When looking at the Asia-Pacific region, is it necessary to move away from Western paradigms and adopt more localised perspectives in order to better understand the region?

When looking at the Asia-Pacific region, is it necessary to move away from Western paradigms and adopt more localised perspectives in order to better understand the region?

Essay question from Application for college students conference called "Asia Pacific " hosted by The Australian National University.(max. 800 words)
http://asiapacificweek.anu.edu.au/