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: <a href="mailto:asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk">asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk</a>

Asia Specific

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 describes the repatriations as ‘voluntary’, a claim human rights groups question. 
The migrants being repatriated have been living in detention centers often in poor conditions, with no prospect of long-term residency as Malaysia is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention and does not legally recognize refugees or asylum seekers. 
The country also treats all undocumented migrants as illegal immigrants, leaving them in legal limbo. 
But human rights groups say returning to Myanmar isn’t much of an alternative. Burmese nationals returning to their home country run the risk of being conscripted into the local military junta or ethnic rebel groups. 
And the Rohingyas, a stateless ethnic minority group that fled a Myanmar military crackdown in 2017, could face a particularly troubling fate if returned to Myanmar, as they do not have citizenship and have no safe place to return to.
Attitudes in Malaysia towards migrants fleeing from Myanmar have been relatively welcoming in the past, and there are now almost 200,000 migrants in the country. 
So what’s changed? And what does the repatriation policy say about Prime Minister Anwar Ibraham’s political position? 
On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and human rights lawyer for Asylum Access Malaysia, Joanne Chua.
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Why Malaysia is repatriating thousands of Burmese migrants

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 fruitier-tasting bean, can handle the temperatures arabica can't. Vietnam is the world's undisputed robusta leader and the planet's second-biggest coffee exporter overall, which means a warming world could actually hand it an edge other coffee nations don't have.
But the story isn't that simple. Vietnam's coffee farmers are aging, EU deforestation rules threaten a market that buys up to half the country's exports, and many growers have shifted in and out of coffee towards durian and avocado depending on which crop pays best that year.
So could climate change reshape the global balance between robusta and arabica for good — and is Vietnam's coffee boom actually built to last?
On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC senior journalist Sen Nguyen and Thuan Sarzynski, who leads coffee sustainability efforts in Vietnam for commodities trading group ECOM Agroindustrial.
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, just search Asia Specific.

Why Vietnam’s coffee beans might outlast others

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 built careers overseas to maintain a connection with the country and eventually contribute to its economy and development.
But dual citizenship remains relatively uncommon in Asia. So why do countries such as Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore restrict it, while the Philippines and Cambodia allow it?
In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to a freelance journalist Randy Mulyanto in Jakarta about the reaction to Indonesia’s proposal and the country’s brain drain, and Professor Elaine Ho from the National University of Singapore about why Asian countries mostly take a different approach to Western countries about citizenship. 
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Could dual citizenship stop Indonesia’s brain drain?

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 lives. They set out to seek the truth - not knowing what it will cost them. 
BBC Journalist Rebecca Henschke joins Asia Specific host Mariko Oi to detail a new investigation in Indonesia for the World of Secrets podcast - a story about friendship, love and who to trust. 
World of Secrets: Catching My Teacher is a new audio series from the BBC World Service - https://www.bbc.com/audio/brand/w13xtvs0
This special episode was recorded on 28th September, 2026. Asia Specific will still publish its regular twice-weekly episodes. 
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Bonus: Catching My Teacher

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 jobs, incomes, and the future, and many are seeking luck, reassurance, and a sense of control. For some, that means burning incense at a temple or asking for their fortune. For others, it means buying bracelets, charms, and other products said to bring good fortune.
And businesses are taking notice. Brands and temples alike are tapping into a growing “spiritual economy”, turning ancient traditions and modern mysticism into products and experiences for a new generation.
On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to Fan Wang, a BBC senior journalist who has been following the trend, and Jing Zhang, a freelance journalist based in Hong Kong who has reported on China’s “spiritual economy”. Together, they try to unpack if this is a genuine revival of spirituality or simply another way for young people to hedge their bets when the future feels increasingly uncertain.
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 episodes twice a week. Search Asia Specific on YouTube for video episodes.
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Why China’s Gen Z is turning to spirituality

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 kill all humans” within the next decade. 
Such concerns have led to calls for a coordinated action in the US to slow down the development of the technology. But there are also some who have challenged the need for guardrails – including US President Donald Trump – arguing that it would surrender America's dominance over the technology to its rivals. 
China’s AI industry has also been accelerating in lockstep with the US, despite American efforts to restrict the pace of China’s tech development. 
AI services from DeepSeek, Moonshot and Zhipu.AI, among others, have continually shown that Chinese competitors are either level or closely behind the capabilities of leading US labs. 
On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to Laura Bicker and Jing Yang. Laura is the BBC’s China correspondent and has been reporting on China’s advances in AI. Jing is the Asia bureau chief at The Information, a publication focusing on the tech industry. Together, they unpack the challenges that both the US and China face in terms of the technology and how the two countries are split on the how to regulate AI and the pace of development. We try to answer if the widening chasm can be bridged. 
Also on this episode, Bernard Leong, the former head of AI in South East Asia for Amazon Web Services, explains how AI could materially threaten humanity, and why they would do that in the first place.
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 episodes twice a week. Search Asia Specific on YouTube for video episodes. 
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

We need to talk about AI

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 apologised for allowing her to continue and win, amid criticism over hygiene and athlete welfare.
The incident has shone a spotlight on the rapidly growing fitness trend, which combines running with functional exercises including sled pushes, rowing, lunges and burpees.
So why has Hyrox become so popular across Asia? And could the controversy dent its momentum?
In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to Hyrox Pro Mens athlete Gabriel Heck, one of the fastest-rising names in the sport, and Rebecca Orme, a Singapore-based enthusiast, about how Hyrox became so big and how the Beijing incident shook up the sport. 
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, just search Asia Specific.
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

An awkward accident shines a spotlight on Hyrox

Australia was the first country in the world to ban social media for under-16s. Now, it's taking aim at something even bigger: the algorithms that keep everyone hooked. 
Under a new "My Feed, My Way" proposal, tech companies could be forced to let users switch off the personalised recommendation systems that decide what they see on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 
Supporters say it could reduce exposure to addictive, divisive content. Critics, including the platforms themselves, warn it could make apps far less useful, and put the burden of managing it back on parents.
This comes as Meta agreed to pay $18 billion over allegations it knowingly built addictive features to hook teenagers, as concerns about the power of big tech mount worldwide. 
So is Australia getting ahead of a global problem — or creating a new one? And can an algorithm even really be switched off?
On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC Australia correspondent Katy Watson and Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Inside Australia's plan to beat the algorithm

Australia is home to some of the world's most distinctive wildlife — nearly 90% of its mammals exist nowhere else on Earth. But Australia is also where a mammal extinction is happening at an alarming pace. 
Species are disappearing at a rate of roughly four every decade, driven by feral predators, habitat destruction, and a changing climate. Feral cats alone kill an estimated three billion native animals and insects every year.
But it’s not all bleak. In Western Australia, conservationists have spent decades bringing the numbat, a small, striped marsupial found only in Australia, back from the brink, and it's just been reclassified as no longer endangered.
The bigger question is whether that success story can be repeated elsewhere, especially when government spending on conservation lags far behind what experts say is needed.
On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi discusses the extinction crisis with BBC Senior Journalist Tiffanie Turnbull and Professor Euan Ritchie, Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Deakin University.
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, just search Asia Specific.
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Why are Australia’s native animals going extinct?

Haze wafting across borders in South East Asia is an annual problem, so why can’t the countries responsible stop it happening?
The haze is primarily caused by farmers and landowners slashing and burning plots of land - a relatively cheap and fast way of preparing a field for crops.
This year, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto is talking tough towards those responsible for the fires, pledging to revoke permits for firms that order land clearing with fire. 
But that’s done little to stop the haze, which is also caused by farmers in neighbouring Malaysia. 
The smoke has engulfed neighbouring countries including Brunei, Singapore and even the Philippines capital Manila, around 2,000 kilometres away from the fires. 
Long term, prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 - tiny particulate matter released into the air through smoke haze, can cause a range of serious health problems. 
 
Singapore's National Environment Agency states that among healthy individuals, short term exposure is more likely to cause self-resolving problems, such as eye, nose and throat irritation.
In this episode of Asia Specific podcast, host Mariko Oi speaks to Joel Aik, an environmental epidimiologist from Duke-NUS Medical school, and Astudestra Ajengrastri, a journalist with the BBC World Service in Jakarta. 
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 episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk