All Episodes 2012 - 2024

TV-PG

An in-depth portrait of Asia today, covering its dynamism as a center of growth as well as its traditions tossed around by the advance of globalization

As most parts of Shanghai become more modernized, one district retains its pre-war landscape. TianZi Fang, which used to be a French settlement before World War II, maintains an international feel. Its old-fashioned narrow alleyways are filled with shops and restaurants owned by foreigners, making the districta popular tourist spot that attracts 3 million visitors a year. This cultural melting pot has seen some friction between multinationals who run the stores on the ground floors and local Chinese residents living on the second and third floors of those buildings. This episode ofAsia Insight follows the localChinese residents and the foreign community.

500-year-old Vietnamese Nha Nhac court music was recently recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and is undergoing a revival. Including Nha Nhac, there are currently 12 World Cultural Heritage Sites and Intangible Cultural Heritages recognized by UNESCO. This episode of Asia Insight focuses on the efforts of the Vietnamese people as they passionately strive to revive their heritage and culture.

When Hong Kong was returned to mainland China from the U.K. in 1997, it was promised 50 years of autonomy and different political, judicial and economic systems than mainland China. This gave freedom of speech to mainland writers as well because they could publish banned material in Hong Kong. But as the Chinese economy grows, and gains stronger ties with Hong Kong, writers publishing in Hong Kong have been receiving various forms of pressure. Some writers have even been detained after their works have been published. Others have had emails checked and phone calls bugged. This episode of Asia Insight followed many Hong Kong and mainland-based writers and publishers fighting to protect their freedom in a changing region.

More and more people from rural areas are moving to the slum district of Mongolia's capital, in search of a better life. Migrant children are often forced to give up school and work collecting garbage to support their families. This episode of Asia Insight depicts their lives and the dedication of a former slum dweller who is now helping to get them back to school.

A new group of writers is capturing the hearts of young readers these days. The so-called "80's writers" are those born in the 1980s. These writers and their readers have a different perspective on their country compared with older generations because they were born after the enforcement of the one-child policy and amid China's rapid economic growth. As the rest of the nation looks down on their literature as mere pop culture, these writers depict the realities and feelings of their generation. This episode of Asia Insight followed several prominent "80's writers" and their readers.

About one third of population of Indonesia lacks access to electricity, especially in rural areas. A social entrepreneur has started cooperative projects that involve residents in building and managing their own small-scale hydropower plants. The projects have raised living standards, enabled villagers to launch new businesses and given them a much-needed route out of poverty.

Nepal is developing the use of alternative energy sources such as biogas and solar power due to a chronic electricity shortage that has plagued the nation. The government has instigated a long-term comprehensive solution to exploit the rich water resources from the surrounding Himalayas and has plans to become a major energy supplier in the future. This episode follows the efforts of the energy-hungry Nepalese as they search for ways to power their lives.

The number of college graduates has been increasing steadily in China. But the nation known as "the world's factory" needs manual laborers. Managers are needed only a handful. This is making it extremely difficult for college graduates to find their dream job. To help these fresh grads, one apartment complex in Zhejiang Province, allows young job seekers to stay at low cost and offers career advice. This episode of Asia Insight follows the job-hunting efforts of several tenants staying at this so-called "job-hunting inn" as they deal with challenges of a tough job environment in China today.

2012 is the year of the dragon. This is triggering a baby boom in China. More than 17 million babies are expected to be born this year, an increase of 1 million compared to last year. Would-be parents believe that giving birth during this auspicious period will bring good fortune and happiness to them and their babies. Businesses are taking advantage by offering unique events and services such as live-in nannies who are considered an essential part of the baby's first month of development. This episode of Asia Insight follows the lives of several couples in the midst of the year of the dragon baby boom.

Dance has always been an integral part of Philippine culture and Filipinos love to dance. Now it is being used as a way to rehabilitate inmates serving time in prison. Being part of a dance troupe gives inmates a sense of belonging and accomplishment with authorities reporting that regular dance sessions contribute to their better physical and mental health and also improves discipline. With special permission to film inside these prison communities we focus on this unique rehabilitation program through the lives of several current and former inmates.

In Guangzhou, a group of university students have formed a choir and are singing about their discontent with society. But what would normally be considered a mild form of protest in most countries could be a radical social movement in China. Following pressure after their first performance last year students are divided on whether to be more assertive or milder in the tone of their lyrics for their next show. In this episode of Asia Insight we focus on the Guangzhou Complaints Choir as they prepare for their second ever performance, ending with them boldly attempting to raise awareness by singing out in the streets of Guangzhou.

South East Asia's Golden Triangle used to be notoriously known as the world's largest opium producing region. For some time now authorities have been trying to halt the cultivation and trade of this deadly narcotic. The Thai royal family went as far as taking the initiative to start a program to provide technical support and financial incentives to encourage farmers to switch from opium to coffee growing. But although such bold steps are admirable, the trafficking of illicit substances continues. This episode of Asia Insight focuses on the ongoing battle against drugs and the changes taking place across the region.

Some 80% of students now go on to college in South Korea, but many graduates are struggling to land jobs. To alleviate the problem, the government is implementing programs to help budding entrepreneurs. Some universities have even started offering courses related to launching new businesses. This episode of Asia Insight follows several young entrepreneurs as they strive to realize their dreams.

The free market economy continues to grow vigorously in China but at the cost of traditional values. In cities, residents feel a sense of indifference to each other as greed and materialism takes over. In a bid to revive ethical behavior and promote good deeds, a new movement called the Good Deeds Banks has emerged. The bank allows members to save up good deeds as if they were deposits with the points they accumulate entitling them to various discounts and services. This episode of Asia Insight follows a Good Deeds Banks founder and its members.

Thailand is increasingly accepting into society transgender women or "ladyboys" as they are commonly known around the country. One school has created separate washrooms for transgender students because nearly 20% of its male population is considered "third gender." In northeastern Thailand a transgender entrepreneur was recently elected as a local council member. In a bold, historic move, a Thai airline company became the first to hire transgender flight attendants. In this episode of Asia Insight we follow several transgender women as they remain true to their identities and strive to affirm their role in Thai society.

In the Greater Mekong Subregion, the bordering countries of China, Thailand, Laos Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar are working hard to stimulate and increase trade. Asia Insight will devote three episodes to measures implemented by nations as they battle for economic control. The first episode focuses on China and its efforts to build infrastructure, develop a massive trade center, and train entrepreneurs. We also highlight the growing trade between China and Myanmar and the lives of local workers endeavoring to realize their hopes and aspirations.

In the Greater Mekong Subregion, the bordering countries of China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar are working hard to stimulate and increase trade. Asia Insight will devote three episodes to measures implemented by nations as they battle for economic control. This second episode focuses on Laos, a lowly populated, agricultural nation landlocked by five other countries. We look at how the country is going through a rapid transformation as it becomes more developed with increasing foreign investment and government initiatives.

In this program in the Greater Mekong Subregion series, we focus on the economic strategies of Cambodia. We highlight the country's endeavors to develop infrastructure and construct special economic zones as it attempts to make the transition from its recent dark history into a bright new era.

These days, more and more Korean kids are setting their sights on becoming pro golfers. There are now over 3000 young golfers, from elementary school to high school students-double the number of just ten years ago. In this episode, we tell Kim Hyo-joo's story: how her devoted father helped her achieve her dreams, and reveal the hard training she is undergoing now as she prepares to turn pro.

Traveling handymen, who live and work from their vans, travel from town to town to fix leaking roofs and ceilings when called upon. This used to be a common profession in China about 20 years ago but as the country gets more developed and homes become better built, the need for such services is decreasing. But these traveling migrants from poor rural areas still prefer this nomadic lifestyle and feel it pays better than farming or factory work. This episode follows the lives of China's traveling handymen as they struggle through a summer of scarce work.

In the Philippines, brightly coloured housing complexes are springing up all over the country. This is due to the efforts of a non-governmental organization that is providing slum dwellers with new homes in a bid to help them rebuild their lives and pull them out of poverty. In this unique project, residents are given responsibility for helping build their own homes and for managing their own communities. This episode of Asia Insight follows the NGO's efforts and the lives of slum dwellers turned homeowners as they take the first steps toward a better life.

10 years after gaining independence from Indonesia, East Timor is slowly rebuilding itself but basic infrastructure is still largely unestablished. A severe shortage of doctors and nurses is resulting in alarmingly high mortality rates for infants and pregnant women. To try and alleviate this, the East Timorese government has been offering mobile health check-ups nationwide since 2008. Some villagers support these efforts by serving as volunteers. They go door to door to check on the health of women and children, and encourage them to get examinations at the mobile health clinics. This episode of Asia Insight follows the endeavours of the mobile health workers and volunteers and depicts some of the difficulties facing this young nation.

In the Philippines in recent years, merchant seaman has been gaining popularity as a profession among young people, adding to the thousands of Filipino workers already working overseas. This is good news for the rest of the world, which depends on Filipino sailors to keep the global shipping industry afloat. Filipino sailors now make up one-third of all maritime workers worldwide as youngsters in advanced shipping nations shy away from the occupation. This episode of Asia Insight highlights one of the many maritime schools in the Philippines and focuses on the life of a young cadet who has dreams of becoming a ship captain.

A social enterprise in Vietnam is giving deprived children the opportunity to become professional chefs. It offers them free culinary training, accommodation and ultimately a route out of poverty. The organization is developing a business model in which profit from the youngsters' work is invested into efforts to help them rebuild their lives. This episode of Asia Insight focuses on the group's endeavors 10 years after its founding.

The Kingdom of Thailand has managed to get through recent economic crises and continue to enjoy steady growth. But with the country facing a chronic labor shortage, workers from neighboring Myanmar have been flooding into the country to take on low-paid, unclean and hazardous jobs, which most Thais prefer to avoid. These migrant workers put up with discrimination, deportation threats and mistreatment by employers on a daily basis. This episode of Asia Insight focuses on the struggles of the Myanmarese migrant workers in Thailand and the efforts being made to support them.

Singapore faces a declining birth rate that could threaten the stability of the nation.

In this episode of Asia Insight we investigate the viscous circle of gun violence in the Philippines

In Bhutan, there is a traditional belief, which stems from Tibetan Buddhism, that people with disabilities are suffering karmic retribution from past lives. Although attitudes are slowly changing there is still a lot of stigma attached, with many parents going as far as hiding their disabled children away at home.

This episode of Asia Insight follows a social business that has been trying to improve the lives of Chinese farmers for the past 20 years

With more than 70% of young South Koreans going on to further education, the country is facing a chronic shortage of manual workers in its medium and small sized factories. Seeking to resolve this problem, 10 years ago, the government instigated the Employment Permit System whereby it has opened its doors to foreign workers. Although South Korea has achieved much international acclaim for this policy, there may be negative consequences for some of the country's domestic workers.

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country, but for many years, many schools of Islam have stigmatized Indonesia's transgender people, known as Waria. However, in recent years, Waria have started asserting their rights, and some religious leaders are now showing increasing acceptance. We report from Indonesia where Waria are demanding greater participation in the community, and look at how society itself is gradually becoming more tolerant.

In Kyrgyzstan, a small country in Central Asia, the institution of marriage is troubled by the serious social problem of "bride kidnapping". Women are abducted and forced to marry men they have never met. A traditional practice of Kyrgyzstan's formerly nomadic people, during the Soviet years and since independence the custom has taken on a criminal character. It leaves deep scars in its victims, and 2012 saw a series of kidnapping-related suicides.

A succession of population policies - first encouraging childbirth and then enforcing one-child families - has brought on one of China's most pressing problems, its ever growing aging population. Adequate laws, support systems and care centers have yet to be developed and the country is facing a major crisis. In this episode of Asia Insight, we follow the efforts of private enterprises and caring individuals who are trying to give the senior citizens of China the support and respect they need.

Cambodia is going through a dramatic transformation, with its GDP jumping three-fold over the past 10 years, thanks to heavy foreign investment. Prolonged internal conflict in the 1970's however, saw thousands of innocent lives perish and created deep scars for this ancient empire. Now, a new generation is finally emerging, who aim to make Cambodia a proud nation once again. This episode of Asia Insight follows the dreams and hopes of 4 young Cambodians who are active in the fields of politics, economics and culture.

Air pollution in Mongolia's capital, Ulan Bator, is among the world's worst. A thick haze often envelops the city, reducing visibility to just 20 meters. The main problem is smoke from coal-burning stoves. The number of such stoves has increased as more migrants move to the city in search of work. City officials are now trying to tackle the problem by convincing people to replace their old stoves. In this episode, we look at the battle to bring clear skies back to Ulan Bator.

Cambodia's economy is booming thanks in part to a burgeoning garment industry. Business people from other countries have opened factories in areas surrounding the capital, Phnom Penh. Many Cambodians are abandoning rural life for factory jobs and the increased economic opportunity they offer. But the process has not been smooth. Workers are demanding higher pay and other concessions from management. Factory owners are being forced to reexamine their image of Cambodia as a low-wage alternative to China.

A look at the amount of families in Nepal who cannot afford to send their children into school.

Following the lives of those who lived through the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines in November 2013.

In spite of rapid economic growth in Mongolia's capital, Ulan Bator, the gap between rich and poor is widening with insufficient employment for former nomads flocking to the city. Many children choose to leave their poverty stricken homes and around 400 live on the city streets, enduring sub-zero conditions during the winter.

PM2.5 - tiny particulate matter - is the main cause of the air pollution currently plaguing China. The air quality in Beijing is reaching critical levels and it seems that China is paying the price for its voracious economic development. With the health of Beijing's residents at risk, in this episode we take a look at how authorities, scientists, the business sectors and locals are dealing with this issue.

Although strong economic growth is taking place in Cambodia's capital city, rural Cambodia - home to 80% of the country's population - remains impoverished. In order to raise the standard of living there, the government has turned its attention to the production of processed rice - otherwise known as white gold.

Chinese New Year is traditionally a time for people in China to spend time with their families. Migrants living and working in major cities typically return en masse to their hometowns. But the number of people who choose not to go home is increasing. Some remain in the cities to work and earn extra money. Others are hesitant to spend time with their families. This episode looks at migrants who decide to stay put, and what it means for a time-honored Chinese custom.

The Cambodian fashion industry could be about to bloom. Until recently, overseas brands and trends have been all the rage but some youngsters are beginning to develop their own styles and seek careers as designers. Many of their designs maintain a Cambodian flair and are starting to gain attention in international fashion circles. In this episode, we follow a young designer as he struggles to prepare for his first ever collection and other players in Cambodia's budding fashion world.

South Korea is home to a growing legion of lonely men. They are fathers whose wives and kids have gone overseas so the children can receive an international education. Goose fathers juggle the burden of providing for their families while dealing with the stress of living all alone. Such sacrifices cause some men to become depressed. In this episode, we talk to several goose fathers who have given up the comforts of family life in the hope of giving their children a bright future.

For 20 years, not a single commercial film was made in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Now, a group of young filmmakers is turning things around. They are short on funds and equipment, and government censors curb their creative freedom. But they make up for such limitations with passion and drive. In this episode, we follow the founders of Lao New Wave Cinema, a film production company that is charting a new path in a socialist country and inspiring the next generation.

In deprived Filipino districts, it's common for children to record poor attendances after starting school and some drop out altogether. Even though children have the right for free education in the Philippines, many parents simply can't afford to pay for uniforms and study materials. Some kids end up helping to support their families by going out to work. An innovative mobile school project has emerged which aims to reduce the number of children who've abandoned their schooling. Through visiting poor neighborhoods with books and study materials stacked on to pushcarts, they are providing kids with hope for the future.

Over 26,000 North Koreans have now defected to South Korea. Seoul has many measures in place to resettle these defectors, as it considers their acceptance into South Korean society as one way to unify the Korean peninsula. Despite these measures, defectors often face hurdles in the South, and because of this, many have been trying to move on to other countries in recent years. This episode of Asia Insight focuses on the North Koreans who fled from their homes and are struggling to integrate into their new communities.

During the Vietnam War, vast amounts of defoliant were released by the US military in order to destroy the tropical forests that concealed guerilla fighters. The dioxins contained in the defoliant destroyed foliage and soil, creating toxic hotspots and areas where only grass can grow even today. In this episode, we follow the 40-year campaign of Dr. Quy to restore the Vietnamese rainforests to their former glory.

Singapore had actively encouraged immigration and foreign investment over the past few decades in a bid to trigger economic growth. On the assumption that the nation's only resource was its labor force, various measures were put in place to bring in more workers. Including people with permanent residency, almost 40% of the small nation state's people are now foreign nationals. In this episode of Asia Insight, we follow the discord caused by Singapore's immigration policy almost half a century after its independence.

In impoverished areas of the Philippines, many households cannot afford electricity and don't use their lights. As the homes are so densely packed, they block sunlight and remain in darkness even during the day. Illac Diaz is a social entrepreneur who is striving to help those in this situation by promoting the use of an ingenious method of lighting using plastic bottles. This episode of Asia Insight focuses on his project and the lives of those who struggle to find adequate sources of lighting in the Philippines.

In China, roughly 100,000 children are abandoned by their parents each year. Many suffer from illness or disability. Shanghai is one of the first Chinese cities to address the issue with one hospital taking in more than 500 unwanted children over the past 9 years. There has also been an increase in so-called baby hatches as there are concerns over infants left in life-threatening environments. This episode of Asia Insight follows some of the people at the frontline in protecting China's abandoned children.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and with its rich oil resources, it is also the most affluent emirate. TV dramas produced here are already popular throughout the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf Region and they focus on everyday life in the emirate, including such taboo subjects as trouble with domestic staff. In this week's episode, we take a look at the TV drama industry in Abu Dhabi.

Rural farming villages in China are faced with a multitude of problems including poverty, environmental destruction and depopulation caused by villagers migrating to cities. A local artist is tackling these issues at a grass roots level through projects which aim at restoring villages based on traditional construction designs and eco-friendly values. Through such efforts, his NGO hopes to help attract more tourists to rural parts and bring locals back. This episode of Asia Insight follows his group's work to revitalize villages all over China.

Qatar is a small country in the Middle East with a population of 2 million people. Although it is blessed with natural resources such as oil and natural gas, the government realizes that one day these resources will be exhausted. It has started, therefore, to invest vast amounts of money in other sectors, including the world of sports.

The Cambodian norry is an improvised rail vehicle, which carries passengers and cargo from rural to urban areas using unused railroad tracks. They have long been a vital way for Cambodians to get around, especially in rural parts where infrastructure is very basic. Now, amidst brisk economic growth, roads are being built and a plan is being implemented to revive the rail system and reopen neglected lines. The norry is gradually becoming obsolete but one operator is determined to continue his business. In this episode, we follow his efforts to survive in the rapidly changing Cambodia.

In South Korea, approximately 10,000 children are born to single mothers who never married every year, and in the 50 years between 1956 and 2006 around 100,000 infants were adopted away from the country. Due to the strong influence of Confucianism, having a child out of wedlock has long been a taboo and traditionally frowned upon by South Koreans. Unwed single mothers are often disowned by their families and have nowhere to go. Several years ago, a group of unwed mothers decided to take action and founded an organization to share their experiences and seek understanding and support.

As Hong Kong's economy steadily merges with mainland China following its handover from British colonial rule 17 years ago, Beijing's influence over the city continues to strengthen. But demands for universal suffrage are growing as the Hong Kong public becomes increasingly concerned about Beijing's approach, after being promised a large degree of autonomy under the One Country Two Systems policy. On July 1, the day of the handover's 17th anniversary, tens of thousands of people marched across the city to demand democratic elections and express their opposition at Beijing's tightening control. In this episode, we follow some of the young activists and people at the frontline of protests who fear for Hong Kong's future.

More and more South Koreans who want to get married are finding it increasingly difficult to find a partner. The issue is particularly serious among men, where the average age of marriage is 32, the highest figure in Asia. In recent years, many singles have been turning to unconventional methods and depending on matchmakers for help. These go-betweens range from a Buddhist priest to an agency that introduces North Korean defectors. In this episode, we follow some of the single men in South Korea who are finding a partner and report on the country's changing face of matchmaking.

Some young Chinese photographers are starting to gain worldwide attention for their distinctive and edgy portrayals of modern China. Their work depicts the anxieties and struggles of a repressed youth and is normally censored from being distributed in mainstream markets. The only way for these photographers to get their work out into the world is by using the internet for self-promotion and publishing books overseas. In this episode, we follow a new generation of Chinese photographers who painstakingly capture the reality of modern China.

Laos is a landlocked country on the Indochina Peninsula and one of the poorest countries within ASEAN. However, its economy has been expanding at roughly 8% annually over the last 5 years creating larger numbers of affluent people. These consumers are concerned about their health and are prepared to pay around 20% more to purchase organic vegetables. With its long-standing tradition of natural cultivation, Laos is suited to organic agriculture because much of the land has not been contaminated with agrochemicals.

Nights in Manila, the Philippine capital, have been undergoing a lot of change recently with dozens of factories located in the suburbs now running 24 hours a day. The round-the-clock operations have benefitted many, as late night eateries and taxis who cater to factory workers all try to get a piece of the pie. As production increases and local services prosper, the Filipino capital's economy continues to flourish. This episode follows the residents of Manila, who are working through the night for a brighter future.

Sex trafficking in Nepal is a serious concern with thousands of females from rural parts being regularly forced into prostitution. An estimated 10,000 women and girls are smuggled across the porous Nepal to India border each year. Some are able to escape or are fortunate enough to be rescued, but even after they return to Nepal, they are shunned by society, and face misunderstanding and prejudice. Shelter and counseling is being provided, however, by an NGO run by former victims. In this episode, we follow Nepal's sex trafficking survivors - women who are trying to rebuild their lives and fighting discrimination.

Rapid economic expansion in China has brought about changes in the lifestyles of its citizens. More people work later and dine later, resulting in increased numbers of diners. Guijie Street is Beijing's largest gourmet restaurant district. More than 100 eateries and bars line the 700-meter street. Young people from all over China flock here to find jobs in the catering trade. The streets also bustle with unlicensed vendors. This small area actually reflects trends in modern day China. On this episode of "Asia Insight" we take a look at 24 hours in Beijing's major gourmet town.

Puppetry is a vital part of Laotian theatrical tradition, and for many years, it was a very popular form of entertainment. As time past, however, fewer people have learned the craft, resulting in an art in decline. The puppet theater troupe, Kabong Lao, is trying to revive the art form with an innovative and fresh approach. They use everyday objects from rice containers to washing machine hoses to invent a unique style of puppetry combined with live theater. Their performances are fantastical but they also contain spiritual or social messages that connect strongly with the people. In the episode, we follow the theater troupe that is using creative ways to keep puppetry alive in Laos.

The Republic of Korea has long been known as a homogenous country, but due to struggles with a labor shortage and an aging society, the nation has been actively allowing foreigners to work and settle in the country since early 2000. It even went as far as taking the step to revise laws to allow foreign nationals to become South Korean citizens.

In Cambodia, many garment factories have been forced to shut down temporarily and some have even gone under altogether. This was triggered by strikes for higher wages that escalated into large-scale demonstrations in which there were more than 40 injuries and deaths. News of the unrest quickly spread and overseas clients cut back on orders, sensing risk and instability with their Cambodian manufacturers.

With a population of 1.2 million, East Timor is one of the poorest countries in Asia. In a male dominated society, women find it difficult to have their voices heard. However, due to strains on household incomes, women are now taking their first tentative steps forward in business. With the help of a Japanese NGO, women in agricultural areas are working together to develop various homegrown produce.

July 1, 2014 heralded the 17th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China after British rule. A mass pro-democracy protest involving 500,000 people was held. 10 days earlier residents had voted in an unofficial referendum calling for democratic elections when selecting Hong Kong's chief executive. Although the referendum was a success, Beijing announced a new system whereby candidates would be nominated by an approval committee.

The small, yet affluent city-state of Singapore, on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Occupying an area of just 710 square kilometers, the population already exceeds 5.4 million and is expected to grow even further due to migration from overseas. Only 1% of the country's land is used for agriculture, making Singapore dependent upon imports for 90% of its food.

Tibet was once among the world's most isolated places. Its main city, Lhasa, was a center of traditional culture and Tibetan Buddhism. But in recent years, development by the Chinese government has brought waves of construction - and Han Chinese workers. The region is being transformed with highways, shopping malls, hotels, and a way of life that threatens to wipe out customs that have been handed down for centuries.

Fine Cambodian silk has a proud tradition dating back over a thousand years and historically women have been entrusted with the task of weaving it. However, ever since the Cambodian Civil War, the plight of many Cambodian women has been harsh. With no education, many struggled to find jobs. One Cambodian woman has set about tackling this issue through the establishment of a silk workshop that not only trains the women in weaving skills but also educates them in basic writing and arithmetic. In this episode of Asia Insight, we take a look at how education and a good working environment can create a better life for women in Cambodia.

Disputes over poor medical treatment between doctors and patients, stemming from chronic overcrowding, the high cost of healthcare, and a lack of doctor-to-patient communication, have become a growing issue in China, with tens of thousands of cases reported over the past 3 years alone. The problem has become so bad that the government decided to create a system where third-party mediators stand between doctors and patients to conduct investigations.

In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan devastated the central Philippines with the city of Tacloban and nearby areas suffering the worst damage. The disaster left more than 2,700 of Tacloban's population dead or missing and completely destroyed more than 40,000 homes. In this episode, we visit Tacloban one year on and follow several farmers and fishermen as they strive to rebuild their lives.

The Irrawaddy dolphins, which inhabit the Mekong River in Cambodia, are an endangered species that are bringing economic benefits to local people through eco-tourism. In this episode, we follow the villagers of Kampi, and see how they have turned their conservation efforts into a lucrative homegrown industry, which is now beginning to blossom in other parts.

Now that China is wealthier, an increasing number of university graduates dream of starting their own businesses. The Chinese government is also forging ahead with a scheme it hopes will enable 800,000 college students to start their own enterprises by 2017. However, the road to success can be rocky. In this episode of Asia Insight, we follow 2 young entrepreneurs at the opposite end of the spectrum. One is a top university graduate who owns a successful noodle shop, while the other encounters a serious lack of investor interest in his products.

A social entrepreneur in the Philippines is engineering a grassroots revolution in the retail industry. His group is working with small neighborhood shops known as sari-sari stores. These vendors supply millions of Filipinos with their daily essentials. Most sari-sari operators are women trying to supplement family incomes, but they often struggle to make a profit. In this episode of Asia Insight, we follow the group's trainers as they help the shopkeepers turn their businesses around - and leverage the power of networking.

In impoverished areas of the Philippines, many households cannot afford electricity and don't use their lights. As the homes are so densely packed, they block sunlight and remain in darkness even during the day. Illac Diaz is a social entrepreneur who is striving to help those in this situation by promoting the use of an ingenious method of lighting using plastic bottles. This episode of Asia Insight focuses on his project and the lives of those who struggle to find adequate sources of lighting in the Philippines.

Thailand's CO2 emissions have reached a staggering 310 million tons per year, mostly due to heavy traffic in urban areas and smog-spewing factories. At the 2014 COP20 climate change conference in Peru, the country boldly announced its plans to reduce CO2 emissions by between 7% and 20% before 2020, in line with its ambitions of becoming the industrial center of Asia. Many companies have already begun following the government's lead, by investing in modern facilities and switching to new fuels and materials. Members of the public are also doing their part with some people making products from waste that would otherwise be incinerated. In this episode, we follow Thailand's efforts on the frontline of greenhouse gas reduction.

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and is famous as the world's most densely populated city. More and more international companies are making inroads into the market in pursuit of cheap labour and although the country is experiencing rapid economic growth - an average of 6% every year - Bangladesh still remains one of the poorest nations in Asia. Dhaka's port bustles with migrants coming in from rural areas in search of work. Outside the city, however, life is hard with not enough farming work to go round. But with increased construction in the city, the demand for brick exceeds the supply. Is this a chance for the people of Bangladesh to escape poverty and look forward to a life of more abundance?

On December 26, 2004, a massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering an enormous tsunami. About 220,000 people died and missing in 14 countries. Aceh, a province in the north of Sumatra, was very close to the epicentre. The dead and missing there numbered 170,000, and over 400,000 people lost their homes. Mr. Lukman sold precious metals in Banda Aceh. When the tsunami hit, Lukman's wife Susilowati was visiting her parents' home; her husband was in their store. When Mr. Lukman finally reached their village hours later, their home had vanished, and their 3 children were nowhere to be found. 10 years later, Mr. Lukman and his wife are still haunted by memories of their children, crying as they remember them. The people of Aceh agree that the biggest change since the tsunami is the arrival of peace.

Laos has enjoyed constant economic growth averaging over 7.5% over the past 10 years. This has created new jobs and a demand for various types of workers, resulting in an influx of tens of thousands of migrants from neighboring Vietnam. Many Vietnamese see Laos' rapid growth as a golden opportunity for success, especially with the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community and the region's economic integration expected later this year. We follow several Vietnamese migrants in Laos as they search for wealth and prosperity.

Bhutan is still one of the world's Least Developed Countries and many people in rural areas only own one pair of shoes and cannot afford to replace them when they are worn out. With the support of many volunteers, shoe-repair-shop owner, Dawa Dakpa, has been collecting, cleaning and repairing old shoes and distributing them all over the country free of charge. His goal is to make sure that everyone in the country will never have to go without proper footwear. In this episode of Asia Insight, we follow his tireless efforts to achieve this.

China's one-child policy has contributed to a rapid greying of the population. This has led to an increase in senile dementia, a condition in which memory and thinking skills decline so severely, that the ability to perform everyday activities becomes extremely difficult. Many elderly citizens have started wandering off and going missing with some disappearing altogether. Volunteer groups and the government have started taking action, in a bid to locate and reunite such seniors with their families. In this episode, we follow China's efforts to find its missing aging citizens.

Indonesia is home to 240 million people, 90% of whom are Muslim. Right now, Islamic fashion is very much in vogue, especially among the younger generation. Shopping malls in the capital city of Jakarta have more and more shops selling clothing and accessories, while websites specializing in Islamic fashion are enjoying big success. This program takes a close look at the work and life of Ria Miranda, and investigates the reasons why Islamic fashion is enjoying such a burst of popularity in Indonesia and beyond.

Kung Fu or Chinese martial arts have become a way for many youngsters from rural parts of China to escape from poverty. They enter academies in and around the mythical Shaolin Temple and train in a severe environment, miles away from their families and homes. Graduates typically go on to become police officers, military personnel, bodyguards or even movie actors. In this episode, we follow one 14-year-old trainee who is fighting for his dream of joining China's special police force and one day supporting his parents.

As its economy develops, the women of Papua New Guinea are becoming more enterprising and starting to play a wider role in society. The government feels that women are central to the country's future and have begun providing financial assistance to help females get started in business. The ventures women undertake are diverse, ranging from coffin decoration to hotel ownership. In this episode, we follow the female entrepreneurs of Papua New Guinea, as they forge new roads ahead.

By 2016, more than 14% of Singapore's population will be over the age of 65 and with a birthrate of just 1.19%, there is an urgent need to create a new social system to cope with this ageing society. Both government schemes and private sector investment are being put into place to create new opportunities for the elderly. On this episode of Asia Insight, we take a look at how Singapore is challenging its aging society.

Bright orange bicycles have become an increasingly common sight in Taiwan's biggest city, Taipei. They're all part of YouBike, the public bike sharing system introduced by the city's Department of Transportation to combat traffic congestion, global warming and energy issues. There are now around 6,000 bikes in service, with over 160 rental stations. Since its official launch in 2012, YouBike users have continued to climb. The total number of rentals has exceeded 40 million in just over 2 years. That translates to 11 users per bike per day - far more than user numbers in France and the U.K. where bike sharing systems have long been in operation. What's behind Taipei's success? We examine the efforts and initiatives of the city's transportation department and the company contracted to run the service - Taiwan's largest bicycle manufacturer. We'll also reveal the diverse ways in which the public has embraced the service.

China is known all over the world for its counterfeit goods, with millions of tourists taking home fake products from the country as souvenirs every year. But, as the nation's reputation for phony merchandise continues to grow, some people are standing up against unscrupulous vendors and are trying to make a change. In this episode, we follow China's Counterfeit Hunters in their quest to protect consumers and raise the quality of products made in China.

40 years after the Vietnam War, a painful legacy of the jungle fighting continues to inflict suffering. The toxic defoliant Agent Orange - sprayed by the US and South Vietnamese forces - damaged the minds and bodies of civilians and soldiers. The Vietnamese government acknowledges at least 300,000 victims. With 3rd and 4th generations being affected, that figure keeps growing. In this episode, we follow the Dao family as it struggles to survive a war that never ends.

Vietnam has emerged as one of the most gay-friendly nations in Southeast Asia after recently ending a ban on same-sex marriage. In a country, which used to treat homosexuality as a sin on par with crime and prostitution, it's a significant change of direction. Gay-friendly businesses are becoming less taboo and new enterprises targeting homosexuals are beginning to emerge. They range from wedding planners to hotels and restaurants. In this episode, we look at the changing attitudes towards gay people in Vietnam as the country begins to embrace its homosexual population.

An old film reel is uncovered. Shot by a Japanese news agency, it shows a village in North Vietnam sending its young men off to war. Who are they? What were they thinking as they left for the battlefield? The undocumented footage offers no clues - except a possible timeframe: It was taken sometime around 1971. 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War, our Asia Insight crew set out to find the young men in the film.

Da Nang, Vietnam is located directly between the capital of Hanoi and the economic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh. The city has long prospered as a trading base between the east and west and thanks to the opening of the East West Economic Corridor, a road that cuts through Southeast Asia from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand to Myanmar, Da Nang has undergone a dramatic economic transformation. It now has the potential to become one of the largest distribution base in Southeast Asia. On this episode of Asia Insight, we take a look at how these new developments are benefiting the business people of Da Nang.

Phalla Neang has been teaching young people with visual and hearing impairments in Cambodia for over 20 years. She began her work in a Thai refugee camp after fleeing Cambodia's Pol Pot regime in the late 1970's. She's known as the mother of education for disabled children, and is the head teacher of several schools run by a foundation that offers disabled youngsters an inclusive education program. We follow her in her tireless efforts to provide a quality and fair education.

English language education for students from overseas is now a huge industry in the Philippines. In Cebu City, the country's 2nd largest metropolis, there are currently more than 200 schools with thousands of young students enrolled from all over Asia. Parents of Southeast Asian students in particular are attracted to the low fees. They also feel that as their home countries become richer, their children will have more opportunities to work abroad in an English speaking environment. Our crew follows the fortunes of a young Vietnamese student and a popular teacher.

The Dordoi Bazaar in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek is Eurasia's largest. It is a key way-stop on the route by which Chinese products travel to Russia and Central Asia. But the bazaar faces major change, as Kyrgyzstan joins the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) led by Russia. Before, import and export taxes were very low, and the intermediary trade of the bazaar blossomed. Having joined the EEU, however, import tariffs on Chinese products are expected to soar, which will have a massive impact on sales. Merchants are troubled, with some choosing to downsize their business, or close up shop altogether. As China's "One Belt, One Road" strategy unfolds, and the country turns its attention to Central Asia, small landlocked Kyrgyzstan is stuck between 2 giants. By looking at the Dordoi Bazaar, we'll examine the pressures faced by merchants throughout Kyrgyzstan.