The COVID-19 pandemic is a generation-defining event with far-reaching implications. It is not only the most severe public health emergency in recent history but also an economic and social crisis of unparalleled proportions that is touching every aspect of human life. To understand the repercussions of this crisis and chart a way forward, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Asia launched the blog series "Disrupted: How COVID-19 is affecting societies in Asia" in late March 2020. Given the fast pace of events, the testimonies in this publication are naturally snapshots reflecting the state of affairs at the time they were written-a compendium of "diary" entries. We hope this spotlight on the debates and developments in Asia are food for thought and inspire more exchanges and learning.