As Paul Daley has eluded to there are marked differences in Asian culture between countries. Even in China where I have lived and worked there are subtle but important differences between the cultures of say Shanghai and Beijing.
When it comes to golf courses in the south eastern Asian countries of Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines for example, they look to America and particularly Augusta National as the role model. This is the style to be emulated, and the place where the big design brands of Nicklaus, RTJ etc come from. Culturally wise a lot of Asian clients want Par 72 (anything less is inferior) ,returning nines, a manicured look, and for one client I was involved with, it was critical that the driver be the choice of club off the first tee..the idea of using a 3wood or iron off the tee (the wiser play) was just not acceptable.
Golf obsessive Japan and Korea (which closely follows Japanese golf culture)have developed a golf culture on mainly steep sites that tends never to break the mould. Double greens, carts, and impeccably dressed women caddies are de-riguer. With the flatter land protected for agriculture it leaves hillsides requiring big earthworks to render the land suitable for golf. These two countries comprise extremely proud and self determined people where to break out and do something different has historically been rare,
China on the other hand is much different. This relatively immature golf market is reluctant to pay big money for design. Brands at this stage dont mean much because the avarage new golfer in China doesn't know most of the famous names anyway.
The other most interesting thing about China golf is the Chinese cultural and indeed a national fascination with history and travel. With relatively no predjudices it is not uncommon to find the Chinese seeking the history of the beginnings of golf and finding themselves travelling toScotland. To them this is more important than venturing to the USA to see a modern game.
I find the Chinese deeper study of the game refreshing, and whilst yes the more well known courses in China have been designed by some of the bigger (US based) design names, I have heard of 1 or 2 low key designs that are more akin to links golf's minimalist design.
China also has vast areas of land suitable for golf including coastel dunes. The Chinese people can be very practical and open minded as they adopt outside culture. so I wouldn't be suprised if some minimalist designs do arise in the not too distant future.