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The Ati-Atihan Festival is one of the most exciting and culturally rich celebrations in the Philippines. Held every January in Kalibo, Aklan, this week-long event is a mix of history, tradition, and religious devotion—all wrapped up in energetic street dancing, pulsating drumbeats, and vibrant costumes. One of its most recognizable features is the festival-goers covered in black paint, paying homage to the indigenous Ati people.
Japanese culture is known for its rich traditions, timeless elegance, and stunning attention to detail—and few things capture all of that quite like the kimono. But not everything that looks like a kimono is one. Often, what’s casually referred to as a "kimono" might actually be a yukata—a more relaxed and modernized version of the traditional garment.
Language is more than just words—it reflects culture, history, and social norms. One fascinating aspect of many Asian languages is how they incorporate politeness into everyday speech. Unlike English, where politeness is often conveyed through tone or additional words like "please," many Asian languages have built-in structures that make sentences more respectful.
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Published March 8, 2025
Society & Ethics
Rewarding Good Acts, Punishing Bad Ones: The Social Credit System in Asia
Imagine this: What if doing good things for yourself and society meant the government helped cover your living costs? On the flip side, if your actions were harmful, you’d start losing that support. Suddenly, your grocery bill might double, your access to housing assistance could disappear, and getting a bank loan? Forget it.
Sounds wild, right? Well, this isn’t just a thought experiment — it’s a real system being tested in China.
How Does It Work?
China’s social credit system, currently being trialed in Nanjing, starts everyone off with 1,000 points. From there, your actions determine if your score rises or falls.
Good Deeds That Earn Points:
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Going to school
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Donating blood
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Supporting charities
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Buying necessities for your children or elders
With a higher score, you’ll enjoy perks like:
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Priority for school admissions and job opportunities
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Easier access to loans and credit
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Free gym access
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Discounts on public transport
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Shorter hospital wait times
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Fast-tracked promotions at work
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Priority for public housing
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Tax breaks
Bad Deeds That Lower Points:
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Participating in cult activities
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Breaking traffic laws (including jaywalking and drunk driving)
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Criticizing the government
If your score gets too low (with 600 being the bottom), things get tough:
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You may be denied permits, licenses, or social services
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Booking flights or high-speed trains could become impossible
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Access to credit will be restricted
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Government jobs will be out of reach
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Your children may be barred from private schools
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You may even face public shaming, with your name, photo, and ID number displayed on public screens
How Are They Tracking This?
China’s extensive surveillance network plays a big role. Public transportation cards, which double as debit cards, track your movements and spending.
Additionally, banking transactions, internet search history, e-commerce activity, and even facial recognition systems contribute to your score.
Singapore’s Similar System
While not as intense, Singapore has its own version of this system. Married college graduates are encouraged to have more children, receiving government assistance and better housing perks as a reward. Meanwhile, individuals with criminal records often face reduced government support.
The Debate: Fair or Too Far?
Critics, particularly in countries where privacy is valued, argue that such systems give governments too much control. They believe essentials like food, housing, healthcare, and education should be rights, not rewards. Supporters argue that in many parts of Asia, privileges are seen as something to be earned. The system encourages social responsibility — but yes, there’s concern it could be abused by corrupt officials.
For now, Nanjing residents are living this reality — and those with higher social scores seem to be reaping the benefits. Whether this system expands or evolves remains to be seen.