Society

People gather on the boardwalk at Marina Bay in Singapore on 9 January 2024. (Roslan Rahman/AFP)

Should there be a limit to personal wealth?

Former journalist Goh Choon Kang notes that perhaps the true significance of accumulating personal wealth is to give back to society in one way or another, and to contribute to more equitable distribution of wealth.
Visitors enjoy hotpot at the largest underground hot pot restaurant in Chongqing, China, on 27 October 2023. (CFOTO via Reuters Connect)

[Video] Chongqing's bustling ‘underground businesses’

Dubbed the "8D magical mountain city", Chongqing is famous for its complex and perplexing urban landscape. You may have seen one of its trains passing through a residential building or the deepest metro station in China, but have you heard of its underground city?
Malaysia’s pro-business policies, low consumption levels and multicultural environment have attracted many new immigrants from China.

[Big read] Double-edged sword of more new Chinese immigrants in Malaysia

With the rise of China's middle class, an increasing number of Chinese are able to go abroad for studies or to do business. Malaysia’s pro-business policies, low consumption levels and multicultural environment have attracted many new immigrants from China. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Seoow Juin Yee finds out more about the opportunities in Malaysia and the pushback from the locals.
A customer tries on gold jewelry in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. (Screen grab from CCTV)

[Video] How are China’s youths spending their money?

Amid a challenging economic landscape, China’s youths (aged 16-24) are grappling with a 14.9% unemployment rate as of December 2023. Feeling the impact, the younger generation has made saving a top priority and are reevaluating their spending habits. This shift has seen them transition from "wild spending" to "reverse spending", from "impulsive consumption" to "rational spending", and from "revenge spending" to "experiential consumption". Here's a glimpse into how they are navigating this change.
Workers polish steel rims at a factory producing bicycle parts for export in Hangzhou, in eastern China's Zhejiang province on 18 February 2024. (AFP)

Younger and better educated migrant workers still having hard time in China

Chinese academic Han Heyuan notes that new-generation migrant workers in China are at a clear disadvantage, due to policies and systems that make it doubly hard for them to get jobs, training, and education for their children, or even find a partner.
The “kemusan dance competition” at Ningxia Night Market in Taipei, in January 2024. (SPH Media)

[Big read] Will Taiwan ban TikTok and Douyin for fear of mainland China's influence?

Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Miao Zong-Han notes that as TikTok and Douyin grow in popularity in Taiwan, there are concerns about mainland China’s influence in terms of cultural invasion. Is this really a "subtle" way to guide society towards eventual reunification, or is it just pure entertainment for young people?
Visitors walk past ice sculptures at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China, 24 December 2023. (Liz Lee/Reuters)

[Video] China's Harbin pampering visitors to win tourism battle

Harbin has seen an explosion of tourists this Chinese New Year season, and it is pulling out all the stops to welcome them, sometimes to the chagrin of locals. However, can this wave of tourism be sustained, and improve Harbin’s economy? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Daryl Lim takes a trip to China’s land of snow and ice.
A God of Fortune distributes hongbaos to visitors at Liandao Scenic Area in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, on 14 February 2024. (Xinhua)

Rising hongbao rates are putting pressure on Chinese youths

As China’s tradition of giving red packets or hongbaos during festive occasions puts young people under pressure, they are pushing back by giving fewer hongbaos or none at all, hoping that their refusal to conform will help to bring the focus back to the sentiment behind the giving.
Villagers sell agricultural products on train, Guizhou province, China, on 25-27 January 2024. (Screen grab from CCTV)

[Video] Farmers’ markets on China's 'slow trains': Going places

In today’s fast-paced world, China's “slow trains” remain essential. They stop at many otherwise inaccessible areas, providing transport for rural residents and a means for them to bring their agricultural products to nearby towns. Designated cabins on the train turn into makeshift farmers' markets, especially in the run-up to Chinese New Year.