Round Table China

The return of open-air shopping

The Soapbox: Fast food's new AI is listening to you

Burger King's implementation of AI-powered headsets, named BK Assistant with a voice assistant called Patty, in 500 U.S. locations sparks debate about employee monitoring versus helpful coaching. The system assists with recipes, inventory, and cleanliness alerts, but also tracks employee use of polite keywords, generat...

From premium malls to pre-owned treasures

The Full Circle: Degree rethinking, comedic dating, theatrical arts

The podcast explores how traditions are being reshaped by younger generations to fit modern times, focusing on matchmaking, theatrical arts, and education. It examines the shift from rigid matchmaking practices to spontaneous stand-up comedy dating events. The discussion covers the revitalization of traditional folk op...

The OpenClaw craze

When an economy runs on AI

China's "smart economy" initiative aims to fuse AI with industrial capabilities to drive economic development. The discussion highlights how AI is transitioning from labs to real-world applications, such as AI-powered tools for manufacturing, agriculture, and public services. A key focus is lowering the barrier to AI a...

Curtains up on China's new era of theater

Redefining the 9-to-5

The podcast explores the rise of flexible employment in China, where over 200 million people engage in jobs powered by digital platforms, connecting workers and consumers in real time. This shift includes delivery services, live stream commerce, and AI-related roles, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The di...

Generation Global: Navigating a Changing World, Ep. 3

When love takes the stage

The podcast explores the rising trend of stand-up comedy matchmaking shows in China, where young singles seek connections through humor. It questions whether attendees are genuinely looking for love or simply a fun night out. The hosts discuss how these events offer a less awkward alternative to traditional matchmaking...

The great degree rethinking

Generation Global: Navigating a Changing World, Ep. 2

China's energy transition and its global implications are examined, focusing on balancing economic growth with climate goals. The discussion highlights China's significant role as the largest emitter and a key player in clean energy technology. Panelists explore the potential for China to exceed its emission reduction ...

The Full Circle: First meetings, silver-haired students，time-honored brands

Can we fix doctor burnout?

The podcast examines the issue of physician burnout, exploring its causes, impact, and potential solutions. It identifies three key dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment, citing a study indicating that a significant percentage of doctors in China experience thes...

Generation Global: Navigating a Changing World, Ep. 1

The podcast explores the ethical implications of AI development and its impact on society, particularly focusing on the balance between innovation and responsibility. The discussion highlights the adaptability of AI to local contexts, emphasizing that its success depends on sensitivity to cultural nuances. Ace Asim sha...

Tradition's tricky digital rebirth

The podcast explores how time-honored Chinese brands ("Laozihao") are adapting to the digital age by leveraging e-commerce platforms and livestreaming to connect with younger consumers. Many of Beijing's traditional brands have established an online presence, with some expanding into new sectors like finance and touris...

Beijing's new plan to save the Great Wall

Lifelong learning takes China's retirees overseas

The podcast explores the growing trend of Chinese retirees studying abroad, driven by a desire for personal growth and unique experiences. Agencies are increasingly catering to this demographic, offering programs ranging from short-term art courses in the UK to culinary experiences in France, with costs between 20,000 ...

The glowing evolution of the Lantern Festival

Did I say too much or not enough?

The podcast explores the controversy surrounding a Siberian tiger park in China where visitors feed the tigers, leading to overfeeding and subsequent fasting programs. The discussion covers the ethics of wildlife tourism, balancing conservation with entertainment, and the park's justification for these practices. Fei F...