Wong Siew Fong
Correspondent, Lianhe ZaobaoArticles by Wong Siew Fong
Politics
China's 'new quality combat capabilities' still in exploratory phase
With "new quality combat capabilities" the latest buzzword among the Chinese leadership, the question is what the term or concept actually entails, given that it is currently not well defined, says Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong. This means that it is up to local government officials to explore and find their way.
Wong Siew Fong
04 Apr 2024
Society
Record-breaking number of graduates face bleak job market in China
With another record year for the number of graduates in China, Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong notes that the employment situation appears bleaker than ever. Those seeking to join the civil service are facing even tougher competition as government agencies cut down on hiring, while the private sector may not be the most attractive option for them.
Wong Siew Fong
27 Mar 2024
Politics
[Big read] Protracted turbulence ahead in the South China Sea
With the recent statement by ASEAN foreign ministers on maintaining and promoting stability in the maritime sphere in Southeast Asia, unease caused by rising tensions in the South China Sea is once again coming to the fore. How is the situation in the South China Sea set to develop in the coming months? Would the upcoming US presidential election have a major impact?
Wong Siew Fong
13 Feb 2024
Society
[Video] End of pandemic: What now for China's makeshift quarantine facilities?
Despite its end, the pandemic in China has left behind some issues, in particular the makeshift quarantine facilities that cost the government millions of RMB to build. While some have been converted to residential apartments, these temporary structures could be on the road to a pricey demolition. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong takes a closer look at one of these quarantine-turned-housing facilities.
Wong Siew Fong
08 Jan 2024
Economy
Pinduoduo's popularity a sign of Chinese consumption downgrading wave
Popular Chinese online shopping app Pinduoduo has done well in terms of profits, outdoing competitors such as Alibaba and JD.com. While a major factor is due to revenue from Pinduoduo's multinational e-commerce platform Temu, it may also be a sign that consumers in China are changing their spending habits and going for cost-effectiveness and value for money.
Wong Siew Fong
06 Dec 2023
Politics
Xi-Biden meeting ends on positive note: A better tomorrow?
The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden concluded on an upbeat note, with many issues discussed albeit with no real consensus at the moment. However, this opens the door to future dialogue and communication between both sides.
Han Yong Hong, Wong Siew Fong
17 Nov 2023
Technology
China-US smartphone tech war: Apple losing the Chinese market?
China's smartphone giants have made great strides over the past decade or so, catching up with companies such as Apple in terms of sales as well as research and development. However, there is still a long way to go for China's smartphone ecosystems to crack the global market.
Wong Siew Fong
10 Nov 2023
Society
[Video] The last few guardians of Beijing's hutong culture
While hutongs are a unique historical sight in Beijing, they are quickly disappearing as people move out and relocate to government housing with modern amenities. Those who remain are generally the older generation, while the look and function of hutongs is also changing. How much longer will hutongs last?
Wong Siew Fong
18 Sep 2023
Society
When Tianjin's diving grandpas stop diving
Tourism in China is still recovering following the pandemic, and some areas see a surge of tourists after going viral on the internet. One such place is Tianjin, whose claim to fame is a group of "diving grandpas" diving off the 6-metre-high Shizilin Bridge, despite signs prohibiting such activities. Sadly, they have declared that they will stop doing so. How long will other such ground-up activities last?
Wong Siew Fong
08 Sep 2023
Economy
[Video] Tibet aims to boost tourism but not at the expense of security
Since the relaxation of anti-epidemic measures in China, officials have been ramping up efforts to promote tourism in Tibet. However, the dilemma between cultural preservation and developing the tourism industry, and that between security and economic development, are issues that could curb the autonomous region's opening up to tourists. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong shares findings from her media visit to Lhasa and Shannan.
Wong Siew Fong
18 Jul 2023
Society
Can stand-up comedians cross lines and tackle taboos in China?
A Chinese stand-up comedian has landed himself in trouble after cracking a joke seeming to compare the People's Liberation Army with dogs. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong finds out why people are up in arms, and if the authorities' slew of punishment is justified.
Wong Siew Fong
25 May 2023