Society
A glacier collapse near the China-Nepal border triggered a catastrophic mudslide in just seven minutes, exposing gaps in monitoring and early warning as climate change raises the risk of extreme Himalayan disasters. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei finds out more.
Sim Tze Wei
31 Aug 2026
Society
[Video] How Singapore travellers can navigate cashless payment in China
As Singaporeans surge into China, navigating its cashless economy is a key challenge. From card integration to cross-border app remittances, Lianhe Zaobao business journalist Thomas Li Tao breaks down the costs, limits and strategies involved for seamless spending.
Thomas Li Tao
27 Aug 2026
Society
China’s AI idol craze: Fad or future?
China’s virtual idols are moving beyond entertainment, winning followers, landing brand deals and taking on roles once reserved for real people. As AI gives these digital characters voices, memories and agency, is China witnessing a passing craze — or the start of a new kind of celebrity? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Christine Li Yage dives into the matter.
Christine Li Yage
27 Aug 2026
Society
How an American influencer exposed China’s ‘crotch nationalism’
The scandal surrounding an American influencer in China has exposed how quickly pro-China digital personas can turn sour, leaving female victims caught in a crossfire of nationalist judgment. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu dives into the matter.
Liu Liu
26 Aug 2026
Society
Hangzhou drinking party scandal casts shadow over city’s image
The alleged assault of a female employee at a meal involving a state-owned developer executive and a Hangzhou district official has reignited anger over China’s drinking culture and abuse of power, while calling into question Hangzhou’s clean-cut image. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu dives in.
Yang Danxu
24 Aug 2026
Society
[Video] Could Niu Lai be China’s highest-return film ever?
Made by a mother and son with no outside investment, the low-budget Chinese animated film Niu Lai earned only US$1,000 in its first nine days before viral clips pushed its box office takings past US$4 million in just a few days. ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming explains what drove its unexpected box office success.
Lu Lingming
21 Aug 2026
Society
Are Chinese universities abolishing the ‘iron rice bowl’?
Tongji University’s decision to replace faculty tenure with three-yearly assessments effectively ends the traditional “iron rice bowl” concept for university lecturers. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing explores the issue.
Chen Jing
20 Aug 2026
Society
AI micro-dramas do not understand people. Are we starting not to either?
The gliches in AI micro-dramas may have been fixed, but not their indifference to human nature. As we consume ever more predictable stories, are we also losing our patience for complexity — and our respect for what’s real? Han Yong May, deputy editor-in-chief of SPH’s Chinese Media Group, ponders the question.
Han Yong May
20 Aug 2026
Society
How a toy bamboo cicada stung Huawei’s public image
A traditional bamboo cicada toy triggering a major PR headache for Huawei highlights how corporate overreaction can fuel massive backlash in Chinese cyberspace. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk looks into the matter.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
17 Aug 2026
Society
[Big read] How Chinese regional fine dining is redefining Singapore’s F&B scene
Singapore’s fine dining landscape is seeing a shift, with a wave of Chinese regional cuisines penetrating the market. Writer Tan Pin Yen takes a look at some of these Chinese brands that are bringing in unique Chinese ingredients and cooking styles for the discerning Singapore diner.
Tan Pin Yen
14 Aug 2026
Society
Dating apps build a business around catfishing older men
China’s dating scams are becoming an industrial business. Fraud rings use dating apps, fake local profiles and paid chat operators to build emotional ties with men and push them to spend on virtual gifts, ensnaring thousands of victims.
Caixin Global
14 Aug 2026
Society
[Big read] Why Hong Kong’s legendary dim sum halls are vanishing
Hong Kong youths are shunning the yum cha tradition that features large dining groups and subpar service. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing finds out how restaurants are reinventing themselves to stay relevant in the competitive market.
Tai Hing Shing
11 Aug 2026
Society
Thai Buddhist amulets draw China’s anxious youth — and laundering networks
Thai Buddhist amulets have become a lifeline for anxious young Chinese — and an ideal vehicle for cross-border money laundering, forcing Thai authorities to crack down on the fast-growing amulet trade.
Caixin Global
07 Aug 2026
