In today’s hyper-connected globe, the meaning of national identity is no longer rigid, and we’re seeing a dissolution of cultural borders as we travel through our devices. This shift in mentality is happening against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop as countries prioritise regional allies.

Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

As beacons of queer excellence,Drag Racespin-offs in Asia have brought a wave of inclusivity to screens and stages. The series bites into the appetites of millions of underrepresented members of the LGBTQ+ community and more as it just keeps getting bigger, more popular, and better.

With its authentic relatability and era-specific costumes, Netflix’sThe Archiespays homage to the iconic clothing of the 60s, reinforcing the retro trend in Indian fashion. An adaptation of theArchiecomics, the film localises its independent storylines and aesthetics for modern audiences.

Regional music styles have evolved in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the popularity of ‘budots’ (‘slacker’ in the Visayan language) from a grassroots scene to a mainstream genre shows that it could redefine Filipino dance music, which in the past has been heavily inspired by the West.

Thai Boys’ Love (BL) drama is a relatively new TV genre attracting droves of local and international fans. Though these shows are love stories between two men, they’re especially popular with women, a surprising driving force for the trend and the longevity of the genre.