🎙️ Opening

😊 If I asked you...

❓ “What would make you happier?”

💭 What would your answer be?

💰 A higher salary?

🏡 A bigger house?

✈️ More vacation days?

🚗💨 Or maybe just a little less traffic.

😅 Because let’s be honest, that alone could improve the mood of millions of people.

🌍 Every year, the World Happiness Report ranks countries based on how people evaluate their own lives.

🥇 And once again, 🇫🇮 Finland comes out on top, with the Nordic countries ❄️ dominating the global happiness rankings.

🌏 But what about Southeast Asia?

😊 Who’s the happiest?

📊 Let’s find out.

🎙️ Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast. I’m Akasha Viandri.

🧭🌏 This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping Southeast Asia.

😊 The Happiest Countries in Southeast Asia

🤔 If we look at happiness through simple logic, we might think:

💰 The richer the country, the happier the people, right?

📊 If we take a look at the IMF’s World Economic Outlook projection, 🇮🇩 Indonesia is expected to remain the largest economy in Southeast Asia in 2026, with a nominal GDP of around USD 1.55 trillion.

Followed by 🇸🇬 Singapore at around USD 606.23 billion.

Then come 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇵🇭 the Philippines, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam, and 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste.

💭 But it seems happiness isn’t just about money.

❓ Why?

😊 According to the latest World Happiness Report 2026, 🇸🇬 Singapore is once again the happiest country in Southeast Asia, ranking 34th globally.

🥈 🇻🇳 Vietnam comes next at 46th.

Followed by 🇹🇭 Thailand at 49th, 🇵🇭 the Philippines at 57th, and 🇲🇾 Malaysia at 64th.

Meanwhile, 🇮🇩 Indonesia ranks lower at 83rd.

Followed by 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, and 🇲🇲 Myanmar at 93rd, 124th, and 126th.

📋 Meanwhile, 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste is not included in the list.

🤷 If money alone determined happiness...

The rankings would probably look very different.

🧠 So, how do they come up with this list?

📈 Researchers look at several factors.

💵 Income is one of them.

❤️ But so are social support, 🩺 healthy life expectancy, 🕊️ freedom to make life choices, 🤲 generosity, and 🏛️ trust in institutions.

🌱 The Happiness Index looks at quality of life beyond just economic output.

❤️ Happiness Isn’t Just About Money

🇸🇬 Take Singapore, for example.

✨ Life satisfaction here is more than just economic success.

🏙️ It also reflects infrastructure, safety, and the quality of governance.

🇻🇳🇹🇭 But then look at Vietnam and Thailand.

💰 Neither country is as wealthy as 🇸🇬 Singapore.

❤️ Yet both perform remarkably well. The reasons?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community, family, and strong social connections.

🤝 Researchers have long found that people who feel supported by those around them tend to report higher levels of happiness.

🌏 One interesting thing about Southeast Asia is that many cultures in the region naturally encourage togetherness, from family gatherings 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 to religious festivals 🎉.

😊 That may explain why several middle-income countries continue to perform surprisingly well despite having lower incomes than many developed nations.

🇮🇩 Meanwhile, Indonesia, with a lower ranking, has its own story.

🏝️ With many islands, thousands of ethnic groups and cultures, and also our unique sense of humor...

😂 Don’t question social connections here.

😄 We are happy.

🤔 But it seems that people are not that happy with the ones who have power.

💭 You know what I mean.

📰 Look at the headlines.

📱 Look at the conversations on social media.

😤 People are frustrated with what is happening now.

📊 Meanwhile, a survey evaluating the current administration showed that around 72 percent of respondents were satisfied with its performance, meaning the rest were not.

🤨 What?

🤔 Hmm, really?

😅 What the f…

😂 I’m just mimicking some people’s responses on social media.

⚖️ Maybe surveys tell one part of the story.

💬 And public conversations tell another.

🫵 You decide.

🎙️ Closing

🤔 What can we reflect from this?

🏛️ For public policy thinkers, 🌆 urban planners, and 💡 social innovators across ASEAN,

📊 the report suggests that well-being indicators should also be part of future planning,

alongside 💰 GDP, 🏗️ infrastructure, and 📈 investment.

🏛️ And for governments, maybe it’s a moment to reflect.

😊 Are people actually living happily?

❤️ Because yes, social support and culture matter.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family matters.

🤝 Community matters.

🏡 But happiness is also built by everyday things.

🚍 The facilities and services people have already paid for through their taxes.

✅ And making sure they are implemented properly.

📑 Not just about rushing to achieve numbers or hitting targets on paper.

🌱 Because at the end of the day, progress is not only about what a country achieves.

💖 It’s also about whether people can actually feel it.

💭 What do you think?

🫵 You answer.

🎙️ I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass. 🧭🌏

📬 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time. ✨

🍽️ Opening

The best way to experience a country’s culture is by tasting it.

😄 Now, if you’re thinking of doing something wild, like licking the “Welcome to Singapore” sign 🇸🇬 or drinking the water from the 🦁 Merlion statue, please don’t.

🤭 Let’s keep those intrusive thoughts to ourselves.

🍜 Because the culture we’re going to taste today is, of course, food.

⭐ And especially when that food comes with a Michelin star hanging on the wall, people flock to it.

🌏✨ And Southeast Asia has plenty of those stars shining.

🎙️ Let’s talk about it.

👋 Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast. I’m Akasha Viandri.

🧭🌏 This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping Southeast Asia.

⭐ Who’s Michelin, Anyway?

🍽️ A wise man once said,

😄 And that wise man... is me.

But don’t you agree?

⭐ Especially when a restaurant is recognized by the Michelin Guide, it just hits differently.

🤔 Now, some of you might be wondering...

What exactly is the Michelin Guide?

⭐ Is it the same thing as a Michelin Star?

🛞 Who is Michelin, anyway?

🇫🇷 Well, the Michelin Guide is a pocket-sized guidebook first published over a century ago by the French tyre company Michelin, founded by brothers André and Édouard Michelin.

💡 So... that basically answers both the “what” and the “who” of Michelin.

❓ But that raises another question.

How did a tyre company create one of the most prestigious recognitions in the culinary world?

📖 Well... here’s the story.

🚗 The Michelin Guide was created to encourage people to drive more.

Back then, driving wasn’t nearly as convenient as it is today.

🛣️ Road networks were limited, ⛽ petrol stations were scarce, and long-distance travel required a lot more planning.

🗺️ So the guide included practical information for motorists, from maps and fuel stations to tyre repairs.

🛞 The more people drove, the faster their tyres wore out.

💰 Which meant they needed to buy new ones.

🧠 A pretty smart business strategy, if you ask me.

🍴 Later, the Michelin Guide added restaurant recommendations and began charging for the guidebook after the brothers discovered that people were using the free copies to prop up workbenches in garages.

😂 Apparently, people only value what they pay for.

📈 As the guide became more influential, especially its restaurant section...

⭐ Then, in 1926, Michelin introduced what we now know as the Michelin Star, giving restaurants a star rating based on specific criteria.

🏆 Who would’ve thought that today, a Michelin Star is the Oscar of the culinary world?

📱 Now, the Michelin Guide is no longer just a pocket-sized book.

🌐 It’s available online, featuring a carefully curated selection of restaurants recommended by Michelin Guide’s inspectors.

⚠️ But here’s the thing.

❌ Not every restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide receives a Michelin Star.

🕵️ To earn one, restaurants are evaluated by anonymous inspectors.

Whether they’re posing as a regular customer grabbing lunch or someone on a business trip.

😅 Well, I guess it depends on the mood.

💳 And yes, they pay their own bills.

🤫 Once the inspectors leave the table, only they and the universe know the result.

🌍 Today, Michelin’s recognition extends far beyond fine dining.

🍜 The Bib Gourmand celebrates restaurants that serve great food at great value.

🛎️ The Michelin Key recognizes exceptional hotels.

🏅 The Michelin Special Awards celebrate outstanding individuals in the hospitality industry.

🍇 And starting in 2026, Michelin will introduce Michelin Grape, recognizing not only outstanding vineyards, but also the people behind them.

🍜 Michelin Recognition in Southeast Asia

🌏 Now let’s talk about Michelin recognition in Southeast Asia.

⭐ Five countries in the region currently have Michelin Stars:
🇲🇾 Malaysia,
🇹🇭 Thailand,
🇸🇬 Singapore,
🇵🇭 the Philippines, and
🇻🇳 Vietnam.

🏆 And among them, 🇹🇭 Thailand and 🇸🇬 Singapore are leading the way.

🍜 But Southeast Asia is unique.

✨ Michelin recognition here isn’t reserved only for fine dining and high-end gastronomy.

🥢 It also celebrates something much more familiar: street food.

❤️ Southeast Asia proves that some of the world’s best food doesn’t always come with white tablecloths.

🥇 Among those five countries, 🇸🇬 Singapore has the highest number of Michelin-recognized street food stalls.

🏅 UNESCO has even recognized Singapore’s Hawker Culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

🥭 Next comes 🇹🇭 Thailand.

😋 Well... who can resist mango sticky rice?

🍛 Then there’s 🇲🇾 Malaysia.

🍲 And of course, 🇻🇳 Vietnam.

🍜 You’ve heard of pho, right?

✨ That’s one of the country’s most iconic street foods.

💸 Why Michelin Isn’t Everywhere

❓ But six Southeast Asian countries are still missing from the list:
🇮🇩 Indonesia,
🇰🇭 Cambodia,
🇱🇦 Laos,
🇲🇲 Myanmar,
🇧🇳 Brunei, and
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste.

🤔 Which is surprising.

🍽️ Because the food is certainly amazing.

🇮🇩 Take Indonesia, for example.

🥇 CNN once named rendang the World’s Most Delicious Food.

📈 And the potential?

💰 In 2020 alone, the country’s culinary sector contributed around IDR 455 trillion, or roughly 41 percent of the country’s creative economy GDP.

🚪 So, shouldn’t Michelin be knocking on our door?

👋 Turns out, we’re the ones who have to knock first.

💡 Well, there are many reasons. But let’s focus on one.

💵 The multi-million-dollar entry ticket.

🤔 You might think Michelin simply decides to show up in a country.

🙅 Not exactly.

🤝 For Michelin to enter a country, governments or private companies need to partner with the Michelin Guide first.

🇹🇭 For example, Thailand’s Tourism Authority has extended its partnership with the Michelin Guide through 2026.

🇻🇳 Vietnam, meanwhile, welcomed the Michelin Guide in 2023 with the private company Sun Group as its destination partner.

🙋 “But wait,” you might ask.

💬 “I thought the inspectors paid for their own meals?”

✅ They do.

💼 But countries still pay for the partnership itself.

🇦🇺 Take Australia’s debut, for example.

🆕 This year, the South Australian Government paid an undisclosed amount to bring Michelin to the state for the very first time.

💸 Believe me, that partnership isn’t cheap.

💰 It can cost anywhere between US$750,000 and US$1.5 million.

🎙️ Closing

🤔 So maybe...

Just maybe...

🧮 Some countries are still doing the math.

Is the Michelin Guide worth the investment?

⭐ Or is it simply a matter of prestige?

💭 But whatever the answer is...

🍽️ Good food is still good food.

Whether it comes with a Michelin Star ⭐

🥢 or from a humble street-side stall that’s been serving the same recipe for generations.

❤️ Because at the end of the day, what makes a meal memorable isn’t just the stars on the wall.

👨‍🍳👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It’s the story, the people, and the culture behind every bite.

🎙️ I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass. 🧭🌏

Subscribe now

📬 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time. ✨

According to a comprehensive report by sports network platform Liga.Tennis, Indonesia is experiencing a significant boom in racquet sports, driven by rising popularity of padel and pickleball alongside established tennis (Photo: Liga.Tennis)

🎧 Opening

🎾 How many people do you know who play racquet sports these days?

👔 Your co-workers playing padel.

🏓 Your friends playing pickleball.

📸 And your Instagram feed seems to be full of people playing tennis.

🔥 Is it becoming a fitness trend? Totally.

Just look at the head-to-toe match fits 👟, the colourful rackets 🎾, and the professionally taken photos 📷.

😅 Even finding an empty court can sometimes be the hard part.

📈 All of this points to one thing: 🇮🇩 Indonesia’s racquet sports ecosystem is growing rapidly, and with it comes a serious business opportunity.

💼 Let’s talk about it.

🎙️ Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast. I’m Akasha Viandri.

🌏 This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping Southeast Asia. 🧭

Subscribe now

🎾 Why It’s Everywhere?

🎾 Tennis has been around for as long as most of us can remember.

But when it comes to the recent boom in racquet sports, 🎾 padel and 🏓 pickleball are leading the way.

🙌 While tennis can be difficult to pick up, padel and pickleball are generally more beginner-friendly, making them accessible and easier to learn for people who have never played racquet sports before.

🏆 Of course, that doesn’t mean becoming a pro is easy.

🏙️ Another reason is that they require less court space, making them particularly suitable for dense urban environments.

📈 Nowadays, the way people approach sports is changing.

💪 People still do it for a healthier body, of course.

🤝 But they also do it for the connections.

👋 To meet people.

😊 To socialise.

📵 And frankly, as an excuse to get off their phones and spend time with other people.

✨ Racquet sports seem to offer exactly that.

🔥 Bigger Than a Sports Trend

📊 And the demand is significant.

According to Liga.Tennis, racquet sports facilities in 🇮🇩 Indonesia were, on average, 70 percent occupied in 2025.

🎾 Among the four sports tracked, tennis recorded the highest occupancy rate, followed closely by padel and pickleball. Meanwhile, squash had the lowest.

🙌 And if you’re between the ages of 21 and 40, well, thank you.

Because around 61 percent of all racquet sports participants in Indonesia come from this age group.

📱🤝✨ They’re digitally connected, socially active, and increasingly willing to spend money on wellness and experiences.

🚀 These are the people driving the boom.

🎾 Let’s take padel’s growth as an example.

🏝️ Bali is believed to be where padel was first introduced in Indonesia, brought by expatriate communities living on the island during the Covid-19 pandemic.

✈️🚫 Travel restrictions prevented many of them from returning home, so to combat boredom, they built Bali’s first padel courts.

😄 And then you know what happened next.

🏗️🎾 You can now find padel courts, or at least soon-to-open ones, in major cities across Indonesia.

🤯 And here’s the funny thing: 🇮🇩 Jakarta now has the highest number of padel courts in Indonesia, with 🏝️ Bali coming in second.

💰 Investors Are Keeping an Eye on This

💰 And that has caught investors’ attention.

And the money being spent is hard to ignore.

💸 Users spend an average of around IDR 400,000 per visit on sports activities.

🍽️ Plus another IDR 50,000 on food and beverages, at minimum.

🌊 So the ripple effects go far beyond the court.

📈 According to Kompas.id, the number of padel courts in Indonesia grew from just 15 in 2021 to 947 in 2025.

🚀 This year, the number is projected to surpass 2,500.

🌏 According to data from the Federation Internationale de Padel, or FIP, as of May 2024, 🇮🇩 Indonesia occupies a strategic position in the global padel industry.

🏆 Among 81 countries, Indonesia ranks first in Southeast Asia, sixth in Asia, and twenty-ninth in the world based on the number of registered active courts.

💼 And businesses are busy calculating the economic potential behind all of this.

🤔 Which brings us to an interesting question.

Could racquet sports become part of Indonesia’s tourism offering? ✈️🎾

Could people eventually travel here not just for the beaches 🏝️ and the food 🍜...

but also for tournaments 🏆, communities 🤝, and sporting experiences? 🎾

Well, Indonesia already hosts major sporting events, from marathons 🏃‍♂️ to MotoGP 🏍️.

So hosting an international padel tournament 🌍🎾 doesn’t sound so crazy after all.

🏁 Closing

🎾 You can probably see where this is going.

This is no longer just about hitting a ball back and forth.

💪❤️ It’s a lifestyle.

People want to stay healthy, but they also want community, connection, and experiences. 🤝🌏✨

And it turns out that all that sweat can generate more than just endorphins. 💦😊

💼📈 It can generate business too.

And perhaps, offer a glimpse into the future of sports tourism in 🇮🇩 Indonesia. ✈️🏝️🎾

🎙️ I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass. 🧭🌏✨

Subscribe now

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“Ibu” from Satan’s Slave (2017) became one of Southeast Asia’s most unforgettable horror figures (Photo: IMDb)

🎧 Opening

😨 Have you ever had that feeling?

You suddenly get goosebumps. 🥶

And from the corner of your eye, you’re convinced someone is watching you. 👀

But when you turn around, no one’s there. 🚪

Then a drop of liquid falls from above. 💧

At first, you think it’s water. But it’s red. 🩸

And when you slowly look up…

Boo! 👻 Something is there, just as you feared.

That’s more or less what it feels like to watch a horror movie. 🎬

Watching horror movies leaves you with an uncomfortable feeling, and yet, people choose to do exactly that. 😅

Why do we willingly scare ourselves? 🤔

And why does Southeast Asia seem so good at scaring people? 🌏👻

Let’s find out. 🔍

🎙️ Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Rheza Ardiansyah. This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping Southeast Asia. 🧭

Subscribe now

👻 Why Do People Watch Horror Movies?

😱 Some people watch horror movies for the adrenaline rush.

😬 Others are terrified the entire time... and somehow keep watching anyway.

Why? 🤔

Let me help you unpack that. 🔍

According to a BBC article published in October 2025, there are at least three types of people who enjoy horror movies. 🎬👻

First, the Adrenaline Junkies. ⚡

These are the people who genuinely enjoy the thrill and excitement that comes with being scared.

Second, the White Knucklers. 😨✊

They don’t necessarily enjoy being scared, but they do enjoy overcoming fear and making it through the experience.

And third, the Dark Copers. 🌑🧠

These are people who use horror as a way to remind themselves that they are safe in their own lives. For some, it can even help them manage anxiety or depression.

So... 👀

Which one sounds most like you?

Interestingly, researchers in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 have used a similar principle to help children manage anxiety through a video game called *MindLight*. 🎮💡

The game takes place inside a haunted house filled with monsters. 🏚️👹

If the player stays calm during an attack, the monster transforms into a friendly kitten. 🐱✨

But if fear takes over, a message appears offering techniques to help the player relax before moving forward. 🧘‍♀️💭

And the results are promising. 📈

Several clinical studies found that children who regularly played the game reported lower levels of anxiety in everyday life. 😊

Another interesting finding is that researchers describe the brain as an “anticipatory engine.” 🧠⚙️

It’s constantly trying to predict what might happen next.

And horror movies provide just enough uncertainty to keep that system engaged. 🎭❓

In a way, they allow us to rehearse fear in a relatively safe environment. 🎢🛡️

So apparently...

👻 Horror offers more benefits than we might think. 💡✨

🎭 Southeast Asian Horror Hits Different, Doesn’t It?

👻 Now, speaking of fear...

Many horror fans would argue that Asian horror feels different. 🎬😨

And Southeast Asia is no exception. 🌏

Today, Southeast Asian horror spans everything from 🧠 psychological horror and 🔪 slashers to 🩸 gore, 👹 monsters, and 🌿 folk horror.

But one subgenre still dominates:

👻 supernatural horror.

Stories built around ghosts, spirits, demons, and things that don’t quite belong to the world of the living. 🌑🕯️

And when those stories are mixed with local beliefs, folklore, and traditions, the tension becomes even stronger. 📖✨

Why?

Because they feel familiar. 🏠

The more familiar the story, the scarier it becomes. 😱

Just compare 🤡 Chucky to a 🎎 Jelangkung, a doll made from a coconut shell and wooden sticks.

Which one do you think is scarier? 👀

Personally, I’ve had nights where I couldn’t sleep because of that wooden doll. 😬🌙

🛏️💭 Somehow, a toy possessed by an evil spirit is scary...

But a homemade doll tied to local ghost stories and childhood warnings? 👻🥥🌿

That hits differently. 😨✨

🎬 Southeast Asian Horror Recommendations

🎬 Want to see for yourself?

👻 Here are a few Southeast Asian horror films worth checking out.

🇹🇭 First, Shutter (2004) from Thailand.

📸 The story follows a photographer haunted by mysterious apparitions after a tragic hit-and-run accident.

Widely regarded as one of Asia’s most influential horror films, it’s the kind of movie that makes you think twice before looking at your photos. 😨🖼️

🇵🇭 Second, Eerie (2018) from the Philippines.

🏫 The story follows a guidance counsellor with clairvoyant abilities as she investigates the mysterious death of a student at a Catholic girls’ school.

⛪👻 Think haunted hallways, dark secrets, and supernatural forces lurking behind closed doors.

🇻🇳 Third, The Ancestral (2022) from Vietnam.

🏠 A widowed father moves his daughters into their ancestral home, only to discover that something else may already be living there.

🌑👤 As family secrets unravel, the house becomes a place where the past refuses to stay buried.

🇲🇾🇸🇬 And fourth, Revenge of the Pontianak (2019), a Malaysian-Singaporean production.

🧕👻 The film revisits the legend of the Pontianak, a woman who dies during childbirth and returns seeking revenge.

🌙 Set against a backdrop of folklore, superstition, and forbidden love, it brings one of Southeast Asia’s most enduring ghost stories back to life.

🍿 So if you’re looking for something spooky for your next movie night...

👀 Southeast Asia has plenty of nightmares to offer. 😱🎥✨

🌏 Southeast Asian Horror Goes Global

🌏👻 And it’s not just audiences in Southeast Asia who are paying attention.

🎬 Some of these films have earned recognition far beyond the region.

Take 🇲🇾 Roh (2019) and 🇮🇩 Perempuan Tanah Jahanam—internationally known as Impetigore (2019).

🇲🇾 Roh, which means “soul” in Malay, follows a family living deep in the forest whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious little girl. 🌳👧🌑

The film stands out through its blend of ☪️ Islamic folklore, 🪄 Malay black magic, and an atmospheric rainforest setting. 🌴🌫️

Meanwhile, 🇮🇩 Impetigore follows a toll booth worker who returns to her ancestral village hoping to claim an inheritance. 🏡💰

Instead, she discovers that the villagers believe she is connected to a generations-old curse. 😨🩸👻

Both films were screened at international film festivals 🎞️🌍 and selected as their countries’ official submissions for 🏆 Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Academy Awards.

Neither made the final shortlist. ❌🏆

But the recognition itself says a lot about how far Southeast Asian horror has travelled. ✈️👻🌏

🎥 Impetigore, for example, was picked up by 📺 Shudder, one of the largest horror streaming platforms in the United States.

That means stories rooted in local folklore, village myths, and regional beliefs are no longer just scaring audiences at home. 🏠👀

🌍 They’re haunting viewers around the world. 😱✨👻

🏁 Closing

So what have we learned? 🤔

Apparently, getting scared can be good for us. 👻🧠

At least sometimes. 😅

Maybe don’t watch these movies alone. 🚶‍♂️🌙

Especially at night. 🌑👀

Because once Southeast Asian horror gets into your head...

👻💭 It tends to stay there for a while.

And judging by the recognition these films have received, the world seems to agree. 🌏🎬🏆

Stories rooted in local folklore, supernatural beliefs, and regional traditions are no longer just scaring audiences in Southeast Asia.

😱 They’re haunting viewers around the globe.

🎙️ I’m Rheza Ardiansyah, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass. 🧭

📩 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over—

☕ one weekend at a time. 👻✨

Subscribe now

🎣 Opening

Have you ever wanted to travel but felt like you’re in a rush? As if you’re doing a military operation.

I’m talking about those to-do lists:

Wake up at 6.
Breakfast at 7.
Temple at 8.
Museum at 10.
Lunch at 12.
Another attraction at 2.

And somehow, by Day Three, you’re exhausted, sunburnt, and wondering whether you need a vacation from your vacation.

And yet…we keep doing it.

Especially in Southeast Asia, where every destination comes with a never-ending list of “must-sees.”

But what if the best trip isn’t the one where you see the most?

What if it’s the one where you finally slow down?

Hello, and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Akasha Viandri. This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

🐢 What Is Slow Travel?

Today, we’re talking about a travel trend that’s gaining momentum across Southeast Asia:

Slow travel.

The idea that sometimes the best way to experience a place isn’t by rushing through it — but by staying long enough to truly feel it.

Enter slow travel.

A travel philosophy that asks a simple question:
What if you stayed longer and did less?

Instead of chasing every landmark, slow travel focuses on spending meaningful time in one place.

It’s about talking to locals.

Trying neighborhood food stalls.

Learning traditions.

And experiencing a destination as a temporary resident rather than a tourist racing against the clock.

The concept actually traces its roots back to Italy’s Slow Food Movement in the 1980s, which encouraged people to slow down and appreciate local culinary traditions.

Eventually, that philosophy expanded beyond food.

And today, it’s changing the way people travel.

🌏 Why Southeast Asia Is Perfect For It

And honestly?

Few regions are better suited for slow travel.

Because beyond the famous beaches and landmarks, the region is full of places where life naturally moves at a gentler pace.

Places where the experience isn’t about checking things off a list.

It’s about staying awhile.

Let’s look at a few examples.

🇹🇭 Chiang Mai, Thailand

First, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Often called the “Rose of the North,” this city has become one of Southeast Asia’s slow travel capitals.

Instead of shopping malls and crowded beaches, you’ll find mountain villages, artisan communities, and coffee farms.

In nearby Mae Kampong Village, visitors can stay in local homestays, learn traditional tea fermentation, and enjoy coffee beside waterfalls.

No rush.

No crowds.

Just a different rhythm of life.

🇵🇭 Negros Island, Philippines

Next is Negros Island.

Known as the Philippines’ organic capital, it’s a destination built around local food, farming, and sustainability.

You can spend your day tasting locally grown coffee, visiting community farms, or snorkeling in protected marine sanctuaries.

It’s the kind of place where the journey matters as much as the destination.

🇮🇩 Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Then there’s Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Many visitors come for Borobudur Temple.

But slow travelers stay for something else.

They wander through Kotagede, watch silver artisans at work, and spend hours exploring small streets and traditional markets.

It’s a chance to experience Javanese culture beyond the postcards.

🇱🇦 Luang Prabang, Laos

If you’re looking for complete tranquility, there’s Luang Prabang.

Nestled between two rivers and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s often described as the spiritual heart of Laos.

Here, mornings begin with monks collecting alms at sunrise.

The pace is quiet.

The atmosphere: reflective.

And for many travelers, that’s exactly the point.

🇲🇾 George Town, Malaysia

And finally, George Town in Penang, Malaysia.

A city where history, food, and culture meet.

Slow travel here means wandering heritage streets, discovering hidden cafés, admiring street art, and spending an afternoon in Balik Pulau, surrounded by fruit farms and countryside views.

No strict schedule required.

💡 Why It Matters

And this is about more than travel trends.

As tourism continues to grow across Southeast Asia, many destinations are struggling with overtourism.

The challenge isn’t just attracting visitors anymore.

It’s making sure tourism benefits local communities while preserving culture and heritage.

Slow travel helps do exactly that.

Because when travelers spend more time in fewer places, they often create deeper connections—and leave a more positive impact.

🎙️ The Wrap

So maybe the next time you’re planning a trip, ask yourself:

Do I really need to see everything?

Or would I remember more if I simply slowed down?

Because sometimes the best travel memories aren’t made while rushing from one attraction to another.

They’re made while sitting in a village café.

Talking to a local.
Watching the world move a little slower.
And perhaps that’s the real magic of Southeast Asia.

Not just the places we visit.

But the moments we stay long enough to appreciate.

I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

Subscribe now

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over — one weekend at a time. 🎙️🌿

🎣 Opening

🎙️ Hello, and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Cecilia Setiawan.

🌏 This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

Let me ask you something.

✈️ Have you ever opened a visa application form… and immediately felt tired?

📄 The bank statements.
📅 The interview slots.
📂 The endless documents.

And then there’s that one friend who casually says:

💬 “Oh, I don’t need a visa.”

Ughhh, so annoying… 😩

But here’s the thing.

In Southeast Asia, your passport can quietly determine:

🌍 where you can travel,
🎓 where you can study,
💼 where you can work,
✨ and sometimes… how easily you can dream bigger.

Because, according to the 2026 Henley Passport Index, Southeast Asia is experiencing a massive passport divide.

📉 And the gap is bigger than many people realize.

🌏 The Big Picture

🏆 At the very top sits Singapore.

Its passport is now officially the strongest in the world, with visa-free access to 192 destinations. 🌐

That means Singaporeans can travel to most countries without lengthy paperwork, embassy appointments, or approval anxiety. 😌

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Southeast Asia?

The experience looks very different.

Countries like 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, and 🇲🇲 Myanmar still face major visa restrictions globally.

Myanmar currently sits near the bottom of the regional rankings, with access to only 42 destinations. 📉

And that’s not just a travel inconvenience.

It reflects something bigger:

🤝 diplomatic influence,
💰 economic trust,
🌍 and global mobility.

🌏 Southeast Asia’s Growing Passport Gap

Because a weak passport acts like a hidden tax.

💸 A tax on opportunity.

For many Southeast Asians, international travel isn’t just about booking a ticket.

It means:

💳 expensive visa fees,
📑 complicated applications,
⏳ uncertainty,
🚫 and high rejection risks.

And that affects more than tourism.

🎓 It affects students applying overseas.
💼 Professionals attending conferences.
🚀 Entrepreneurs trying to expand globally.

That proves that mobility shapes access.

And access shapes opportunity. 🔑

📊 Southeast Asia’s Three Tiers

The rankings now reveal a kind of hierarchy inside Southeast Asia itself.

🥇 Tier One: The Global Elite

🇸🇬 Singapore
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇧🇳 Brunei

These passports offer mobility levels comparable to many Western countries. 🌍

A Malaysian traveler, for example, can visit cities like London or Paris relatively easily. ✈️

🥈 Tier Two: The Middle

Countries like:

🇹🇭 Thailand
🇮🇩 Indonesia
🇵🇭 The Philippines

still face restrictions, despite having large economies and growing regional influence.

Indonesia, for instance, ranks only 64th globally, despite being Southeast Asia’s largest economy. 📉

🥉 Tier Three: The Restricted Tier

Then there are countries like:

🇻🇳 Vietnam
🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇱🇦 Laos
🇲🇲 Myanmar

where visa barriers remain significantly higher.

And for citizens there, global mobility often depends heavily on financial resources. 💵

💸 The Wealth Factor

Because here’s the uncomfortable truth.

In the world of passports…

💰 money changes everything.

For wealthy individuals, visa barriers become much easier to bypass.

🏡 Some can obtain residency through investment programs, often called “golden visas.”

📄 Others face fewer problems simply because embassies are more comfortable approving applicants with strong financial records.

So while a weak passport slows down the average traveler…

💳 wealth can act like a shortcut through the system.

💡 Why This Hits Home

And this creates an interesting contradiction inside ASEAN.

🤝 Southeast Asia often talks about regional unity and integration.

But in reality?

🌏 Not everyone in the region moves through the world equally.

A Singaporean can plan a spontaneous Europe trip. ✈️

Meanwhile, a young professional from Vietnam or the Philippines may spend weeks gathering paperwork for the exact same destination. 📑⏳

Same region.

Very different realities.

🎙️ The Wrap

So this story isn’t really about passports.

It’s about:

🌍 mobility,
🔑 access,
⚖️ and inequality in a globalized world.

Because in today’s economy, the ability to move freely across borders is increasingly tied to:

🎓 education,
💼 business,
🤝 networking,
🚀 and opportunity itself.

And right now, Southeast Asia is moving at two very different speeds.

Some countries travel with near-frictionless freedom. ✈️✨

Others are still stuck navigating visa walls. 🚧

I’m Cecilia Setiawan, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass. 🧭

📩 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at

Subscribe now

thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend, for stories to linger over — one weekend at a time. ☕

Have you ever wondered? What makes people move across countries today?

💼 Better jobs? Definitely.

💸 Cheaper living costs? Of course.

🌴 A lifestyle that feels more flexible and meaningful? Absolutely.

And increasingly, many people are finding all of that in Southeast Asia.

From beach towns in Indonesia to major cities in Thailand and Malaysia, the region is becoming one of the world’s biggest hubs for digital nomads and remote workers.

Let’s talk about Southeast Asia’s growing role in the future of work.

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Rheza Ardiansyah, and this is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping the Southeast Asia region.

🌏 Southeast Asia’s Rise as a Digital Nomad Hub

Before the pandemic, remote work was mostly seen as a perk.

Now, for millions of people around the world, it has become a lifestyle.

💻 As companies embraced flexible work systems after COVID-19, many professionals began looking beyond traditional office cities.

And Southeast Asia quickly stood out.

So, why?

Because the region offers something difficult to resist:

💸 Relatively low living costs
📶 Strong internet infrastructure
☕ Expanding coworking and cafe culture
🌆 Diverse lifestyles from mega-cities to tropical coastlines

Countries across the region are also adapting.

📄 🇹🇭 Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa, while 🇲🇾 Malaysia launched the DE Rantau Nomad Pass to attract long-term remote workers.

And specific cities are becoming major digital nomad hubs.

🇮🇩 Bali remains one of the world’s most famous remote-work destinations, especially in Canggu and Ubud, where coworking spaces, cafes, and wellness culture have become part of everyday life.

🇹🇭 Bangkok attracts remote workers looking for fast-paced city living, efficient transportation, and endless food and cafe options.

🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur offers a more structured and corporate-friendly environment, supported by modern infrastructure and widespread English usage.

🌊 Meanwhile, 🇻🇳 Da Nang is emerging as a rising star, combining beachside living with a growing startup and tech scene at a lower cost than many established hubs.

🌿 And for those seeking a slower pace, 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai continues to attract freelancers and independent creators with its relaxed atmosphere and deeply connected nomad community.

For many remote workers, Southeast Asia is no longer just a travel destination.

🏡 It’s becoming a place to live, work, build businesses, and create long-term communities.

🎯 The Wrap

So what does this tell us?

Southeast Asia is no longer only competing in tourism.

🌐 The region is increasingly becoming part of the global future-of-work economy.

Remote workers bring spending, business activity, and international networks into local communities.

And Southeast Asia offers something many professionals are searching for:

⚖️ Flexibility
💸 Affordability
✨ Quality of life

All in one place.

The future of work may not belong to one office or one city anymore.

And Southeast Asia is positioning itself right at the center of that shift.

What do you think?

I’m Rheza Ardiansyah, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

📩 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe

Subscribe now

to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

There’s this one moment when you wake up before the sun rises.

You arrive at the starting line, check your shoes, your bib number — ready.

Somewhere between nerves and excitement, you tell yourself all those training sessions will pay off

And when the air horn blows, you start running.

That’s more or less what marathon race looks like.

In marathons, people run for fitness, for personal goals, or sometimes, just to keep up with the trend.

But marathon culture has quietly grown into something much bigger than that.

It moves money.
It drives tourism.

And Southeast Asia may have more potential in this space than many realise.

Let’s take a closer look.

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Cecilia Setiawan, this is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our Southeast Asia region.

🏃 The Global Marathon Trend

Let’s start this episode with some numbers.

The number of people signing up for marathons continues to grow year by year.

And one example of that is the London Marathon, one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

More than 1.33 million people entered the public ballot for the 2027 London Marathon, with 300 thousand of them coming from outside the UK.

That’s nearly double the number of applications for the 2024 edition, a new record!

So, why are so many people signing up?

Long story short, running is one of the easiest sports to start.

And social media has turned running into something shared.

People post their pace, collect medals, and upload race-day photos online.

Eventually, it becomes a trend.

And yes, a bit of FOMO probably helps too. But if that gets people to care more about their health, why not?

The benefit? Health, of course.

But beyond that, there’s also big money involved.

Hugh Brasher, the chief executive of London Marathon Events, told the BBC they are exploring the possibility of expanding the marathon into a two-day event.

And if that happens, organisers estimate it could generate more than 400 million pounds in economic and social benefits, while raising over 150 million pounds for charities.

That’s serious money.

And it doesn’t stop at the race itself.

Many international runners extend their stay, turning race weekend into a holiday.

And that is where sports tourism begins to emerge.

According to UN Tourism, the global sports tourism market was valued at around 609 billion US dollars in 2023, and is projected to grow by 16 percent by 2030.

And marathons are clearly part of that.

And that brings us to Southeast Asia.

🏞️ Southeast Asia’s Marathon Tourism Potential

Southeast Asia may not host a World Marathon Major, at least not yet.

But the region is home to a growing number of races recognised by World Athletics.

But this is not about labels or tiers.
You can always Google those later.

What’s more interesting is how Southeast Asia offers something else: unforgettable race experiences.

And it’s not difficult to see why.

Imagine running past ancient temple complexes, with Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, standing in the background.

Rice fields, local villages, cultural performances along the route.

It might even make you feel like you can run more than 42 kilometres.

A completely different experience.

High-altitude trails.

Dense bamboo forests.

Mountain ridges stretching into the distance.

Just breathtaking.

And these are just a few examples.

💰 The Money

And that experience translates into economic impact.

Take the Maybank Marathon, for example.

The 2025 edition is estimated to have contributed around 170.8 billion rupiah to Bali’s economy during the event period.

That figure increased by around 45 billion rupiah compared to the previous year.

The reasons include higher participant numbers, increased spending, and longer stays from runners arriving from more than 50 countries.

Local businesses in Bali also reportedly saw their revenue increase by an average of 56 percent during the event.

Singapore tells a similar story.

The Singapore Marathon is projected to contribute around 36 million US dollars to the country’s economy.

That’s just… wow

🎧 Closing

People may come for the race. But they often stay for the experience.

So perhaps marathon races today are no longer just about crossing the finish line.

And while marathon racing in Southeast Asia is still developing,

the region has real potential to carve out its place: offering race experiences shaped by breathtaking scenery, culture, and atmosphere.

And that’s what moves money.

And eventually, the economy.

I’m Cecilia Setiawan, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

Subscribe now

Global coffee production continues to rise, reflecting steady growth in the sector (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

🎧 Opening

Can you guess what connects people today?

A shared frustration with government? Of course!

Old memories? Maybe.

The same hobbies? Possibly.

Those conversations do create connection, but often, they’re driven by one simple thing: coffee. The quiet connector that lets conversations flow.

Let’s talk about coffee and its huge potential in Southeast Asia, shall we?

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Akasha Viandri, this is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping Southeast Asia region.

🌏 Southeast Asia’s Coffee Potential in the Global Market

“Let’s grab a coffee and tell me everything”

“Oh, I haven’t had my coffee today, let me grab one before the next meeting”

“This weekend, it’s just me, my coffee, and a good book.”

Sounds familiar, right?

Coffee is that extra energy in a day full of chaos, and a quiet companion when things slow down.

And beyond the cup, there’s a growing potential, especially in Southeast Asia.

According to the International Coffee Organization, global coffee consumption reached around 175 million 60-kilogram bags in the 2024–2025 season.

And production isn’t far behind, with the United States Department of Agriculture estimating global output at around 178 million 60-kilogram bags in 2025.

And a large share of that comes from just a few countries.

Around 73 percent of global production is concentrated among the top five producers: 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, and 🇪🇹 Ethiopia.

See? Two of the world’s top five producers are from Southeast Asia.

Together, 🇻🇳 Vietnam and 🇮🇩 Indonesia produce around a quarter of the world’s coffee and export about the same share.

⚡ The Region’s Coffee Potential

Within the region, Southeast Asia’s coffee market continues to grow steadily.
And while 🇻🇳 Vietnam ranks higher globally in production, Indonesia leads the region.

It’s followed by 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇵🇭 the Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, and 🇸🇬 Singapore.

So, why is that?

First, 🇮🇩 Indonesia clearly has the capacity in terms of production.

But it’s not just about supply.

🇮🇩 Indonesia is also the most populous country in Southeast Asia and many people here love coffee.

That demand shows up clearly.

There are now around 460 thousand coffee shops across the country.

And brace yourself…

It’s the highest in the world based on data from the Global Point of Interest database as of November 2025.

Even 🇨🇳 China in second place, has fewer than 200 thousand.

Other Southeast Asian countries are also climbing.

🇻🇳 Vietnam ranks fourth globally, with around 132 thousand coffee shops.

🇹🇭 Thailand follows, with nearly 97 thousand.

And the 🇵🇭 the Philippines ranks ninth, with around 60 thousand.

🎯 The Wrap

So what does this tell us?

Southeast Asia is no longer just part of the global coffee supply chain.

We’re becoming a key player in how coffee is consumed.

Production and consumption are beginning to align.

And that creates something powerful.

Not just connections between people, but momentum in the economy as well.

And when the economy moves well, people tend to live better.

What do you think?

I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe

Subscribe now

to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

Hello, welcome back to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Cecilia Setiawan.

This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

Okay, real quick—how’s your weekend going?

I hope it’s been a good one.

And maybe… what you actually need isn’t only a better mood,
Maybe you need a change of place.

So today, I’m taking you around Southeast Asia.
Because some of the cities here…?
They’re not just good for a quick getaway…
They’re actually starting to beat cities around the world.

Yeah—globally.

So, who knows, by the end of this episode, you might already be planning your next escape.

🌏 Southeast Asia Is Having A Moment

So here’s the thing.

According to the Time Out World’s Best Cities Index 2026,
Southeast Asia isn’t just climbing rankings—it’s booming!

We’re talking real momentum. Real numbers.

Cities across 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, and 🇻🇳 Vietnam
are pulling in millions of visitors—not just because they’re “cheap” or “pretty”… you know what I mean.

But because they offer something deeper—culture, lifestyle, and experiences that actually feel real.

And right now?
That’s exactly what people are looking for.

Be honest… aren’t you too?

🌃 The Cities Everyone’s Talking About

Let’s break it down.

1.🇹🇭 Thailand — where the culture meets chaos (in the best way)
If you love energy, this is going to be your place.

Street food at midnight.
Nightlife that doesn’t sleep.
Festivals where the whole city feels alive.

🇹🇭 Thailand welcomed around 33 million international visitors in 2025—one of the highest in the region.

And Bangkok? Ranked #8 globally.
Still one of the most visited cities in the world.

It’s loud, vibrant, a little chaotic…
But that’s exactly the charm.

2.🇸🇬 Singapore—clean, polished, and kinda futuristic✨
Ranked #23, and honestly… not surprising.

Singapore is that city that just works.

Everything is efficient.
Everything feels safe.
Everything looks like it came from the future.

But yeah… It’s expensive. No debate here.

Still—if you’re into iconic architecture, cultural diversity, and a super seamless city life…

🇸🇬 Singapore is that city.

3.🇻🇳 Vietnam—the creative underdog rising fast🚀

Now this one’s exciting.

Vietnam is booming—like, seriously booming.

Around 21 million international visitors in 2025.
And cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are rising fast.

• Hanoi (#25) → culture, hidden cafés, slow mornings by Hoan Kiem Lake

• Ho Chi Minh City (#38) → fast-paced, high-energy, where history meets modern life

The vibe?

Creative. Dynamic. A little raw—but in a good way.

This is where tradition and ambition collide.

💡 Why This Hits Home

So… why are these cities suddenly outperforming global giants?

Because travel has changed.

It’s not about ticking off landmarks anymore.
It’s about how a place feels.

People want experiences like:

• live like a local

• find hidden spots

• stay longer, not just visit

And Southeast Asia delivers all of that—without losing its identity.

You get world-class experiences…
without losing the soul of the place.

And the balance?
That’s rare.

🌱 The Bigger Shift

Zooming out a bit—this isn’t just about tourism.

This is about how cities compete globally now.

We’re seeing a shift:

• from luxury → to value-for-money experiences

• from big attractions → to cultural ecosystems

• from fast travel → to slow, meaningful journeys

Even smaller cities—like Chiang Mai—are starting to rise.

And creative industries?
Food, film, art, coffee culture…

They’re becoming major drivers of tourism.

So yeah—this isn’t just a trend.
It’s a transformation.

🎯 The Wrap

So… back to your weekend.

If it hasn’t been great,
Maybe that’s your sign.

Not to fix the weekend, but to rethink where you spend the next one.

Because across Southeast Asia,
there are cities waiting—not just to be visited…
but to be felt.

And who knows?
Your next favorite place
might be closer than you think.

I’m Cecilia Setiawan,
and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast—
where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode,
don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com,

Subscribe now

Join us again next weekend—and maybe… in a different city.
For stories to linger over—one weekend at a time.

Hello, and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Vila Marescotti.

This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

Okay, real talk.

Have you ever…
Stayed up until 3 AM binge-watching K-pop variety shows? Or…

fought for concert tickets like your life depends on it — even when the price is… honestly, a bit insane?

Refreshing the page. Waiting. Stressing. So that you could buy yourself a ticket.

Yeah… same.

But here’s the thing. It’s not just you.

Across Southeast Asia, millions of fans are doing the exact same thing.

Streaming. Voting. Trending hashtags. Buying albums.

For years, we’ve been K-pop’s loudest audience.

But now?

Something is changing.

Because Southeast Asia is no longer just watching the K-pop dream.
We are starting to live it.

🎤 The Shift

Southeast Asia is no longer just consuming K-pop.

It’s shaping it.

More and more idols debuting on the global stage are coming from this region.

From 🇹🇭Thailand, 🇮🇩Indonesia, 🇻🇳Vietnam, the 🇵🇭Philippines…

The crowd is no longer just in front of the stage. We’re on it.

And this raises a bigger question.

As lineups become more global… Can K-pop still be called “Korean” pop?
Or is it becoming something more global?

🌏 The Big Picture

Now this? This is not just a random coincidence.

Back in 2008, Nichkhun from 2PM debuted as a Thai idol —
a rare moment at the time.

But then came artists like:

• Lisa from BLACKPINK

• BamBam from GOT7

• Minnie from (G)I-DLE

They didn’t just succeed.

They changed expectations.

What used to be an exception
became a part of the system.

🌐 Why Southeast Asia Matters

And here’s why this region is so important.

Southeast Asia isn’t just a fanbase.

It’s an engagement powerhouse.

Fans here don’t just listen.

They organize.
They stream strategically.
They vote — hard.

Countries like 🇮🇩Indonesia are now among the top K-pop markets in the world.

And agencies are paying attention.

Because strong fandom doesn’t just create the hype.

It builds long-term influence.

❤️ Why This Hits Home

But beyond the numbers…

This is about representation.

Take Lisa from BLACKPINK.

She didn’t just become a global star.

She showed that someone from Southeast Asia
can reach the very top.

And once that door opens?

Others follow.

Now we’re seeing:

• Dita Karang (Ex-Secret Number member)

• Carmen (Hearts2Hearts member), the first Indonesian idol under SM Entertainment

And more to come.

Across the region,
The path is becoming real.

⚖️ What’s Changing

This also shifts how we define K-pop itself.

It’s no longer just about nationality.

It’s about the system — training, production, discipline.

At the same time, the industry still needs to stay culturally Korean.

So now it faces a balancing act:

How do you stay Korean while becoming global?

🎙️ The Wrap

So, this story isn’t just about music.

It’s about identity.

For years, Southeast Asia was defined by
fans in the crowd, holding lightsticks.

Now?

We’re seeing something different.

Artists from this region, standing under the spotlight.

From Bangkok to Jakarta,
from Manila to Hanoi—

Southeast Asia is no longer just watching the K-pop dream.

We are living it.

And maybe the real question now is:

Who’s next?

I’m Vila Marescotti,
and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast,
where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode,

Subscribe now

subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com,
and join us again next weekend,

for stories to linger over — one weekend at a time.

🎣 Opening

Hello, and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Vila Marescotti.

This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

Let me start with a simple question.

When was the last time you used English?

Maybe to send an email.
Or to join a meeting?
Even just to watch a YouTube tutorial.
Or even just scroll through social media.

Now here’s the thing.

For many people across Southeast Asia,
English is no longer just a school subject.

It’s becoming a daily tool.

And increasingly…
a deciding factor.

Because across the region, something subtle but powerful is happening.

English is quietly turning into
infrastructure.

📡 Why This Matters

A recent global survey by ETS highlights just how important this shift is.

90% of employers say English proficiency is critical to organizational success.
And 92% say it matters more today than it did five years ago.

That’s a big jump.

And it tells us something important.

In today’s economy, shaped by digital work, global trade, and artificial intelligence.
Language is no longer optional.

It’s foundational.

🌏 The Big Picture

So, what’s driving this shift across Southeast Asia?

There are three big forces at play.

1️⃣ Globalized Workplaces

Southeast Asia runs on connectivity.

Supply chains stretch across 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇹🇭 Thailand, and 🇲🇾 Malaysia.

Startups expand from 🇸🇬 Singapore to 🇮🇩 Jakarta.

And all of this depends on one thing: a shared language.

English makes collaboration faster, smoother, and more efficient across borders.

Without it, everything slows down.

2️⃣ The AI Effect

You might think AI reduces the need for language skills.

But actually, it’s doing the opposite.

According to the survey, 81% of employers say AI increases the need for English proficiency.

Why?

Because most AI tools — from prompts to documentation — operate in English.

So, to use AI effectively, workers don’t just need technical skills.

They need to understand, interpret, and communicate in English.

3️⃣ Competition for Talent

As Southeast Asia attracts more global investment, competition is getting tighter.

The report finds that 86% of employers believe companies without strong English skills are at a disadvantage.

So, this isn’t just about communication.

It’s about competitiveness.

🇮🇩 Why This Hits Home

For 🇮🇩 Indonesia, this shift is especially important.

With a workforce of more than 140 million people,
and a rapidly growing digital economy,
the country has huge potential.

But there’s a catch.

That potential depends on how well Indonesian talent can
connect with the global market.

According to the survey:

• 100% of Indonesian employers say English is more important today than five years ago

• And 87% say lacking English skills creates a competitive disadvantage

In other words:

Talent alone is no longer enough.

It needs to be understood globally.

⚖️ What’s at Stake

So, what’s really at stake here?

More than just individual careers.

English proficiency can influence whether a country can:

• Attract international investment

• Join global supply chains

• Adopt new technologies like AI

• Compete in knowledge-based industries

In a region like Southeast Asia —
where economies are deeply connected to the world —

Communication isn’t just a skill.

It’s leverage.

💡 The Bigger Meaning

Here’s the bigger shift.

In the past, infrastructure meant
roads, ports, and power plants.

Today, it also includes something less visible.

Language.

Because language is what connects:

• talent to opportunity

• businesses to global markets

• and ideas to execution

English, in this sense, is becoming
the invisible system that keeps everything moving.

🎙️ The Wrap

So, this story isn’t really about learning a language.

It’s about how Southeast Asia positions itself in the global economy.

Because as the region moves deeper into the AI era
and becomes more interconnected,

the question is no longer:
Does English matter?

That question has already been answered.

The real question is:
How fast can Southeast Asia catch up?

I’m Vila Marescotti,
and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast,
where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode,

Subscribe now

subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com,
and join us again next weekend, for stories to linger over — one weekend at a time.

🎣 Opening

Hello, and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

Now, let me ask you something.

Have you planned your Eid Al Fitr holiday yet?

Because after a full month of Ramadan, many families across Southeast Asia are getting ready for something just as exciting: Travel.

Whether it’s a quick regional escape, a food trip, or simply a break from the city, the Eid Al Fitr holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the region, which will happen from March 20 to 22, next week.

So if you’re still looking for inspiration, here’s some good news.

According to the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Southeast Asia is dominating global tourism rankings — with three of the world’s top seven destinations right here in the region.

And yes…
one of them just took the number one spot in the world.

So if you’re planning a trip, here are some destinations worth putting on your radar.

🌏 The Big Picture

First, the headline.

Leading the pack is Indonesia’s Bali, which secured the number one destination globally.

Joining it in the top tier are Hanoi in Vietnam, ranked fourth in the world, and Bangkok in Thailand, which came in seventh.

Together, these cities highlight something bigger happening in global tourism.

Travelers are no longer just chasing famous landmarks.

They’re looking for experiences — food, culture, nature, and authenticity.

And Southeast Asia offers all of that in one region.

📍 The Top Destinations

Let’s talk more about them and start with the global number one.

Bali, Indonesia — #1 in the World

Bali continues to dominate global travel rankings, especially for honeymooners and wellness travelers.

What makes Bali special is its dual personality.

On one side, you have Ubud, known for its temples, rice terraces, and spiritual retreats.

On the other, there’s the coastline — luxury resorts, beach clubs, and sunset views that attract visitors from all over the world.

For many travelers, Bali offers the perfect balance between serenity and luxury.

Hanoi, Vietnam — #4 in the World

Next is Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.

Hanoi is often described as a masterclass in sensory travel.

Think French colonial architecture, buzzing street markets, and one of the most celebrated food scenes in Asia.

From bowls of pho served on plastic stools to historic landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House, the city blends history, culture, and culinary exploration in one unforgettable experience.

And for travelers on a budget, Vietnam remains one of the best-value destinations in the region.

Bangkok, Thailand — #7 in the World

Then there’s Bangkok, Southeast Asia’s ultimate urban playground.

The city is famous for its ability to combine ancient tradition with modern chaos.

Ornate temples sit just minutes away from rooftop bars, luxury malls, and one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the world.

For travelers who want energy, food, shopping, and culture all in one place, Bangkok remains hard to beat.

🗺️ Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

But here’s the thing.

Not every traveler wants to follow the crowds.

And the 2026 tourism data also highlights a growing interest in hidden destinations — places that offer incredible scenery without the heavy crowds.

Here are three worth considering.

Tumpak Sewu, Indonesia

Located in East Java, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is often called one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia.

Imagine a curtain of water cascading down a volcanic valley, surrounded by jungle.

It’s rugged, dramatic, and still relatively untouched compared to Bali’s more commercial waterfalls.

Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam

If you’ve heard of Ha Long Bay, this is its quieter cousin.

Lan Ha Bay, located near Hai Phong, offers the same emerald waters and towering limestone islands — but with far fewer tourist boats.

Many travelers come here for kayaking through caves, floating villages, and peaceful overnight cruises.

Bua Thong Waterfalls, Thailand

And then there’s Bua Thong Waterfalls, near Chiang Mai.

These are also known as Thailand’s “Sticky Waterfalls.”

Thanks to the limestone surface, visitors can actually walk up the waterfall while water rushes beneath their feet.

It’s a fun, unusual experience — and often completely free to visit.

🌱 A New Travel Trend

Another shift in 2026 is something called regenerative tourism.

Travelers are no longer satisfied with simply being “eco-friendly.”

Instead, they’re looking for ways to actively help nature while traveling.

In Bali, for example, visitors can now join coral reef restoration projects, helping rebuild damaged marine ecosystems.

Meanwhile, many street food markets in Thailand and Vietnam are moving toward plastic-free dining, encouraging travelers to bring reusable utensils and containers.

💰 What It Costs

Of course, travel also comes down to budget.

Here’s a rough idea of daily costs across the region.

For backpackers, around 30 to 50 dollars per day can cover hostel stays, street food, and local transport.

For mid-range travelers, about 80 to 130 dollars per day offers boutique hotels, cafes, and private transport options.

And for those seeking luxury, high-end resorts and private tours can easily reach 250 dollars or more per day.

One helpful tip:

Vietnam remains the most budget-friendly destination, while Bali’s luxury resorts and beach clubs can push budgets higher.

🎙️ The Wrap

So if you’re still planning your Eid Al Fitr getaway, Southeast Asia offers an incredible range of options.

From the world’s number one destination in Bali,
to food adventures in Hanoi,
to the nonstop energy of Bangkok.

And if you prefer something quieter, hidden gems like Tumpak Sewu, Lan Ha Bay, and Bua Thong Waterfalls offer stunning experiences away from the crowds.

The takeaway?

You don’t need to fly halfway across the world for a great holiday.

Some of the best destinations on the planet are right here in Southeast Asia.

I’m Rheza Ardiansyah, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com,

Subscribe now

and join us again for stories to linger over—one weekend at a time.

🎧 Opening

Every year, as the crescent moon appears on the western horizon after sunset, Muslims welcome the holy month of Ramadan.

And with it, the rhythm of daily life across Southeast Asia begins to change, in small ways in some places, and bigger ways in others.

In general, the core of Ramadan remains the same: the discipline of fasting from dawn to sunset.

But how that discipline is lived can look different in Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority regions, giving each place its own character.

Let’s take a closer look.

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Akasha Viandri, this is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our Southeast Asia region.

🧭 The Difference

Happy Ramadan everyone!

How’s the fasting going? Holding up well?

The holy month of Ramadan is special for many reasons. Beyond fasting itself, you begin to see moments and traditions that appear only during this time of year across Southeast Asia.

And in some places, it even begins before the fasting starts.

In parts of Java, 🇮🇩Indonesia, the entry into Ramadan may be preceded by Nyadran, collective visits to ancestral graves. Families clean burial sites, scatter flowers, and recite prayers for their ancestors while expressing gratitude to God.

In some communities, there is also Padusan, communal bathing in springs or rivers, symbolising physical and spiritual purification before fasting begins.

When Ramadan finally arrives, daily life begins to shift, especially in regions where Muslims form the majority.

Take 🇧🇳Brunei Darussalam, for example.

Food establishments operate within regulatory frameworks shaped by Sharia law, and public eating during fasting hours is restricted. Restaurants may only serve takeaway orders after 3 p.m.

If someone breaks the rule, it can lead to fines, both for the person eating and the restaurant owner, and in some cases, even jail time.

Similar rules exist in parts of 🇲🇾Malaysia.

Muslims caught eating or drinking during daytime fasting hours may face legal penalties, including fines or jail time.

One recent case reported by the 🇸🇬Singapore-based media outlet, Mothership, involved a 27-year-old 🇲🇾Malaysian Muslim woman who was detained by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department after allegedly livestreaming herself eating and drinking on TikTok.

The woman said she had recently given birth and was still in postpartum recovery.

Meanwhile, some parts of 🇮🇩Indonesia approach Ramadan somewhat differently.

Rather than strict nationwide enforcement, Ramadan observance is largely shaped by social expectations and community norms.

For Muslims who do not fast, the consequences tend to be social rather than legal.

Meanwhile, in Muslim-minority regions across Southeast Asia, Ramadan tends to be observed more quietly.

Governments generally allow Ramadan practices within community boundaries while maintaining broader secular state structures.

Mosques often become the centre of activity, hosting prayers, gatherings, and communal meals that strengthen social ties during the fasting month.

🧭 The Same Rhythm

But across both majority and minority contexts, there is still a recognisable rhythm to Ramadan.

Daylight hours are marked by restraint.

Nightfall expands into gathering.

Mosques often extend their evening programmes, hosting communal prayers and activities.

Meal distribution is common, not only for Muslims, but also for people in need.

People gather to break the fast together.

Sometimes at mosques, especially in Muslim-minority regions.

Sometimes in more intimate settings at home.

And sometimes in public spaces like restaurants offering special Ramadan buffets, something more commonly found in Muslim-majority regions.

In 🇲🇾Malaysia, 🇮🇩Indonesia, and 🇧🇳Brunei Darussalam, people even gather outdoors for sahur, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins.

🧭Ramadan and The Economy

What’s interesting is that Ramadan also activates micro-economies across Southeast Asia.

Temporary bazaars in 🇮🇩Indonesia, 🇧🇳Brunei Darussalam, 🇲🇾Malaysia, and 🇸🇬Singapore attract large crowds, offering traditional dishes alongside modern variations.

Clothing stalls appear across markets and shopping districts, often with special discounts.

🇮🇩Indonesian economist Arfian Prasetya Aji of Kisi Asset Management has suggested that Indonesia’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 could slightly exceed historical averages, potentially reaching between 5.2 and 5.3 percent.

In places like 🇲🇲Myanmar, 🇹🇭Thailand, and other minority-Muslim regions, the scale may be smaller, but the economic impact remains meaningful.

🌅 Closing

In Southeast Asia, sacred time is not incidental.

It is structured, socially textured, and deeply woven into how communities recalibrate themselves under the discipline of Ramadan.

And perhaps that is the deeper meaning of the month.

Not simply the restraint of appetite, but the annual rehearsal of how society reshapes itself under sacred time.

I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

🎧 Opening

Artificial intelligence has quietly become our default advisor.

For many of us, it’s now a go-to tool.

But what if AI could do more than solve daily problems?

What if it could help Muslims maintain their spiritual routines, especially during Ramadan?

Yes, you heard that right.

There’s an AI-powered learning app called Ngaji.ai.

And yes, it does exactly what its name suggests.

Let’s take a closer look.

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Akasha Viandri, this is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping Southeast Asia region.

🧭 Background Story

Before we talk about the app, let’s begin with a simple fact.

Around 85 percent of Indonesia’s population, more than 245 million people, identify as Muslim. That makes Indonesia not only the largest Muslim-majority country in ASEAN, but in the world.

But numbers alone don’t guarantee Quran literacy.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 72 percent of Indonesian Muslims are still unable to read the Quran properly and correctly.

The reasons vary.

Busy lives.

A fear of starting too late.

Limited access to teachers or mentors.

And sometimes, simply not knowing where to begin.

At the same time, Indonesia’s Muslim population represents an enormous market for Muslim-related products and technology investment.

So here lies a tension.

A challenge and an opportunity.

Why not bring the two together?

That is where Vokal.ai, an Indonesian education technology company, enters the picture with its app, Ngaji.ai.

📲 How The App Works

Muslim-focused apps are not new.

Many people are already familiar with Muslim Pro, a 🇸🇬 Singapore-based app that provides prayer notifications, adhan reminders, and qibla direction tools.

Or Athan Pro, based in 🇬🇧 London, which offers much the same.

🇮🇩 Indonesia has its own players as well, including the NU Online Super App, developed by Nahdlatul Ulama.

These apps function as digital companions, supporting worship routines through reminders, audio features, and increasingly, artificial intelligence.

Ngaji.ai follows that path, but with a much narrower focus: Quran learning.

Inside the app, users can start from the basics, like learning Arabic letters, through interactive modules and short quizzes.

They can set goals to complete all 30 juz.

They can read surahs, study their meanings, listen to correct pronunciation, and record their own recitation.

And this is where AI comes in.

The app evaluates users’ recitation and provides feedback.

To make that possible, developers are collecting 30,000 audio datasets from Quran readers across Indonesia, ensuring the AI is credible, helpful, and adaptable, including to regional accents.

In other words, it aims to function as a mobile mentor.

🌏 The Regional Stake

But this story extends beyond personal devotion.

It sits within Indonesia’s broader position in the global Islamic economy.

According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/2025, published by DinarStandard, 🇮🇩 Indonesia has ranked third globally for the past three years in the overall Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI).

🇲🇾 Malaysia remains in first place, holding the top spot for eleven years in a row now.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia comes second.

🇦🇪 The United Arab Emirates ranks fourth, followed by 🇧🇭 Bahrain, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇰🇼 Kuwait, 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇹🇷 Turkey, and 🇶🇦 Qatar, which rounds out the top ten.

The report evaluates seven main sectors:

1. Halal food,

2. Islamic Finance,

3. Modest fashion,

4. Muslim-friendly travel,

5. Halal pharmaceuticals,

6. Halal cosmetics, and

7. Islamic media and recreation.

Muslim-related technology doesn’t quite fit into a single category.

But with global Muslim consumer spending projected to reach 3.36 trillion US dollars by 2028, the opportunity for Muslim tech platforms is difficult to ignore.

Ngaji.ai plans to expand across Southeast Asia, starting with 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam, and 🇸🇬 Singapore.

Together with other Indonesian apps, this could mark Indonesia’s deeper entry into Southeast Asia’s evolving Muslim-tech ecosystem and a gradual rise as a benchmark for Muslim digital lifestyle trends in the region.

🎧Closing

For years, technology was often framed as a distraction from spirituality.

Now, in some corners, it is being positioned as a bridge back to it.

Whether AI can truly replicate the guidance of a human teacher remains an open question.

But its presence in religious practice, especially in Southeast Asia’s largest Muslim-majority nation, signals a shift.

Not just in how people learn.

But in how faith, technology, and regional markets increasingly intersect.

I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe

Subscribe now

to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com, and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

🎣 Opening

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast. I’m Akasha Viandri, this is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our Southeast Asia Region.

In this episode, we’re talking about durian.

And whenever durian comes up, there are usually two reactions:

• One group immediately imagines having it for dessert tonight.

• The other raises an eyebrow… just thinking about the smell.

Love it or hate it, durian is often called the king of fruits because of its size, its strong odour, and its thorn-covered rind.

But it seems the king is claiming more than just a title.

It’s showing its power becoming a regional economic force.

🤔 What’s Happening?

Durian has stepped onto the global stage.

Demand is surging, especially in China, where the import market has reached around 7 billion dollar.

It turns out the obsession is real.

So real, in fact, that companies are turning durian into almost everything.

For example, IKEA Hong Kong now offers durian croissants and ice cream.

Pizza Hut China even launched durian pizzas in 2024.

@pizzahutmsiaDurian on pizza, yes or no? 😏​ ​ Comment below!​ ​ #DurianCheesePizza #PizzaHutMalaysia #PizzaHutDurian

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Croissants and ice cream? Fine.

But pizza? Well… apparently it works.

Pizza Hut reportedly sold 30 million durian pizzas. So maybe it’s worth a try.

@pizzahut.indonesiaKembali hadir buat kamu para pecinta durian, cobain MOLLY’S Musangking Pizza Personal & MOLLY’S Musangking Melts dengan Musangking asli yang lembut dan creamy banget! 😋 Pesan sekarang di outlet Pizza Hut terdekat atau pesan online via Apps Pizza Hut Indonesia 🍕✨ #PizzaHut #PizzaHutIndonesia #PizzaHutRestaurant #PizzaHutRestorante #PizzaHutDelivery

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🌏 Regional Players

As the world’s durian powerhouse, Southeast Asia isn’t wasting the opportunity.

🇹🇭 Thailand still holds the top position as the region’s largest exporter,
with exports reaching around 4 billion dollars last year.

🇻🇳 Vietnam is close behind, shipping about 3.44 billion dollars’ worth of durians in 2025.

It’s now almost a 🇹🇭 Thailand versus 🇻🇳 Vietnam competition for dominance in 🇨🇳 China’s durian market.

🇱🇦 Laos plans to export 400 tons in 2026, leveraging its fertile land and the Laos–China Railway for faster delivery.

🇵🇭 The Philippines entered fresh durian exports to 🇨🇳 China in 2023. Still small, but growing.

And then there’s 🇲🇾 Malaysia playing a slightly different game.

DurianBB, a Malaysian brand, not only exports durian to 🇨🇳 China, but also builds tourism attractions around it.

One example is DurianBB Park in 🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur, a mini durian theme park.

And around 50 percent of its visitors come from 🇨🇳 China.

🪙 Two Sides of The Coin

But every boom has its complications.

In 🇻🇳 Vietnam, some farmers are cutting down coffee plants to make room for durian.

In 🇹🇭 Thailand, durian orchard acreage has doubled over the past decade.

In 🇲🇾 Malaysia, hills near Raub have been cleared and terraced to meet growing demand from China.

With so much money at stake, the race to plant more trees has also sparked tensions and land disputes.

Yet on the other hand, for many farmers, durian has become a fortune. Some have seen dramatic changes in their lives.

According to an interview with The New York Times, one Malaysian farmer, Mr. Chan, said that durian farmers now can rebuild their houses from wood to brick and are able to send their children overseas for university.

There are always two sides to a story.

❤️ Closing

So beyond your love for durian or your dislike of its smell and taste, this humble, spiky fruit is no longer just a street-side snack.

It’s an agricultural heavyweight that is powerful enough to move regional economies.

The king of fruits, it seems, now rules beyond the orchard.

I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

Subscribe now

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

🎣 Opening

This week is all about red.
You go here, red lanterns are everywhere.
You go there, red outfit and envelopes are the best-selling items.
Everything is turning red.

It’s Lunar New Year, everyone!

Millions of people across Southeast Asia are celebrating.
This year, they’re welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse.
But how big is this celebration in Southeast Asia?

Let’s find out.

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast. I’m Akasha Viandri. This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our Southeast Asia Region.

🌏 Lunar New Year In Southeast Asia

When Lunar New Year arrives, something shifts. From Jakarta to Hanoi, from Kuala Lumpur to Manila, the region feels connected by something that goes beyond borders.

If you look around, people are decorating their houses in red, preparing symbolic foods like nian gao and oranges. They’re buying red envelopes with money inside, and giving them to family members during reunions.

Or maybe it’s you, who’s doing all this.

But what makes it interesting is that Southeast Asia is culturally diverse, so each country adds its own cultural imprint:

For example, 🇸🇬 Singapore and 🇲🇾 Malaysia share civic moments: from the Yu Sheng prosperity toss to Singapore’s Chingay Parade, turning Lunar New Year into a multicultural showcase with modern flair.

In 🇹🇭 Thailand, locals have a celebration known as Trut Chin that lights up Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, a reflection of centuries of Thai-Chinese trade and settlement.

In 🇮🇩 Indonesia, milkfish is often served as the main dish, symbolising careful prosperity. There are also events like Grebeg Sudiro in Solo, or Tuk Panjang in Semarang, blending Javanese and Chinese traditions into something uniquely local.

In 🇻🇳 Vietnam, Banh Chung, a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake, is always served as part of the celebration.

But, there is one practice that quietly crosses borders. It is Fang Shen, the ritual release of living creatures such as birds or fish.

This symbolizes compassion, renewal, and respect for life, a reminder that this celebration carries an ethical dimension too, not just spectacle.

❤️ Closing - Everyone Celebrates

Today, six Southeast Asian countries recognise Lunar New Year as a national holiday: 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, and 🇵🇭 the Philippines.

Others may not mark it officially, but Chinese communities there still celebrate it.

Beyond that, people who aren’t part of the Chinese community are also embracing the celebration, and this happens across many countries in Southeast Asia.

People go out dressed in red, enjoy special Lunar New Year menus, watch lion dances, and more. Basically, everyone seems happy welcoming Lunar New Year.

This shows that Lunar New Year isn’t just a date on a calendar. It marks continuity between generations, communities, and memories. And in many places, it has become part of local culture.

So how about you?

How do you celebrate Lunar New Year?

I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com,

Subscribe now

and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

🎣 Opening

Quick question.

If someone mentions “river crisis,”
What comes to mind?

Plastic bags?
Black water?
Maybe the smell?

What about… a fish?

Because right now, across Southeast Asia, our rivers are being taken over by a creature that looks like it belongs in an aquarium — not in the wild.

It sticks to rocks.
It survives filth.
And it refuses to die.

Meet the suckermouth catfish.

A pet fish turned invader—and a surprisingly honest mirror of how broken our rivers really are.

Curious? Let’s talk about it!

Hello, and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast. I’m Cecilia Setiawan. This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

🐟 The Fish

So, the suckermouth catfish isn’t supposed to be here…at all!

It comes from South America.
And it arrived in Southeast Asia not through nature, but through aquariums.

At first, it was just an aquarium pet.
A bottom-feeder, sold as a “cleaner fish.”

But once released into rivers like the Ciliwung in Jakarta or the Klang River in Malaysia, it did something remarkable.

It thrived. So much better than native fish.

While native fish struggled to survive, the suckermouth catfish multiplied.
Fast.

No natural predators.
High reproduction rates.
And a special ability to live in polluted, low-oxygen water.

In Malaysia alone, hunting squads have removed more than 75 tonnes of these fish in just two years.

That’s not an invasion.
That’s domination.

⚖️ What’s at Stake

And this isn’t just about biodiversity.

First, ecology.
These fish outcompete native species like lampam and tengas for food and space, creating what scientists call “monoculture rivers.”

In Jakarta’s Ciliwung River, even water birds are disappearing because the entire food chain has been disrupted.

Second, infrastructure.
The catfish digs deep burrows into riverbanks—sometimes up to a meter deep.
That weakens the soil, increases erosion, and raises flood risks in already vulnerable cities.

Third, health.
Living in polluted rivers, the fish absorb heavy metals and microplastics.
Which means when humans eat them, those toxins move straight up the food chain.

And yet, on social media, people are turning them into street food.

Experts are clear:
Fish from urban rivers are not safe to consume.

🌏 A Regional Problem

This isn’t just Indonesia’s problem.

In Malaysia, the fish, known as ikan bandaraya, are now so widespread that some states pay residents to catch them.

In Singapore, scientists warn that one released pet fish can disrupt fragile freshwater life.

Different countries. Same pattern.

Polluted water.
Collapsing native species.
Invasive fish are filling the gap.

💡 The Bigger Meaning

Here’s the twist.

The suckermouth catfish is not the real problem.

It’s the symptom.

These fish don’t clean rivers. They don’t restore ecosystems.
They simply survive where everything else has failed.

Their dominance is a biological warning sign.

It tells us that Southeast Asia’s freshwater systems are being overwhelmed by sewage, waste, and weak environmental enforcement.

You can remove the fish. Again and again.

But unless the rivers themselves are restored—with proper wastewater treatment, pollution control, and public awareness—they will always come back.

🎙️ The Wrap

I guess this story isn’t really about a random freshwater fish; it’s about urban pollution, public health, food security, and how close we are to the ecological tipping points.

The suckermouth catfish didn’t break our rivers. Our rivers were already broken in the first place. The fish just made it visible and impossible to ignore.

I’m Cecilia Setiawan, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com,

Subscribe now

and join us again next weekend, for stories to linger over—one weekend at a time.

🎼 Opening

Have you ever heard a gamelan performance?

For some people, it’s just traditional music. But for the Balinese, it shares a deeper story. It’s a part of their daily life, part of the ceremony, beliefs, and the soul of Bali.

And today, that ancient melody is trying to survive in the vast modern world.

Let’s hear the story.

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast. I’m Rheza Ardiansyah, and this is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.

🌱 The Story

To understand gamelan, we have to start with what it really is.

Gamelan is a traditional ensemble of musical instruments found all across Indonesia, mainly in Bali and Java. But in Bali, gamelan is not just a performance art. It’s present in almost every important moment of life. From religious rituals to sacred dances and ceremonies. From temple anniversaries — also known as odalan, to cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

In other words, gamelan does not just live on a stage. It lives in human society. And the sound itself reflects that. It’s fast, dynamic, and energetic. Built not around a single lead musician, but around cooperation.

On their own, these instruments are incomplete, but together, they create harmony.

This reflects a core Balinese philosophy known as menyama braya — the idea of brotherhood, togetherness, and collective responsibility.

Gamelan — in this sense — is not just music.

It’s a social system.

🏙️ The Challenge

But here comes the problem.

Traditional culture today exists in the middle of rapid changes. Urbanisation, global pop culture, digital entertainment, and shifting lifestyles.

In big cities like Jakarta, preserving traditional arts is no longer simple.

This is where communities such as Gamelan Tantular come in. Based in the middle of Indonesia’s capital, Gamelan Tantular tries to keep Balinese gamelan alive — not just as a heritage but also as a living practice.

Their goal is simple: Make gamelan accessible across all ages, professions, and backgrounds.

But learning the music is not easy. Unlike other types of music, there are no standard sheet notes.

For people without a musical background, this can be intimidating. And for younger generations raised on digital platforms, it almost feels impossible.

📱 Micro Learning: A Digital Bridge

Through a collaboration between the School of Design at BINUS University and the Gamelan Tantular community — supported by a national innovation grant — a new approach was introduced.

Micro learning videos. Short. Focused. Two to three minutes each.

Instead of long rehearsals or formal classes, learners can now access small pieces of gamelan knowledge through their phones.

In total, five core micro learning videos were created for beginners. And more than 360 additional videos documented full gamelan performances.

The idea is simple. Break down something complex into something approachable, repeatable, and accessible.

Not to replace tradition but to support it.

This way, anyone can learn anytime, anywhere, at their own pace.

🌏 What This Means for Southeast Asia

This story is not just about gamelan. It’s about how Southeast Asia preserves culture in the digital age.

Across the region, many traditional arts face the same challenge. They are rich in meaning, but difficult to transmit. That’s because they rely on embodied knowledge and community practice.

No…I’m not saying those are bad; what I’m trying to say is that micro learning shows that technology doesn’t always erase tradition. Sometimes, it can help preserve them.

It allows traditional practices to be documented, systematised, and shared without losing their essence.

More importantly, it helps bridge a growing gap. Between generations, old-fashioned knowledge and urban life, and between heritage and habit.

🎙️ Closing

Gamelan has survived for centuries. Not because it stayed the same. But because it adapted. From temple courtyards to studios. From memory to digital screens.

And maybe that’s the real lesson here.

Tradition doesn’t just disappear because the world changes. It disappears only when we stop finding new ways to carry it forward.

I’m Rheza Ardiansyah, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast — where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com. And join us again next weekend, for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

✨ Opening

Do you know salak? No?

How about snake fruit? Does that ring a bell?

Salak is a native fruit of Indonesia.

A quirky fruit with scaly skin and a sweet-tart bite, one that often gets misunderstood.

Some people decide very quickly that it’s not their favourite.

Hmm. Poor you.

But behind the look, this fruit has just earned something bigger: Indonesia’s first-ever global recognition.

And no, this isn’t about fruit exports. It’s about an agricultural system shaped by tradition.

Let’s hear the story.

Hello and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.

I’m Akasha Viandri. This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our Southeast Asia Region.

🌱 The Story

To understand this, let’s go back for a moment to 2025.

Last year, Indonesia, along with 13 other countries, received recognition at the GIAHS Awards Ceremony in Rome.

GIAHS stands for Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, a programme under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The countries selected aren’t recognised just for beautiful landscapes, but for agricultural systems that in one living system sustain:

• rural livelihoods,

• while combining biodiversity,

• resilient ecosystems,

• tradition, and

• innovation.

For Indonesia, the nomination was awarded to Salak Agroforestry System of Karangasem, Bali.

And this marked the first time Indonesia has received this recognition.

If that sounds like a mouthful, just stick with me. Because what it stands for is even richer.

🌾 What is This System?

So what exactly is the Salak Agroforestry System?

In Karangasem, one of the driest regions of Bali, around 2,800 farmers cultivate 12 local salak varieties, alongside coconuts, vegetables, and other crops.

So what makes it special?

First, integration.

This isn’t just about salak. Multiple crops grow together in one system, reducing dependence on a single harvest and lowering the risk of pests and disease.

Second, structure.

Taller canopy trees provide shade, while understory plants benefit from filtered sunlight, maximising land use and supporting diverse habitats.

Third, nothing goes to waste.

Every part of the salak plant is used.

All of this is rooted in Bali’s philosophies of Tri Hita Karana and Tri Mandala—ways of life that emphasise harmony between people, nature, and spirit.

The system is managed by local communities and protected by customary regulations known as awig-awig.

In short, this isn’t just farming.

It’s a way of life shaped by generations of ecological wisdom.

🌍 What This Means for Southeast Asia

With this recognition, Indonesia now joins a global network of heritage food systems across 29 countries, including Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, China, and more.

And the good news? Our neighbours, the Philippines and Thailand, are on the list too.

In the northern Philippines, the Ifugao Rice Terraces were recognised for their community-based management, guided by customary laws, social taboos, and traditions passed down through generations.

In Thailand, the Thale Noi wetland pastoral buffalo agro-ecosystem was recognised for its shared resource management, where survival depends on cooperation, collective rules, and sustainable use of wetlands.

These recognitions go beyond prestige.

Southeast Asia is home to many traditional farming systems, from rice terraces to agroforestry.

This recognition reinforces the role of agroecology and heritage-based farming as pathways toward:

• resilient,

• diversified, and

• culturally rooted food systems,

amid challenges, like:

• land conversion,

• climate change, and

• declining youth interest.

It also opens space for the exchange of traditional knowledge, ecological practices, and cultural values across countries.

And it reminds us of something important:

🎙️ Closing

For now, only three Southeast Asian countries are on the list, but this opens the door for many more agricultural systems across the region to be recognised.

Because these systems don’t just preserve tradition. They offer alternatives for the future.

I’m Akasha Viandri, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com

Subscribe now

and join us again next weekend for stories to linger over, one weekend at a time.

(AKS/RHZ)