The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum opened on Tuesday in Beijing, where experts will contribute global wisdom on issues of scientific openness and cooperation among the global sci-tech community.
The forum, themed "Science and Technology for the Future", lasts until Thursday at the main venue in Beijing. More than 350 guests from 33 countries and regions, including more than a dozen Nobel Prize, Turing Award, and Lasker Award winners, are engaging in dialogue at this forum.
"We have recently launched an agreement between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Center for Scientific Research in France about a network on biodiversity. Preservation of biodiversity, together with science, are essential all over the world for future generations," said Yvon Le Maho, a member of French Academy of Sciences
During the forum, scientists from around the world discussed topics such as the governance of artificial intelligence, promotion of sustainable development through interdisciplinary integration, and open scientific infrastructure to promote sharing and scientific cooperation in the global science and technology community. Many of these important topics were initiated by Chinese scientists.
"We must promote the interconnection and interoperability of open scientific data among countries in the world," said Yang Wei, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Guests said China is playing a vital role in global sci-tech development.
"China has the wisdom to understand that science has to be left free, to explore new horizons. So I think what China is doing in the field of science and technology is good for China, and I think it's very good for the world," said Salvatore Arico, Chief Executive Officer of the International Science Council.
Sci-tech development forum in Beijing spotlights interconnectivity of research world
Malaysia's durian-themed restaurants are booming as record numbers of durian lovers are flocking to the country, eager to sample what many consider the world's best varieties of the pungent fruit.
Often described as a fruit people either love or hate, durian has long been a favorite among many Chinese visitors as well.
New outlets have sprung up across Kuala Lumpur and Penang, branding themselves as restaurants but serving little beyond durian in different forms, from fresh fruit to ice cream, cream puffs, milkshakes and even deep-fried versions.
"We opened this place nearly a year ago, and our customers come from all over the world," said Ophelia Ng, branch director of Laifa in Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia.
Visitors said the draw was the wide range of durian varieties on offer.
"My friend is from Singapore, and this friend is from Indonesia. So we are here to try out different varieties of durian. I think there is different flavors, [some are] a little bit bitter, some are sweeter or creamier, yes, so that's why we are trying it out first before we order the big one," said Wen Ni, a Malaysian durian lover.
Some tourists, however, found the taste less appealing.
"I'm not sure if I like it. I don't really like it. It's not really good," said a tourist from Austria.
For Chinese tourists, sampling Malaysia’s finest durian remains an essential experience.
"When you come to Malaysia, you can't afford to miss the best durian. The finest varieties are Musang King and Black Thorn. It's best to enjoy them in a restaurant, where you can eat comfortably in a cool, air-conditioned setting. The durian is delicious, and relaxing here while savoring the fruit is the best experience," said Zhao Bin, a tourist from Guangzhou, capital city of south China's Guangdong Province.
With durians banned from hotels and public transport, restaurants offering air-conditioned comfort have become the preferred way for tourists to enjoy Malaysia's most divisive fruit.
Malaysia's durian restaurants thrive amid booming demand
