Technology

China realizes unprecedented development by prioritizing its people

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2024

BEIJING, June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In Beijing, the essay topic for the English test of this year’s gaokao focuses on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Chinese middle school student Li Hua is asked to offer some suggestions to his foreign friend Jim, who wants to write a piece on this subject. To help enlighten Jim as well as those who are interested in China’s development, Global Times invited several foreign experts and observers to share their insights on China’s great achievements in various spheres over the past seven and half decades.

Discussing China’s achievements over the 75 years since the founding of the People’s Republic could be the subject of a very long book and is understood in different ways by different generations of people. I’ve always believed the best way to know how people in China think, is to ask them.

So, through asking a range of different people from different generations we can expect to find a range of different answers.

Those students who have been preparing all their school lives to take the recent gaokao, the “national college entrance examinations”, had slightly different responses to those who took the exam in my early years of teaching here, around 2004 and 2005. For interest, I thought it might be good to get the opinions of some older Chinese people too, and so I asked a retired couple.

Teenagers love connectivity, being able to communicate with family and friends and shop online with their phone. Interestingly, pensioners have similar views about mobile phones, the community they live in provides them with free classes that help them learn how to use WeChat so they aren’t so disconnected from their grandchildren, especially during the school term. They learn about online shopping and banking; they know how to upload and download and they have courses on how to avoid internet and mobile scams. The youngsters don’t need that, they seem to have an inherent understanding of how to be safe online.

The retirees also think education is important. To them, this was the most important development in China, and the country is now strong because of it. China leads the world in science and technology and has more students enrolled in university courses than any other country in the world and the future is being built on a foundation of education. The youngsters agree, but for a different reason. School is better; they have modern classrooms, modern facilities, computerization and sports.

Older people remember the rivers and how they used to play in them when they were kids. China’s development, they say, came at an environmental cost which they paid the price for but that has changed in recent years. Strong anti-pollution rules and the introduction of electric cars and buses have all helped; the rivers are cleaner and the air is fresher.

Transportation was most important to the middle group, these are young professionals with families of their own. To be able to get on a train in Guangdong and just a few hours later get off the train on the other side of the country means they can get to see their families, take holidays and have more time for themselves. One lady in her fifties described getting to university in the 1990s as a 16-hour bus trip with several ferry crossings. The journey now takes 27 minutes on the high-speed train and driving a car, something she would never have imagined in her younger days, takes her less than 90 minutes. She laughed when she said it takes her son less time to get to college in Australia than she took to travel 100 kilometers inside Guangdong. China’s bridges have made this possible but it doesn’t stop there. An interconnected system of freeways and bridges connects everywhere in China to everywhere else.

And in talking about this, she realized there was another great achievement for China, the very fact that she now owns a car and is able to send her child to school overseas was unthinkable when she was her son’s age. Everyone in China is better off than they were, and everyone I speak to is optimistic that they will continue along this trajectory.

If you ask anyone of any age, any generation and from any background, what are China’s two or three greatest achievements, some will say the internet connectivity, some will say transportation or infrastructure and some describe the health system which has consistently delivered better outcomes over the last 75 years and increased the life-expectancy to higher than that of most developed countries. Others talk of the education system that produces more STEM graduates than the US, Russia, the European Union and the UK combined, while some will say the de-desertification and the environmental improvements, bringing clean air and blue skies back to the cities. But they will all agree that the no.1 achievement is lifting the people out of poverty.

The greatest achievement of any country is to do the right thing for its people. And in these 75 years, China has done exactly that.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-realizes-unprecedented-development-by-prioritizing-its-people-302170290.html

SOURCE Global Times

Technology

Halfpricesoft Releases ezW2 2026 to Simplify Federal E-Filing Compliance

Published

9 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

Updated tax preparation software supports IRS 10-return e-filing mandate and automates reporting for Forms W-2, W-3, 1099-NEC, and 1096 ahead of the 2027 filing deadlines.

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Halfpricesoft.com has released ezW2 2026, an updated desktop application designed to help employers and tax professionals meet federal reporting requirements. Tailored for the IRS 10-return electronic filing mandate, the software streamlines preparing and submitting Forms W-2, W-3, 1099-NEC, and 1096 directly to the SSA and IRS.

Download the full-featured, 30-day evaluation version of ezW2 2026 with no upfront obligation and test system compatibility before the upcoming tax deadlines at Halfpricesoft.com.

Critical Statutory Deadlines for the Upcoming Tax Filing Year:

Employee Copy Distribution: Employers must furnish Copies B, C, and 2 of Form W-2 to employees no later than February 1, 2027 (adjusted because January 31, 2027, falls on a Sunday).SSA & IRS Submissions: The statutory deadline for transmitting Forms W-2 and W-3 to the SSA, as well as Form 1099-NEC to the IRS—whether utilizing paper documentation or electronic filing is February 1, 2027.What clients need to know before the 2027 tax filing year

Core Functional Capabilities

The ezW2 2026 suite provides technical tools designed to reduce administrative overhead and minimize transmission errors:

Direct Electronic Transmission: Offers both direct e-filing transmission and self-filing data generation protocols for SSA and IRS portals.Multi-Entity Processing: Accommodates unlimited form processing across multiple Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) per installation.Interoperability & Data Portability: Features integrated data import/export utilities compatible with spreadsheets and external accounting platforms.Network & Multi-User Support: Includes multi-installation deployment options that enable centralized data sharing across accounting teams.Evaluation Framework: A full-featured 30-day trial period is offered to allow organizations to verify system compatibility and workflow alignment prior to deployment.

“With the ezW2 2026 release, our development priority was delivering an accurate, secure e-filing and printing framework for businesses and accountants,” said Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com. “By simplifying workflow steps and maintaining strict data validation checks, the software ensures employers can meet complex IRS and SSA filing mandates accurately and on schedule.”

Availability

The ezW2 2026 software is available immediately for Windows operating environments (Windows 11, Windows 10, and supported server editions). Organizations can access technical specifications and documentation directly at Halfpricesoft.com.

About Halfpricesoft.com

Halfpricesoft.com is a US developer of financial management and tax compliance software designed for small businesses, non-profit institutions, and accounting practices. Founded over two decades ago, the company’s product line includes desktop and cloud payroll systems, employee attendance management, automated check printing, ACH direct deposit software, and federal information reporting solutions (W-2, 1099, and 1095 forms).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/halfpricesoft-releases-ezw2-2026-to-simplify-federal-e-filing-compliance-302922141.html

SOURCE Halfpricesoft.com

Technology

Chula Sees 150% Rise in Researchers Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists

Published

9 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

BANGKOK, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University researchers rank among the World’s Top 2% Scientists for 2026, a 150% increase over the previous year. They represent 25 faculties, institutes and schools, with expertise ranging from medicine and engineering to business and environmental research.

Those recognized include Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, alongside faculty members, honorary and adjunct professors, and affiliated researchers. Their inclusion reflects the breadth of Chula’s research expertise and its international academic connections.

Published in the Elsevier Data Repository, the database assesses scientific impact using standardized citation indicators in two categories: career-long citation impact and single-year citation impact.

The latest edition draws on an August 2026 snapshot of Scopus author profiles. Career-long data cover the period through the end of 2025, while single-year data capture citations received during 2025. The assessment considers citations counts, co-authorship, and authorship positions to assess researchers’ influence on subsequent scholarship.

Chulalongkorn University congratulates all those recognized for their contributions to advancing knowledge and strengthening Thailand’s presence in the global research community.

The full list of recognized researchers is available at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/429212/

Media Contact:
Chula Communication Center
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/chula-sees-150-rise-in-researchers-named-among-worlds-top-2-scientists-302933115.html

SOURCE Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

Technology

Joybuy Launches Annual Singles’ Day Campaign with Product Selections

Published

9 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

From premium beauty and skincare to the latest technology, Joybuy’s Singles’ Day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something specialDiscover deals you’ll love, with savings of up to 50% on selected gifts, exclusive coupons and additional Joybuy Points rewardsRunning from 9 to 11 November, the event offers three days of savings before the Christmas shopping season gets into full swingJoybuy brings together leading premium and everyday brands, including Apple, Samsung, Sony, Nintendo, Dyson, Ninja, De’Longhi, L’Oréal Paris, LEGO

LONDON, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This Singles’ Day, Joybuy, the new online shopping destination, is bringing three days of special offers on premium brands, gifts, and everyday indulgences. Running from 9 to 11 November, Singles’ Day on Joybuy highlights the simple pleasure of treating yourself. Whether it’s a luxury skincare set, a new gadget you’ve had your eye on, or an upgrade for your home, now is the perfect time to indulge.

Singles’ Day is fast becoming one of the biggest shopping days of the year, bringing big savings to shoppers across Europe. Joybuy is helping customers find a little joy during these darker November days, before the rush of Christmas shopping begins. Customers can explore deals across electronics, smart devices, health and beauty, food and drink, home appliances, and home and living.

A Joybuy spokesperson said: “Singles’ Day is a wonderful excuse to put yourself first. With Christmas just around the corner, November can quickly become all about shopping for everyone else, so we wanted to create an opportunity for customers to enjoy something for themselves. Whether it’s a premium beauty set, the latest technology or simply a little treat to brighten a November evening, we’re inviting customers to discover deals they’ll love.”

From beauty must-haves to the latest technology

Customers looking for inspiration can discover a wide range of products on Joybuy, from premium beauty and skincare to cutting-edge technology and home upgrades. Highlights include:

Tech and gaming: Discover the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro.Robotics: Explore futuristic technology including the Unitree Go2 Pro robotic dog and the TENNIIX AI Tennis Robot.Beauty: Indulge in L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler skincare sets and cult-favourite Korean beauty products from Beauty of Joseon and Medicube.Home: Upgrade everyday living with the Cosori Dual Blaze Smart Air Fryer and the Dyson V8 Cyclone cordless vacuum cleaner.

Joybuy brings together leading international and household brands across its shopping categories, including Apple, Samsung, Sony, Nintendo, Dyson, Ninja, De’Longhi, L’Oréal Paris, LEGO and more. From everyday essentials to premium purchases, customers can explore a full range of high-quality products in one place.

Discover deals you’ll love this Singles’ Day

Alongside special offers on leading brands, Joybuy is giving customers even more ways to save throughout the three-day event.

Top deals with savings of up to 50%: Customers can discover selected gifts and products with savings of up to 50% on selected products, from beauty and skincare favourites to food and home essentials.Exclusive daily coupons: Shoppers can claim coupons offering £5/€5 off eligible orders of £49/€49 or more, and £30/€30 off eligible orders of £199/€199 or more. Coupons can be claimed and used daily between 9 and 11 November, subject to the promotional terms and conditions.Additional Joybuy Points rewards: Customers can earn between 1% and 5% back in Joybuy Points on eligible products during the three-day period. JoyPlus members receive an additional 1% in points on eligible purchases, giving them even more value.

The event is available to shoppers in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, with offers available through the Joybuy app and website.

Singles’ Day is just the beginning of a month of special offers at Joybuy.

Joybuy will soon announce Black Friday, which will feature deals and savings of up to 50% on leading brands and selected products.

For shoppers planning ahead, special coupon packs will be available to purchase from 9 November, with redemption dates detailed in each product description.

Joybuy is also bringing joy beyond the shopping basket this festive season, as the Presenting Partner of The Real Ice Slide at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. From 19 November 2026 until 3 January 2027, visitors can experience the multi-lane ice attraction, powered by Joybuy, alongside special competitions and activities planned throughout the season. The partnership marks the first year of a three-year collaboration with one of London’s best-loved festive destinations.

Whether customers are treating themselves for Singles’ Day, getting ahead with Christmas gifts or preparing for Black Friday, Joybuy is helping make November shopping more rewarding.

And with Joybuy’s Double 11 delivery service, customers in eligible areas can enjoy same-day delivery when ordering before 11am, or next-day delivery when ordering before 11pm. Delivery is free on eligible orders of £29/€29 or more, with no additional charge for faster delivery.

To explore Singles’ Day offers and discover deals you’ll love, visit Joybuy online or download the Joybuy app.

Joybuy Newsroom: about.joybuy.com

About Joybuy

Joybuy is JD.com’s new online retail business in Europe, offering high-quality brands, at great prices, delivered from its own warehouses to the customer’s doorstep, through a speedy and reliable network. Joybuy is a brand-led platform, with products from leading international, European and local brands, available across technology, appliances, beauty, home, grocery and everyday essentials.

Its unique Double 11 delivery service means that if shoppers order by 11am, eligible orders will arrive before 11pm the same day, or if they order before 11pm, they will arrive the next day, subject to eligibility. Joybuy places the customer at the heart of everything it does and offers 24/7 customer service.

The Joybuy slogan, “Don’t just buy, Joybuy”, perfectly captures its mission to fulfil customers’ needs and provide a service that is easy, convenient and enjoyable. Officially launched in Europe in March 2026, Joybuy operates in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/joybuy-launches-annual-singles-day-campaign-with-product-selections-302932598.html