Whether you are interested in a general global phenomenon and its effect in the Asia region or a particular issue pertinent to the region, our Insight column is focused on unpacking these issues. Our aim is to dig deeper and broaden our understanding of the world around us!
With over 69 million Left-Behind Children in China, Angelina looks how their stories are increasingly shaped by larger political and economic forces.
Few regions can claim to have a history of migration as long as that of Central Asia. Ralf explores the patterns and causes of migration in the region.
Mia writes about the role women have played in Myanmar's civil conflicts, challenging traditional gender norms and exclusion from political and military roles
Malaysia’s Forest City is one of the largest and most costly megaprojects in the world, yet it became a “ghost city” eight years after its conception. Nicole writes about its problems and failures.
On February 6, South Korea announced a plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 slots, sparking strikes by the country’s trainee doctors. Sunnie explores the important question: Why are doctors and the government so strong with their viewpoints, even knowing that their decision could cost the health and lives of citizens?
Despite Japan's reputation for safety and having one of the lowest crime rates, its recidivism rate is surprisingly high, matching the US. Shirin Goh looks at Japan’s societal values and rehabilitation practices for answers.
Aryaman writes about the ways in which the world’s largest democracy fights to uphold democratic principles.
The BRI was introduced as a critical foreign policy strategy, but has its appeal diminished and what would this mean for Chinese hegemony in Asia? Aryaman unpacks these important questions in this article.
Will the Indonesian government’s plan to build a new capital, Nusantara, solve its climate change woes, or will this only worsen the already unequal social realities for Jakarta’s residents? Fynn explores this question in this article.
Mona reviews the highly rated British Museum exhibition China’s Hidden Century which ran from 18 May to 8 October 2023.
Shirin unpacks the landmark decision to overturn the six-decade-long affirmative action and its implications on the Asian-American community.
As the US moves towards protectionism or “deglobalisation”, what will this mean for the future of China-US Relations? Jacqueline explores this and more.
President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration recently implemented a contentious ban on short selling in the stock market. What does this mean for the future of South Korea’s economy? Jacqueline answers these questions and more in this article.
Fynn explores the urban-rural inequalities in China, exploring how they are both a product of globalisation and a result of CCP’s authoritarian political rule.
Fynn explains how Shenzhen is used as a tool for political legitimisation and explores what the city reveals about the power of the state and its ideology.
Aryaman Srivastava analyses the contemporary issue of Taiwan through an insightful, historical lens.
Jacqueline Yi traces the origins of capitalism in Western civilisations and socialism in the East, illuminating how historical perspectives bridge gaps in our understanding of contrasting societies.
Sunnie Chan looks into traces of British influence in Hong Kong’s education system in an exploration of Western influences in the Asian financial center.
Callie Yoo explores how political memories and history are utilised by the South Korean government in power-making and regime justification.
Baran Agyuven reviews the past, present, and future of one of Asia’s most important inter-governmental groups.
It's the largest data leak of its type in history - but do the Pandora Papers really tell us the full story about Asian corruption? Omar Khan investigates.
Crystel Saraie analyses the increasing suicide rates of Japan and South Korea, and its global implications.
Violence is brewing once again in Kashmir, but what exactly is happening, and will we see an escalation?
From migrant workers in India, Rohingya refugees and their deportation from Malaysian shores, to the apparent systematic indifference and discrimination in Singapore’s handling of covid-19 amongst its migrant worker community. ‘Covid-19 has not only caused a global public health crisis, but also a humanitarian emergency.’
From the Anti-extradition Demonstrations in Hong Kong back in 2019 to the current controversies over the Hong Kong National Security Law, Hong Kong’s issues have since become a focal point of international attention.
An investigation into the ‘yellow economy’ phenomenon, the Insight piece, ‘The ‘yellow economic circle’: Inhibitor of social change, recipe for economic self-sufficiency or a driver of political chaos?’ provides a basic outline of the submovement and explores the various rhetorics that have been expressed over its implications. Assessing its involvement in both political and economic discourses, this article promises an in-depth examination of the ‘yellow economic circle’, its origins, its impacts and its sustainability in the long-term.
The ‘yellow economic circle’ has received varying degrees of contention over its survival. From initial dismissal as a potential force to be reckoned with by the officials to the recognition of its existence and condemnation of the ‘yellow effect,’ the efficacy of the movement is obvious enough but does this bode well for its long-term sustainability?
Often critiqued for its lack of ‘singular purpose and consciousness’, challenges to its long-term sustainability are essentially testimonials to its leaderless status and provide credibility for its somewhat organic proliferation. With no formal collective monopolising, the ‘yellow economic circle’ has defined itself as a bottom-up- ‘for the people, by the people’ - movement, generated and sustained by supporters of the anti-extradition demonstrations in 2019.
From Thailand, to South Korea, to Taiwan, this Insight article aims to cover the origins of 'gastrodiplomacy'. Looking at the many ways it has utilised the power of 'food' as a method of global 'soft-power acquisition'. 'Tantalising or totalising globalisation?' It also analyses briefly the spread of Asian culture abroad in the past century and debate whether the assimilation of culture has resulted in a loss of authenticity and tradition.⠀
India is beset by a huge problem of regional inequality. An important contributor towards the Northern social instability and economic stagnation are the Naxals. Owen looks at this terrorist organisation that many have not heard of.