Introducing Asia Specific

Asia Specific provides deep insights into the Asia Pacific region through the expertise of BBC correspondents Laura Bicker and Jonathan Head. The region's identity is defined by extreme contrasts, where traditional rice paddies and water buffalo coexist with 300 km/h bullet trains and high-tech hubs specializing in artificial intelligence and robotics. Beyond explosive economic growth, the social landscape is shifting as younger generations demand greater freedoms and societal transformations that differ significantly from their parents' aspirations. By moving past tourist cliches, the dialogue offers necessary context for the nuanced social strains and rapid transformations occurring across China, Singapore, and Southeast Asia. This twice-weekly series utilizes local knowledge from Mandarin, Malay, and Korean-speaking experts to unpack the complex dynamics shaping one of the world's most significant economic powerhouses.