Articles by Li Kang

[Big read] China’s young workers pay the price of AI before reaping the gains

Jobs are not only being replaced by artificial intelligence, those seemingly secure will be restructured, with different tasks or a cut in pay. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with Chinese employees who are feeling the impact to find out what they are doing to secure their future.

Li Kang

Fighting cigarettes hits the state’s wallet: Can China crack down on smoking?

Chinese netizens are waging an online war against secondhand smoke, but with tobacco contributing billions to state coffers, can authorities truly crack down on smoking? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang looks into the issue.

Li Kang

Xinjiang’s rising job market: A blessing and a burden?

In some sectors, Xinjiang has generally outpaced the national average, but such positive indicators may not align with the actual employment experiences for some groups, especially the minority groups. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with youths from Xinjiang to find out more.

Li Kang

Retiring on 300,000 RMB: China’s youth flee big cities for smaller towns

Amid uncertainty in China’s economic outlook and job market, the American concept of “Financial Independence, Retire Early” has trended among Chinese youth. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that people are motivated not just by the goal of early retirement, but also by regaining control of their time and life.

Li Kang

Shadow banking under fire: AVIC Trust’s collapse

Trust companies in China have become a major source of financing outside the banking system. AVIC Trust’s failure shows how weak oversight, high-risk lending and a slumping property market can bring even state-owned institutions down. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang tells us more.

Li Kang

[Big read] Can Shanghai turn ‘vulgar’ micro-dramas into premium entertainment?

Micro-dramas are often seen as crass, quick-hit entertainment across China and beyond. Now, Shanghai’s International Short Video Center and its production park aim to elevate them, transforming bite-sized hits into premium storytelling. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with industry insiders to explore their plans.

Li Kang

When doctors earn 3,000 RMB: China’s healthcare pay squeeze

After years of training, some Chinese doctors now earn as little as 3,000 RMB a month. Pay cuts, rising pressure, and bleak prospects are forcing many to rethink a once-secure profession. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out more.

Li Kang

Why China’s young people are choosing to leave

Amid the gloomy employment prospects and unpleasant work environment in China, many youths are seeking opportunities overseas. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that even with narrowing migration pathways and expected hardships abroad, Chinese youths are determined to leave.

Li Kang

From deliveryman to tofu maker: The everyday poets of China

In the past, literary pursuits might have been the preserve of the elite. In modern-day Shanghai, however, the creation and appreciation of literature has been democratised, buoyed by the advent of social media. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang explores Shanghai’s burgeoning literary scene.

Li Kang

[Big read] Love is hard to find for millions of rural Chinese men

The gender imbalance in China, especially in the rural areas, has resulted in many men not being able to find a partner. Some are still looking; others have given up and are resigned to being single. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks to some of these single men about their views.

Li Kang

Tariffs can’t stop them: How US farmers are winning Chinese tables

Despite trade tensions and shifting tariffs, American farmers are finding ways to keep their products — chicken feet, soybeans and more — on Chinese tables. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang observed at this year’s China International Import Expo in Shanghai how determined US farmers and traders are to ensure business continues, no matter the obstacles.

Li Kang

Why China’s fashion boom is still searching for its heart

Runways are thriving, investors are watching — but many in China’s fashion world say what’s missing is something money can’t buy: authenticity, patience and soul. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks to industry players to find out more.

Li Kang