Translation studies professor Xiao Weiqing says that large language models will raise the bar for translation, squeezing the survival space for junior and intermediate-level translators and potentially edging them out of the industry. But all is not lost.
Education
Society
US academic Wu Guo looks into what makes Chinese scholars a success in the US. Were they already considered a talent in China before heading to the US, or did they become talents only after completing their studies in the US? And while these Chinese scholars have gained recognition in the US, they are still anxious about being “seen” by mainstream American academics and building rapport with their American students.
Society
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.
Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising China's animation industry by cutting production times and generating culturally distinct content. The first episode of Qianqiu Shisong (《千秋诗颂》), China’s first AI-generated animated series, was aired on Chinese state television on 26 February 2024. The series was produced with the help of CMG Media GPT, a generative AI model co-developed by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and state broadcaster China Media Group.
Politics
While there are fears that the support of political causes of other countries could lead to societal tensions and public disorder, Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Peter Ong says that we should not be too critical of youths that participate in seminars discussing wars and oppression, want to learn from one another, speak up on the internet and even parade on the streets. While their fight may be futile and their means not necessarily reasonable, it is oftentimes their sense of justice, sincerity and the fearless display of their youthfulness that should be valued.
Society
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.
Society
Commentator Wu Guo notes how Ivy League schools in the US have churned out people who are academically brilliant, but unable to connect with real life or relate to real issues around them. Such indifference is symptomatic of US elites from top backgrounds.
Society
Former journalist Goh Choon Kang notes the shift in perceptions of what is considered a mother tongue, and how becoming a monolingual English-speaking society would affect Singapore’s current multilingual advantage and international positioning.
Society
Italy is facing a major population challenge in late marriages and low birth rates, as young people struggle to start their own families given low incomes and larger global issues such as war and climate change. Can the conservative party Brothers of Italy convince young people to have more children?