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

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Episode 15: A Closer Look at Thailand

Weeks before Thailand goes to the polls, political experts Punchada Sirivunnabood and Kan Yuenyong talk about the campaign and other issues playing out in the kingdom.
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Episode 14: A Closer Look at Nepal

Nepal, wedged between superpowers China and India, is trying to find a stable footing and a definitive path to growth after decades of political unrest. Hear from leading Nepalese investor Suman Joshi.
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Episode 13: A Closer Look at Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands, in the southwestern Pacific, is on the front line of big power games between China and the U.S. Hear from seasoned local journalist Dorothy Wickham and leading entrepreneur Jay Bartlett.
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Episode 12: A Closer Look at South Korea

Take a closer look at South Korea, where much more is happening than just K-Pop and threats from the North. Hear from Political Science and International Relations professor Seungjoo Lee and consultant Schoni Song.
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Episode 11: A Closer Look at Laos

Dive into Laos, one of Asia's ethnically most diverse countries, and one of its most unknown. Join filmmaker Mattie Do and journalist Manyphone Vongphachanh on a journey through what's happening in Southeast Asia's only landlocked country.
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Episode 10: A Closer Look at Mongolia

The 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.
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Episode 9: A Closer Look at Singapore

In 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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Episode 8: A Closer Look at Kyrgyzstan

The 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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Episode 7: A Closer Look at the Philippines

In 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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Episode 6: A Closer Look at Pakistan

The 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.

In the Series

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Episode 1: A Closer Look at Sri Lanka

The 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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Episode 2: A Closer Look at Uzbekistan

In 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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Episode 3: A Closer Look at Brunei

In 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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Episode 4: A Closer Look at Bangladesh

The 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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Episode 5: A Closer Look at Bhutan

In 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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Episode 6: A Closer Look at Pakistan

The 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.
video

Episode 7: A Closer Look at the Philippines

In 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.
video

Episode 8: A Closer Look at Kyrgyzstan

The 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.
video

Episode 9: A Closer Look at Singapore

In 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.
video

Episode 10: A Closer Look at Mongolia

The 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.