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Zhejiang University presented the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings to the University of Oxford and held an overseas promotion event at the University of Cambridge

Published

2 months ago

September 16, 2024

On the morning of June 7, 2024 (local time), Zhejiang University held a ceremony to present the “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings” to the University of Oxford at the Bahari Seminar Room in Oxford. Attendees included Mamtimyn Sunuodula, Head of the Bodleian Libraries’ East Asia Section at the University of Oxford; Tian Yuan Tan, Shaw Professor of Chinese at the University of Oxford; Chu Chaofu, President of Zhejiang University Press; Huang Chen, Deputy Director of the CADAL Project Management Center; Jin Jiali, Deputy Secretary-General of CADAL; Academician Yang Yuliang, Director of the Ancient Book Preservation Institute at Fudan University; Yang Guanghui, Deputy Director of Fudan University Library; Sui Jun, Director of the Ancient Books Department at Fudan University Library; Zhou Xinping, Director of the East Asian Library at the University of California, Berkeley; and Sim Chuin Peng, Deputy Director of the National University of Singapore Library and Head of the Collection Management and Preservation Cluster, along with other faculty and students.

In his speech, President Chu Chaofu remarked that art and culture have always served as important bridges for communication between different civilizations, providing rich evidence and a broader perspective for understanding the evolution of human civilization. He expressed his hope to engage in discussions with the attending guests on how to further utilize the “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings” to foster a deeper, broader, and more comprehensive understanding of Chinese art and culture through closer exchanges and cooperation.

Director Mamtimyn Sunuodula expressed heartfelt gratitude to Zhejiang University for the book donation and apologized on behalf of the University of Oxford’s Chinese art scholars and representatives from publishing institutions who were unable to attend due to other commitments. He expressed great anticipation for future visits from the Zhejiang University team to further discussions on collaboration and exchange. He also noted that the image of Qiu Ying’s Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival displayed in the “Collection” was printed with exceptional clarity, making it a valuable reference for studying the painting and calligraphy market in Suzhou during the Ming Dynasty and Suzhou cultural scenes. He believed that adding the “Collection” to Oxford’s library would enrich the university’s art book resources, and they would promote the project within Oxford’s Chinese community.

As the academic representative for the University of Oxford at the event, Professor Tian Yuan Tan thanked Zhejiang University for donating this valuable set of books to Oxford. He emphasized the “Collection’s” significance for research in fields such as history, transnational studies, and translation studies and expressed confidence that Oxford’s faculty and students would make full use of the resources for learning and research.

Following the speeches, President Chu Chaofu formally presented the books to Director Mamtimyn Sunuodula on behalf of Zhejiang University.

Compiled and published by Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage, the “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings” includes 12,405 pieces (or sets) of ancient Chinese paintings on various materials such as paper, silk (including brocade and damask), and hemp, sourced from 263 cultural and museum institutions worldwide. Of these, 9,155 pieces (or sets) are from domestic collections, while 3,250 are from international collections, covering most of the surviving “national treasure” level masterpieces. The publication consists of A Comprehensive Collection of from Pre-Qin Period to Tang Dynasty Paintings, A Comprehensive Collection of Song Dynasty Paintings, A Comprehensive Collection of Yuan Dynasty Paintings, A Comprehensive Collection of Ming Dynasty Paintings, and A Comprehensive Collection of Qing Dynasty Paintings, totaling 62 volumes in 232 books. This is the most comprehensive collection of high-quality works in similar publications, and it is the largest in scale in terms of Chinese painting image archives published to date.

On the afternoon of June 5, the 40th anniversary celebration of Zhejiang University Press and the overseas promotion event for the “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings” was held at St. Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge. Attendees included Henning Sirringhaus, Fellow of the Royal Society and Professor at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge; Frances Wood, renowned Sinologist, historian, former Head of the Chinese Section at the British Library, and recipient of the Special Book Award of China; Zhang Hongxing, Senior Curator and Senior Researcher of Chinese Collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A); Mei Jianjun, Director of the Needham Research Institute, University of Cambridge; Yu Rong, artist and Director of the Jiangnan Culture International Communication Research Center at Soochow University; Chu Chaofu, President and Editor-in-Chief of Zhejiang University Press; and Zhao Feng, Dean of the School of Art and Archaeology at Zhejiang University.

After watching the promotional video of the “Collection” in both Chinese and English, President Chu Chaofu introduced the development of Zhejiang University and highlighted the achievements of Zhejiang University Press over the past 40 years in areas such as international collaboration, high-end art publications, cultural and artistic books, humanities and social sciences publications, specialty book brands, cross-cultural exchange publications, science and technology publishing, textbook production, academic journals, and international publishing service platforms. He expressed that Zhejiang University Press is eager to use the “Collection” as a bridge to collaborate with all friends who care about and appreciate Chinese culture, to explore and share the beautiful knowledge and experiences of human civilization.

Following this, the attendees exchanged ideas on the publication standards, academic value, overseas promotion of the “Collection,” as well as issues related to the import and export of Chinese books. Professor Henning Sirringhaus praised the exquisite printing quality of the “Collection,” noting that the high-definition, life-size images bring the ancient paintings to life. Mr. Zhang Hongxing emphasized that this collection holds great significance for both the cultural heritage sector and scholars of ancient Chinese painting. He pointed out that compared to similar painting catalogs such as The Comprehensive Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Paintings compiled by Suzuki Kei’s team in Japan and those published by the Taipei Palace Museum, the “Collection” is remarkable for balancing comprehensiveness and image quality, making it a groundbreaking and epoch-making compilation of Chinese paintings. Additionally, due to its vast content, the “Collection” also serves as a foundational resource for non-artistic and interdisciplinary studies. Director Mei Jianjun added that some works in the “Collection” can reflect the relationship between ancient Chinese painting and the history of Chinese science and technology, opening up numerous potential research topics. Ms. Frances Wood reminisced about her early experiences studying Chinese art, noting the difficulties scholars faced when researching painting images in the past. She expressed that the “Collection,” which incorporates advanced digital technology and offers a large number of high-definition images, greatly facilitates academic research and serves as an invaluable learning tool. Lastly, the attendees offered suggestions regarding the export and promotion of Chinese books, with Ms. Yu Rong sharing her thoughts on the overseas promotion of Chinese art books and their role in children’s education.

Zhejiang University Press aims to become a world-class university press and contributes to the construction of world-class disciplines and universities through international publishing efforts. In recent years, Zhejiang University Press has been a national leader in international cooperation, maintaining partnerships with over 200 publishing companies in more than 30 countries and regions. Its signature book series, “Qizhen Books,” has seen works such as Rumors in the Han Dynasty and Early Modern Chinese Economy: The Yangtze Delta in the 1820s introduced and published in English by Cambridge University Press. The 40th anniversary celebration of Zhejiang University Press and the overseas promotion event for the “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings” have further advanced the press’s international efforts and the global dissemination of the “Collection” project.

News

Hot Farm Initiates IPO Preparations, Attracting Global Capital for the World’s First Virtual Farming Platform

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Prime Star

Hot Farm Group Limited has recently garnered significant attention in the capital markets due to its unique, innovative model and impressive market performance. The company has announced preparations for an IPO, drawing strong interest from investors worldwide. Although the specific listing timeline and location have yet to be confirmed, industry analysts widely anticipate that Hot Farm, as a pioneer in blending virtual agriculture with the digital economy, will make a substantial impact upon entering the stock market.

Since its inception, Hot Farm has established a virtual farming ecosystem that integrates planting, management, and trading, leveraging its GameFi technology to push beyond the boundaries of traditional farming games. This innovative digital ecosystem is designed to create value for a global user base. According to industry insights, Hot Farm’s solid market foundation and expanding user community make it well-positioned for an initial public offering, further attracting the attention of the global capital markets.

In its steady progress toward an IPO, Hot Farm has emphasized its commitment to prioritizing technological innovation and enhancing user experience. The platform maintains a user-centric approach, aiming to provide a more interactive and diversified virtual farming experience for users worldwide. As part of its IPO roadmap, Hot Farm plans to increase investment in cutting-edge technologies, including GameFi and Web 3.0, laying a strong foundation for future market expansion and IPO performance. Simultaneously, the platform intends to extend its reach into the physical agriculture sector, leveraging both online and offline integration to offer users a more diverse range of products.

Industry experts suggest that if Hot Farm goes public, it will become the first platform to connect virtual farming with the capital markets, a milestone with transformative implications for both the finance and technology sectors. Hot Farm’s potential IPO could attract additional capital and resources to the virtual farming and related industries, further accelerating the global pace of digital agriculture. However, while the initial concept of virtual farming has generated widespread interest, Hot Farm still faces the challenge of sustaining platform uniqueness, user growth, and ongoing technological innovation in a competitive landscape.

As part of its IPO preparations, Hot Farm is also strengthening its market competitiveness and risk management capabilities. The company has announced plans to further refine its internal governance and risk control systems to ensure a stable and mature profile upon listing. Additionally, Hot Farm intends to gradually bring in more strategic partners, optimizing resources and market advantages to drive the ongoing growth of its virtual farming initiatives worldwide.

With Hot Farm’s IPO preparations well underway, market anticipation surrounding this innovative platform continues to build. The potential success of Hot Farm’s public listing and its ability to lead the digital agriculture trend in the capital markets is a development to watch on the global stage.

News

The U.S. Election Heats Up: How Will Global Asset Trends Change with Market Pricing for a Trump Victory?

Published

3 weeks ago

November 1, 2024

Prime Star

Since October, Trump has surged in the polls, leading to a rapid shift in global market sentiment. Trading strategies are gradually switching to bets on the election outcome. As the U.S. election enters its final showdown phase, the market seems to be picking up increasingly clear signals, with “smart money” significantly pricing in a tilt towards Trump.

The market is placing real bets on a Trump victory.

On Tuesday, shares of the well-known “Trump-related stock,” Trump Media Group, surged another 8.76% following a 21.59% increase on Monday, bringing the total rise since October to 220.54%. Additionally, the KBW Regional Banking Index has risen by 10% over the past month, significantly outpacing the broader market, reflecting the market’s strong confidence in Trump-related assets.

The U.S. dollar and Treasury yields are also showing signs of the “Trump trade.” Currently, the dollar index has surged to the 104-105 range, rising for the fourth consecutive week, putting pressure on non-U.S. currencies. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury has rebounded from previous lows to 4.24%, an increase of 48 basis points since the end of September.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin has become one of the core assets of the “Trump trade” due to Trump’s support for cryptocurrencies. On October 30, Bitcoin broke through the $73,000 mark for the first time in seven months, just 0.2% away from its all-time high. Data shows that since October, U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs have attracted over $3 billion in net inflows, indicating strong institutional buying.

Total Net Inflows for Bitcoin Spot ETFs

In recent weeks, the strengthening dollar, rising Treasury yields, and the strong performance of the banking and cryptocurrency sectors—these direct “Trump-related stocks”—have shown robust gains. The market is betting real money on the expectation that Trump will win.

Impact of Trump’s Election on Major Asset Prices

As the U.S. election intensifies, expectations for Trump’s victory are growing, prompting the market to bet on the potential impacts of his policies on different asset classes. The economic effects of Trump’s policies could lead to stark differentiation among major assets, altering the global economic landscape.

Strengthening Dollar
Trump’s policy proposals include raising tariffs and cutting taxes, which are expected to increase inflation expectations. This could make the Federal Reserve more cautious about lowering interest rates, thereby supporting a stronger dollar. Currently, the U.S. economic fundamentals are robust, particularly with high employment rates and moderate inflation, providing strong support for the dollar. It is anticipated that the dollar will continue to strengthen in the global foreign exchange market.
Cyclical and Technology Sectors Likely to Dominate U.S. Stocks
The market is generally optimistic about Trump’s potential boost to U.S. stocks. With a relatively strong U.S. economy, Trump’s emphasis on tax cuts and deregulation is expected to enhance corporate profits and consumer spending. The cyclical and technology sectors are likely to be key focuses for investors. Supported by macro factors such as fiscal expansion, strong demand in the AI sector, and global capital reallocation, the medium to long-term outlook for U.S. stocks appears more attractive.

Historically, U.S. stocks tend to rise in election years. For example, after Trump’s victory in the 2016 election, expansionary policies led to a rapid rebound in the S&P 500, providing a historical reference for this year’s U.S. stock trends.

Commodity Demand May Face Adjustments
Compared to the Democrats, the Republican energy policy tends to support traditional energy industries. Trump’s election could lead to a relaxation of restrictions on fossil fuels, promoting the expansion of the oil and gas industry, which might suppress oil prices in the medium to long-term. The likelihood of escalating tensions in the Middle East has diminished, and expectations of declining oil demand due to a slowing global economy could lead to short-term fluctuations and weakness in oil prices.

Meanwhile, the gold market has continued to strengthen at high levels, having already incorporated significant safe-haven and anti-inflation demand within the framework of Trump’s policies. This has somewhat diverged from the fundamental support levels based on the dollar and real interest rates. If uncertainty decreases after the election, gold prices may face downward pressure.

Bitcoin Set for a New Bull Run
The cycle of this year’s U.S. election closely aligns with the cycle of Bitcoin. Trump’s favorable stance toward the crypto market, along with his deep involvement in various crypto activities and related products, has generated excitement, especially his declaration to “make Bitcoin a strategic reserve for the U.S.” A Trump victory would be highly beneficial for the crypto space, leading to a new bull run for Bitcoin, and the influence of crypto assets in the global market is expected to reach new heights.

Conclusion
The current “Trump trade” is profoundly affecting global asset pricing. Regardless of the final outcome of the election, the global market will face an unprecedented opportunity for asset revaluation.

As an official partner of the Argentina national team, eeee.com offers trading services for over 600 assets, including cryptocurrencies, commodities, stocks, and indices. The platform also supports financial products with annualized returns of up to 5.5%, allowing users to invest easily with just a click while holding USDT. Additionally, the 4E platform has a $100 million risk protection fund, adding an extra layer of security for users’ funds. With 4E, investors can stay updated on U.S. election market dynamics, adjust their strategies flexibly, and seize every potential opportunity.

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UQPAY Becomes a Principal Member of Mastercard for Enhanced Merchant Acquiring

Published

1 month ago

October 21, 2024

Prime Star

A New Milestone for UQPAY

UQPAY is proud to announce its recent approval as a Principal Member of Mastercard for acquiring business, marking a significant milestone in our journey to enhance digital payment solutions globally. This prestigious status not only underscores UQPAY’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service and security in the financial industry, but also positions us at the forefront of payment innovations.

As a Principal Member of Mastercard, UQPAY will now be able to directly acquire merchants and provide them with access to Mastercard’s global payment network. This direct relationship enhances our ability to offer tailored, flexible payment solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses in Singapore. Merchants partnering with UQPAY can look forward to a range of benefits that will transform their transaction capabilities and open new opportunities for growth.

Benefits for Merchants

Enhanced Payment Security: Leveraging Mastercard’s cutting-edge security technologies, UQPAY will offer merchants robust protection against fraud and payment disruptions, ensuring that every transaction is secure.
Global Reach, Local Service: Through Mastercard’s international network, merchants can effortlessly reach overseas customers while enjoying localized support from UQPAY. This dual advantage is crucial for businesses aiming to grow without borders.
Customized Payment Solutions: UQPAY’s newfound status as a Principal Member allows for more flexible and innovative payment solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of our merchants. Whether it’s simplifying mobile payments or integrating multi-currency transactions, UQPAY is equipped to handle it all.
Streamlined Operations: Merchants will benefit from streamlined operations and reduced processing times, making it easier than ever to manage their finances and improve cash flow.
Expert Insights and Support: UQPAY’s dedicated team of payment experts is committed to supporting merchants in navigating the complexities of global commerce. Our team will provide insights, advice, and continuous support tailored to help businesses thrive.

A Future of Possibilities

This collaboration between UQPAY and Mastercard represents more than just a business advancement. It signifies a leap towards the future of commerce, where efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction are paramount. We are excited to embark on this journey, enhancing the payment experiences of our merchants and their customers around the globe.

For current and prospective merchants, this development means access to a world-class payment infrastructure backed by the trust and reliability of Mastercard. We invite businesses of all sizes to join us in reaping the benefits of this new era of payment solutions.

Stay connected with UQPAY as we continue to innovate and lead in the delivery of premier digital payment solutions. Together, we are setting new standards in the world of transactions, paving the way for a seamless, secure, and prosperous future for all our partners.

ABOUT UQPAY:

Grow Your Business Borderlessly
UQPAY is a one-stop global digital payment solution provider headquartered in Singapore, with branches in multiple locations worldwide. Since 2017, UQPAY has been delivering seamlessly integrated, one-stop solutions designed for global application, adhering to the highest industry standards for security. UQPAY holds several financial licenses, including the Major Payment Institution (MPI) License issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Money Services Business (MSB) license in the United States. Additionally, UQPAY is a member of the Singapore FinTech Association and has been recognized as one of Singapore’s Top 500 Most Successful SMEs.

Contact UQPAY
UQPAY Website: https://uqpay.com/
UQPAY Twitter: https://x.com/UQPAYSG
UQPAY PTE. LTD.
9 North Buona Vista Drive, #02-01, Metropolis Tower 1, Singapore 138588
Phone: +65 8328 0868