👗 What comes to mind when you think about traditional Southeast Asian fashion?

🤔 Batik?

🧵 Baju kurung?

🌿 Maybe some beautiful handwoven fabric you’ve seen at a wedding?

😄 But here’s the thing.

👀 We often see traditional clothing as something we wear for...

💍 Weddings.

🎉 Festivals.

🙏 Religious ceremonies.

📸 Or maybe when we have to attend a very formal event.

😅 And then...

👕 We go back to our T-shirts and jeans.

🤔 But what if traditional fashion didn’t have to stay traditional?

✨ What if the best way to preserve it...

...is actually to make it fashionable again?

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

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

🧵 More Than Just Fabric

🧵 Let’s start with something simple.

👗 Traditional clothing is not just clothing.

🌏 Across Southeast Asia, textiles can tell stories about where people come from.

👥 They can reflect community, identity, history, and even social status.

🇮🇩 Take Indonesian batik, for example.

🏆 UNESCO recognized Indonesian batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

🎨 And it’s not simply because batik looks beautiful.

📜 The techniques, patterns, symbolism, and the knowledge behind, making it are all part of the heritage.

👶 In fact, UNESCO describes batik as something that can accompany people throughout their lives — from birth to marriage, and even death.

💡 So when a traditional textile disappears...

❌ We don’t just lose a piece of clothing.

😔 We can also lose the knowledge, skills, stories, and communities behind it.

🤔 And that’s where fashion becomes interesting.

👕 From the Ceremonial Rack to Everyday Fashion

👀 Because there’s a problem.

⏳ Fashion changes quickly.

🌏 And traditional clothing can sometimes be left behind.

Research on Millennials and Gen Z found that traditional fabrics are often still seen as something mainly for special occasions.

😅 Which basically means...

👗 You might love the fabric.

❤️ You might be proud of it.

🤳 You might even post about it.

...

👕 But how often do you actually wear it?

🤔 And that’s exactly the gap that some Southeast Asian designers are trying to close.

✨ They’re not throwing tradition away.

🔄 They’re reinterpreting it.

🇮🇩 Indonesia: Didiet Maulana and IKAT

🧵 Let’s start with Indonesia.

👤 One of the names featured in our article is Didiet Maulana, the designer behind IKAT.

🏷️ Founded in 2011, IKAT puts tenun ikat, or handwoven tie-dyed textiles, at the center of its designs.

👗 But here’s what makes it interesting.

💡 Maulana isn’t simply reproducing traditional clothing exactly as it has always been worn.

✂️ He combines traditional textiles with contemporary silhouettes.

👚 Even the kebaya gets a modern interpretation.

🌎 And the work has gone beyond Indonesia.

🗽 His “Wiron” collection was showcased at New York Fashion Week.

🇲🇾 Malaysia: Bernard Chandran

🇲🇾 And Indonesia isn’t alone.

👑 In Malaysia, we have Bernard Chandran.

🧵 Chandran has been a major figure in Malaysian fashion since the nineties.

👗 His work takes traditional garments such as the baju kurung and combines them with contemporary fashion.

✨ He also incorporates songket, one of the region’s most recognizable woven textiles.

🌍 And his career shows something important.

💡 Traditional Southeast Asian fashion doesn’t necessarily have to choose between...

local 🌏

and

global. 🌎

🤝 It can be both.

🇹🇭 Thailand: WISHARAWISH

🇹🇭 Now, let’s go to Thailand.

👤 Meet Wisharawish Akarasantisook, the designer behind WISHARAWISH and his label works with traditional Thai textiles, including Mudmee silk from Khon Kaen.

👗 But again, the goal isn’t to simply recreate traditional outfits.

✂️ It’s about putting traditional craftsmanship into contemporary silhouettes.

🏆 WISHARAWISH gained recognition after winning the twenty-twelve Mango Fashion Awards.

🗼 And more recently, the label has appeared at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo.

👀 So, once again...

🌱 A local textile.

➡️ A contemporary designer.

➡️ An international runway.

💭 And suddenly, heritage becomes part of a global fashion conversation.

🇻🇳 Vietnam: Kilomet 109

🌿 And then there’s Vietnam.

👤 Thao Vu, the founder of Kilomet 109, takes the idea even further.

🧵 Her brand focuses on indigenous materials, local artisans, and slow fashion.

🌱 So this isn’t only about making traditional textiles look modern.

🤝 It’s also about keeping the people and skills behind those textiles involved.

💡 And this is where fashion and sustainability start to overlap.

♻️ Because slow fashion asks us to think about more than...

👕 “Does this look good?”

🤔 It also asks:

“Who made it?”

“Where did the material come from?”

“How long will it last?”

🌏 And in Southeast Asia, those questions can also lead us back to traditional craftsmanship.

🧑‍🎨 Supporting local artisans can help keep traditional skills alive.

🌱 Using local materials can connect fashion to local ecosystems and communities.

💰 And creating demand for traditional crafts can give artisans a reason — and the means — to continue their work.

🌏 So, Why Is This Happening Now?

🤔 But why are we seeing this revival now?

👀 Well, I think there are a few things happening at the same time.

👕 First, younger consumers are looking for something that feels more personal.

🌏 Something with a story.

✨ Something that doesn’t look exactly like everything else.

♻️ Second, sustainability is changing how people think about fashion.

🚫 Fast fashion is built around producing more and buying more.

🧵 Traditional craftsmanship often works differently.

⏳ It can take time.

🤲 It can involve skilled hands.

🌱 And it can rely on local materials and communities.

🌍 And third...

📱 The internet has completely changed how local fashion can travel.

👀 A designer no longer needs to wait for an international magazine to discover them.

📲 A collection can go from Kuching...

➡️ to Bangkok...

➡️ to Tokyo...

➡️ to New York...

🌎 in a matter of hours.

💡 And that global visibility matters.

📈 Because when people see Southeast Asian textiles on international runways, they don’t just see clothes.

🌏 They see the culture behind them.

❤️ Can Fashion Actually Preserve Culture?

🤔 But there’s one important question.

❓ Can fashion really preserve culture?

👗 I think...

Yes. But only if the culture remains at the center of it.

💡 Because modernizing heritage doesn’t mean changing everything until it’s unrecognizable.

🚫 It shouldn’t mean turning traditional motifs into decoration with no connection to their origins.

🤝 Instead, it can mean giving traditional knowledge a place in modern life.

🧵 Supporting the artisans who keep those techniques alive.

👗 Making traditional textiles something people actually want to wear.

🌎 And giving local craftsmanship a chance to compete on a global stage.

📜 After all, heritage isn’t supposed to live only in museums.

❤️ It’s supposed to be lived.

🎙️ Closing

👗 So, maybe the future of Southeast Asian fashion isn’t about choosing between...

🌏 traditional

or

✨ modern.

🤝 Maybe it’s about bringing the two together.

🧵 A centuries-old textile can become a modern jacket.

👗 A traditional silhouette can become everyday fashion.

🌱 An old weaving technique can become part of a sustainable fashion movement.

🌎 And a local designer can take all of that...

...to a global runway.

💭 Because sometimes, preserving culture doesn’t mean keeping it exactly the way it was.

🔄 Sometimes...

it means giving it a reason to keep evolving.

🤔 So, what do you think?

❓ Can fashion help Southeast Asian culture stay relevant while taking it to the rest of the world?

👗 And the next time you see mudmee silk, batik, or traditional textile...

👀 Maybe look a little closer.

🧵 Because you’re not just looking at fabric.

❤️ You’re looking at a story that someone is trying to keep alive.

🎙️ I’m Dilla Sunarya, 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

🌏 What if Southeast Asia isn’t just becoming a popular destination...

✈️ but the first stop for a whole new generation of travelers?

🇮🇳 Especially travelers from India.

📈 The number of Indian travelers coming to Southeast Asia has been growing by around 30 percent year-on-year.

🎒 But there’s another trend changing the way people experience Southeast Asia:

Solo travel.

🤝 And for solo travelers, the biggest question isn’t always...

“Where should I go?”

It’s...

🔐 “Can I trust this place?”

🎙️ 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.

🎒 Today, we’re exploring why Southeast Asia is becoming a new playground for solo travelers. Joining me from New Delhi, India, is the Head of Growth at Zostel, Prajit Mittal—this interview transcript was generated by AI.

🌏 What are the recent travel trends in Southeast Asia?

🎙️ Rheza:
Prajit, can you tell us about the recent global travel trends in Southeast Asia?

💬 Prajit:
First of all, thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.

🌏 I do feel that there has been a huge shift in Southeast Asian travel trends in recent years.

🇮🇳 There is a growing demand from Southeast Asian destinations among Indian travelers. India has become a huge market.

📈 I’m seeing around a 30% year-on-year rise in the number of travelers from India coming to Southeast Asia, especially 🇹🇭 Thailand and 🇻🇳 Vietnam, followed by 🇮🇩 Indonesia, specifically Bali.

🇨🇳🇲🇾 Indians are increasingly replacing Chinese and Malaysian travelers, who were previously among the biggest traveler groups.

💰 One reason is simply that Indians now have more disposable income.

✈️ Air travel has also become faster and cheaper, with more flights available.

🛂 At the same time, travel friction has been reduced. There are fewer visa restrictions, and it’s much easier to get a visa for Indonesia. There are also no visa requirements for Indians traveling to Vietnam or Thailand.

🇮🇳 Why is Southeast Asia becoming a preferred destination for Indian travelers?

🎙️ Rheza:
Do you have any other analysis of how and why Southeast Asia could become a preferred choice for Indian travelers?

💬 Prajit:
🇪🇺 When you compare it with Europe, for example, you have to go through the entire visa process. It’s a whole headache altogether.

✈️ The flight hours to Europe or other destinations are also much longer and more difficult.

🌏 So Southeast Asia naturally becomes the first choice, especially for first-time travelers.

🎒 There is also a natural journey that travelers from India go through.

➡️ They may start with Southeast Asia.

➡️ Then, as they become more experienced, they travel to iconic destinations in Europe, North America, Australia, and elsewhere.

🔄 And as they become even more experienced travelers, they tend to come back to Southeast Asia looking for more experiential travel.

✨ The experiences available in Southeast Asia have become much richer.

🏝️ The region has also developed more luxury experiences, which are increasingly attractive to people with higher disposable incomes.

🎒 What was your first experience traveling to Southeast Asia?

🎙️ Rheza:
Speaking of first-time travelers, have you ever visited Southeast Asia before?

💬 Prajit:
Oh, I’ve been to Southeast Asia at least a couple of dozen times now.

🇹🇭 My favorite place is Thailand. That’s where my travel journey started.

🧑‍🎓 I was around 17, just about to turn 18, and I had some money saved from freelancing.

✈️ I really wanted to travel. I’d seen Thailand on YouTube and everywhere else, and I just wanted to experience it myself.

🤫 I didn’t tell anyone at home.

I just left for the airport.

💵 I found a super-cheap deal—around 100 dollars for a return flight to Bangkok.

📞 I called my family from the airport and told them I was going.

😅 Then I basically said, “Don’t scold me!”

🌏 It was a life-changing experience.

💡 I realized that the world was much bigger than what I’d seen before.

🏠 How did staying in a hostel change your perspective on travel?

💬 Prajit:
The first time I stayed in a hostel was actually quite scary.

😰 I didn’t know anything about hostels. I thought I would stay in a cheap hotel.

🏨 But then I stumbled upon a hostel in Phuket called Slumber Party.

💵 The dorm bed was around 100 baht, and I remember thinking:

🤔 “I have to share a room with strangers?”

🧳 “Will my bag be safe?”

😟 “What if something happens?”

There were so many unknowns.

✨ But once I got into it, the whole story changed.

🤝 I made a lot of friends, and I still talk to some of them more than 10 years later.

🍜 I had dinner with them on a street in Thailand that I would never have discovered on my own.

🌶️ I probably wouldn’t have tried Thai street food if it wasn’t for them.

🎉 I went on my first pub crawl.

🥾 I went hiking and trekking with people I’d never met before.

🐍 We even saw snakes together.

🌌 And there was another time when I was backpacking and the bus tire burst in the middle of the night in a desert.

🚌💥 We couldn’t do anything.

⭐ So I just looked up at the sky.

🌌 It became one of the best stargazing experiences of my life.

🏝️ Why did Zostel choose Phuket as its first Southeast Asian destination?

🎙️ Rheza:
Interestingly, several years after you first visited Phuket, Zostel launched Zostel Phuket.

Can you tell us more about what inspired Zostel Phuket?

💬 Prajit:
It really started with that first trip to Phuket about 10 years ago.

🏝️ A couple of years back, I was there again with my co-founder on a relaxing holiday.

🌊 We weren’t doing anything. We were just chilling on the beach and sitting at bars.

💡 And that’s when it hit us:

“This is where Zostel should be.”

🇮🇳 We had taught people in India how to travel.

🗺️ We’d helped people explore new destinations across India.

🌏 And we felt it was time to go outside India.

🇹🇭 Phuket felt like the natural place to begin our expansion journey in Southeast Asia.

📊 The data and business analysis came afterward.

❤️ The initial decision was simply:

“We enjoy this place. This is where we should be.”

Zostel already had a huge travel community—around 5 million travelers.

🎒 We felt that traveling outside India and seeking new experiences was the natural next step for that community.

🌏 Now we want to create new destinations in Thailand that aren’t as explored—and eventually expand beyond Thailand into other parts of Southeast Asia.

🎒 What makes solo travel so transformative?

🎙️ Rheza:
You’ve traveled to several countries in Southeast Asia. Let’s talk more about solo travel.

How can Southeast Asians—and travelers from beyond the region—enjoy solo travel in Southeast Asia?

💬 Prajit:
Solo travel totally changes your life.

🌱 It changes your perspective.

👀 It changes how you see things.

🧠 And ultimately, it changes you.

🤝 A lot of it comes down to trust.

You learn that you can trust people and that there doesn’t have to be fear around traveling alone.

🚌 You have to make small decisions by yourself.

🤔 Should I take this bus?

👤 Should I trust this person who’s approaching me?

🔄 What should I do if my plans suddenly change?

💳 Will they accept my money?

🍜 Will there be food I can eat?

You never know what will happen.

🧠 But over time, you become more instinctive.

🌊 You learn to go with the flow.

✨ It makes you more comfortable being yourself and helps you discover who you are.

There is also no single way to travel solo.

🧭 Everyone has their own story.

For me, solo travel means staying somewhere long enough to understand the place.

🏪 Even if I go to a local 7-Eleven, I want the cashier to know me.

🌏 That’s how I travel.

And even now, when I’m traveling for business, I try to take a few days off to travel alone, stay in hostels, and meet new people.

🤝 It’s an amazing experience.

🇸🇬 How can travelers experience Southeast Asia through solo travel?

🎙️ Rheza:
I can really relate to that.

🇸🇬 I had my own first solo trip to Singapore in 2014.

🤝 I met Malaysian travelers who were there to attend a concert by Taking Back Sunday—one of my favorite bands.

🎶 I changed my plans and watched the concert with them.

✨ It became an unforgettable experience.

🌌 So hopefully, other Southeast Asians and travelers from beyond the region can experience something similar—whether it’s meeting strangers, discovering local food, or even simply gazing at the stars.

💬 Prajit:
Exactly.

🌌 You never know what kind of experiences you can have when you travel slowly, travel solo, and allow yourself to take unplanned trips.

💡 How can Southeast Asian businesses fill the gaps in the travel industry?

🎙️ Rheza:
How could business founders in Southeast Asia help fill the gaps and improve the travel experience in the region?

💬 Prajit:
I think the biggest challenge solo travelers face—especially first-time travelers—is trust.

🔐 You don’t automatically know whether you can trust a new country, a new region, or people who don’t speak your language.

💡 I think there are many products that could be built to make travelers feel safe, comfortable, and confident.

🗺️ For example, when you arrive somewhere and don’t speak the local language, it can be difficult to navigate.

📍 What if you can’t find directions?

🚌 How do you get from the airport to your hostel?

📱 What happens if Google Maps isn’t available?

😰 These things can become scary.

That’s where businesses can help.

🏠 Hostels themselves are an example.

Zostel was created because we knew young people wanted to travel but didn’t have a lot of money.

💰 Hotels weren’t necessarily built for them.

🏠 So hostels provided an affordable way to travel while still creating opportunities for experiences and social connections.

🤝 You can stay in a room with strangers and still feel safe.

📱 It could be a hostel like Zostel.

🤖 It could be an AI-powered app that translates conversations and helps travelers communicate with locals.

💳 Another major issue is payments.

🌏 Across Southeast Asia, card acceptance can still be limited in some places, meaning travelers have to carry cash.

🏧 And withdrawing money from ATMs can come with additional fees.

🇮🇩 Where should Zostel expand in Indonesia?

💬 Prajit:
Actually, I have one question for you.

🇮🇩 If Zostel were to expand into Indonesia, where would you recommend?

🌴 Apart from the usual tourist destinations like Bali and Jakarta, where should we go to build new destinations and help people experience the real Indonesia?

🎙️ Rheza:
That’s a million-dollar question! 😄

🇮🇩 But I think Zostel could expand in Indonesia by exploring the country’s diversity through places like:

🏛️ Yogyakarta

🏞️ Bandung

Both are located on Java Island, separate from Bali, and offer travelers a different kind of experience.

🎎 They offer strong traditional cultures and more opportunities to experience Indonesia’s local character.

✨ Travelers could discover a sense of originality and authenticity that goes beyond the usual tourist destinations.

🌏 So, let’s see when Zostel will come to Indonesia!

🤝 Would Zostel consider working with local Indonesian partners?

💬 Prajit:
Hopefully, soon!

🤝 We love working with local partners who understand the vision.

🎙️ Rheza:
Thank you so much, Prajit.

🙏 It’s been a fruitful conversation.

I hope we can meet offline and continue the conversation sometime soon.

💬 Prajit:
Definitely.

It was great to meet you, Rheza.

Thank you so much for your time.

🎙️ The Wrap

🌏 So, the next time you think about traveling across Southeast Asia...

🏝️ Don’t just think about the destinations.

🎒 Think about the experiences that happen between the destinations.

🤝 The stranger who becomes a travel companion.

🍜 The local meal you would never have ordered on your own.

🌌 Or simply a night spent looking up at the stars...

✨ Because sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones you never planned.

🎙️ 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

🤔 What’s the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about tea?

🙋 I bet some of you would say...

🍵 Matcha.

😄 Well, no surprise.

😂 Matcha this. Matcha that. It’s everywhere.

🇯🇵 This Japanese tea has taken over cafés and social media.

🌏 But Southeast Asia has its own signature teas that are just as worth talking about.

🛋️ So, get comfortable wherever you are.

🫖 We’re about to dive into Southeast Asia’s tea story.

✨ Are you ready?

🎙️ 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.

🍃 Tea Is More Than Just a Drink

🍃 Tea is much more than just a beverage in Southeast Asia.

📜 It’s woven into the region’s history.

🎉 And even some of its important ceremonies.

💡 Before we go any further, there's one thing you should know.

🍵 Every tea you drink, whether it’s black tea, green tea, white tea, or oolong, comes from the very same plant.

🌿 It’s called Camellia sinensis.

🌼 Meanwhile, drinks like chamomile or peppermint aren’t technically tea.

☕ They’re herbal infusions.

🧪 The word infusion simply refers to the process of steeping herbs, flowers, or fruits in hot water.

👀 Now, here’s where it gets interesting.

🗺️ In Southeast Asia, Camellia sinensis is indigenous to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam

🚢 Elsewhere in the region, tea arrived with migrants, traders, and colonial power.

🇮🇩 Now, let’s dive in, starting with Indonesia.

🇮🇩 Indonesia: From Decoration to Plantation

📍 Tea first arrived in Batavia, the old name for Jakarta, in 1684 during the Dutch colonial period.

😮 Interestingly, it wasn’t grown for drinking.

🌱 It was simply an ornamental plant.

💰 But after seeing China’s, Japan’s, and Taiwan’s success in exporting tea to Europe, the Dutch wanted to build their own tea industry.

🧳 So they sent tea experts to China to learn everything they could about tea cultivation and production.

📍 And the Priangan region of West Java was chosen as the center of cultivation.

👏 Long story short... it worked.

🚢 Plantations expanded beyond West Java to other parts of Java and eventually Sumatra, with tea exported to the Netherlands by 1835.

🍵 Today, Indonesians enjoy tea in countless ways.

🥚 In West Sumatra, there’s Teh Talua, made from tea mixed with egg yolk, sugar, and lime juice.

🍋 In Solo, Central Java, there’s Teh Kampul, a strong sweet tea served with slices of lime.

🎎 Tea is also deeply connected to local traditions.

🏯 In Yogyakarta, the Sultanate preserves a tea ceremony called “Patehan”.

💧 The water is drawn directly from a sacred well before being boiled in a copper kettle over a wood fire.

🪙 Copper is believed to purify the water and ward off misfortune.

🇹🇭 Thailand: From Hot Tea to Thai Tea

🤔 Let’s move on to Thailand.

🇹🇭 The country’s tea story is closely linked to two major influences.

👑 First, royal projects.

🌱 To reduce opium farming in the mountainous north, the Thai royal family encouraged local communities to replace opium crops with more sustainable and legal alternatives, including tea.

🧳 And second, Chinese migration.

📚 Over time, knowledge of tea cultivation and production expanded through the influence of Chinese immigrants who settled in the region.

😄 Here’s a fun fact.

🧋 You know Thai tea, right? So many people love it.

🔥 Originally, Thai people drank their tea hot without sugar.

🥛 Later, Indian tea culture introduced the idea of adding milk.

👍 Thai people adopted it too.

☕ But they still drank it hot.

🔄 Then came a turning point.

🏷️ In 1945, a Thai tea brand called ChaTraMue, founded by Chinese immigrants, changed the game.

🍵 Before that, the company mainly sold Chinese tea, oolong tea, and green tea.

🤷 But those varieties weren’t particularly popular among Thai consumers.

🧊 So they imported red tea and developed Thai Milk Tea and Thai Black Tea, both served over ice.

🏆 That eventually became the benchmark for the Thai tea we know today.

🤤 Now I’m kind of craving a Thai tea.

😂 Tell me I’m not the only one.

🇲🇾 Malaysia: A Cup of Cultural Fusion

🥛 Speaking of tea with milk...

🇲🇾 Malaysia has one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic tea drinks.

🫖 They have Teh Tarik, made with black tea.

🎭 Or, in English, “Pulled Tea.”

💪 And yes, they literally pull the tea.

📖 Its origin is a blend of many stories.

🇨🇳 Black tea first arrived with Chinese migrants during the 1830s.

🥤 The famous pulling technique was later developed by South Indian street vendors after 1850.

🥛 Milk and sugar became popular nearly a century later, toward the end of British colonial rule.

📜 So, basically it’s history in a cup.

💍 Tea also plays an important role in Malaysian customs, including weddings.

❤️ Influenced by Chinese traditions, tea ceremonies symbolize the coming together of two families and a new beginning for the couple.

🌏 And this tradition can also be found in Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

🇲🇲 Myanmar: Where Tea Is a National Beverage

🇲🇲 Meanwhile, in Myanmar...

🍵 Tea is practically a national beverage.

🍽️ People drink it before meals, during meals, after meals, and whenever guests come over.

🏪 Tea shops are everywhere.

🚶 You’ll find them on street corners, inside neighborhoods, and as standalone stalls.

😮 And locals don’t just drink tea.

🥗 They eat it.

🥬 One of the country’s best-known dishes is “lahpet”, made from fermented tea leaves.

💡 Think of it as a tea leaf salad.

😲 And you know what?

🙏 It is also part of local traditions, where “lahpet” is offered to spirits in the hope of securing good harvests and protecting farms.

🎙️ Closing

🍵 So, that’s more or less the tea stories across the region.

🤔How about you? Have you ever been to a traditional tea ceremony?

😊 Or maybe you’ve tried lahpet?

😄 I haven’t. But it’s definitely on my list now.

💬 Share your tea stories with us in the comments.

🍵 And hopefully, the next time someone hands you a cup of tea...

💭 It’ll make you wonder...

❓ How did it get here?

❤️ Because the history behind every cup is just as rich as the tea itself.

🎙️ 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

👻 When you hear the words soft power… you probably think of K-pop, Hollywood, or maybe anime.

🤔 But what if I told you... that one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cultural exports... is horror?

Not just horror movies. Horror games. Games where players from around the world... run away from ghosts they’ve probably never even heard of before.

The Kuntilanak. The Pret. Urban legends passed down through generations.

💡These stories are becoming one of the region’s newest forms of soft power.

🌏 Because instead of exporting stories borrowed from the West... Southeast Asia is exporting something that’s completely its own—its folklore.

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.

🎮 Playing Through Folklore

🎮 Think about this. Watching a horror movie is one thing.

😱 But playing one? That’s completely different. You’re not just watching someone run away from a ghost.

🏃 You’re the one running. You’re making every decision. Opening every suspicious door. And hoping nothing is waiting behind it.

That’s why games have become such a powerful way to introduce local folklore. Players don’t just learn about Southeast Asian myths... They experience them.

Let's start with Indonesia

🇮🇩 Indonesia: DreadOut.

One of the biggest success stories is DreadOut.

Released in 2014 by Bandung-based developer Digital Happiness, the game follows a high school student named Linda.

After a school trip goes terribly wrong, she finds herself trapped inside an abandoned town haunted by ghosts inspired by Indonesian folklore like Kuntilanak, Pocong, Genderuwo, and Tuyul.

📱 Linda doesn’t fight them with a gun. Her primary weapon is a smartphone camera. She photographs the spirits, revealing their true forms and using light to weaken them.

🌍 The game has now surpassed 2.5 million downloads worldwide… and even inspired a live-action film adaptation.

🇹🇭 Thailand: Home Sweet Home.

And Thailand has done it too through Home Sweet Home.

At first glance, it looks like a typical survival horror game. You’re searching for your missing wife while trying to escape terrifying spirits.

👻 But the deeper you play, the more you realize this isn’t just about monsters.

It’s about Thai spirituality.

The game draws heavily from Buddhist beliefs, ideas of karma and ghosts from Thai folklore, including the towering Pret, or hungry ghost.

🙏 In Thai culture, spirits aren’t always evil. Sometimes... they’re trapped by unresolved suffering. Or the consequences of actions in life.

🇻🇳 Vietnam: The Scourge

Now Vietnam is also stepping into the spotlight.

🎮 Released in 2024, The Scourge takes a different approach to horror. Instead of focusing on a single ghost... it draws from Vietnamese spiritual beliefs about the relationship between the living and the dead.

🙏 In Vietnam... remembering your ancestors isn’t simply a tradition. It’s part of everyday life.

Families honour previous generations, believing their presence remains closely connected to the present.

⚠️ The fear doesn’t come from a monster hiding in the shadows... it comes from the past refusing to stay in the past.

🌏 And that’s what makes the game stand out internationally. The emotions may be universal... grief... loss... and guilt. But the way they’re told... is unmistakably Vietnamese.

🇵🇭 The Philippines: Hapunan

Moving on to the Philippines, where horror can begin with something incredibly ordinary.

🎮 The indie game Hapunan starts with a simple job. Selling balut at night. No haunted mansion. No cursed castle. Just familiar neighbourhoods, quiet streets, and everyday life.

😨 But slowly... the ordinary becomes unsettling. And that’s the point.

The game doesn’t rely on giant monsters. Instead... it captures the uneasiness that many Filipinos instantly recognize while introducing international players to everyday Filipino culture.

🌍 Within months of release, the game surpassed 200,000 downloads on Itch.io.

🇲🇾 Malaysia’s Yan: Parasomnia.

Last, but not least, Malaysia with Yan: Parasomnia.

🎮 Players explore a mysterious world inspired by Malaysian Chinese family traditions, urban legends. Players investigate eerie environments, uncover hidden stories, and survive supernatural encounters rooted in local beliefs.

🌏 More Than Just Entertainment

👻 Ghost stories have always done more than scare people. They carry memories and the values of the communities that tell them. That’s what makes Southeast Asian horror so distinctive.

Instead of borrowing familiar monsters, these stories are deeply rooted in local folklore.

🎮 And video games have given those stories an entirely new audience.

Every encounter introduces players to customs… beliefs... and legends that have been passed down for generations.

Without even realizing it, they begin asking questions.

👻 What is a Kuntilanak?

🙏 Why do Thai spirits seem so different?

🕯️ Why are ancestors so important in Vietnamese culture?

That curiosity is powerful. Because once people start searching for the stories behind the scares, they’re no longer just playing a game. They’re discovering a culture.

🌏 That’s what makes these games such an unexpected form of soft power. They don’t teach through textbooks. They don’t persuade through speeches.

🎙️ Closing

👻 Horror has always been about confronting the unknown.

🌏 But today... it’s also helping the world discover Southeast Asia.

💡 As The Southeast Asia Desk puts it...

fear has become one of the region’s most unexpected cultural exports.

And judging by the growing success of Southeast Asian horror games...

the world is more than willing...

to keep the lights off...

and press “Start.”

🎙️ 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. ✨

🥣 When was the last time you actually read the nutrition label on the back of a food package? 🏷️

🛒 Yesterday when you went grocery shopping?

🤔 Or... last Novem...

😅 Let’s just call it “never.”

🔥 You probably looked at the calories once.

📊 Got overwhelmed by all the numbers.

🛍️ And just threw it into your shopping basket anyway.

😋 Because what matters is that it tastes good...

🍽️ and fills your stomach.

⚠️ But the thing is...

That can eventually lead to something that’s not tasty at all.

❤️ Like heart disease, for example.

🙏 I’m not trying to scare you...

💡 but that’s exactly why countries across Southeast Asia are simplifying nutrition labels.

🥗 Let’s talk about it.

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

I’m Dilla Sunarya.

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

🥗 Why Food Labels Are Changing

🏷️ So, those nutrition labels on food and drink packages are there for a reason.

🤷 The problem is...

Many of us don’t really bother reading them.

👀 If you’re listening to this episode,

maybe it’s a sign to start paying attention.

💡 Here’s why.

⚠️ roughly 9.5 million lives every year.

🍬 Diabetes alone has become one of the region’s biggest health challenges.

📈 The WHO estimates that more than 276 million adults in Southeast Asia are living with diabetes...

😶 and many of them don’t even know it.

🥤 One major reason?

Many of the foods and drinks we consume contain high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat.

🧾 But those ingredients aren’t always easy to spot...

especially when they’re buried inside a complicated nutrition table on the back of the package.

⏱️ People need information they can understand...

in just a second.

🛒 Something that helps answer one simple question:

💭 Should I buy this... or not?

🏷️ That’s where simplified nutrition labeling comes in.

🌏 Southeast Asia’s Different Approaches

🌏 Several countries—including 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, and 🇲🇾 Malaysia—have already introduced nutrition labels that are easier to understand.

🇮🇩 Meanwhile, Indonesia, through BPOM, officially launched the Nutri-Level nutrition labeling system in April 2026.

🎯 While they all share the same goal...

each country has taken a different approach.

👀 So let’s take a closer look—

starting with Singapore.

🇸🇬 Singapore has one of the region’s most comprehensive systems, introduced in December 2022.

🥤 It grades beverages based on their sugar and saturated fat content using four categories:

🟢 A

🟢 B

🟡 C

🔴 D

💚 An A means the healthiest option—

with the lowest sugar and saturated fat content.

❤️ A D means the highest.

😊 Pretty simple, right?

⚠️ But there’s another catch.

📺 Products that receive a D rating can’t be advertised through most forms of media.

🧋 And since the end of 2023, freshly prepared beverages—

like bubble tea ☕ and coffee—

have also been required to display their Nutri-Grade labels on menus.

🇮🇩 Indonesia has adopted a similar system.

🔤 It also uses an A-to-D grading scale.

🚧 However, because Indonesia is still in the early stages of implementation,

the labels currently focus on ready-to-drink beverages and aren’t yet mandatory across all food and beverage categories.

🇲🇾 Malaysia and 🇹🇭 Thailand take a different route.

✅ Instead of grading products,

they use a Healthier Choice logo.

🇲🇾 Malaysia introduced its Healthier Choice Logo in 2017.

🏅 Products can only display the logo if they meet government standards for sugar, sodium, fat, and calorie content—depending on the product category.

🇹🇭 Thailand has a similar logo-based system,

introduced in 2016—although the design is different.

🤝 Different systems.

🎯 Same goal.

🛒 Helping people make healthier choices without turning grocery shopping into a science exam. 🧪😅

🎙️ Closing

🌱 This is a good step for the region.

👀 As nutrition information becomes easier to see,

🏭 food and beverage companies will also face greater pressure to improve their products.

🍬 Reducing sugar.

🧂 Cutting salt.

🥓 Lowering saturated fat.

💼 These could become not just public health efforts, but smart business strategies.

🍪 With today’s food trends—from those viral Dubai chocolate cookies 🍫

to roasted milk tea 🧋

and every sweet drink in between...

😋 They’re incredibly tempting.

👅 Your taste buds will probably thank you.

🫀 Your body...

🤷 Maybe not so much.

⚖️ Everything is fine in moderation.

💡 But knowing what’s inside the food you’re buying is a good place to start.

🎙️ I’m Dilla Sunarya, 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

🎵 Imagine sitting in a concert hall.

🎻 The orchestra begins to play.

You expect Mozart.

Maybe Beethoven.

🌏 But then, the sound of Nusantara rises.

The rhythms of Indonesia.

The voices of Southeast Asia.

And by the final note...

👏 the audience is standing.

Not in Jakarta.

Not in Manila.

Not in Bangkok.

But in Tokyo

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

I’m Dilla Sunarya.

🎼 And today, we’re looking at how Southeast Asia’s orchestras are doing something unexpected:

They’re turning music into diplomacy.

But what exactly does that mean?

Unlike traditional diplomacy, music doesn’t negotiate treaties or settle political disputes.

Instead, it creates connections between people—building trust, curiosity, and understanding long before governments ever meet across the negotiating table.

🌏 The Story

🎻 For decades, classical music in Southeast Asia was often seen as something imported from the West.

But a quiet transformation is underway.

Today, the region’s leading orchestras are not just performing global classics.

✨ They’re exporting Southeast Asian stories to the world.

And 2026 may be the year that shift becomes impossible to ignore.

🇮🇩 Let’s start in Indonesia.

🎼 Under the leadership of Choirmaster Ahmad “Affumado” Yani, the Svara Nusantara will prove that local voices can command a global stage.

👏 After a celebrated performance of their 3rd Annual Concert on June 27 in Jakarta, the South Tangerang based ensemble is now preparing for another milestone:

🎶 Becoming the finalist of Mixed Choir category at The 8th Tokyo International Choir Competition 2026 set to take place on July 24–26, in Tokyo, Japan.

💡 It’s more than a concert.

It’s a statement that Southeast Asian music belongs in the world’s most prestigious competition.

🇵🇭 In the Philippines, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is celebrating a century of music-making.

🎂 One hundred years of Filipino mastery.

And the orchestra isn’t looking backward.

It’s looking forward.

🎭 This season ranges from a grand production of The Sleeping Beauty with Ballet Manila to a high-energy “Best of the Bee Gees” tribute featuring the Gibb family.

🎤 By bringing together pop artists like Dionela and world-renowned groups like the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the orchestra is building a bridge between generations.

🇹🇭 In Thailand, a new era is beginning.

🌅 Under Music Director Carl St.Clair, the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra is embracing epic productions and bold artistic ambitions.

⚔️ Massive performances like The Lord of the Rings, featuring 250-person choruses, are redefining what orchestral performance can look like in the region.

🎼 At the same time, composer Narong Prangcharoen is helping shape a distinctly Thai symphonic identity through new works like Eternal Radiance.

Together, these stories point to something much larger than successful performances.

Across Southeast Asia, orchestras and choirs are becoming cultural ambassadors.

They may not carry diplomatic passports...

but every international performance becomes an opportunity to introduce the region through its own stories, traditions, and creativity.

🌊 The Crossover Effect

🎤 The boundaries between classical music and popular culture are also beginning to disappear.

When stars like Raisa, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, or Lea Salonga share the stage with orchestras, something important happens:

🎻 Symphony becomes accessible.

📱 Young audiences discover classical music through artists they already love.

And what was once seen as an elite art form becomes part of everyday cultural life.

💡 Why It Matters

🎵 The real competition is no longer about who can perform Mozart best.

It’s about who can create the next great symphony.

🌏 Across Southeast Asia, orchestras are moving from interpretation to creation.

From playing the classics to commissioning their own masterpieces.

And beyond the concert hall, there’s another reason this matters.

Through cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and people-to-people connections, music helps build the trust that meaningful diplomacy often depends on.

In a region as diverse as ASEAN, those connections matter.

Because every shared performance reminds us that while our cultures may be different, they’re capable of harmonizing without losing their unique voices.

If this movement continues, the next globally celebrated symphony may not come from Vienna or New York.

🌏 It could come from Southeast Asia.

🌏 The Regional Race

The competition for cultural influence is intensifying.

🇹🇭 Thailand is hosting Asia’s first full-scale Tomorrowland in December 2026, positioning itself as a major destination for global entertainment.

🇸🇬 Singapore continues to serve as the region’s high-tech gateway for major international tours.

🇮🇩 Indonesia is betting on music tourism and global cultural exports to build an “Indonesian Wave” of soft power.

🇻🇳 Vietnam and 🇵🇭 the Philippines are rapidly professionalizing their music industries, transforming local talent into global exports.

Different strategies.

One shared ambition.

To make Southeast Asia not only a destination for global performers...

but a source of cultural influence in its own right.

🎙️ The Wrap

🎼 So, the next time you think about Southeast Asia’s influence on the world…

Don’t just think about trade routes.

Or tourist destinations.

Think about concert halls.

🎻 Think about a 100-piece orchestra playing melodies rooted in local tradition.

👏 Think about audiences on the other side of the world rising to their feet.

Because in Southeast Asia, the baton has become a bridge. A bridge between cultures, between generations and sometimes... between nations.

The region is no longer just a stop on a world tour—it may well be where the next global sound begins.

🎙️ I’m Dilla Sunarya, 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

🌊 Imagine you’re visiting a friend.

📍 They send you their address.

🚶 You arrive...

😅 but there’s one problem.

🛣️ There aren’t any roads.

🦺 Instead, someone hands you a life jacket...

🛶 points to a wooden boat...

💬 and says,

“Hop in.”

🌏 Because in parts of Southeast Asia, that’s the only way to get home.

🎙️ 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.

💧 And today, we’re visiting five floating villages that remind us Southeast Asia has always been a region shaped not just by land... but by water. 🛶✨

🌊 The Story

🌊 Long before there were highways 🛣️ and skyscrapers 🏙️, many communities across Southeast Asia built their lives on rivers, lakes, and the sea.

🛶 They didn’t simply live near the water.

💙 They lived with it.

🏘️ These aren’t museums or historical attractions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 They’re living communities where people still work 💼, raise families ❤️, go to school 🎒, and preserve traditions 🎎 that have existed for generations.

🇮🇩 Bajo Mola, Indonesia

🇮🇩 Let’s start in Indonesia.

🌊 In Wakatobi, you’ll find Bajo Mola, a village that’s home to the Bajo people, also known as the Sea Gypsies.

🛶 For centuries, they’ve lived in harmony with the sea.

🤿 They’re famous for their incredible freediving skills and their ability to navigate the ocean using the stars. ⭐

🏡 Their stilt houses, built above the water, are a reminder of a culture that has called the sea home for generations. 💙

🇧🇳 Kampong Ayer, Brunei

🇧🇳 Next, Kampong Ayer in Brunei.

🌉 Nicknamed the “Venice of the East,” this settlement has existed for more than a thousand years.

🤔 What’s fascinating isn’t just its history.

✨ It’s how tradition and modern life exist side by side.

🏘️ Wooden walkways connect homes equipped with 📶 Wi-Fi, 🏫 schools, 🏥 clinics, and even ❄️ air conditioning.

💡 Proof that heritage doesn’t always have to stand still.

🇰🇭🇹🇭 Life That Moves with the Water

🇰🇭 In Kampong Phlouk, Cambodia, towering stilt houses prepare for seasonal floods that completely transform the landscape. 🌊

🛶 During the rainy season, streets disappear beneath the water, and boats become the main way to get around.

🇰🇭 Then there’s Chong Kneas, also in Cambodia.

🌊 Unlike villages built on stilts, almost everything here floats.

🏠 Homes.

🏫 Schools.

🏘️ Even community buildings move across the lake as the water levels rise and fall throughout the year.

🇹🇭 Meanwhile, in Koh Panyee, Thailand, an entire village sits above the sea.

⚽ It’s famous for one very unusual landmark—a floating football field, built by local children using old fishing rafts. 🛶✨

💡 Why It Matters

🌊 These villages aren’t simply tourist attractions.

🏘️ They’re living examples of how people adapt to nature instead of trying to control it.

⚠️ But that way of life faces growing pressure.

🌍 Climate change.

🏗️ Urban development.

✈️ And mass tourism all threaten traditions that have survived for generations.

🛡️ Protecting these communities isn’t just about preserving beautiful places.

💙 It’s about protecting knowledge 📚, culture 🎎, and identities 🌏 that have shaped Southeast Asia for centuries.

🎙️ The Wrap

🌏 So, the next time you picture Southeast Asia...

🏙️ Don’t just think about skyscrapers...

🏖️ or beach resorts.

🌊 Think about communities where the river is the main street.

👧🛶 Where children grow up learning tides before traffic lights.

✨ And where centuries-old traditions are still floating into the future.

🎙️ 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. ✨

🎙️ 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. 🧭🌏✨

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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. 🧭

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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.

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