Young woman with black hair wearing a white denim jacket holding a black bag, standing in front of a wooden wall with artwork and framed pictures.

Culture.
Business.
Strategy.

I’m Crystal Tai — an internationally-recognised journalist, author and strategist exploring how culture, business and consumer behaviours are reshaping the way we work and live.

Originally from Hong Kong and Canada, I’ve spent more than a decade living and reporting across Asia. As an editor and journalist, my writing and commentary have appeared on global platforms including The Guardian, BBC, CBC, and other media. I am also the co-author of Honjok: The Art of Living Alone (Welbeck/HarperCollins, 2021).

Separate from my reporting, and where there is no conflict of interest — I work with global brands and organisations on research, cultural insight, editorial and narrative projects.

For collaborations, speaking engagements or other enquiries: reach me at hi@crystal-tai.com.

Close-up of a Black Lives Matter poster with various colored handprints surrounding the words in white uppercase letters.
Bold black text saying 'The Guardian' on a black background.
Blue banner with white text that reads 'Toronto Star'.
Al Jazeera logo with a stylized gold emblem and blue text.
South China Morning Post logo with styled dark blue text.
Text with the words 'Jing Daily' in bold black font on a white background.
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The word 'MONOCLE' in large, black letters on a white background.

What I do

Journalism

Reporting on business, culture and social change across Asia and beyond.

Research + Analysis

Cultural intelligence, consumer insight, emerging trends.

Narrative / Storytelling

Shaping concepts and data-driven insights into compelling narratives.

Speaking & Commentary

Podcasts, panels, lectures and workshops.

Stories

A person running on a grassy trail in a scenic landscape with green hills and white cliffs in the background, under bright lighting.
Smartphone displaying a digital assistant interface asking, 'What can I help with?'

Canadian craze: The rise of Arc’teryx, Lululemon in China. — Jing Daily

The perils of AI and data privacy.
— Al Jazeera News

I explored why Canadian brands have become so popular in China, and what’s driving the country’s interest in Canadian lifestyle.

I looked at Canada’s proposed privacy rules, and what they could mean for our data and everyday lives.

Four young adults posing outside a building at night, with three standing and one crouching in front, illuminated by neon lighting.
Street scene in an urban area with tall buildings, signs in Chinese, parked cars, and a man with a cart in the middle of the street.

I went to -26C Mongolia to explore its streetwear scene and how young people are mixing global fashion influences with local identity.

In Hong Kong, poverty becomes a fire hazard. — The Toronto Star

Ulaanbaatar Street Style
— id Magazine

I wrote about the Hong Kong fire and the deeper housing unaffordability, and structural problems that made the tragedy possible.

Read more
Nine books about Honjok, a Korean concept of living alone, displayed on a white surface. The covers feature various colorful and minimalist designs, including birds, mountains, and Korean or other Asian-inspired artwork.

My Book

Honjok: The Art of Living Alone (Welbeck/HarperCollins 2021) explores how demographic change, economic pressure, and evolving notions of identity and belonging are reshaping modern life in South Korea — and beyond. The book has been translated into multiple languages and published internationally.

More about Honjok

Let’s work
together.

For collaborations, select projects and other enquiries — get in touch via hi@crystal-tai.com.

PR pitches: I welcome relevant story ideas and launches across culture, business, tech and consumer trends.