In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha talks to Christina Rasmussen and Sasha Wijidessa, the co-founders of award-winning Singaporean bar FURA, which serves up innovations such as mealworm margaritas and cultured Japanese quail.

The duo explain the thinking behind their unconventional approach to food and drink, discuss what they mean by “collaborative survival” and explain why they want people to rethink the way we eat and drink.

Featured Voices

Hosts: Manisha Tank

Guests: Christina Rasmussen, Co-owner and Head Chef, FURA and Sasha Wijidessa, Co-owner and Head Bartender, FURA

• Christina and Sasha say FURA is about creating a new way of eating and drinking that challenges the generational habits shaping the way we consume.
• They explain how they build their menus on ingredients that are abundant or readily available, working directly with producers and farms where possible.
• Christina believes her experience as a forager at Noma transformed her understanding of where food comes from and has given her an increased respect for ingredients.
• The pair say FURA’s use of insects and cultured meat isn’t a gimmick and is a way to introduce people to alternative sources of protein.
• Christina and Sasha believe meaningful change begins with small, individual choices.

01:03

The Story Behind FURA

Christina and Sasha reflect on the very different paths that took them to Copenhagen, where they began the journey that would eventually lead to them establishing FURA in Singapore.

03:31

From Mushrooms to “Collaborative Survival”

Sasha reveals how the book The Mushroom at the End of the World helped inspire FURA's name, philosophy and focus on the idea of collaborative survival.

07:44

Cooking With What’s in Abundance

Christina breaks down how the restaurant chooses ingredients that are abundant, invasive or prevalent, and how those principles shape its dishes.

10:01

What a Forager Really Does

Christina looks back at her time at Noma and explains how getting out into the field transformed her understanding of food and waste.

13:45

Why Insects Are on the Menu

From mealworm margaritas to jellyfish martinis, Sasha and Christina explain their thinking behind using insects as an alternative source of protein and why they don't want them to be treated as a gimmick.

19:58

Is Asia the Next Food Frontier?

Christina reflects on how Asian food, culture and techniques are increasingly shaping global cuisine, and why Singapore’s mix of influences makes it a natural hub for food innovation.

20:48

The Personal Cost of Choosing an Unconventional Path

Sasha recalls the difficult conversations with her parents about working in hospitality, while Christina reflects on unexpectedly becoming a business owner.

23:16

Small Changes, Big Impact

Christina and Sasha call for more conscious choices, arguing that small changes in how we eat and consume can help make sustainable habits part of everyday life.

24:18

An Unusual Gift

The pair reveal what’s inside the jar they brought for the TTA shelves and, unsurprisingly, it has something to do with insects.

25:56

The Long Road to Insect Approval

They reflect on the lengthy process of getting insect-based dishes approved for human consumption and how they had to navigate strict safety regulations before finally receiving the green light.

Useful links

https://www.fura.space/menu

https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Singapore/Singapore/Fura.html

https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/mealworm-margaritas-jellyfish-martinis-at-new-eco-conscious-bar-fura

https://greenloopfarms.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mushroom_at_the_End_of_the_World

https://www.sfa.gov.sg/regulatory-standards-frameworks-guidelines/insect-regulatory-framework/insect-regulatory-framework

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/10/singapore-approves-insects-eat-food

https://nomaprojects.com/blogs/journal/stepping-into-nature?srsltid=AfmBOor6XyjpTJlxR46ew5cJip1YeM70YVrV408zE4wKqlwOoI5i9s07

https://www.instagram.com/fura.sg

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha talks to Germaine Yong, who’s a senior scientist at A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation.

She talks about the trillions of microbes living on our bodies and explains how what we eat can shape our gut health. From antibiotics and allergies, to hawker center food and plant-based chicken nuggets, Germaine shares some fascinating discoveries from her research.

Featured Voices

Hosts: Manisha Tank

Guest: Germaine Yong, Senior Scientist, A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI)

• Germaine explains why the microbiome is far bigger than the gut, with microbes living across our body and playing important roles in keeping us healthy.
• She argues that excessive use of antibiotics, disinfectants and antiseptics can disrupt our microbial environment and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
• She says Asian microbiomes can differ from those in the West, with fermented foods and rice-based diets among the factors that may shape the microbes living in our guts.
• Her research suggests that diet can change the gut microbiome remarkably quickly, with an all-hawker center diet reducing levels of beneficial bifidobacteria within just two to three days.
• Germaine believes greater diversity in the plants we eat could be an important part of supporting gut health, and her research into plant-based foods suggests they may offer benefits for the gut microbiome.

02:10

From Toothpicks to the Microbiome

Germaine recalls the childhood science experiment that first sparked her fascination with the microscopic world inside and around us.

03:35

The Poo Whisperer

She explains what the microbiome actually is, why the gut contains so many microbes, and how stool samples can reveal clues about what's happening inside the body.

04:47

Are We Too Clean?

Germaine explores the unintended consequences of excessive use of antibiotics, disinfectants and antibacterial products, and explains why viruses don't respond to antibiotics.

07:03

Good Health Starts With Gut Health

She explains how the gut microbiome can influence health far beyond digestion, including areas such as cognitive health, sleep and menopause.

09:08

Why Asian Guts Are Different

Germaine looks at how diet, lifestyle and genetics shape microbiomes across populations, and why Asian guts can differ from those in the West.

11:10

The Allergy and Intolerance Question

She breaks down the difference between food allergies and intolerances, while sharing her own surprising experience of discovering she is intolerant to gluten.

15:15

What Is Hawker Food Doing to Your Gut?

Germaine reveals what happened when researchers studied the impact of a typical Singapore hawker-center diet on the gut microbiome.

16:56

The Case for More Plant Diversity

She explains why gut health may depend not just on eating enough fiber, but on eating a wider breadth of plant-based foods.

18:01

Project Nugget

Germaine reveals the surprising results of her research comparing fast-food, homemade and plant-based chicken nuggets through the lens of gut health.

20:31

Making Microbiology More Accessible

She discusses her passion projects, including a plant-based snack designed to increase dietary diversity and the children's book she wrote about the gut microbiome.

Useful links

https://www.a-star.edu.sg/sifbi

https://research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/highlights/wellness-starts-in-tiny-tummies/

https://www.a-star.edu.sg/sifbi/news-events/in-the-news/should-you-have-char-kway-teow-at-lunch-or-dinner--ask-your-gut

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/mums-scientists-and-now-childrens-book-authors

https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/12486?srsltid=AfmBOoq5zWZ6Y1wEpOaTlv7cHwJa9kzAQEko5lCfE39i2hKMvfKv5hWZ#t=aboutBook

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/germaine-yong_probiotics-superfoods-guthealth-activity-7395981510824189952-Fr0E

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha talks to Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, South and Southeast Asia, Salesforce and former Chair of the State Bank of India.

As one of India’s most influential business figures, Arundhati discusses the impact of AI, the importance of values-based leadership, and the gender barriers she has faced throughout her career. She also reflects on the decisions that helped her transform India's largest bank.

Featured Voices

Hosts: Manisha Tank

Guest: Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, South and Southeast Asia, Salesforce

• Arundhati believes lasting leadership begins with taking action, which is a lesson she learned from her mother at an early age.
• She explains how listening to other women led her to take simple but transformative policies to remove barriers to career progression at SBI.
• Reflecting on demonetization in India, she says clear leadership, constant innovation and practical problem-solving were essential during one of India's biggest banking challenges.
• Arundhati argues AI is not a magic solution but a long-term transformation that depends on trusted data, strong governance and clear business outcomes.
• She believes AI should be viewed as an opportunity to create new skills and careers.

02:31

The Power of Identity

Arundhati reflects on her first encounter with gender bias and how lessons learned from her mother shaped her determination to build an identity of her own.

05:58

Never Part of the Plan

Arundhati explains how joining State Bank of India at the age of 22 marked the beginning of an unexpected four-decade career at the bank.

08:23

Removing Hidden Barriers for Women

She describes how a practical housing challenge was preventing women from taking rural postings and how a simple solution helped change that.

10:52

Leading Through Demonetization

Arundhati reflects on managing India's largest bank through one of the country's biggest financial disruptions and why innovation became a daily necessity.

13:34

Starting Again at Salesforce

She reveals why leaving banking for the technology sector was one of the hardest decisions of her career and what ultimately persuaded her to join Salesforce.

17:43

Why AI Isn't a Magic Wand

Arundhati believes successful AI adoption will require patience, trusted data and a willingness to experiment and learn.

22:45

Building Trust Across Borders

She discusses the challenge of deploying AI across Asia's diverse regulatory landscape, where compliance, privacy and trust are non-negotiable.

24:35

Is AI Really Taking Our Jobs?

She says many young people in India view AI as an opportunity rather than something to fear.

26:27

Writing Indomitable

Arundhati shares how the pandemic gave her the time and motivation to write about the childhood experiences that shaped her life and leadership.

28:47

Carve Out What Doesn't Exist

Manisha revisits two memorable quotes from Arundhati, on territoriality and the dangers of complacency, as the conversation concludes with a reflection on what it takes to create new roles and keep growing.

Useful links

https://harpercollins.co.in/product/indomitable/

https://www.salesforce.com/in/news/stories/arundhati-bhattacharya-india-award/

https://fortune.com/2026/05/22/arundhati-bhattacharya-salesforce-south-asia-ceo-india-most-powerful/

https://www.forbes.com/profile/arundhati-bhattacharya/

https://www.ft.com/content/b46f06d9-2661-4685-9b5b-a3fd1791d64c?syn-25a6b1a6=1

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/banks-shouldve-been-given-more-time-to-prepare-for-noteban-arundhati-bhattacharya/articleshow/61248590.cms?from=mdr

https://www.salesforce.com/artificial-intelligence/

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha talks to Tom Platts, the Singapore-based M&A lawyer who turned a spur-of-the-moment walk around MacRitchie Reservoir into a global movement raising money and awareness for dementia.

Tom shares how swapping a beer with a client for a walk in the jungle spiralled into Walk to Talk, a foundation now active across five countries that has raised more than half a million US dollars — and why two phone-free hours in nature each morning completely changed his outlook on life.

Hosts: Manisha Tank & Andrew

Guest: Tom Platts, Founder, Walk to Talk

• Tom explains how a chance decision in January 2023 (swapping a client beer for a charity walk around MacRitchie Reservoir) grew into a movement called Walk to Talk.

• He says the daily loops have spread far beyond Singapore, with regular walks now running in London, Melbourne, Dubai and New York.

• Tom reveals the initiative has raised more than half a million US dollars for dementia charities across Singapore, the UK and Australia.

• He argues that walking and talking away from screens is powerfully good for connection, wellbeing and brain health.

• Tom urges anyone touched by dementia not to suffer in silence, noting that roughly 55 million people worldwide live with the disease.

02:45

The Expat Who Never Left

Tom explains how an 18-month posting to Singapore in 2011 quietly turned into 13 years and counting.

03:26

A Beer That Turned Into A Big Idea

He recalls a difficult year and the January morning he persuaded a client to swap a pint for a walk and a donation.

07:50

What Exactly Is MacRitchie?

He gives a tour of the 12.1-kilometre loop, its wartime history and the wildlife he logs for Singapore's National Parks.

09:50

The Challenge Goes Global

Tom shares how Walk to Talk spread from Singapore's jungle to London's streets, Melbourne, Dubai and New York.

12:26

The Numbers Behind The Steps

Tom talks through the steps he took and the funds he raised for dementia charities across three continents, plus one-off causes close to his heart.

16:04

Getting Dementia Outdoors

He explains why bringing people living with dementia into nature matters so much for memory and the senses.

18:46

Don't Suffer In Silence

Tom offers advice to families facing dementia and puts the sheer scale of the disease into perspective.

20:10

Why Walking And Talking Is Beneficial For You

He looks ahead to brain health, a growing team and how the whole thing reshaped the way he sees life.

23:35

How Can People Get In Touch

Tom shares how people can get involved with Walk to Talk.

https://youtu.be/YJ9mz4vXi_g

https://www.walk-to-talk.com/

https://dementia.org.sg/

https://www.raceagainstdementia.com/

https://www.dementia.org.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/walktotalk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-platts-18924475

We're on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email: [email protected].

And don't forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don't miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha talks to Jasper Donat, co-founder of Branded and creator of All That Matters (and the man who knows everyone!) about the three decades he has spent at the forefront of Asia’s media, music and live events industries.

Jasper shares stories (name dropping included!) from a career spent connecting audiences, artists and ideas. He also reveals why he believes Asia is increasingly shaping global culture, rather than just consuming it.

Featured Voices

Hosts: Manisha Tank

Guest: Jasper Donat, CEO and Co-Founder, Branded

• Jasper says Asia has evolved from being a destination for global entertainment into a major exporter of culture, talent and influence.
• He argues that despite advances in AI and virtual events, people still want to gather in person and share live experiences.
• Jasper believes creator culture transformed fandom by creating direct and personal relationships between audiences and talent.
• He says the future of entertainment lies in the growing overlap between sports, music, culture and digital communities.
• Jasper states that Asian artists and creators are increasingly finding global audiences without relying on traditional Western gatekeepers.

01:15

Why I Never Went Home

Jasper explains how a planned two-year move from London to Hong Kong led to a 30-year career in Asia.

02:13

The Birth of Modern Asian Media

He reflects on the rise of satellite television, Channel V and the early efforts to localise content for Asian audiences.

03:09

A Marathon Was Born

Jasper tells the story of how a casual brainstorming session helped create the first Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.

04:04

When the Spice Girls Came to Delhi

He reminisces about when some of the world's biggest music acts came to Asia during the region's entertainment boom.

05:03

Building Music Matters

Jasper explains why Asia needed its own music industry platform as the sector grappled with piracy, Napster and digital disruption.

08:36

The Day YouTubers Became Superstars

Jasper recalls the launch of YouTube FanFest and the moment creators proved they could command fan loyalty on a global scale.

11:50

The Craziest Fans in Asia

He compares fan culture across the region, from the passionate crowds of the Philippines to the orderly queues of Singapore.

15:11

Influencers vs. A-Listers

Jasper weighs in on who holds more sway in Asia today and shares a memorable Nile Rodgers story.

17:08

When Shah Rukh Khan Wasn't the Main Attraction

Jasper recounts the surreal moment Bollywood's biggest star was overshadowed by Lilly Singh.

19:09

Why Asia Is Now Exporting Culture

He explains why the next chapter for Asian creators, musicians and entertainers is taking their influence to audiences around the world.

Useful links

https://www.allthatmatters.asia/

https://www.branded.live/

https://www.youtube.com/@YouTubeFanFest

https://www.wearyourmusic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WI23EMNKPE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9CY4CPgCzs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj9FxhGEloc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_lPCGrbWMQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIZzZ28u-Vs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjjDwycSq4k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO6x9Xn6CsM

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this special episode of Tank Talks Asia, timed to coincide with World Dengue Day, Manisha Tank and Andrew Clark go behind the scenes at a mosquito factory in Singapore. They talk to Yanni Yoong from Debug, a Google-backed team that produces more than 10 million mosquitos a week to help combat dengue.

Yanni explains exactly how disease-carrying mosquito populations are being suppressed and discusses how Singapore’s approach could help protect millions of people across Asia, the region that bears the majority of the world’s dengue burden.

Featured Voices

Hosts: Manisha Tank and Andrew Clark

Guest: Yanni Yoong, Senior Program Manager, Debug

• Yanni explains how Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes can help to dramatically reduce populations of disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes without the use of pesticides.
• She says Debug’s Singapore facility now produces more than 10 million mosquitoes a week to support large-scale suppression efforts.
• Yanni outlines how AI and machine learning are used to identify and sort male mosquitoes with a level of speed and accuracy that would be impossible for humans.
• She believes Singapore’s unique urban environment has helped shape a mosquito-control model that could be adapted across Asia, where 70% of the global dengue burden exists.
• Yanni argues that climate change and urbanisation will increase the need for innovative, scalable approaches to controlling mosquito-borne diseases.

1:20

Welcome to the Mosquito Factory

Andrew and Manisha get exclusive access to one of Singapore’s most unusual production facilities, where millions of mosquitoes are bred every week.

2:33

Why Google Is Making Mosquitoes

Yanni explains how Debug emerged and why technology is being applied to one of the world’s biggest public health challenges.

5:18

The Science Behind Wolbachia

She outlines how a naturally occurring bacterium creates incompatible mosquito mating and helps drive down disease-carrying populations.

7:24

From Google Maps to Mosquitoes

Yanni shares her unconventional career journey and why she chose to work on dengue prevention.

9:18

How AI Learns to Spot a Mosquito

She explains how technology can distinguish male and female mosquitoes in just a fraction of a second.

13:25

The Last Line of Quality Control

Yanni details how humans work with AI to ensure only male mosquitoes are released.

17:45

Protecting Asia from Dengue

The conversation turns to the scale of the dengue challenge and why Southeast Asia sits at the centre of the fight.

19:11

Can This Model Work Beyond Singapore?

Yanni discusses how different Wolbachia strategies could be adapted for countries with varying resources and public health needs.

21:54

Climate Change and the Future of Disease Control

The episode concludes with a discussion about urbanisation, rising temperatures, and the growing importance of innovative vector-control solutions.

24:20

Don’t Put Away the Repellent Yet

Manisha and Andrew finish by reflecting on the life-saving potential of the project, Singapore’s role in scaling innovation, and the importance of staying vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases.

Useful links

https://debug.com/

https://www.dengue.com/worlddengueday

https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/work/wolbachia-method

https://www.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/resources/research/environmental_health_institute/wolbachia-aedes-mosquito-suppression-strategy/project-wolbachia-only-targets-aedes-aegypti

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases

https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/news/world-mosquito-program-and-debug-join-forces

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/google-subsidiary-expands-mosquito-facility-here-to-strengthen-anti-dengue-efforts

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Shaokai Fan from the World Gold Council joins Manisha Tank to discuss the enduring global fascination with gold and its evolving role today.

They talk about why central banks are accumulating gold at record levels, why Asia is reshaping global demand and whether gold still deserves its reputation as a safe-haven asset in an increasingly complex world.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Shaokai Fan, Global Head of Asia Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks, World Gold Council

1. Shaokai explains why gold is highly valued across cultures for its symbolic, spiritual and financial significance.
2. He talks about how our modern money systems evolved from gold-backed systems, including early gold coins and goldsmith-issued paper receipts.
3. Shaokai says Asia now dominates global gold demand, with China and India together accounting for roughly half of global consumer gold consumption.
4. He examines how central banks have accelerated their gold purchases in recent years amid geopolitical and financial uncertainty.
5. Shaokai says gold remains a complex asset and he outlines how its price is influenced by factors like interest rates, liquidity needs and broader market stress.

00:20

The Ancient Allure of Gold

Manisha begins by discussing gold’s long history, tracing it all the way from ancient civilizations through to its modern resurgence in global markets.

01:58

From Wall Street to World History

Shaokai reflects on his career path, which has led him from investment banking to the gold industry.

03:42

Why Humans Value Gold

He explores what’s behind gold’s universal appeal, including its cultural symbolism and its association with the sun.

04:38

The Birth of Money

Shaokai explains how gold coins and goldsmith receipts helped evolve into paper money and form the basis of our modern financial systems.

06:07

Asia’s Growing Influence

He talks about China’s role as a producer and consumer of gold and also discusses the rise of the Shanghai Gold Exchange.

08:20

India’s Deep Cultural Connection

Shaokai highlights India’s dual role as both a cultural and economic powerhouse in global gold demand.

09:42

Vietnam’s Evolving Gold Market

He also touches on how Vietnam has loosened up its gold policy and where there’s still such a strong cultural demand for it there.

11:24

Is Gold Still a Safe Haven?

Shaokai notes that gold doesn’t always rise during crises and that interest rates can affect its performance.

13:48

Central Banks and the Future of Gold

He discusses why central banks are increasing their gold reserves and how geopolitics plays into their decision making.

17:38

Gold vs Bitcoin

Shaokai compares gold and cryptocurrency, highlighting their differing roles as reserve assets and investment tools.

19:36

The Future Gold Era

The episode concludes with a look at how Asia is becoming the central gravity point for the global gold market.

Useful links

https://www.gold.org/

https://www.royalmint.com/invest/discover/gold-news/a-brief-history-of-gold/

https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/bretton-woods-created

https://www.gold.org/goldhub/research/gold-safe-haven-versus-silver-wildcard

https://en.sge.com.cn/

https://www.imf.org/en/home

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank talks to Andrea Ng, who’s Insights Director at Canvas8, to address some of the biggest myths surrounding Asia’s rise as a consumer powerhouse (from passive brand loyalty to bargain hunting).

Andrea explains how the region is increasingly shaping global culture through phenomena like K-pop, Korean beauty and Labubu. Make sure you don’t miss the blind box reveal at the end!

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Andrea Ng, Director of Insight APAC, Canvas8

1. Andrea says Asia’s rise is increasingly defined by its consumer culture, which is influencing global taste in entertainment, beauty, food and retail.
2. She outlines why there is no single “Asian consumer” and that markets across the region are shaped by very different demographic, cultural and economic realities.
3. Andrea believes consumers in Asia are highly sophisticated in how they assess value and prioritize their spending.
4. She says that in Asia convenience is built into everyday life, through super apps and shared community spaces.
5. Andrea states that consumers across Asia are actively shaping brands, by using their communities and networks to influence and question where brands are headed.

02:28

Is Asia’s Century Finally Here?

Andrea explains why Asia’s global influence is being driven as much by consumer culture, as by economics and geopolitics.

04:26

From Hello Kitty to Labubu

She explores how digital connectivity has accelerated Asia’s cultural exports and turned regional trends into global phenomena.

05:28

The Myth of the Asian Consumer

Andrea breaks down why treating Asia as a single consumer market is one of the biggest mistakes brands can make.

06:41

How Demographics Are Reshaping Demand

She talks about how consumer priorities are diverging, from ageing societies in Japan and South Korea, to more youthful growth markets like India and Indonesia.

09:09

What Aspiration Looks Like in Asia

Andrea and Manisha discuss how status, luxury, and aspiration are expressed differently across markets and generations.

11:47

Why Value Beats Discounts

Andrea explains why consumers are strategically trading up and down, by prioritizing emotional and social value over price cuts.

14:30

The Ritual of Shopping Festivals

She says the rise of double-digit shopping events reveals how e-commerce has become a budgeting strategy, as well as a form of entertainment.

15:56

Convenience as Culture

From Japanese 7-Elevens to Indonesia’s social convenience stores and the rise of super apps, she states that convenience is taking on a deeper cultural meaning.

19:38

Who’s Really Setting Global Trends?

Andrea and Manisha examine how Asia is increasingly exporting its culture, from K-pop and bubble tea to beauty trends and entertainment.

20:41

No Longer Passive

Andrea explores how Asian consumers have become powerful brand participants, influencing everything from product direction to ethical accountability.

23:11

The Labubu Lesson

The episode finishes with Andrea giving Manisha a blind box to open, as they reflect on why Labubus perfectly capture Asia’s growing soft power.

Useful links

https://www.canvas8.com/sg

https://www.instagram.com/labubu/?hl=en

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20j01gqx1eo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bci1a1CF80

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzCAwdp1uIQ

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/trends/20260311/why-young-koreans-are-meeting-strangers-to-eat-french-fries-together

https://songmontofficial.com

https://www.gojek.io/

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank talks to filmmaker Robin Lee, who shares the story behind “Four Trails”, his award-winning movie that documents one of Hong Kong’s most punishing endurance challenges (it combines Hong Kong’s four major hiking trails into one continuous 298-kilometre journey).

Robin discusses what it took to turn this passion project into a piece of Hong Kong film history, as well as the documentary’s success, its growing international audience, and how it is helping to showcase a different side to Hong Kong.

“Four Trails” has just been released in North America and will debut in Japan in July, but Robin is currently exploring opportunities for broader distribution. So if you can help connect the film with wider audiences internationally, he’d love to hear from you.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Robin Lee, Award-Winning Filmmaker and Director of “Four Trails”

1. The Four Trails challenge, which the film documents, pushes runners across 298 kilometers and more than 14,500 metres of elevation with no official prizes beyond personal achievement.
2. Robin says his passion for action sports helped inspire him to make “Four Trails”.
3. Making the film also became an endurance test for Robin, as it involved six months of planning, three days of filming, and a two year editing process.
4. A composer was hired to create the film’s emotional soundtrack, which is carefully crafted to mirror the physical and psychological journey of the trail runners.
5. “Four Trails” has now become one of Hong Kong’s most successful documentary releases and earned Robin a Best New Director award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

02:10

When Passion Pays Off

Robin describes the surreal moment he won a major award for a film that started as a passion project.

03:40

From Ski Films to Hong Kong Mountains

He reflects on his background in action sports filmmaking and how it influenced his decision to tell this story.

04:37

More Than a Race

Robin discusses why Four Trails is not really a competition, but a deeply personal test of resilience.

08:11

Capturing Human Limits

He talks about the difficulty of filming the runners in moments of extreme physical and mental exhaustion.

10:22

An Endurance Test

Robin shares how making the documentary became his own personal Four Trails challenge.

12:01

Editing 200 Hours of Footage

He describes the painstaking process of turning hundreds of hours of raw footage into a feature-length film.

14:01

Why Music Matters

Robin explains how the score was specially composed to heighten the emotional journeys of the runners.

15:42

The Struggle for Distribution

He opens up about his two-year effort to secure distribution and how getting the film seen, in some ways, proved harder than making it.

17:49

Chow Yun Fat’s Surprise Endorsement

Robin recounts the surreal moment when “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” star Chow Yun Fat requested a private screening of his film.

19:30

Global Hope

He talks about the ongoing efforts to find international distributors so the film can reach a wider audience.

20:44

Showcasing a New Hong Kong

The episode closes with Robin reflecting on how “Four Trails” is helping to reshape perceptions of Hong Kong and how he has now become part of the city’s film history.

Useful links

https://www.fourtrails.hk/

https://www.instagram.com/robintlee/

https://www.instagram.com/hk4tuc/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogms9773yi0

https://www.facebook.com/lostatlasproductions/

https://www.robinleevisuals.com/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000334/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sOEH3yrNlI

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, guest host Andrew Clark is joined by Voice of Baceprot’s frontwoman, Firda Marsya Kurnia, better known as Marsya. She talks about the Indonesian heavy metal group’s remarkable journey from meeting as school friends in a small village in West Java, to performing at events like Glastonbury and the Singapore F1.

Marsya reflects on the role social media has played in helping propel the band to fame, as well as discussing their distinctive look. She also talks about why the band isn’t afraid to address social and political issues in their song lyrics.

Featured Voices

Host: Andrew Clark (interviewer); Manisha Tank (introduction)

Guest: Firda Marsya Kurnia, Voice of Baceprot, vocalist and guitarist

• Marsya talks about how the Voice of Baceprot trio were guided by a teacher at school, who became their mentor.
• She says that discovering metal music on their teacher’s laptop sparked their interest in the genre.
• Marsya discusses how the band uses music to address social issues, such as poverty, patriarchy and freedom of expression in Indonesia.
• She reflects on the role social media played in turning a low-quality music video into a viral moment that launched their international career.
• Marsya also highlights the importance of giving back and explains how the band have built a studio in their hometown to support other young musicians.

00:00

From a Small Town to the Global Stage

Andrew and Manisha introduce Voice of Baceprot, discussing the band’s roots in rural Indonesia and their rise to fame.

03:25

How It All Began

Marsya explains how a teacher played a pivotal role in helping form the band while the girls were at school.

04:55

Discovering Metal

She talks about how discovering the music of System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine sparked their interest in metal.

06:00

Naming the Band

Marsya goes on to discuss the story behind Voice of Baceprot and the positive influence of their mentor.

07:01

Musical Influences

She discusses how global metal icons and the Indonesian music scene have contributed to shaping the band’s sound.

08:28

Joy and Bravery

Marsya talks about key themes in their music and says that performing is an act of freedom and self-expression for the trio.

10:04

Challenging Perceptions

She talks about how, by performing metal in the hijab, the girls have had to confront online and offline stereotypes.

11:46

Music and Social Issues

Marsya states that the band isn’t afraid to address issues like patriarchy and inequality in their lyrics.

12:58

Going Viral and Going Global

She explores how social media transformed their path and opened up international doors.

15:47

Life on Tour

She shares insights from performing at Glastonbury to Wacken and tells us how it feels to meet your musical idols.

20:40

Giving Back at Home

Marsya explains that the band have returned to live in their home village and have built a studio there with the aim of supporting other talent.

23:33

The Next Chapter

She outlines the band’s upcoming plans and has some advice for other young women in Asia.

Useful links

https://voiceofbaceprot.com/

https://www.instagram.com/marsyavob/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4sQPdgOgk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJOtmMKwkcc

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAVd8ynyUuG/a-little-story-when-we-were-racing-our-musical-roar-at-the-singapore-f1-arena-f1/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU420zwX7do&list=RDOU420zwX7do&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iywaBOMvYLI

https://www.instagram.com/alissawhitegluz/?hl=en-gb

https://copenhell.dk/en/front-page/

https://www.instagram.com/voiceofbaceprot/

https://www.youtube.com/@VoiceofBaceprot

https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceofbaceprot

https://open.spotify.com/artist/32rI2a65NqHEnTAewmPNEC?si=r0wuYnZkSZOmpktT-Sr6Vg

Don’t miss out

We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:

[email protected]

And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.

Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.