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Welcome to Kawan—our vibrant community of data heads and storytellers. We’re all about improving data literacy and sharing nuanced stories about Asia. Come hang!
Rethinking design beyond the algorithm— issue #69
With AI and data analytics offering personalised experiences, it seems technology is now a few steps ahead of us. Machines are anticipating our needs and making people feel seen. Yet it cannot replace what makes us human. Can we design with this in mind?
Simulating what it feels to be a Kpop fan
Our latest story The Physical Phenomenon explores why physical albums remain so popular in the K-pop industry despite the rise of digital streaming. This behind-the-scenes looks at the motivations behind the writing, illustration style, and data visualisations created for the piece.
Of piracy, deaths, and medicinal wildlife parts in Asia — issue #3
Ahoy! It’s been a really fruitful month for us, and we’re so proud to have collaborated with two different partners to shed light on crucial issues concerning Asia. Naomi collaborated with TRAFFIC - the wildlife trade monitoring network - to look at how traditional medicine practices and beliefs
Playing House: the Rent-a-Family business in Japan
Our writer, Kathy, shares her thoughts on the thriving phenomenon in Japan
How are maps used in video and tabletop games?
In our new series, we sat down with Joceline, our UI/UX designer, and Griselda, our multimedia designer, to nerd out about maps and games!
How is climate change affecting major Asian cities? — issue #2
Hello there, The issue of climate change continues to provoke heated debates, but how well do we understand the impact it can have on our lives here in Asia? This month, our intern Rayson, looked at research on rising sea levels and mapped a story that shows us a future
Humans of Kontinentalist: Naomi
In this edition of Humans of Kontinentalist, we catch up with Naomi, our resident writer and Myth Buster!
How rock paper scissors is played around Asia
We all know the rules of rock paper scissors (RPS). Paper wins rock, rock wins scissors, and scissors wins paper. There’s even an…
Humans of Kontinentalist: Vinita
Today we caught up with Vinita, our resident editor and writer, and the only actual mother on the team (soft toys, fur babies, and other…
Notes from the Equator — issue #1
Hello there, Welcome to our inaugural issue of ‘notes from the equator’! Kontinentalist has been online for a year now, and we’re delighted to have published more than 30 stories that surprised our audience with little-known facts about Asia. We’ve gotten this far, and thought it’s high
Humans of Kontinentalist: Peiying
In this edition of Humans of Kontinentalist, we sat down with Peiying, the company head and wearer of many hats here at Kontinentalist…
5 Tips for Managing a Social Media Calendar
As the competition for quality content and organic reach continues to get stiffer by the day, things can feel overwhelming, especially…
Humans of Kontinentalist: Kathy Xu
Kathy is our resident mariner and writer at Kontinentalist. She covers marine and environmental topics and her life is very closely…
Humans of Kontinentalist: Phoebe Rollin
In this edition of Humans of Konti, we catch up with Phoebe. Phoebe interned at Kontinentalist for a month from January-February this year…