Round Table China

Today on our special APEC Youth Series, we're joined by two distinguished voices: Chen Xiaobin, a 2025 APEC Summit delegate for young entrepreneurs and Vice Chair of the Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum; and Laura Nguyen, Founding Partner at GenAI Fund and Head of Vietnam for Ava Labs. They share their unique perspectives on the critical intersection of technology and sustainability. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

In China, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month has always been a day to climb high, both in body and spirit. The Double Ninth Festival calls us to honor those who came before and to look ahead to the future we are building together. Today, as China grows older and wiser, aging is no longer a distant topic concerning our grandparents. From national strategies to smart robots, from young caregivers to digital helpers, we explore how silver and youth can shine together. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

Welcome to Round Table's APEC Youth Series, where we spotlight a new generation reshaping the Asia-Pacific. In this special series, we'll meet the young changemakers who are redefining "development" across the region. For our first conversation, Round Table's Niu Honglin is joined by Lv Xiaoning, co-founder of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

If college English tests were a video game, the CET-4 (College English Test-4) would be entry-level and the CET-6, hero mode. While some players pass and move on, others keep replaying for higher scores to unlock better loot—like jobs or scholarships. So, is this drive for a high score a genuine passion for improvement, or just academic FOMO? / To thank or not to thank AI (14:28)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

They call it "the most fake business in China,"yet it's never been more real. From the workshops of Xuchang to TikTok screens worldwide, strands of hair weave tales of labor, reinvention, and pride. We explore how lives are being changed, starting from the top. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

The traditional bar of soap is being replaced by serums, sunscreen, and makeup. Men's grooming is in the midst of a profound transformation, with market spending reaching new heights. This evolution forces us to ask what is driving the change and how legacy brands are responding. The face of masculinity is being redefined, one skincare routine at a time. / Motivational Monday (17:34)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The October 2025 launch of a new online platform's healthcare venture marks a significant acceleration in the digital transformation of China's medical sector. This move is emblematic of a powerful, broader trend: the strategic entry of Chinese tech titans like Alibaba and JD, alongside specialized health firms, into the industry. By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, streamlined online consultations, and direct hospital services, these players are constructing comprehensive digital health ecosystems. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The old dream was built on ownership: a house for security, a car for status. But China's younger generation is trading that dream for a new kind of freedom. Why own things that tie you down, when you can rent a lifestyle that lifts you up? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.

October 24th, is United Nations Day, and we're wrapping up our special series with a grand finale. Here on Round Table, Heyang is joined by Dong Xiaoman, who brings her unique insider perspective from her work with both UNOPS and the UN Youth Office. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.

China's MICE sector is back, bigger than predicted. As the world flocks back, what's driving its stunning rebound? And how is China masterfully fusing its cultural story with business? The answers are reshaping the future of global events. / What are some of young people's complaints on museum visits(13:52)? On the show: Steve, Yushun & Fei Fei

International cooperation transcends strategic interests; it's about creating tangible improvements in people's daily lives. In the second installment of our UN 80 series, Round Table's Heyang sits down with Zhu Yixing from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). They explore China's evolving role in global development and discuss how collaborative action is driving progress in health, gender equality, and opportunity for future generations. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Fei Fei

Remember the screech of chalk on a blackboard? In China, that sound has been replaced by the silent glow of electronic screens. This multi-billion dollar classroom upgrade promises a high-tech future for learning. But for parents, it brings a familiar worry. They fear we are sacrificing our children's eyesight for digital progress. So, is this a leap forward for education, or a step back for our kids' health? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (16:18). On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Eighty years after its founding, the United Nations' mission remains as vital as ever. But is it still relevant to younger generations? In this first episode of our series commemorating the UN's 80th anniversary, Round Table's Heyang sits down with content creator Qin Qian. Leveraging his insider experience at the UN, Qin connects with China's youth through his popular social media channel. Together, they explore why this relevance is crucial and how young voices are reimagining the UN for the next generation. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Hospitals were once dreaded places of slow time and harsh disinfectant. Now, a wellness revolution is transforming them into destinations young people visit even when they aren't sick. These hubs for sophisticated self-care are winning hearts with offerings that range from herbal-infused gourmet mooncakes to advanced medical-grade aesthetic treatments. / Performance dining (13:22). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Xingyu.

Every generation has its "first step into society." For today's youth, that step often begins far from home, in cities where dreams are tall but rent is even taller. That's where "Youth Hubs" come in. Now in over 200 cities across China, these 2,600 hubs offer more than a roof. They provide career guidance and employment services for new graduates, alongside a feeling of warmth and a community that's rooting for you. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Xingyu.

We've been promised the future would be on our faces. Now, a new wave of AI glasses is testing whether the technology can finally live up to its grand vision. The result may just change how you see the world, literally. / Motivational Monday (16:28)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

What if your car could do more than just save you money on gas? Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is transforming electric vehicles from simple transportation into something far more dynamic: portable power plants. But is this a genuine energy revolution accessible to everyday people, or is it merely a high-tech fantasy? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

What if a wedding swapped the grand ballroom for a favorite local spot? We're diving into how Gen Z is rewriting the rules, creating celebrations that are intensely personal and authentically theirs. / Round Table's Happy Place (18:19)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

We've all wished for a 'block' button on a difficult client. Well, for delivery riders in China, that fantasy is now real. A major platform is giving them the power to refuse service to unreasonable customers. This is a radical shift in service industry power dynamics, and it's a complete game changer. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Travel photography first became a dream service for newlyweds almost a decade ago. Over time, it's also grown popular with families with kids and individuals who want portraits taken in stunning, real-world locations. But behind the glossy images lie hidden fees, logistical chaos, and fierce competition. We explore the industry's rise and the turbulence facing industry giants. / Dad nursery rooms in shopping malls (11:25). On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushan