. TSB is dishing out £100 to newbies who switch, plus up to £90 in cashback if you spend using your debit card 20 times a month over six months. How do I switch bank accounts? SWITCHING bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up - there's a full list on CASS' website. Under the switching service, swapping banks should take seven working days. You don't have to remember to move direct debits across when moving, as this is done for you. All you have to do is apply for the new account you want, and the new bank will tell your existing one you're moving. There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account. You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements. When switching current accounts, consider what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society. Some banks offer 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit, and others might offer better rates on savings accounts. And some banks offer free travel or mobile phone insurance with their current accounts - but these accounts might come with a monthly fee. Elsewhere, Natwest is chopping interest rates on a range of accounts from today. It comes after the Bank of England (BoE) slashed the base rate from 4.5% to 4.25% earlier this month. The base rate affects borrowing and saving rates offering by banks. Usually you will see rates come down if the central rate is lowered. And now NatWest is today cutting interest rates on four of its savings accounts including its Digital Regular Saver, Flexible Saver and Help to Buy ISA.
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Santander giving away free £180 when you open a bank account
Banks and building societies often offer cash incentives to new customers willing to make a full switch from their existing current account Santander has launched a brand new switching incentive and is paying new customers £180 to move their banking to them. The offer was launched on May 29, and the high street banking giant says both new and existing customers are eligible if they switch to its Everyday, Edge, Edge Up, or Private current account. Banks and building societies often offer cash incentives to new customers willing to make a full switch from their existing current account. Switching offers are also considered an easy way to get some cash. To get Santander's incentive, you need to close and switch your current account using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). This is a free service which will move your balance, direct debits, and salary over to the new bank within seven days. Get banking advice and deals straight to your WhatsApp! As banks market their latest switch offers and savings accounts, the Mirror has launched its very own Money WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest banking advice and money-saving tips straight to your phone. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. With bank switching offers, you often need to jump through a few hoops to be eligible for the money. These often include having to deposit a certain amount of money into the account or having to log in to online or mobile banking. With Santander, new customers will need to pay at least £1,500 into their Santander account within 60 days of the switching request. This doesn't need to be done all at once, and can be sent over through multiple payments. New customers will also need to set up at least two active household direct debits within 60 days. Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. You will not be able to get the cash if you had a Santander account on January 1, 2025. After completing the switch, customers will have the £180 paid directly into their Santander account within 90 days. Anthony Warrington, Head of Banking at Santander UK, said: 'Summer is fast approaching, and many people will be saving up for the holidays - whether it be for that trip abroad, festival, or day out with the family. That's why we're pleased to be introducing our new £180 switcher incentive, providing even more value for customers making the move to Santander. "It's a simple, straightforward way to get rewarded for switching, while benefitting from our range of popular current accounts – making your money go that little bit further this summer.' The bank switching market is hotting up as there are multiple switching offers on the market at the moment. TSB is giving new customers £100 upfront and £90 to stay, First Direct is and Co-op bank is paying £175 to new customers and Nationwide is giving away £200.
