Asia Insight Season 14, Episode 4: Chinese Women Falling for Virtual Romance

1

From the Rubble to the Stage: Hualien County Taiwan

The indigenous Taroko people are taking the stage to perform traditional songs and dances to entice visitors back to their famed Taroko Gorge after being impacted by a major earthquake in April 2024.

28 min

2

Ethnic Minorities Leading the Coffee Rush: Yunnan, China

As the coffee market in China rapidly grows, ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province, which makes 98% of all Chinese coffee, are developing a unique specialty coffee brand using their local customs.

28 min

3

Consequences of the Canal: Cambodia

Cambodia has set out to build a historic new canal. While some have high hopes of business opportunities and economic stimulation, concerns remain about the displacement of around 1.6 million people.

28 min

4

Chinese Women Falling for Virtual Romance

Recently popular in China are "otome games" allowing female gamers to experience romance with male characters. Services providing costumed dates have emerged as a related business for fans.

28 min

5

Searching for "Stolen Children": East Timor

During Indonesia's occupation of East Timor, thousands of children were separated from their families and taken to Indonesia. One project seeks to reunite these "Stolen Children."

28 min

6

Women Entrepreneurs on the Rise: Cambodia

Cambodia has witnessed remarkable economic growth, and women are on track to be the next driving force. With government support, more women are opting to launch their own businesses.

28 min

7

Women Forbidden from Divorce: The Philippines

Divorce is illegal in the largely Catholic Philippines, but as a bill for legalization is to be deliberated by the senate, women enduring domestic violence advocate the controversial bill.

28 min

8

The Battle of Journalists in Bangladesh

Following 15 years of strict censorship under the former administration, Bangladeshi journalists are now seeking the truth and freedom of press in order to regain the trust of the people.

28 min

9

Sowing Sustainable Seeds: South Korea

Climate change has seen vegetable harvests fall in South Korea. One group of women is embracing hardy organic techniques, while the government is training a new generation of farmers with technology.

28 min

10

A Life Continued with Slate: Nepal

Alampu Village, located high among Nepal's Himalayas, had long been a location of handmade slate production by the Thami people, but modernization has changed life there over the last 20 years.

28 min

11

Live Recruiters for Factories: Shenzhen, China

In Shenzhen, factories rely on recruiters using streaming to attract temporary workers to suit the workload. Many young people attempt recruiting to earn a good living among the changing times.

28 min

12

Our Home on Stage: The Philippines

In the Philippines, a lengthy COVID-19 lockdown sparked unemployment that broke families apart. One theater troupe offers sanctuary to kids who support each other through life's hardships.

28 min

13

Night Watch - Veterans Back on Duty: Vietnam

50 years after the Vietnam War ended, some veterans are still on duty - not as fighters, but as volunteer guardians of their hometowns. We go on night patrol in Canh Thuy Ward.

28 min

14

Chinese Clothing Factories Struggle with US Tariffs

After US President Trump announced raised tariffs on products from China, among unsteady demand and falling rates, Chinese clothing factories seek solutions such as business with other countries.

28 min

15

Reintegration of Former Terrorists: Indonesia

Attacks by Islamic extremists had caused chaos in Indonesia, but social programs designed to reeducate prisoners are underway, and now the former terrorists attempt to reintegrate into society.

28 min

16

The Missing People: Syria

During Syria's 13-year civil war, more than 100,000 people are thought to have disappeared. In the aftermath of conflict, families are seeking truth, justice, and hope for the future.

28 min

17

Seizing A Dream Through Sumo: Mongolia

Many Mongolian children dream of changing their family's lives by becoming a pro sumo wrestler in Japan. We meet the members of a school sumo club as they prepare for a national tournament.

28 min

18

Innovating Sustainable Fashion: Indonesia

The fashion industry has faced criticism for its impact on the environment. Meet the Indonesian innovators who are using natural materials and traditional techniques to help save the planet.

28 min

19

The Hui: Muslim Merchants Thriving in China

In Yiwu, China, the Muslim Hui people expand trade with Arab countries using their Arabic language skills. They are becoming an essential presence as China shifts away from US trade and diversifies.

28 min

20

A Widening Gender Divide: South Korea

South Korea is facing a growing gender divide, fueled by a stark wage gap and cases of discrimination. This has sparked a movement of women opting out of marriage. We explore the social impact.

28 min

21

Searching for Cambodia's Lost Cuisine

In Cambodia, the purge of intellectuals under Pol Pot and years of war caused traditional Khmer dishes to vanish from home kitchens. Today, chefs are working to bring them back.

28 min