How tycoon Jimmy Lai went from pro-democracy activist to national security criminal is a story that, some say, mirrors the changes in Hong Kong itself. The 78-year-old once published the city's most widely-read tabloid Apple Daily, which played a pivotal role in encouraging and supporting pro-democracy protestors during a prolonged and violent uprising in 2019.

But for the past six years, he’s been the target of the Chinese government’s national security police. Now, after a landmark trial in Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of foreign collusion - a conviction that one human rights group describes as the ‘death knell’ for press freedom in the former British colony.

Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC Senior Journalist Danny Vincent and Hong Kong Journalists Association Chairperson Selina Cheng, and examines the reaction of activists exiled abroad with former Hong Kong Legislative Councillor Ted Hui.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

A deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach - one of Australia’s most iconic public spaces - has raised urgent questions about how such an attack could happen in a country known for strict gun control. With more than a dozen people killed, the attack has shocked the nation and sharpened concerns about security failures, gun ownership and the targeting of Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah.

From Sydney, the BBC’s Phil Mercer reports on the national mood as communities mourn and authorities investigate how the gunmen evaded police and security agencies. Asia Specific’s Bill Birtles explores the wider implications, including rising concerns about antisemitism, social cohesion and the challenges faced by multicultural societies across the Asia-Pacific. This episode was recorded on Monday, December 15.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

What made flooding in Indonesia and South East Asia so deadly and how to prevent a repeat of it? With close to a thousand people killed across the region, South East Asia’s late-2025 wet weather events were particularly devastating. And scientists say climate change is shaping weather patterns in a way that will likely make future rain and flooding events worse. With a relatively high number of densely populated sinking cities, the region is one of the most flood-prone parts of the world, but there’s no shortage of bold ideas that could offset the problem in the future. Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by the presenters of the BBC Climate Question podcast Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

President Trump seeks to intervene again as Thailand and Cambodia conflict intensifies. As hundreds of thousands are displaced, we bring you a special episode on why the deadly border dispute has re-ignited, shattering a peace accord signed in October.

Asia Specific host Mariko Oi unpacks why the peace deal unravelled so quickly, with reporting at the border from BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head plus analysis from Senior Journalist Panisa Aemocha in Bangkok.

This episode was recorded at 0300 GMT on Thursday, December 11.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Has an American leader who cut aid and imposed tariffs changed US ties with Asia forever? Or will it be business as usual with the region once the Trump era is over? Except for China, most Asian countries have been at pains to placate President Trump with offerings of crowns, gold golf clubs, and even a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Does the special treatment suggest a region seeking to get closer to America under Donald Trump’s leadership? Or is the rest of Asia edging away from US influence towards the world’s other superpower - China? Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC’s China correspondent Laura Bicker and the BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

As Australia moves to restrict children under 16 from accessing social media, several Asian countries are signalling they may follow suit. Malaysia’s government plans to stop under-16s from creating social media accounts, while Indonesia has also expressed interest in adopting a similar policy. But does banning teenagers really address online harms, or does it raise new questions about enforcement, digital rights, and growing up online?

Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC Australia correspondent Katy Watson and Indonesian influencer Indah G to look at what’s driving these proposed bans, how young people might respond, and whether regulation - rather than education - is the right answer for the region.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Hong Kong mourns 150 victims of its worst fires in decades amid mounting anger. As residents grieve for those lost, authorities are working to control and contain the public response to the tragedy. The arrest of a young man demanding answers, along with reports that two others have also been detained, has highlighted how politically sensitive the aftermath has become for China’s government. Six years ago Beijing criminalised political dissent in Hong Kong through a sweeping national security law introduced following mass protests. Now, that law is being tested. Volunteers are organising and mobilising - this time not to demonstrate, but to support and assist victims of the fire. Still, many are being careful to ensure their efforts are not perceived as crossing political red lines. Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC Chinese bilingual reporter Martin Yip and Senior Journalist Danny Vincent. This episode was recorded on 1st December. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Japan gave us Hello Kitty and Pokémon. China is making waves with micro-dramas and cutting-edge tech. But it’s South Korea that is currently the region’s reigning cultural superpower. From KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game to BTS and Blackpink, the Korean Wave seems unstoppable. And with its Oscar-winning films and Nobel Prize-winning literature, its influence is global. But how much further can it go? Are other countries in the region catching up? Join Asia Specific host Mariko Oi in Singapore, Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and BBC journalist Fan Wang as they discuss whether Korea’s soft power has already peaked.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - unpacked by those who know them best. Expect Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint, and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

A Taiwan comment by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked the deepest diplomatic clash in more than a decade between the Asia neighbours. She indirectly implied that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response. The Chinese government called it “shocking,” suspending some Japanese imports and urging its citizens to avoid Japan for tourism. But what does it really mean for relations between the two countries and for their global strategy? BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker and BBC Tokyo correspondent Shaimaa Khalil join Mariko Oi to assess the mood and unpick the detail behind the rift. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - unpacked by those who know them best. Expect Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint, and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted by Mariko Oi in Singapore, listen to new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Asia Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know them best. Essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region. Expect Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from the region. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts from Beijing to Bangkok. Listen to new episodes twice a week from 26th November.