Puja Bhattacharjee is an independent journalist based in Kolkata, India. She covers health, science, environment, gender, justice, rights, and culture. Check out her reporting portfolio at ****

Too Hot to Work

28 May 2024  |  www.asianscientist.com  |  English  |  Climate Change

Extreme heatwaves in Asia, particularly in India, China, and Myanmar, are severely impacting outdoor workers' health and productivity. The article highlights the case of Shamrul Sheikh, a mason in Kolkata, who suffered a severe accident due to heat stress. Experts emphasize the health risks, including dehydration, chronic kidney disease, and mental health issues. Various policy initiatives and interventions, such as Hong Kong's heat index guidelines and Singapore's Project HeatSafe, are being implemented to mitigate these effects. The article underscores the need for more adaptive solutions and the economic benefits of ensuring worker welfare.

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Ministry of Health’s Heat Stress Expert Panel Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore National University of Singapore Labour Department in Hong Kong World Weather Attribution Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center World Bank Centre for Climate Research Singapore

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Kris Cheng is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom, freelancing for Voice of America. I previously covered politics, Greater China and diplomacy from Hong Kong, mostly with the Hong Kong Free Press.

See my Muck Rack profile: ****

Startup Incubator Launched for New Hong Kong Migrants to UK

17 Aug 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Immigration

The Hong Kong Business Hub in London has launched a startup incubator program to assist new Hong Kong migrants in establishing businesses in the UK. The program offers a minimum of $64,000 in equity investment to successful applicants, with a total investment of over $635,000. The initiative aims to help those who fled Hong Kong after the 2019 crackdown on the pro-democracy movement and are unfamiliar with the UK business environment. The program is supported by the Federation of Small Businesses and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Co-founders include Puifung Leung, Simon Shen, and Patrick Woo. The program requires applicants to have companies established in 2020 or later, with at least half the shares held by the founding team and one founder being a new migrant from Hong Kong with at least 30% ownership. A referral fee of 1% of the investment amount is required to support the program's operations.

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Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong National Sun Yat-sen University London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation of Small Businesses

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Florence de Changy is a journalist based in Hong Kong since 2007 who works mostly in French and English.
She is the correspondent for French daily Le Monde and the French National Radio, Radio France, as well as RFI (Radio France International). She also does TV itws, with F24, TV5, Deutsche Welle....

Hong Kong universities feel full force of national security law

19 Apr 2023  |  www.lemonde.fr  |  English  |  Politics

Hong Kong universities are experiencing the stringent effects of the national security law, with significant restrictions on free expression and increased surveillance. Key figures like Xia Baolong, John Lee, and Zheng Yanxiong emphasize the importance of national security, warning against opposition to the Communist Party. The law, implemented after the 2019 protests, targets secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, leading to a stifling of dissent and transforming university spaces like the Democracy Wall into monitored or restricted areas.

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University of Hong Kong Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Communist Party CityU

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Nhat Dang Du is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Vietnam’s emergence as a hot topic for global media outlets amid rising tension between the U.S. and China

01 Apr 2023  |  tuoitrenews.vn  |  English  |  Institutional Reform

The article by Du Nhat Dang from Tuoi Tre News discusses the impact of the US-China trade war on Vietnam and how the country is positioning itself to respond to the opportunities and challenges it presents. The trade war is seen as a multifaceted dispute, not just about trade deficits but also about broader issues such as investment protection, copyright, and human rights reforms. The article highlights that Vietnam is perceived as a beneficiary of the trade war as companies move away from China, but it also faces the risk of becoming a target of the Trump administration due to its growing exports to the US. Experts suggest that Vietnam must undertake reforms in credit access, land, labor, and transparency to sustainably benefit from the situation. The article also references views from various experts and economists, including those from the Hinrich Foundation's trade training program, the City University of Hong Kong, and the French investment bank Natixis.

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City University of Hong Kong Hinrich Foundation US Census Bureau Vietnam Reform and Development Forum National Assembly's Office Brookings Institution

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

LLM Hallucinations: A Bug or A Feature?

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

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

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

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I'm an Irish journalist, based in Asia. I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur. I specialise in environmental, health, and human rights issues and have my own website, Changing Times (****). I have been a journalist for more than 45 years and am a skilled editor, proofreader, and French-to-English ...

Asia for Animals: using Species Victim Impact Statements to combat wildlife crime

08 Nov 2023  |  changingtimes.media  |  English  |  Legal Initiatives

The illegal wildlife trade, valued at over $20 billion annually, is being combated through the Species Victim Impact Statements (SVIS) initiative, led by law professor Amanda Whitfort and collaborators at the University of Hong Kong. The project aims to educate judges and prosecutors in Hong Kong about the severe impacts of wildlife trafficking, leading to harsher sentences for offenders. Since its inception in 2015, the SVIS has contributed to a 2000% increase in penalties for wildlife crimes, including a landmark case where animal cruelty was factored into the sentencing. The initiative has also gained traction in Nigeria, aiding in the fight against wildlife crime.

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University of Hong Kong Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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Cristina Giner is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain. I speak fluent English and French besides Spanish and Catalan. I have 18 years experience in national and international media, mainly in television broadcasting. I have worked as well at International Communication & Outreach  Departments.

The West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong: A Must-Visit for Art Lovers

16 Oct 2023  |  es.euronews.com  |  Spanish  |  Urban Development

The West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong, built on reclaimed land in Victoria Harbour, spans 40 hectares and is one of the world's most ambitious cultural projects. It serves as a hub for art-related businesses, including the auction house Phillips. The Xiqu Centre, located at the eastern end of the district, is a new home for Cantonese opera, featuring a Grand Theatre and a traditional Tea House Theatre. The article highlights the historical significance and evolution of Cantonese opera, which was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009.

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City University of Hong Kong UNESCO

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

China’s Latest Covid Wave May Hit 65 Million a Week With Mild Symptoms

31 May 2023  |  international.thenewslens.com  |  English  |  Public Health

China anticipates its current Covid-19 wave to reach up to 65 million cases per week by late June, with milder symptoms compared to previous waves. Experts believe the outbreak will remain confined to China. The wave follows the relaxation of strict lockdowns, with a significant portion of the population already infected in previous waves. Personal accounts reveal a general lack of concern among the public, with many not taking protective measures. The World Health Organization has declared Covid-19 no longer a global health emergency, and both China and the U.S. have ceased providing weekly case updates, complicating the assessment of the outbreak's true extent.

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University of Hong Kong New York Institute of Technology Peking University First Hospital Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Global Times World Health Organization U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

After bumpy recovery, China’s economy faces serious headwinds in 2024

22 Dec 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Political Impact on Economy

China's economy, after a challenging recovery in 2023, faces significant headwinds in 2024 due to structural issues and President Xi Jinping's political control. The lifting of zero-COVID restrictions and deflationary trends, coupled with a real estate crisis and declining foreign investment, have contributed to economic instability. Xi's centralization of power and regulatory crackdowns have raised concerns among experts and investors. The establishment of the National Financial Regulatory Administration and geopolitical tensions over Taiwan further complicate the economic outlook. Despite potential growth in sectors like electric vehicles and green energy, challenges such as local government debt and a shrinking population loom large, with significant reforms needed to sustain economic growth.

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Communist Party of China Hong Kong University of Science and Technology International Monetary Fund National Financial Regulatory Administration China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions Natixis Gavekal Research Brookings Institution Moody's

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Justin Heifetz is a freelance journalist in France with more than a decade of experience in reporting, writing and editing.

Based out of Marseille, he covers news and social affairs with a focus on immigration, crime and human rights.

His work can be found in VICE, CNN, Anthony Bourdain: ...

Hong Kong's Lack of Sex Ed Is Driving Up STI Rates

05 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Public Health

Hong Kong's inadequate sexual education, heavily influenced by conservative and religious values, is contributing to rising STI rates among youth. Despite some efforts by NGOs like AIDS Concern and Teen's Key to introduce more comprehensive sex education, the government's focus remains on abstinence and morality. A new study by the University of Hong Kong reveals alarming STI rates, particularly among women under 30, highlighting the urgent need for better sexual health education and resources.

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Department of Health University of Hong Kong AIDS Concern Family Planning Association Mother's Choice Teen's Key

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Staff Reporter Daily Pine Abbottabad Pakistan.Ex General Secretary Press Club Havelian Abottabad,District Correspondent(NNI) and also Columnist.

Assessment of Gus Expression Induced by Anti-Sense OsPPO Gene Promoter and Antioxidant Enzymatic Assays in Response to Drought and Heavy Metal Stress in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana

23 Aug 2023  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Transgenic Plants

Abiotic stresses such as drought and heavy metals significantly impact plant growth and agricultural yields. This study investigates the expression of the OsPPO gene promoter and antioxidant defense mechanisms in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana under drought and heavy metal stress. The research demonstrates that the OsPPO promoter induces GUS gene expression in response to these stresses, with maximum induction observed at specific concentrations of polyethylene glycol, copper, and nickel. The findings suggest that the PPOGUS promoter can be used to assess plant responses to various abiotic stimuli, enhancing our understanding of plant stress tolerance mechanisms.

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University of California, Los Angeles The Chinese University of Hong Kong University of Swat University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Quaid-i-Azam University Bacha Khan University Rawalpindi Women University Allama Iqbal Open University King Saud University

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Yumi Jeung is a journalist based in Seoul, South Korea.

Started her work as a journalist in one of the Korean major newspaper, Hankyoreh(hani.co.kr).
Covered education issues as feature stories. 

In the meantime, she nominated as a representative of Korean young correspondents by Finnish ...

Parental wealth is a major factor in university admissions

04 Sept 2024  |  www.universityworldnews.com  |  English  |  Education Policy

A Bank of Korea report highlights the significant influence of parental wealth and residential location on university admissions in South Korea, revealing that students from affluent families are more likely to gain entry into prestigious universities. The report proposes a regional proportional admission system to address these disparities, suggesting that universities allocate places based on regional student populations. The system aims to reduce the advantage of living in Seoul and promote a more equitable society. Experts emphasize the need for government support for low-income families and a multi-dimensional approach to address underlying socio-economic issues. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol advocates for balanced regional development to tackle population challenges.

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Sejong University Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Seoul National University Bank of Korea National Strategy Institute

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Kate Johnson is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She covers lifestyle trends in wellness, spirituality, food, leisure and technology. She has an MA in International Journalism with distinction from London's City University and has written for Vice, BBC Good Food, Stylist and Positive ...

Canadian Wildfires Impact New York City Air Quality and Health

21 Sept 2023  |  Medscape  |  English  |  Medical Research

A study has found that Canadian wildfires, which caused smoke to drift into New York City from June 6 to June 8, 2023, led to a significant increase in emergency department visits for asthma syndrome. The study, authored by Kai Chen, PhD from Yale School of Public Health, reported that daily asthma-related ED visits rose to 261 from an average of 181.5 during reference periods. The study utilized New York's syndromic surveillance system and data from local US EPA monitoring stations, revealing that PM 2.5 levels spiked during the smoke wave. The increase in ED visits was observed across all age groups and boroughs, with Staten Island being the most affected. The study, which did not analyze the composition of the wildfire smoke, was published in JAMA. Other experts, such as George D. Thurston, ScD, and John Balmes, MD, commented on the findings, emphasizing the health impacts of wildfire smoke and the broader implications for air quality and climate change.

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Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region–Food and Health Bureau National Institutes of Health University of California, Berkeley New York University School of Medicine Yale School of Public Health US Environmental Protection Agency JAMA Environmental Protection Agency HEI Wellcome Trust Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Yale Women Faculty Forum High Tide Foundation Colorado School of Public Health PAC-12 IOP Fund for Scientific Research–FNRS California Air Resources Board

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

Once 'empowered' Hong Kong activists face new security law

04 Jul 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Civil Liberties

Hong Kong activists, once empowered by mass protests, now face a harsh reality under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The law has led to numerous arrests and the suppression of civil liberties. Hong Kong officials are now pushing for even stricter local security legislation. Activists like Fermi Wong and Jay Chan recall the empowering protests of the past but now see their core values swiftly eroded. Legal experts highlight Beijing's significant influence over Hong Kong's autonomy in drafting these laws, further tightening control over the region.

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University of Hong Kong University of Hawaii at Manoa Hong Kong Government Beijing Communist Party

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Chermaine Lee is a multimedia journalist based in Hong Kong. She covers political, human rights, environmental and social issues locally and internationally. Her bylines appear on the Washington Post, BBC, CNN, Thomson Reuters, BuzzFeed, South China Morning Post, Deutsche Welle, Hong Kong Free ...

How is China's Textile and Fashion Industry Reducing Emissions?

30 Oct 2023  |  www.fairplanet.org  |  Chinese  |  Recycling

China's textile and fashion industry is making strides towards reducing emissions through sustainable practices and recycling initiatives. The government has set ambitious goals to increase textile waste recycling rates and promote low-carbon production processes. Despite challenges, experts believe that significant emission reductions are achievable. Consumer behavior and industry practices are evolving, with increased awareness and efforts towards sustainability. Initiatives like JD.com's charitable clothing collection and local zero-waste stores exemplify the growing movement towards eco-friendly fashion.

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Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Chinese Government

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I'm a multimedia journalist based in Copenhagen, Denmark with broad interests across the Nordic region.

This 'mind-reading' AI system can recreate what your brain is seeing

21 Aug 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Medical Technology

Researchers in Singapore have developed an AI system called MinD-Vis that can interpret brain wave patterns to recreate images a person is viewing. The system uses MRI scans and matches them with images to generate individual AI models for participants. The technology has potential applications for assisting people with disabilities and integrating into virtual reality headsets. However, challenges remain, including the need for more advanced datasets, computational power, and addressing privacy concerns. Researchers emphasize the importance of strict ethical guidelines to protect privacy.

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National University of Singapore The Chinese University of Hong Kong

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Rui Min is a multimedia journalist based in Beijing, China.

Recovery of a highly reflective Bragg grating in DPDS-doped polymer optical fiber by thermal annealing

15 May 2023  |  opg.optica.org  |  English  |  Bragg Grating

The study explores the recovery of a highly reflective Bragg grating in DPDS-doped polymer optical fiber through thermal annealing. The research involves collaboration between multiple institutions, including the University of Mons, Shantou University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Beijing Normal University. The findings contribute to advancements in optical fiber technology and its applications.

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Beijing Normal University The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shantou University University of Mons

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I’m a freelance journalist, based in Hong Kong, and have covered a range of topics, from political unrest to public health. My work has appeared in several publications, including South China Morning Post,
Forbes.com, Hong Kong Free Press, France 24 among others.
Last year, I spent the bulk of ...

Head of Hong Kong’s Equal Opportunities Commission under fire for insensitive remarks

01 Oct 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Social Issues

Jeffrey Andrews, Hong Kong’s first ethnic minority social worker, expressed shock and disappointment over remarks made by Chu, the head of Hong Kong’s Equal Opportunities Commission, which he perceived as stereotyping ethnic minorities. Chu's comments, based on an NGO's observation, suggested that ethnic minorities bring young girls back to their home countries for marriage, which Andrews and other professionals found offensive and misleading. Despite Chu's clarification that his remarks were intended to highlight cultural norms affecting social integration, the backlash underscores the sensitivity and complexity of addressing ethnic minority issues in Hong Kong. Efforts for further dialogue between Andrews and Chu have been unsuccessful, raising concerns about the EOC's role in supporting ethnic minorities. Joy Pamnani, a student from the University of Hong Kong, echoed Andrews' sentiments, emphasizing the need for more nuanced and informed discussions on ethnic minority issues.

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University of Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission

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I’m an Australian freelance journalist specialising in health, sustainability and lifestyle with 15 years’ experience in media. I’m based in Hong Kong working with clients in Australia and around the world.

My writing has been published in more than 70 print and digital publications in Hong Kong,...

Delivering maternity rights to Hong Kong’s migrant workers

01 Oct 2023  |  ReSolve GlobalHealth  |  English  |  Employment Law

Migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong face significant challenges when they become pregnant, including unlawful termination and loss of access to public healthcare. Organizations like PathFinders and HELP for Domestic Workers are working to support these workers and raise awareness of their legal rights. The article highlights the systemic issues and power imbalances that contribute to the mistreatment of pregnant domestic workers, and suggests policy changes such as better healthcare access, insurance for maternity leave, and temporary worker schemes to improve their situation.

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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The University of Hong Kong PathFinders HELP for Domestic Workers Social Justice for Migrant Workers Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics

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Roetta Wang is a freelance journalist based in Hong Kong with a Master degree in journalism at the University of Hong Kong. She works on society, culture, and current affairs topics in both English and Chinese.

How to attract and retain young talent: Insights from the eyes of Hong Kong’s youth

30 May 2024  |  Human Resources Online  |  English  |  Business Competition

The article discusses the strategies proposed by a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to help GreenPrice, a social enterprise, tackle talent retention challenges. The team won the HSBC/HKU Asia Pacific Business Case Competition 2024 with ideas like role swaps and innovation teams to enhance employee engagement. The competition, supported by HSBC, aims to nurture future business leaders by bridging academic theories with real-world practices. Key factors for attracting young talent include providing growth opportunities, fostering a speak-up culture, and building inclusive workplaces. The event also emphasizes sustainability and social impact, aligning with HSBC's goals.

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Asia Case Research Centre of HKU Business School Hong Kong University of Science and Technology HSBC Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited The Hongkong Bank Foundation

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Dr. Jianli (Doc) Yang, a world renown human rights activist and scholar, is a major architect and leader for China’s democracy. He was a Tiananmen student leader and a political prisoner of China (2002-2007). Dr. Yang helped found and lead several important organizations including Citizen Power ...

Hong Kong’s Deteriorating Academic Freedom

09 Nov 2023  |  www.city-journal.org  |  English  |  Hong Kong

Hong Kong's academic freedom is under severe threat as Beijing tightens its control over the city's autonomy. The dismissal of Rowena He from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the persecution of other academics like Benny Tai exemplify the growing restrictions. The enactment of Article 23 of Hong Kong's Basic Law, which mirrors the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, further erodes freedoms. The international academic community is urged to condemn these actions and support scholars at risk, emphasizing the global implications for academic freedom and democratic values.

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Hong Kong Government University of Hong Kong Chinese University of Hong Kong Beijing Government

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