Chinese drone that ‘group chats’, Hong Kong’s ‘blinding’ NFT party, Pizza Hut puts snakes on a plate: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

From a Chinese drones engaging in ‘group chats’ to Pizza Hut putting snakes on a plate, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

SCMP Highlights

SCMP

Published: 12:00pm, 10 Nov 2023

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We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. 22 Hong Kong party-goers report severe eye pain, temporary blindness after NFT event

The number of party-goers at a non-fungible token (NFT) event in Hong Kong complaining of eye problems or even temporary blindness has risen to 22, with a doctor suspecting the condition was due to excessive exposure to UV light.

2. Chinese drones with ‘human brains’ tackle complex tasks through group chats

Communication strategies for drone swarms are typically designed to simulate bee and ant colonies, but the Chinese team has designed swarms with the ability to talk and collaborate like humans. Photo: Li Xuelong

A team of Chinese scientists has developed drones that can engage in “group chats” to discuss and assign tasks among themselves, much like human teams. The technology could be used to improve security patrols, disaster rescue and aerial logistics, the researchers said.

3. ‘Quaking in their boots’: Malaysians, Indonesians ditch brands over war in Gaza

Protesters shout slogans and wave Palestinian flags during a rally in Jakarta on Sunday. Photo: AP

“I’m swearing off Israeli products,” the 33-year-old homemaker in Indonesia said, proudly showing the list of goods and brands to be shunned, ranging from Head & Shoulders and Pringles to KFC and McDonald’s.

4. University of Hong Kong unseats Singapore’s top varsity in major Asia ranking

Hong Kong’s oldest university has unseated the leading varsity in Singapore and reclaimed second place in an influential league table for Asia, while mainland China’s Peking University has held onto the top spot for the second year in a row.

5. Jimmy Lai trial will show how ‘bad’ his actions were: Hong Kong security chief

Having spent nearly three years in custody, Jimmy Lai will stand trial at the High Court on December 18. Photo: AP

Hong Kong’s security minister Chris Tang Ping-keung expects the trial of media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to spark a fresh wave of smear campaigns against the city, but he was confident the open hearing will also reveal the extent of the “bad” crimes the Apple Daily founder had allegedly committed.

6. Chinese scientists claim anti-ageing breakthrough with spinal cord discovery

After seven years of research, Chinese scientists say they have identified a unique group of cells that contributes to the ageing process and might be mitigated with everyday vitamin C supplements.

7. Snakes on a plate: Pizza Hut Hong Kong collaboration that’s off the scales

Pizza Hut’s snake soup pizza, created in collaboration with heritage restaurant Ser Wong Fun, features the flavours and ingredients of snake soup on a pie. Photo: Charmaine Mok

For the winter season in Hong Kong, Pizza Hut has set internet tongues hissing with the launch of a unique snake soup pizza, created in collaboration with venerable snake soup restaurant Ser Wong Fun, which has been in the same family for four generations.