Sep
22
2026
Companies in the booming artificial-intelligence field have a massive appetite for the world’s purest aluminium materials, produced by an Australian firm in Queensland. Now set to expand to a facility 30 times the size of its current operation, Alpha HPA uses solvent extraction to produce ultra high-purity aluminium materials, undetectable levels of thorium and uranium.
Jun
27
2026
When the boys at Riverview College learn to conjugate Latin verbs, they are broadening and sharpening their minds, says the school’s deputy principal, teaching and learning, Lloyd Walker. “Cognitively, learning a second language sharpens analytical thinking, memory and perception in ways that carry across every area of study,” he says. “Beyond the academic, it builds …read more
Sep
30
2022
Russia’s aggressive cuts to natural gas exports and landmark US legislation have jointly boosted the global pursuit of carbon-free green hydrogen in recent months, firming a widespread resolve to find green hydrogen solutions to the climate change crisis. The US Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August, authorises US$369 billion in spending on energy security and climate …read more
Dec
10
2021
Three sleek and gleaming second-hand watches are presented on a simple tray for a customer’s perusal. Luxury, artisanal pieces, their value is astronomical – collectively worth just over $1 million and increasing by the day – elegant symbols of a world awash with Covid recovery cash with prices for prestige real estate, cars, jewels, art and …read more
Dec
9
2021
A slightly marked white sofa bed; a pair of cream-coloured patent leather shoes (size 40); boxes of N95 masks; bags of peanuts in the shell (‘no expiry date, consume at your own risk’), tiny rocks for a fish tank or plant pot – all free items recently listed on Hong Kong’s private Reduce Reuse Recycle …read more
Sep
13
2021
A diamond ring can signal joy, love, commitment and, maybe these days, environmental awareness. The global demand for ethically-sourced and environmentally-sound jewellery is steadily growing and big names, from the world-famous Tiffany brand to the massive Asia-based Chow Tai Fook group, have developed deep sustainable jewellery policies.
Aug
3
2021
Lung Lung Thun is one of the rare breed of women watch collectors. She researches the history of individual watches. She discusses watches, she understands watches and she buys watches – often larger men’s watches with complicated mechanical movements. She recently bought her first vintage Patek Philippe – the 3970 – a wildly expensive perpetual …read more
Jun
8
2021
Pineapple leaves, fungus fibres, sugarcane, cactus: all botanical elements used in the production of various kinds of plant-based leather. Inspired by the environmentally-sustainable thinking now sweeping the world, these so-called “vegan” leathers have become increasingly popular alternatives to hide leather.
Jul
26
2019
Sports loyalty drives passionate emotion in Japan. With the prestigious Rugby World Cup kicking off in Japan soon — and Japan playing Russia in the first match — fans will live through weeks of intense drama leading up to the final in November.
Sep
16
2017
A massive tsunami smashed into Japan in 2011, leaving a trail of rubble-strewn disaster, killing thousands, costing billions, and changing how the world thinks about nuclear power. Called from the deep, the black rock-tumbling monster flattened towns and villages, hurled cars high into buildings, and swept away great swaths of civilisation in a few minutes.