分类： technology

China is systematically reviving its rich technological heritage from centuries past to address contemporary societal challenges and bolster sustainable economic growth. At the center of this initiative is the 17th-century masterwork ‘Tiangong Kaiwu’ (The Revelation of Heavenly Works), authored by Ming Dynasty scholar Song Yingxing (1587–1666). This comprehensive technological encyclopedia—one of the world’s earliest and most detailed—documents over 200 techniques spanning agriculture, metallurgy, ceramics, textiles, printing, and hydraulic engineering.

The recent Tiangong Kaiwu Forum in Beijing, themed ‘Decoding Industrial Genetics, Building a Shared Tech Future’, highlighted how this historical knowledge is being integrated into modern industrial and environmental applications. The text’s detailed illustrations and systematic explanations of craft and production methods are now inspiring innovations in fields ranging from advanced materials to renewable energy.

For instance, traditional ceramic techniques described in the book now inform the production of technical ceramics used in electronics, medical implants, and environmental technologies. Similarly, historical metallurgical methods are being adapted to develop stronger, lighter, and more sustainable materials essential for transportation and construction.

Hydraulic systems and mechanical pumps detailed by Song Yingxing are now foundational to modern small-scale irrigation and hydroelectric projects, supporting China’s investments in sustainable energy and efficient agriculture. The government is actively promoting research and corporate initiatives that draw on such traditional knowledge to advance carbon neutrality and high-value green manufacturing.

Beyond domestic applications, the revival of Tiangong Kaiwu is reshaping global perceptions of technological history, emphasizing China’s longstanding role in scientific progress. By bridging ancient wisdom with modern innovation, China is positioning itself as a key player in the global transition toward a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Suriname’s E-Government (e-Gov) initiative has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity enhancement program through a strategic collaboration with global security leader Fortinet. The recently concluded Cybersecurity and Data Protection workshop brought together representatives from multiple ministries, security agencies, and government institutions to address growing digital threats.

According to e-Gov Director Llydion Dalfour, cybersecurity has become a presidential priority under Jennifer Simons’ administration. “The President views digital transformation not merely as a technical upgrade but as a catalyst for efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and improved service delivery,” Dalfour stated. “Her vision encompasses a Suriname where technology empowers every citizen while strengthening trust in government institutions.”

The workshop emphasized that modern, reliable, and secure systems are fundamental to digital governance. Dalfour highlighted the Head of State’s commitment to ensuring citizens can depend on systems that not only function effectively but also actively protect and defend sensitive data against evolving threats.

Fortinet experts presented the latest global cybersecurity trends, current threat landscapes, and recommended protective measures during the knowledge-sharing session. The partnership between e-Gov and Fortinet dates back to the establishment of e-Gov, with the security firm having contributed significantly to developing GovGrid infrastructure—the digital backbone of Suriname’s government operations.

This workshop forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen governmental digital security capabilities. Cybersecurity represents one of the foundational elements in the government’s wider digitalization agenda. “You can digitalize processes, but without trust, the system fails,” Dalfour emphasized. “Citizens and organizations must have absolute confidence that their data and systems remain secure.”

Concurrently, the government is developing a national cybersecurity strategy that includes a framework for secure systems and standardized procedures for detecting and handling security incidents. e-Gov has committed to further refining and institutionalizing these protective structures to safeguard Suriname’s digital transformation journey.

Australia has positioned itself as the first nation worldwide to implement a comprehensive social media prohibition for users under 16 years old. Technology conglomerate Meta has proactively initiated the removal of minor accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Threads platforms this week, anticipating the official enforcement of groundbreaking legislation scheduled for December 10th.

Meta had previously issued warnings to users aged 13-15 regarding account deactivation commencing December 4th. The sweeping measure affects approximately 150,000 Facebook accounts and 350,000 Instagram profiles, with Threads—being integrally linked to Instagram—similarly falling under the regulatory scope.

The pioneering Australian mandate legally obligates social media corporations to prevent account creation by children below 16 years. Non-compliant companies face severe financial penalties reaching AU$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million). This regulatory framework extends beyond Meta to encompass diverse platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Twitch, Reddit, and Kick.

Government officials defend this unprecedented action as essential for safeguarding minors from harmful digital content, cyberbullying risks, and potential grooming by adults. Official research reveals 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 actively use social platforms, with significant exposure to detrimental materials including violent imagery, misogynistic content, and media promoting eating disorders or self-harm behaviors. Survey data indicates over half of young users report experiencing cyberbullying, while one in seven acknowledges encountering grooming-like approaches.

While Meta commits to regulatory compliance, the corporation advocates for alternative verification methodologies—specifically proposing that app stores should implement age verification during download processes rather than requiring repeated age confirmation within individual applications.

Affected adolescents believing their accounts were erroneously removed may request official review by submitting government-issued identification or video selfies for age verification.

Communications Minister Anika Wells vehemently supports the policy, characterizing it as vital for protecting ‘Generation Alpha’ from what she describes as ‘predatory algorithms’ fostering addictive behaviors. However, substantial opposition exists from organizations warning about potential isolation for youth dependent on digital communities for social connection and support. Critics additionally fear migration toward less-regulated alternative platforms.

YouTube has publicly criticized the legislation as ‘precipitous,’ arguing that elimination of parentally supervised accounts might ultimately decrease child safety. As the international community closely monitors this pioneering digital policy experiment, multiple nations are reportedly evaluating the feasibility and desirability of implementing analogous restrictions.