Round Table China

In 1996, UNICEF and UN-Habitat launched the Child Friendly Cities Initiative, which supports municipal governments in realizing the rights of children at the local level. Currently, China has 93 cities that are part of the initiative to create child-friendly cities. What constitutes a child-friendly city, and why should this be important to all of us? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yush...

In response to the recent film adaptation of the musical "Wicked", one American theater company has chosen to prohibit audience members from singing along to the songs. We dig into the concept of silence to ask why we sometimes crave quiet, yet find it awkward at other times. / Are you concerned that your negative restaurant review may be removed? Perhaps take inspiration from these creative food...

AI has been present in the education sector for quite some time, but it's now found in study rooms, creating an environment that balances self-study with the presence of teacher-like support. The benefits for students are numerous; however, some parents remain skeptical. What exactly is an AI study room, and how popular have they become? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

They're cool and trendy, and it's not just the tech-savvy crowd that is buying them—busy parents and pet owners are also on board. Robot vacuum cleaners remain a popular household item. However, despite steady sales, profits are declining. So, why aren't these robots cleaning up in the market? / Why are seats in movie theaters red (18:50)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

What happens when young adults exchange independence for family caregiving? These "full-time children" who came back to live with their parents and manage the household in exchange for support, are now questioning whether it is time to leave the nest for good. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Ever feel like you're paying for your job? It's becoming increasingly common for employees to cover their own work-related expenses, including software, training courses, and even costs associated with clients. Is this the price of career advancement, or should employers be picking up the tab (20:23)? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. On the show: Hey...

For years, print media has been considered obsolete. However, in 2024, it is experiencing a resurgence: magazines have become luxury items, highly sought after by the younger generation, particularly in North America. How did this transformation occur? The revival of print begins now! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

A new visa waiver policy has been released, allowing citizens from 9 additional countries to enter China with ease! Is your country on the list? Check it out and get ready to embark on an exciting adventure in China! / Alipay's Ant Forest has been a hit for rewarding sustainable actions, but some users are apparently finding shortcuts to earn rewards without doing the eco-friendly work. Why would...

The rise of 'mom's job postings', which target mothers, has sparked debate. Are these positions empowering working mothers, or keeping them stuck in low-wage, traditional roles instead? On the show: Heyang, Niu Honglin & Fei Fei

Imagine you're launching a new product in 2024. Who would be the best spokesperson, a celebrity endorser or the company's founder? These days, more and more founders and CEOs are stepping into the spotlight as the face of their brands. Does this help to build trust and credibility for the brand? Or will it create risks if that person's reputation takes a hit? / Heart to Heart - please send your au...

Brace yourselves, coffee lovers, as China's coffee industry is brewing up a storm of epic proportions. What was once a niche market is now a full-blown caffeine craze, with coffee shops popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. From artisanal roasters to international giants, everyone wants a piece of the action! We take a look at the competition, as fierce as a triple shot of espresso. On the...

Surprise, surprise! Young people who have grown up with smartphones may lack the fundamental computer skills required in the workplace. From managing files to utilizing office software and hardware, many Gen Z workers are falling short. How can we assist them in getting up to speed? / Talk in your sleep, risk a stroke (20:41)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

In a groundbreaking shift, young Chinese women are now more educated than their husbands. What is driving this change, and could we see a redefinition of traditional roles, or will tensions arise as the balance shifts? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China's Spring Festival has received significant recognition from UNESCO! This festive season, characterized by fireworks, family dinners, and red envelopes, is now officially part of our global cultural heritage. Round Table is ready to explain why this celebration is so special and why people around the world are joining in on the festivities! / Who is paying for expensive phone accessories (16:...

Volunteering has always centered on individuals uniting to create positive change. But how can we make volunteering more efficient, effective, and impactful? In China, digital platforms are spearheading a quiet revolution in volunteer services. With just a few taps, you can assist in cleaning a park, mentor a child, or support disaster relief facilitated by a platform that monitors your impact and...

Are your feet sore and stress levels high? Foot therapy is here to save the day! From soothing herbal soaks to those "hurts-so-good" massages, we explore why this ancient practice has become a modern favorite. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (18:47). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The digital gold rush is underway! This time, it's not just about data; it's about computing power. Discover why China's technology sector is investing billions in this new frontier. Who's involved, and why do some companies need to lease computing power? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Long-termism focuses on investing in items that will endure. Instead of purchasing a new jacket each season, consider buying one high-quality jacket that will last a lifetime. However, is this approach truly about saving you money, or is it merely another marketing tactic designed to encourage you to splurge? / Are you a friend hoarder (19:54)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Ancient remedies and some of the rarest plants on Earth are at risk of extinction. As many of these potent traditional ingredients become increasingly scarce, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) faces a significant challenge. Consequently, the race to discover alternatives to these endangered herbs is underway. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Imagine that you're out with friends at a café, and instead of ordering the usual latte, you're sipping instead a cup of 'Yangming Beauty Tea.' To your friends' raised eyebrows, you explain that it's for calming your 'internal heat' and they nod their heads in understanding. Welcome to the world of TCM food trends, where ancient remedies meet Instagram-worthy snacks. Is it just a short phase, or w...

Female hygiene products are not something we often talk about until something goes wrong. Imagine reading a news story about a brand you trust, only to find out they've been cutting corners on even the basics. Now, what happens when some of these female products aren't just falling short in size, but in quality and hygiene too? Is it a corporate cost-cutting move, or are there deeper issues in the...

Round Table's Happy Place! / From complimentary yoga sessions to mental health support, wellness programs have become a staple in offices across numerous countries. These initiatives cost companies worldwide billions of dollars, but do they truly achieve their intended goals? Are these programs producing measurable results, or are companies overestimating their effectiveness (12:14)? On the show:...

China has a long and significant history of canals that dates back nearly two millennia. However, with the advent of high-speed modern railways, are canals still a necessary mode of transportation? Surprisingly, these man-made waterways, once considered slow and steady, are experiencing a remarkable resurgence! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

You've just experienced the ultimate friendship breakup—saying goodbye to your daily texting buddy and partner-in-crime. It's somewhat comparable to ending a romantic relationship, but without the emotional baggage... and perhaps with a bit more drama. What occurs when friendships come to an end? Spoiler alert: It's not always as pleasant as you might hope, but it's always a valuable learning expe...

China's Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) grid is akin to the massive pipes found in a video game—except instead of transporting Mario to new worlds, it is delivering electricity in the blink of an eye. And not just any electricity, but the kind that could significantly reduce the country's carbon footprint. How is this ambitious infrastructure transforming the future of renewable energy in China and beyon...