Study Group: Asian Empires Page 1 of 2

Asian Empires: Tycoons, Dynasties, & Monarchies

Asia Study Group is turning its focus on empires, whether historical or modern, political or commercial. Empire can be defined as ‘an extensive sphere of activity controlled by one person or group.’ As we explore this theme, we hope to learn about Ancient Empires that profoundly influenced this region (the Han Dynasty, the Chola Dynasty, etc.) as well as modern empires leaving their mark on Asia today (the Chaebols of South Korea, Political Families of the Philippines, etc.).

Join us as we learn, laugh, indulge in great food and nourish our souls!

General Topics

Religion & Philosophy in Chinese Dynasties

Imperialism in Asia: Western Empires confront Asian Empires

Royal Families of Asia

Women’s Role in Asian Family Firms

Historical period drama films on empires

Temple Kingdoms - exploring SE Asian empires through temple complexes

The Chaebols of South Korea

Political Families in Southeast Asia - positive & negative values

Modern Political Dynasties

Philippine Political Families - Aquino, Estrada, Marcos, etc.

Thailand - Shinawatras

Singapore - Lee

Indonesia - Sukarno, Suharto, etc.

India - Nehru-Gandhi

North Korea - Kim

Business Empires / Merchant Dynasties

Asia’s Rich Families - keeping wealth in the family (a few examples….)

Lee Family, South Korea, Samsung

Ambani Family, India, Reliance Group

Saji Family, Japan, Suntory

Khoo Family, Singapore, Maybank

Sassoon Family, Singapore, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and much else

Study Group: Asian Empires Page 2 of 2

Business Empires / Merchant Dynasties (continued)

Asian Cosmetic Empires (Amorepacific, Shiseido, Su Man, LG Electronics)

Asian Fashion Empires (Shanghai Tang, Uniqlo)

Succession Planning for the Family Empire

Li Ka Shing, CK Hutchinson Holdings

Jack Ma, Alibaba

Monarchies - Modern

Constitutional Monarchy Systems and how they work (Malaysia, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand)

Absolute Monarchies - Brunei, Oman, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E.

Historical Asian Empires (a sampling):

China Qing Dynasty Song Dynasty

Ming Dynasty Tang Dynasty

Borneo Bruneian Empire

Cambodia Khmer Kingdom

Central Asia Golden Horde Timurid Empire

India Sikh Empire Maratha Empire

Mughal Empire Delhi Sultanate

Chola Dynasty Gurjara-Pratihara Empire

Japan Empire of Japan

Korea Goryeo Goguryeo

Laos Lan Xong

Mongolia Mongol Empire

Myanmar Bagan Kingdom Mon Kingdom

Pyu Kingdom Toungoo Dynasty

Philippines Tondo Empire

Thailand Siam Empire Sukhothai

Chiang Mai Ayutthaya

Tonga Tu’i Tonga Empire

Vietnam Nguyen Dynasty Champa Kingdom