CNN launches new series spotlighting global trends and innovation

Hosted by Japanese model and creative director, Hikari Mori, the first season focuses on Japan’s cultural influence, blending its pop art heritage with traditional crafts that have found a place in luxury fashion. (CNN/File)
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Updated 03 September 2025
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CNN launches new series spotlighting global trends and innovation

  • ‘Seasons’ explores evolving tastes shaping global culture across fashion, travel, food, technology, design and art
  • First season focusing on Japan’s cultural influence debuts on Sept. 6

LONDON: CNN announced on Wednesday the launch of Seasons, a new series exploring shifting trends shaping global culture across fashion, travel, food, technology, design and art.

The series will highlight some of the world’s most sought-after products and experiences, going behind the brands to examine the craftsmanship, innovation and strategies driving demand.

Ellana Lee, CNN’s group senior vice president and global head of productions, said that Seasons aimed to capture “what’s resonating right now,” reflecting evolving tastes that prioritize rarity, relevance and storytelling.

“Encapsulating the trends sweeping the world, audiences can stay up-to-date through short video explainers of what’s capturing the moment or enjoy a beautiful, in-depth TV show.”

Hosted by Japanese model and creative director, Hikari Mori, the first season focuses on Japan’s cultural influence, blending its pop art heritage with traditional crafts that have found a place in luxury fashion.

Early episodes will explore the art of haiku, local food culture and traditional fabrics and materials, as well as an interview with Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami and an exclusive visit to his Tokyo studio.

The series includes short video explainers designed for social media alongside a deeper 30-minute show premiering on Sept. 6 on CNN International.


University of Hong Kong hosts the first Saudi Economic Forum to boost China–Saudi ties

Updated 17 December 2025
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University of Hong Kong hosts the first Saudi Economic Forum to boost China–Saudi ties

  • The high-level event served as a new platform for bilateral dialogue and cross-sector collaboration

RIYADH: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has hosted the first-ever Saudi Economic Forum in Riyadh, bringing together nearly 100 senior officials, academics, and business leaders to deepen cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in education, innovation, and economic growth.

Held under the theme “Enhancing the Global Competitiveness of Chinese and Saudi Institutions,” the forum marked a significant milestone in advancing strategic alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.

The high-level event served as a new platform for bilateral dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, with participants exploring joint opportunities in investment, technology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

Professor Hongbin Cai, dean of the faculty of business and economics at HKU, said the university aspires to become a “knowledge bridge” between the two nations, leveraging its global standing and extensive international networks. He noted that educational collaboration would be a cornerstone of the Saudi–Chinese partnership.

Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Investment, Fahad Al-Hashem, emphasized the depth of the China–Saudi partnership, noting that bilateral trade now exceeds $150 billion, with a growth rate of around 30 percent annually.

He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s openness to partnerships with China’s leading universities and technology companies, particularly in future-focused sectors aligned with Vision 2030, including education, digital transformation, AI, and clean energy.

The forum featured panel discussions on cross-border education, global city development, and technology transfer, with experts stressing the importance of joint ventures in the digital economy and smart infrastructure.

Participants said Saudi Arabia could benefit from China’s successful experiences in energy transition, infrastructure modernization, and innovation ecosystems as it builds globally competitive cities and institutions.

The Saudi Economic Forum concluded with calls for sustained academic and corporate partnerships to enhance institutional excellence and global competitiveness. Organizers said the initiative will continue to facilitate knowledge exchange and support national transformation goals in both countries, namely in the fields of technology and innovation.