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Heavy rainfall across Dubai prompted authorities to urge residents to remain indoors as flooding alerts were activated across several neighbourhoods, disrupting transport, schooling and daily life while emergency teams moved to manage water accumulation on key roads.

Police and civil defence units said weather conditions had deteriorated rapidly overnight, with intense downpours leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and reduced visibility on major arteries. Motorists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near underpasses, tunnels and wadis, where runoff posed heightened risks. Schools in parts of the emirate shifted to remote learning, while several private institutions announced temporary closures after campus access became difficult.

The advisory underscored how Dubai urges residents indoors amid heavy rainfall, reflecting a coordinated response involving municipal services, transport authorities and utilities. Drainage pumps were deployed in multiple districts as crews worked to clear debris from stormwater grates. Electricity and water providers said services remained largely stable, though teams were on standby to address any outages caused by flooding or lightning strikes.

Meteorological officials attributed the rainfall to an active weather system drawing moist air across the region, producing prolonged showers and occasional thunderstorms. Forecasts indicated intermittent rain could persist through the day, with gusty winds and hail reported in isolated pockets. Authorities cautioned residents against venturing into flooded streets, stressing that even shallow water can conceal hazards and compromise vehicle control.

Public transport services adjusted schedules as a precaution. Portions of the road network experienced slow-moving traffic during peak hours, while ride-hailing operators reported higher demand as residents avoided driving. At the city’s airports, airlines warned of possible delays and advised passengers to check flight status before travelling. Ground handlers said operations were continuing with additional safety measures to manage wet runways and reduced visibility.

Dubai Municipality said its crisis management protocols had been activated, with field teams monitoring drainage performance and responding to citizen reports. The Roads and Transport Authority urged commuters to follow official updates and avoid sharing unverified information, noting that real-time advisories would be issued as conditions evolved. Health officials reminded residents to keep children indoors and to secure loose items on balconies and rooftops to prevent accidents during strong winds.

Urban planners and climate researchers note that extreme rainfall episodes are testing the resilience of cities built in arid environments. While Dubai has invested heavily in drainage infrastructure, the intensity and duration of storms can overwhelm systems designed for historically lower precipitation levels. Experts emphasise the importance of adaptive planning, including enhanced runoff capacity, permeable surfaces and improved forecasting integration to reduce disruption during severe weather.

Businesses across retail and hospitality sectors adjusted operations as footfall dipped in affected areas. Some malls delayed opening hours, while restaurants shifted to delivery-only service. Employers were encouraged to offer flexible work arrangements, particularly for staff commuting from flood-prone districts. Insurance providers reported an uptick in inquiries related to vehicle and property coverage, advising policyholders to document any damage once conditions allow safe inspection.

A rare exhibition tracing an eight-year cross-cultural art journey between rural Yunnan and Singapore, showing how long-term youth art education can transform confidence, community and connection.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2025 – MOCA Singapore presents 3001 KM: Eight Years Between Us, in partnership with PureView Art Foundation, one of the region’s few long-term cross-cultural youth art practices. The exhibition brings together drawings, letters, photographs and archival materials documenting an eight-year journey between rural Yunnan and Singapore, showing how sustained art education can transform confidence, community and connection.

The title references the straight-line distance between Dagaji Village in Yunnan, China, and Singapore. It also reflects the time, trust and relationships nurtured through PureView’s long-term engagement with children in rural and underserved communities.

“PureView does not aim to change every child’s destiny. Instead, we hope to open a small but real window at a moment in their growth so they know that someone in the world sees them, listens to them and believes in them,” said Dr. Jie Li-Elbrächter, Founder and Curator of PureView Art Foundation.

Long-term engagement across five rural regions

The project began in 2018 when PureView volunteers first arrived in Dagaji Village, a rural community where children shyly offered their earliest drawings. This moment shaped the initiative’s commitment to long-term engagement rather than short-term projects.

Over eight years, PureView’s team worked with approximately 15 to 20 children each year through a one-to-one exchange model with youth volunteers. To date, the initiative has involved around 400 youth and adult volunteers across five rural regions, adapting formats including online exchanges during the pandemic to maintain continuity.

The exhibition features hundreds of artworks and archival materials, including artworks created by participating children.

It also documents visible change within Dagaji Village, where water systems have been installed, new shops have opened and children from the earliest years of the project have reached new milestones, including university enrollment. Younger siblings now continue their journey with the project, taking up the brush in the same classrooms where their older siblings once began.

A timely exhibition for Singapore

This exhibition arrives at a moment when Singapore is placing greater focus on youth development, community arts and cross-cultural understanding. As regional inequalities widen and post-pandemic recovery continues, initiatives like PureView highlight the role of long-term arts engagement in building empathy, resilience and connection across diverse communities.

A social practice shaped by continuity, not funding cycles

While often compared to art NGOs, PureView operates as a long-term cultural and educational practice rooted in field research and repeat return visits. PureView is grounded in Dr. Jie Li-Elbrächter’s long-term research in art anthropology and rural development. The work prioritises children’s agency, ethical observation and relationships built over many years rather than seasonal programming.

PureView was co-initiated by Dr. Jie Li, an art anthropologist specialising in rural development, together with three children from the project, Letian, Luan and Luna. The children have grown alongside the initiative and now take on significant roles, helping shape the project’s direction and ensuring that the stories of participating communities remain their own.

Opening programme and community collaboration

The exhibition opening featured guided tours led by youth volunteers in both Chinese and English, reflecting the project’s practice of “children drawing children”. A Peking Opera presentation introduced by volunteers in earlier field visits was also part of the programme, demonstrating how cultural traditions travel and evolve through education.

ANTA Group supported the initiative by providing apparel for volunteers and children over two consecutive years. Through repeated workshops and field visits, the apparel brand supported a sense of equality and belonging for children.

This support fosters a shared identity and stable experience during workshops and field activities. ANTA’s involvement reflects its belief that physical education and aesthetic education work together to strengthen confidence, resilience and self-expression.

Introducing the International Youth Art Biennale

At the opening, PureView announced the launch of the International Youth Art Biennale in 2026. The biennale will begin with participation from China, Southeast Asia and selected international partners, focusing on children and youth aged 8 to 18.

The biennale will emphasise long-term engagement, care and continuity rather than competition. Schools and youth groups will be able to join through open calls, curated partnerships and online collaborative programmes designed for accessibility to underserved communities.

Scaling impact while maintaining depth

From 2026 onward, PureView will adopt a dual-track model that continues in-depth field visits while offering expanded online courses. This model is expected to reach approximately 3000 to 5000 rural children each year while preserving the ethics and depth of the project’s long-term practice.

The exhibition is a quiet reminder that when time, care and creativity travel together, even the smallest gestures can illuminate an entire community.

Exhibition and programme details

3001 KM: Eight Years Between Us
Location: MOCA Singapore
14 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
Daily 10:00 to 18:30
Admission ticketed
Venue: 39 Keppel Road, #01-01, Singapore 089065

Extended Programme: Art as Care | Panel Discussion
Location: XMuseum
12 January to 31 January 2026
Daily 11:00 to 20:00
Free admission
Includes a panel discussion on arts support for vulnerable communities
Venue: Kitchener Complex Level 3, French Road 200809

For more information, visit www.pureviewartfoundation.org
Hashtag: #MOCASingapore #PureViewArtFoundation #YouthArt #3001KM #ArtExhibition #ArtAsCare

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PureView Art Foundation

PureView Art Foundation is a long-term cultural and educational initiative focused on youth art practice, rural development and cross-cultural exchange across Asia. Founded by art anthropologist Dr. Jie Li-Elbrächter together with three children who grew up with the project, PureView operates as a sustained social practice rather than a traditional NGO.

Its work centres on continuity, ethical observation and repeated return visits to rural communities, allowing children to retain ownership of their stories while building confidence through artistic expression. Over the past eight years, PureView has worked with hundreds of volunteers and children across multiple regions, combining field research, community engagement and arts-based education to support both individual growth and broader social connection.

Hang Lung’s Vision for Academic Excellence Drives Hong Kong’s Global Competitiveness

HONG KONG SAR & SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2025 – The winners of the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards (“HLMA”), co-organized by Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (“HKUST”), have been announced. Siu Man Li from the Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College received the Gold Award for his research report titled “Markov Chains Associated with Ultraspherical Polynomials: An Analysis of Weak Convergence and First Passage Time Functionals”.

The Silver Award and the Bronze Award were won by Augus Kui Lam Huang, Inna Belle Lee, Chun Lam Lo, Lok Hei Qiao, and Cheuk Lok Wong from St. Paul’s Co-educational College, and Edison Sze Ho Fu, Yun Tung Ko, Hoi Chun Puk, and Wai Kwan Yeung from Queen’s College, respectively. All winning teams demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities, creativity, and academic rigor evident in their work on challenging mathematical topics.

The awards were presented at tonight’s ceremony, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the student finalists and reaffirming HLMA’s sustained contribution to advancing STEM education in Hong Kong. In her opening remarks, Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “The Hang Lung Mathematics Awards not only honours mathematical endeavours, but also reflects its enduring commitment to inspiring a continued passion for mathematics among our students and nurturing Hong Kong’s young talents. This aligns well with the promotion of self-directed learning, problem solving and creativity in Hong Kong’s school education. I hope all of us in the society can join hands in the promotion of digital education and mathematical modelling for the benefit of our students.”

Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties, also addressed the audience, stating, “As we celebrate the winners of the Hang Lung Mathematics Awards, we are reminded that talent development is a long-term investment. HLMA embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders who will navigate an increasingly complex world. We are heartened by the strong support from students, schools, and the academic community, which reinforces our shared mission to advance mathematics education and push the boundaries of excellence. Together, we are empowering young minds to pursue their passion and unlock their potential in mathematics, science, and technology.”

Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, said, “HKUST is pleased to continue our partnership with Hang Lung in this biennial competition. Hang Lung Mathematics Awards is more than an academic contest; it is a platform that challenges students to push the boundaries of their knowledge and apply rigorous methodology to original research. By cultivating a community of aspiring mathematicians and providing them with access to world-class training, we are advancing our shared vision of transforming Hong Kong into a global hub for innovation and technology.”

During the ceremony, a lively Panel Discussion was held on the theme of “Ubiquity of Mathematics: the Language of Discovery.” The discussion featured Professor Richard Schoen, 2017 Wolf Prize Laureate in Mathematics and Chair of the 2025 HLMA Scientific Committee, and Professor Ngaiming Mok, 2022 Future Science Prize Laureate, Chair of the HLMA Steering Committee and member of the Scientific Committee. Moderated by Ms. Jennifer Zhu Scott, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Power Dynamics, the distinguished speakers shared their insights on the evolving landscape of mathematics education and the essential skills required for the next generation to thrive in a technology-driven era.

The 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards attracted the participation of close to 100 teams from over 50 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Under the guidance of a supervising teacher, each team decided on a mathematics topic, designed and conducted research, and compiled their findings into a research report. This impactful initiative is pivotal in the cultivation of future mathematical and scientific minds.

Appendix

Founded in 2004, the Hang Lung Mathematics Awards is a biennial competition that inspires secondary school students to formulate their own research journey and realize their creative potential in mathematics. Throughout its illustrious history, 2,800 students from over 200 schools have participated, submitting more than 500 research reports. Hang Lung donates HK$2.5 million for each competition—HK$1 million is allocated as prize money with the remainder supporting HKUST in providing vital initiatives including academic consultation, assessment, administration, and educational outreach activities. HKUST also offers scholarships for teachers nominated by the winning schools to further their studies through the Master of Science Program in Mathematics for Educators.

Over the past two decades, the HLMA has made a profound impact on cultivating young mathematical talent, with many past winners having gone on to graduate from top universities worldwide and now contributing significantly to society through work in academia and professional fields. HLMA plays an important role in recognizing and fostering a lasting love of mathematical inquiry that extends far beyond secondary school.

This year, the Hang Lung Mathematics Awards drew participation from nearly 100 teams across over 50 secondary schools in Hong Kong. A total of 15 teams were shortlisted for the Oral Defense stage, where a Scientific Committee comprising internationally renowned scholars and educators evaluated the research reports through a rigorous, multi-step review process. The teams were invited to present and defend their findings before the Scientific Committee in a formal setting, an experience that closely resembles the oral defense process required for a postgraduate degree.

For a detailed list of winners of the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards, please refer to the attachment.

Attachment

List of Winners of the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of July 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A).

IHBMSU and The Digital School have formalised a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating digital education initiatives, widening access to cross-border learning programmes and building structured pathways that connect education to employment, according to statements issued by the two institutions.

The agreement outlines cooperation across curriculum design, online delivery platforms and faculty collaboration, with a stated focus on making accredited learning more accessible to learners who face economic or geographic barriers. Officials involved in the partnership said the MoU is intended to combine IHBMSU’s academic framework with The Digital School’s digital infrastructure to support scalable, internationally oriented education models.

Under the terms of the arrangement, the two entities will jointly develop online and blended courses aligned with industry demand, covering areas such as business management, technology, data literacy and applied digital skills. Programmes are expected to be structured to allow flexible pacing and modular certification, enabling learners to accumulate credentials that can be stacked towards full degrees or professional qualifications.

Representatives from both sides said a core pillar of the collaboration is the creation of “learning-to-earning” pathways, particularly for underserved communities. This includes aligning course content with employer needs, embedding practical projects into curricula and facilitating links with industry partners for internships, apprenticeships and job placements. The aim is to reduce the gap between academic training and labour-market outcomes, an issue that has drawn growing attention from policymakers and education providers worldwide.

The MoU also commits the partners to mobilising technical and financial resources to ensure the long-term sustainability of joint initiatives. This may involve co-investment in digital platforms, outreach programmes and learner support systems, as well as engagement with philanthropic organisations, development agencies and corporate sponsors interested in workforce development and social impact education.

IHBMSU officials said the partnership reflects a broader shift within higher education towards digitally enabled delivery and international collaboration. Universities across regions have been under pressure to modernise teaching methods, expand access beyond traditional campuses and respond more quickly to evolving skill requirements. By working with a digital-first education provider, IHBMSU aims to extend its reach to learners outside its conventional geographic footprint while maintaining academic standards.

The Digital School, for its part, said the collaboration strengthens its mission to provide affordable, technology-driven education at scale. The organisation has positioned itself as a platform that blends online instruction, adaptive learning tools and partnerships with accredited institutions. Executives involved in the MoU said working with IHBMSU would allow it to offer learners recognised qualifications alongside practical, employment-focused training.

Education analysts note that such partnerships have become more common as institutions seek to balance quality assurance with the need for speed and flexibility. Digital platforms can lower delivery costs and reach large audiences, but questions around accreditation, assessment integrity and learner outcomes remain central. Collaborations with established universities are often seen as a way to address these concerns while retaining the benefits of digital scale.

The agreement also places emphasis on global learning opportunities, including cross-border classrooms, virtual exchange programmes and collaborative projects involving students from multiple countries. Advocates argue that exposure to international peers and perspectives can enhance employability and cultural competence, particularly in sectors where remote and distributed work has become standard.

While financial terms of the MoU were not disclosed, both parties indicated that pilot programmes would be rolled out in phases, with feedback from learners and employers used to refine course offerings. Metrics such as completion rates, job placement outcomes and learner satisfaction are expected to play a role in evaluating the partnership’s impact.

The move comes against a backdrop of heightened demand for reskilling and upskilling, driven by technological change and shifting labour markets. Employers in fields ranging from information technology to digital marketing and business analytics have reported difficulties finding candidates with job-ready skills, even as large numbers of graduates struggle to secure suitable employment. Education providers have been under pressure to demonstrate that qualifications translate into tangible economic opportunities.

Quality of life has emerged as the defining differentiator in Dubai’s luxury real estate market, overtaking the earlier emphasis on global brand names as affluent buyers continue to flow into the emirate, according to senior industry voices tracking buying behaviour at the top end of the sector.

Developers and brokers say high-net-worth individuals are no longer drawn solely by branded residences, waterfront addresses or headline prices. Instead, purchasing decisions are increasingly shaped by liveability factors such as community design, access to green space, wellness infrastructure, privacy, security, and the integration of daily services within residential districts. This shift reflects the changing profile of buyers, many of whom are relocating families or establishing long-term bases rather than acquiring purely investment assets.

Dubai’s luxury segment has expanded sharply over the past few years, with prime residential areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Bay Island and Dubai Hills Estate recording strong demand across villas and high-end apartments. Transaction values at the upper end of the market have risen, supported by sustained interest from buyers based in Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and parts of Africa. Market participants note that this demand has remained resilient despite global economic uncertainty, underpinned by Dubai’s status as a low-tax jurisdiction, political stability and international connectivity.

Industry executives argue that the maturation of buyer expectations is a sign of a more sophisticated market. Luxury purchasers are placing greater weight on neighbourhood planning, walkability, schools, healthcare access and leisure amenities, alongside the quality of construction and long-term maintenance standards. Smart home technology, energy efficiency, noise management and private outdoor space have become standard expectations rather than premium add-ons.

Wellness has become a particularly influential theme. Developers are incorporating features such as landscaped parks, jogging tracks, cycling paths, spa facilities and air-quality controls into master-planned communities. Water access, whether through beachfront living, marinas or canal-side developments, remains a powerful draw, but buyers are increasingly scrutinising how these elements support daily living rather than visual appeal alone.

The rise of liveability as a core selling point has altered developer strategies. Several major players are prioritising mixed-use developments that blend residential, retail, hospitality and office components into self-contained ecosystems. This approach is designed to reduce commuting times and create neighbourhoods where residents can live, work and socialise within a short radius, aligning with broader urban planning goals set out by Dubai authorities.

Pricing dynamics also reflect the shift. Properties that combine prime locations with strong community features have outperformed standalone luxury units that rely mainly on branding or architectural statement. Analysts observe that buyers are willing to pay premiums for homes that offer privacy, low density and access to well-managed communal spaces, while overly dense developments face greater scrutiny.

Rental demand in the luxury segment has mirrored these trends. Executive tenants and relocating families are seeking properties that provide stability and lifestyle benefits, driving demand for villas and larger apartments in established communities. This has supported yields in select areas, reinforcing the appeal of liveability-focused developments to both end users and long-term investors.

Dubai’s regulatory environment has also played a role in shaping buyer confidence. Clear property ownership rules, long-term residency options linked to investment, and transparent transaction processes have helped position the city as a secure destination for capital. Market participants say this framework encourages buyers to consider lifestyle factors, confident that their legal and financial interests are protected.

Competition among developers has intensified as a result. Rather than competing solely on scale or brand partnerships, firms are differentiating through design quality, community management and post-handover services. Some developers have expanded in-house property management and concierge offerings to ensure consistent standards after completion, addressing a long-standing concern among luxury buyers.

By Satyaki Chakraborty After a gap of 80 years since the fall of fascism in 1945, Germany is once again agog with the militarization of the society in the name of fighting against the possible aggression by Russia. The ground has been laid by the continuing war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Merz along with other […]

The article German Coalition Led By Friedrich Merz Arouses War Mentality Once Again appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Dr. Nilanjan Banik With the long-awaited trade deal with the US delayed, India is deepening engagement with other developed partners such as the European Union (EU) and New Zealand to secure free trade agreements (FTAs). This shift reflects New Delhi’s intent to diversify its trade relationships and reduce dependency on any single major economy. […]

The article India’s Strategic Shift Toward Diversified Trade And Green Commitments appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).