Chinese researchers set new world record for flat-top pulsed magnetic field

 

Researchers perform an engineering test in Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province on February 8, 2025. Photo: VCG

A Chinese research team has set a new record for a flat-top pulsed magnetic field (FTPMF) with a whopping 71.36 tesla, further consolidating the nation's international leadership in this field.

The achievement made on Friday by the research team led by Li Liang, a professor from the Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, surpassed the research team's own previous world record of a 64-tesla FTPMF set in 2018, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Sunday, citing a statement from the university. 

High magnetic fields are among the most critical extreme conditions in modern scientific experiments, offering unique opportunities for discovering new phenomena and uncovering fundamental laws. 

Researchers worldwide have been highly active in conducting experiments under high magnetic field conditions, creating numerous original and significant breakthroughs in fields such as physics, chemistry, materials science and biology. 

Flat-top pulsed magnetic fields represent a cutting-edge direction in high magnetic field technology. With the combination of the advantages of both steady and pulsed magnetic fields, they deliver high magnetic strength with sustained stability, enabling unique experimental conditions for research such as nuclear magnetic resonance. 

To overcome challenges in magnet structural stability and precise control of high currents under strong electromagnetic forces, the research team has achieved breakthroughs in both materials and control systems. As a result, they set a new world record with a 71.36-tesla flat-top pulsed magnetic field featuring high stability (0.39 percent stability over 12.11 milliseconds), surpassing the current international level by 19 percent. 

Tesla is the unit of magnetic induction or magnetic flux density. One tesla is equivalent to 20,000 times the Earth's magnetic induction. The stronger the magnetic induction, the greater its potential in applications. 

The high pulsed magnetic field experimental facility is a major national scientific infrastructure project developed by Huazhong University of Science and Technology. It provides experimental environments featuring strong magnetic fields, ultra-low temperatures and high static pressure. 

To date, researchers from over 141 universities and research institutes across over 30 countries and have completed more than 2,000 projects at the Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, China News Service reported. 

Among the five key indicators of high pulsed magnetic field facilities, the Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center ranks second in the world with a peak field strength of 94.88 tesla, and leads the world in terms of other key metrics such as flat-top magnetic field strength, pulse repetition rate, measurement precision and magnet lifespan, according to China News Service. - Global Times

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Powering down to keep the lights on

 

Sigh of relief: Habsah showing her electricity bill at her house in Gertak Sanggul. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

Many using less electricity as new tariffs loom

PETALING JAYA: Many consumers are taking steps to manage their electricity bills with the implementation of the new tariff structure by the government.

For example, many homeowners are considering having solar photo­voltaic (PV) systems installed on their roofs, while others are looking at the “Time of Use” scheme, which offers lower rates during off-peak hours, now defined as starting from 10pm to 2pm on weekdays, and the entire day on weekends.

Under the new tariff announced by the Energy Commission, domes­tic consumers using less than 1,000kWh (kilowatt-hours) per month will also continue to enjoy subsidies, effective yesterday.

ALSO READ: Brace for price hikes across the board, consumers told

In Johor Baru, sales operations executive Ereena Karen Lim Abdullah, 47, and her husband are thinking about rooftop PV.

“My husband and I are thinking of installing solar panels, but we are unsure whether it is possible to do so at our apartment,” she said, adding that she would raise the matter with the building management soon.

“I used to pay around RM100 for electricity monthly but it had crept up to RM150 even though it is just me and my husband living in our apartment without much changes to our routine.”

ALSO READ: ‘We may have no choice but to hike prices’

Events planning manager Evelyn Lee, 34, said she was hoping to apply for the newly expanded Time of Use (ToU) tariff as soon as possible since it matches her lifestyle.

“My husband and I are seldom at home during the day, so it’s perfect for us since we are typically home only by 10pm.

“We also like to spend our weekends at home together, just relaxing with our dogs with the air conditioning on, so it makes sense,” said Lee, who lives in Puchong.

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In Seremban, Tong Sim Old Folks Home secretary Jessie Chan said they had already been cutting back usage before the new tariffs.

“The 18 elderly and special needs folks at the centre have been told to cut down (on their use), resulting in our monthly bill going down slightly from the over RM400 previously,” she said.

Ramesh Patel, who runs the Vivekananda Home in Rembau, has also told the children under his care to start conserving.

“We went from switching on four lights throughout the night previously, to only one now to further reduce the monthly bill which totals about RM800.”

Retiree N. Manimaran from Perak said he would start consolidating his chores.

“We now do the laundry only once every two days, while clothes are ironed once per week. I’m also cutting down the hours the air conditioner is on from six to four,” said the 67-year-old.

Father-of-four Wan Fahmi Ahmad said getting his household to change their habits would be difficult as they do not know how the new tariff structure would affect their bill.

“We are used to using around 1,500kWh to 2,000kWh, and paying over RM1,000 every month, so convincing them will be hard, especially if our bill increases only by a small amount,” the 51-year old pilot said.

Wan Fahmi, who lives in Putrajaya, added that he would consider the ToU scheme if his bill spiked significantly.

Likewise, Halimatul Abdul Adib, 42, is also adopting a wait-and-see stance.

“I don’t think I will see any significant rise in my bill, though I will wait for a few billing cycles so I can make a better comparison before doing anything.”

In George Town, pensioner Habsah Sulaiman, 70, said the new tariff helped her family.

“I usually use under 300kWh a month or an average of RM150, so it is good that the government is keeping the subsidy,” said Habsah, who lives with her son and his family, including three children.

Technician Kevin Wang, 26, said while the new tariff would support efforts to reduce carbon emissions, affordability remains a key concern.

“I am all for a greener future. But any transition must be gradual, especially for middle-income families like mine.

“The government or utility providers can introduce targeted rebates or energy-efficiency incen­­tives to ease the impact.”

The Light Hotel general manager Raj Kumar said it was too early to predict whether the new tariff would impact room rates.

“We are also actively exploring cost-saving measures such as solar PV,” he said, while stressing the importance of finding a balanced solution that protects both consumers and businesses.

“It is a tough time for everyone, and we do not believe in simply passing every cost to the customer,” Raj said.

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Of AI, calculators and learning maths

 

WHILE teaching mathematics in two countries, Malaysia and China, I have noticed that the way students master this subject is deeply influenced by their own educational culture and assessment systems.

Scientific calculators and artificial intelligence (AI) are now part and parcel of the learning process. However, the students’ approaches to using these tools are still firmly rooted in the foundational values shaped by their respective systems.

In Malaysia, the use of scientific calculators is a standard practice among students at the upper secondary level.

Students are allowed to use them for mathematics and additional mathematics papers in the SPM exams, especially for questions involving trigonometry, logarithms or statistical calculations.

They do speed up calculations and minimise errors, but overly relying on them can sometimes lead to weaker mastery of basic computational skills and reduced understanding of the core mathematical concepts.

Teaching foundation students at Xi’an International University in China under the Universiti Malaya (UM) offshore programme revealed a very different learning system.

Many students there had never used scientific calculators before.

As they were preparing to pursue their undergraduate studies at UM, I made them use the calculators during lectures and assessments.

They were hesitant at first, but I could see their excitement when they tried to use the device.

Nevertheless, most of them continued to solve problems, such as multiplication, square roots and trigonometric expressions, manually and did so with remarkable speed and precision.

This comfort with manual computation stemmed from their early training and a system that actively reinforces such skills.

One of the main reasons for this is China’s national university entrance exam, Gaokao. Known for its intensity and competitiveness, Gaokao strictly prohibits the use of calculators in the mathematics paper. This policy is intentional; it aims to assess a student’s genuine computational skills, ensure fairness across all regions and backgrounds, and encourage deep mastery of mathematical principles without relying on technology. As a result, Chinese students are trained from young to memorise formulas and solve problems manually.

The outcome is a generation of students who possess strong fundamental skills and a high level of confidence when tackling complex problems using logical and structured steps.

Despite these systemic differences, global developments continue to impact both countries. Students in Malaysia and China are now turning to Ai-powered apps such as CHATGPT, Deepseek, Symbolab, and Photomath, and are becoming increasingly dependent on Ai-generated solutions without fully engaging with the problem-solving process.

To address this, I apply a simple yet effective approach in my classroom. Students are required to answer the questions using their own reasoning first before they are allowed to check or verify their answers using AI.

This approach trains them to think critically, assess their own solutions, and compare them with the output provided by AI tools. It also builds confidence in their conceptual understanding.

What I find most encouraging is how students respond when their answers differ from the Ai-generated ones. On several occasions, I have heard them say confidently, “I think my answer is correct. The AI is wrong.” To me, this is a clear indicator of authentic learning.

These students are not simply replicating solutions; they have internalised the logic, are able to explain their reasoning, and are not afraid to challenge the authority of a machine when they believe in their own understanding.

I fully support the integration of AI as a learning tool, but I also believe that solving problems manually and conceptual mastery of the subject – in this case mathematics – must remain the foundation of education.

Technology should enhance students’ learning but not replace their ability to think.

FATIN NABILA ABD LATIFF Senior lecturer Mathematics Division Centre for Foundation Studies in Science Universiti Malaya

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Tuesday, July 1, 2025 App launched to keep Internet up to speed

 

Improvements underway: Fahmi visiting the site of the Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at the PICCA @ Butterworth Arena. — Bernama

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Is your Internet keeping up to speed?

Download the Nexus app and check.

The app will then provide data to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and any telco that fails to deliver satisfactory service will face action.

The Nexus app, available for download by Android users, will enable MCMC to investigate and study the quality of Internet service throughout the route, said Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

“We have changed the mandatory standards on quality of service, MSQOS, to 10 Mbps,” the Communications Minister said.

“During a test, we found that from the Penang International Convention, Cultural and Arts Centre (PICCA) to the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) in Kubang Semang, the Internet speed is about 90-100mbps.

“To download and upload, it is about 20-30 Mb

“This is satisfactory.

“However, I have asked MCMC to make use of the data set from the Nexus app to identify locations that need to be improved,” he said during a press conference at Yayasan Aman here yesterday.

He said he had also asked MCMC to follow up with technical discussions with all telcos to see what technical aspects can be used to ensure that there is no disruption to the quality of service, especially when it changes from 4G to 5G.

Earlier, Fahmi paid a courtesy visit to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar before attending the main committee meeting for the Malaysia Day 2025 celebration there.

Fahmi said over 5,000 visitors are expected at the national-level celebrations in Penang on Sept 16, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the guest of honour.

The event will be held at PICCA @ Butterworth Arena and will be broadcast live across all official media and online platforms.

The celebration, themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, will feature various community-level events.

Also expected to attend the celebrations are Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Fahmi also said his ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa has been instructed to explore mechanisms for channelling funds to the Malaysian Media Council, which is currently in the process of forming its inaugural committee.

“I have asked the secretary- general to determine the most effective way to ensure that the planned funding can be properly channelled to the Media Council,” he said.

He also visited the Safe Internet Campaign, which involved hearing-impaired students from SMK Pendidikan Khas Bumbong Lima.

A total of 18 special education students with hearing impairments were given exposure to cybersecurity awareness and the ethical and responsible use of the Internet.

Three accompanying teachers acted as facilitators to ensure the smooth delivery of information to the student

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AIIB sets a stellar new example for international multilateral cooperation

 

Photo: AIIB

 
The 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Board of Governors was held in Beijing from Tuesday to Thursday. Looking back over the past decade, the AIIB has, amid growing global development challenges, have focused on connectivity, advanced open cooperation, and upheld multilateralism, thus effectively advancing sustainable development at both regional and global levels. Looking ahead, the AIIB will take this meeting as an opportunity to clarify the next strategic focus of development, further build consensus on cooperation, and inject the power of development, openness and cooperation into a world of changes and chaos.

When the AIIB was launched, President Xi Jinping called for making it "a new type of professional, efficient, and clean multilateral development bank." Over the past decade, the AIIB has maintained international, rule-based, and high-standard operations, embarked on a path with high starting point, high-quality development, and high-level cooperation, and pioneered a new model for global financial governance. 

The number of AIIB members grew from 57 to 110, covering 81 percent of the world's population and 65 percent of global GDP. It has approved over 300 projects with a total approved financing exceeding $60 billion, and has mobilized over $200 billion in capital, benefiting 38 members in Asia and beyond. It has consistently maintained the highest AAA credit rating from the three major international rating agencies, and has issued bonds in 20 currencies, raising over $54 billion in financing. 

The AIIB's remarkable achievements can be largely attributed to its unwavering commitment to multilateralism, operating in accordance with international rules, and upholding high standards. Robert Zoellick, former president of the World Bank, once noted that the AIIB has set a good example in the world in terms of governance, transparency, international standards and cooperation.

According to its latest partnership report, as of the end of 2024, the AIIB had co-financed 131 of its more than 300 projects with other multilateral development banks, demonstrating the AIIB's open-minded approach in pooling development synergy and its significant leading and promoting role in strengthening international multilateral cooperation. It has renewed memoranda of understanding with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank. It actively participates in relevant mechanisms of the G20, contributing the "AIIB approach" to global financial governance. It attends the ASEAN Summit to expand cooperation dimensions with regional organizations and jointly build a regional connectivity network. Faced with the urgent need to close the global infrastructure construction gap, the AIIB adheres to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, playing a crucial role in mobilizing development resources and reducing the risks of redundant investments.

Currently, as the world economy is facing growth challenges, and the international economic and trade landscape is undergoing major changes, the AIIB, with projects as its carrier and development as its orientation, continuously responds to the urgent needs of its members, especially developing member countries, injecting momentum into their common development. 

In Egypt, the Alexandria Abu Qir Metro Line Project has alleviated urban congestion, reduced carbon emissions, and benefited the travel of hundreds of thousands of people. In Uzbekistan, the Bukhara Region Water Supply and Sanitation Phase II Project has improved the water supply system and optimized public health services. In the Maldives, the Solar Power Generation and Battery Energy Storage Project has facilitated the green transformation of the energy structure. Each tangible and perceptible project that the AIIB is involved in reflects the solid steps taken in deepening and solidifying multilateral development cooperation. As Sri Mulyani Indrawati, governor of the AIIB and Indonesian Minister of Finance, noted, over the past 10 years, the AIIB has accumulated sufficient expertise and experience, and it is not just an emerging bank but has also become a driving force for global development.

As a founding member, key shareholder, headquarters host country and development partner of the AIIB, China has consistently supported its development and expansion. China has collaborated with the AIIB to implement a batch of high-quality projects and proactively shared China's development experiences with developing members. It has made donations to the AIIB's Project Preparation Special Fund and Concessional Financing Fund, providing support within its capacity to low-income members. With the aim to promote the AIIB's new development under the new circumstances, China advocates that the AIIB should provide greater support to members in enhancing their development capabilities, expand international dialogue, exchanges, and collaboration on a broader scale, and better leverage its role as a new-type multilateral platform.

At a critical juncture for deepening global development cooperation, the AIIB, standing at a new starting point, should make even greater achievements. China is willing to work with all parties to jointly support the AIIB in achieving continuous new development, and making new and greater contributions to promoting infrastructure connectivity and sustainable development and to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

This article was originally published on the third page of the People's Daily on June 28, 2025.

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Hypocrisy in nuclear order

 

 

ON June 25, the Iranian Parliament voted to cut ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This unprecedented move followed a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, an act widely attributed to Israel and the United States.

 The decision signals a deep rupture in the already fragile global nuclear order. What makes this moment so alarming is not just the geopolitical tension it fuels but also the glaring double standards it exposes.

 For years, Iran has been a party to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons or NPT.

 In line with its legal obligations, it has allowed IAEA inspectors into its nuclear facilities and consistently stated at the United Nations and elsewhere that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

 Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have repeatedly declared nuclear weapons as haram (forbidden) under Islamic principles because they cause indiscriminate destruction.

 And yet, despite signing the NPT and cooperating with global watchdogs, Iran continues to face harsh sanctions, diplomatic isolation and now physical sabotage due to its nuclear programme.

 Meanwhile, Israel, long believed to possess a nuclear arsenal, has never signed the NPT. Its nuclear programme remains beyond scrutiny, its facilities are not inspected and it faces no international sanctions or IAEA investigations.

 This nuclear opacity is tolerated, if not tacitly encouraged, by Western powers that claim to uphold non-proliferation principles.

Let’s ask the hard question: Which of these two countries poses a greater risk to international peace and security?

 Iran has not initiated a war in modern history. Israel has launched military operations across its region, from Lebanon and Syria to Gaza and Iraq.

 Iran’s nuclear programme is monitored; Israel’s is not. Yet, it is Iran that is painted as the threat.

 If Iran eventually withdraws from the NPT and begins developing nuclear weapons, the blame will not lie with it alone. It must be shared by those who weaponised the non-proliferation regime to target some states while shielding others.

 This hypocrisy corrodes the integrity of international law. The NPT is built on three pillars – non-proliferation, disarmament, and the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy.

 Yet, nuclear-armed states have not disarmed, and non-nuclear states like Iran are punished even when they comply.

 There is a way forward, one that demands honesty and universal responsibility. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), adopted by the UN in 2017, offers a path towards a world free of nuclear weapons. But none of the major nuclear powers have joined it. Instead, they cling to arsenals that they deny others.

 Nuclear weapons are not tools of peace; they are instruments of mass death. As long as some states are allowed to keep them, the world will continue to move closer to catastrophe.

 If we are serious about peace, then no country should be above the law. And the only sustainable global security is one without nuclear weapons, not one built on nuclear privilege.

 BY PROF DR MOHAMMAD NAQIB EISHAN JAN Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws International Islamic University Malaysia

 

New bank tax backlash, Financial access at risk: Fomca

 

Govt urged to revise service tax on industry to not burden public

While basic banking services are exempt from the 8% service tax starting July 1, trade and consumer groups are unhappy that it has been imposed on other fee-based transactions. They warn of added burden on firms and customers.

Ahead of the implementation of service tax on financial services on July 1, groups have voiced concerns, saying that this is likely to drive up costs for businesses and the regular people.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said ordinary Malaysians would be the most impacted by the 8% service tax on fee-based financial services.

Indrani said the small charges may seem as a trivial amount but it is a huge sum when multiplied by the millions of transactions.

“When Malaysian banks are riding on massive profits and control trillions in assets, why should struggling consumers be asked to chip in more.

“This is taxing basic financial access, not luxury,” said Indrani.

Indrani called on Bank Negara Malaysia and the Finance Ministry to immediately review this new ruling.

“The principle of consumer fairness must be upheld,” said Indrani, adding that banks should absorb part of this tax, especially on low value and high-volume services.

Indrani also said consumer groups should be given the space to scrutinise every fee schedule so that banks should be held accountable and thereby prevent opportunistic fee hikes disguised as tax adjustments.

“If this goes ahead unchecked, the government can expect deeper financial exclusion, rising household debt and widening inequality,” she said.

Fomca secretary-general Saravanan Thambirajah said the announcement by Putrajaya raises concerns for everyday consumers on how this would affect their financial service experience.

“In real terms, this tax means that consumers will see higher charges for many common services offered by banks.

“Even services used by small businesses and self-employed individuals such as overdraft facilities, bank guarantees and remittance services are likely to be affected,” said Saravanan.

Saravanan also said there is a concern that this move would set a precedent for banks to gradually increase fees under the guise of tax compliance.

“Once consumers grow accustomed to higher charges, more subtle fee revisions should be introduced over time,” said Saravanan.

SME Association of Malaysia national president Chin Chee Seong said as the 8% service tax rate predominantly affects commission-based financial services, SMES are likely to see an increase in cost of doing business.

Chin said businesses are already bracing for the SST on commercial rental and leasing services, barring which rental costs have already increased by 20%-30% from a year ago.

“On top of that, they will also be dealing with the mandatory 2% Employees Provident Fund contribution for foreign workers and the restructuring of electricity tariff.

“The cost of doing business is getting higher and higher. It will definitely affect our cashflow. It doesn’t look good for the industry and the economy,” Chin said.

“If all of these are coming together, how are we going to plan our next few months especially as we have passed the midterm. It is going to be tougher for us to do business,” Chin added.

Chin said there has to be more clarity on certain aspects of the tax system for instance on the RM500,000 threshold on taxable financial services.

“Items such as luxurious items, (imported) fruits, I think that is clear cut and they can go ahead. But when it comes to financial services such as leasing and rental, I think that should be deferred first,” he said.

“The government should understand that we are not against their policies but these policies must be more considerate of the difficulties of doing business. The cost of doing business is high while consumer spending is low,” Chin said.

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