Grab a bag of popcorn as we shine a spotlight on film production in Thailand. We also explore a new exhibition in Cambodia that is stoking curiosity in the country’s long history thanks to some rather mysterious burial jars. Plus: we look into

Tokyo’s design haven

Oct 4th, 2015 30m

Touching down in Tokyo, we explore the department store scene that also acts as a key destination for Japanese design. Plus: how an innovative approach to education is helping one Cambodian school inspire students, and how to navigate the delic

The modern telly

Sep 27th, 2015 30m

We look to Cambodia, which in recent years has emerged as a very attractive destination for investors, particularly among the Japanese. We also check-in at Melbourne’s Hotel Windsor for the city’s favourite high tea as the luxury icon’s future

Tokyo’s force awakens

Sep 20th, 2015 30m

As another crazy week unfolds in the Australian capital, we ask comedian Tom Ballard what’s going on in the nation’s political circus. We’re also in Hong Kong, where high-class tailoring rivals that of the traditional high streets in London. Pl

Trendsetting in Seoul

Sep 13th, 2015 30m

The burgeoning tourism sector is pushing many airlines in Asia back into profit so we take a look at which other sectors might be feeling the effects. We ask how sought-after is Danish design among discerning Hong Kong shoppers and examine the

Checking out of Tokyo’s Hotel Okura

Sep 6th, 2015 29m 4s

It’s a sad week in Tokyo as we bid farewell to one of the city’s most beloved architectural marvels, the Hotel Okura. We also hear from a company that specialises in bringing that cosy-home feeling to those who constantly find themselves on the

Eco luxury makes a splash in Cambodia

Aug 30th, 2015 30m

Is Japan’s rail system too safe? We tune in to the difficulties facing Tokyo as it tries to market its famous transport internationally. We’re also in Melbourne where designing a high-end hair salon and a cocktail lounge is all in a day’s work

The diplomatic evolution of Australia

Aug 23rd, 2015 30m

The mining boom is over, diplomacy has taken a beating and the prime minister isn’t very popular. We discuss the challenges facing Australia with the country’s former foreign minister Alexander Downer. We also browse a new retail concept in Sin

Melbourne fashion goes global

Aug 16th, 2015 30m

As the economic clouds continue to gather over China, we examine how it all came to this. We also ask whether there’s a noticeable gap between casual shorts and fancier attire – according to one Melbourne entrepreneur, there is. Plus: we’re in

Asia’s new coffee capital

Aug 9th, 2015 28m 57s

We take a closer look at the presidency of Indonesia’s Joko Widodo. Then we’re in Sichuan, where spicy hotpot isn’t the only thing putting the region on the map. We also take in Phnom Penh’s growing interest in artisan coffee, tour Singapore’s

Grand plans

Aug 2nd, 2015 28m 55s

Superb wine, delicious food and a restaurant design sure to impress. We’re in Melbourne, where culinary magic is a serious business. We also head to Japan, where developers and government officials are trading barbs over preparations for the 20

Tapping into potential

Jul 26th, 2015 29m 12s

Can Japanese carmaker Suzuki tap into the higher end of the market in India? Plus, despite claims of an accommodation shortage, we look at why Melbourne is set to lose one of its most historic hotels. We also learn how foreign investment is spa

Yes we cachaça

Jul 19th, 2015 28m 51s

Pouring ourselves a glass of cachaça, we ponder a bizarre Australian law preventing importation of the spirit. We also check in with our Tokyo bureau to sample some of the rotating array of puddings on offer at the city’s convenience stores. Pl

24 hours in Tokyo

Jul 12th, 2015 28m 45s

We explore the shady side of a cinema in Melbourne that’s now home to a hidden jazz bar. We then venture out for a spot of shopping at one of Hong Kong’s favourite luxury department stores. Plus, we hear about the rebirth of Sydney’s Circular Q

New trends

Jul 5th, 2015 29m 7s

We hear about Mandarin Oriental’s plans for a new luxury hotel in Beijing. Barely a week goes by without a trendy burger joint popping up in Melbourne but the latest comes with an interesting twist. In Tokyo we find out why folk are waiting in

Coffee and cronuts

Jun 28th, 2015 28m 56s

We discover that Melbourne is not the only city in the Asia PAC region garnering a reputation as a coffee lover’s capital. We also hear about the Indonesian-flag carrier’s plans for global expansion. Plus: we sample the delights on offer at Tok

Architecture, “glamping” and urban design

Jun 21st, 2015 28m 51s

We travel to the mountainous Indonesian city of Bandung to discuss architecture. In Tokyo, Kenji Hall ditches the bug spray in favour of luxury camping (or “glamping”). Plus: Brisbane architects Ingrid Richards and Adrian Spence continue the th

Thai retail buys big

Jun 14th, 2015 29m 1s

As Thailand’s largest retail conglomerate leaps into the world of German luxury department stores, we cross to Bangkok to find out why. Plus: our bureau chief in Singapore runs through this year’s MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index and

Australian coffee culture

Jun 7th, 2015 28m 45s

We sample some of Melbourne’s small-scale coffee roasters and stop off in New Zealand, where a fall in dairy prices is proving tough for one of the country’s core industries. Plus, Monocle’s Tokyo correspondent tries a tipple at a new brewery a

Brave new world

May 31st, 2015 28m 34s

Watch out Silicon Valley, a new hotspot for entrepreneurial tech start-ups is on the horizon. We’re also popping the cork on the emerging market for wine collectors across Asia. We hear about a Japanese city that’s turning its sewage into sough

Japan makes tracks

May 24th, 2015

As a surprising number of think-tanks pop up across China we discuss what might be behind the government’s new venture. We also take a look at a new regional rail project in Japan and explore the sticky business of investing in Indonesian infra

Australia designer eyes up Asia

May 17th, 2015 28m 44s

We explore an emerging regional project set to make waves in the constantly evolving island city of Singapore. In Sydney, fashion designer Dion Lee explains why his eyes are firmly set on the Asian market. Plus, we hear about a new retail and t

Australia architects impress in Asia

May 10th, 2015 28m 37s

With a leading Australian architecture firm attracting a lot of attention throughout Asian markets, Nolan Giles finds out more. In Hong Kong, our bureau chief Aisha Speirs explores the rising popularity of entrepreneurial co-working spaces and

Asia's new low-cost, high-quality airport

May 3rd, 2015 28m 52s

We delve into the world of art investment with our Hong Kong bureau chief Aisha Speirs and the senior vice president of Christie's auction house. In Thailand Nolan Giles investigates the dining options at extraordinary new retail behemoth EmQua

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