Asia Insight

Singapore and China - Ready for New Heights

The Female Guides of the Himalayas

Nine Days of Christmas Prayer - The Philippines

The Sight Saving Doctor - Nepal

East Timor - Ten Years On

Bangkok's Ambulance Volunteers

Aiming Big in South Korea

Baby Boomer Blues in South Korea

A Crossroads for Hong Kong

Transforming Cambodia Through the Arts

All Eyes on China's New Age

Illegal Guns in the Phillipines

In this episode of Asia Insight we investigate the viscous circle of gun violence in the Philippines

China's Whistle Blowers

An Innovative Program in the Philippines

Saltwater Intrusion in the Mekong Delta

Cambodia's Maids Working for a Brighter Future

Empowering the Disabled in Bhutan

In Bhutan, there is a traditional belief, which stems from Tibetan Buddhism, that people with disabilities are suffering

China's Social Business

This episode of Asia Insight follows a social business that has been trying to improve the lives of Chinese farmers for

Women Building Business in the Mountains of Vietnam

Bhutan Battles Waste

"Tianamen No More" HK Fights for Democracy

South Korea's Foreign Labor Policy: 10 Years On

With more than 70% of young South Koreans going on to further education, the country is facing a chronic shortage of man

Indonesia's Growing Eel Business

The 1.5 Generation Defectors from North Korea

Gold Mining in Myanmar

Indonesia's Waria

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country, but for many years, many schools of Islam have stigmatized I

Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, a small country in Central Asia, the institution of marriage is troubled by the serious social problem of

Hard Times Ahead for Graduates in China

Dreams on the Steppe

China's Rapidly Aging Society

A succession of population policies - first encouraging childbirth and then enforcing one-child families - has brought o

Surviving Cluster Bombs in Laos

Young Cambodians Bear the Future

Cambodia is going through a dramatic transformation, with its GDP jumping three-fold over the past 10 years, thanks to h

Preserving Laos through Ecotourism

Chinese Turn to Crowdfunding

China's Last Eco-friendly Region

Mining Tourist Gold in South Korea

Searching for Ideal Education

South Korea's Flower Men

Taiwan Gets Closer to Mainland China

Nepal Villages Get Online

Reviving Peking Opera

Ulan Bator's Battle for Clear Skies

Air pollution in Mongolia's capital, Ulan Bator, is among the world's worst. A thick haze often envelops the city, reduc

Cambodia's Factories Face Labor Rifts

Cambodia's economy is booming thanks in part to a burgeoning garment industry. Business people from other countries have

Education for $1 a Month: Nepal

A look at the amount of families in Nepal who cannot afford to send their children into school.

Celebration Amid Disaster in The Philippines

Following the lives of those who lived through the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines in November 2013.

The Street Children of Ulan Bator

In spite of rapid economic growth in Mongolia's capital, Ulan Bator, the gap between rich and poor is widening with insu

The Foggy Skies of Beijing

PM2.5 - tiny particulate matter - is the main cause of the air pollution currently plaguing China. The air quality in Be

White Gold: The Cambodian Rice Market

Although strong economic growth is taking place in Cambodia's capital city, rural Cambodia - home to 80% of the country'

I'm Not Going Home: Social Changes Reshape Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is traditionally a time for people in China to spend time with their families. Migrants living and work

Fashion: Cambodian Style

The Cambodian fashion industry could be about to bloom. Until recently, overseas brands and trends have been all the rag

Lonely Providers: South Korea's Goose Fathers

South Korea is home to a growing legion of lonely men. They are fathers whose wives and kids have gone overseas so the c

Overcoming the Odds: Laos Young Filmmakers

For 20 years, not a single commercial film was made in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Now, a group of young filmm

The Pushcart Schools of the Philippines

In deprived Filipino districts, it's common for children to record poor attendances after starting school and some drop

North Korean Defectors Struggles in South Korea

Over 26,000 North Koreans have now defected to South Korea. Seoul has many measures in place to resettle these defectors

Restoring Vietnam's Forests

During the Vietnam War, vast amounts of defoliant were released by the US military in order to destroy the tropical fore

Singapore's Immigration Discord

Singapore had actively encouraged immigration and foreign investment over the past few decades in a bid to trigger econo

Spreading Light with Plastic Bottles

In impoverished areas of the Philippines, many households cannot afford electricity and don't use their lights. As the h

Saving China's Abandoned Children

In China, roughly 100,000 children are abandoned by their parents each year. Many suffer from illness or disability. Sha

TV Drama Abu Dhabi-style

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and with its rich oil resources, it is also the most affluent emira

NGO Revives Chinese Villages

Rural farming villages in China are faced with a multitude of problems including poverty, environmental destruction and

An Emerging Sporting Nation: Qatar

Qatar is a small country in the Middle East with a population of 2 million people. Although it is blessed with natural r

Farewell to Cambodia's Norry

The Cambodian norry is an improvised rail vehicle, which carries passengers and cargo from rural to urban areas using un

South Korea's Unwed Mothers

In South Korea, approximately 10,000 children are born to single mothers who never married every year, and in the 50 yea

One China Two Systems: Hong Kong 17 Years On

As Hong Kong's economy steadily merges with mainland China following its handover from British colonial rule 17 years ag

Finding a Partner in South Korea

More and more South Koreans who want to get married are finding it increasingly difficult to find a partner. The issue i

China through the Lens of Youth

Some young Chinese photographers are starting to gain worldwide attention for their distinctive and edgy portrayals of m

Promoting Organic Farming in Laos

Laos is a landlocked country on the Indochina Peninsula and one of the poorest countries within ASEAN. However, its econ

Working Nights in Manila

Nights in Manila, the Philippine capital, have been undergoing a lot of change recently with dozens of factories located

Sex Trafficking Survivors in Nepal

Sex trafficking in Nepal is a serious concern with thousands of females from rural parts being regularly forced into pro

24 Hours in Beijings Gourmet Town

Rapid economic expansion in China has brought about changes in the lifestyles of its citizens. More people work later an

The New Puppet Theater of Laos

Puppetry is a vital part of Laotian theatrical tradition, and for many years, it was a very popular form of entertainmen

South Korea Seeks Skilled Foreigners

The Republic of Korea has long been known as a homogenous country, but due to struggles with a labor shortage and an agi

The Aftermath of Strikes in Cambodia

In Cambodia, many garment factories have been forced to shut down temporarily and some have even gone under altogether.

Female Entrepreneurs in East Timor

With a population of 1.2 million, East Timor is one of the poorest countries in Asia. In a male dominated society, women

Hong Kong's Fight for Democracy

July 1, 2014 heralded the 17th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China after British rule. A mass pro-democracy prote

Innovative Farming in Singapore

The small, yet affluent city-state of Singapore, on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Occupying an area of just 7

Tibet's Changing Landscape: Lhasa

Tibet was once among the world's most isolated places. Its main city, Lhasa, was a center of traditional culture and Tib

Weaving a Brighter Future: Cambodia

Fine Cambodian silk has a proud tradition dating back over a thousand years and historically women have been entrusted w

Mediating Doctor-Patient Disputes in Shanghai

Disputes over poor medical treatment between doctors and patients, stemming from chronic overcrowding, the high cost of

Typhoon Haiyan: One Year On

In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan devastated the central Philippines with the city of Tacloban and nearby areas suffering

The Dolphin Village: Cambodia

The Irrawaddy dolphins, which inhabit the Mekong River in Cambodia, are an endangered species that are bringing economic

China's Young Entrepreneurs

Now that China is wealthier, an increasing number of university graduates dream of starting their own businesses. The Ch

Retail Revolution: Philippines

A social entrepreneur in the Philippines is engineering a grassroots revolution in the retail industry. His group is wor

Spreading Light with Plastic Bottles

In impoverished areas of the Philippines, many households cannot afford electricity and don't use their lights. As the h

Thailand's Low Carbon Vision

Thailand's CO2 emissions have reached a staggering 310 million tons per year, mostly due to heavy traffic in urban areas

Escaping Poverty: Brick Workers in Bangladesh

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and is famous as the world's most densely populated city. More and more international

Prayers for Aceh: A Decade after the Indian Ocean Tsunami

On December 26, 2004, a massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering an enorm

Vietnamese Chase their Dreams in Laos

Laos has enjoyed constant economic growth averaging over 7.5% over the past 10 years. This has created new jobs and a de

Shoes for Everyone: Bhutan

Bhutan is still one of the world's Least Developed Countries and many people in rural areas only own one pair of shoes a

Finding the Missing Elderly: Zhejiang, China

China's one-child policy has contributed to a rapid greying of the population. This has led to an increase in senile dem

Islamic Fashion: In Vogue

Indonesia is home to 240 million people, 90% of whom are Muslim. Right now, Islamic fashion is very much in vogue, espec

The World's Largest Kung Fu School

Kung Fu or Chinese martial arts have become a way for many youngsters from rural parts of China to escape from poverty.

Women Mean Business in Papua New Guinea

As its economy develops, the women of Papua New Guinea are becoming more enterprising and starting to play a wider role

New Challenges for an Aging Society: Singapore

By 2016, more than 14% of Singapore's population will be over the age of 65 and with a birthrate of just 1.19%, there is

Public Transport Taipei Style

Bright orange bicycles have become an increasingly common sight in Taiwan's biggest city, Taipei. They're all part of Yo

China's Fight against Counterfeit Products

China is known all over the world for its counterfeit goods, with millions of tourists taking home fake products from th

Living with Agent Orange

40 years after the Vietnam War, a painful legacy of the jungle fighting continues to inflict suffering. The toxic defoli

Leading the Way for Gay Marriage: Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as one of the most gay-friendly nations in Southeast Asia after recently ending a ban on same-sex ma

Vietnam War: Young Men in an Old Film

An old film reel is uncovered. Shot by a Japanese news agency, it shows a village in North Vietnam sending its young men

Vietnam's New Distribution Hub

Da Nang, Vietnam is located directly between the capital of Hanoi and the economic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh. The city h

Cambodia's Mother of Disabled Children

Phalla Neang has been teaching young people with visual and hearing impairments in Cambodia for over 20 years. She began

Learning English in the Philipines

English language education for students from overseas is now a huge industry in the Philippines. In Cebu City, the count

A Tough Test for Silk Road Merchants

The Dordoi Bazaar in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek is Eurasia's largest. It is a key way-stop on the route by which Chin

Innovative Farming in Singapore

The small, yet affluent city-state of Singapore, on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Occupying an area of just 7

The Battle against Legal Abandonment

The Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan is seeing an unending stream of 'legally' abandoned children. As many as 2,000

China's Car Models Clean-up

Xi Jinping, the Chinese President, recently expressed concerns over a culture of vulgarity that was taking root in the c

Retail Revolution - Philippines

A social entrepreneur in the Philippines is engineering a grassroots revolution in the retail industry. His group is wor

The Post-Umbrella Revolution - Hong Kong

In September 2014, the world witnessed Hong Kong's so-called "Umbrella Revolution", named after the umbrellas pro-democr

Finding the Missing Elderly: Zhejiang, China

China's one-child policy has contributed to a rapid greying of the population. This has led to an increase in senile dem

The Abandoned "Dog of God", China

The Tibetan Mastiff became known as the "Dog of God" in China during the height of a craze to have them as pets, and the

Happiness through Nutrition in Cambodia

The National Pediatric Hospital of Cambodia in Phnom Penh has been offering nutritious free meals to its patients, thank

24 Hours in Beijing's Gourmet Town

Rapid economic expansion in China has brought about changes in the lifestyles of its citizens. More people work later an

South Korea Seeks Skilled Foreigners

The Republic of Korea has long been known as a homogenous country, but due to struggles with a labor shortage and an agi

Thailand's Low Carbon Vision

Thailand's CO2 emissions have reached a staggering 310 million tons per year, mostly due to heavy traffic in urban areas

African Students in Chinese Acrobatics

China has a long and proud tradition of acrobatics, but as the country becomes wealthier, fewer youngsters are choosing

Caring for Life: Laos Midwives

Being one of the most undeveloped countries in Asia, Laos still lacks adequate medical services in rural areas, and the

Foreign Nationals Learn Chinese Culture

As the world pays more attention to China as an economic superpower, more and more people are moving to the country to s

Tibet's Changing Landscape: Lhasa

Tibet was once among the world's most isolated places. Its main city, Lhasa, was a center of traditional culture and Tib

Home Alone in China

Over the past few decades, millions of people from rural China have flooded to the cities in search of wealth. We focus

Promoting Organic Farming in Laos

Laos is a landlocked country on the Indochina Peninsula and one of the poorest countries within ASEAN. On this episode o

Crossing the Border: Korea's Divided Families

An in-depth portrait of Asia today, covering its dynamism as a center of growth as well as its traditions tossed around

China's Christmas Town: One Belt, One Road from Yiwu

The One Belt, One Road (OBOR) economic policy links the commercial city of Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, to all the way to Sp

Shanghai: Natives and Newcomers

An in-depth portrait of Asia today, covering its dynamism as a center of growth as well as its traditions tossed around

Beijing's Underground Artists

Ever since China's underground music and art culture started to really emerge in the 1980's, artists have had to release

China: E-Shopping Village

An in-depth portrait of Asia, covering its dynamism as a center of growth as well as its traditions tossed around by the

Human Trafficking: Victims of the Storm

In 2013, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded struck the Philippines, killing more than 6,000 people and destro

Hong Kong Citizens Flock to Taiwan

In recent years, Taiwan has been attracting more and more immigrants from Hong Kong. Affordable housing is just one bene

Protecting China's Hot Pots

Chongqin in Southwest China is famous for its delicious hot pot dish, full of rich and spicy ingredients. The profit mar

Farming in a Freezing Climate

In the harsh Mongolian winter, temperatures can reach 40℃ below zero, an impossible climate for cultivating fruits and

The Marriage Problem among China's Only Children

Within the bustling activity and prosperous economy of Beijing, China's young men are facing a new challenge: solitude.

Saving White Beach: The Philippines

Boracay, a small island in the Philippines, is experiencing a boom in tourism thanks to the reputation of its White Beac

Singapore: From Cradle to... Columbarium

Asian city state Singapore is facing a severe shortage of… graveyards. The country stretches only 42 km from east to w

Singapore: Medical Tourism and Beyond

Singapore focused early on the economic benefits of medical tourism. Today it welcomes 700,000 foreign patients every ye

China's College Graduates: Seeking a Different Lifestyle

Competition for employment in China among university graduates is becoming fierce as many vie for placements at leading

China's Ever-growing Overseas Travel Business

Economic development in China has seen a growth in the tourism business. In 2015 alone, roughly 120 million Chinese trav

The Golden Age of Cambodian Cinema

In the 1960's, Cambodia was a peaceful and prosperous country; various forms of art flourished, and more than 300 domest

Thailand's Halal Drive

In Thailand, there are currently nearly 5,000 companies producing Muslim-friendly Halal products and the government is p

Internet Plus Enriches Chinese People

In March of 2015, the word "Internet Plus" first came into use in China, encouraging new economic development by seamles

The Man behind Vietnam's Beauties

The commercial city of Ho Chi Minh, the largest in Vietnam, the source of new cultural trends. There is a man known as "

Shanghai's Street Stock Salon

Each weekend, hundreds of people gather in public locations in Shanghai to exchange financial speculation in what is kno

Bringing Mongolian Cashmere to the World

Around a fifth of Mongolia's population is employed part-time or full-time in livestock farming and it is also the world

Young South Koreans Struggle with the Economic Gap

In recent years a new term has been popularized among the youth of South Korea: "abandoned generation". New graduates fa

Asia's Biggest Disneyland to Open in Shanghai

As the opening day nears for Shanghai Disneyland, the first Disney theme park in mainland China, a wave of excitement gr

IT Innovations in Indonesia

Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta is said to be the most congested city in the world. Although it has a population of ar

One-child Choice: New Child-rearing Trends in China

Residents of China raised in the one-child policy generation are now giving birth to a new generation, which they hope w

By Its Members, For Its Members

Near the heart of South Korean capital Seoul, is Seongmisan Maeul - a community network in the national spotlight. Made

Assisting the Recovery of Drug Addicts in China

In the shadow of rapid economic development, the use of illegal drugs has become a serious social issue in China. In fac

Kids and Cosmetics: South Korea

South Korea is famous as a hotspot for the beauty industry, and the number of children using cosmetics is soaring. Resea

Chinese Youth Seek Fame and Fortune on the Internet

In China, a country known for its restrictions on media, a new wave of ambitious young men and women is bucking the tren

Myanmar: Sowing Seeds of Benevolence

One civic group based in Myanmar's capital Yangon provides a unique form of social service. The Free Funeral Service Soc

Raising the Curtain: Vladivostok, Russia

The biggest city in the Russian Far East, Vladivostok, gave birth to a new opera and ballet theater in October 2013. The

Beijing's Unattainable Dream Home

As China experiences ongoing economic decline, housing costs in Beijing now surpass those of New York and according to a

Free Land in the Far East

In June 2016, Russia's parliament enacted a remarkable new policy: The Far East One Hectare Law grants all Russian citiz

Singapore's NEWater

It is a little known fact that Singapore has had a long battle in delivering sufficient water to its citizens. Using sta

The Men who Carried a City: Chongqing, China

Chongqing, located by the Yangtze River, was once densely packed with rows of shops, connected by streets too narrow for

The Changing Chinese Community in Cambodia

The Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh has a culture strongly affected by its Chinese residents, who comprise a sixth of it

Cleaning Up the Tofu Industry: Indonesia

Tofu is a staple of Indonesian cuisine. Over 80,000 companies nationwide make it. Most are family-run. Wastewater from t

The Chinese Drawn to Laos

The number of Chinese immigrants to Laos increases daily, with men and women who struggled to succeed in the quickly dev

Restoring World Heritage Sites

Nepal is a landlocked country situated at the southern end of the Himalayas. The centrally situated Kathmandu Valley is

Beijing's Audition Hotels

In certain hotels in Beijing, diverse crowds of men and women from all age groups and birthplaces gather each day. The s

Taking Vietnamese Manga to the Mainstream

Across Vietnam, inspired by Japanese manga, dedicated young locals are striving to promote comic culture. At the forefro

Preventing Elderly Suicide: South Korea

Suicide in South Korea is a serious and widespread problem with the country having the highest suicide rate for an OECD

Working to Revive China's Depopulated Villages

Depopulation of rural areas has become a serious issue in China, where economic growth has led the vast majority of yout

Dealing with the Divorce Problem in China

In recent years, China's divorce rate has suddenly risen due to a number of factors, including social and economic chang

Educational Reform for a Brighter Future: Philippines

In 2016, education in the Philippines underwent a dramatic overhaul. A new high school system was introduced, extending

Cosplay to Business in China

In the 1990's, Japan's anime was regarded in China as a media for children, and only the most eager fans knew of perform

A Return to Rural Prosperity in Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia is located on the Indochina Peninsula and approximately 80% of the population lives in rural are

Shenzhen, China's City that Never Sleeps

Shenzhen is a city located in Guangdong Province, just across the bay from Hong Kong. Referred to as "China's Silicon Va

The Gateway to Success for Youth: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: this island nation, often called "the pearl of the Indian Ocean", with its year-round beaches, endless nature

Lighting up the City: A 24-hour Book Store in China

With the rise of digital media in China, the market for brick-and-mortar bookstores is on the decline. However, amidst s

Revitalizing a Farming Village: Hainan, China

Known as the "Hawaii of China", the popular resort island of Hainan has drawn attention for creating a new model for far

China's Grandparents: Struggling in the Big Cities

Family structures are undergoing a rapid change in modern China. More and more grandparents are finding themselves press

Indonesia's Garbage Clinic

In the east of Indonesia is a unique clinic known as the "Garbage Clinic". The clinic encourages local people from impov

China's Second-Child Boom

In January 2016, China finally ended its 37-year one-child policy. All couples are now free to have a second child. The

From Migrant Workers to China's New Blue Collar

In years past, China's migrant workers were looked upon as lowborn, and expected to eagerly accept even harsh working co

China's Labeled Women

Reflecting Mao Zedong's famous words that women hold up half the heavens, women in China benefit from greater equality i

Tonga: Big Trouble in Paradise

There is a big trouble in the faraway Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga. Until recently Tonga was best known for the skill of

China Breaks Tradition by Facing Death

Death has been a taboo topic in China for centuries, making it difficult to prepare terminally ill patients and their fa

Korea, Seoul: The Youth of the Daehangno District

The district of Daehangno, located in central Seoul, has been known for decades as a college town. Young people brought

The Newly Wealthy Only Children of China

China's one-child policy, created as an effort to prevent overpopulation, was ended in 2016 after 37 years. Now, those b

Realizing Dreams through Affordable Farming Tools - Myanmar

Though Myanmar is an agricultural nation, with over 60% of the population engaged in farming, many rural villages lack v

Farmers on the Up: Cambodia's Commune Elections

In Cambodia June 2017 saw elections to determine membership of local councils across the nation. In recent years these b

Enriching Local Lives through Winemaking

Economic growth in Myanmar has seen wine become popular with the country's younger generation. One of its major wineries

China's Internet Plus Fever

In 2015, China launched its Internet Plus policy with the aim of promoting the use of Internet in various industries suc

A Career in Caregiving for a Better Life: The Philippines

One in ten Filipinos -- over 10 million people -- work outside their native country. Recently, many people are hoping to

Philippine Urban Poor at the Mercy of Developers

In Quezon City, near the Philippine capital Manila, lies the shantytown of San Roque. But as economic growth fuels rapid

Hong Kong: 20 Years After Returning to China

Hong Kong was returned to mainland China in 1997. In spite of the Umbrella Revolution 3 years ago when junior high schoo

Championing Accessibility for the Disabled: Vladivostok, Russia

In July 2017, an "inclusive dance" show, featuring dancers with physical disabilities performing together with able-bodi

Drones Take Flight in Shenzhen

70% of the world's civilian-use drones are made in the same city: Shenzhen, now referred to as "Drone City" by locals. I

Night School Students in China: Seeking Light within the Dark

In China, migrant workers are a common presence in major cities such as Shanghai, where their low-cost labor makes a maj

Catching the Children: Cambodia's Life-Changing Circus

The city of Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, acting as the gateway to the Angkor Wat temple. It is also home to

Drawing for My Homeland: Vietnam

71-year-old artist Luong Anh Dung has spent 50 years drawing propaganda - and he's proud of it. Working for the Hanoi go

China's New Self-Sufficient Communities

Despite the great economic growth that is invigorating China, recently a small group of young people are turning their b

Young People Tackling Plastic Trash on Bali

Each year, over 13 million tourists visit the Indonesian island of Bali. But this tropical paradise faces a major trash

Punk Rock Working to Change Society - Yangon, Myanmar

Just 1 year ago in Myanmar, the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi was formally elected, freeing the

A Library on Horseback in Indonesia

4 days a week, horse caretaker Ridwan Sururi loads his equine partner Luna with a couple of crates full of books, and le

N.Korean Defectors Become Company Presidents in S.Korea

Each year, over one thousand defectors escape the restrictive nation of North Korea to seek a new life in the South. Eve

Chinese Comics Go Worldwide

For decades, the image of Asian comics has been dominated by Japanese manga, the characters of which are known across th

Poachers Turned Eco-Guides in Cambodia

After the fall of the Pol Pot regime, Chi Phat Village became known as a center of illegal poaching and logging as its r

Hong Kong: Running Out of Space

In the 20 years since control of Hong Kong was returned from Britain to China, access to the vast Chinese market has hel

Counting on Red Fruit: China's One Belt One Road Initiative

China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located deep inland, is one of the nation's poorest. Despite being left behind th

Vietnam: Reviving the Water Puppets

Water puppet theater is a folk art unique to Vietnam. Puppeteers use poles to move their wooden dolls over a water "stag

The Next China: Young Perspectives on China's Role in the World

Continuing on from his first term, Chinese President Xi Jinping began his second term with popularity rivaling that of M

A New Page for Books in South Korea

Across Seoul, the capital of South Korea, independent bookstores are on the up. 50 such establishments have opened in th

Cambodian Migrant Workers: Searching for Hope amidst Uncertainty

Each morning, Cambodian day laborers in Phnom Penh line up to seek work for the day, hoping that they may find enough fo

Preserving the Hanji Tradition of South Korea

Traditional Korean paper, or hanji, was first made around 2,000 years ago. Made from paper mulberry bark, research sugge

A Dying Art: Taiwanese Ceremonial Performance Troupes

One of the most vivid and unique forms of performance to be found in Taiwan is at risk of vanishing altogether. Taiwan's

Harvesting Hope in the Golden Triangle - Thailand

The Golden Triangle, overlapping the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, is a major production center for opium poppi

Bhutan's Hurdle to Happiness

An in-depth portrait of Asia today, covering its dynamism as a center of growth as well as its traditions tossed around

Beijing's 706 Youth Space

Although the youth of China are not permitted to discuss the politics of their country openly, the 706 Youth Space offer

An End to Nuclear Power in Taiwan

In January 2017, Taiwan passed a measure stating that all of its nuclear power plants will be shut down by 2025. The cha

South Korea's Dog Meat Culture

For centuries, a unique culture has existed in South Korea around the breeding and slaughter of dogs for their meat. How

Taiwan's Fairytale Wedding Industry

For brides everywhere, the right wedding dress is a crucial part of their big day, and Taiwanese firms are key players i

Defector Video Creators: Young North Koreans with Dreams

In recent years, video sharing service YouTube has grown increasingly popular for the freedom it provides users in expre

The Amazing Electric Phin - Thailand

The electric phin -- a modern adaption of a traditional stringed instrument -- is an essential part of any festivity in

Mongolians Set Sights on South Korea

In the 25 years since Mongolia introduced a market economy at the beginning of the 1990's, the country saw growth fueled

The Changing Chinese Society in Laos

In 2016, Asia Insight reported on a flourishing Chinese mall located in Laos, known to locals as the "Chinese castle". I

Laos' Banana Boom

Laos is a small landlocked nation in Southeast Asia with a population of 6.5 million. Although 70% of the population of

China's Only Sign-Language Lawyer

There are said to be 300,000 certified lawyers currently working in China. However, almost none of them are qualified to

City Running Dry - Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal is famed for its many mountains, which include part of the Himalayan Range. But despite an abundance of crystal-cl

The Long Road to Recovery - China's Sichuan Earthquake

It is 10 years since the Great Sichuan Earthquake of 2008, which left 87,000 people dead or missing. The Beijing governm

Kids' House Opens Doors - Laos

In Laos, despite the recent introduction of a 9-year compulsory education, many children are unable to attend school bec

New Steps Toward a Unified Korea

An inter-Korean summit took place on April 27, 2018. It was a historic meeting – the first in 11 years – where Moon

Eradicating Witch Hunts in Nepal

Many people in Nepal turn to local shamans for everything from the timing of weddings and moves to treating illnesses. S

Banned Books Disappear from Hong Kong

Just a few years ago, Hong Kong was well-known as the location of many bookstores specializing in so-called "banned book

Searching for Freedom of Speech in Taiwan

Taiwan began its democratization in the 1990's, paving the way for freedom of expression greater than in any other Chine

Dreaming of a Diploma - South Korea

Ilsung Women's Middle and High School is not an ordinary school. The average age of the students is 61. Many of these wo

Fighting for Peace - Myanmar

Myanmar's government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, is trying to end long-standing conflicts with ethnic armed groups. Talks

Changing Status of Bachelorettes in China

Traditionally, single Chinese women over the age of 27 were made fun of and regarded as "being left on the shelf". But n

A Sign of Hope: Indonesia's Rainbow Village

In 2016 a new tourist hotspot was born in Malang, Indonesia: Rainbow Village. Once a poor slum, residents began painting

Hotline of Hope in Tianjin, China

One Tianjin-based call center receives contact from over 10,000 people a year, spanning various ages and social groups.

The Philippines: The People's Mayor

In the Philippines, regional economic disparity drives people to the cities, where many live in slums. Mayor Johnielle K

Saving Indonesia's Orangutans

Palm oil plantations in Indonesia are ravaging local forests and destroying the habitats of orangutans, driving them tow

China's Internet Plus and Laborers

China's Internet Plus Initiative has improved convenience and availability of technology nationwide, supposedly boosting

Trouble on the New Silk Road - Myanmar

Rakhine, one of the poorest states in Myanmar, is receiving huge investment as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Mongolian Hip Hop

Mongolia is a country strongly associated with the traditional nomadic farming lifestyles held by many of its citizens.

A Circus of Street Kids: Mongolia

In Darkhan, northern Mongolia, is a circus group made up of street kids. Of the 30 performers aged between 8 and 25, nea

Democracy Through Laughter: Myanmar

For nearly half a century starting in 1962, Myanmar was under military rule. Criticism of the government was brutally su

Emerging Youth Culture in Chengdu, China

China's western city of Chengdu is one of the nation's larger cities, but retains a uniquely low-key atmosphere that has

The Changing World Wholesale Market: Yiwu, China

Yiwu City became well known in the 2000's for its array of wholesale goods, and its reputation continued to grow as qual

Reviving a Silk Road Tradition

Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent was once an oasis along the Silk Road. Today, local fashion workshop Bibi Hanum is creatin

The Change in China's Online Video Bloggers

KOLs, an abbreviation for "Key Opinion Leaders," are a growing presence in Chinese advertising, video bloggers, and prom

South Korean Youth Struggling for Work

South Korea is a country known worldwide for the intense competition among youth in the job market. Unemployment among y

Marriage and Migrant Workers - Tajikistan

Domestic happiness in Tajikistan, Central Asia, once meant an arranged marriage and children. But in recent years, the c

Individuality and China's Unwed Women

In 2010, the term "Shen Nu" entered use as a negative label for Chinese women in their mid-20s or older who remained unm

Shanghai's "Children of the Stars" with ASD

Although it has been known for generations in the west, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has just entered public awareness

Protecting Asian Elephants in Laos

70% of Laos was once covered in forests home to many elephants. People kept them as pets and used them to carry cargo an

Guardians of Taiwan's Migrant Mothers

Over the past decade, Harmony Home, an NPO led by Nicole Yang, has offered refuge to more than 500 pregnant migrant work

The "War on Drugs" in the Philippines

The election of President Duterte has seen increased police action to arrest those involved with sales and possession of

Let There Be Neon Light: Hong Kong

Neon signs are the sparkling jewels that light up the Hong Kong night sky. Signs for restaurants, shops, and hotels once

Running for Cash in China

In recent years, marathons held all over China have emerged as a new way to local regions to gather revenue. Contestants

Growing Prosperity with Organic Farming - Cambodia

Cambodia's fast-growing economy has led to a construction boom that is drawing workers to Phnom Penh and other cities in

Fishing with Dolphins: Myanmar

The Irrawaddy River (also known as the Ayeyawady River) in Myanmar in the only place in the world where humans and dolph

The Entrepreneurs Reenergizing China's Rural Communities

With a growing gap between rural and urban incomes, residents of China's farming communities have been steadily moving t

A New Esports Hub: Hong Kong

Fighting, racing, soccer, shooting: esports, or competitive gaming, is taking the world by storm. With around 130 millio

Homegrown Cotton for a Homegrown Brand: Myanmar

The ancient city of Bagan in central Myanmar was registered as a World Heritage Site in July 2019. The religious city is

Performing Your Story in China

In July of 2018, a new theater group was formed in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The subject of their performa

Opening Doors to Independence - Disabilities in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, is home to the Center for Disability Research and Capacity Development (DRD), an NGO led by Vo Thi

Changing Lives of Fishermen on the Yangtze River

China's Yangtze River has seen a decline in species due to pollution and overfishing, which the government responded to

Hongkongers Seeking Freedom in Taiwan

In recent years, Hong Kong has seen an increase in demonstrations such as the Umbrella Movement, which protest the degre

Taiwan's Bookstore Revolution

As bookstores around the world continue to dwindle in number among declining sales of physical books, Taiwan has been hi

From Trash to Treasure: Indonesia

Surabaya, a city in Indonesia, runs a bus service that doesn't cost money to use. Instead, the fare is paid in plastic b

Extras in China: The Hengdian Drifters

Just like in any other country, Chinese youth dream of becoming famous actors, and many chase their dreams to Hengdian,

Fighting Transgender Discrimination - Thailand

Thailand has a reputation as a haven for transgender people. But the reality is that many continue to experience discrim

Homegrown Sustainable Forestry: Indonesia

Indonesia has lost around 30% of its forest coverage in the last 50 years, in part due to illegal logging. Since 2004, e

Forgotten Dancers

Since the early 2000's, a new pastime has skyrocketed in popularity among China's elderly, becoming a social phenomenon.

Fighting for Marriage Equality: Taiwan

In May 2019, the Taiwanese government became the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Some 2,500 couples have of

The Twilight of Chinese Coal

Once a prosperous coal mining city, China's northeastern city of Hegang boasted double-digit economic growth for over a

Leaving It All Behind - Thailand

Pinit, a successful Thai businessman and sports celebrity, turned his life upside down when he decided, at the age of 45

Taiwan's Battle with Fake News

In January of 2020, the Taiwanese presidential election was held for the first time in 4 years. With the constant media

Returning from ISIL: Kazakhstan

In 2017, the militant group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was all but defeated by internation

Living Among the Two Koreas

Each year, a handful of North Korean citizens leave their past lives behind in hopes of gaining freedom as defectors to

A Second Chance in Bangkok's Slums

In the shadow of Thailand's rapid economic growth is the district of Klong Toey, one of nearly 2,000 slums in Bangkok. K

A Mixed Blessing: A World Heritage City in Uzbekistan

The city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, has over 2,500 years of history. Today, Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, th

Japan and the Philippines: Specified Skilled Worker System Year One

In April of 2019, Japan introduced a new visa status, the Specified Skilled Worker, intended to encourage foreign labore

Beijing's Room of Rage

In a district of Beijing frequented by young people, a new kind of business opened its doors: At the Smash Room, custome

South Korea's Elderly Box Foragers

Although South Korea completed its national pension system in 1999, late enrollment and other issues caused many seniors

Documenting Home: Myanmar

The Yangon Film School, established in 2005, pioneered film education in Myanmar. Its students have made over 200 docume

Businesses Struggling with COVID-19 in Shenzhen

Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province, is the center of China's IT industry. With a number of novel coronavirus infectees seco

Coronavirus Crisis: Answering the Call - Thai Monks on the Frontline

COVID-19 rages around the world and Thailand is no exception. In recent weeks, infections have dropped below 10 new case

Sketching a Better Myanmar through Satire

Winphe is a popular satirical cartoonist in Yangon, Myanmar. He's drawn over 1,500 works exploring political and everyda

Battling COVID-19 (3-Part Series): Pandemic and Poverty

Claiming tens of thousands of lives and infecting millions of people worldwide, the damage caused by the current novel c

Battling COVID-19 (3-Part Series): Pandemic and Business

The coronavirus pandemic has infected over ten million and killed hundreds of thousands around the world, and a true sol

Battling COVID-19 (3-Part Series): Pandemic and Culture

Claiming tens of thousands of lives and infecting millions worldwide, the damage caused by the current pandemic is wides

North Borneo's Isolated Stateless

In regions of Malaysian North Borneo such as the city of Kota Kinabalu, which is otherwise known as a classy tourist des

Protecting the Elderly from COVID-19: South Korea

South Korea has succeeded in minimizing infections during the pandemic while also paying great attention to mental healt

Guangzhou's Apparel Industry Facing COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic is damaging the apparel industry in Guangzhou, China, as people and goods are barred entry. Wit

Wuhan: An App to Survive Post-Corona

Several months after the lockdown ended in April 2020, store owners in Wuhan, China turn to a flea market app in order t

Vietnam: A Mega-Hospital in Lockdown

Vietnam is considered a success case in the fight against COVID-19, having kept infections to a minimum. But in late Mar

Deliveries Among COVID-19 in South Korea

COVID-19 is forcing many South Koreans to shop online, increasing the number of online purchases by 30% in 2020. However

Making Art from a Pandemic: Wuhan, China

Wuhan was the epicenter of the novel coronavirus. Now, it's home to a new art exhibition depicting the fear of infection

Dreaming of a Medal: Mongolia

Mongolian marathon runner Munkhzaya Bayartsogt (26) is a rising star. She broke national records with her very first rac

Thailand's Struggling Inbound Tourism

Thailand had relied heavily on foreign tourists, but the coronavirus forced it to close its borders in April, costing ma

The "Made in Hong Kong" Dilemma

Manufacturers in Hong Kong cherish their "Made in Hong Kong" brand, viewing the label as a mark of quality when deliveri

Spreading Kindness: Online Barter in the Philippines

Online bartering has become a massive trend in the Philippines. Many people have lost work because of the novel coronavi

Echoes of Musical Tradition: Mongolia

The Altai mountains in western Mongolia are home to many folk music traditions. Although traditional Mongolian arts have

The Unsung Heroes Fighting the Coronavirus: Thailand

Thailand was the first country outside of China to detect cases of COVID-19. However, with less than 4,000 infections an

Entrepreneurs of the Massive Housing Complex: Guizhou, China

The inland province of Guizhou had once been ranked among China's most impoverished, but change was shown by completion

From Tourism to Farming

Often called the "Island of gods," Bali in Indonesia has long drawn visitors from all over the world. But the tourism in

A Family Facing an Unsure Christmas: The Philippines

With a Christian population of over 90%, the Philippines is known for its lengthy and elaborate Christmas celebrations,

Thailand's Elephant Tribe: Searching for a New Path

In November 2020, one of Thailand's biggest festivals, the Surin Elephant Round-Up, took place -- despite the coronaviru

The Darkness Around China's "Ghost Castles"

China is one of the few nations experiencing economic growth among COVID-19. But the swift pace of real estate developme

Vietnam: Fighting the Second Wave

In July 2020, a second wave of COVID-19 hit the city of Da Nang, Vietnam. A team from Hanoi's Bach Mai hospital who surv

The "Homeland" of Korean-Chinese Migrants in South Korea

Seoul's district of Daerim-dong is home to a large number of ethnic Korean-Chinese residents. Ethnic Korean-Chinese are

Sustainable Forest Living in Laos

The Nam Theun 2 Dam sits atop the Nakai Plateau in eastern Laos. Most of the power it produces is sold to Thailand, but

South Korea's Elderly YouTubers

In South Korea, use of YouTube is more popular than ever, and elderly YouTubers are gaining fame thanks to their accumul

Reviving Indigenous Designs: North Borneo, Malaysia

East Malaysian Borneo is known for its many indigenous peoples, with the northern state of Sabah said to be home to 42 m

Children Forging their Futures with Baseball: China

Once considered a niche sport in China, baseball has gained popularity in the nation ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Former

Saving Lives through Gotong Royong: Indonesia

Indonesia has been hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic in South-East Asia. Its economy has taken a massive blow, and

Muay Thai Daughters - Pride of the Family: Thailand

The Looksaikongdin Gym sits on a canal in the Minburi district in the outskirts of Bangkok. The owner, Nopparit, is a de

A Life-changing Week: South Korea's Don't Worry Village

South Korea is known for the intense competitive stress placed on young residents of cities, leading to suicide rates th

Helping Homeless Migrants: Shenzhen, China

While migrant workers helped build Shenzhen into the third largest urban economy in China, many find themselves left beh

South Korean Women Choosing Unmarried Life

In South Korea, due to traditional Confucian values, families tend to have a patriarchal structure. A 2020 study indicat

The Frontline of Food Delivery - South Korea

In 2020, South Korea's food delivery industry turned over around 15 billion US dollars - 70% more than the year before.

The Birthplace of the One-child Policy: China's Graying Population

Rudong County was called the birthplace of China's one-child policy, implementing it 10 years before the rest of the nat

Healthy Hearts in the Steppes: Mongolia

A medical team, led by heart surgeon and expert Bundan Boldsaikhan, visits rural towns and villages in search of childre

Young People "Lying Flat" in China

Against the backdrop of the ever-growing Chinese economy, a new movement known as "lying flat" has gained attention from

Magic Mongolia: A Shelter for Children

In settlements on the outskirts of Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar, some 800,000 people - many day laborers from rural Mo

Island's Fight for Zero Plastic Waste: Taiwan

Xiaoliuqiu is a small island in the south of Taiwan surrounded by a beautiful sea with coral reefs, also known as "Sea T

A Pro-Democracy Newspaper Shuts Down: Hong Kong

After 26 years, Hong Kong's biggest pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, closed in June 2021. The paper was dedicated t

The "Matchmaking Park" for Seniors: Beijing, China

The graying Chinese population has surpassed 260 million, while care facilities and welfare systems still remain undevel

Shanghai's Migrant Opera: The Final Curtain

Drastic redevelopment has changed the face of Shanghai's historic Hongkou district, but nestled in an alleyway lies a un

Street Art Bringing Change: Thailand

Street art in Thailand has gained attention, and nowhere more so than Bangkok's central Chaloemla Park, where people of

Afghanistan: Will Peace Return?

In August 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan for the first time in 20 years. Many have become refugees both w

China's Live Commerce Village

In recent months, new residents have flooded to Beixiazhu Village in Zhejiang Province to be involved with livestreaming

Grandma of the Empty Village: Nepal

High on the slopes of the Himalayas, in one region of Nepal known as "Little Japan," the number of men and women who tra

Diary of a Nursing Student in Lockdown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In July 2021, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam saw an explosion of new COVID-19 cases. A medical team of 1,500 traveled from

Budding Entrepreneurs Turn a New Leaf: Bali, Indonesia

The island of Bali, Indonesia suffered a massive blow to its tourism industry during the pandemic, and many were left un

Victims of Leftover Unexploded Ordnance: Laos

During the Vietnam War, Laos was bombed heavily by US military forces. An estimated 80 million unexploded bombs remained

Eyes on the Sky: Vulture Man of Phuket

Photographer Rat Puanrak runs a feeding site on Thailand's Phuket Island that has become a sanctuary for migrating Himal

Days in China's Child-seeking Town

Since the one-child policy ended in 2016, demand for fertility treatment in China has grown. Residents of rural areas tr

Hanoi's Floating Families: Vietnam

As Vietnam enjoys rapid economic growth, one community on Hanoi's Red River has been left behind. The "Floating Village"

China's Clinical Trial Boom

Accompanying its growing economy, the pharmaceutical industry in China is expanding at a brisk pace. New medicines requi

Cushioning COVID with Comedy: The Philippines

Theaters and comedy clubs in the Philippines have been hit particularly hard by pandemic lockdowns. Entertainment group

Protecting Endangered Deer: Laos

In the forests of southern Laos is a national preserve for the endangered Eld's deer. The deer are famous for their larg

Faith and Nature on the Sacred Peak: North Borneo, Malaysia

Mt. Kinabalu, with an elevation of 4,095 meters, is a majestic presence in Malaysian North Borneo, and a World Heritage

Chinese Citizens Disputing the War in Ukraine

Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, many Chinese officials and citizens have made remarks su

An Alcohol Renaissance in South Korea

Young South Koreans are building breweries to make makgeolli, soju and other traditional alcohol. Hangang Brewery, estab

Defending the King of Fruit: Thailand

Durian, a sweet, intense-smelling fruit, is known as the King of Fruit in Thailand. Nonthaburi Province is home to a tra

The Price of the Zero-COVID Policy: Beijing, China

As most of the world adapts to life with the virus during the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, China continues its s

South Korea's Deepening Gender Conflict

As a platform of his campaign, newly elected President Yoon Suk-yeol pledged to disband the Ministry of Gender Equality

Vibrant Working Women: Hunza Valley, Pakistan

The Hunza Valley in northeastern Pakistan is a region of extraordinary beauty and serenity. Bibi Amina, one of Hunza's f

Disabled Citizens Seek Freedom of Movement: South Korea

South Korea holds the world's 10th highest GDP, and yet its welfare budget for disabled people is just 0.6% of this, les

A New Growth Hub on the Border: Cambodia

The town of Poipet lies in northwest Cambodia, by the border with Thailand. It's home to 3 special economic zones that h

Thai Tourism Reopens with New Ideas

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand's once vibrant tourism industry shut down completely, preventing visitors from en

Saving Young Lives Across Mongolia

Over burning sands in summer and snowy plains of minus 30 degrees Celsius in winter: One medical team is traversing Mong

First on the Scene: Hanoi's Civilian Rescue, Vietnam

In Vietnam, the economy is on the rise, and so are the number of serious traffic accidents. A shortage of ambulances and

A Classroom on Trash Mountain: Indonesia

The Bantar Gebang waste site lies outside Indonesia's capital of Jakarta. Over 7,000 tons of trash is brought here each

The Plight of Semi-basement Residents: South Korea

In August 2022, torrential rains damaged homes across South Korea, with those living in semi-basement homes hit especial

Yak Cheese for a Brighter Future: Mongolia

At just 5,800 strong, Tuvans are Mongolia's smallest ethnic minority. Nomads who live in the high plains of Mongolia's w

From Disaster to Frontier: Fukushima's New Residents

The 2011 nuclear meltdown in Fukushima Prefecture forced many people to evacuate for years. While many locals have not r

Let No Student Fall Behind: The Philippines

The Philippines closed schools for two and a half years during the pandemic. After fully reopening in November 2022, it

Street Food as Social Rehabilitation: Thailand

The Thailand Institute of Justice is using street food carts as a form of social experiment that attempts to help former

Bonding in the Barangay: The Philippines

In the Philippines, where natural disasters and poverty are a continuing issue, people depend on their barangays for hel

Reforming the National Sport of Muay Thai: Thailand

Thailand's Muay Thai boxing is a powerful martial art in which fighters strike with their arms and legs. Gambling on the

Fishermen Face Land Development: Penang, Malaysia

The livelihoods of fishermen residing in Malaysia's Penang State are being placed at risk by a plan to construct enormou

Seniors! Back to School: Thailand

In just 20 years, Thailand's senior population has doubled in size. Many seniors find themselves isolated at home, while

"On That Day, We Were Fearless": China's White Paper Movement

Spurred by a series of deadly accidents during the zero-COVID policy, young people in China have begun to express their

House of Manga Aspirations: Japan

Japan is the home of manga. With over 140 manga magazines, it's produced countless international hits. A Tokyo NPO runs

Tokyo's Sustainable Fishermen

The waters of Tokyo Bay once teemed with life. But Japan's economic rise saw coastal areas reclaimed and water quality u

Trains Carry Workers Home After Zero-COVID: China

After 3 years under the Zero-COVID Policy, movement restrictions in China have been removed, allowing migrant workers in

Taiwan's 100,000 Emergency Shelters

As political tensions run high between Taiwan and mainland China, inspections are being carried out of 100,000 emergency

Youth Living in the Changing Hong Kong

Under the one country, two systems principle, Hong Kong had been allowed a right to free speech. But after protest ralli

Pioneer of Food Waste Reduction: Taichung, Taiwan

One-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted. Determined to do better, Taichung City in Taiwan enacted an ordinanc

A Flood of Climate Migration: Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of Asia's poorest countries and suffering some of the worst effects of climate change. Cyclones, flood

The Struggle of Unwed Mothers: China

Under China's One-Child Policy, maternity benefits had been confined only to married couples, excluding mothers of child

Shaping Sustainable Cashmere: Mongolia

Mongolia's nomads are raising an increasing number of cashmere goats. The goats' soft undercoats provide the raw wool fo

The Reality Faced by Nepal's Workers Overseas

Due to limited options available in their home country, many Nepali workers travel to locations such as the Middle East

Refuge in a Train - Life After the Turkey Earthquake

Three months after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey, 2.5 million people are still displaced. One of the hardest-hit

Violence-Free Stadiums: Indonesia

In October 2022, a tragedy took place at an Indonesian soccer stadium, taking the lives of 135 people. After the match,

Attempted Change in the Garment Industry: Bangladesh

Bangladesh is well known as an international garment producer, with 4.2 million people employed by the industry, many wo

Struggling Elderly Migrant Workers: Xi'an, China

The Banpo Labor Market located in the city of Xi'an was once known as a prime location for recruiting laborers. Now, alm

Herding Above the Clouds: Pakistan

For generations, Pakistan's Wakhi people have herded each summer in Pamir, a high-altitude grassland that is vital to ra

To Live is to Paint: Mongolia

Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar is home to the country's only art school that accepts students with disabilities. Current

The Uncertainty of China's "Factory Inheritors"

Chinese business founders who succeeded in manufacturing during the country's economic growth have reached retirement ag

A Language Identity: Taiwan

Taiwanese was the language of everyday life in Taiwan until the KMT Party under Chiang Kai-shek came to power in 1949. T

A Country Goes Digital: Cambodia

In October 2020, the National Bank of Cambodia became the first central bank in Asia to launch a digital currency. With

Recognition for Paternity Leave: South Korea

To combat a declining fertility rate, in recent years the government of South Korea has offered increased financial aid

Cambodia's Hip-hop School for Children

In 2005, Cambodia's first alternative school, Tiny Toones, was opened in Phnom Penh. In addition to general subjects, it

Making Food Waste Useful: The Philippines

The Philippines' growing economy and population have led to a rise in trash, and it has become a serious social issue. O

Artistic Coexistence in Treasure Hill: Taiwan

Treasure Hill is a community and artist village run by the city of Taipei since 2010. Originally a settlement built by r

The Rise in Young Chinese Street Vendors

With an unemployment rate of over 20% among people under age 25, mass layoffs in China have affected the careers of youn

Newspaper of the Street Children: India

Balaknama is an Indian newspaper written and edited entirely by underprivileged children, focusing on news from their ow

Online Voice Actors Go Global: The Philippines

The rise of the internet has made the Philippines into a hub for dubbing international movies, TV shows, and cartoons in

A Border School of Hope: Mae Sot, Thailand

A school in Mae Sot, Thailand, located just across the border with Myanmar, shelters immigrant children of all ages, pro

The Syrian Circus of Refugees: Turkey

In Turkey, one NGO gives the Syrian refugees a chance to smile again by helping them perform circuses. Now, they head ou

Young Lives Resculpted: Jingdezhen, China

An increasing number of young people are relocating to Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China. They leave behind the

China's Up-and-Coming Indie Animators

In China's rapidly growing animation industry, independent works are gaining attention. A dedicated film festival is hel

Unease Along the Border: Kazakhstan

Northern Kazakhstan borders Russia and has historically been home to many ethnic Russians. However, a recent rise in Kaz

Rice Heritage Revival: North Borneo, Malaysia

The Kadazan Dusun people of North Borneo, Malaysia, had been losing their tradition of rice farming with the passage of

Inheritors of the "Last Traditional Village": Yunnan, China

Wengding, home of the Wa people in Yunnan Province, is called China's "last traditional village," but residents have bee

Living Among the Sinking Islands: The Maldives

In the Maldives, rapid construction of artificial islands is underway to combat coastal erosion that disrupts the lives

Matchmaking for Women: India's Tradition and Beyond

In India, looking for a marriage partner has long been a family affair, but with more women taking an active role in soc

The Honey Hunters of Bangladesh

For just two months every year, more than 1,000 men brave the dangers of the dense forest in order to hunt for wild hone

From Smog to Sunshine: Mongolia

Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar suffers from severe air pollution. New designs use sunlight to ensure warm, smoke-free ho

"Job-hunting Hotels" for Students: Shanghai, China

For just US$9 a night, young people stay in a "Job-hunting Hotel" in Shanghai while seeking post-graduation employment,

A Heritage Handed Down in Picture Books: India

A small publisher in South India is making picture books with indigenous artists that depict their traditional art. It's

Saving Schools on the Steppes: Mongolia

Elementary schools for nomadic children are closing as funding and student numbers fall. Meet an architect determined to

Quality Cocoa Enriches Lives: The Philippines

High-end chocolate from top-quality cocoa is a new Filipino specialty. Quality beans command good prices, changing the l

Caring for Aging Taiwan

Taiwan's society is aging at a rapid pace, and many choose to care for the elderly at home rather than send them to assi

The Rise of "New Hongkongers"

In 2022, the Hong Kong government implemented a policy attracting outside workers to combat depopulation, drawing busine

Rescuing Children from Abuse: The Philippines

Cases of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) are on the rise. We visit a Filipino NGO that protects

Tuning Out Poverty: Thailand

In Bangkok's largest slum, children of migrant families are taking up musical instruments to play in an orchestra in hop

The Surge in South Korea's Foreign Workers

In South Korea, the labor shortage has caused a spike in foreign workers. Many of them work under harsh conditions, and

The Power of Bamboo: Indonesia

Once considered worthless, bamboo is in the spotlight in Indonesia. One NGO is using it to improve the environment and l

Migrating to a War Zone from Nepal

For the sake of their families, Nepalese men are working for the Russian military. Wages 10 times higher than in Nepal a

Disputing History in the Philippines

The exile of President Marcos Sr. was hailed as a victory for democracy in the Philippines, but with the election of his

The "Voiceless Knights" Delivering Food: Chengdu, China

In China's rapidly growing food delivery industry, deaf workers who call themselves "voiceless knights" use apps and oth

A World Heritage Town at Risk: Laos

A new high-speed rail line has sparked a massive rise in tourism to Laos's historic capital Luang Prabang. It's had a ma

From the Rubble to the Stage: Hualien County Taiwan

The indigenous Taroko people are taking the stage to perform traditional songs and dances to entice visitors back to the

Ethnic Minorities Leading the Coffee Rush: Yunnan, China

As the coffee market in China rapidly grows, ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province, which makes 98% of all Chinese coffee

Consequences of the Canal: Cambodia

Cambodia has set out to build a historic new canal. While some have high hopes of business opportunities and economic st

Chinese Women Falling for Virtual Romance

Recently popular in China are "otome games" allowing female gamers to experience romance with male characters. Services

Searching for "Stolen Children": East Timor

During Indonesia's occupation of East Timor, thousands of children were separated from their families and taken to Indon

Women Entrepreneurs on the Rise: Cambodia

Cambodia has witnessed remarkable economic growth, and women are on track to be the next driving force. With government

Women Forbidden from Divorce: The Philippines

Divorce is illegal in the largely Catholic Philippines, but as a bill for legalization is to be deliberated by the senat

The Battle of Journalists in Bangladesh

Following 15 years of strict censorship under the former administration, Bangladeshi journalists are now seeking the tru

Sowing Sustainable Seeds: South Korea

Climate change has seen vegetable harvests fall in South Korea. One group of women is embracing hardy organic techniques

A Life Continued with Slate: Nepal

Alampu Village, located high among Nepal's Himalayas, had long been a location of handmade slate production by the Thami

Live Recruiters for Factories: Shenzhen, China

In Shenzhen, factories rely on recruiters using streaming to attract temporary workers to suit the workload. Many young

Our Home on Stage: The Philippines

In the Philippines, a lengthy COVID-19 lockdown sparked unemployment that broke families apart. One theater troupe offer

Night Watch - Veterans Back on Duty: Vietnam

50 years after the Vietnam War ended, some veterans are still on duty - not as fighters, but as volunteer guardians of t

Chinese Clothing Factories Struggle with US Tariffs

After US President Trump announced raised tariffs on products from China, among unsteady demand and falling rates, Chine

Reintegration of Former Terrorists: Indonesia

Attacks by Islamic extremists had caused chaos in Indonesia, but social programs designed to reeducate prisoners are und

The Missing People: Syria

During Syria's 13-year civil war, more than 100,000 people are thought to have disappeared. In the aftermath of conflict

Seizing A Dream Through Sumo: Mongolia

Many Mongolian children dream of changing their family's lives by becoming a pro sumo wrestler in Japan. We meet the mem

Innovating Sustainable Fashion: Indonesia

The fashion industry has faced criticism for its impact on the environment. Meet the Indonesian innovators who are using

The Hui: Muslim Merchants Thriving in China

In Yiwu, China, the Muslim Hui people expand trade with Arab countries using their Arabic language skills. They are beco

A Widening Gender Divide: South Korea

South Korea is facing a growing gender divide, fueled by a stark wage gap and cases of discrimination. This has sparked

Searching for Cambodia's Lost Cuisine

In Cambodia, the purge of intellectuals under Pol Pot and years of war caused traditional Khmer dishes to vanish from ho

Myanmar People Surviving in a Chinese Border City

After a military coup d'etat in Myanmar, a growing number of citizens have rushed to the Chinese border city of Ruili, s

Searching for Vietnam's Lost Families

Fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, many people still search for family separated in the chaos. YouTuber Tuan

The Giant Project Changing Hong Kong

Large-scale development in Hong Kong's northern area is building a high-tech industrial base, boosting the economy and j

The Online Casino Crisis in the Philippines

Government-approved online casinos have provided a major source of national revenue in the Philippines, but their availa

A New Passion for Pets: Thailand

Thailand is experiencing an unprecedent boom in pet ownership, and pet-friendly hotels, movie theaters, and other facili

The Unmarriageable Men: Woes in China's Farming Villages

A population imbalance has occurred in China where men outnumber women, and men in farming villages face difficulties wh

"Haenyeo" Women of the Sea: Saving Tradition in South Korea

South Korea's Jeju Island is home to the free-diving women fishers called "Haenyeo." As their numbers dwindle due to agi

Migration for Education: Chinese Families Rush to Thailand

Many Chinese families choose educational migration to Chiang Mai to enroll their children in international schools, avoi

A New Stage for Taiwanese Puppetry

In Taiwan, traditional puppet theater is enjoying a resurgence, capturing the hearts of young fans, and finding new audi

Defecting to Democracy: Myanmar

As Myanmar's civil war drags on, some soldiers are defecting, unhappy with the military's violent oppression of civilian

Fighting for Democracy: Young Voters in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has held its first general election since antigovernment protests in which 1,400 protestors were killed. We j

Leading My Own Life with a Disability: Mongolia

In Mongolia, citizens with disabilities struggle with accessibility and isolation. One group of people with disabilities

Survivors Battling Leprosy: Indonesia

With nearly 15,000 a year, Indonesia has the third most cases of leprosy in the world. We meet survivors working to supp