A Closer Look
Laos, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Nepal, and Thailand

Monks at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. / Photo: Remko Tanis
“A Closer Look” is a series by Asia Society Switzerland with the support of BDO and the Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies of the University of Zurich, shedding light on different Asian countries through the eyes of leading local voices. The latest season ran from January to March 2023 and focused on Laos, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Nepal, and Thailand. All 15 episodes are available to watch here.


Videos of Past Episodes
In the Series
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videoThe first episode of "A Closer Look" brings us to Sri Lanka – the island nation just off the southeastern coast of India. Bhavani Fonseka and Ambika Satkunanathan are talking about domestic politics and human right issues.
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videoIn the second episode of "A Closer Look" we’ll explore the landlocked and most populous country of Central Asia: Uzbekistan. Dilfuza Kurolova and Dr. Farkhod Tolipov will discuss the country's challenges and development of civil society.
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videoIn our third episode of "A Closer Look" Iswandy Ahmad and agricultural entrepreneur Dr. Vanessa Teo share their view on Brunei, the monarchy, and discuss the government’s as well as entrepreneurial activities in the agricultural sector.
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videoThe fourth episode brings us to one of the world’s most crowded countries: Bangladesh. Dr. Faraha Nawaz and Sara Hossain share their view of the country, and discuss the changing role of women in Bangladesh.
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videoIn the fifth episode, we explore Bhutan – the landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas. Journalist and Musician Supe discusses Bhutan's development path and the role of media.
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videoThe sixth episode of "A Closer Look" brings us to Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous country. Saad Haroon and Yusra Askari discuss press freedom, the cultural scene, and domestic politics.
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videoIn the seventh episode of "A Closer Look", we explore the Philippines. Mina Roces and Manuel L. Quezon III talk about the Filipino identity, gender roles, family dynasties, and the 2022 presidential elections.
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videoThe eighth episode of "A Closer Look" brings us to Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country in Central Asia. Political analyst Dr. Emilbek Dzhuraev talks about the country's road to democracy, post-Soviet transitions, and foreign relations.
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videoIn the ninth episode of "A Closer Look", we zoom in on Singapore. Kirsten Han and Yeo Lay Hwee share their perspectives on Singapore's successes and challenges, its human rights, the electoral system and the city-state's foreign relations.
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videoThe tenth episode of "A Closer Look" takes us to the world's most sparsely populated country, Mongolia. Oyungerel Tsedevdamba and Byambajargal Ayushjav talk about nomadic traditions and modernity, education, and the civil society landscape.