4. From the Ground Up: Social Realities in Asia

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.

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.

Man Po analyses how a Japanese artist's anime fan arts portray Hong Kong as a vertical, uncrowded, and cosmopolitan city.

Stephanie explores the increasing migration of Hong Kong's youth to mainland China for economic opportunities post the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Fynn traces Hiroshima’s reconstruction to understand the place of post-war identity in Japanese society.

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.