Latest news with #Cai
Online Citizen
a day ago
- General
- Online Citizen
Two found dead after fire breaks out in Toa Payoh flat on 22 July
SINGAPORE: Two people were found dead after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 on 22 July 2025, according to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). In a statement posted on Facebook, SCDF said it was alerted to the fire at about 7.30pm. When firefighters arrived, the living room of the second-floor unit was ablaze. Firefighters entered the smoke-filled flat and extinguished the flames using a water jet. According to the Singapore Police Force, firefighters discovered a man and a woman lying motionless inside. Both were brought out but were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic. As a result of the fire, three people from neighbouring units were assessed for smoke inhalation. They were conveyed to Singapore General Hospital for further treatment. Videos and images circulated on social media showed the unit's doorway shrouded in thick smoke while flames raged in the living room. Firefighters were seen braving the heavy smoke to reach the fire's source. According to a report by Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao, neighbours believed the flat was occupied by a pair of cousins and they reportedly had a habit of storing miscellaneous items in the unit. Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Cai Yinzhou, visited the site to check on residents' well-being. Three affected units have received temporary overnight accommodation arranged by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), according to Cai in an update on his Facebook page. The People's Association has mobilised resources to supply bedding and essentials for displaced residents. HDB engineers have been deployed to assess the block's structural safety. Town Council teams are progressively reinstating the electricity supply to affected units and common areas. Cleaning support will be offered to residents over the next few days. 'A few units, though relatively unaffected by the fire, have opted to seek alternative housing due to asthmatic and health concerns involving children and elderly residents,' Cai wrote. Grassroots leaders have engaged all affected households and exchanged contact details. A follow-up house visit will be arranged for residents next week, according to Cai. SCDF and police investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Euronews
2 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Chinese envoy touts prospects for EU-China business on eve of summit
Prospects for pragmatic China-EU cooperation remain broad, China's head of EU mission has written in an exclusive op-ed for Euronews, published on the eve of a delicate summit of leaders taking place in Beijing on Thursday. 'European businesses are finding ample space to expand in the Chinese market,' according to Ambassador Cai Run, the head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, in an op-ed that lists a string of investment and cooperation relations. In the piece, Cai trumpets that 'brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen derive over 30% of their global sales from the Chinese market, with profits in China reaching up to 30 times those earned in their domestic markets.' He claims that European products account for more than 30% and in some cases over 50% of China's total imports in sectors such as chemicals, optics, aerospace and aviation. Meanwhile Chinese corporate investment in Europe is listed at length. Cai namechecks the Pelješac Bridge project in Croatia; the Hungary-Serbia Railway, 'China's first high-speed rail project in Europe', and Piraeus Port in Greece. Of Piraeus, Cai claims in the op-ed that the project has created 4,300 direct local jobs and generated €1.4 billion in economic output, 'accounting for approximately 1% of Greece's GDP'. Response to climate change is a unifying factor - Chinese envoy Cai also touts cooperation through the China-EU Climate Change Partnership, saying China's electric vehicle and new energy battery industries 'have become key drivers of a new wave of investment in Europe, further strengthening the bonds of cooperation and injecting strong momentum into China-EU collaboration in the green and low-carbon sector.' On research Cai says the Chinese government is prioritizing the EU as a key partner, and 'remains committed to an open and innovation-driven policy, expanding international scientific and technological cooperation'. He also hails the Geographic Indications (GI) Agreement as China's 'first comprehensive and high-level bilateral agreement on GI protection, marking a milestone in China-EU cooperation on intellectual property rights.' Since its entry into force, he says, Zhouzhi kiwifruit and French champagne 'have entered each other's markets, helping preserve cultural and natural heritage and injecting new momentum into deeper China-EU collaboration.' Despite the envoy's optimistic tone, however, expectations for the outcome of Thursday's summit are muted, despite its coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Among the extensive list of friction points, two stand out: Beijing's "no-limits" partnership with Moscow and the trade imbalances caused by industrial overcapacity. In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the anniversary offered a chance to "properly handle frictions and differences, and open up a brighter future for China-EU relations". Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and António Costa, the president of the European Council, played into the momentum and committed themselves to "deepening our partnership with China". But since then the tide has shifted. Beijing's decision to restrict the export of rare earths, the metallic elements that are crucial for manufacturing advanced technologies, caused widespread alarm across European industry and earned a rebuke from von der Leyen herself. "China is using this quasi-monopoly not only as a bargaining chip, but also weaponising it to undermine competitors in key industries," she said at the G7 summit in June. "We all witnessed the cost and consequences of China's coercion." Beijing immediately hit back against the Commission chief, calling her speech "baseless" and "biased", but offered an olive branch to build a "win-win" partnership.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
China's little-known 'Underwear Hub' looks to expand global imprint
BEIJING: Shenhu, a little-known small town in Jinjiang, Fujian province, has struck gold by producing more than 20 per cent of the world's underwear. It has around 500 underwear companies and supporting factories that generate an annual output value exceeding 50 billion yuan (US$6.97 billion). More than ten million pieces are shipped to global markets daily, data from local authorities showed. "We used to be a fishing town, relying on the sea for livelihood. After the reform and opening-up, overseas Chinese relatives brought back foreign lingerie, which opened the eyes of Shenhu residents to new business opportunities. This led to a shift from a single maritime-based economy to a more diversified production and lifestyle," said Yang Huisu, executive vice-president of Jinjiang Shenhu Chamber of Commerce. Opened in 1989, Jinjiang Jiali Costume and Weaving Co produces underwear, socks and yoga wear such as leggings and sports bras that cover adults and children. Its annual revenue is about US$40 million. Cai Xinling, general manager of the company, said they handle the entire manufacturing process in-house, from fabric weaving, dyeing and printing to producing elastic bands, main fabrics and auxiliary materials. About 30 per cent of its orders come from the United States. Recent ones involved Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada as well. Male underwear sells at US$0.8 to US$1 each for US customers, while medium and high-end ones cost about US$1.8 to US$2.5, according to Cai. "This year, when US tariffs hit, both Shenhu township and Jinjiang city governments provided crucial support. They organised domestic giants like Anta and Xtep to visit export-oriented manufacturers like us to create opportunities in business cooperation in doing domestic trade," Cai said. "The government also mediated with banks to secure favourable loan terms for affected businesses." The company now focuses on developing functional fabrics, such as antibacterial and temperature-regulating ones, and innovating in products based on more tailored demands. "For example, the underwear we wear at the office and while exercising is different in fabric and function. For sports, we need moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, whereas for office wear, cotton remains the go-to choice. It's all about superior comfort," she said. Although it has shifted some of its business to the domestic market due to global uncertainties, Cai believes underwear remains an essential consumption. "With 90 per cent of Shenhu's capacity traditionally export-oriented, we're now bridging to domestic markets through government-led exhibitions and partnerships with local brands." The transformation reflects Shenhu's adaptive spirit: maintaining its supply chain superpower while strategically rebalancing markets, one stitch at a time. In 2004, Shenhu town was awarded the title of an "Underwear Hub of China". The complete industrial chain enables Shenhu's underwear manufacturers to source all materials for a single garment within just 30 minutes. "This fully integrated supply chain has not only boosted production efficiency but also ensured more stable output for the local industry," Yang from the chamber said. Flagship products of Fujian Jinjiang Shenhu Shengda Clothing Factory in the town include knitted underwear for men and women, supplemented by knitted vests, T-Shirts and thermal wear. Nian Xiaoxin, general manager of the factory, forecasts a more than 50 per cent growth in production and sales this year. "A notable market shift has seen major retailers and bulk purchasers increasingly bypass Hong Kong and Shanghai trading intermediaries to engage directly with manufacturers like us," he said. The factory also received orders from new customers such as the UK, Italy, Japan and South Korea. "Shenhu's most significant industrial advantage lies in its complete supply chain ecosystem. Virtually all upstream and downstream raw and auxiliary materials can be procured within the town on the same day. Moreover, our relatively large purchase volumes and direct supplier relationships give us considerable pricing advantages," he said. Nian remains optimistic about the future development prospects of Shenhu's lingerie industry. In the next five years, the town aims to further expand into European, South American and South-East Asian markets. It will collaborate with cross-border e-commerce platforms like Shein and TikTok to explore new production models. The industry also plans to shift its focus from exports to domestic sales to mitigate risks from international trade fluctuations, according to Yang. - China Daily/ANN
Sydney Morning Herald
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Perfect ‘Hollywood' teeth are making way for something more realistic
This story is part of the July 13 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. In many cultures, a gap between the front teeth is a sign of good fortune. If you have such a gap, then you're definitely in luck right now as natural-looking teeth are having a moment. According to Sydney cosmetic dentist Dr Michael Cai, dental aesthetics come in waves, just like fashion. 'In the '80s, Madonna had space between her front teeth, and Kate Moss in the '90s also had natural-looking teeth with gaps between them,' he says. 'The perfect Hollywood look was popular a few years ago as a status symbol, but there is a trend now towards a natural-looking smile and the 'anti-veneer' look. We have fewer clients looking for perfect white veneers and more clients looking for subtle enhancement.' In a nod to natural-looking teeth, translucent ceramic veneers that mimic real tooth enamel are on the rise. Dr Cai says, 'During smile makeover consultations, the aim is for clients to articulate their personality and character. The objective is to achieve a pleasant and attractive smile that appears natural, as if no cosmetic dentistry has been performed.' Cai is a big fan of White Lotus actor Aimee Lou Wood and her 'supersized smile'. In an interview with On Demand Entertainment, the British star said that her smile might have made it difficult for her to play a convincing American: 'No Americans have my teeth! I'd have to get veneers! It's the teeth that give us [British] away.' Keira Knightley is another British actor with a well-developed sense of humour about her slightly wonky teeth. For evidence, look no further than her appearance on The Graham Norton Show, where she used her teeth to tap out Cher's hit Believe in front of Cher herself. Pure gold. Other big names on our dental love list include Robert Pattinson, Cynthia Erivo, Melanie Lynskey and Princess Catherine. The best way to care for teeth, no matter their shape or size, is to brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and bacteria. 'Dental check-ups every six to 12 months are essential for early intervention and preventative care,' says Cai. 'Avoid aggressive brushing, which can lead to gum recession. 'Diet also plays a crucial role, so eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products and limit sugary food and drinks. Be mindful, too, of stain-inducing substances such as coffee, tea and red wine. And stay hydrated as this aids in naturally cleansing the mouth.'
The Age
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Perfect ‘Hollywood' teeth are making way for something more realistic
This story is part of the July 13 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. In many cultures, a gap between the front teeth is a sign of good fortune. If you have such a gap, then you're definitely in luck right now as natural-looking teeth are having a moment. According to Sydney cosmetic dentist Dr Michael Cai, dental aesthetics come in waves, just like fashion. 'In the '80s, Madonna had space between her front teeth, and Kate Moss in the '90s also had natural-looking teeth with gaps between them,' he says. 'The perfect Hollywood look was popular a few years ago as a status symbol, but there is a trend now towards a natural-looking smile and the 'anti-veneer' look. We have fewer clients looking for perfect white veneers and more clients looking for subtle enhancement.' In a nod to natural-looking teeth, translucent ceramic veneers that mimic real tooth enamel are on the rise. Dr Cai says, 'During smile makeover consultations, the aim is for clients to articulate their personality and character. The objective is to achieve a pleasant and attractive smile that appears natural, as if no cosmetic dentistry has been performed.' Cai is a big fan of White Lotus actor Aimee Lou Wood and her 'supersized smile'. In an interview with On Demand Entertainment, the British star said that her smile might have made it difficult for her to play a convincing American: 'No Americans have my teeth! I'd have to get veneers! It's the teeth that give us [British] away.' Keira Knightley is another British actor with a well-developed sense of humour about her slightly wonky teeth. For evidence, look no further than her appearance on The Graham Norton Show, where she used her teeth to tap out Cher's hit Believe in front of Cher herself. Pure gold. Other big names on our dental love list include Robert Pattinson, Cynthia Erivo, Melanie Lynskey and Princess Catherine. The best way to care for teeth, no matter their shape or size, is to brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and bacteria. 'Dental check-ups every six to 12 months are essential for early intervention and preventative care,' says Cai. 'Avoid aggressive brushing, which can lead to gum recession. 'Diet also plays a crucial role, so eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products and limit sugary food and drinks. Be mindful, too, of stain-inducing substances such as coffee, tea and red wine. And stay hydrated as this aids in naturally cleansing the mouth.'
