Latest news with #Chao
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PolyU startups showcase innovation and entrepreneurial achievements at London Tech Week 2025
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2025 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) took part in the world-renowned London Tech Week 2025 held from 9 to 11 June in London, UK, as the only participating university from Hong Kong. Four PolyU startups showcased their ground-breaking innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing technologies and healthcare solutions. The event attracted business leaders, industry experts and investors from around the world, providing the PolyU startups with valuable opportunities to explore potential collaborations and establish partnerships. PolyU is committed to translating cutting-edge research into impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. Below are introductions to the four PolyU startups. At the event's panel discussion themed 'Creating the Future from Campus: Why are University Spinouts so Important for Innovation?', Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), shared his insights into knowledge transfer, the nurturing of university spinouts, and the support and resources available to PolyU startups. Prof. Chao remarked, 'Supported by PolyU's signature startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, our startups are spearheading translational innovations that generate long-lasting global societal impact. Our ecosystem not only provides invaluable development opportunities but also fosters the international growth of our entrepreneurs. I am delighted to see PolyU startups shine at London Tech Week, inspiring global audiences with their creativity and determination to make a difference.' This year, the London Tech Week attracted over 45,000 participants from more than 90 countries, including startups, technology giants, investors and innovators. The event provided a platform for startups to engage in person with venture capitalists, corporate investors and angel investors; promote their solutions on dedicated stages; connect with industry leaders at the forefront of innovation; and gain valuable insights from successful entrepreneurs who have expanded globally. For more information, please visit the event website.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Annecy Title ‘ChaO' To Open Japan Cuts Festival In New York City
Animated feature ChaO is will open Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Film on July 10 in New York. Fresh from its world premiere at the Annecy festival and ahead of its Japanese theatrical release in August, ChaO will be the Opening Night film for Japan Cuts. More from Deadline Inspired By 'The Princess Bride', French Animated Movie 'Pil's Adventures' Pulled In Punters After The Pandemic & Is Now Gearing Up For Some Small Screen Fun At Annecy 'Dexter's Laboratory' & 'The Powerpuff Girls' Creators On How They Broke The System At Cartoon Network From Brink Of Bankruptcy, TeamTO Unveils Six New Shows & Adult Animation Push At Annecy ChaO is produced by Japanese animation outfit Studio 4°C and presented in partnership with Gkids. Studio 4°C was founded in 1986 and has produced titles like Mind Game and Tekkonkinkreet, and also co-produced ThunderCats with Warner Bros. Animation. Japan Cuts, North America's largest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema, will mark its 18th edition this year and run from July 10 to 20. Directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, ChaO is a hand-drawn cyberpunk fairy tale set in near-future Shanghai where humans coexist with mermen. The film follows Stephan, a regular office worker at a shipbuilding company, who is suddenly proposed to by Chao – a princess from the mermaid kingdom. Soon, Stephan finds himself living together with Chao, and both strike up an unlikely romance. The film features a voice cast starring Ouji Suzuka and Anna Yamada. Best of Deadline Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media Where To Watch All The 'John Wick' Movies: Streamers That Have All Four Films
Tatler Asia
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Tatler Asia
How a billion-dollar dowry led Gigi Chao to fight for everyone's right to wed and why marriage equality in Hong Kong could finally be within reach
To be true to oneself is very important and it's crucial to a person's success as a human being - Gigi Chao - It was 2012 when Cecil Chao made that offer; since then, there has been greater acceptance of non-heterosexual couples in Hong Kong, with several significant milestones. In 2018, the QT Spousal Visa case ruled that denying dependent visas to same-sex spouses was discriminatory. The following year, the Court of Final Appeal ruled in favour of Angus Leung, a gay civil servant who had married his husband in New Zealand, affirming that the government must extend spousal benefits and joint tax assessment to same-sex couples. Above Gigi Chao founded non-profit organisation Hong Kong Marriage Equality in 2019 (Photo: Amanda Kho for Tatler Hong Kong) That same year, Chao founded Hong Kong Marriage Equality, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for full legal recognition of non-heterosexual marriages in Hong Kong. 'Marriage equality is urgent and important because it actually saves lives. To be able to participate in the traditions of your family and to have the blessings of previous generations is important to the dignity of the individual and for one's mental health,' says Chao. 'When there's uncertainty, when there are things hanging in the air and they don't clear, it's a huge burden on mental health. To give hope and dignity to that diversity that is human beings—marriage equality saves lives and it's crucial to society moving forward.' In 2023, another breakthrough came: the Court of Final Appeal ruled that denying equal inheritance rights to same-sex couples was unconstitutional—a decision upheld in November 2024. 'We really look forward to the government codifying the rights [outlined in these judgments] into a clearer structure so that non-heterosexual couples have clarity and can better plan their lives,' says Chao. See also: Gigi Chao on learning from the younger generation, making business fun and cutting through the noise Anything important [or] worth doing in life is never easy and never straightforward - Gigi Chao - Yet the one big milestone for which Chao's organisation was founded remains unmet. 'We want full marriage equality,' she says. 'We want full equality between heterosexual couples and non-heterosexual couples ... And I think we are slowly getting there,' she says, referencing Thailand's passing of its marriage equality bill in June 2024, which came into effect in January this year. 'We want to see that available to people in Hong Kong—instead of [them] having to fly to Thailand—and reflected in the laws in Hong Kong. 'That's been the sole and only aim of Hong Kong Marriage Equality.' It may have been a long road, but Chao is positive, and says she believes that 2025 'will be a major year for the whole of the LGBTQ+ community'. Above Hong Kong Marriage Equality and Playback Concept have collaborated on Proud Pair to reshape a tradition to be more inclusive for diverse gender groups (Photo: Hong Kong Marriage Equality) 'I think anything important [or] worth doing in life is never easy and never straightforward. It takes the effort of everyone involved and it takes time, especially when you're talking about an institution as important as marriage,' she says. 'I'm optimistic but at the same time I'm cautious of the fact that there are multiple opinions across the board. [It's about] how we provide channels of communication so that everyone understands that this is for the greater good.' Most recently, Chao has been working to make marriage as it currently stands more inclusive. Weddings, and particularly Chinese ones, are full of traditions, many of which are centred around heteronormative assumptions. One tradition sees the bride presented with gold jewellery, usually by the groom's family, that includes a pair of bangles featuring a dragon and a phoenix—where the former represents the groom and the latter the bride—symbolising prosperity and good wishes, with the two powerful forces reflective of the union. Above Hong Kong Marriage Equality and Playback Concept's Proud Pair series includes Double Dragon and Double Phoenix designs, allowing elder relatives to express support and blessing for non-traditional marriages (Photo: Hong Kong Marriage Equality) Above The Proud Pair designs preserve cultural motifs while representing auspiciousness regardless or gender or sexual orientation (Photo: Hong Kong Marriage Equality) 'Traditional dragon and phoenix bracelets are designed with one dragon and one phoenix. While the symbolism is beautiful, it fails to address the needs of diverse gender groups,' says Chao, whose Hong Kong Marriage Equality partnered with Hong Kong jewellery brand Playback Concept to introduce Proud Pair, bangles that incorporate traditional motifs in a Double Dragon or Double Phoenix set, allowing elder relatives to express their support and blessings for non-traditional marriages. 'Through the Proud Pair, we hope to redefine the meaning of dragon and phoenix bracelets, making them a testament to all types of love and promoting marriage equality.' Marriage equality is urgent and important because it actually saves lives. To be able to participate in the traditions of your family and to have the blessings of previous generations is important to the dignity of the individual and for one's mental health - Gigi Chao - For Gigi Chao, whose days are split between helming the family business and her advocacy work, the fight for marriage equality remains core. 'One's hope for the future is important. And that's what marriage equality stands for and that's what we should fight for—for our youth and for the next generation.' Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Calling for aspiring beauty queens
(Foreground, from left) Lee and Chao with past winners during the announcement of the search for the next Miss CosmoWorld Malaysia in Seri Kembangan. — Low Lay Phon/The Star THE search for the next Miss CosmoWorld Malaysia is on. Pageant founder Carrie Lee is calling on aspiring contestants to sign up for an audition on July 19 at Confetti KL, an event space in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. The former beauty queen, who holds the Miss Malaysia Tourism 2003 and Miss Chinese Cosmos 2004 titles, said by participating women will be able to discover their inner strength and unlock their full potential. 'Women have the power to transform, be independent, multitask and persevere through life's challenges,' she said at a press conference at Confetti KL. Also present was the pageant's honorary advisor Datuk Seri Dr Chong Chin Fung. Successful candidates will compete at the Miss CosmoWorld Malaysia grand finals on Oct 27 at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the organiser and sponsors, as well as a gathering of past pageant winners. Pageant chairman Joyce Chao, who was Miss CosmoWorld Malaysia 2021 first runner-up, said the competition has been instrumental in helping her become a confident and well-rounded woman. 'Before joining the pageant, I didn't know how to walk in heels or do a proper catwalk. 'But the journey pushed me beyond my limits, giving me strength and opened doors to new possibilities,' she said. Reflecting on her transformation, Chao said the pageant taught her an important life lesson – that perfection is not a prerequisite. 'What truly matters is having the courage to take that first step and allowing yourself to grow through the experience,' she said. For pageant details, visit
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Drink Smart: Expert Tips for Reducing Microplastics in Your Water
Drinking water is essential to life, and just as important is ensuring that our water is clean and safe. Contaminants like microplastics, bacteria, and harmful chemicals can enter your water through everyday habits or the wrong choice of container, posing real risks to your health. Dr. Ming-Wei Chao, a toxicology professor at Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan and a board-certified toxicologist, shared valuable insights on NTDTV's Health 1+1 program. Everyday drinking habits—such as reusing plastic bottles or storing water improperly—can compromise water quality and increase your exposure to microplastics, he said. Over time, these particles may build up in the body, contributing to inflammation, organ stress, or even cardiovascular disease. To help you stay safe, Chao recommends following these four simple principles for healthier drinking water: 4 Principles for Safer Drinking Water 1. Choose safe containers. Opt for glass or stainless steel bottles, which are stable and safe materials. If you prefer plastic, select polypropylene containers, which are heat-resistant and suitable for warm liquids. 2. Avoid Reusing PET Bottles. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles—commonly used for bottled water—can degrade when exposed to heat or physical stress. Reusing them, especially in hot environments, may deform or break them, releasing microplastics that can contaminate water. 3. Don't Over-Clean Plastic Bottles. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or harsh chemical cleaners on plastic containers, which can damage the plastic structure and increase microplastic release. 4. Boil and Filter Water. Use a water filter with activated carbon and reverse osmosis features, followed by boiling, to further ensure drinking water safety. Is Bottled Water Safe? Chao notes that commercially bottled water is generally safe if it remains unopened and properly stored. However, certain practices can increase microplastic exposure: Reusing PET bottles. PET bottles are made of fine plastic particles. With repeated use, exposure to heat, or physical damage, these particles can leach into the water. Related Stories 4/29/2025 3/29/2025 Temperature sensitivity. High temperatures can deform PET bottles, leading to microplastic release. Freezing can also damage the plastic. Also, skip using these bottles for hot drinks like tea or coffee, as heat can cause the plastic to break down faster. Microplastics in Tea Bags Chao recommends switching to loose-leaf tea to avoid the risk. If you prefer tea bags, don't steep them too long or reuse them. You might also consider cold-brewing as a lower-risk alternative since microplastic release decreases at lower temperatures. Choose the Right Water Filter Chao recommends filters that include activated carbon and reverse osmosis technologies for home use. Activated carbon absorbs many organic compounds and particles, while reverse osmosis removes bacteria, heavy metals, and other impurities. After filtration, boiling the water adds an extra layer of protection. For those requiring even higher purity, distillation is another option—though it may also strip beneficial minerals like sodium and potassium, so it should be used judiciously. Can Our Bodies Metabolize Microplastics? According to Chao, the human body can excrete small amounts of microplastics, but long-term or high-level exposure may lead to accumulation. Microplastics can penetrate tissues, enter the bloodstream, and lodge in organs or blood vessels. A While occasional exposure won't make you ill immediately, the long-term effects can add up. Chao suggests that instead of hoping your body can handle it, it's smarter to take steps to limit microplastics in the first place—starting with how you drink your water. Small Changes, Big Impact Drinking clean water daily can make a big difference. By making a few simple changes—like choosing the correct container, being mindful of how you use tea bags, and filtering your water—you can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and take a meaningful step toward a healthier lifestyle.
