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China Embraces AI For Education Overhaul: A Bold Step Toward Innovation

In a significant move to reshape its education system, China is set to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into every facet of teaching, from textbooks to curricula. Announced in an official paper on Wednesday, this ambitious plan targets all educational levels, from primary schools to universities, as part of a broader push to foster innovation and identify new growth engines for the world’s second-largest economy.

AI’s role in this transformation, according to China’s Ministry of Education, is to enhance the core competencies of both teachers and students. These “basic abilities” include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, all essential in cultivating the next generation of innovators. In turn, the Ministry expects AI to elevate classroom experiences, making them more interactive and challenging, aligning education with the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

This initiative builds on the momentum sparked by the launch of AI-focused courses at Chinese universities. Following the success of DeepSeek—a startup that drew international attention with its affordable, competitive large-language model in January—China has expanded its educational offerings in artificial intelligence, further cementing the nation’s commitment to tech-driven innovation.

January also saw China unveil its national action plan to become a “strong-education nation” by 2035, with AI positioned as a key driver of this ambitious goal. As China continues to position itself at the forefront of global technological advancements, its education sector will play a pivotal role in shaping the talents needed for tomorrow’s economy.

The End of an Era: From Woolworth in 1971 to the Sale of ERA in 2025

The humble beginnings of the first Woolworth department store in 1971, strategically located at the bustling intersection of Makariou and Diogenis Akritas streets in Nicosia, marked the dawn of an expansive retail journey for the CTC Group.

Fast forward over five decades, and this journey reaches a new milestone with the sale of the iconic ERA department stores in 2025. This transition signifies not only the closing of one chapter but the beginning of another in Cyprus’ retail industry.

The Evolution of Retail Giants

Since its inception by the Ermes Department Stores Plc, Woolworths saw major developments including key openings like Woolworth Apollo in Limassol in 1987, and the country’s largest, Woolworth Olympia, in 1992.

Spanning several cities, Woolworths became synonymous with a robust retail experience. As times changed, so did the brand, evolving into ERA Department Stores after ending ties with Debenhams in 2020.

A Bold New Future for ERA

In a strategic move, Ermes Department Stores Plc has transferred its ERA stores to Gencom Ltd for a symbolic €1, despite operating losses mounting to €1.3 million in 2024.

What’s next for ERA under Gencom Ltd? Speculation suggests that this bold acquisition by a prominent retail player could redefine the shopping landscape. With no immediate rebranding plans, the ERA name stays, ensuring continuity for its loyal customer base.

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