Funny, my wife's Asian too and I know the exact thing you mean. We like being able to tote the kettle around rather than having the bring the container to it, though. I agree it's more energy efficient.

You can fill the kettle from the boiler. :)

Since realizing most people only have coffee makers and microwaves and are missing out on tools to simplify making great tea, I've made it a habit of giving out airports (dewar flask pump liquid dispensers) as gifts to everyone I know along with some tea-making utilities, like the IngenuiTEA. Water stays piping hot all day, no power needed beyond the initial boil.

Also, am East Asian, can verify: it's pretty uncommon to find a household without a rice cooker, a portable butane grill, or a Zojirushi.