Strait of Hormuz Shipping at a Near Standstill as Iran Conflict Escalates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The vital Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil supplies, is experiencing a near-total disruption of shipping traffic following joint military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28th. The conflict, which included the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has prompted retaliatory attacks from Iran and raised fears of a wider regional war.

Traffic through the strait has plummeted from a pre-war average of 100 to 35 ships daily to just 89 vessels – including only 16 oil tankers – between March 1st and 15th, according to data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Last Saturday, ship passage dropped to zero for the first time on record.

The disruption is already impacting global energy markets, with oil prices surging above $100 a barrel. The strait carries approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply, making its closure a significant threat to the global economy.

Chinese analysts suggest that while U.S. airstrikes may have weakened Iran’s ability to fully blockade the strait, providing a military escort for oil tankers remains too risky in the short term due to the threat posed by drones and mines.

Multiple reports indicate the U.S. considered deploying ground troops to reopen the waterway, but military observers believe this would be insufficient without further, prolonged fighting. Around 20 ships in the region have been attacked since the conflict began, with Iran controlling the northern shore of the strait.

European nations and Japan have signaled their intention to join “appropriate efforts” to open the strait, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The situation remains volatile, and the long-term impact on global trade and energy security remains uncertain.

City University of Hong Kong’s DBA Program Bridges Theory and Practice for Senior Executives

HONG KONG – In an increasingly complex business landscape, the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is offering a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program designed to equip senior executives with the research skills and analytical insights needed to tackle real-world challenges. The program, meticulously structured to connect academic theory with practical application, has gained recognition for its rigorous standards and focus on impactful research.

Professor Muammer Ozer, Director of the DBA program, emphasizes the program’s appeal to leaders seeking a deeper understanding of complex issues than a traditional taught program might offer. “A PhD can feel too academic for someone who intends to stay in business, so the DBA stays close to practice while keeping doctoral rigour,” he says.

The program attracts executives grappling with issues like talent retention, leadership development, and the integration of artificial intelligence. A key tenet of the program is cohort diversity, ensuring discussions aren’t limited by the assumptions of a single industry. “We don’t want to see all the bankers or all the IT people,” Ozer explained. “Diversity” is key, with candidates tackling a range of problems.

The DBA program acknowledges the growing role of AI, but stresses the importance of critical thinking and original research. While AI can quickly generate plausible answers, Ozer points out it lacks the context of ongoing class discussions and individual research designs. “The hard part is no longer retrieval,” he says, emphasizing the need to link any AI-generated response back to a student’s specific research.

The program itself combines coursework with a substantial, practice-oriented thesis, typically completed over three to six years. Teaching is structured around weekend sessions, designed to respect the time commitments of working executives. Core methodology courses are delivered over the first two years, supported by workshops that continue throughout the thesis phase.

A unique aspect of the CityU DBA is its “spiral learning model,” where candidates receive regular feedback at each stage of their research, rather than waiting for a final assessment. This iterative approach, coupled with limited class sizes, allows for one-to-one supervision and ensures a high standard of quality.

Beyond the academic benefits, the program fosters a strong sense of community. Cohorts begin with a residential workshop outside of Hong Kong, designed to build relationships and trust. These connections often extend beyond graduation, leading to business partnerships and ongoing collaboration.

Ozer notes that graduates of the program are often highly visible in their fields, sharing their knowledge and contributing to both the business community and society at large. Some alumni even transition into consulting or teaching roles after retirement, driven by a desire to pass on their expertise to the next generation.

The CityU DBA program, as highlighted in the South China Morning Post, aims to cultivate not just qualified executives, but true knowledge creators.

China Doubles Down on Chip Ambitions in New Five-Year Plan

BEIJING – China’s leaders are signaling a renewed and forceful push for self-sufficiency in semiconductors, with the country’s latest five-year plan placing the chip industry at the heart of its technological future. The plan, currently under review during the annual “two sessions” political gathering, aims to bolster every stage of the semiconductor supply chain, from design and manufacturing to materials and talent development.

The emphasis comes as China seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign technology, particularly from the United States, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The draft plan makes repeated references to “integrated circuits” and “chips,” outlining ambitions to refine existing technologies and accelerate advancements in key areas.

“National policy direction and planning are very well designed,” said Chen Tianshi, founder and CEO of Beijing-based Cambricon Technologies, an artificial intelligence chipmaker, speaking on the sidelines of the parliamentary meetings last Thursday. Chen, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, emphasized the importance of focused execution by companies within the sector.

The plan specifically highlights the importance of mature-node technologies, advanced process capabilities, and the development of critical equipment, materials, and components. It also singles out wide-bandgap semiconductors – utilizing materials like silicon carbide and gallium nitride – and high-performance AI chips as priority areas for development.

Beyond technological advancements, the blueprint calls for strengthening academic programs and investing in talent training to ensure a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation. This holistic approach reflects a long-term commitment to establishing China as a global leader in the semiconductor industry.

Cambricon Technologies and Tongfu Microelectronics, a testing-and-packaging leader, are among the companies publicly endorsing the plan’s direction, signaling confidence in the government’s strategy and the potential for growth within the sector.

Hong Kong Bolsters Position as Global Education Hub

HONG KONG – Hong Kong is actively reinforcing its role as a leading international education destination, adapting to a changing landscape of student mobility and emphasizing practical, cross-border collaboration. Recent initiatives, highlighted by the successful Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, signal a strategic push to attract a more diverse student body and foster stronger partnerships with institutions worldwide.

The APAIE 2026 conference, which concluded recently, drew over 3,500 education leaders and professionals from 72 countries and regions, alongside more than 600 exhibiting organizations. The event served as a catalyst for forging new pathways for international student exchange, research collaboration, and innovation.

“When universities think and act together across borders, we can solve the world’s greatest challenges,” stated Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, during the conference, underscoring the importance of global partnerships in higher education.

The Hong Kong government, through the Education Bureau, the University Grants Committee (UGC), and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is backing this vision with significant investment. Universities are responding with programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for a globalized job market.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) led the hosting of APAIE 2026, with co-hosting support from the other seven UGC-funded universities. Professor Irwin King, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) of CUHK, emphasized Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area (GBA). “Hong Kong plays a leadership role in developing the infrastructure that turns opportunities into real careers and discoveries,” he said, noting the benefits of collaboration between government, industry, and universities.

This strategic advantage is further echoed by Professor Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University, who highlighted Hong Kong’s blend of international outlook and regional expertise in mainland China and East Asia, drawing parallels with Singapore’s strength in Southeast Asia. She believes this combination makes partnerships between Hong Kong and Singapore universities particularly impactful.

Universities are also focusing on immersive learning experiences. Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), for example, offers a “One University, Two Campuses” approach with its Zhuhai campus and curated study tours within the GBA, providing students with both comparative perspectives and practical experience. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) prioritizes student integration through programs like “Spark Global,” which offers a range of activities designed to enhance cultural understanding and build connections with local peers.

Students attending APAIE 2026 shared positive experiences. Shiven Garg, a PhD engineering student from India at CUHK, noted the value of industry connections facilitated by the university, allowing him to collaborate with robotics manufacturers in mainland China. Octavio Flores Orozco, a PhD candidate from Mexico at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), praised the campus support that helped him integrate into Hong Kong life, including Cantonese language courses and a welcoming campus environment.

Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen its international education hub status come as student mobility patterns shift globally. The city’s strategic location, combined with its commitment to innovation and collaboration, positions it to play a key role in shaping the future of higher education.