Round Table China

Young people often face a particular dilemma. On one hand, they are the future of our society and possess unlimited potentials of growth. On the other hand, they are yet to acquire the desirable skills and experiences to stand out in the job market and actually bring changes to the world. How to make young people better prepared for the future? On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Li Yi

Round Table's Happy Place! / Move over, Miss World and Miss International! There's a new queen in town. And by the way, she's not even human! Join us as we explore 'Miss AI,' the world's first beauty pageant for AI-generated models (13:40). On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Steve Hatherly.

2024 has become the year that China's RV (recreational vehicle) scene shifts into high gear. RV sales last year shattered records, and 2024 is gearing up for a new height. On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Steve Hatherly.

Remember the time when we couldn't travel without a chunky travel guide book? Those days might be over thanks to social media and the internet. But, have we truly outgrown the charm of physical guidebooks? / Diamond rings for graduation gifts (22:35)? On the show: Heyang, Ding Heng & Josh Cotterill.

Imagine a world where your medicine cabinet is just a click away, and your medical insurance foots the bill! That’s the reality for Beijing residents as of July 1st. Will this new policy that includes online medicine purchases under insurance coverage shake up the entire pharmaceutical landscape? On the show: Heyang, Ding Heng & Josh Cotterill.

When kids go off to college, parents are still responsible for the tuition fees. Do they have a right to know how well their money is being spent? Should parents be notified of grades and transcripts of their children by the university? Or should the young adults’ preference take precedence over that of parents’? / Is it OK to recline your seat on a plane (15:36)? On the show: Heyang, Ding Heng & Steve Hatherly.

Imagine a future where your best friend isn't just your confidant, but also your co-homeowner. Sound far-fetched? Well, buying a home with friends is already a growing trend in the US. It forces folks to rethink what it means to build a life and a home. So, perk up your ears, or better yet, call that friend you've always dreamed of living next door to, because we're about to explore the rise of friendship as a possible new cornerstone of life. On the show: Heyang, Ding Heng & Steve Hatherly.

The extended reality or XR revolution is knocking on the door. Is China ready to embrace this brave new world of blended realities? From VR gaming dens to AR-enhanced factories, let’s explore how the world is navigating the complex landscape of XR technologies and what it could mean for our digital tomorrow. / Why are ice cups so popular (21:25)? On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Yushun.

Picture the pitch for “youth nursing homes”: scenic views, home-cooked meals, and not a deadline in sight. With over 4 million curious internet users checking it out on social media, it’s clear these retreats are the hottest thing in town. But here’s the million-Yuan question: Are these hideaways a healthy escape or a temporary avoidance of real-world responsibilities? On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Yushun.

There was a time when people made public announcements in newspapers, about marriage, death, or apologies. Today, not that many people still read the newspaper, but the subway stations are often packed and reading or watching advertisements can be a not-so-bad pastime before one's arrival. Recently, subway stations in a number of Chinese cities have started taking requests from individuals, for dating opportunities and even job-hunting. / Motivational Monday (19:55)! On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Li Yi