Round Table China

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...

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / Certain research suggests that when a company hires a star employee, it can enhance productivity and output. However, other studies indicate that the same hire may negatively impact the morale of other team members. Is bringing a star employee into your office the right decision (14:40)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hat...

Getting into graduate school: the dreams, the drama, and the blacklist. We discuss why it's not always black and white. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Laiming

Dogs won't care how much their dinner costs to produce in a lab, but your wallet might! Although still costly to manufacture, lab-grown pet food has arrived, designed to satisfy both pups and the planet—without the need for gourmet presentation. What kind of impact will these lab-grown dishes have on the environment? What other developments are occurring in the alternative proteins industry? / Nig...

The world's first national-level expo dedicated to supply chains is back! The 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo opens its doors in Beijing, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and global collaborations. With innovations ranging from smart vehicles to sustainable agriculture, let's explore how this event is shaping the future of global trade. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly &...

Food, fun, and fashion—all in one place! Mixed-style dining is transforming our experiences by blending delectable meals with karaoke, shopping, and more. From supermarkets that double as food courts to intriguing combinations like hotpot karaoke, let's explore this innovative approach to dining that is illuminating social venues everywhere. / Motivational Monday (18:01)! On the show: Heyang, Stev...

You may be under the impression that a trip to space would cost millions of US dollars, and there was a time when that assumption would have been spot on! But now, a Chinese company now offers suborbital rides for a fraction of the price—just one million Chinese Yuan! The stars seem closer than ever, but how safe are these spaceflights for aspiring adventurers? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly...

Car manufacturers now promote their models as the ideal first car. New vehicles are often equipped with the latest technology and a multitude of features. However, are drivers truly getting what they desire, or are they merely succumbing to clever marketing tactics? / Round Table's Happy Place (18:36)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

Tech, snow, and style—China's ice and snow industry is thriving! From smart ski goggles to cutting-edge safety equipment, let's explore the innovative technology, gear, and gadgets that are transforming winter sports into spectacular events. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

We've all experienced the gradual drifting apart from once-close friends or felt the weight of maintaining meaningful connections. But is this a universal experience for young people today? Should we be concerned if we don't have that many close friends? / Do you sometimes feel that the secret to happiness lies in the 'useless' things we do (19:39)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Y...

From the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics to the present, China's enthusiasm for ice and snow continues to flourish. Beyond the slopes and snow-filled games, what role does this expanding industry play in revitalizing regional economies and enhancing international tourism appeal? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Less school, more cool—or is it simply less of everything? The four-day school week has sparked widespread discussion, with rural teachers celebrating and frazzled parents navigating their Fridays. We do the math to see if these reduced school schedules are an A+ or an F! / How would you feel when no one comes to your wedding (19:31)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

From Olympic stadiums to year-round indoor snow parks, China's passion for ice sports is heating up, redefining both recreation and business. Picture a ski slope teeming with beginners, seasoned snowboarders carving trails, and families laughing in the snow—doesn't this sound like the winter wonderland you've always dreamed of? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

Some argue that your position in the birth order influences your career, intelligence, and even personality. But how much of this is based on scientific evidence, and how much is merely a stereotype? We explore the intriguing—and sometimes controversial—effects of birth order. Where do you fit in your family lineup, and does it truly make a difference? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio que...

China's new electric humanoid robot is a world first, and the company behind this technology has chosen to make it open source. But what exactly does "open source" mean? What are the benefits for a company that adopts this approach? Additionally, what advantages does open source technology offer the general public? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Here's something intriguing about the Chinese diaspora: while many engage in gardening, Chinese families around the globe are actively cultivating fresh vegetables, with some even transforming it into a profitable business! What's behind this passion for farming over traditional gardening? / Motivational Monday (22:39)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

With the rise of cord-cutting and numerous streaming options, one might assume that the humble television set is on the verge of extinction. However, recent data from China presents a different narrative. Although TV sales volumes experienced a slight decline in 2024, revenue continued to surge. In contrast, projectors are witnessing a decline across the board. What is driving this trend? Is the t...

Who knew hotpot could go on a diet? Welcome to the world of mini hotpots—where the pots are small, but the flavors are bolder than ever. Think of it as hotpot’s younger, trendier sibling, obsessed with efficiency, enamored with conveyor belts, and possessing an eye for the Instagrammable. But are these mini meals a game-changer, or merely a passing fad? / Why you are probably sitting down for too...

Handing over a family business to the next generation—what could possibly go wrong? Well, imagine ‘Succession’, but with less corporate espionage and more awkward family dinners, where your dad still insists on calling you ‘kiddo’ while entrusting you with a multi-million-dollar empire. Buckle up as we dive into the drama, comedy, and occasional tragedy of second-generation business leadership. On...

Birds are not only found in the wild; they are also taking flight in app design! Just take a look at your smartphone interface, and you will see them everywhere. From owls to penguins to magpies, bird-themed icons are transforming our device screens into a digital aviary! / RoundTable's Happy Place (19:41). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan.

Many bus companies are facing a challenging future as they struggle to stay afloat. With a new regulation set to take effect in December of this year, local governments will be required to support their local bus services. However, will this intervention be enough to reverse the tide and reduce operational losses? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan.