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BBC World Service · News

Asia Specific

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: [email protected]

Episodes

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Why Vietnam’s coffee beans might outlast others

02 Oct 2026
17m
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Vietnam’s coffee industry, a global powerhouse for robusta production, faces significant pressure from climate change and evolving international regulations. While robusta remains more heat-resilient than arabica, erratic weather patterns threaten long-term yields, forcing roasters to increase robusta content in global...

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Could dual citizenship stop Indonesia’s brain drain?

29 Sep 2026
13m
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Bonus: Catching My Teacher

29 Sep 2026
18m
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Asia Specific

25 Sep 2026
17m
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We need to talk about AI

22 Sep 2026
22m
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An awkward accident shines a spotlight on Hyrox

18 Sep 2026
17m
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Inside Australia's plan to beat the algorithm

15 Sep 2026
16m
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Why are Australia’s native animals going extinct?

11 Sep 2026
17m
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Can Indonesia stop SE Asia’s annual smoke haze?

08 Sep 2026
18m
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Is Hong Kong cinema’s golden age over?

04 Sep 2026
20m
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Hong Kong cinema faces a profound transformation as it navigates the legacy of its 1990s golden age and current political constraints. Once a prolific industrial powerhouse, the sector now produces significantly fewer films annually, hindered by economic shifts and the 2022 amendment to the film censorship ordinance. T...

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The AI data centre boom in South East Asia

01 Sep 2026
20m
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The global AI boom is driving an unprecedented surge in data center construction across Malaysia, positioning the country as a critical regional hub. This expansion, fueled by Singapore’s 2019 moratorium on data centers and aggressive Malaysian government incentives, promises significant economic growth and increased G...

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What if leaving your bedroom felt impossible?

28 Aug 2026
17m
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Bonus: What caused Nepal’s deadly flash floods?

27 Aug 2026
15m
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Why are lab monkeys so expensive?

25 Aug 2026
21m
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The fight to define ‘Asian pop’ at the Grammys

21 Aug 2026
17m
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Why North East Asia is wary of immigration

18 Aug 2026
23m
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The politics around China’s own ‘manosphere’

14 Aug 2026
21m
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Why Thailand welcoming Myanmar’s leader caused anger

11 Aug 2026
24m
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Are the glory days of cheap flights in Asia over?

07 Aug 2026
17m
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The era of ultra-low-cost air travel in Asia is fading as rising jet fuel prices and structural economic shifts force airlines to increase fares. Unlike legacy carriers, budget airlines face heightened vulnerability because fuel costs constitute a larger share of their total expenses, and they lack the financial flexib...

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BONUS: Why does Trump care about the Japanese yen?

06 Aug 2026
20m
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