In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, guest host Andrew Clark is joined by Jon Pallett and Jamie Farndale from Hong Kong China Rugby, to talk about the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens which is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

They talk about what makes the Sevens such a thrilling global spectacle, the evolution of the tournament and how it continues to grow as both a sporting and cultural event. And they even divulge some top tips on which players and teams to watch out for this year!

Featured Voices

Host: Andrew Clark

Guests: Jon Pallett, Head of Communications, Hong Kong China Rugby

Jamie Farndale, General Manager Club Development & Sustainability, Hong Kong China Rugby

• Jon and Jamie talk about how the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens manages to create a festival-like atmosphere which differentiates it from other rugby tournaments.
• They say that the tournament’s evolution over the past 50 years has broadened its appeal to diverse and international audiences.
• They believe the move to Hong Kong’s Kai Tak stadium has enhanced the Sevens experience, at the same time as preserving traditions like the South Stand’s party vibe.
• They discuss how the Sevens plays a crucial role in grassroots rugby development, inspiring youth participation across Hong Kong and beyond.
• They say the Hong Kong Sevens is a bucket-list experience for sports fans worldwide.

02:25

What is Rugby Sevens?

Jamie explains how the game is much more fast-paced (and has less players) than a traditional rugby game. He also talks about how relentless and physically demanding Sevens matches are.

03:36

The Hong Kong Sevens Experience

Jon says the tournament manages to combine sport, entertainment and fan engagement to create a really unique festival atmosphere.

04:20

Then vs Now: The Evolution of the Event

They discuss how the Sevens has transformed over the years from an expat-focused event into a more inclusive, family-friendly global attraction.

07:12

The Legendary South Stand

Jamie gives his take on how the South Stand has weathered the move to the new Sevens stadium at Kai Tak.

09:46

Beyond the Pitch: Growing the Game

Jon talks about how Hong Kong China Rugby is inspiring youth participation in rugby and trying to expand the sport’s reach.

10:45

Economic Powerhouse

Jon shares some insights into the economic impact of the Sevens and how it compares to other global sporting events.

12:03

A Bucket List Sporting Event

Both Jon and Jamie say the Hong Kong Sevens is a must-visit experience for international fans.

13:08

Top Tourist Tips

Jon and Jamie each reveal their must-see itinerary for visitors coming to Hong Kong.

16:41

Celebrating 50 Years at Kai Tak

They talk about how the event’s 50th anniversary is being marked, with expanded programming and enhanced fan experiences, while also recognising its heritage.

19:07

The Future of Rugby in Hong Kong

Jon and Jamie give their opinion on upcoming international competitions and share their long-term vision for the sport.

21:36

Who’s Going to Win?

Jon and Jamie reveal who they think will come out on top at this year’s Hong Kong Sevens.

Useful links

https://hksevens.com/

https://hksevens.com/tickets/tickets

https://hksevens.com/news/flying-in-for-the-hk-7s-here-are-7-things-you-need-to-know

https://www.hkrugby.com/

https://www.svns.com/en/fixtures-and-results/svns

https://www.kaitaksportspark.com.hk/venues-spaces/4

https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2027/en

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.html

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 is joined by Global Sports Executive, Victor Cui, to talk about how he’s bringing the EPIC World Championship (the world’s first large-scale amateur international pickleball tournament) to Singapore and why pickleball’s accessibility is fueling its rapid growth.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience in sport, Victor also discusses the economics of sports participation, the evolving Olympic model, and why the next generation is redefining how sport fits into modern lifestyles.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Victor Cui, Global Sports Executive, Co-founder of ONE Championship and founding partner of EPIC World Championship

1. Victor believes pickleball’s inclusivity is helping to drive its global rise, because it allows players of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds to compete together.
2. He says pickleball surged in North America first, but that Asia will be the sport’s next growth wave due to its large population and accessible infrastructure.
3. Victor explains how the EPIC World Championship introduces a poker-style prize pool that grows as more players enter the competition.
4. He states that the future of sports events is experiential, which is why EPIC aims to offer food, music and other social experiences on the sidelines of the competition.
5. Victor talks about how sport is evolving, as younger generations increasingly view sport and wellness as social and lifestyle activities, rather than purely competitive pursuits.

00:26

The Pickleball Boom

An introduction to why one of the fastest-growing sports in the world is attracting both passionate fans and vocal critics in Singapore.

02:58

The Origin of EPIC

Victor Cui explains how conversations with friends sparked the idea for the EPIC World Championship, and how players qualify.

05:52

A New Kind of Prize Pool

He details the innovative poker-style model behind the prize purse, which grows as more players enter.

07:20

F1-Style Event Energy

Victor says EPIC aims to be more than just a pickleball tournament, and talks about how the competition will combine sport with music, food, and festival-style entertainment.

09:01

When Sports Meet Urban Living

He explains how EPIC is trying to balance pickleball’s popularity, at the same time as responding to concerns about noise and community impact.

11:06

The Business of Participation Sports

Victor notes that low barriers to entry and being able to use shared infrastructure make pickleball economically very attractive.

14:29

Why Youth Sports Culture Differs by Region

He reflects on how attitudes toward youth sports differ between North America and Asia.

16:31

Do the Olympics Still Matter?

Victor discusses how the Olympic model is evolving to deliver legacy value and stronger commercial partnerships.

20:18

The Integrity Challenge in Modern Sports

He says the growth of sports betting is changing the risks and governance of professional competition.

22:14

More Irons in the Fire?

To conclude, Manisha asks Victor what we can expect from him next.

Useful links

https://pickleball.com/

https://epicworldchampionship.com/

https://www.singaporepickleball.com.sg/

https://www.ft.com/content/e0d8801b-e8f6-4b58-9d2d-814469f358fe

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/50-badmintonpickleball-courts-to-be-built-in-singapore-over-next-5-years

https://www.onefc.com/

https://olympic.ca/

https://www.the-wolfpack.com/

https://gastrobeats.com.sg/

https://thesnowleague.com/

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 is joined by global strategist, author and AlphaGeo founder, Parag Khanna, to discuss climate adaptation, geopolitical stability and the future of AI.

Their conversation also covers why water scarcity is a crisis hiding in plain sight, and why attracting young people could be the ultimate measure of national success, along with what this all means for where to live, invest and build a future.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Parag Khanna, Author; Founder and CEO, AlphaGeo

1. Parag says that premium insurance spikes and “uninsurable” zones are reshaping property markets.
2. He believes water is the next global fault line and he identifies areas of drought, where there’s poor infrastructure and dense populations as future crisis zones.
3. Parag says Europe dominates AlphaGeo’s “Periodic Table of States”, which ranks countries by their strength, stateness and overall stability.
4. He warns that population decline, which will have profound economic and geopolitical consequences, is coming faster than many people realize.
5. Parag believes that the countries attracting young people will be tomorrow’s winners because they are the ones doing most things right.

02:45

The Moment That Changed Everything

Parag talks about how a trip to the Berlin Wall when he was 12 years old sparked a lifelong interest in geopolitics.

06:51

Climate Risk Has a Price Tag

Parag believes that rising insurance premiums are a very clear signal that markets are repricing climate danger.

07:58

The Cape Coral Warning

He explains how a Florida boomtown became a case study in uninsurability and collapsing housing demand.

09:40

The Periodic Table of States

Parag discusses what AlphaGeo’s data-driven framework, which ranks countries by strength, stateness and stability, reveals.

12:07

Water: The Crisis We’re Ignoring?

He outlines why drought risk, poor adaptation capacity and population density are a volatile mix.

14:47

Are We Really “In This Together”?

Parag states that climate mitigation may be global, but adaptation is still very local.

16:57

Fewer Humans, Different Map

He goes on to discuss why demographic collapse and political realignment could reshape the global map within the next 50 years.

20:16

AI: Smarter Than You?

Parag gives his take on the growing power of AI and what he thinks it’s bad at.

21:26

Quickfire Questions

Manisha quizzes Parag on everything from the dollar, to robots, Mars, and the cities he believes may no longer exist in future decades.

24:50

The Ultimate Future Test

Parag says attracting young people is the simplest, most powerful measure of a nation’s long-term success.

Useful links

https://www.paragkhanna.com/

https://alphageo.ai/

https://alphageo.ai/ptos/

https://futuremap.io/

https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/florida-cape-coal-home-prices-3f64a0df?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqcHaPjcD_jsdgyhm2r-y80Z865UalG0t_cj99FSYde9CI8L-X0bKVe3yjlhYqQ%3D&gaa_ts=699f687b&gaa_sig=ywrW49bLpxVDUAb9e1tPqaaVbay2s4Nz7ZKLPP3WOZknd-4EC0NHxcuGeEpinQwYm2Lrn6mVvxLSBIMXrMxEHg%3D%3D

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412021005614

https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/06/global-drought-outlook_28488e98/full-report/towards-a-drier-world_6f10e2e5.html

https://www.roseville.ca.us/

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 is joined by Sastya Wardani, the CEO of Femtech Ovy Health, to discuss some of the taboos surrounding reproductive and hormonal health in Asia.

They cover topics including PCOS and the role stress hormones can play in male and female infertility. Manisha and Sastya also talk about what happens when a country’s fertility rate drops below replacement levels.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Sastya Wardani, CEO and Co-founder, Ovy Health

1. Sastya says infertility is rising fast across the globe and is now estimated to affect 1 in 6 people, but she believes this number could be even higher in parts of Asia.
2. She says fertility challenges don’t just affect women, in her experience it’s now a 50:50 split between men and women.
3. She explains how hormones can affect everything, showing up as brain fog, mood swings, fatigue, fat storage, and hair loss.
4. Sastya believes early testing is key, with simple hormone tests able to provide crucial insights before problems may escalate.
5. She talks about the economic consequences and long-term societal impact of falling fertility, highlighting some Asian countries which are already below the 2:1 replacement rate.

02:55

Breaking the Menstruation Myth

Sastya addresses the stigmas that surround menstruation in some cultures and says outdated beliefs still shape women’s health experiences.

06:18

PCOS: The Silent Disruptor

She says that PCOS affects around 1 in 10 women, but is frequently underdiagnosed and misunderstood.

08:16

A Hormone Information Gap?

Manisha asks Sastya why it’s common to see leaflets about diabetes at Doctors clinics, but yet information about hormones seems to be less readily available.

10:50

Egg Reserve Reality

Sastya talks about AMH, which she says is a crucial fertility marker, but many women have never heard of it.

12:16

The Fertility Time Bomb in Asia

She notes that replacement fertility rates are falling in parts of Asia, which raises demographic and economic concerns.

14:37

The Male Fertility Taboo

Sastya says factors that can affect male fertility, such as working with a laptop on the knee or even the type of clothes worn, are rarely discussed.

17:24

The Importance of Getting Checked

She explores rising infertility rates and says that understanding hormonal health from puberty is essential to safeguard future reproductive health.

21:30

The Stress Hormone

Sastya explains how our bodies release cortisol when we are stressed, which can push us into fight or flight mode and have an adverse effect on fertility and overall health.

23:58

Be Your Own Advocate

She says we need to take matters into our own hands when it comes to our overall health and have more open conversations.

Useful links

https://www.ovyhealth.com/ https://www.euromonitor.com/article/womens-health-in-asia-pacific-adapting-solutions-to-local-consumer-needs-and-lifestyles#:~:text=Needs%20and%20Lifestyles-,Women's%20Health%20in%20Asia%20Pacific:%20Adapting%20Solutions%20to%20Local%20Consumer,traditional%20regimes%20to%20relieve%20discomfort.

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

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/male-infertility

https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN

https://asia.nikkei.com/economy/demography/japan-s-number-of-babies-born-marks-record-low-for-10th-straight-year

https://www.uobgroup.com/assets/web-resources/research/pdf/MN_250925A.pdf

https://www.bca.co.id/-/media/Feature/Report/File/S8/Laporan-Riset-Ekonomi/2025/12/2026-indonesia-economic-outlook-inching-towards-higher-growth-19-december-2025.pdf

https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/fertility-market-sizing

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/infertility-drugs-market

https://www.weforum.org/publications/women-s-health-investment-outlook-2026/

https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/births-and-fertility/latest-data

https://www.population.gov.sg/files/media-centre/publications/Population_in_Brief_2025.pdf

https://www.hcamag.com/asia/news/general/the-cost-of-ignoring-fertility-39-of-employees-would-consider-leaving-their-job/558052

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12537526/

https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/64880/lifestyle-and-environmental-factors-and-human-fertility/magazine

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-flo-health-study-suggests-women-could-get-endometriosis-diagnoses-more-than-50-sooner-302700748.html

https://www.weforum.org/publications/closing-the-women-s-health-gap-a-1-trillion-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies/

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.

As tensions escalate between Iran, Israel and the United States, the implications stretch far beyond the Middle East. Energy markets, global trade routes and geopolitical alignments are all being tested — and Asia will feel the impact.

In this special live episode, Manisha Tank is joined by:

1. Steve Okun – CEO APAC Advisors, a specialist in US–Asia relations
2. Sam Olsen – Geopolitical analyst focusing on global power dynamics

Together they discuss:

• What has happened in the last 24 hours

• How the crisis could reshape global power dynamics

• Why the Strait of Hormuz matters for Asian economies

• How China and other Asian powers may respond

• What businesses and policymakers in Asia should be watching next

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank is joined by Dr Samir Puri, author of “Westlessness”, and Joel Ng, editor of “The Dragon’s Emerging Order” to discuss whether the era of western dominance is coming to an end and, if so, what replaces it?

Their conversation covers everything from Mark Carney’s headline-making Davos speech and the global impact of Donald Trump’s presidency, to China’s multilateral rise, the conflict in Ukraine, and the future of the UN.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guests: Samir Puri, Inaugural Director, Centre for Global Governance and Security, Chatham House, Author and Former UK Diplomat

Joel Ng, Senior Fellow and Head of Centre for Multilateralism Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies

02:01

A Defining Speech at Davos

Samir and Joel discuss how Mark Carney’s address at the World Economic Forum signalled a reset in global alignments and even echoed historic moments from the past.

05:50

Hedging as a Viable Strategy

Samir believes that Asian multi-alignment is becoming a model for western powers navigating US-China rivalry.

07:10

China’s Multilateral Architecture

Joel explains how Beijing has been building platforms, partnerships and institutional influence for decades.

08:12

Who Polices the World Now?

Samir and Joel give their views on the limits of American security guarantees and the rise of regional responsibility.

11:50

Ukraine and the Limits of Idealism

Samir says he thinks the war in Ukraine may end in pragmatic compromise rather than total victory.

17:11

Is the UN Still Fit for Purpose?

Samir and Joel debate what role the UN still has to play in a world of great power rivalry.

20:03

Climate in the Shadows

They discuss how the green agenda risks being buried and explore the potential for greater collaboration between China and Europe.

23:25

Looking to the Future

Samir and Joel weigh in on where multilateralism might be headed and why there are reasons to stay optimistic.

Useful links

https://www.samirpuri.com/

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/samir-puri/westlessness/9781399722636/

https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/14463?srsltid=AfmBOop57P3ns25wtQ_Y7t2kJiVbpjeAic081TOSrXBC3ZMOj7jzmESf#t=aboutBook

https://www.chathamhouse.org/

https://rsis.edu.sg/research/cms/

https://www.weforum.org/

https://www.un.org/un80-initiative/en

https://asean.org/

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 sits down with economist, author, and travel writer, Razeen Sally. Razeen shares his insights on the rise of Asia and the challenges of leadership in the modern world.

Razeen also talks about how he views Buddhism as both a unifying and evolving force across the continent. And he reflects on his own Buddhist journey, which includes an epic 42-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Razeen Sally, Economist and Author

1. Razeen talks about how the rise of Asia is helping to reshape politics, economics, and culture, but he says that while this rapid modernization brings opportunities, it also comes with spiritual costs.
2. He believes youth-led uprisings in Asia often reflect frustrations with the elites and the uneven distribution of economic opportunity.
3. Razeen says social media amplifies biases and creates political vacuums that can be filled by populist or inexperienced leaders.
4. He discusses how Buddhism has historically acted as a unifying force in Asia, but says that today it is fragmented, politicized, and can be tied to nationalistic agendas.
5. Razeen believes that some reform within Buddhist societies could make the tradition more relevant to the 21st century.

00:30

Who is Razeen Sally?

Manisha introduces Razeen, highlighting his global expertize, travel writing, and how he splits his time between Sri Lanka and Wales.

03:05

Politics Shaped by Childhood

Razeen shares a formative experience he had as a child, which sparked his lifelong interest in politics, current affairs, and understanding the world.

04:43

Losing and Finding Faith

He talks about losing his faith in university, but later rediscovering the importance of spirituality.

05:25

Why Gen Z is Rising in Asia

Razeen discusses the Gen Z protests in Asia, the impact of modernization, and the challenges of trying to break elites.

07:05

Social Media: Power or Problem?

He says social media can both inform and polarize, and highlights the influence it can have on populist movements.

09:28

Can Leaders Be Trusted?

Razeen shares his take on leadership, and why he believes politics and businesses often fall short in both the East and West.

14:45

Buddhism’s Journey Across Asia

He explains the historical and cultural evolution of Buddhism, from its origins in India to its spread across Asia and the West.

18:00

Buddhism in China

Razeen examines the revival of Buddhism in China and the role he believes religion can play in maintaining social and political stability.

21:40

A Unifying Path?

He discusses Buddhism’s historical role in uniting Asian empires, but says that today it is often fragmented and divided.

25:10

Modern Life Meets Ancient Wisdom

Razeen concludes by exploring how modernization can open up opportunities for spiritual reform and discusses the future relevance of Buddhism in Asia.

Useful links

https://x.com/razeensally?lang=en

https://ecipe.org/person/razeen-sally/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1157196.Razeen_Sally

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism

https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index

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 award-winning Pakistani American multidisciplinary artist, Anila Quayyum Agha, about how art has the power to shape identity and create empathy across cultures.

Anila traces her journey, from growing up in Pakistan to carving out a path in the US art world, reflecting on her iconic installations, the obstacles she has navigated along the way and why she believes the arts are key to a more humane future.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Anila Quayyum Agha, Award-winning Artist

1. Anila believes that art actively creates and shapes how we see ourselves and each other.
2. She says cultural identity shouldn’t be diluted to fit Euro-Western artistic frameworks.
3. Anila firmly believes that craft and labor-intensive practices, often associated with women, deserve the same recognition as fine art.
4. She sees the arts and humanities as essential to building empathy and critical thinking in society.

00:30

The Foundation of Civilization?

Manisha introduces Anila by reflecting on how art defines humanity, memory, and shared meaning across generations.

02:03

Threads of Identity

Anila reflects on the key concepts that have shaped her work over the past three decades.

03:38

Identity, Culture and Refusing to Criticize Home

She discusses how she resisted pressure to disparage her own culture and focused on creating work that’s inclusive.

05:03

The Iconic Cube Installation

She explains how her award-winning cube installations explore light, space and movement, and also involve the audience.

09:13

Expectation and Expression

Anila talks about being a young woman in Pakistan and how she had to navigate cultural expectations as she worked to discover her artistic voice.

11:08

Craft Versus Fine Art

Anila challenges thinking that devalues craft, textiles and feminine labor within the art world.

11:53

Staying True to Herself

She says she has worked hard as a multidisciplinary artist to remain honest to herself, and varies her materials depending on the message she is trying to convey.

16:49

Inequality in the Art World

Anila talks about inequalities in the arts and explains why she believes that, without intervention, real equality may take centuries to achieve.

20:21

Color as Culture and Survival

She says she uses bold colors to express her culture and to rebel against muted Western aesthetics.

23:12

Why the Arts Make Us Human

Anila urges young people to embrace the arts to cultivate empathy, problem-solving and humanity.

Useful links

https://www.anilaagha.com/news

https://www.sundaramtagore.com/exhibitions/anila-quayyum-agha

https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/anila-quayyum-agha-all-the-flowers-are-for-me

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG225930

https://www.nca.edu.pk/

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

https://artsg.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj0TnkAqsts

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 and the views and opinions shared by our guests are their own.

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank talks to Ireland’s former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to discuss leadership, geopolitics and the shifting global order.

Leo talks truthfully about the loneliness of executive decision-making and gives his views on the rise of Asia, US politics under Donald Trump, and how small nations like Ireland and Singapore can navigate great-power competition.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Leo Varadkar, Former Taoiseach of Ireland, Global Advisor at Penta Group, Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Author of Speaking My Mind

1. Leo reflects on how taking leadership decisions at the highest level can be lonely, despite being surrounded by people.
2. He says the global order is shifting eastward, but that big-power rivalry will still shape how much countries will actually work together.
3. Leo suggests that small nations, like Ireland and Singapore, have benefited from globalization but he expects the coming decades to be less favorable for them.
4. He believes the US president sets the global standard for what other leaders view as acceptable behavior.
5. Leo emphasizes the need to get AI regulations and interventions right, sooner rather than later.

01:18 Life After Power

Leo begins by reflecting on his move away from frontline politics and how he’s now enjoying the freedom of a portfolio career.

04:36 Politics in the DNA

Leo says a visit to his father’s hometown in India revealed a family history of political activism that he hadn’t previously fully understood.

07:05 Seize the Moment

He advises new leaders to take difficult and unpopular decisions early, while their political mandate is strongest.

09:10 The Loneliness of Leadership

He points out that leaders may be surrounded by lots of people but, when it comes down to it, responsibility rests on their shoulders alone.

11:10 A Changing World Order?

Leo talks about global fractures but argues it’s too early to declare the end of Western democratic leadership.

12:40 Asia’s Long-Term Rise

He believes economic gravity is shifting east and that Asia and Africa have the power to reshape global growth and influence.

14:19 Understanding Donald Trump

Leo offers his personal take on Donald Trump, noting both his intelligence and charisma, as well as his gaps in knowledge.

16:10 Democratic Norms Under Pressure

He points out that the US president’s behavior can set the tone for how other world leaders behave and act.

18:15 The Spying Game

Leo talks about how some countries use intelligence and espionage to gain strategic leverage over others.

20:38 Small States, Big Similarities

He draws parallels between Ireland and Singapore and discusses how they navigate their place among competing global powers.

24:15 Regulating the Unknown

Leo gives his views on the difficulties of AI and why he thinks it’s important to get the rules and regulations right.

25:40 A Shelf Memento

He finishes the interview by giving Tank Talks Asia a book that explores Irish influence on Singapore’s history.

Useful links

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/470040/speaking-my-mind-by-varadkar-leo/9781844886937

https://pentagroup.com/

https://www.hks.harvard.edu/

Mark Carney's Davos speech

https://www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

https://rosemarylim.com/

Sources

RTÉ News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3nmYG_y9Zo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNmm5OLBx8c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsVCOkRgnZ0

Channel 4 News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsPqFU3n_vM

Sinead Harper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy9so3k9z-E

Ronan McGreevy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwjXNIDVI90

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 chats to tech entrepreneur and education reformer, Billy Naveed. He reflects on his journey from growing up in the North of England, to moving to Asia and setting up Young Founders School.

They discuss the opportunity gap affecting young people today, the transformative potential of AI in learning, and what parents, schools and businesses can do to prepare the next generation for the future of work.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Billy Naveed, Founder & Chairman, Young Founders School

1. Billy says that millions of young people across Asia start life far behind their peers, despite having equal or greater potential.
2. He discusses how the education system is optimised for exams, not employability, and that by their mid-teens, many students have had their creativity, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial spirit stifled.
3. Billy believes that AI isn’t a threat and when used correctly, it could help level the playing field for underprivileged youth.
4. For him, hunger, curiosity, resilience, and creative thinking matter more than degrees or grades.
5. Billy argues that preparing children for the future of work requires collective action from parents, schools, and corporates.

01:30

Growing Up in Post-Industrial Britain

Billy reflects on his childhood in Burnley, where there was high unemployment and crime rates due to the decline of the manufacturing sector in the North of England.

03:00

The Accidental Beginning of a Coding Career

A gift from his father introduced Billy to coding and inspired a lifelong passion for technology.

He talks about how he began to sell his gaming creations to his classmates.

04:57

Becoming a 14-Year-Old Tech Entrepreneur

By building one of the world’s most visited visual basic forums, Billy says he unknowingly launched his first remote business.

06:35

Being Judged by Skills, Not Age

Billy explains how working on a major engineering project in his early teens taught him the value of merit-based work and influenced his approach to education and hiring.

08:34

Betting on Asia’s Rise

Billy talks about his move from the UK to Hong Kong, and how he was drawn by Asia’s economic momentum and energy.

09:50

The Spark Behind Young Founders School

He shares that by visiting underprivileged Hong Kong schools he was exposed to the gap between creativity and exam-driven education.

15:08

What Young Founders School Actually Does

Billy outlines YFS’s model and how its courses, mentorship, and virtual internships are designed to close this opportunity gap.

17:15

AI as a Copilot, Not a Crutch

He says YFS uses AI to scale impact, teach critical thinking and empower students, rather than to replace human creativity.

21:30

A Call to Action for Corporates and Educators

Billy believes that companies, governments, and parents must rethink how young people are being prepared for an AI-driven future of work.

25:35

Fire in the Belly

He wraps up by sharing YFS’s mission to reach one-million students by the 2030s and gifts a symbolic pin badge to Tank Talks Asia.

Useful links

https://www.youngfoundersschool.com/

https://riseconf.com/

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

https://warwick.ac.uk/

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.