Investigate Asia

Central Asia: The Call of ISIS | Investigate Asia According to Russian news reports, the suspects in the Moscow concert hall attack were from Tajikistan. Islamic State has launched a major recruitment aimed at militants from Tajikistan and other central Asian countries. Why are so many young people there turning to ISIS? Colonel Gulmurod Kalimov, head of Tajikistan’s elite Special Forces and close to the president’s family, was a man at the heart of the establishment. Trained in counter-terrorism by both the Russians and the Americans, he led the fight against Islamic extremists in Tajikistan. But in April 2015 he disappeared – only to reappear a few weeks later in an ISIS recruitment video calling on all Muslims in the former Soviet Union to come and join him. In the video, he criticised the corruption and incompetence of Tajikistan’s leaders and promised to ‘bring slaughter’ to his former homeland. Kalimov was the most prominent of the more than 2,000 Tajiks reported to have joined ISIS and his defection was unprecedented. His incredible story lifts the lid on Central Asia, a

The New Role of the Philippines | Investigate Asia The Taiwan conflict has brought the Philippines back onto the global political stage. Will the island state under Ferdinand Marcos Jr. become the new geopolitical demarcation line in the showdown between China and the US? Tensions in the South Pacific are bringing the Philippines back onto the big geopolitical stage. Elected to office in May 2022, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the president has distanced himself from his predecessor Duterte’s China-friendly policies and signed an extended defence agreement with the US. The US has thus secured access to military bases in the Philippines and changed the map in the region. If the country entered into a war with China over Taiwan, the Philippines would become a frontline state due to its proximity to Taiwan, its strategic location in the South China Sea and its historical military partnership with the US. The fact that the island state is driven by major internal political tensions makes the situation even more fragile. The stress test the Philippines will have to pass in the coming months may

Singapore: The Perfect City or Dystopian Surveillance State? | Investigate Asia In Singapore everything is under control. There are countless restrictive rules: chewing gum, smoking in the street, jaywalking, throwing paper on the ground, talking on the subway or even walking around naked are all forbidden. These rules are enforced by robot dogs, who patrol the streets guided by AI. Censorship is almost universal. Political opponents are harassed by the courts. Sexual minorities are under surveillance. And drug use leads straight to prison, or even execution in some cases. After a pause during the global lockdown, hangings have resumed. We followed the daily lives of Singaporeans, punctuated by ultra-modern technology and prohibitions. In schools, hospitals, markets and streets, video surveillance cameras are everywhere. We also met those who have endured the regime’s extreme severity: a former prisoner who spent twenty-five years behind bars for simple offenses, then sentenced to corporal punishment. Or pro-democracy activists who dream of greater freedom and end up in prison themselves. Finally, we filmed a family whose father is awaiting execution on death row. His crime

Somewhere on Earth - Sri Lanka | Investigate Asia Somewhere on Earth is off to Sri Lanka, the Sacred Island in Singhalese. It lies off the coast of India like a tear in the vast Indian Ocean. Its rich land and location have made it a coveted prize. After several centuries of European presence and internal conflicts, the island has now recovered its serene splendor. Shina is a student in gemology. Fascinated by precious stones, she’s undertaking a journey to the heart of her land, to the origins of sapphires and rubies. She’s off to meet the miners who toil in the depths of the earth. Jerome has flown with his balloon over the 4 corners of the globe. A childhood dream that now comes true in the early morning mists of Sri Lanka. Each flight is a release from earthly constraints. Jerome and his balloon drift with the wind to discover the wonders and people of this country. Dhamma Dassi is a monk. A keeper of age-old wisdom, he writes the words of Buddha on an ancestor of paper.

No Go Zones: Quirino, Philippines | Investigate Asia Quirino – one of the toughest and most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Territory of the Batanga City Jail gang. An area that even the residents of Quezon City avoid like the plague. For the past twenty years, Gang Boss Jo-Jo has been ruling over Quirino, fiercely defending it against its enemies. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Taiwan - On the Brink of War | Investigate Asia Taiwan: On the Brink of War explores the threat of war with China, explaining how the conflict has already gotten underway as China directs grey-zone conflict, disinformation and other measures at Taiwan, fomenting political polarization. It delves China’s demands to unify Taiwan with what it calls the Chinese Motherland, and how this is part of a larger project including Hong Kong. The film finds China’s harsh control of Hong Kong’s has rebounded on Taiwan, whose fate hinges on Beijing’s choices and the state of the US-China rivalry. But Taiwan is taking its future in its own hands, and, even if it may be wanting in military readiness, Taiwan is growing stronger. Many civilians are also girding themselves for war, having learned lessons from Ukraine’s clash with Russia. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping

Taiwan - The Making of a Nation | Investigate Asia Taiwan: The Making of a Nation examines how Taiwan has developed into a nation – despite not being able to call itself a nation due to Chinas claimed ownership. The Making of a Nation provides a nuanced exploration of the historical factors that have contributed to societal divisions, examining the forces shaping Taiwanese society, including the tension between economic interests and environmental concerns, indigenous rights and political clashes related to China. The documentary discusses the emergence of democracy in the 1990s and how it empowered civil society to atonishing reforms and economic growth. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway

Hong Kong: Metropolis by the Sea | Investigate Asia Discover Hong Kong's "fragrant harbour" where ancient traditions meet modern metropolis. From the rare eagle wood trees that once perfumed Taoist ceremonies to today's densely populated urban landscape, witness fascinating contrasts between city and nature. Experience the iconic Star Ferries that have connected Kowloon and central Hong Kong for 125 years, still sporting British Racing Green paint and colonial uniforms. Experience stunning urban visuals and cultural insights from one of the world's most unique harbor cities. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Nomads of the modern Era | Investigate Asia 7,000 years ago, a woman lay cold in a tomb. She was discovered clasping a precious pieces of metal in her hands. Who were the revolutionaries that melted copper and tin together? Intriguing stories surge from the very beginning of civilization.This three-part series starts from the birth of the first bronze. Sword, along the 2,000-year journey from the west to the east, crossing the vast plains of the Eurasian continent. A story of a sword mightier than fire, melting the cold ices of the far East. The sword leads a journey through chaotic times when one group conquered the other, cities formed and wars were fought. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history

Kim Jong un: The Man Who Rules North Korea | Investigate Asia Kim Jong-un, the secretive and ruthless ruler of North Korea, has tightened his grip on power while advancing the country’s nuclear program. Despite his enigmatic persona, glimpses of his past emerge—from his schooling in Switzerland, where he enjoyed Western culture under a false identity, to his brutal rise to power after succeeding his father in 2011. He swiftly eliminated rivals, including his half-brother Kim Jong Nam, whose murder in Malaysia was linked to North Korean agents. In Pyongyang, where propaganda dominates daily life, Kim promotes tourism, yet cases like Otto Warmbier’s tragic imprisonment and death highlight the risks. Through undercover visits and testimonies from those who knew him from his posh private school years in Switzerland, we uncover a chilling portrait of the man known as the "Rocket Man." All over the city, people are uniform, synchronized, and smiling. But above all, subservient. At all times, North Korea remains a society under control. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through

The Fire Island - Russias Alcatraz | Investigate Asia Terrorists, gunmen, and mafia bosses are serving their life sentences in the Russian penal camp "Vologodski Pjatak" aka Russia's most feared prison. The fortress on the island of Ognenny was built as a monastery in the 16th century. Later the "Fire Island" was converted into a gulag for enemies of the state after the October Revolution of 1917. Since 1994 it has been a maximum security prison. Christoph Wanner is the first Western TV reporter to manage to shoot behind the prison walls on the Island of the damned. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Somewhere on Earth: Cambodia | Investigate Asia We can dream of adventure on other planets that we may be able to colonize some day in the distant future... but for our children, Travel means our own planet Earth. Exploring different regions step by step, making encounters hand in hand... Discovering our Earth is a multi-faceted adventure... with no frontiers or limits except those of Man. Somewhere on Earth spotlights places the world over where Nature has given free rein to its imagination and has taken the time to create breathtaking landscapes. These spots are often far removed from the great currents of the modern world and this isolation has long kept them sheltered them from the aggressions of human activity. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and

China: My Wife has Social Credit | Investigate Asia China has recently introduced a social credit system. In every moment of everyday life, one must now think of how to maximize one's points or lose as few as possible. This film follows a couple in this Orwellian world where nothing escapes the eye of Beijing and its immediate sanction, and how it affects intimate and social relationships. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

World’s Busiest Station: Shinjuku Station Tokyo | Investigate Asia Five separate train lines, almost three thousand passengers per minute and trains arriving every second. How can the people behind the scenes of the world’s busiest station overcome a traffic load like this every day? The teams in this Giant Hub need a minute-by-minute precision, a constant control, a military discipline but at the same time always still a smile on their faces for the 3,6 million customers every day. At 4:30 in the morning: The 200 doors to the world’s busiest station start to rise and they won´t close for the next twenty- one hours. This signals the start of the morning rush hour and requires a logistics process that is perfectly in sync. Nobody knows this kind of challenge as good as Hidehiko Moriyama, he is the station master of the biggest train company of the city. His team are the eyes and ears of the entire station. Cutting-edge technology allows them to keep an eye on everything from behind the scenes. When the day is almost over for

Somewhere on Earth: Sunda Islands | Investigate Asia We can dream of adventure on other planets that we may be able to colonize some day in the distant future... but for our children, Travel means our own planet Earth. Exploring different regions step by step, making encounters hand in hand... Discovering our Earth is a multi-faceted adventure... with no frontiers or limits except those of Man. Somewhere on Earth spotlights places the world over where Nature has given free rein to its imagination and has taken the time to create breathtaking landscapes. These spots are often far removed from the great currents of the modern world and this isolation has long kept them sheltered them from the aggressions of human activity. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic

The Sultan of Brunei: The Kingdom of all Superlatives | Investigate Asia At 76 years old, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is now the longest reigning head of state in the world. He has been on the throne since 1967. He is also one of the richest men on the planet. Thanks to the oil and gas of his small kingdom, his personal fortune is estimated at 18 billion dollars. Holder of all the powers, he rules his country with an iron fist. A follower of a rigorous Islam, his 440,000 subjects are subject to Sharia law. Next January, the Sultan will marry off one of his seven daughters, Princess Azemah, to his nephew. Before the wedding, the Sultan’s daughter and her son-in-law will each have a series of lavish ceremonies in the most beautiful residences of the country. They will meet at the powder ceremony at the Sultan’s palace, Istana Nurul Iman. Worthy of a fairy tale, all of its 1788 rooms and 257 golden bathrooms are adorned with precious stones. The official ceremony will take place in the

Pirate Coasts | Investigate Asia South-East Asia’s maritime superhighways are vital to global trade, with thousands of vessels transporting sought-after commodities and connecting Asia’s growing cities to the world. However, these waters remain plagued by crime syndicates, pirate gangs, and terror groups. Pirate Coasts: Terror on Asia’s Seas explores two piracy hotspots: the Malacca Strait, a key global shipping lane, and the Sulu and Celebes Sea, infamous for militant piracy. In the Southern Philippines, the extremist group Abu Sayyaf, tied to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, has terrorized these waters with kidnappings, piracy, and gun trafficking. The film recounts the ordeal of German sailor Jürgen Kantner, kidnapped and killed by the group, and investigates counterterrorism efforts to dismantle their operations. In Indonesia, piracy thrives in the Malacca and Singapore Straits, where organized crime syndicates exploit narrow shipping lanes to target vessels. The film examines how rapid industrialization and migration in coastal regions have driven communities into the hands of these criminal networks. From the motivations of modern pirates to the efforts to combat their operations, this film delves into the dark underbelly

Wilderness Roads: China | Forging Paths in the Most Remote Territories | Investigate Asia In the south of China, the legendary province of Guangxi is a natural fortress. Hidden away amongst spectacular mountain peaks, villages deserted by the younger generations still survive despite being cut off from the modern world as no roads have been built to reach them. Rather than investing in an expensive and unprofitable road network, the Chinese government resettles village inhabitants on the outskirts of major cities. The village of Xiao Jiang will not be spared. But one villager decides to stand his ground. To save his home, Yuan Feng HUANG dreams of building a road, digging through the mountain over more than 5 kilometers - a truly audacious undertaking for one man alone. This was his plan for his retirement. But at the age of 48, Yuan Feng learns that he has cancer and that his days are numbered. So, he’s decided to build the road now. If he succeeds, the village of Xiao Jiang will be saved and the inhabitants’ lives will be transformed

The Tsaatan of Mongolia: Last of the Free Men | Investigate Asia They’re known as the “Reindeer People”. Considered one of the most remarkable tribes on the planet, and only 200 in number, they can be found living in a frozen, deserted region in northern Mongolia. Longsince isolated from the outside world, these nomadic reindeer breeders have maintained all their ancestral traditions and still practice shamanism. Even in the winter, when temperatures can drop as low as minus forty degrees, the Tsataan live in modest canvas tents without complaint, insisting that they are happy with their way of life: completely free, and at one with nature at its most sublime and well-preserved. Their happiness and perspective on daily living offers a striking contrast to that of the Western world. But the modern world is starting to catch up with them. School, which has recently become compulsory for their children, is at the center of all their questions. What to do? Preserve their children from a philosophy of progress they consider harmful? Or educate them and offer the possibility of integrating

Somewhere on Earth - Japan | Investigate Asia Japan is a land of extremes. Situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, this archipelago still bears the scars of a tumultuous birth. This living, volcanic land thrust up from the ocean depths. Its tormented Nature brought forth masterpieces and has swallowed up numerous enigmas. First of all, we will go to Yonaguni, a little island of 29 square km in the westernmost part of Japan. Shotaro Maja was born and bred here and this remote island holds no secrets for him. His father, a professional diver, discovered an extraordinary underwater site in 1984. He’s totally convinced that it is an archaeological ruin. Now it’s up to Shotaro to solve Yonaguni’s underwater mystery. Then we will go and discover a little-known and dangerous discipline: the ice climbing, with its best ambassador, Nae Yagi, champion of Japan. Nae is preparing an expedition in the area of Nagano to a risky and unknown climbing site. At 31, Nae is at the peak of her discipline. She has been able to confront her doubts to

Somewhere on Earth: Rajasthan, India | Investigate Asia Somewhere on Earth is off to discover Rajasthan. This land rich in history embodies all the magic of India. Located in the north of the country, Rajasthan is bordered by arid plains and mountains. It’s the ancestral land of the Maharajas, the last Rajput horsemen and desert tribes. Pabu was born in the Thar Desert. He never left these steppes of his childhood. Pabu belongs to the tribe of the Bhils, the hunters. He has worked tirelessly at bettering the lives of the women and men of his community: The Untouchables of the Thar Desert. Geraldine, on her legendary motorcycle, rides the roads of India and Rajasthan. After traveling in the US and Australia, this young Frenchwoman from Normandie landed in New Delhi. India, which she explores every day, has changed her life. Ajeet is a horseman, a descendant of Rajasthan’s warriors, the Rajputs, literally “Sons of Kings.” At 32 years old, he’s continuing on the path of his family for 8 generations. Ajeet is an ardent defender of the Marwaris, the

Somewhere on Earth: Kyrgyzstan | Investigate Asia Somewhere on Earth is taking you to Central Asia; to Kyrgyzstan, where the population lives in harmony with Nature. The Kyrgyz, a semi-nomadic people of horsemen, carry their cultural heritage with pride. Kyrgyzstan, this small land-locked country, is made up of high plateaus, surrounded by impassable mountains, an enclave of harsh serenity. The Tian Shan, literally “The Celestial Mountains”, rise to an altitude of 7400 meters. Welcome to the realm of boundless peaks. These mountains form a jewel box containing inestimable treasures. Muscat BORUCHEV lives in the Ters Valley, in the west of the country, where he raises only Kygyrz horses, a breed that nearly disappeared during the Soviet era on account of extensive crossbreeding with Russian horses. He decided to bring this breed back and let the rest of the world know about the characteristics of this sturdy horse. Since 2009 he’s been concentrating his efforts on the spotted horse, the charat in Kygyrz. Bastien CHAIX Bastien came to Kyrgyzstan for the first time 9 years ago. This ornithologist-slash-naturalist fell in love

Behind Bars Taiwan: Taichung Men´s Prison | Investigate Asia The Taichung Men´s Prison is the biggest and toughest prison in Taiwan. It houses four and a half thousand inmates. Among them some of the most dangerous criminals of the whole country. Over a hundred life sentences alone and more than a thousand prisoners are serving sentences of twenty years or more. Monotony, confinement and around the clock video surveillance everywhere dictate the lives of the inmates. Only one time a week the inmates are allowed to spend time on the yard. The prison works with what is known as progressive correctional treatment. This means that prisoners are divided into four levels. The better a prisoner behaves, the higher their level. And this determines, for example, how many packs of cigarettes a prisoner can buy and how often he is allowed to have visitors. The most important thing, however, is that the length of imprisonment is reduced with each level obtained. For most prisoners, this is a good reason to cause as little trouble as possible. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to

Dangerous Roads India | Investigate Asia The roads of North India stretch from the peaks of the Himalayas to the capital New Delhi. Every day, more than 100 million people use them and they account for 11% of all accidents worldwide. With 450,000 accidents and 150,000 deaths every year, the number of deaths on Indian roads is eight times higher than that of the European Union. There are several reasons for these staggering figures. The roads themselves are built without asphalt or guardrails, and are used by a mix of carts, motorcycles, cars and animals. Northern India has nearly 380 million inhabitants, and among them thousands of farmers who travel only with buffaloes or horses. They also use the highways, risking their lives and causing spectacular accidents. But the chaotic traffic and users who drive dangerously and disregard any rules cause additional problems. Drivers do not hesitate to drive against the flow of traffic or to overtake on both sides. The thick fog that spreads regularly in the New Delhi region causes terrible crashes every year. And in the Himalayas

Japan: Inside the Closed World of Sumō | Investigate Asia In Japan, sumo isn’t just a sport. It is almost a religion with its stars hailed as demigods. But it’s also a world closed to outside influence, where scandals are immediately covered up, and women are considered unclean. Sumo is the only sport in the world where professional athletes live together 24 hours a day, in schools known as Heyas. Life in a heya is strictly hierarchical, with younger students expected to clean up after the senior ones. It’s a quasi monasterial life that leaves no time for girlfriends or other interests. Women are traditionally regarded as unclean and banned from entering the sacred sumo dohyo ring. But this prohibition was taken to extremes in April 2018, when female firstaiders trying to revive a stroke victim who had collapsed in the dohyo were ordered to immediately leave the ring. The event made headlines around the world and the sumo association was forced to apologise. But most scandals in the sumo world are effectively covered up. In 2007, a 17 year

Behind Bars: Philippines - Mandaluyong City, CIW: Locked Up Ladies | Investigate Asia The "Correctional Institution for Women" is the oldest and largest women's prison in the Philippines, founded in nineteen thirty-one. Designed for one thousand PDLs - "persons deprived of liberty" - today there are about three times as many. Prisoners range from petty criminals to drug dealers, from murderers to gang members. The guards are outnumbered. Your best bet at keeping prisoners under control: Strict rules that everyone must adhere to. Over and over again there are checks, to ensure no one has managed to escape. One hundred percent security is impossible! The inmates are allowed to deal with tools, gas-cannisters and knives. All potentially lethal weapons. "The bedrooms and living quarters, the so-called "dorms", are spread over several buildings. Among the inmates are also so-called ‚High Value‘ PDL's‘. A huge compound, full of hardened criminals. In a jail where just a few dozen correction officers watch over several thousand prisoners, who roam freely during the day. For keeping control, the guards even work together with privileged inmates

China's Last Little Train | Investigate Asia Sichuan. Southwest China. It's a mountainous region best known for pandas and earthquakes. There are no roads in the rugged Jiayang Valley. No cars. No trucks. No buses. But there is ... a train. Little Train tells the story of the last working narrow gauge steam railway in China. Built seventy years ago to haul coal out of the valley, the 19 km line has evolved to be the main source of transport in the valley carrying children to school, workers to their jobs, and pigs to market, all fighting for space in the train's small, unglazed carriages. But now the railway is at a crucial point. The mine has shut down and the villagers are actively fighting to keep the line - and its aging steam locomotives - running. Already the villagers have to make replacement parts by hand. When the boiler goes they face catastrophe. Too large to fabricate themselves, they search far and wide for a company to make a new boiler for them. But even if they can find

Good Night MH370 | Investigate Asia The last words of the investigation report, published by Malaysian officials, thicken the plot instead of resolving it. These 1500 pages covering 4 years of a peculiar investigation certainly rule out several theories. But the few specialists capable of analyzing them reveal incorrect, unexplained and opposing information, to which can be added the obvious issues encountered by authorities in managing the crisis, proven lies and the media frenzy surrounding the case. A handful of experts still searching for the truth reexamine the facts via a critical study of the official documents – something that has never been done before in a documentary - to separate right from wrong, identify hypotheses and finally understand what happened during the night of 8 March 2014. The first episode will focus on answering the following question: why so many gray areas? The experts tirelessly lead their counter investigation on the disappearance of flight MH370 and recall the chaotic beginnings the most complex, tragic and captivating investigation of the history of civil aviation. In the second episode, after having

Somewhere on Earth: Ladakh | Investigate Asia We can dream of adventure on other planets that we may be able to colonize some day in the distant future... but for our children, Travel means our own planet Earth. Exploring different regions step by step, making encounters hand in hand... Discovering our Earth is a multi-faceted adventure... with no frontiers or limits except those of Man. Somewhere on Earth spotlights places the world over where Nature has given free rein to its imagination and has taken the time to create breathtaking landscapes. These spots are often far removed from the great currents of the modern world and this isolation has long kept them sheltered them from the aggressions of human activity. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and

Behind Bars: Philippines - New Bilibid Prison | Investigate Asia New Bilibid Prison is the main prison in the Philippines. One part of this mega-prison complex is Camp Sampaguita - one of the toughest prisons in the world. Designed to hold one thousand five hundred offenders, currently, there are more than eight thousand incarcerated. That means up to ninety hardened criminals crammed into twenty-five square meter cells, half of them sleeping on the bare ground. Hygienic conditions are catastrophic. Despite to staffing problems, each wing is staffed by just two guards per shift. Two guards for more than two thousand prisoners. To keep things in check, they count the prisoners four times a day. Extremely strict rules apply throughout the prison. Anyone who violates them ends up in so-called Bartolina - isolation detention. The maximum stay is four weeks, with no upper limit. Every week, new inmates arrive, making the situation even worse. One of the new arrivals is thirty-five-year-old Rondell. He has been convicted of attempted murder – an unpremeditated act of jealousy. Rondell was living a normal life

Reggie Yates' Extreme - Russia (2015) | Investigate Asia Reggie Yates and BBC go to 3 Siberian cities where thousand of girls aged 13 to 15 compete to become international models. About 70 of 5,000 girls will get contracts after 12 selection rounds. Prospects, earnings, and fears are touched upon. Broadcaster and gay rights champion Reggie Yates meets Russia's homosexuals and homophobes to find out why the country doesn't embrace homosexuality in the way the UK does. Broadcaster Reggie Yates meets Russia's new generation of nationalists and racists. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Tough Trains India | Investigate Asia Zay Harding takes on an epic journey across one of the world's biggest railway networks. These railways built during the 19th century by the British to move troops and raw materials across the land. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Toughest Train Rides: Vietnam | Investigate Asia Vietnam’s railways, established under French colonial rule and completed in 1936, have faced a century of poor maintenance, conflict, and accidents. Accounting for 2% of the country’s annual deaths, railway safety remains a major concern. During the Vietnam War, the network became a vital supply route but also a prime target for US bombing, with engineers working tirelessly to keep it operational despite repeated destruction. Stretching from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, the railway reflects the country’s turbulent history. It remains essential today, supporting industries, transporting market goods, and serving as a critical north-south connection, though still in need of upgrades. Amidst the challenges, these resilient trains continue to play a vital role in both Vietnam’s economy and daily life. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better

Inside North Korea: Bizarre Impressions From a Bizarre Country | Investigate Asia On May 3rd, 1995, ITN's cameras were given a rare opportunity to enter the hermit state of North Korea, officially named the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Having historically closed itself off to the world, in the mid-90s several factors including the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union (North Korea's primary source of economic support) and the 1994 death of national founder and 'Great Leader' Kim Il Sung led North Korea to reach out to the world. During Korea Day celebrations, ITN's cameras captured life in Pyongyang and its nearby suburb Mangyongdae, offering a curated glimpse into the heart of North Korea's ruling district. However, the crew was kept from venturing further, missing the harsher realities outside the capital. At the time of filming, North Korea was gripped by a devastating nationwide famine—a crisis triggered by the abrupt loss of Soviet economic support and worsened by floods and droughts. Although UN food aid was accepted a year later, the famine persisted for another two years, claiming between

Toughest Train Rides: Siberia | Investigate Asia In the heart of Siberia, deep within the Arctic Circle, Siberia’s Ice Trains operate under extreme conditions, with temperatures plunging to minus 20 degrees Celsius and frequent snowstorms. Starting in Tobolsk, the journey heads 1,000 miles north to Novy Urengoy, Russia’s largest gas field. The railway is crucial for exporting condensed gas, and snowplough trains work tirelessly to keep lines open. From Novy Urengoy, the journey continues across the gas fields to Nadym, where a new railway is being built over Stalin’s infamous "Railway of Death." This harsh Arctic wilderness is also home to the nomadic Nenets people. The journey ends at Labytnangi, where a private train line runs to the Bovanenkovo gas field, the world’s northernmost railway. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of

The Coming War on China | Investigate Asia Documentary from 2016 The documentary "The Coming War on China, from award-winning journalist John Pilger, reveals how the world’s greatest military power, the United States, and the world’s second economic power, China, both nuclear-armed, may well be on the road to war. The rise of China is viewed in Washington as a threat to American dominance. To counter this, President Obama announced during his term a ‘pivot to Asia’, which meant that almost two-thirds of all US naval forces would be transferred to Asia and the Pacific. A policy which has been taken up by his successor Donald Trump, who during his election campaign said: “We can’t continue to allow China to rape our country and that’s what they’re doing”. Filmed on five possible front-lines across Asia and the Pacific over two years, the story is told in chapters that connect a secret and ‘forgotten’ past to the rapacious actions of great power today and to a resistance, of which little is known in the West. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate

The Talibans New Friend | Investigate Asia When the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, most foreigners and multinational companies had already packed up and left Afghanistan. Going against the stream of foreigners fleeing the country was a group looking for “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities: Chinese entrepreneurs. Despite the ongoing unrest, an economic crisis and United Nations’ concerns over human rights, more Chinese citizens are joining the country’s “gold rush”. Once a small minority, Chinese nationals now make up Afghanistan’s biggest group of expatriates. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Children of Shame | Investigate Asia Miao Miao, her brother Xiaolong, and Xin Liao are some of the luckier kids who live in the Sun Villages created by Mrs. Zhang Shuqin. But in reality, they have a heavy past and present to cope with. As the other young dwellers there, they are the offspring of people sentenced to death. This documentary shows the lives and daily routines of these children and their benefactors over two years. Many of the people sentenced to death leave behind young orphans who are not taken care of at all by social services, even when their families or relatives cannot afford to do it. Also, these vulnerable children are generally despised and rejected by the rest of the community – and are not eligible for adoption. Because as a famous Chinese proverb says: «tigers do not bear puppies». Like Florence Nightingale, one woman, Mrs. Zhang Shuqin, has decided to turn the children’s destiny into her life’s struggle. She has set up ten orphanages to raise them. In these orphanages, called «Sun Villages», everybody works hard

The Rohingya: Workings of a Crime | Investigate Asia Hundreds of villages burned; mass rapes; large-scale massacres; 700,000 Rohingyas forced into exile. At first sight, this surge of hate seemed to come out of nowhere. But emptying a territory of its population in a few weeks requires a minimum of organisation and anticipation. Filmed in Myanmar and Bangladesh, this film investigates the premeditated nature of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

China: The Uyghurs Tragedy | Investigate Asia China’s repression of the Uighur population and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang is akin to genocide: more than a million people are being arbitrarily detained in camps where they undergo torture, re-education, forced labour and are banned from speaking their own language. Children are also being re-educated in so-called “orphanages” while women are subjected to forced sterilization. Uighur culture is being systematically destroyed. Under the pretext of fighting Islamic radicalism and poverty, the Chinese Communist Party secretly built 1,400 internment camps and set about eradicating Uighur culture and its entire intelligentsia. It took many years for the international community to start to take notice, but Beijing persists in disguising the reality, claiming to be simply offering the Uighur population vocational training to combat poverty. What are the real reasons behind this relentless repression? How does the past shed light on the present situation? We examine the forces at play and reveal the stakes behind this crime against humanity. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through

Extreme Cities - Bangkok: The Drowning City With deadly typhoons, increasing rainfall, the rising of the sea level, and land subsiding at 4 cm per year, water has become the biggest threat to the city's survival. Discover how these cities struggle against the toughest environmental conditions on our planet to provide their populations with an acceptable level of existence. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Inside Maximum Security - Complete Series | Investigate Asia How hard is life in prison? We explore the prison regime through the eyes of officers and inmates in Changi’s Maximum-security prison. How does an inmate live in a single-man cell? In this first episode, we enter a world behind bars to meet the inmates. We follow Graceson, a gangster who manages to get himself a new tattoo in prison and is duly caned for it; Khai, a professional skateboarder who is just coming to terms with the loss of his career; Rusdi who is counting down to his release in 50 days using packets of snacks; And Boon Keng gets into trouble for keeping origami in his cell during a cell search. An inmate sentenced to maximum security prison has nothing more to lose. Or so some would think. But losing one’s freedom is nothing compared to losing one’s family. We follow the residents of maximum security as they try to hang on to their relationships while in lockdown. Boon Keng attempts to reconnect with a daughter that he has

On The Inside Of A Military Dictatorship | Investigate Asia The entire world praised the military and Aung San Suu Kyi when power was passed on to the democracy icon after 50 years of military dictatorship. One year later, she defended an ethnic cleansing and isolated herself from the public. This film tells you why. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Taiwan: The Chinese Threat | Investigate Asia Taiwan is one of the most advanced democracies in the world. It’s also one of the most threatened. Despite being one of the world’s leading economies, having its own president, government, flag and anthem, no country recognises it. The problem is that China has always considered Taiwan to be one of its own provinces. Even today, President Xi Jinping does not rule out using force to claim it back. But what’s different now is that both sides seem to be becoming more militant… For decades, the majority of people in Taiwan wanted nothing to change. They were careful to avoid offending China while enjoying the freedoms and lifestyle of not living under a dictatorship. Wayne is one of those Taiwanese people who wants this status quo to continue. His business depends on China but he doesn’t want reunification. “Everyone knows it, Taiwan is an independent country… but you don’t have to shout it from the rooftops, that’s all…”. But since the 2014 Sunflower movement, a majority of young people are increasingly demonstrating for

Prison Life: Justice in Japan | Investigate Asia Prison Life: Justice in Japan We gained unprecedented filming access to two Japanese prisons to find out if accusations that the system is inhumane are true. What we witnessed was staggering. Inmates must march to their worksites attached by a cord; they are not allowed to look the guards in the eye; outside of scheduled leisure hours, they must maintain absolute silence, unless they have obtained prior permission to speak. The treatment of suspects in custody pushes many to confess to crimes which they did not commit, as was the case with one man who spent 46 years on death row. He was finally exonerated six years ago, but was left broken. We try to explain why a country which operates on strict principles of balance and order might choose such a repressive system, and see if this may explain Japan having one of the lowest crime rates in the world. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the

China Hacker Army | Investigate Asia When Microsoft accused ‘state-backed’ Chinese hackers of entering its servers to target at least 60,000 global users, few people were surprised. It was just the latest in a long line of Chinese cyberattacks. Growing security concerns over China has also lead to Huawei being banned or restricted from 5G networks in a host of countries, including America, UK and Australia. “There are two types of big companies: those that have been hacked by the Chinese, and those that don’t know they have been hacked by the Chinese,” claimed FBI director, James Comey in 2014. China already has the world’s largest surveillance network and uses technology to subdue minorities, censor content and spy on dissidents. For decades, Western leaders wanted to believe that China’s economic growth posed no threat to other countries. That it would be content to act only within its borders and that, as the country became more capitalist, it would also become more liberal. Today, that hope has been dashed. China is regularly cited as the number one source of cyberattacks. There’s

Thailand: Return of the S** Tourists | Investigate Asia We investigate how the so-called ‘normal’ s** tourism creates structures in the red light districts that acutely endanger children. We speak to the European men who equate paying for s** as a kind of ‘aid’ and hear the point of view of the women forced to sell their bodies. We also follow a case of a German tourist who allegedly had s** with children in a bar. But to the surprise of the Thai police, he was able to leave the country by paying a 50,000 euro bribe. Surprisingly, he agreed to speak to us and admitted to the bribe, claiming he could not get a fair trial in Thailand. As soon as Thailand reopened its borders to tourists, the Pedo***** returned. And as poverty in the country had worsened, the successes achieved in the past decades in the fight against pedo***** s** tourism are now on the line. Officially, child cheers********* that once existed in Pattaya has ended. But according to child protection agencies and the deputy police chief “the

Yakutsk: Inside the coldest City on the Planet | Investigate Asia In this place known as “the cold pole”, the biggest challenge relates to the nature of the soil: the “permafrost”. With the warming of the climate, this frozen soil is melting and the buildings are threatened with collapse. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.