Southeast Asian Men Are At The Forefront of Modern Masculinity

How do we define the modern Southeast Asian man?

Who is the modern Southeast Asian man? The question assumes that there is a ‘traditional’ counterpart. And indeed, we can flesh him out.

Our local cultures, religious beliefs, and societal norms have shaped generations of Southeast Asian men who are—or, at least, aspire to become—strong and stoic. We have been told to take charge of our lives, to display fortitude at all times, to provide for our families and loved ones, and to bring honor to our names. These ideals trickle down to our ways of conducting ourselves, our ways of dressing, our goals and aspirations, and our views of the world much bigger than where we are from. And inherently, nothing is wrong with these values.

However, it is undeniable that the modern Southeast Asian man is quite different. He’s either a combination of these things and more—and by this, we mean ideals that may be deemed deviant—or he just has a different set of priorities. He is a complex character: rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to branch toward the future with openness and confidence. 

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You’ll see it in how he dresses. He respects the integrity of a well-fitting suit, but he doesn’t mind pairing it with beaten-down tennis shoes. He’ll wear local weaves reworked into contemporary pieces: a sports jacket, a buttoned shirt, or of-the-moment baggy trousers.

The modern Southeast Asian man has a set self-care routine. Fitness becomes central to his life, because a healthy body becomes his foundation. Cleansers, toners, and moisturizers are the bare minimum, and he knows a thing or two about serums, eye creams, face masks, and everything else often deemed only for women. He understands that the Southeast Asian sun is relentless, so sunscreen never leaves his bag. He knows the power of a good haircut, and he doesn’t shy from makeup if needed. It’s less about vanity and more about mobility, as he knows that image is today’s ticket to many opportunities.

He is ambitious, if not more driven. However, success is now measured differently. A meaningful goal for him could be a flexible career arrangement, where he can work to the rhythm of the waves of Koh Samui. Maybe he is fine with a traditional 9-to-5, so as long as his after-hours are spent spinning in the clubs of hectic Ho Chi Minh. And there’s no such thing as a ‘tough’ or ‘soft’ job for him: he’ll work in tech, in fashion, in finance, in a bake shop—he’ll do whatever he wants.

And as far as toughness is concerned, it’s now beyond the physical realm. He knows that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a badge of courage. He is not afraid to express himself, and he extends an earnest listening ear in return. Because nothing is more difficult—and laudable—than confronting one’s own sentiments and being open to others’ feelings as well. Emotional intelligence becomes his new marker of strength.

So how do we make sense of the modern Southeast Asian man? Does he invite ridicule for deviating from tradition, or do we applaud him for indulging in the influences of the contemporary world? And what of those who try hitting a happy middle, or those who miss the mark completely, deliberately or otherwise?

Or maybe we’re asking the wrong things. Maybe it’s not about whether he’s more or less of a man because of who he is, what he aspires to be, or what he can become. Rather, it might be a question of standards, of whether we should still gauge one’s masculinity using arbitrary criteria and accord the consequent judgment or praise.

But if the question is if the modern Southeast Asian man is in the position to shift or break away from such standards, then the answer is a resounding yes. And trust that he’ll do it in extraordinary fashion.

As seen in the pages of VMAN SEA 04, available in print and by e-subscription.

Photography Jharwin Castañeda

Chief of Editorial Content Patrick Ty

Art direction Summer Untalan

Fashion Corven Uy