Her empathy, self-awareness and deft handling of crises in the face of rampant sexism and hatred made New Zealand’s former prime minister an inspiration for the next generation of female leaders.

For millions of Filipinos living overseas, preparing care packages for loved ones back home has become an essential holiday ritual

These stories are just some of the favourites from around the region chosen by the Asia desk’s Maria Siow, Bhavan Jaipragas and Francine Chen.

The country was largely virus-free until mid-August, when a Delta outbreak saw it start to shift away from a Covid-19 elimination strategy.

PM Jacinda Ardern says the country’s reliance on temporary workers has suppressed wages and put pressure on infrastructure and housing.

As the #StopAsianHate movement grows worldwide, New Zealanders of Chinese descent are reminded that equality is still a distant proposition.

The top-read story in 2020 was an in-depth look into how South Korea managed to contain its earliest Covid-19 outbreak without hard lockdowns.

Although the incumbent prime minister leads in polls by double digits, her support is a paltry 26.5 per cent among Chinese Kiwis, who largely favour the National Party.

Many migrant workers on temporary visas who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 are struggling as they are unable to access social benefits.

During the four-week period, only essential services will remain open and the public has been urged to stay at home as much as possible.

While there is caution and anxiety among the community, the people of Christchurch and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have been commended for their sensitivity.

Recent arrests have drawn attention to the tensions caused by the influx of Chinese workers into the Philippines.

Want to know about the black sugar you probably ate over the festive period? Are you keeping an eye on elections in Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines? Or wondering where the US is taking on China next? Read on …