Round Table China

Devices and services for smart elderly care

Spring Festival 101: Food and Gifts

This co-hosted podcast episode tackles listener questions about the future of translation in an AI-driven world and cultural nuances in Chinese New Year traditions. The hosts first address concerns about AI replacing human translators, concluding that while AI assists, human nuance and cultural understanding remain ir...

The rise of vocational universities

Young talents tackling big world problems

This interview podcast features Niu Honglin interviewing two young Chinese representatives, Liang Ying (Christy Leung) and Troy Fan Hongyi, about their experiences at the World Economic Forum (Davos). The discussion centers on the role of young leaders in addressing global challenges, particularly within the context o...

Should we tax robots?

This panel discussion podcast explores the complex issue of robot taxation. The hosts and guests debate the definition of a "robot" for tax purposes, the challenges of determining a fair tax rate, and the potential impacts on innovation and job displacement. They discuss various proposals, including taxing robot prod...

China's plans for unified national market

Parents app-matching kids for love!

This co-hosted podcast discusses the rise of parental proxy dating apps in China, where parents use apps to find matches for their adult children. The hosts explore the app's functionality, noting that profiles resemble resumes highlighting professional details rather than focusing on photos. They debate the advantag...

Do thermal clothes deliver what they promise?

TikTok to Xiaohongshu

This panel discussion podcast, Round Table, focuses on current events and cultural exchanges, primarily concerning China. The first segment discusses the influx of American TikTok users ("TikTok refugees") to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu due to potential TikTok bans in the US, highlighting the surpris...

What is neuroergonomics?

The myth about loneliness

This panel discussion podcast explores the complexities of loneliness in a hyper-connected world. The hosts and guests debate the myth that surrounding oneself with people eliminates loneliness, citing research showing loneliness can increase in crowded environments. They discuss how the quality of connections, rather...

Car rentals rising among Chinese youth

Do you have 'tech neck'?

This panel discussion podcast focuses on two prevalent issues in modern China: the rising cases of "tech neck" (cervical spondylosis) among young people and the emergence of zero-waste grocery stores. The hosts and guests first explore the alarming statistics of tech neck, its symptoms, and risk factors (e.g., women a...

2025 Spring Festival rush starts today!

The importance of having a third place

This panel discussion explores the concept of "third places"—public spaces outside of home and work where people socialize—and their diminishing presence in modern life. The hosts discuss the sociological origins of the term, citing Ray Oldenburg's work, and provide examples like community centers and coffee shops. T...

Is the internet becoming an AI landfill?

The business of heartbreak

In this episode of Round Table China, the hosts dive into the rise of what’s being called the "breakup industry" in the US and UK. They take a closer look at services that have emerged, from breakup coaches to heartbreak hotels and even wedding photo destruction. The conversation highlights the industry’s growth, weigh...

Chinese tech shines at CES

Nutrition profiling systems: New global standard?

In this episode of the Round Table podcast, the hosts explore two compelling topics: food labeling systems and nurturing empathy in children. They kick off with a lively discussion about different countries' front-of-package nutritional rating systems, like France's rainbow model and Australia’s star system. While thes...

What rights do gig workers deserve?