Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together

A direct flight route connecting Xi'an City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Malaysia's Penang was launched on Monday, marking a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two nations.

A group of 10 university students from Xi'an International Studies University and Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts were warmly welcomed upon arrival by the Chinese Consulate General in Penang and the Penang State government officials.

Upon landing at the Penang International Airport, the flight was greeted with the traditional "water salute", followed by a warm reception at the arrival hall.

Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin, and Ding Qiao, deputy consul general of China in Penang, posed for photos with the students.

As 2025 approached, the students joined tens of thousands of locals in a countdown celebration, with fireworks lighting up the night sky, heralding a year of hope and aspirations.

"We will be undertaking a one-month internship as assistant councilors in Penang State. As young Chinese people in the new era, we aim to use this opportunity to broaden our global perspectives, better tell China's stories, convey China's voice, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia," said Liu Hao, a graduate student at the School of Advanced Translation and Interpretation, Xi'an International Studies University.

The students, dressed in matching activewear, also participated in a New Year's Day city walk in George Town alongside local residents.

In the evening, they attended the Penang temple fair's lantern lighting ceremony and strolled through the beautifully decorated streets. The group also took photos with Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and Zhou Youbin, Chinese Consul-General in Penang.

Penang State and Shaanxi Province enjoy a strong friendship, exemplified by collaborative projects such as the Penang State Assistant Councilor Internship Program, the Silk Road (China-ASEAN) Model United Nations Conference, and the creation of mural paintings in the typical style of farmers in Shaanxi.

As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the partnership between the two countries is set to deepen, offering broader opportunities for China-Malaysia cooperation.

Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together

Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together

Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together

Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together

Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together

The world's first humanoid robot half-marathon, set to take place in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area next week, will offer a unique platform for robotics companies to test their creations in real-world conditions.

The robots will run a 21.0975-kilometer course alongside human runners, but in a separate lane divided by barriers or greenbelts for safety. Seven aid stations will be positioned along the route.

"The aid stations mainly support participating teams by providing battery replacements, safety equipment, and auxiliary tools," explained Wang Guolin, deputy head of the robot competition group.

Referees and support personnel will follow the robots throughout the race to address any unexpected issues.

While robots are usually evaluated in controlled settings, this half-marathon presents a unique opportunity for developers to test their capabilities in complex real-world scenarios.

"The robot marathon represents a marathon of technology and industry. The robots running on the track symbolize our pursuit of advancement in technology and industry," said Liang Liang, deputy director of the Management Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area.

The challenging half-marathon course requires robots to navigate long-distance bipedal walking or running, varied terrain, and potential unforeseen situations.

This demands a high level of performance in areas such as sensor accuracy, chip computing speed, and algorithmic intelligence.

Organizers noted that many of the participating robots were not designed for running and endurance, but this competition provides a platform for comprehensive testing.

"The race can evaluate robots' locomotion capabilities, stability, posture, energy efficiency, and control algorithms. We hope that through this exchange we can jointly promote the development of the embodied robotics industry," Wang said.

The participating robots have completed initial track tests and are now undergoing final preparations for the event.

Humanoid robots gear up for real-world test in half-marathon event