Serious pollution incidents by water companies up 60% last year

Good news for Hong Kong residents relying on public hospitals—they’ll soon see drug prices drop by around 20% after successful negotiations between hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. This is part of a broader healthcare reform push to cut costs, prioritize urgent care, and reduce resource waste.

Editor’s Note: For many, especially those managing chronic conditions or tight budgets, this price cut could make a real difference in affordability. It’s also a sign the government is trying to tackle the bigger challenge of keeping public healthcare sustainable without overburdening patients. Every little bit helps.

A Chinese quantum computing startup called SpinQ predicts that quantum tech will hit a major milestone within five years—becoming genuinely useful for solving practical problems. They believe machines with around 500 qubits (the quantum equivalent of computer bits) will make this possible. SpinQ, based in Shenzhen, already sells small educational quantum computers and is working on more advanced industrial models.

Editor’s Note: Quantum computing has long been a "future tech" promise, but SpinQ’s forecast suggests we’re closer than ever to real-world applications—think faster drug discovery, optimized logistics, or unbreakable encryption. If they’re right, this could kick off a race for dominance in a field that might reshape industries. For now, it’s a hopeful sign that the hype could soon turn into tangible breakthroughs.

Indonesia’s ambitious plan to build a futuristic "smart forest" capital in Borneo—once hailed as a sustainable urban marvel—has taken a dark turn. Instead of green innovation, the $28.5 billion project is now attracting prostitution, gambling, and widespread skepticism. Local leaders admit the city’s governance is struggling to rein in the chaos, casting doubt on whether this grand vision can survive under the new president, Prabowo Subianto.

Editor’s Note: Big, flashy infrastructure projects often promise transformation but can quickly spiral into dysfunction—especially when oversight is weak. This story isn’t just about a city gone wrong; it’s a cautionary tale about how unchecked corruption and poor planning can derail even the most well-intentioned ideas. For Indonesians, it’s a stark reminder of the gap between political promises and reality.

In Japan, Vietnamese mothers are finding strength and connection through online communities and local meetups. These networks offer everything from parenting tips to emotional support, helping them navigate the challenges of raising kids far from home.

Editor’s Note: Moving to a new country is tough, especially for parents juggling cultural differences and isolation. This story highlights how grassroots efforts—like these support groups—aren’t just filling gaps; they’re building a lifeline for families. It’s a reminder of how communities thrive when people look out for each other, no matter where they’re from.

Big Ocean, a groundbreaking K-pop group featuring deaf or hard-of-hearing members, is taking the world by storm. By blending Korean Sign Language with cutting-edge audio tech, members Lee Chan-yeon, Park Hyun-jin, and Kim Ji-seok are redefining inclusivity in music. Their debut track "Glow" has earned them global praise, even snagging a nod from Billboard—proving talent knows no barriers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another K-pop success story—it’s a cultural shift. Big Ocean’s rise challenges industry norms and shows how creativity can thrive when accessibility takes center stage. For fans, it’s a win; for the music world, it’s a wake-up call to embrace diversity in ways that actually resonate.