Core Insights - The exhibition, in collaboration with The Institutum in Singapore, features four artists from different generations exploring themes of identity, migration, and cultural memory in Southeast Asia [1][2] - The event serves as a cultural bridge, allowing for a dialogue between the experiences of 70s and 90s generation artists, enriching the discussion on identity and migration [1] - The artists employ various artistic practices, including painting, installation, and video, to reflect the complexities of identity and emotional trajectories within the context of migration [1][2] Event Details - Exhibition Duration: July 2 - September 6 [3] - Curators: Wells Fray-Smith, Clara Che Wei Peh [3] - Location: Tina Kim Gallery [3]

Core Viewpoint - The value of master's degrees is declining, with many questioning the worth of pursuing a master's, especially "water master's" programs that are easy to enter and graduate from [2][3]. Group 1: The Devaluation of Degrees - Master's education is experiencing "commodification" and "inflation," with institutions expanding enrollment and lowering admission standards, leading to a perception of many programs as "water master's" [5][6]. - In the job market, a master's degree is no longer a standout feature but merely a standard requirement, with employers increasingly valuing practical experience and skills over academic credentials [6][10]. - By 2025, the number of college graduates in China is expected to reach a record 12.22 million, with lower employment rates for master's graduates compared to associate degree holders [6][10]. Group 2: The Reality of "Water Master's" - Many master's programs emphasize theory over practical skills, leading to a disconnect between what is taught and what is needed in the workplace [9][10]. - Employers are wary of "high degree, low ability" graduates, with many preferring candidates with more substantial practical experience [9][10]. - Some companies explicitly state they do not hire one-year overseas master's graduates, viewing them as less qualified compared to those with longer study durations [10][11]. Group 3: Opportunity Costs of Pursuing a Master's - The direct costs of pursuing a master's degree abroad can range from 700,000 to 1,500,000 RMB, including tuition and living expenses, often requiring significant family support or loans [14][15]. - Time costs are significant, as students delay entering the workforce, potentially falling behind peers who gain work experience during that time [14][15]. - Psychological factors, such as "sunk cost" and identity issues, can lead students to persist in pursuing degrees that may not yield the expected returns [15][16]. Group 4: Questions to Consider Before Pursuing a Master's - Prospective students should evaluate whether the master's program offers unique value, if the industry requires a master's degree, if the curriculum aligns with industry needs, and if they are prepared for the associated costs and risks [21][22]. Group 5: The Importance of Skills Over Degrees - The focus should shift from merely obtaining a degree to enhancing skills and capabilities, as not all degrees lead to significant career advancements [23][24]. - Even prestigious programs may suffer from outdated content and lack of practical training, leading to dissatisfaction among graduates [24][25]. - The true value of a degree lies in its alignment with personal goals and the ability to leverage the experience for career growth [25][26].

Core Viewpoint - The article narrates the life of a man named Wen Congwen, who has lived as an unregistered "black household" for over 27 years, facing numerous societal challenges and personal struggles due to his lack of identity and recognition [3][10][22]. Group 1: Identity and Existence - Wen Congwen's life has been marked by the absence of an official identity, leading to a profound sense of alienation and despair [3][10]. - His father’s refusal to cooperate in obtaining a household registration has been the primary barrier to Wen's identity, resulting in a life of social invisibility [4][22]. - The narrative highlights the psychological impact of being unrecognized in various aspects of life, including work, healthcare, and personal relationships [9][10][22]. Group 2: Struggles and Decisions - After losing his job and facing further obstacles in obtaining his household registration, Wen contemplated suicide as a means to assert his existence [8][11]. - His journey to Guangzhou symbolizes a desperate attempt to escape his circumstances and find a place where he could be recognized [11][12]. - Despite his initial plan to end his life, Wen's experiences in the city led him to reconsider and ultimately share his story online, seeking connection and understanding [20][21][60]. Group 3: Family Dynamics - The article delves into Wen's tumultuous relationship with his father, whose violent behavior and neglect have profoundly affected Wen's sense of self and belonging [25][30]. - Wen's mother also plays a significant role in his narrative, as her abandonment and subsequent lack of contact contribute to his feelings of isolation [36][50]. - The struggle for identity is further complicated by the familial ties that bind Wen to his father, making the quest for a household registration a deeply personal battle [54][64]. Group 4: Social Commentary - The story reflects broader societal issues regarding identity, registration, and the implications of being unrecognized in a system that requires official documentation for basic rights and services [52][53]. - Wen's experiences resonate with many individuals who face similar challenges, highlighting the need for systemic changes to address the plight of unregistered individuals in society [20][22]. - The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of identity and belonging in the human experience, emphasizing the struggles faced by those marginalized by bureaucratic systems [60][67].

Core Viewpoint - The article narrates the life of a man named Wen Congwen, who has lived as an undocumented individual for 27 years, facing numerous societal challenges and ultimately contemplating suicide to assert his existence. Group 1: Background and Identity Struggles - Wen Congwen was born in 1998 in a small village in Guangxi, China, and has never had a legal identity due to his father's criminal history and refusal to cooperate with the household registration process [2][4][21] - Throughout his life, Wen has faced significant barriers, including being unable to work legally, access healthcare, or travel, which has led to a sense of invisibility in society [3][4][56] - His attempts to obtain a legal identity have been repeatedly thwarted by his father's actions and the bureaucratic system, leaving him in a state of limbo [52][64][78] Group 2: Descent into Despair - After losing his job and facing financial difficulties, Wen decides to end his life in a public place to make a statement about his existence [1][5][90] - He travels to Guangzhou with the intention of jumping from a high building, reflecting on his lonely and unrecognized life [5][6][90] - Despite his plans, moments of connection, such as a message from his girlfriend, cause him to reconsider his decision [11][12][19] Group 3: Social Media and Public Response - Wen creates a social media account titled "An Undocumented Chinese Person," sharing his experiences and receiving overwhelming support from online users [18][19] - The public's response encourages him to tell his story, leading him to realize that he can assert his existence through narrative rather than death [20][21][90] Group 4: Turning Point and Resolution - After a series of events, including a breakthrough in his attempts to obtain a collective household registration, Wen's situation begins to change [15][94] - His father eventually agrees to cooperate in the registration process, allowing Wen to finally secure a legal identity [94][96] - With his new identity, Wen experiences a sense of belonging and the ability to participate in society, marking a significant transformation in his life [99][100]

将投中网设为"星标⭐"，第一时间收获最新推送 从《中国风险投资史》聊起。 对话丨 董力瀚 曹国熊 严力 整理丨 杨博宇 来源丨 投中网 标题这话是曹国熊说的，意思是投资需要顺势并且很多成功是偶然的，虽然很多时候不得不把过程表演给LP看，以展示自己"早就知道"，但得在心里得 多追问自己，真是这样吗？而且，我们还可以追问自己更多。 2022 年，普利策奖得主塞巴斯蒂安·马拉比出版了《美国风险投资史》，记述了美国风险投资行业 70 年的历史变迁。该书开篇立言，阐释了风险投资 的发生与价值，用短短四五千字，讲述其对推动美国社会创新与发展的重要作用。 从2005年美元基金大举进入中国市场开始，到如今"分化"的局面，也该是时候讨论风险投资的身份和意义了。投中信息也是2005年成立，今年刚好20周 年，抱着对中国风险投资的角色与价值的追问。 投中网总编辑董力瀚、普华资本创始合伙人曹国熊、钟鼎资本创始合伙人、 CEO 严力，在 "第 19 届 中国投资年会·年度峰会"上，举行了一场别开生面的对话，共同探讨了中国投资人的坐标与身份，中国风险投资的价值与发展等话题。 在对话中，曹国熊认为投资人对自我的定义很重要，特别是在中国当下 ...