Moscow Metro, World’s Longest Circular Metro Line, Celebrates 90 Years of Operation

Established in 1935, the Moscow Metro has grown into one of the world’s largest urban transit networks, spanning over 550 kilometers and serving more than 8 million passengers daily. Its 90th anniversary is marked by historical exhibitions and continued advancements in digital transport technology.

MOSCOW, May 23 (Bernama) — The Moscow Metro has reached its 90th year of operation, marking a significant milestone for one of the world’s largest and longest-running urban transit systems. Since its inauguration in 1935, the system has expanded to cover over 550 kilometers of track, with 302 stations, serving an average of 8 million passenger trips per weekday.

Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry, said, “The opening of the Metro in 1935 was a historic event for our capital and the entire country. Even then, decades ago, the workers and builders set the highest standards for passenger service. Today, in line with the goals set by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, we continue to uphold that standard. More than 65,000 people are currently employed by the Moscow Metro. They not only help serve millions of passengers every day, but also work hard to earn the continued trust of Muscovites, so that each journey leaves a positive impression. I want to thank every employee for their dedication and wish them continued success.”

Initially launched with a single line spanning 11.5 kilometers and 13 stations, the Moscow Metro has expanded steadily over the past nine decades. In 2024 alone, the system transported 2.7 billion passengers.

Modernization has been a continuous process. Today, more than 75% of trains are newly developed models equipped with features such as automated speed control, open gangways, and updated safety systems. These advancements enable high-frequency operations, with intervals as short as 90 seconds during peak hours.

The system has also implemented digital ticketing solutions, including smart cards, virtual ticket options, and biometric payments, now used in the majority of daily trips. These technologies aim to streamline passenger flow and improve accessibility.

To mark the anniversary, a series of events and exhibitions were organized in the city, highlighting both the history and evolution of the metro system. Public displays featured restored early-generation trains and archival materials documenting the network’s development.

As one of the world’s most heavily used metro systems, the Moscow Metro continues to play a central role in urban transportation, reflecting broader trends in infrastructure investment, technological integration, and mass transit development over the past century.

SOURCE: Moscow Metro

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Press Office
State Unitary Enterprise Moscow Metro
Email: PanovAA3@transport.mos.ru

–BERNAMA

ICOM DUBAI 2025 GRANT PROGRAMME OPENS DOORS FOR MEASA MUSEUM PROFESSIONALS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) — The Organising Committee of ICOM Dubai 2025, in collaboration with the International Council of Museums – United Arab Emirates (ICOM UAE), has launched its Grant Programme for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

This initiative highlights the committee’s dedication to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility ahead of the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai this November.

According to a statement, applications for the grant programme can be submitted via the official ICOM Dubai 2025 website, with the deadline for submissions being May 31.

The Organising Committee Chairperson and Dubai Culture Director General, Hala Badri said the Grant Programme embodies the conference’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“At ICOM Dubai 2025, we are nurturing a legacy built on inclusion, opportunity and shared purpose. This Grant Programme reflects our belief that a diversity of voices must shape the future of museums,” she said.

A total of 140 grants will be awarded, with 70 for in-person participation, covering travel, accommodation, visa fees and full admission, and 70 for complimentary digital access.

The programme is open to museum professionals, students, and cultural practitioners from or contributing to the MEASA region, particularly those aligned with the conference’s core themes, namely intangible heritage, youth involvement, and new technologies.

Established in 1946, ICOM is the global organisation supporting museum development and professional standards. It has more than 57,000 members across 129 countries and nearly 20,000 museums worldwide.

— BERNAMA

EAACI Hong Kong Allergy School 2025: A Landmark in Global Allergy Education

ZURICH, May 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (EAACI), in partnership with the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy (HKIA), is proud to announce the inaugural EAACI Hong Kong Allergy School. This significant milestone will unfold in Hong Kong – Asia’s World City – a dynamic hub where East meets West, innovation meets tradition, and global minds converge.

Under the theme “East Meets West”, the 2025 edition of the Allergy School represents a bold step in fostering cross-continental collaboration in allergy and clinical immunology. By bringing together leading global experts, this flagship event aims to enrich knowledge exchange, advance clinical practices, and inspire innovative solutions to allergy care worldwide.

Participants will benefit from a rich, interdisciplinary scientific programme, featuring renowned international faculty and cutting-edge topics across the allergy and immunology spectrum. A special dedicated Chinese-language track will be available, promoting inclusivity and greater accessibility for Chinese-speaking professionals.

Attendees will also present their research through oral and poster sessions, connect with industry leaders, and build lasting collaborations within the global allergy community. Prizes will be awarded to top abstracts as selected by EAACI’s international panel of experts.

In celebration of this milestone, EAACI is offering exclusive benefits:

· Discounted registration for current EAACI members
· A complimentary 1-year EAACI membership for registered delegates that are not EAACI members

We invite you to submit your abstracts and take advantage of early bird registration, available now. The abstract submission deadline is 31st May 2025.

As we gather to celebrate innovation, partnership, and progress, we also invite you to experience the vibrant city of Hong Kong – its iconic skyline, diverse cuisine, and cultural richness – the perfect setting for this global exchange.

Join us in shaping the future of allergy science and care. Your participation will help build a thriving; interconnected network of professionals dedicated to better outcomes for patients everywhere.

Explore the programme, register, and plan your visit at:
https://eaaci.org/other_events/eaaci-hong-kong-allergy-school-2025/

About EAACI

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is the leading professional organization dedicated to excellence in allergy and immunology. Learn more at https://eaaci.org.

Contact: communications@eaaci.org

+41 44 205 55 33

SOURCE:  European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

–Bernama

BUNS, BEATS & BEYOND: HONG KONG SPRINGS TO LIFE WITH FESTIVAL FEVER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) — The annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cultural celebrations, is set to return on May 5 to 6, marking the beginning of a packed spring of traditional festivals, arts showcases, and international sporting events across the city.

Held on the island of Cheung Chau, the festival is steeped in history and folklore, honouring Pak Tai, a sea deity believed to have saved the island from a plague in the 18th century.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board in a statement, since 2011, it has been recognised on China’s national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Among the highlights of this year’s programme are the Climbing Carnival on April 27, featuring games and performances; the vibrant Piu Sik Parade on May 5, where children dressed as deities and public figures appear to float above the crowd; and the adrenaline-pumping Bun-Scrambling Competition, which takes place at midnight on May 5 to 6, where climbers race up a 14-metre tower to collect the most lucky buns.

In conjunction with Labour Day Golden Week (May 1 to 5), the city will also host a 12-minute drone light show set to music along the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade on May 1, offering a dazzling display framed by Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.

The festival forms part of Cultural Beat, a citywide initiative celebrating Hong Kong’s unique cultural heritage. Other major events include the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Po Lin Monastery (April 29 to May 5), the Tam Kung Festival in Eastern District (April 29 to May 7), and the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (June 7 to 8).

Art and culture enthusiasts can also look forward to the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (May 22 to 25), the French May Arts Festival (ongoing until July 13), and the Chinese Culture Festival (June to September).

New highlights this year include Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA (from May 21) and the Picasso for Asia—A Conversation exhibition at M+, featuring over 60 works by the legendary artist.

Sports fans will not be left out, with the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2025 taking place from June 18 to 22, bringing together six top international teams in a high-energy tournament.

With a diverse lineup of celebrations throughout the season, Hong Kong invites residents and visitors alike to experience its rich blend of tradition and modernity.

— BERNAMA

FRUITFUL OUTCOMES FOR FUZHOU IN CHINA-INDONESIA “TWO COUNTRIES, TWIN PARKS” INITIATIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) — China has received its first batch of imported fresh coconuts from Indonesia, with 200 kilogrammes of the tropical fruit arriving recently at Fuzhou Airport.

The delivery was quickly transferred to a processing facility within the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone—part of the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative, a bilateral industrial collaboration between China and Indonesia.

According to a statement, the coconuts were subsequently delivered to a Chinese facility operating under the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative, a bilateral industrial collaboration between China and Indonesia aimed at boosting synergy through shared industrial zones.

On the Chinese side, the initiative is anchored by the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone, covering 61 square kilometres, while Indonesia’s contribution spans three locations, namely Bintan, Aviarna, and Batang, with a combined area of 87.6 square kilometres.

As one of the world’s leading coconut producers, Indonesia is well-positioned to meet the strong demand for fresh coconuts among Chinese consumers, a factor that signals promising prospects for the trade.

To capitalise on the opportunity, the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone is developing a Coconut Industrial Park and has commenced operations of four production lines, aiming to establish a comprehensive upstream and downstream coconut industry chain. The initiative is expected to enhance China-Indonesia economic and trade cooperation significantly, it added.

Despite the geographical distance, the initiative mechanism has yielded over 70 bilateral projects to date, with total investment exceeding 93 billion Chinese yuan. The projects span five priority sectors, which are marine fisheries, tropical agriculture, light industry and textiles, machinery and electronics, and green mining. (100 Chinese yuan = RM59.58)

This year, which marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, Fuzhou plans to leverage opportunities arising from the initiative to further expand high-level international cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.

— BERNAMA