Round Table China

A generation of people have grown up in the age of smartphones, yet some consumers still search up and down for a good old dumbphone with stripped down capabilities. Let's look at a report on the market for feature phones. / Why is there always room for dessert even when we are full (19:24)? On the show: Laiming, Li Yi & Steve Hatherly

The US antitrust and consumer protection watchdog has recently launched a probe into what it calls "surveillance pricing." More specifically, they seek information on the use of artificial intelligence in setting different prices to the same product for different consumers. Is it similar to what Chinese people had experienced and what Chinese legislators have tried to combat? On the show: Laiming,...

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to ezfmroundtable@foxmail.com! /The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed trains aren't just traveling between China's biggest cosmopolitans at top speed of 350 km/h, they also serve as important workspaces as busy workers are transforming travel time into productive office hours. What's driving this shift to mobile workspaces on rails (14:20)? On the show:...

With automation stepping in for everything from cooking to serving, the food industry is evolving rapidly. How will this technological shift affect restaurant operations, food factories, customer interactions and job opportunities in the coming years? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Europe has seen an increase in anti-tourism sentiment this summer, with demonstrations occurring in popular destinations like Barcelona, Venice, and now Mallorca. This growing backlash against tourism highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to destination management. What can be done to address the concerns of local communities while still promoting economic benefits from tourism? / Motiva...

With summer vacation in full swing, kids have relaxed into a season of fun, but there can also be unexpected stressors. Families can play a vital role in nurturing their children's mental health during this precious time off. So, what can you do to ensure that our young ones not only enjoy their break, but also thrive emotionally? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

What better day than this to talk about these "Olympic moments" we all face in life? Whether it's a job interview, a big exam, or speaking in front of a crowd, we all have those high-pressure moments where nervousness creeps in. But how do you handle it? Just like athletes on the Paris Olympics stage, there's a way to turn that nervous energy into a winning performance. We discuss strategies to ke...

August 10 marks this year's Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. We'll zero in on how Gen Z is navigating the world of love and marriage. Let's uncover the social and psychological factors driving their relationship preferences & what it means for love in the digital age. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

For today's young people or digital natives, social media is everywhere. New York just rolled out tough new laws to keep kids safe online, including curbing addictive feeds, safeguarding data, and enforcing a digital bedtime. China, on the other hand, pioneered these protections in 2021, with strict regulations. What impact will these measures have on the next generation's online habits? On the sh...

This August 8th, China celebrates its 16th "National Fitness Day," and the excitement surrounding it is off the charts, as it coincides with the thrilling Paris 2024 Olympics! As the Olympic spirit ignites enthusiasm nationwide, how will this unique blend of local celebration and global competition inspire us to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Let's dive in and see how we can all get involved! On t...

The launch of the country's first marriage-related undergraduate major has made headlines in China. This program is designed to address modern challenges in relationships and family dynamics. Let's look into the necessity, curriculum, and potential impact of this major on students and society. / If someone tells you that you can win any argument with three simple words, can you take a guess what t...

"Work Online, Travel the World and Live the Dream." Sounds too good to be true? Well, that's the life stories of the digital nomads! As more people embrace remote work, rural areas are seeing a resurgence in economic and cultural vibrancy. What are some new stories that they are writing in the countryside? On the show: Niu Honglin, Li Yi & Ding Heng

We're celebrating a fantastic leap towards inclusivity in the film industry. China's latest blockbusters are now equipped with audio descriptions, making the magic of movies accessible to visually impaired viewers. So, whether you're sighted or visually impaired, get ready to experience the summer's hottest blockbusters in a whole new way. / How anger affects your heart, brain, and guts (19:00). O...

From factory floors to our living rooms, that's the journey that robots are making, and China is accelerating this transition. While industrial robots have revolutionized manufacturing, humanoid robots are poised to transform our everyday lives. Today, we'll explore the technological strides being made and the ethical questions they raise. On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

Today, robotaxis are already roaming the streets of Chinese cities and they have raised lots of discussions and concerns about the outlook of public transportation and human taxi drivers. Will we find a good answer to people's concerns in our generation (19:32)? / Motivational Monday! On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Li Yi

Bioengineering technician, oral health technician, cybersecurity inspector and smart vehicle examiner… China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has released a list of 19 new occupations. These newly recognized jobs are not only fresh to our ears but more importantly, they point to the direction in which China's economy is evolving. On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Li Yi

A few surveys and reports from recent years reveal evidence of a drop-off in youth engagement with live sport, which is now seen as an ample and growing phenomenon that raises concerns among leagues, sports media rights owners, and media organizations. How is Generation Z's relationship with sports content changing? Have they truly lost interests in live sports? And what will it take for sport eve...

Round Table invites Ms. Carla Canales to the show. As the first Senior Advisor and Envoy for Cultural Exchange at the U.S. President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, she shares some real person-to-person friendship stories and demonstrates how person-to-person exchanges between the two countries is the key to better understandings and smother cooperations. On the show: Steve Hatherly &a...

Summer comes with its thrills but not everyone is a fan and it's not just about the heat. The wardrobe shift to mini shorts, strappy tops, and swimwear can trigger body anxiety for many. If you've ever felt self-conscious about showing more skin, you’re not alone. Let's chat about ways to overcome body anxiety, and embrace the sunshine with self-love and confidence. / RoundTable's Happy Place (17:...

Have you noticed how live concerts continue to be the hottest ticket in town this year? Whether it's fresh faces or veteran stars, the live performance market in China is on fire! Fans travel across cities to catch these shows. What's been fueling this surge in concert popularity, and how is it reshaping our cultural and tourism landscape? On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Steve Hatherly.

Get ready for an exhilarating summer as the 2024 summer movie box office soars past 7.5 billion Yuan! With blockbuster hits lighting up the screens, there's no better time to dive into the cinematic magic. And guess what? Watching the Paris Olympics in the movie theater has become the hottest trend this season! Dive into the ultimate summer experience with us, where blockbuster films meet Olympic...

Countless super young influencers on TikTok, known as "Sephora Kids," are recommending skincare products including wrinkle creams for kids and tweens. These beauty products are packaged in neon-colored bottles and tubes, which can look like toys. They can cost 70 US Dollars (or more than 500 Yuan) a pop. Should we be worried? Are 'Sephora Kids' turning innocent fun into a costly obsession? On the...

With summer vacation in full swing, families across China are flocking to museums to take advantage of their rich educational resources, displayed in a fun way. Today, we'll explore museums and places alike to find out why they have become the go-to destinations for summer learning. / Looking out the window & doing nothing on the flight (20:41). On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Steve Ha...

Imagine calling the customer service and being greeted by a friendly, intelligent assistant who understands your needs instantly. No more endless waiting on the line listening to frustrating hold music—just seamless, efficient service. Actually, the roles of AI in customer service are much more diverse! From chatbots to voice assistants, and even to innovative voice modulations, let's take a look...

As humans try to enjoy a getaway from work and routine during the summer break, animals may have a hard time coping with rising temperatures. Pets may have the advantage of staying in air-conditioned rooms, but what about wild animals and those in the zoo? / Motivational Monday (19:16)! On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Brandon Yates