In this explosive Tech Burst Talks episode, host Charles sits down with Andrew Staples, a battle-tested geopolitical expert who made the leap from The Economist to founding his own advisory firm, GeoPol Asia.

Together, they dissect how corporations across Asia are caught in the crossfire of escalating US-China tensions, tariff wars, and supply chain disruptions. This isn't just academic analysis - it's corporate survival intelligence from the trenches. 

Staples reveals how multinationals are paralysed by uncertainty, with investment plans on hold whilst executives scramble to navigate everything from Vietnam's tariff backlash to China's strategic overseas expansion.

The conversation exposes the volatile landscape where Singapore battles the Middle East for innovation talent, venture capital dries up across Southeast Asia, and Western MNCs find themselves demoted to third-tier priorities by nervous headquarters.

From the miscalculation risks that keep geopolitical experts awake at night to Japan's demographic time bomb spurring unprecedented innovation, this episode delivers the tactical insights C-suite leaders need to thrive when caught between superpowers.

Whether you're repositioning supply chains or managing expat teams in Asia's dynamic markets, Staples provides the intelligence needed to survive the corporate crossfire of our fractured global order.

 

SHOW NOTES:

00:08 Introduction and Guest Background

04:17 Geopolitical Climate and Business Impact

06:44 Navigating Uncertainty in Asia

11:02 China's Strategy and Global Influence

13:57 Challenges for Western MNCs in Asia

15:54 Middle East vs. Asia: Innovation and Investment

20:05 VC Slowdown and Future Strategies

22:09 Advice for Western Expats in Asia

23:31 Networking and Curiosity in Asia

24:52 Geopolitical Risks in Asia

26:22 Future Prospects and Global Order

29:58 Personal Reflections and Predictions

37:27 The Allure of Japan

39:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts