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Global Times: The ‘engines’ behind China’s cultural ‘troika’: online dramas, games and novels

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BEIJING, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — “Watching this drama throws me back to my school days when I used to watch many films and dramas from Hong Kong.” “I even tried the snacks mentioned in the novel, indulging in the same treats while reading.” Such online comments about Chinese cultural works on overseas social media and review platforms are fairly common. Audiences around the world are increasingly sharing reviews and forming online communities around China’s popular cultural products, especially online literature, games and dramas, despite physical distances.

Online dramas, games and novels have been seen as the “troika” of Chinese culture winning global audiences, according to reports such as the Report on the Development of Chinese Online Literature released by the Institute of Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Rooted in rich traditional culture and aligned with shared human values and sentiments, a growing number of cultural works in the realms of this “troika” have thrived, thanks in part to convenient channels of communication. These works not only showcase the uniqueness and allure of Chinese culture but also foster deeper connections among people around the globe.

Since Wednesday, international audiences on Netflix have been able to watch the thriller series See Her Again, centered on the fight between evil and justice, simultaneously with Chinese viewers on domestic video platform Tencent. This synchronized release has provided audiences with the opportunity to engage in real-time discussions about the drama across various review platforms.

Netizens have flocked to platforms like MyDramaList and Reddit to share their thoughts on the plot, background music, and characters in the drama, often receiving responses from other users.

“I can’t wait for the next episode. Wondering who is the real culprit. I’m on ep 10. I like time travel dramas. For me the storyline is interesting,” commented one viewer. Reviews like these are often upvoted by other netizens. These positive reactions are reflected in the drama’s viewership numbers on Netflix, where it has climbed to the Top 4 on the popularity list for Singapore.

“The online drama showcasing the local social atmosphere and customs also seeks to discuss the common values and shared emotions of all of humanity such as seeking the truth, protecting loved ones and upholding justice. This is the main reason that the work can stand out and attract audiences in different regions,” Shi Wenxue, a veteran cultural critic based in Beijing, told the Global Times on Monday.

“This is just like the hit online game Black Myth: Wukong,” Shi added, noting that the success stories of these remarkable cultural works across various forms share common factors.

The game secured top honors at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards on Friday, winning “Ultimate Game of the Year” and “Best Visual Design,” while earning additional nominations for “Best Game Direction,” “Best Action Game,” and “Best Art Direction.” The results evoked cheers among international players, many of whom noted that this game deserves its reputation.

Shi noted that rooted in Chinese classics and traditional legends, Chinese game developers have been striving to weave compelling narratives with distinct Chinese characteristics through games. In doing so, they have created an expansive world view and values that resonate with global youth, contributing to the global success of their works.

Zhang Peng, a cultural researcher and associate professor at Nanjing Normal University, attributed Chinese online literature’s growing popularity overseas to its rich Chinese cultural elements, common spirit and innovative promulgation channels.

“Chinese online literature integrates diverse media and forms a diverse path of global dissemination. Besides this, the protagonists’ spirit such as persistence and wisdom in these works, along with the rich elements of traditional Chinese culture, render them highly captivating and influential, enabling overseas readers to gain a better understanding of China,” Zhang told the Global Times on Monday.

By the end of 2023, the number of Chinese online literature readers had reached a record 537 million, with the overseas market for this genre surpassing 4 billion yuan ($552 million) and spanning over 200 countries and regions.

Jose from Peru, Hoan from Poland and Vaishnu Ojha from India are representatives of the numerous readers of Chinese web novels. They are loyal followers of the hit Chinese web novel Lord of the Mysteries, a top-ranked fantasy, adventure and steampunk thriller that has amassed over 47 million views on WebNovel.

The three readers of the novel have formed a 24,000-member group on Facebook run by Vaishnu Ojha. They discuss classic passages in the book and share their reviews of newly released content with other group members around the world. For them, the online group has been a spiritual home or a joyful base to communicate with peers.

Zhang noted that as important carriers of Chinese culture, online literature, games and dramas allow global readers to access and understand Chinese culture through unique stories and cultural elements, thereby enhancing their understanding and awareness of Chinese culture.

“The global popularity of the ‘troika’ demonstrates the need for us to pay greater attention to the power of the internet and to fully leverage its advantage in disseminating Chinese culture. This approach will help foster a positive international atmosphere that respects Chinese history, appreciates Chinese culture, and understands the essence of the Chinese spirit,” said Zhang.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-the-engines-behind-chinas-cultural-troika-online-dramas-games-and-novels-302316199.html

SOURCE Global Times

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HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

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Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date:

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue:

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth:

C08-09

Time:

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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