Pilot program bypasses high school entrance exam

There's a certain allure to the idea of doing it yourself, a promise of simplicity and satisfaction. Yet, what begins as a straightforward endeavor can quietly unravel, demanding far more than you ever intended to give. Instead of saving resources, the process often consumes them in unexpected ways, leaving you with a different outcome than the one you first imagined. / Exploring “day-off shame” in modern workplaces (11:59). On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

For students in China, the high-pressure race toward the "Zhongkao" defines their early youth. Now, a pilot program in Chengdu is eliminating this decisive high school entrance exam for some students. The radical move promises relief from an immense academic burden, aiming to give students back their childhoods. Yet without this single, universal benchmark, some wonder if the path to a bright future has become clearer or far more uncertain. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

Digital resurrection has arrived, but its ethics are dangerously unclear. The recent use of a recreated scholar to promote tea brought about a question that didn't exist a decade ago. Is this a legitimate tribute, or a commercial exploitation of the dead? The urgent question is no longer can we do this, but should we? / Motivational Monday (17:07)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The 'Curse of 35,' a notorious career barrier, is officially under attack. In a major policy reversal, the government has lifted the age restriction for its civil service exams. This is a direct message to the nation's experienced workforce: you are not obsolete. The move now puts the ball in corporate China's court. Will they answer the call? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Why are we drawn to what scares us? A new report has a surprising answer: horror is self-care. We break down the science of how a monster on the screen can help you fight the monsters in your mind, revealing what a haunted house or a zombie apocalypse can teach your brain about calm. There's a surprising link between terror and tranquility! / Round Table's Happy Place (20:21)! On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

From October 31st to November 1st, many of the world's most influential leaders are convening in South Korea for the APEC summit, united by a shared optimism to transform the ambitious theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow" into a tangible reality for the entire Asia-Pacific. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

You've likely seen a service fee, a tip line, or even a small charge for that sealed pack of tissues. But what about a "tea fee" that's not for the pot you ordered, but for every single seat at your table? This is the unexpected charge sparking debate and leaving diners surprised at restaurants in certain areas of China. What would you do if you found it on your bill?/ Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (14:58). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

Today on our special APEC Youth Series, we're joined by two distinguished voices: Chen Xiaobin, a 2025 APEC Summit delegate for young entrepreneurs and Vice Chair of the Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum; and Laura Nguyen, Founding Partner at GenAI Fund and Head of Vietnam for Ava Labs. They share their unique perspectives on the critical intersection of technology and sustainability. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

In China, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month has always been a day to climb high, both in body and spirit. The Double Ninth Festival calls us to honor those who came before and to look ahead to the future we are building together. Today, as China grows older and wiser, aging is no longer a distant topic concerning our grandparents. From national strategies to smart robots, from young caregivers to digital helpers, we explore how silver and youth can shine together. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

Welcome to Round Table's APEC Youth Series, where we spotlight a new generation reshaping the Asia-Pacific. In this special series, we'll meet the young changemakers who are redefining "development" across the region. For our first conversation, Round Table's Niu Honglin is joined by Lv Xiaoning, co-founder of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan