Wake-up call for media

THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE 21cbh.com website's "particularly big" blackmailing scheme sounds especially unsettling because it involves one of the most influential business media outlets in the country; one that has established itself as an authoritative source of industry information.

Rid the media of corruption

Paid news related to IPOs has been rampant since the startup board was introduced in 2009. When preparing to be listed on the board, companies hope to avoid negative news about them curbing the process, so they will bribe media outlets and portal sites. Considering the influence of the two media companies involved, namely Roya and 21cbh.com, the case should be a warning to the media industry.

HK residents face 'make or break' choice

On Aug 31, the National People's Congress Standing Committee decided that candidates for Hong Kong's chief executive (CE) election in 2017 must be endorsed by the majority of nominating committee members, instead of open nominations. Describing the decision, China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang said it is significant for the gradual democratization of Hong Kong.

Is the art of handwriting on way to death?

It is almost inevitable that typing will replace handwriting as the world becomes more computerized. In China, the invention of the Pinyin input method has made typing Chinese characters very convenient, both on computers and phones; one only has to choose the right character from a few that pop up on the screen. The more electronic gadgets people use, the less often they go through the elaborate sequence of strokes that make up Chinese characters.

Providing equal education will take time

Issuing a directive on how to improve school exams and enrol students, the State Council, China's cabinet, on Thursday reiterated the importance of curbing the craze of "school selection". It has made it clear that students can be admitted to only primary and middle schools in their neighborhood, or school district.

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China Billionaires Index 中国富豪榜 (zhong guo fu hao bang)

From the Chinese press

Students, don't fall prey to greed

End excessive pay for SOE executives

China's leaders have decided to cut the hefty salaries and restrict the expense accounts and other perks of top executives at large State-owned enterprises.

Leaders should set cooperative tone

US President Barack Obama is visiting Beijing to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on Nov 10 and 11. However, it is his extra day in the Chinese capital on Nov 12 that is likely to attract the most attention, as he is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for face-to-face talks, before they both head to Brisbane, Australia, for the G20 meeting on Nov 15 and 16.

Red Cross needs real reform

A NEW PERSON AT THE HELM SHOULD CERTAINLY bring something different to the infamous Red Cross Society of China.

Just show it has changed

When Zhao Baige took over as the presiding executive of the Red Cross Society of China three years ago, both she and the other executives had underestimated the efforts needed to regain public trust for the group. The public expected to see a total reform, but all she did was offer explanation after explanation. Let's hope the new leader takes deeper measures. The RCSC has faltered, not from any external scandal, but from its own refusal to change. That lesson should be learned by other industries that need to reform as well.

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