World

Zambians Can Watch only Chinese Kung Fu Movies on Digital network

Published

7 years ago

July 8, 2019

Zambia had made an expensive deal with China to transform its analog network into a digital network a few years ago. The country was in need to start digital transmitters to carry the new TV signal and StarTimes helped that time to set a venture between both the countries. StarTimes has close links to China’s Government and controls 60% of the joint venture, called TopStar. And Zambia’s national broadcaster ZNBC owns another 40% of TopStar.

The bankroll of the agreement between both countries was $232 million. TopStar had taken a loan from China’s Exim bank to pay the amount on behalf of Zambia. But ZNBC lacked to establish TopStar by $40,000 start capital. So StarTimes lent money to ZNBC. Now in 2019, media watchdogs and local media owners are blaming China to influence Zambia media landscape and are also concerned that locals can watch only Chinese Kung Fu Movies with limited local programming.

But the intention of the mitigation was to shake up the media landscape by switching from older technology to newer technology. Digital technology would allow viewers to watch more TV channels by freeing up bandwidth. It sounds like a profitable deal but the Media Owner Association of Zambia said that many of the private TV owners are not enjoying the services, which were committed by China. Goedkoop internet compare all digital TV and internet packages on your zip code, which people can check and see for themselves.

Zambia is not getting the benefits of mitigation. And accuses that TopStar and StarTimes, who were majority holder in the deal, are closing Zambia out of the digital market. According to the Zambian government, the digital migration loan is fully repaid to Exim Bank, so TopStar’s ownership should be reverted to ZNBC with StarTimes playing a minor role.

World

Swiss International University Makes Global Impact with Top 500 Times Higher Education Ranking

Published

1 month ago

June 24, 2026

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU) got a real kind of milestone , when it landed inside the worlds top 500 universities in the newest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Which is kind of huge because it is SIU’s first time appearing in those widely respected rankings, and it also shows how its influence keeps growing in international higher education.

SIU was competing with nearly 2,000 universities from different parts of the world, and that first debut basically underlines its dedication to academic quality, sustainability and a real societal footprint. Overall it seems like the result mirrors SIU’s own plan for delivering solid education , while also aligning with bigger global development objectives.

Now, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings look at universities through what they do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , or SDGs. So the assessment is about universities creating verifiable positive change through education, research, community activities, plus governance— not just statements.

One of SIU’s strongest areas was the recognition tied to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In that section, SIU placed roughly within the top 100 to 200 universities worldwide, and that points to its focus on advancing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and those institutional values that actually stick.

This recognition shows SIU keeps working hard to get students ready, with the know-how , the ability to act and those ethical foundations, so they can face tangled global problems. And you know, by supporting responsible leadership and pushing for good social results, the university keeps building up its part in shaping the next generation of professionals and people who make real decisions

Key Highlights of SIU’s Achievement

• Ranked Among the World’s Top 500 Universities

In its first-ever participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SIU managed to land a spot among the top 500 universities worldwide.

• Outstanding Performance in SDG 16

SIU reached a ranking in the top 100 to 200 range, across the globe, for its work related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Strengthening Global Academic Presence

This win also reinforces SIU’s long-term vision, and it further tightens its standing as an emerging influence in international higher education.

Recognition from Times Higher Education is an important endorsement of SIU’s mission, to give accessible high-quality education while also making a positive impact in society. As the university keeps expanding its academic offerings and international reach, this milestone , works like a solid base for what comes next—future growth, more innovation, and that global recognition everyone is aiming for.