Rush hour traffic in Ho Chi Minh city


BBC World News and bbc.com will soon turn the spotlight to two Southeast Asian nations, Vietnam and Singapore, in the BBC’s upcoming Country Direct seasons.

BBC World News will debut the Vietnam Direct and Singapore Direct in August and October, respectively, delivering audiences across the region with the first BBC World News season of programmes on both countries.

For both Country Direct seasons, flagship shows such as Working Lives, My City, Talking Movies will film specials that take a more focused look at the economic, social, cultural and political aspects in these countries.

Forty years after American troops pulled out of Vietnam, at the end of a bitter war Vietnam Direct will examine how the country has tried to escape its traumatic past and transform itself into of the most dynamic societies in Asia. Vietnam Direct will air on BBC World News from 19 to 31 August 2013.

In Singapore, September marks 50 years since Singapore took its first steps to full independence. Now Singapore has the most millionaires on earth – 1 in 6 of its population – and the third highest per capita income of any country. Singapore Direct will examine how Singapore uses its incredible wealth, across its economy, society and culture. Singapore Direct will air from 21 October to 1 November 2013.

The Country Direct seasons on BBC World News and bbc.com go behind the headlines to explore everyday life in one country. Previous Country Direct seasons have focused on Japan, Mexico and Brazil and explored a range of issues and topics, from the economy and the challenges facing the local workforce, to standards of living for people at every level of society, and the local culture.

JC

BBC World News