Society

Classes at National Chengchi University's Chinese Language Center operate in smaller sizes conducive to a higher level of engagement between teachers and students. (Photo: Woon Wei Jong)

Taiwan gains ground as destination to learn Mandarin

A record number of foreign students are choosing to study Mandarin in Taiwan, breaking pre-pandemic records. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong looks at the appeal of Taiwan as a Mandarin-learning hub and the impact on its international standing.
A man poses for a picture while visiting the Bund promenade along the Huangpu river in Shanghai, China, on 13 February 2024. (Hector Retamal/AFP)

China's private entrepreneurs labelled 'unpatriotic' by netizens

Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu notes that the recent public outcry against the heads of two prominent private enterprises for apparent transgressions in the name of “patriotism” does not bode well for the authorities’ efforts in support of the private sector.
A delivery rider scanning the QR payment code hanging around the neck of a substitute delivery auntie.

Last-mile delivery aunties spring up in Shenzhen

Lianhe Zaobao journalist Daryl Lim takes a look at a new budding sector in Shenzhen — substitute delivery. This last-mile delivery service, often undertaken by part-time “aunties”, is booming. But several issues are cropping up such as accountability for wrong or delayed food orders, how should this be handled and is it worth the risk?
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?