Hong Kong was built through movement and connection. Migration, Cantonese culture, colonial institutions, manufacturing, finance and extraordinary urban density created a society between worlds—one whose future now depends on redefining what it connects.
Taiwan is more than semiconductors and geopolitics. Shaped by migration, colonial history, democratisation and technological ambition, the island has developed a distinctive society whose identity continues to evolve through the many historical layers it carries.
China is often viewed through geopolitics and economic competition. This portrait explores the deeper foundations of Chinese society, revealing how history, civilisation and statecraft continue to shape one of the world’s most influential nations.
Greater China explores four societies shaped by a shared civilisation but different historical paths. Through culture, institutions, technology and statecraft, the series examines how one of the world’s oldest civilisations continues to influence four distinct models of modern development.
South Korea’s remarkable rise is often explained through technology and global brands. Yet its greatest achievement may be the rapid transformation of an entire society, where education, industrial policy and collective ambition reshaped one of the world’s most dynamic democracies within a single generation.
Behind Japan’s technological achievements lies a society built on continuity, craftsmanship and shared responsibility. This portrait explores how culture, institutions and demographic change continue to shape one of Asia’s most influential and resilient nations.
Japan and South Korea combine deep cultural traditions with advanced industrial societies. This series explores how history, social values, demographic change and economic ambition continue to shape two of Northeast Asia’s most influential nations.
Behind every economy lies a society, and behind every society are people. Portrait of Asia explores the cultures, communities and values shaping one of the world’s most diverse and rapidly changing continents.
