Employment

Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung delivered the keynote speech entitled "Youths – Bridge Between East and West, Pivot Between Present and Future" at the Lianhe Zaobao Singapore-China Forum 2023 held in Beijing on 21 November. He spoke about issues affecting the youths of today — whether in China or Singapore — noting that while they have big issues to tackle, they still have much to look forward to in this pivotal moment in history. This is the English version of his keynote address delivered in Mandarin.

Given Taiwan’s low birth rate and ageing population, the labour shortage has become a severe issue, especially in the hospitality industry. While the government seems to be keen to open up to migrant workers, this might mean larger issues down the road. So why not open up the opportunities for Taiwan’s middle-aged and elderly? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang speaks with academics and industry insiders to find out more.

More than 1.2 million Chinese studying overseas are expected to return home this year, but the hunt for a job this year could be tougher than in past years for these overseas graduates. In the countries where they studied, Chinese graduates are also finding it hard to secure a job. With global economic growth slowing and unemployment rising, some countries have accelerated the pace of stabilising their job markets this year, including tightening visa rules.

Amid high property prices, especially in first-tier cities, some people in China are choosing to live a mobile life in recreational vehicles (RVs) instead. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Daryl Lim speaks to RV dwellers to find out more about this unique lifestyle.

Following the pandemic, pent-up demand for live concerts is driving up ticket prices to astronomical levels. Amid a less than encouraging economy, people are generally cutting down on non-essential spending, but the hope is that concerts will encourage travel and consumption and revitalise the economy. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing takes a closer look at the situation.

Recent economic indicators have signalled that China’s economy is bottoming out, but many still believe that more needs to be done as the effect of government policies are still falling short of expectations. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing speaks with analysts and academics to find out what China needs to do to avoid economic stagnation or even a collapse.