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News Report

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Jr: Good Evening Philippines, Asia is one of the most important continent when it comes to
technological developments and contributions to the world. Interestingly enough, many Asian
nations had, up until even the relatively recent past, been isolated from the rest of the world for
various political reasons. But when they opened themselves up to trade and the exchange of
information, they became booming powerhouses of technological innovation.

Let's take a look at their contributions to the world throughout history. Live reports from Jowena
Barizo.

Jowena: You know what JR? Science and technology in Asia is varied depending on the country
and time. In the past, the Asian civilizations most notable for their contributions to science and
technology were India, China and the West Asian civilizations. Let’s talk about the contribution
of India to the science and technology. India added zero to math, yes you heard it right. Little
needs to be written about mathematical digit “zero”, one of the most important inventions of all
time. Mathematician Aryabhata was the first person to create a symbol for zero and it was
through his efforts that mathematical operations like addition and subtraction started using the
digit zero. Now you know why India produces most of the geniuses in Mathematics. Back to you
JR.

JR: Wow, but let’s also don’t forget that India gave the indigenous method of expressing all
numbers by means of ten symbols – the decimal system. They’re really good at computations.
Now let’s talk about how China became of the most important contributors to the development
of Science and Technology, Live reports from Mariacristelyn Dimaano.

Dimaano: Ancient Chinese scientists and engineers made significant scientific innovations,
findings and technological advances across various scientific disciplines including the natural
sciences, engineering, medicine, military technology, mathematics, geology and astronomy.
Among the earliest inventions were the abacus, the "shadow clock," and the first items such as
Kongming lanterns.[1] The Four Great Inventions,the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and
printing – were among the most important technological advances, only known to Europe by the
end of the Middle Ages 1000 years later. The Tang Dynasty (AD 618–906) in particular was a
time of great innovation.[1] A good deal of exchange occurred between Western and Chinese
discoveries up to the Qing Dynasty. The Jesuit China missions of the 16th and 17th centuries
introduced Western science and astronomy, then undergoing its own revolution, to China, and
knowledge of Chinese technology was brought to Europe.[2][3] In the 19th and 20th centuries
the introduction of Western technology was a major factor in the modernization of China. Much
of the early Western work in the history of science in China was done by Joseph Needham. Back
to you JR.

JR: An addition, in 2016, China became the country with the highest science output, as
measured in publications. While the US had been the biggest producer of scientific studies until
then, China published 426,000 studies in 2016 while the US published 409,000.[103] However,
the numbers are somewhat relative, as it also depends how authorship on international
collaborations is counted. But now let’s not forget to talk about Japan. Jowena?

Jowena: Japan was a latecomer to the First Industrial Revolution and much more of a player in
the second. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), the Japanese government eventually created
state led to capitalism, assisting industrial and business growth in a variety of ways. During the
third industrial revolution Japan successfully rebuilt its economy so that its world GDP rank
grew from fifth place in 1960 to second place in 2000. Internet and computer technology, high-
speed air travel, and satellite communication helped industries expand globalization. More
multinational companies (MNCs) moved to Asian countries—basing manufacturing operations
within Asia, where labor and material costs were significantly lower. It created opportunities for
China, India, and other Asian nations to collaborate and share knowledge with companies and
governments from developed countries and improve their own industries. Back to you JR.

JR: Now from East and South Asia, let’s move to the South East Asia. Let’s talk about the
Philippines!

Dimaano: Even before the colonization by the Spaniards in the Philippine islands, the natives of
the archipelago already had practices linked to science and technology. Filipinos were already
aware of the medicinal and therapeutic properties of plants and the methods of extracting
medicine from herbs. They already had an alphabet, number system, a weighing and measuring
system and a calendar. Filipinos were already engaged in farming, shipbuilding, mining and
weaving. The Banaue Rice Terraces are among the sophisticated products of engineering by pre-
Spanish era Filipinos. Back to you JR.
JR: Wow, what an amazing continent we belong to. Truly, Asia is one of biggest contributors to
the development of science and technology in the world. In many respects, Asia is at the
forefront of the next wave of digital transformations, whether we look at the massive growth in
connectivity, innovative use of digital technologies to build smart cities and infrastructures, or
Asia’s cultural diversity as we reimagine and rebuild the future of education, commerce, or
healthcare. With the imaginative power that comes from the wealth of diverse people and
cultures, Asia is expected to significantly shape the future direction of digital technology and the
evolution of society over the decades to come, not only regionally but also globally in today’s
interconnected world. This has been The JJM Show, thank you and goodnight!

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