Asia's next generation.

• Author: Sebastian, Eugene
• Position: Point Of View

Asia is undergoing a generational change impelled by the rise of a new political and economic leadership, and the emergence of new social formations.

After independence and during the Cold War, leaders of countries in the Asia Pacific region emerged from the ranks of the military, bureaucratic and political elites. During this era of relative stability and rapid economic development, at least two factors were certain t Australia: the views of the leadership and their political inclination. Now this is set to change.

A new generation of 35 to 50 year olds is coming into positions of political, economic and military influence. These new leaders are predominantly western educated, appeal to your constituency and hold a different perspective of what their country is and wants.

In Korea for example, the recent election of outsider, President Roh Moo Hyun, marks the completion of Kim Dae Jung's presidency and the end of a political generation. At the core of this generational shift it. Korean politics is the emergence of what is dubbed the "386" generation. They are highly educated, digitally adept, more...