Singapore doesn’t just have the best passport in Asia. By some metrics, it has the best passport in the world. What does that really mean though?

Singaporeans can travel to 193 countries without a visa. Chinese passport holders, in contrast, can travel to just over 80 countries visa-free. In fact, the top three countries with the strongest passport are all in Asia: Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.

How did these countries rise to the top, and remain there for almost two decades? What are the material benefits - and trappings - for the passport holders? And what does a strong passport say about how the country practices diplomacy?

In this Asia Specific podcast, host Mariko Oi, who holds a Japanese passport, chats to BBC senior journalist Derek Cai, a Singaporean, and BBC Indonesia’s Famega Syavira, whose passport ranks 68th on the list.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear 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 the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out 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

Myanmar’s military is holding a stage-managed election, but will it change anything?

A raging civil war, a popular former leader detained, and an exodus of citizens abroad aren't ideal conditions for holding an election.

Yet Myanmar’s military junta government is pressing ahead with a three-stage vote that many outside observers say is being held in a climate of fear.

With early results confirming the military-backed party dominating, the question is why is the junta bothering? And will the vote, however flawed, change anything in a country in dire need of a new direction?

Asia Specific podcast host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and the Editor of the BBC’s Burmese service Soe Win Than.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear 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 the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out 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 South Korea's entertainment and cultural soft power surges abroad, the country's cosmetics industry is also riding the wave of growing popularity. South Korea's 'K-beauty' skincare and makeup brands have gone mainstream in the US and UK, with sales worth billions of dollars and social media platforms driving global demand. But behind the glossy packaging and viral trends is a society long associated with intense, high pressure beauty standards and widespread cosmetic surgery. Asia Specific podcast host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC's Asia Business correspondent Suranjana Tewari and the Asia Specific podcast team's Rachel Lee. We also hear from Melbourne-based beauty influencer Mia Chen on why K-beauty resonates so strongly with younger consumers.

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