Asians master the art of excess

A new film shines a light on the growing power of Asian money.

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Constance Wu as Rachel in Crazy Rich Asians

Not so very long ago the Far East was a place that banks and companies sent those who were too incompetent for head office, but too well-connected for the old heave-ho. There was even an acronym for the phenomenon: Filth (Failed In London, Try Hong Kong). This was a win-win for all concerned as the lower domestic standard of living allowed the sunburned expats to live like kings, even on half-pay. However, as the hit film Crazy Rich Asians set amid the social whirl of the Singaporean super-rich demonstrates, it is now Westerners who are the poor relations when it comes to the art of excess.

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