Employment
Society
China’s new graduates get hired, then cut loose
China’s new graduates are finding that landing a first job is no longer the end of the struggle. Offers are being withdrawn, probationary hires cut and entry-level roles squeezed by AI, leaving young workers searching for a foothold in an increasingly uncertain market.
Caixin Global
02 Oct 2026
Society
[Big read] How China’s pyramid schemes used ‘state secrets’ to lure victims
China’s pyramid schemes have abandoned centralised communes to recruit via social media, romance-baiting and promises of quick wealth. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei examines how state rhetoric is weaponised to keep victims in the dark.
Sim Tze Wei
30 Sep 2026
Economy
[Big read] Can new industries lure talent back to China’s rust belt?
The affordable and idyllic life in Liaoning, Shenyang and Heilongjiang are drawing young professionals back home, but some are torn by the low wages, scarce job opportunities and an economy struggling to transform. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei speaks with these returnees.
Sim Tze Wei
15 Sep 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
Technology
The AI squeeze: No juniors, no seniors, more burnout
As older workers and the very young exit or are not able to even enter the workforce, the “squeezed middle” may have to take on extra burdens. For this group, the AI age might be making work harder, not easier, says NUS academic Weiyi Ng.
Weiyi Ng
06 Aug 2026
Technology
Why hyper-efficient Singapore is Asia’s most AI-anxious society
A survey across Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and mainland China found Singapore leads the region in AI adoption, but also records the highest levels of anxiety over job displacement, deepfakes and AI dependence. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lee Si Min tells us more.
Lee Si Min
04 Aug 2026
Economy
Can China’s slowing economy sustain its tech ambitions?
China sees technological self-reliance as the key to future growth. But with a slowing economy, can Beijing sustain the investment needed to achieve its high-tech ambitions over the long term? Economist Min-Hua Chiang examines the issue.
Min-Hua Chiang
31 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
