De Gruyter Studies in Global Asia
edited by Pervaiz K. Ahmed and Mahendhiran S. Nair, Monash University Malaysia The De Gruyter Studies in Global Asia series shines a multidisciplinary lens to explore issues facing Asia as it emerges on the global scene. It locates Asia in the global while simultaneously locating the global in the local. The interdisciplinary nature of the series brings into focus new directions and approaches at the intersection of society, science & technology and economics. Drawing on the social sciences, engineering, politics and economics and other disciplines, the series explores the complex dynamics taking places between and within regional blocks, nation states, industries, and individuals. The focus is to examine experiences at the macro - (e.g. economies, markets), meso - (e.g. industries, institutions, communities) and micro - (e.g. individuals, patterns and behaviour) levels. The emphasis of the Series is on utilising inter-disciplinary, multi-cultural, multi-voice perspectives to develop originals insights and scholarship. The Global Asia Series' emphasis is on studying latest issues, trends and developments in three main areas: Culture, Values and Civilization As a region Asia has a rich heritage constituted by a complex mosaic of religion, values and history that intermesh to define the kaleidoscope of current issues and challenges. These include among others, behaviour and evolution of Asia's people, politics and socio-cultural development. Industry, Markets and Economics Featuring centrally in Asia's arrival on the global stage are the changes taking place in the development of its industries and markets. The patterns and economics underlying these shifts is starting to raise fundamental questions over conventional approaches ascribed and deployed by developed, especially Western, nations. This thematic explores how Asia's nations, industries and markets grapple with evolutionary dynamics in contextually unique ways to develop sustainable pathways to global competitiveness. Science, Technology and Society Advancements in science and technology are having unique positive and negative impacts on Asian society. On the positive side, these forces of change are enablers of empowerment, improving the condition of people living in these societies. On the down side, the advances are encroaching on the traditional values and livelihoods of communities and people, as both global and local actors leverage t