Author: Editorial Team
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Why do Asian students treat final exams like a spiritual warzone?
Across Asia, final exams aren’t just a rite of passage, they’re a battlefield. In countries like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and even among Asian students in Dubai, the academic pressure surrounding finals is so intense it resembles a spiritual showdown. Shrines, incense, all-nighters, tears, energy drinks, and even ancestral rituals all collide into one feverish…
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Innovations and Sustainability: How Asian Countries Are Leading in Eco-Friendly Technology
Asia is rapidly asserting itself as a global leader in sustainability innovation. Each country brings its strengths to bear: Malaysia leverages palm-oil resources for aviation fuel; Korea integrates cutting-edge materials into energy-saving devices; Japan pioneers resource-efficient materials; Taiwan designs smart energy grids; and Dubai embraces clean urban mobility. Together, these nations offer students unparalleled opportunities…
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Why 21-Year-Old Students are Out-Networking CEOs
Scroll through LinkedIn, walk into any campus co-working space, or glance at the speaker lineups of student-led conferences across Asia, and you’ll notice something striking. Today’s university students are networking with an intensity that rivals seasoned executives. At just 21, many are building industry contacts, pitching business ideas, scheduling mentor calls, and attending global summits,…
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Why do students burn fake money in ceremonies before exams?
In Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Dubai (among Chinese diaspora), and especially Taiwan, students often burn fake money—joss paper or “hell bank notes”, before exams. Though it may seem like mere superstition, the ritual is deeply rooted in cultural practice and psychological coping mechanisms. As exam pressure mounts, students tap into an ancient tradition to find mental…
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The Art of Communication: Understanding Non-Verbal Cues and Social Etiquette in Asian Cultures
In many Asian societies, communication relies heavily on indirect cues, subtle gestures, and respect for hierarchy. People often choose words carefully and pay close attention to body language, tone, and silence to preserve harmony and avoid offense (Scroope, 2021). Each culture has its own distinctive gestures and rituals: for example, bowing in Japan or using…
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Why is bubble tea cheaper than water and sold literally everywhere?
If you’ve spent time in Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, or Malaysia, you’ve probably noticed something curious: a sweet, tapioca‑filled bubble tea can cost less than a 500 ml bottle of plain water, and shops selling it are on practically every corner. How does a drink as elaborate as bubble tea end up cheaper than mere hydration?…
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Why Korean Student Backpacks Weigh More Than a Gym Workout
If you’ve ever seen a South Korean student heading out with a backpack that looks heftier than most gym workout bags, you’re not imagining things. It’s common to find students carrying backpacks weighing between 5 to 15 kilograms, and sometimes even more. Far from a trivial detail, this heavy load reflects a broader cultural, academic,…
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Why does every student in Asia own the same exact Muji pen and guard it with their life?
There’s one stationery item nearly every Asian student seems to possess: the Muji gel pen. Simple, capless or capped, clear barrel and slim tip. But behind this everyday tool lies a cultural phenomenon: owning a Muji pen has become more than just practical, it’s a point of pride, a strategy for studying, and a quiet…
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Why is karaoke considered a serious bonding ritual and not just a party thing?
Step into a karaoke room anywhere in Asia and what looks like simple entertainment is actually a deeply rooted social ritual. Beyond the flashy lights and booming speakers, karaoke serves as a bridge, connecting friends, coworkers, and families in a way that spans generations and cultures. The Birth of a Social Tradition Karaoke began in…
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Exploring Traditional Asian Festivals
An immersive journey through culture, connection, and celebration for students abroad Asia’s cultural tapestry is rich with festivals that offer unforgettable experiences, especially for students discovering these traditions for the first time. From sharing celebratory feasts to dancing under lantern-lit skies, taking part in local festivals can be as educational as any classroom lesson. Let’s…