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Asia Specific

by BBC World Service
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About the show

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

Latest episodes

  • Inside Japan’s fury with the US

    October 9, 2026 · 18 min

    There have been fresh protests in Japan against the longstanding presence of US military forces, after a 20-year-old American military serviceman was arrested by Japanese police over a suspected murder of a woman. US Marine Lance Corporal…

  • Why Malaysia is repatriating thousands of Burmese migrants

    October 6, 2026 · 22 min

    Malaysia has begun sending migrants from Myanmar home, with the first group of almost 1,500 people arriving in southern Yangon in early October. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says in total, 5,000 people will be sent home, and he…

  • Why Vietnam’s coffee beans might outlast others

    October 2, 2026 · 17 min

    Written off as the inferior bean, robusta coffee might have the last laugh as climate change makes arabica harder to grow. While rising heat pushes prized arabica-growing regions to their limits, robusta, the stronger but less…

  • Could dual citizenship stop Indonesia’s brain drain?

    September 29, 2026 · 14 min

    Indonesia is considering allowing dual citizenship for a limited group of highly skilled Indonesians living abroad, including scientists, engineers, doctors and AI researchers. The proposal is aimed at encouraging Indonesians who have…

  • Bonus: Catching My Teacher

    September 29, 2026 · 19 min

    They were taught to obey. But they learnt to resist, turning detective. Students from a network of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia hear about allegations of a dark secret at the heart of the powerful institution that shaped their…

  • Why China’s Gen Z is turning to spirituality

    September 25, 2026 · 17 min

    China’s young people are turning to temples, fortune-telling, tarot, and spiritual products, not necessarily because they’ve found religion, but because they’re looking for something to hold onto in uncertain times. They’re worried about…

  • We need to talk about AI

    September 22, 2026 · 23 min

    There’s been a litany of warnings about AI and its potential dangers. A top safety researcher at Anthropic, one of the biggest AI companies in the US, warned the technology is advancing at a pace so fast that there’s a 10% chance it “could…

  • An awkward accident shines a spotlight on Hyrox

    September 18, 2026 · 17 min

    Top Australian Hyrox athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has apologised after soiling herself during a race in Beijing, saying she would withdraw from the event and forfeit the points she earned. The company behind the fitness phenomenon has also…