Pei Ying Loh, co-founder of Kontinentalist, a data-driven publication based in Singapore, was interviewed at the 2023 International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy. Kontinentalist focuses on Asian issues, aiming to bridge the gap between research and the public, and to combat Eurocentrism in news. The publication covers diverse topics such as the rubber industry's colonial past in Singapore and Malaysia, and Asia's favorite alcoholic beverages. They also offer workshops on data storytelling. Loh discussed the importance of creating stories with a long shelf life and the decision-making process behind series versus stand-alone stories. She emphasized the need for visualizations to uplift Asian communities without perpetuating stereotypes. Kontinentalist aims to produce 10 to 12 significant stories annually, often in collaboration with nonprofits or individuals who can offer unique perspectives or data. They are also developing a data storytelling platform with support from the Google News Initiative and building a community of data storytellers in Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a significant victory in India's parliamentary elections, winning 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. This win consolidates their power and support for Hindu nationalist policies. Modi's affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has bolstered his appeal to India's Hindu majority, but minorities, particularly Muslims, have faced increased hostility and violence since BJP's rise to power in 2014. The Indian National Congress (INC) only won 52 seats, and allegations of voting suppression, such as EVM tampering and voter list manipulation, have surfaced. BJP supporters dismiss these claims, attributing their victory to Modi's popularity and dismissing the complaints as an inability to accept defeat. The BJP's victory chant evolved from 'abki baar Modi sarkar' in 2014 to 'Phir ek baar Modi sarkar' in this election.