[Post 452] 'They’re Not Filial': China's Eldercare Problem And Nursing Home Stigma | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

China is facing an aging population. Over the next decade, about 300 million people are set to retire. This is nearly equivalent to the size of the US population. 

As the silver tsunami buffets China, the country has started to tackle this issue, aiming to build basic elderly care systems in every province by 2025. Services will include material assistance, nursing, and caregiving. But in a country where filial piety is considered a core virtue, sending one’s parents to a care facility is a social stigma. There is an expectation that children should look after their parents, a view particularly held among the rural population. But in the face of economic headwinds, caring for the aged is becoming an increasing burden on China’s sandwich generation.  

How will China navigate this cultural shift around eldercare?

[Post 451] Key Changes Coming To Singapore REITs: Is It Time To Buy? | Money Mind | Singapore REITS

Summary

Despite being a popular choice among investors, REITs have taken a beating all year. So could three key changes in Singapore, and from outside Singapore, be a turning point?

[Post 450] 8 places to explore the hidden side of Hong Kong: Island-hopping, a monastery and more

Summary

If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong but want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city – or simply want to experience something beyond the usual tourist traps, shopping and eating, here are a few places to visit. (Video: Wallace Woon)

[Post 449] Glamping at Singapore’s Lazarus Island for a quick, relaxing break from the city

Summary

Looking for an island staycation near Singapore? Here’s what to expect from Into The Woods' boutique glamping experience. (Video: Wallace Woon)

[Post 448] How sustainable is it for Singapore hawkers to offer budget meals? | Deep Dive podcast

Summary

To help alleviate cost of living pressures, all coffee shops leased from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will need to offer budget meal options by 2026. But how do such meals, which cost about S$3.50, affect incomes of hawkers?

Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Dr Teo Kay Key, research fellow at IPS Social Lab, and Fabian Lim, co-owner of JOFA Meepok, JOFA Grill and JOFA-Oji Donburi.

[Post 447] What is it like to stay in Hoshinoya Tokyo, a luxury hotel inspired by a ryokan

Summary

Stripping away all the Western notions of luxury, what would a high-end hotel in modern Japan look like? The answer to that was Hoshinoya Tokyo, a Ryokan reimagined in the form of an urban, high rise building. But with all the elements of an authentic and traditional ryokan.  

[Post 446] China's "ghost" railway stations prompt questions about rapid expansion of high-speed network

Summary

China has the world’s most extensive high-speed railway network, and it is still rapidly expanding. But the system has come under scrutiny, with 26 decommissioned train stations scattered across the country. Observers point to over-investment, low passenger flow and remote locations as key reasons. CNA’s Tan Si Hui visits some of these so-called ‘ghost’ stations.