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In an interview, Zeng Panchi, a former soldier and now a local expert in agricultural machinery, shared his journey from military service to becoming a leader in rural development in Xin’an Village, Long’an County, Liuzhou, Guangxi.

It’s mid-autumn, and the golden fields are ready for harvest. Zeng, the chairman of the Fanchao Agricultural Machinery Cooperative, was seen inspecting the ripeness of the rice in the fields, having recently been listed as one of the “local experts” in agricultural machinery for 2024.

Reflecting on his childhood, Zeng recalled standing by the field at just 9 years old, mesmerized as he watched his father plow the land with a tiller—a moment that left a deep imprint on him. After enlisting in the military in 2009, Zeng earned multiple honors, including third-class merit and accolades for being an outstanding soldier. Upon returning home in 2014, he found the family’s farming equipment in disrepair and decided to invest in a track-type tractor. That same year, he founded the cooperative, determined to carve out a niche in the agricultural machinery sector.

To overcome his limited agricultural knowledge, Zeng took advantage of resources like the China Agricultural Technology Promotion app, where he accessed “machinery classes” on his phone. He also actively participated in various agricultural machinery expos, consistently expanding his understanding.

His dedication paid off in 2022 when he competed in the Guangxi Agricultural Skills Competition, earning the titles of “Guangxi Skilled Craftsman” and “Ba Gui Farmer,” alongside securing first place in the machinery repair category. He went on to achieve the 13th position in the national agricultural competition in 2022 and was awarded the “National Agricultural Technical Ability” title in 2023, as well as the Guangxi May Day Labor Medal.

Determined to share his knowledge, Zeng provided free training for eight machinery operators from Liuzhou preparing for the upcoming Guangxi Agricultural Skills Competition. Pan Xinmiao, deputy director of the Liuzhou Agricultural Machinery Center, noted, “The night before the competition, he diligently explained the key aspects of machinery repair, resulting in the Liuzhou team winning first place in the group competition, with two individual operators placing in the top three.”

Zeng emphasized the importance of practical learning, saying, “When planting kumquats, we need to dig proper drainage ditches; for passion fruits, we must create ridges; and while cultivating rice, we must ensure that the machinery does not break the water retention layer.” He mentioned that he continuously reflects on his experiences and values the feedback from local farmers.

To bolster the cooperative’s income, he leads members to regions like Hainan, Zhejiang, and cities within Guangxi, such as Yulin and Guigang, for seasonal jobs that include rice harvesting and pest control.

Over six years, the cooperative has flourished, achieving annual service income of 2.3 million yuan with a diverse fleet of 39 agricultural machines. They have established a small rice seedling factory, a seedling mechanization production line, and facilities for germination control, grain drying, equipment repair, and steel-framework greenhouses.

Under the guidance of higher agricultural machinery authorities, Zeng’s cooperative has taken on projects to promote full mechanical rice production, serving as a hub for testing new machinery, technology promotion, training, and development—thus extending the rice industry chain and improving production efficiency.

Today, Zeng aims to enhance the cooperative further, helping more villagers increase their income and contributing to rural revitalization. As he put it, “The mechanization of rice production is on the right track, and in the future, I plan to expand our scale while shifting focus to providing socialized machinery services, ensuring that local farmers can thrive.”

In an interview, Professor Chen Lai, the Director of the Institute of Sinology and a Philosophy professor at Tsinghua University, emphasized the enduring significance of Zhuzi culture as an elaboration and advancement of Confucian and Mencian thought. He noted, “From Confucius in the Eastern Zhou to Zhu Xi in the Southern Song, we see a rich tradition of philosophical development that continues to resonate today.”

Located in YX County, Sanming City, Fujian Province, YX is recognized as the birthplace of Zhu Xi and is often referred to as the “Pearl of Central Fujian” with a history spanning over a thousand years. In recent years, YX County has effectively leveraged its resources related to Zhu Xi’s heritage. Initiatives such as the restoration of Zhu Xi’s historical sites, the promotion of Zhuzi culture, and the development of a Zhuzi brand have not only helped in preserving traditional culture but also cultivated a civilized local ethos. The county is evolving into a “Zhuzi Cultural City” characterized by a commitment to education, understanding principles, prosperous commerce, and social harmony, thereby enhancing its international profile.

桂峰村, known as “the Mountain Retreat for Reason,” is one of the key sources and transmitters of Zhuzi’s philosophy. During the Southern Song Dynasty, Cai Yuanding, a prominent disciple of Zhu Xi, taught here, and the village embraced him as a cultural mentor, orienting itself towards a tradition that values agricultural heritage and reverence for loyalty and filial piety.

This legacy has led to a thriving community in 桂峰 Village, particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, resulting in the construction of numerous uniquely designed traditional homes. In 2007, with its well-preserved ancient village ambiance, 桂峰 Village was recognized as one of China’s historical and cultural villages, spurring growth in its tourism sector.

Eight years later, the village welcomed its first tertiary road, allowing it to ride the wave of full-scale tourism development. 桂峰 now offers various cultural tourism projects, including Zhuzi-themed educational tours, the Autumn Sun Festival, and the Rose Valley, paving the way for a rural revitalization strategy that integrates culture with industry.

To attract more visitors to this historic home of Zhu Xi, YX County has accelerated infrastructure development, beginning in 2018 with the construction of ten tourism roads that directly connect major attractions and transit hubs to the core markets of Fuzhou and Xiamen.

According to local officials, the county has implemented the “General Plan for the Ecological Protection Zone of Zhuzi Culture (2022-2035),” which includes the establishment of major cultural projects such as Dali Park, Ziyang Park, and the Ten-Mile Zhuzi Cultural Corridor. Furthermore, it has created the country’s first intangible cultural heritage display and experience center dedicated to Zhuzi culture. YX County is actively working to forge a city renowned for its unique regional characteristics and profound cultural heritage grounded in Neo-Confucianism.

To share Zhuzi culture with the world, YX County has enacted various measures, including hosting the Kao Ting Forum, establishing a Zhuzi Cultural Research Association, erecting a statue of Zhu Xi, and reconstructing the Nankxi Academy. These efforts are complemented by substantial research and publication on Zhuzi’s teachings.

In addition, the county has tailored its branding to feature Zhuzi culture, promoting it in rural areas, schools, and communities while organizing study trips and cultural tours. They’ve also launched the “Xi Bao” IP and other derivative products aimed at fully disseminating Zhuzi culture.

Adapting to the trends of the new media era, YX County has developed a series of short videos titled “Humans Should be Confucians,” detailing Zhu Xi’s life and the essence of Zhuzi thought. These videos have been broadcast on various platforms, totaling 100 episodes with over five million views.

As autumn unfolds, Sanming is experiencing a resurgence of interest in Zhuzi culture. Citizens eagerly participate in cultural events, and visitors flock to the Nankxi Academy, Ziyang Park, and the Zhuzi Cultural Corridor. Zhuzi-themed cultural products, such as the Wen Gong pen holder and Tian Guang Yun Ying inkstone, are now widely available in tourism venues.

Lü Xing, a professor at Nankai University, remarked that these initiatives effectively showcase the local culture of YX, enhancing the city’s recognition. “This not only allows scholars from around the globe to deepen their understanding of Zhu Xi’s homeland, but it also opens up broader platforms for Zhuzi culture, promoting tourism and attracting more visitors and investment, ultimately fostering overall prosperity.”

As of now, YX County in Sanming City has registered 36 trademarks related to “Zhuzi” and 44 for “Zhuzi’s Hometown.” From establishing a robust heritage protection system to enhancing promotional activities and developing cultural tourism brands, Sanming is continuously driving the creative transformation and innovative development of Zhuzi culture.

On October 25, in the Nierong County of Naqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region, the deep processing of livestock products is emerging as a new engine for increasing the income and wealth of local herders. During our visit, we observed tourists exploring the product display area of the Gaque Ecological Animal Husbandry Development Co., Ltd.

The scene was vibrant, with one worker diligently tending to the yogurt production line, showcasing the hands-on approach to modern agricultural practices that are being embraced in the region. This is just one example of how the industry is adapting and evolving to meet consumer demands.

The transformation is evident not only in the production facilities but also in the broader community, where the ecological farm has become a focal point for innovation and economic growth. It’s clear that the integration of deep processing techniques in livestock farming is not just a trend; it represents a sustainable path forward for the herding communities in Tibet.

How do you see the role of local businesses like Gaque Ecological in shaping the future of agriculture in this region? What impact does this have on the livelihoods of herders?

It’s great to finally meet you!

What is Yan’an like through the eyes of journalists?

In late October, Yan’an, Shaanxi, was ablaze with autumn colors. On October 20th, over a hundred media editors, journalists, and influencers participated in the online thematic promotion titled “Promoting the Yan’an Spirit and Advancing in a Great Era.” With a profound sense of respect, they visited the historic revolutionary sites of Yan’an, exploring artifacts and photographs that invoke the memories of history and capture the charm of this sacred place.

At the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, the journalists were deeply moved by the historical images, revolutionary artifacts, and red stories that comprehensively showcase the glorious history of how the CPC Central Committee and pioneer revolutionaries, including Mao Zedong, integrated the fundamental principles of Marxism with the specific practices of the Chinese revolution, leading the national revolution to victory in Yan’an.

Not far from the Memorial Hall stands the prominent Qingliang Mountain Revolutionary Site. During the Anti-Japanese War and the Liberation War, Qingliang Mountain was home to the Central Party Newspaper Committee, Xinhua News Agency, Liberation Daily, Yan’an Xinhua Broadcasting Station, Central Publishing Department, Central Printing Plant, and Border Area People’s Newspaper. This is why Qingliang Mountain is often referred to as the “Mountain of Red Journalism.” The journalists paid their respects to the locations where pioneers of journalism once worked and fought.

“Here, one can almost hear the sounds of former news pioneers feverishly writing, feeling their relentless spirit in the pursuit of truth and justice,” said Zhou Sheng, a reporter from Guizhou Radio and Television Station. He expressed how Qingliang Mountain is the birthplace of broadcasting and television journalism in New China, witnessing the monumental revolutionary era and feeling inspired by the dedication and responsibility of journalists.

Zhao Xu, a reporter from Qinghai News Network, shared, “Our predecessors recorded so much brilliant news under incredibly difficult conditions. As a journalist in this new era, I feel proud of the development of journalism in our country. I need to learn from their spirit, leveraging today’s multimedia platforms to create more substantial news pieces that resonate with the times.”

As the group stood atop Qingliang Mountain, taking in the new face of Yan’an, many reporters expressed their awe, saying, “Finally, we are in Yan’an!”

“The name ‘Yan’an’ is etched in the DNA of every Chinese person. Visiting here today feels like watching ideals come to life,” noted Dan Feng from Jiangsu Radio and Television Station. She noted that her initial impression of Yan’an was not the “endless yellow sands” depicted in history books, but instead found it to be surrounded by lush mountains and waters, with ginkgo trees turning golden in October, invoking a sense of familiarity.

“In my mind, Yan’an represents an ancient elder standing at the forefront of history,” added Dai Kailin from Zhejiang Online. As a revolutionary holy site, Yan’an embodies invaluable spiritual wealth, particularly the Yan’an Spirit. While her previous thoughts centered around textbooks and red songs, standing on Qingliang Mountain offered a fresh perspective.

“Yan’an has not only red relics but also a clean, tidy, green environment, and delicious apples. I will accompany the interview group to walk in the footsteps of our predecessors, experiencing the new atmosphere of this city,” said Dai Kailin.

The journalists expressed admiration:

“Rice grown on these Loess Plateaus rivals that from Northeast China.”

In the golden season of October, the fragrance of rice wafted through Nan Niwan. After passing through the fragrant gates of the rice fields, the journalists arrived at Nan Niwan National Wetland Park, where the sounds of insects and birds filled the air amidst the rolling waves of rice fields, showcasing a bountiful harvest.

On October 21st, the media interview team for “Promoting the Yan’an Spirit and Advancing in a Great Era” visited Nan Niwan, a place representing the Chinese nation’s spirit of self-reliance and hard work. They donned rubber boots and wielded sickles to experience the joy of rice harvesting.

Entering the rice planting area of Nan Niwan, the journalists witnessed expansive golden fields where large harvesters busily worked, filling their bins with heavy rice ears. After trying their hand at rice harvesting, many journalists posed for photos with their freshly cut rice stalks.

After savoring the steamed rice made from Nan Niwan’s rice, Xu Nuo from Northeast Net said, “Being here today, I truly experienced the beauty and charm of Nan Niwan. During our interviews, I learned that they have collaborated with Beidahuang Group to promote new varieties and advanced technology, giving this revolutionary old district a new industrial identity, allowing people in Yan’an to enjoy rice that rivals even that of Northeast China.”

The high-quality rice fields in Nan Niwan, located in the core area, hold over 70 years of history. In the early 1940s, the Eighth Route Army’s 120th Division, 359th Brigade, settled in Nan Niwan, initiating the famous production movement focused on rice cultivation. They constructed dams and irrigation systems, eventually tilting the rice-growing area to 7,000 acres, and southern Nan Niwan rice was once renowned both within and beyond the province. However, due to high labor intensity, low returns, and insufficient water sources, the rice-planting area gradually diminished over the years, shrinking to merely over 300 acres at the lowest point.

Since the establishment of the Nan Niwan Development Zone Management Committee, efforts to revive the rice industry and recreate “the good Jiangnan of Shaanxi” have included a collaboration with Beidahuang Group. This partnership has led to the construction of a thousand-acre premium rice production base, introducing high-quality Northeast rice varieties and advanced planting management techniques, which serve as a demonstration for the development of the rice industry in Nan Niwan.

In 2024, the rice planting area in Nan Niwan will reach 1,000 acres, with an expected yield of over 600 kilograms per acre, resulting in an annual production of 500,000 kilograms of rice. Additionally, a comprehensive rice-fish cultivation project is being implemented, using a rice-fish integrated breeding model and manual weeding to develop circular agriculture, producing organic rice and achieving an annual output value of 2 million yuan.

“These rice fields were cultivated and produced by the old warriors of the 359th Brigade. The spirit of ‘self-reliance leads to abundance’ lives on, and we must pass on, protect, and promote this spirit,” said Liu Lang, General Manager of Yan’an Nan Niwan (Group) Agricultural Co., Ltd.

On October 24, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency (GUR) announced that North Korean troops have arrived in the combat zone of Russia’s Kursk region. This statement coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambiguous acknowledgment of these deployments, as he emphasized the serious nature of the cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

The news has raised questions about the potential benefits for North Korea in sending its troops to Russia. CNN notes that this military intervention marks a significant moment, showcasing a reclusive regime, heavily sanctioned, making an impact in a major international conflict—a scenario not seen in decades.

North Korea boasts an army of approximately 1.2 million personnel, ranking as the fourth largest globally; however, many of its troops lack real combat experience. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s involvement in the conflict could provide numerous advantages, including battlefield experience, technical training, and insights into the operational realities of weaponry.

Carl Schuster, former director of operations at the U.S. Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, remarked, “The special forces will return with hands-on experience in infiltrating combat scenarios against vigilant adversaries, making them a more formidable threat.” He further speculated that Kim Jong-un’s decision to send troops might be driven by a desire to secure essential resources for maintaining his regime and possibly leverage those experiences should conflict arise on the Korean Peninsula.

Retired South Korean Army General In-Bum Chun echoed this sentiment in an interview with CNN, stating that Russian forces would gain much-needed manpower, while North Korea would benefit from “money, technology, and experience.”

Experts emphasize that North Korea is dispatching elite units rather than conventional forces, and if they achieve success on the battlefield in Ukraine, they could not only gain firsthand experience but also international recognition. There is concern that this might lead to North Korea developing a reputation as a base for training well-equipped soldiers, posing a significant challenge for global security.

On October 18, reporters learned from the Shaanxi Hanzhong Red-crowned Crane National Nature Reserve that the management bureau recently successfully conducted a fish stocking initiative along five tributaries of the Han River, including the Yishui River and the Tangshui River. More than twenty stocking sites were established, resulting in the release of a total of 400,000 crucian carp fry.

This initiative comes in response to a period of sustained high temperatures and significantly reduced rainfall in the Hanzhong area this autumn. These conditions have adversely affected the wetland resources that wild red-crowned cranes rely on for foraging, leading to increased challenges in their feeding behavior and fluctuations in their group stability.

The primary goal of this stocking activity is to mitigate the negative impacts of weather conditions on crane foraging. By enhancing aquatic biodiversity, the initiative aims to improve the habitat environment for the cranes and promote the recovery and stability of surrounding ecosystems.

Looking ahead, the management bureau of the Shaanxi Hanzhong Red-crowned Crane National Nature Reserve plans to closely monitor and scientifically evaluate the outcomes of this stocking effort. This will provide valuable data and insights to support future fish stocking initiatives.

On October 23, after a strike that has lasted for a month and a half, Boeing engineers voted on a proposed four-year contract that included a 35% pay raise. The results revealed that 64% of the members rejected the proposal, signaling that this costly strike will continue.

According to The Hill, the compromise rejected by the engineers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), also included a one-time signing bonus of $7,000 and improvements to retirement benefits. ABC News reported that initially, the workers were seeking a cumulative pay raise of 40%. The newly presented proposal urged the company to contribute to employees’ 401(k) accounts, while the labor force called for the reinstatement of a previously well-defined pension that the company had cut, which management rejected.

IAM represents approximately 33,000 employees in Washington State, Oregon, and California. The union has stated that the strike will continue, with further negotiations planned with the company.

Jon Holden, president of IAM District 751, and Brandon Bryant, president of IAM District W24, jointly expressed that a company that perpetually mistreats its workers will inevitably face consequences. Unfortunately, they noted that Boeing has been withholding from employees for the past ten years, a situation that cannot be resolved quickly or easily. Nonetheless, the union is committed to negotiating in good faith until they can secure a deal that workers believe compensates for what the company has taken from them.

Just hours before the vote, Boeing reported a staggering quarterly loss of $6.1 billion, primarily due to costs associated with the ongoing strike.

In a letter to investors that same day, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg highlighted the significant challenges ahead, stating, “We are facing some heavy stones that must be cleared for the company to move forward.” He emphasized that addressing the strike is the top priority and that management is eager to find a solution that works for both the company and its employees.

Both the company and its workers have been enduring severe financial losses throughout this nearly six-week-long strike.

Since the third week of the strike, union members have been receiving $250 weekly from the strike fund, which for many employees represents a significant pay cut.

Mid-level employees involved in the strike typically earn about $20 per hour, totaling $800 for a 40-hour workweek, while higher-tier union members can earn around $100,000 annually, or nearly $2,000 per week.

Investment bank TD Cowen reported that the strike is costing Boeing approximately $108 million in lost revenue each day. If it continues for 50 days, the losses could amount to $5.5 billion. As of now, the strike has reached its 41st day.

Max Verstappen responded firmly to criticisms of his driving style after a contentious finish to the US Grand Prix. The Red Bull racer addressed McLaren’s complaints head-on during what is becoming an increasingly charged rivalry between the two teams, as Verstappen competes with McLaren’s Lando Norris for the championship title.

During the race in Austin, Charles Leclerc took a dominant victory for Ferrari, but McLaren was left frustrated when Norris attempted to overtake Verstappen for third place. In the process, Verstappen pushed him wide, leading to Norris receiving a five-second penalty from the stewards. Although Norris initially claimed the position on the track, he ultimately dropped back to fourth due to the penalty, falling further behind Verstappen, who now leads him by 57 points with just five races remaining.

Norris criticized the stewards for what he perceived as a rushed decision, while McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella expressed strong discontent, arguing that intervention was unnecessary since both drivers had gone off track.

Verstappen, however, dismissed these accusations as baseless and rooted in the heat of battle for the championship. “They’ve been complaining a lot lately,” he remarked. “But the rules are clear: if you’re outside the white line, you can’t pass. I’ve been penalized for that in the past as well.”

Prior to the race weekend, McLaren had raised concerns about a device on the Red Bull that could potentially modify the car’s front bib during parc fermé conditions—a point Verstappen referenced when discussing McLaren’s grievances. This back-and-forth isn’t isolated; previously, Red Bull had questioned McLaren’s possible use of a flexing rear wing following the Baku Grand Prix.

In the final ten laps of the race, Norris and Verstappen battled fiercely. The incident escalated at turn 12 when Norris tried to pass Verstappen, who was marginally ahead at the apex—a critical factor according to the regulations. McLaren contended that Verstappen intentionally braked late to push Norris off the track, disrupting a legal overtaking maneuver.

Stella elaborated on McLaren’s perspective, claiming they reviewed the incident multiple times and believed Verstappen was strategically exploiting the regulations. “The defending car goes straight at the apex,” he commented. “Both cars end up off track, and both are gaining an advantage. If there was an advantage gained, it was at least neutral.”

Norris described the penalty that cost him five crucial points as “a momentum killer,” and he predicted that discussions surrounding the incident and the interpretation of the rules would continue as the teams head to Mexico for the next race.

Earlier in the race, Mercedes’ George Russell also incurred a penalty at the same corner for pushing Valtteri Bottas wide during an overtaking attempt. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called the ruling a “joke.” Yuki Tsunoda faced similar punishment for pushing Alex Albon wide, yet Verstappen’s earlier maneuver against Norris at turn one went unpunished. “He didn’t get a penalty, and Lando ended up getting one for being forced off track and attempting to overtake on the outside,” Wolff remarked. “It seems there’s some biased decision-making at play.”

At Brixton Underground station, a new mural titled “Three Women,” created by Turner Prize nominee Claudette Johnson, has just been unveiled. This marks Johnson’s first public artwork, following a series of murals by various artists that have been displayed at the station as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Art on the Underground initiative, which has been active since 2018. This program aims to reflect the rich history of local murals created in the area during the 1980s.

“I draw inspiration from Picasso’s 1907 painting, Les Demoiselles D’Avignon,” Johnson explained. “I am fascinated by the power that emanates from these postures, stemming from my longstanding interest in women, power, and how we reclaim space in areas where we have been neglected or misrepresented.”

Known for her large-scale drawings of Black women created through various media, Johnson is also recognized as a founding member of the BLK Art Group. “Three Women” is crafted as a triptych and serves as a continuation of themes she explored in her earlier piece, “Trilogy.”

Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground, expressed hopes that this mural “will be enjoyed by millions.” She emphasized, “Claudette Johnson’s bold triptych honors the Black female experience while pushing the boundaries of contemporary muralism at Brixton station. Johnson’s work combines monumental scale with a deep intimacy that invites viewers to connect with her subjects.”

Currently, some of Johnson’s artwork is showcased in The Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain, where it stands alongside works by fellow nominees Pio Abad, Jasleen Kaur, and Delaine Le Bas. The winner of the prize will be announced on December 3, 2024, during a ceremony at Tate Britain.

Previous artists featured in the Art on the Underground project at Brixton station include Denzil Forrester, Joy Labinjo, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Interested viewers can also catch highlights from BBC Radio London through the Sounds app, and stay updated with the latest from BBC London on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram. If you have story ideas, you can reach out at [email protected].

In recent discussions surrounding university evaluations, a troubling trend has emerged, particularly regarding students like Zhang Tong, a junior at a university where comprehensive assessment scores play a crucial role in determining qualifications for graduate school recommendations. Students can earn additional points for awards in national or international competitions, which has led to an increasingly competitive environment. Zhang noticed that his peers were boosting their scores by participating in what are known as “water competitions”—events that offer high award rates for minimal effort.

“I realized everyone was looking for ways to stand out since the scores were so close,” Zhang explained. A quick search on social media took him to a platform that advertised various competitions, which led him to pay a 60 yuan fee to enter an English vocabulary competition labeled as an “international contest.” He received a third-place certificate just five days later, which conveniently contributed to his comprehensive score.

The concept of comprehensive assessment has become prevalent at many universities, serving as a yardstick for awards, scholarships, and graduate school recommendations. This increased emphasis on scores has prompted organizations to exploit the system by promoting low-credibility competitions with high success rates. Participants can win awards simply by paying a small entry fee and submitting minimal effort, often without any rigorous examination or scrutiny.

Experts in the field have raised concerns about the proliferation of these competitions, warning that they undermine the integrity and educational value of legitimate contests. “These events have turned into mere showcases of formality,” one expert stated, highlighting the potential negative impact on students’ academic integrity and fostering a sense of impatience and short-sightedness among them. The consensus is that regulatory measures must be strengthened to improve competition quality, and institutions should emphasize the importance of academic honesty to students to ensure they recognize the educational value of participation, rather than just the number of awards.

Another graduate student, Ning Meng, echoed these sentiments of frustration: “It feels like a race to join every kind of competition out there.” She shared that several classmates were also opting to enter competitions that sounded prestigious but required only a nominal fee for a place and boasted an overwhelming success rate. Such a culture has emerged at her university, driven by the pressure to attain high rankings for evaluations.

The trend of easily acquired awards has garnered widespread attention online, with students sharing their strategies for securing scholarships by merely participating in these competitions, which are often of questionable legitimacy. These competitions have been described as “water competitions,” a term used in the industry to denote events that are more about profit than academic integrity. Reports indicate that some events allow nearly all entrants to win awards, leading to an explosion of certificates that dilute the significance of true accomplishment.

One student, Li Lin, recounted his own experience with a “water competition.” He was surprised to find that the entries lacked any meaningful structure, as participants could easily register with no stringent requirements. “It felt more like buying a certificate than actually earning it through merit,” he shared, noting the simplicity of the exam questions and the lack of oversight during testing.

Further complicating the issue, some competitions are not only misleading but are organized under false pretenses that closely resemble legitimate events. Legal experts have pointed out that organizers of such events could face serious consequences, ranging from administrative penalties to civil liability, as they could infringe upon laws designed to prevent unfair competition.

As authorities continue to investigate these practices, students have expressed a shared concern regarding the integrity of their achievements. Many acknowledge that while the motivation to enhance their scores exists, engaging in competitions that lack substance does not foster authentic learning or meaningful growth.

Recognizing the need for structural reform, experts advocate for a clear demarcation between legitimate competitions and “water competitions.” They stress that students should focus on genuine learning experiences rather than merely accumulating accolades, urging that regulatory bodies work closely with educational institutions to establish stringent standards for academic contests.

Ultimately, it becomes clear that fostering a culture of honesty and genuine achievement will not only benefit students’ academic careers but will also preserve the integrity of educational competitions as a whole.