"CAI is a Chinese character, is three simple strokes. And it means talent, human talent. And for us, it's really something that represents how we can turn something as simple as children into something great." "We really represent values. We want to build up children from the inside out. So human talent is really something great, and the symbol of CAI is what we want to use because it's so simple." Judy Shen is the founder of CAI, a non-profit that works with the children of migrant workers. From humble beginnings, it has now touched the lives of an estimated 100,000 children. "CAI actually started as a stand alone project. It started out as a summer camp, it was something that I felt compelled to do, but it was also a format where I felt by myself I could put it together. And so, it started out as a need I saw in the community. There were just so many migrant children here when I first started. I didn't really have a long-term vision in terms of making it into an organization. But as a result of our first summer camp, and the really positive input we received from volunteers and from teachers, as well as the children. We just felt compelled to continue."Our latest video short for a local non profit - A Talent to Inspire has now been posted to our website Ridealist.com.
It can also be viewed (with the transcript) here on the CRIenglish website.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
A Talent to Inspire
Friday, 26 February 2010
'Today' February 26, 2010 - China's Middle Class
Are you middle class?
The definition of middle class in China is very vague. According to a survey by China Newsweek, 70 percent of the interviewed so-called "middle class" based on their occupations, incomes and educational backgrounds do not admit that they are in this category. Why? Well as we learned, they are suffering from something of an identity crisis and feelings of insecurity!
Guests
Steven W. Lewis, Ph.D. Professor in the Practice, Asian Studies, Rice University
David Moser, Academic Director, CET Beijing Chinese Studies
Zhang Jun, 张军COO，Horizon Research Consultancy Group
Dr. Beibei Tang, Australian National University
'Today' February 25, 2010 - Australia's New Immigration Rules
Justifying new immigration rules, Chris Evans, Australia's immigration minister, recently remarked that the country had been attracting too many hairdressers and cooks and too few doctors and engineers. Who are going to the losers and winners of a new immigration policy?
Shu Leung Samson Wong, Wong Sam & Chin
Laurie Berg, Lecturer in Law, University of Technology, Sydney
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
'Today' February 24, 2010 - Stimulus Package Comparison
The global financial crisis left governments around the world scrambling to find ways to revive their flagging economies, remain competitive, and stimulate growth. In today's program we took a look at the different ways governments spent their stimulus money - and which approaches worked the best, and which didn't really achieve their goals.
Guests
John Attanasio, Dean, Dedman School of Law – SMU
Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody's Economy.com
Pro. He Ping, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
'Today' February 23, 2010 - Ukraine Election Crisis
Defeated election candidate Yulia Tymoshenko has refused to recognise Viktor Yanukovych as Ukraine's new president and she has promised to consolidate a parliamentary majority against him. According to Tymoshenko, Yanukovych "came to power on the back of lies and will not stay in power long". Her remarks come, amid fears that the country is heading into a prolonged political crisis.
Guests
Zhu Honggen, researcher at Ukrainian Section of Institute of Russian, East European & Central Studies(IREECS), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences(CASS)
Ambassador William Taylor, former US ambassador to Ukraine from 2006-2009, currently, Vice President of US Institute of Peace, Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations
Anders Aslund, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics
Monday, 22 February 2010
'Today' February 22, 2010 - Mother Language Day
The culture sector of UNESCO recently published a chilling report asserting that more than half of the world’s 6,000 languages are endangered. It pointed out that 96 per cent of the world’s languages are spoken by just four per cent of the world’s population, that 90 per cent of the world’s languages are not represented on the internet, that one language disappears on average every two weeks, and that 80 per cent of African languages have no universally recognised written form. How and why does this happen, and what’s the impact of this loss of languages on the social and economic structure of a country? MP3 Audio: Mother Language Day
To share their insights we were joined by:
David Cotter, M.Phil, Ph.D.,Academic Director, Aihua Foreign Languages Academy
Min Bista, Program Specialist for Education, UNESCO Beijing Office
Carolyn Temple Adger, Director, Language in Society Division, Center for Applied Linguistics
Saturday, 20 February 2010
'Today' February 19, 2010 - UK Election Teaser
Britons will go to the polls on or before June 3rd this year to elect a new government. Are they going to return the Labour Party for a fourth consequtive term, will we see a return of the Conservatives, or are we heading for a period of political stalemate with no clear winner? Informative, humorous and often irreverent panel discussion with special guests: Terence McManus, Editor: China Hospitality News MP3: UK Election Teaser
Mark Hughes，Executive business editor, China Daily
Dominic Bradbury, Owner and CEO FatBoy IT Consulting and operator of the angrybritain.com website
Denis Campbell, Publisher/Editor at UKProgressive.co.uk
'Today' February 18, 2010 - You are what you eat!
You are what you eat. But there is a lot of diversity out there - and to coin another expression - one man's meat is another man's poison - pretty much illustrates the fact that what might be acceptable, or even prized in one culture, might be shunned in another. Take a listen to this fun and frequently funny panel discussion with special guests: Jay Weinstein, Author of "The Ethical Gourmet"
David Moser, Academic Director, CET Beijing Chinese Studies
Lillian Chou, Food Editor, TimeOut Magazine, Beijing
Friday, 12 February 2010
'Today' February 12, 2010 - Is America for sale?
The United States Supreme Court recently issued a ruling that - at least according to critics - has effectively opened the door to foreign money entering US politics through corporate campaign contributions. It has also allegedly made it possible - in theory - for a corporation to become a candidate in an election. Have the critics got it wrong? Listen to this fascinating and robust debate and decide for yourself if America is for sale to the highest bidder! Patrick Chovanec, Associate Professor at Tsinghua University Qian Liwei, researcher at Chinese Institutes of Contemporary International Relations Dr. Liu Youfa, Vice President of China Institute of International Studies Denis Campbell, Editor and CEO of UKProgressive.co.uk MP3 Audio file Is America for sale?
Fear of failure stifles Chinese innovation, for now
Posing the question "is today's China an innovative society" generated a flood of convincing and well-supported arguments. The responses ranged from "Yes, absolutely" to "Absolutely not." The "naysayers" will admit that historically China was once the center of the scientific and innovative world. For thousands of years, Chinese scholars were at the cutting edge of ingenuity. By the 16th century, however, China seemed to have run out of new ideas. The Middle Kingdom locked the doors, shuttered the windows and went into hibernation. Fast-forward to the 21st century and the fruits of 30 years of reform and opening-up to the West, China is now the world's largest auto market, the world's No. 1 exporter, and is quickly overtaking Japan as the world's second largest economy. Surely this took innovation? No, say the critics. China achieved its phenomenal success by essentially becoming the world's factory. Importing, licensing or copying technology, the critics say, does not make an innovative society. Entrepreneurial? Yes. Enterprising? Yes. Innovative? No.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
'Today' February 11, 2010 - China's Energy Security
China's dramatic growth over the past 30-odd years has been accompanied by an equally dramatic rise in the need for energy. So where is China placed in terms of energy security, and these days with so much focus on the environment and climate change, where does China rank in terms of energy efficiency? Zhou Dadi, former Director, Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission Zha Daojiong, Prof. from Peking University, member of the state energy expert commission
Dr. Xavier Chen, Chair of Energy Working Group, European Chamber of Commerce in China
Steven W. Lewis, Ph.D. Fellow in Asian Studies, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Associate Director, Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Studies, Professor in the Practice, Asian Studies, Rice University
'Today' February 10, 2010 - Going Home
It is Spring Festival. The main festival in China's Lunar Calendar. Marked by fireworks and happy family reunions. Yes, true. It is also the time of overcrowded railway cars, horrendous queues to buy tickets, essential gifts you can't afford to buy, stress, anxiety. So why do countless millions of Chinese put themselves through it every year?
'Today' February 09, 2010 - Sino-Japan History
It has been said that China and Japan have more things in common than things that separate them. It has also been said that the 50 odd years from the end of the 19th century until 1945 should be viewed in the perspective of the thousands of years the two countries enjoyed cooperative relations.
'Today' February 08, 2010 - Sino-US Relations
Last year we were celebrating 30-years of diplomatic ties between the United States and China. We had scores of stories about how well the relationship was progressing – it really was something of a “love fest” or mutual admiration society. Over the space of a couple of weeks, all that seems to have changed.
Friday, 5 February 2010
'Today' February 05, 2010 - Square Pegs, Round Holes?
Some college grads are reluctant to join local Chinese companies because they are wary of the established hierarchy - and think it will stifle their creativity and ambition. On the other hand, many of them don't do so well in more open Western MNCs. Why?
Tim Farey - Director, Asia Business Development, Apprise Software
Sam Goodman - Serial Entrepreneur and author of "Where East Eats West."
Audio MP3 file: Square pegs, round holes?
Iran may be next target - Global Times, Beijing
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Washington 'provoked' by worms in space
Iran’s claim that it launched a research rocket carrying a mouse, two turtles and some worms into space generated a predictably swift and sharp response from Washington. The White House described it as a “provocative” act. President Obama apparently remarked that it is not too late for Iran to do the right thing, “Come to the table with the international community and live up to its international obligations.” All this brouhaha over a mouse, two turtles, and a couple of worms? There has long been speculation that Washington’s position on Iran has been shaped by pro-Israel lobbyists, but now are we supposed to believe that the White House has fallen under the influence of PETA? (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
'Today' February 04, 2010 - START Strategic Nuclear Weapons Treaty
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
'Today' February 03, 2010 - African Union Summit
The African Union was established in 2002 and replaced the Organization of African Unity. Its charter says it would work for closer political integration – and through united efforts, attempt to change the image of Africa as a country at war, run by dictators, and plagued by coups. Well, eight years on, what progress has it made?
'Today' February 02, 2010 - Disappointment in Davos
Common sense would suggest there is inestimable value in having the best and the brightest from the business and political world get together in a relatively informal setting to discuss the major issues. Two and half thousand delegates were in Davos – and the broad consensus is: The global economy is still not completely out of the woods. That’s the best they could come up with?
'Today' February 01, 2010 - Afghanistan's Future
A conference last week in London brought together about 70 countries involved in post-war reconstruction and aid to the government of Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Today will be taking a look at what was – and what wasn’t – achieved at the conference, and what lies ahead for the war battered country.
'Today' January 28, 2010 - Is Iran Next?
The threat of military action against Iran over its nuclear program has hung over the Middle East for a number of years. Does Iran pose a “clear and present danger” to US or global interests? What would be the basis for a military strike and what would be the consequences? Today threw the question out to: Ambassador Hua Liming, fmr Chinese Ambassador to Iran Patrick Chovanec, Associate Professor at Tsinghua University Soraya Ulrich - Independent researcher on US foreign policy and writer Stephen Sniegoski - Author of 'The Transparent Cabal - The Neoconservative Agenda, War in the Middle East, and the National Interest of Israel."
'Today' January 25, 2010 - Google China
The threat by internet search giant Google to close its China operations has attracted widespread attention to say the very least. Is this very public spat between Google and Beijing about morals and human rights, or is it about business – and what some might describe as Google’s failure to garner the market share it was aiming for?
'Today' January 21, 2010 - Obama's First Year
It has been a year since Barack Obama moved into the White House. ‘Today’ has brought together a panel of experts to share their report card on the president’s first twelve months. Abject failure, or as good or even better than anyone could have expected under the circumstances?
'Today' January 20, 2010 - Is China Innovative?
What is innovation? What is the innovative society that the government keeps urging companies here to create? According to one expert, all breakthroughs in business come from innovation – creating something better, cheaper, faster, or more efficient. The question is, does China have a talent for that?
'Today' January 19, 2010 - China's Auto Sector
China has now overtaken the United States as the world's number one car market. The market grew by a staggering 46 percent in 2008 - and according to some industry analysts, China is set to explode into the United States with some innovative models. We have the experts here to answer the question, what is the future for China's auto industry?
'Today' January 18, 2010 - War Reporters
A British journalist wrote on reporting war: quote, "then, I had to wonder was it worth the risk: sitting in the back of a Warrior, taking the chance of not coming home, rolling a dice with the IEDs and their fondness for ripping off people's legs." I think it's a question many people asked: is it worth it?
'today' January 13, 2010 - Future Society
It is not uncommon these days to read stories about sportsmen and women using steroids to enhance their performance, or of students and scholars using caffeine pills or ADD medications to give them that extra edge. But science and technology is rapidly moving beyond these essentially primitive stimulants - but how far beyond are we already, and how far should we go? To give us the insight, we invited:
Natasha Vita-More，Theorist and new media artist, has a masters of science (MSc) , masters of philosophy (MPhil), a certified sports trainer and nutritionist, and is currently writing her PhD dissertation on radical human enhancement.
Cyrille Jegu, Accelerator of Change toward Sustainability
Max More，Strategic Philosopher，The Proactionary Project, Extropy Institute
'Today' January 11, 2010 - Free Trade
Conventional wisdom would suggest that free and open trade - trade without artificial or protectionist barriers - would be good for business. So why are announcements of Free Trade Agreement negotiations often met with protests? Why is anti-globalization becoming the "cause celebre" at economic and trade meetings around the world?
Mark Hughes，Executive business editor, China Daily
'Today' January 8, 2010 - Space Tourism
British entrepreneur Richard Branson is now offering people the chance to go into space – at the incredible, knock-down price of just 200-thousand dollars – which is quite a reduction from the approximately 20-million dollars that recent space tourists have been paying. But how long will it be before “normal” people will be able to enjoy a view of the world in zero gravity?
Dr Ian O'Neill, Space Producer, Discovery News
'Today' January 7, 2010 - The Causes of Terrorism
Speaking as a UK citizen – I can remember the days when checking in for an international flight was only marginally more troublesome than getting on the Cross Channel Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk. And as for being a target of terrorism – well apart from the IRA, and maybe a few Cypriot EOKA holdouts – the Brits had no natural enemies if you like. All that has changed. Why?
Dr. Xu Feibiao, Researcher, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations
Prof. Xie Tao, Beijing Foreign Studies University
Hassan Abbas, PhD, Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University, author of Pakistan's Drift into Extremism: Allah, the Army and America's War on Terror
'Today' January 6, 2010 - Iran Political Violence
Since last year's controversial presidential elections, Iran has been wracked with politcal unrest - with hundreds of street protests - both anti and pro government. Many of these protests turned violent with several deaths and widespread property damage. Tehran has accused Western interests of interference. So what is driving the turmoil - and is the end in sight?
'Today' invited a panel of experts to discuss the developments.
Prof. Mohammad Marandi, Tehran University
Prof. Wang Suolao, International Studies, Peking University
Shahab Mossavat, British/Iranian journalist based in London
Patrick Chovanec, associate professor at Tsinghua University
Download and listen to the MP3 Audio File: Iran Political Developments
