Cathay Pacific pay rise, China’s mind-reading machine and a ‘mistress’ scandal — SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week
- From China’s mind-reading machine to Cathay Pacific’s pay rise, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
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.
1. Chinese scientists build mind-reading machine that turns thought into Mandarin
Chinese researchers say they have developed the first mind-reading machine capable of turning human thought into spoken Mandarin. Advances in brain-computer interface technology have already led to machines that can articulate brief phrases in English and Japanese from recordings of brain activity, but the unique challenges of Mandarin have so far been beyond their capability.
2. Hong Kong accused of ignoring asylum seeker’s food, shelter needs
Nermen Amer, 41, arrived in Hong Kong with her four daughters in October 2022 after fleeing their home in Egypt. She said they were detained at the airport upon arrival and released into the city three days later on recognisance, but without humanitarian assistance. Amer approached the Social Welfare Department for food and shelter in March but was given only two packets of biscuits. “They have been made extremely destitute and desperate,” a spokesman from the NGO Refugee Union said.