China workplace
Technology
Dreame and Unitree: Are China’s young tech founders sabotaging themselves?
Dreame’s Yu Hao and Unitree’s Wang Xingxing have taken very different paths to the top. Their contrasting leadership styles point to a common challenge for young founders: knowing when to put themselves forward and when to let the company take centre stage, says Chinese commentator Ni Tao.
Ni Tao
14 Sep 2026
Society
[Big read] From singing bowls to forest therapy: China’s 10-trillion-RMB healing economy
China’s healing economy is booming as consumers spend on emotional wellbeing, from singing bowls and forest therapy to trendy toys. But as healing becomes big business, concerns over commercialisation and misleading claims are growing. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi finds out.
Zeng Shi
10 Sep 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
Technology
China bans AI companions from pleasing you too much. Should Singapore?
Millions in China lost their AI confidants overnight. Days later in Singapore, chatbots were asked to introduce themselves. Behind the two responses lies a question kings once faced: what do you do about a servant who never disagrees with you? Academic Ashton Ng ponders the question.
Ashton Ng
20 Aug 2026
Politics
[Video] Zhu Rongji: The iron-fisted premier who reshaped China’s economy
Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji reshaped China’s economy through sweeping reforms that came at a heavy social cost. His forceful style earned him the “economic tsar” label, but his legacy also reflects the limits of his power. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han reports.
Miao Zong-Han
13 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
Society
[Big read] Why Chinese gamers pay African youths to play for them
Chinese-run studios across Africa employ young workers to grind the game — do repetitive tasks to gain in-game currency — turning play into digital labour and exposing the opportunities and tensions behind the business. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out more.
Lim Zhan Ting
29 Jul 2026
Economy
Ex-employee dispute looms over RedNote’s IPO prospects
A former RedNote employee’s dismissal dispute has raised questions about the company’s corporate structure and disclosures. This could lead to greater regulatory scrutiny and complicate any future Hong Kong listing.
Caixin Global
24 Jul 2026
Society
Human stories without humans: Has AI degraded China’s micro-dramas?
As AI slashes the cost and time needed to produce micro-dramas, China’s hottest entertainment trend is raising difficult questions about creativity, labour and who really profits. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks to industry insiders.
Lim Zhan Ting
10 Jul 2026
Society
Million-dollar overseas degrees, entry-level Chinese salaries
For decades, studying abroad was seen as a ticket to opportunity. Now, more Chinese graduates are returning home — only to find that foreign credentials carry less weight than before. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu examines the issue.
Liu Liu
08 Jul 2026
