Round Table China

Why do we seek out fear? The show delves into how horror can actually serve as a form of self-care and anxiety relief. Discover the fascinating science behind horror's links to tranquility, from physiological thrills to morbid curiosity. The hosts share their personal movie picks and explore how different audience types engage with fear. They also discuss how horror functions as a distraction, offering emotional practice that helps build confidence. It’s a deep dive into the surprising benefits of embracing our fears!

World leaders gather in South Korea for APEC 2025, focused on building a sustainable future. The discussion delves into APEC's history, its economic significance, and the Bogor Goals. Key topics include digital transformation, trade growth, and ensuring supply chain resilience amid global uncertainties. The role of technology in empowering smaller economies and the collaboration between China and APEC members highlight the summit's potential impact. As Gyeongju hosts the summit, there's optimism about fostering regional cooperation and innovation.

Dive into the perplexing world of the tea-per-seat fee, a surprising charge in some Chinese restaurants. Explore its origins in Guangdong and Fujian, where tea culture meets dining. Discover why this practice raises eyebrows, especially among tourists and families with infants. Learn about proposed rules for transparent fee disclosure and how this compares to global practices like tipping. Tune in for a lively discussion on consumer rights, the concept of informed consent, and the implications of unexpected charges.

Join Chen Xiaobin, a 2025 APEC Summit delegate and AI investor, along with Laura Nguyen, founding partner at GenAI Fund, as they explore the dynamic synergy of technology and sustainability. They discuss the evolution from Web2 to Web3, emphasizing data privacy and decentralization. Insights into China-Vietnam tech collaboration in AI and robotics shed light on cross-border partnerships. The duo also addresses young entrepreneurs' strengths, sharing advice on navigating challenges and fostering sustainable practices in a rapidly digitalizing world.

The Double Ninth Festival highlights the importance of honoring elders in China, blending tradition with modernity. Hosts explore aging demographics and the growing 'silver economy,' emphasizing the need for strategic responses. Young people are stepping up as caregivers and tech helpers, assisting seniors through apps and community initiatives. From AI in elder care to sustainable intergenerational living, the discussion encapsulates a future where youth and wisdom collaborate harmoniously.

Lv Xiaoning, co-founder of the Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum and an entrepreneur bridging China and Italy, shares insights on the evolving landscape of youth entrepreneurship. She discusses the importance of youth voices within APEC, highlights opportunities in green tech and generative AI, and explores challenges young entrepreneurs face in diverse markets. Lv also emphasizes the need for clear storytelling in branding and advocates for a cultural shift towards innovation, showcasing how young leaders are transforming industries and attracting global interest.

The CET-4 and CET-6 exams get compared to a video game, highlighting students' obsession with chasing scores for jobs or scholarships. Universities are now limiting retakes, raising concerns about first-time test-takers. The conversation shifts to the etiquette of thanking AI, revealing that politeness may enhance AI responses. However, there's a debate on the environmental cost of those polite interactions. Lastly, they ponder the balance between being courteous to AI and reducing resource use.

Dive into the fascinating world of China's booming wig industry! Discover Xuchang, dubbed the global wig capital, and learn about the art of wig making. Personal stories highlight the comfort and style benefits of wigs, especially among the youth. Explore how social media trends and influencers are transforming wigs into fashion statements. Uncover the industry's historical roots and the evolving stigma around wearing wigs. Plus, insights into market growth, e-commerce strategies, and future innovations make this a must-listen!

Men's grooming is undergoing a major shift from basic soap to complex skincare routines. Support for men using cosmetics is growing rapidly in China, reflecting changing societal attitudes. The market for men's skincare is booming, with impressive year-over-year sales growth in categories like hair care and color cosmetics. Social media is reshaping perceptions of masculinity, encouraging more men to embrace skincare. Emerging brands are competing with legacy players, and gender-neutral products are broadening the appeal. It's all about making good skin a priority!

A new online healthcare platform is set to launch in China, marking a key shift in digital health. Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and JD are integrating AI and online consultations to create comprehensive health ecosystems. The discussion highlights online prescriptions, e-consultations, and the logistics strengths of e-commerce firms. The market is rapidly growing, expected to reach over 66 billion USD by 2025, while government policies continue to encourage digital health services. Challenges remain, including regulatory issues and profitability.