youths

A protestor holds a placard as he takes part in a protest against the ban on TikTok in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 18 November 2023. (Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters)

Nepal’s TikTok ban: Navigating the domestic and geopolitical tightrope

Nepal’s recent ban on TikTok was a result of both societal and political concerns, says Indian academic Rishi Gupta. In the aftermath, will there be ripple effects on Nepal's relations with China?
Gaming fans react as they watch a big screen showing the League of Legends World Championship 2023 final between South Korean's T1 and China's Weibo Gaming, at the Communication University of China in Beijing, China, on 19 November 2023. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

Youths of today stand at a pivotal moment in history: Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in Beijing

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.
People exit a metro station in Taipei, Taiwan, 19 August 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

[Big read] Can older workers solve Taiwan's labour shortage problem?

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.
A shot of the Miniso's global flagship store at Times Square, New York. (Photo provided by Miniso)

Is Chinese retailer Miniso's 400% stock rally sustainable?

A 400% price jump in the past year has made Miniso Group Holding Ltd. the best-performing stock on the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index. Zaobao journalist Lee Kuo Ai speaks to Robin Liu, chief marketing officer of lifestyle brand Miniso, to find out more about the secret behind its stellar stock price rise, how IP collaborations have helped it to turn in strong performances within and outside of China, and how it plans on tackling the challenges ahead.
Children sit in a classroom on their first day of school at Heath Mount, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), in Watton at Stone, the UK, on 3 September 2020. (Andrew Couldridge/Reuters)

Irreconcilable generational conflict is the new struggle of humanity

The pandemic has changed the world, not least in disrupting the lives of young people stuck at home from school, where they not only gain knowledge but also practise the norms of social behaviour. Now that they are back in school, these children who lack social experiences are acting up by engaging in disruptive behaviour in class. Commentator Chip Tsao feels that there is no way back as the gap between the generations widens.
Minister in charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing (left) meeting with Minister of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Organisation Department Li Ganjie ahead of the 9th Singapore-China Forum on Leadership at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, China, on 12 September 2023. (SPH Media)

Minister Chan Chun Sing on Singapore-China relations: Mutual trust is vital to navigate a changing world

Singapore Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing gave the keynote address during the 9th Singapore-China Forum on Leadership in Beijing on 12 September 2023. Minister Chan noted the importance of taking stock and exchanging notes on how countries’ approaches to governance must evolve as both the internal and external environment change, and stressed that facing the new challenges of the modern world requires cohesive leaders who work well together, not only within the government and with the people, but also with businesses and globally with international partners. Here is the edited transcript of his speech.
A woman rides her bicycle past a mural showing electricity poles in Hanoi, 19 June 2023. (Nhac Nguyen/AFP)

[Big read] South Korea looks to Vietnam to reduce reliance on China

As China becomes more self-sufficient in producing its own goods, South Korea — one of China’s major trading partners — has to look to other countries to reduce its reliance on the Chinese market. Given the growing economic and trade relations, as well as the flourishing people-to-people exchanges, Vietnam has become a top choice for South Korea to expand its market.
Ling Lian Bao Dian Kew Ong Yah is a small but lively temple saved and restored by a group of young people.

Young Singaporeans injecting new life into Chinese temple culture

Temple-goers are often the elderly and it is hard to associate temple culture with the younger generation. But some young people who grew up visiting temples and soaking in its symbols and atmosphere have taken up the mission of passing down this culture. Some of them “saved” temples that were forced to relocate, while others became craftsmen who work on restoring damaged or discarded idols. Yet others collect figurines like artworks. In their own way, each of them is continuing the heritage of temple culture.
A 3D printed Tik Tok logo is seen in front of a US flag in this illustration taken 6 October 2020. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/Reuters)

Will the US ban TikTok completely?

The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs has advanced a bill in Congress potentially giving the Biden administration power to ban TikTok in the US. Zaobao’s China Desk weighs up the various opinions discussing the issue.