Asia Specific

BBC World Service

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new podcast episodes twice a week.

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

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42 episodes
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Avg 18 min
English

Episodes 42

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Friday · 17 min
Does China copy or create?
Critics have long accused China of copying, stealing and scaling up innovations
Tuesday · 20 min
Should we pay political leaders more?
Does better pay mean better governance?
October 9 · 17 min
Inside Japan’s fury with the US
US bases in Okinawa under scrutiny after military personnel arrested for murder
October 6 · 21 min
Why Malaysia is repatriating thousands of Burmese migrants
Why Burmese nationals are being sent back to Myanmar
October 2 · 17 min
Why Vietnam’s coffee beans might outlast others
Robusta coffee is holding up far better than arabica as the climate warms
September 29 · 13 min
Could dual citizenship stop Indonesia’s brain drain?
Indonesia is considering dual citizenship to bring skilled Indonesians home
September 29 · 18 min
Bonus: Catching My Teacher
The Indonesian students pursuing the truth about a dark secret in a powerful institution
September 25 · 17 min
Why China’s Gen Z is turning to spirituality
China’s youth are trying buying luck in uncertain times
September 22 · 22 min
We need to talk about AI
Can China and the US team up on AI safety?
September 18 · 17 min
An awkward accident shines a spotlight on Hyrox
Hyrox athlete apologises after Beijing controversy - can the fitness craze keep growing?
September 15 · 16 min
Inside Australia's plan to beat the algorithm
Can a government make social media less addictive?
September 11 · 17 min
Why are Australia’s native animals going extinct?
Why Australia's conservation efforts aren’t working
September 8 · 18 min
Can Indonesia stop SE Asia’s annual smoke haze?
Slash and burn farming is to blame, so why won’t farmers stop?
September 4 · 20 min
Is Hong Kong cinema’s golden age over?
The city was once one of Asia’s great filmmaking capitals
September 1 · 20 min
The AI data centre boom in South East Asia
AI is driving a data centre boom in South East Asia but is it costing communities?
August 28 · 17 min
What if leaving your bedroom felt impossible?
More younger people in Asia are shutting themselves at home
August 27 · 15 min
Bonus: What caused Nepal’s deadly flash floods?
What we know about the devastating Nepal floods and the search for survivors
August 25 · 21 min
Why are lab monkeys so expensive?
What's behind the high prices for lab monkeys?
August 21 · 17 min
The fight to define ‘Asian pop’ at the Grammys
BTS rejects the Grammys’ new Asian pop category
August 18 · 23 min
Why North East Asia is wary of immigration
Japan tightens immigration rules amid population decline

Showing 1–20 of 42 episodes