Round Table China

A new hotline, 12356, aims to address the growing mental health crisis in our society. But is this just another number, or could it be a genuine game-changer? We delve into the reality, explore what this new initiative could accomplish, and discuss the broader measures needed to foster a healthier society. / Round Table's Happy Place (18:30)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

From the dominance of comedy to the rise of genre fusion, China's film scene in 2024 reflects a society that is blending tradition with modernity. However, amidst this evolution lies a market in flux—one where triumph and turbulence coexist. Join us as we explore this transformative moment in the Chinese film industry over the past year. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

The perks of work have evolved significantly over the years. While health insurance and paid holidays are appealing, they are fairly standard offerings that may not entice new talent. Consequently, some companies are increasingly focusing on what matters to potential Gen Z employees and are modifying their benefits accordingly. Some may thing they have gone too far. / Japan's tough recycling laws...

Podcasts: We love them, you love them, and these days, everyone is enjoying them. The podcast market in China is booming, and this trend is not limited to the country; it is thriving internationally as well. Today, we will explore some statistics to understand how well the market is performing and discover why and how people enjoy their favorite shows. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin &amp...

When parks begin to resemble fashion runways and "Tang Dynasty Princesses" outnumber tourists, is it time for a reality check? Are commercial photo shoots in parks capturing the perfect shot against the most picturesque backdrop, or is it a selfish act that detracts from everyone else's experience? / Lao Gan Ma has transitioned from being a "National Goddess" to a global culinary star (19:56)! On...

In recent years, Chinese family dramas have experienced a significant transformation, mirroring the evolving societal values and individual aspirations of their audiences. We take a closer look at several popular TV shows and films in China to discover what these family dramas reveal about the changing dynamics of Chinese family values and societal expectations. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hat...

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / China has recently simplified travel with its new visa-waiver policies! It's now easier and more convenient than ever to visit the country. Here's why you should seriously consider packing your bags for an epic adventure in China (15:04)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

The algorithms understand you, anticipate your behavior, and profit from your data. But with awareness, can we genuinely escape the clutches of Big Data, or are we destined to remain under its influence forever? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Work, dating, socializing, buying a home… All that adulting can be suffocating, right? But for those who have "escaped", is it an act of fear or courage? And when we do break free, where do we go from there? For those who left the big city for a smaller one, what now? / Motivational Monday (18:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

This winter, when a fully AI-generated advertisement campaign hit the market, North America sees a wave of backlash. What does it tell us about the real cost of replacing human creativity with artificial intelligence? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

Is leaving work on time a crime? It shouldn't be, yet for many, it evokes feelings of guilt or anxiety. In China’s office culture, discreetly departing as the clock strikes 6 PM has almost become an art form. So, why is it so difficult to walk out the door at precisely 6 PM with a sense of pride? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:23)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Esports in China is booming, and no other city has achieved what Shanghai has: hosting three of the world's largest video gaming tournaments in just a few years. Has the gaming world discovered its new capital? / This December 20th marks the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region! To celebrate this historic milestone, tune in to this week's Happy Place! On the show: Heyang, St...

When was the last time you shopped in a mall? These days, Gen Z is rediscovering the magic of old fashioned department stores. They go there not just for shopping, but more for the vibe. Affordable, genuine, and maybe even a little bit retro, these old-school giants are back on the scene. So, what's pulling them in? / Iris photography. Who's loving it and should you give it a try (18:58)? On the s...

In a city of millions, how do you make sure every voice can be heard when needed? Beijing has been practicing something new for the past several years and it's working. Through this smart system, citizens' complaints are not just listened to but acted upon. From swift responses to a smarter and happier city, how many more steps are still ahead? What are some other modern governance trends transfor...

As Macao Special Administrative Region celebrates its 25th anniversary, we look ahead into its future through the lens of its youth. Join us for a conversations with Macao's rising leaders, entrepreneurs, and students about the exciting opportunities in culture, education, and business. Follow the lively discussions with youth from Macao and the Mainland, and explore Macao's remarkable transformat...

Scrolling through social media, you've probably seen influencers promising to teach you the 'secrets' to becoming an online star and making a fortune in just a month. But do their 'secret tricks' really hold the key to quick success, or are you just paying for a shortcut to nowhere? / Whether it's a family reunion or a holiday feast, a good meal always has the power to unite. Why is eating togethe...

In the face of shortage of hospital beds, what if the answer was to simply share? In China, shared bikes and power banks have proven to be successful, will 'shared hospital beds', which are now being tested in some hospitals, also be a success? Can this shorten the long waiting list for treatment? On the show: Heyang, Ding Heng & Yushun

What if Bruce Lee faced off against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in a fistfight? Or what if Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, battled Darth Vader in an interstellar showdown? AI-generated videos are producing hilarious and surreal mashups that challenge our perceptions of history and storytelling. Are these AI videos undermining our classics? Is this a cause for concern? / Motivational Monday (17:17)! On...

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