A Closer Look | Asia Society Skip to main content

Unsupported Browser Detected.
It seems the web browser you're using doesn't support some of the features of this site. For the best experience, we recommend using a modern browser that supports the features of this website. We recommend Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge

  • About
    • How We Work
    • Our Mission
    • Our People
    • Our Board
    • Annual Review
    • Press
  • Events
    • All Upcoming Events
    • STATE OF ASIA
    • A Closer Look
    • Big Picture
    • Book Salon
    • Executive Roundtables
    • Members Get-Together
    • Oxford Debates
    • Talk at the Library
    • Past Events
  • Initiatives
    • Gen A – Young Leadership Program
    • Asia NEXT – Executive Education
    • Call for Applications Curator Residency 2023
  • Editorial
    • All Posts
    • Podcast
    • Explainers
    • Event Recaps
  • Community
    • Become a Member
    • Corporate Membership
    • Patrons
    • Partners
  • Contact Us
  • Support Us
Switzerland
Search
Switzerland
  • About
    • How We Work
    • Our Mission
    • Our People
    • Our Board
    • Annual Review
    • Press
  • Events
    • All Upcoming Events
    • STATE OF ASIA
    • A Closer Look
    • Big Picture
    • Book Salon
    • Executive Roundtables
    • Members Get-Together
    • Oxford Debates
    • Talk at the Library
    • Past Events
  • Initiatives
    • Gen A – Young Leadership Program
    • Asia NEXT – Executive Education
    • Call for Applications Curator Residency 2023
  • Editorial
    • All Posts
    • Podcast
    • Explainers
    • Event Recaps
  • Community
    • Become a Member
    • Corporate Membership
    • Patrons
    • Partners
  • Contact Us
  • Support Us

  • All Upcoming Events
  • STATE OF ASIA
  • A Closer Look
  • Big Picture
  • Book Salon
  • Executive Roundtables
  • Members Get-Together
  • Oxford Debates
  • Talk at the Library
  • Past Events

A Closer Look

Laos, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Nepal, and Thailand

Monks at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar.

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.

BDO Logo
University of Zurich logo

 

Videos of Past Episodes

  • ACL Thailand
    video

    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.
  • ACL Nepal
    video

    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.
  • A Closer Look at Solomon Islands
    video

    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.
  • A Closer Look at South Korea
    video

    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.
  • A Closer Look at Laos
    video

    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.
  • A Closer Look Mongolia
    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.
  • A Closer Look Singapore
    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.
  • A Closer Look Kyrgyzstan
    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.
  • A Closer Look Philippines
    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.
  • A Closer Look Pakistan
    video

    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

  • video

    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.
  • video

    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.
  • video

    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.
  • video

    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.
  • video

    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.
  • video

    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.
  • All Upcoming Events
  • STATE OF ASIA
  • A Closer Look
  • Big Picture
  • Book Salon
  • Executive Roundtables
  • Members Get-Together
  • Oxford Debates
  • Talk at the Library
  • Past Events
About
  • Mission & History
  • Our People
  • Become a Member
  • Career Opportunities
  • Corporate Involvement
visit us
  • Hong Kong
  • New York
  • Texas
global network
  • Australia
  • France
  • India
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Northern California
  • Philippines
  • Seattle
  • Southern California
  • Switzerland
  • Washington, D.C.
resources
  • Arts
  • Asia Society Magazine
  • ChinaFile
  • Education
  • Policy
  • Video
shop
  • AsiaStore
initiatives
  • Arts & Museum Summit
  • Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows
  • Asia Arts Game Changer Awards
  • Asia Game Changer Awards
  • Asia Society Museum: The Asia Arts & Museum Network
  • Asia Society Policy Institute
  • Asian Women Empowered
  • Center on U.S.-China Relations
  • Coal + Ice
  • Creative Voices of Muslim Asia
  • Global Cities Education Network
  • Global Talent Initiatives
  • U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit
  • U.S.-China Dialogue
  • U.S.-China Museum Summit
Connect
Email Signup For the media
Asia Society logo
©2023 Asia Society | Privacy Statement | Accessibility | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Contact

Asia Society takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with any government.
The views expressed by Asia Society staff, fellows, experts, report authors, program speakers, board members, and other affiliates are solely their own. Learn more.

 

 

  • Visit Us
  • Hong Kong
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Global Network
  • Australia
  • France
  • India
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Northern California
  • Philippines
  • Seattle
  • Southern California
  • Switzerland
  • Washington, DC