Is leaving work on time a crime? It shouldn't be, yet for many, it evokes feelings of guilt or anxiety. In China’s office culture, discreetly departing as the clock strikes 6 PM has almost become an art form. So, why is it so difficult to walk out the door at precisely 6 PM with a sense of pride? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:23)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Esports in China is booming, and no other city has achieved what Shanghai has: hosting three of the world's largest video gaming tournaments in just a few years. Has the gaming world discovered its new capital? / This December 20th marks the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region! To celebrate this historic milestone, tune in to this week's Happy Place! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Li Yunqi

When was the last time you shopped in a mall? These days, Gen Z is rediscovering the magic of old fashioned department stores. They go there not just for shopping, but more for the vibe. Affordable, genuine, and maybe even a little bit retro, these old-school giants are back on the scene. So, what's pulling them in? / Iris photography. Who's loving it and should you give it a try (18:58)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

In a city of millions, how do you make sure every voice can be heard when needed? Beijing has been practicing something new for the past several years and it's working. Through this smart system, citizens' complaints are not just listened to but acted upon. From swift responses to a smarter and happier city, how many more steps are still ahead? What are some other modern governance trends transforming urban life? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

As Macao Special Administrative Region celebrates its 25th anniversary, we look ahead into its future through the lens of its youth. Join us for a conversation with Macao's rising leaders, entrepreneurs, and students about the exciting opportunities in culture, education, and business. Follow the lively discussions with youth from Macao and the Mainland, and explore Macao's remarkable transformation and its path forward!

Scrolling through social media, you've probably seen influencers promising to teach you the 'secrets' to becoming an online star and making a fortune in just a month. But do their 'secret tricks' really hold the key to quick success, or are you just paying for a shortcut to nowhere? / Whether it's a family reunion or a holiday feast, a good meal always has the power to unite. Why is eating together so important—and is it always as positive as we think (21:54)? On the show: Heyang, Ding Heng & Yushun

In the face of shortage of hospital beds, what if the answer was to simply share? In China, shared bikes and power banks have proven to be successful, will 'shared hospital beds', which are now being tested in some hospitals, also be a success? Can this shorten the long waiting list for treatment? On the show: Heyang, Ding Heng & Yushun

What if Bruce Lee faced off against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in a fistfight? Or what if Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, battled Darth Vader in an interstellar showdown? AI-generated videos are producing hilarious and surreal mashups that challenge our perceptions of history and storytelling. Are these AI videos undermining our classics? Is this a cause for concern? / Motivational Monday (17:17)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

In 1996, UNICEF and UN-Habitat launched the Child Friendly Cities Initiative, which supports municipal governments in realizing the rights of children at the local level. Currently, China has 93 cities that are part of the initiative to create child-friendly cities. What constitutes a child-friendly city, and why should this be important to all of us? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

In response to the recent film adaptation of the musical "Wicked", one American theater company has chosen to prohibit audience members from singing along to the songs. We dig into the concept of silence to ask why we sometimes crave quiet, yet find it awkward at other times. / Are you concerned that your negative restaurant review may be removed? Perhaps take inspiration from these creative food reviewers (18:28)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

AI has been present in the education sector for quite some time, but it's now found in study rooms, creating an environment that balances self-study with the presence of teacher-like support. The benefits for students are numerous; however, some parents remain skeptical. What exactly is an AI study room, and how popular have they become? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

They're cool and trendy, and it's not just the tech-savvy crowd that is buying them—busy parents and pet owners are also on board. Robot vacuum cleaners remain a popular household item. However, despite steady sales, profits are declining. So, why aren't these robots cleaning up in the market? / Why are seats in movie theaters red (18:50)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

What happens when young adults exchange independence for family caregiving? These "full-time children" who came back to live with their parents and manage the household in exchange for support, are now questioning whether it is time to leave the nest for good. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Ever feel like you're paying for your job? It's becoming increasingly common for employees to cover their own work-related expenses, including software, training courses, and even costs associated with clients. Is this the price of career advancement, or should employers be picking up the tab (20:23)? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

For years, print media has been considered obsolete. However, in 2024, it is experiencing a resurgence: magazines have become luxury items, highly sought after by the younger generation, particularly in North America. How did this transformation occur? The revival of print begins now! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng