Tank Talks Asia

In this special episode of Tank Talks Asia, recorded in Singapore following the Milken Institute Asia Summit, Manisha Tank is joined by colleagues Andrew Clark and Yeen Chong to explore the big ideas shaping Asia’s investment landscape.From shifting global capital flows and AI, to personalised cancer vaccines and affordable healthcare, the team speaks to investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers about how investment is evolving to meet the needs and challenges of a changing world.Featured Voices Hosts: Manisha Tank, Andrew Clark, Yeen ChongGuests: Paul Thoppil, High Commissioner for Canada in SingaporeTristan Thompson, NBA Player; Founding Partner, Introduction.comShannon Cheung, Chairman and CEO, Averest CapitalManoj Kumar, Founder, Social AlphaCarol Fong, Group CEO, CGS International Securities LimitedKey takeawaysPaul Thoppil says that as geopolitical relationships and trade patterns shift, Canada and other markets are looking to attract investment by offering greater diversification and trusted governance for major projects.Tristan Thompson explains that athletes, entertainers and other influential figures are becoming alternative sources of capital for startups, bringing visibility, personal brands and storytelling alongside their financial investment.Shannon Cheung discusses how AI, genome sequencing, mRNA technology and advanced cell culture are creating new possibilities for personalised cancer vaccines, while raising important questions about access to emerging medical treatments.Manoj Kumar states that patient, philanthropic and early-stage capital can help bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial markets, supporting innovations such as affordable MRI machines.Carol Fong believes that China's expanding economic footprint, ASEAN's developing technology ecosystem and closer regional connections could reshape capital flows across Asia, although the region still faces a challenge in attracting investment into its technology and capital markets.Chapter heads0:00 Introduction0:42A Pivotal Moment for AsiaReflecting on the Milken Institute Asia Summit, Manisha, Yeen and Andrew discuss the growing international interest in Asia, shifting capital flows and the questions surrounding AI, investment and who holds the reins of economic power.03:37Diversifying Trade and Attracting Global InvestmentPaul Thoppil, the High Commissioner for Canada in Singapore, explains how Canada is seeking to attract international investment through trade diversification, greater certainty for investors and streamlined project approvals.08:42Athletes as the New Capital AllocatorsNBA player and founding partner of Introduction.com, Tristan Thompson, discusses how athletes and celebrities can bring startups more than capital, at the same time as highlighting why human connection remains valuable in an AI-driven world.13:39From Personal Loss to Personalised Cancer VaccinesShannon Cheung, Chairman and CEO of Averest Capital, shares how his family's experience with cancer inspired his move into biotechnology, explaining how AI, genome sequencing and mRNA technology are helping Likang Life Sciences develop personalised cancer vaccines.19:25Turning Innovation into Social ImpactManoj Kumar, the founder of Social Alpha, explains how philanthropic and early-stage capital can help bring affordable healthcare and other impactful innovations to market, from low-cost MRI machines to sustainable materials made from flower waste.25:38China, ASEAN and the Future of Capital FlowsCarol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International Securities, explores how China's expanding regional footprint, growing technology ecosystems and closer ties with ASEAN could reshape investment flows and unlock new opportunities across Southeast Asia.Useful links https://milkeninstitute.org/events/asia-summit-2026https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/singapore-singapour/singapore-singapour.aspx?lang=enghttps://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/canada-investment-summit-2026.htmlhttps://liberal.ca/plan/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/04/23/3279930/0/en/tristan-thompson-joins-introduction-com-as-founding-partner-backing-the-rise-of-the-400b-in-person-connection-economy.htmlhttps://introduction.com/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cmq5nljx7972ohttps://averest.com/about.htmlhttps://likanglife.com/https://www.lechengmedical.com/https://www.socialalpha.org/https://phool.cohttps://www.cgsi.com/Home?lang=ENDon’t miss outWe’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] 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, recorded at the Milken Asia Summit, Manisha speaks to Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of Haas F1 Team, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.From his journey from Japan to Formula 1, to building a high-performing team, embracing AI and creating more opportunities for young people in Asia, Ayao shares the experiences and lessons that have shaped his career.Featured Voices Hosts: Manisha TankGuest: Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal, Haas F1 TeamKey takeawaysAyao explains why he believes a transparent, no-blame culture is essential to learning from mistakes and improving performance.He shares how his journey from Japan into Formula 1 was driven by curiosity and passion.He argues that creating more opportunities at grassroots level, rather than simply investing in infrastructure, is key to developing the next generation of Asian motorsport talent.Ayao believes AI presents a major opportunity for smaller F1 teams, helping them to make better use of vast amounts of data.His advice to young people is not to be afraid of taking the first step.Chapter heads02:41Learning From MistakesAyao explains Haas's transparent, no-blame approach to setbacks, focusing on understanding what went wrong and improving the process rather than dwelling on individual mistakes.05:15Inside the Singapore Grand PrixHe describes the unique atmosphere of Singapore's night race, while explaining why the pressure and need for consistent performance remain the same wherever the F1 calendar takes the team.06:08The Fans Behind the FormulaFrom the huge crowds at Silverstone to Japanese fans creating bespoke gifts for every team member, Ayao reflects on the different ways F1 fans around the world connect with the sport.08:44From Japan to Formula 1Ayao says that watching F1 as a teenager inspired him to leave Japan, learn English and pursue an education in the UK with the ultimate goal of working in motorsport.13:50From Engineer to Team PrincipalHe explains how moving into the Team Principal role transformed his responsibilities from engineering to running an entire organisation, encompassing business, people, legal and financial considerations.15:50Just Take the First StepAyao offers advice to young people who want to work in F1, arguing that ambitious goals become achievable when you just focus on the next step.17:30Building a Future for Asian MotorsportHe discusses the importance of grassroots opportunities, celebrating differences and giving more young people the chance to discover their potential in motorsport.20:16AI and the Human AdvantageAyao explains why AI could be particularly valuable to a smaller F1 team like Haas, helping analyze huge volumes of data and freeing people to spend more time on the work only humans can do.22:53The Power of Different PerspectivesHe argues that embracing different cultures, ideas and perspectives can make us more resilient, creative and better equipped for an uncertain world.Useful links https://www.haasf1team.com/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2026/singaporehttps://gpbeat.com/article/3d4bd354-ffd6-46fc-a87e-0d89eb566238?lang=en&discipline=f1https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/automotive-engineering-beng/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/alumni/news/2024/may/ayao-komatsu-haas-team-principal/https://www.racefans.net/rio-haryanto/https://www.haasf1team.com/partners/toyota-gazoo-racinghttps://www.stemracing.com/https://milkeninstitute.org/events/asia-summit-2026Official Hub: Haas F1 Team LinktreeX (formerly Twitter): @HaasF1Team on XInstagram: @haasf1team on InstagramTikTok: @haasf1official on TikTokFacebook: TGR Haas F1 Team on FacebookThreads: @haasf1team on ThreadsWebsite: haasf1team.com [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]🏁 2026 Race DriversEsteban OconX (formerly Twitter): @OconEsteban on XInstagram: @estebanocon on InstagramTikTok: @estebanocon on TikTokFacebook: Esteban Ocon Official on Facebook [1]Oliver BearmanX (formerly Twitter): @OllieBearman on XInstagram: @olliebearman on InstagramTikTok: @olliebearman on TikTokFacebook: Oliver Bearman on Facebook [1, 2]Don’t miss outWe’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] 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, to break down the business side of the creator economy.From running Music Matters Academies to helping independent artists work with global brands, Jasper shares what it really takes to scale your creative craft into a commercial business.Featured Voices Hosts: Manisha TankGuest: Jasper Donat, CEO and Co-Founder, BrandedKey takeawaysJasper explains why creators need to think of themselves as businesses, with a clear plan of where they want to go and how they intend to get there.He discusses the mental health pressures facing creators, particularly the difficulty of separating personal rejection from professional rejection.Jasper argues that authenticity is fundamental to successful creator-brand partnerships.He highlights the power of collaboration, particularly across cultures, and shares examples of creators working together to reach new audiences.His advice to aspiring creators is do what you love, never give up and never stop selling.Chapter heads01:13Culture is CommerceJasper explains why music, sport, gaming, creators and marketing are increasingly converging, and previews the thinking behind this year's Music Matters programme.03:01Why Most Creators Don’t Have a Business PlanHe says the Music Matters Academy helps musicians understand the business side of their careers, from setting goals to working with platforms, brands, publishers and lawyers.04:33Learning From People Who Have Made ItJasper describes how candid conversations with industry leaders give emerging creators access to advice, mistakes and experiences they would rarely encounter elsewhere.07:51Managing Mental Health and Handling RejectionThe conversation turns to the unique pressures of being your own boss and putting deeply personal creative work into the public domain.10:27Luck, Money and the Power of CollaborationJasper considers how creators break through, why luck can play a role, and how collaborations can help artists reach new audiences across borders.13:03Authenticity vs. Brand DealsJasper shares an example of a creator who turned down a lucrative brand deal, illustrating why trust with an audience can be more valuable than a single payday.15:38Finding Your AudienceFrom micro-influencers to creators with millions of followers, Jasper explains why the value of an audience depends on who is actually listening, watching and engaging.17:28The Golden Rule: Never Stop SellingJasper offers his three pieces of advice for aspiring music creators: do what you love, never give up and never stop selling!20:06It's About the FanDrawing on his experience with YouTube FanFest and creators around the world, Jasper explains why successful creators put their relationship with their audience at the heart of what they do.Useful links https://sg.linkedin.com/in/jasperdonathttps://www.branded.live/allthatmattershttps://www.branded.live/music-mattershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqU1jW85jG8https://www.branded.live/youth-music-matters-2025Don’t miss outWe’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] 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 Maha El Dimachki, CEO of Solutions at the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), to unpack the future of global fintech.Maha also shares her insider’s view on how technology is reshaping global finance and economic access, and what she believes the future holds for jobs in an increasingly automated world.Featured Voices Hosts: Manisha TankGuests: Maha El Dimachki, CEO of Solutions, Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN)Key takeawaysMaha explains why she believes fintech is capable of solving practical problems in areas such as agriculture, healthcare and access to credit.She says technologies including AI, blockchain, tokenisation and open finance could expand access to financial products and make them more affordable.Maha talks about how regulators need to strike a balance between allowing innovation to develop, while also staying close enough to emerging technologies to understand and manage the risks.She argues that companies need to develop “AI fluency” and understand how AI is being deployed.Maha believes Asia's biggest challenge is creating jobs for a growing population of young people, and is hopeful that collaboration between governments, businesses and organisations can help address it.Chapter heads01:25The Future of Financial ServicesMaha explains what she does at GFTN Solutions and why creating jobs, developing skills and building supportive ecosystems are at the heart of her work.02:27From Sydney to London to SingaporeShe reflects on more than 25 years in finance, talking about the experiences that shaped her career, including her time at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.03:59Making Finance Work in the BackgroundMaha and Manisha discuss how technology has transformed everyday banking and how financial innovation can connect technology with practical challenges in areas such as farming, healthcare and financial inclusion.07:00The Technologies That Could Change FinanceFrom blockchain and tokenisation to AI and open finance, Maha looks at the technologies she believes could unlock new opportunities and make financial services more accessible.08:47How Should Regulators Respond?Maha explains the balancing act regulators face as technologies such as AI and quantum computing develop at unprecedented speed.10:49Why Businesses Need AI FluencyShe argues that companies need to understand the risks and implications of AI for themselves, with boards playing a central role in deciding how the technology should be deployed.12:27Can Regulation Be a Friend?Maha challenges the idea that regulators are simply there to get in the way, arguing that startups and scale-ups can use regulation to build stronger, more trusted businesses.14:29Cutting Through the Fintech JargonThe conversation turns to acronyms, jargon and the importance of explaining financial technology in terms that everyone can understand.17:47Payments, Geopolitics and SovereigntyMaha traces the evolution of payments from traditional banking to neobanks and digital wallets, and explains why geopolitical shifts are making homegrown payment systems and financial sovereignty increasingly important.20:11The Five RewiringsMaha previews the themes shaping this year’s Singapore FinTech Festival, from technology and geopolitics to talent, policy and capital, before returning to the question of how Asia can create jobs for its youth.Useful links https://gftn.co/press/gftn-strengthens-global-leadership-team-with-anthony-thomas-as-chief-strategy-growth-officer-and-maha-el-dimachki-as-ceo-of-gftn-advisoryhttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/taking-insights-action-practical-approach-necxc?trk=public_post_feed-article-contenthttps://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/Industries/financial-services/perspectives/fintech-glossary.htmlhttps://www.bankofengland.co.uk/explainers/what-is-a-central-bank-digital-currencyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u1lIKhHhZQhttps://www.fintechfestival.sg/Don’t miss outWe’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] 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 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, FURAKey takeawaysChristina 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.Chapter heads01:03The Story Behind FURAChristina 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.03:31From 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.07:44Cooking With What’s in AbundanceChristina breaks down how the restaurant chooses ingredients that are abundant, invasive or prevalent, and how those principles shape its dishes.10:01What a Forager Really DoesChristina looks back at her time at Noma and explains how getting out into the field transformed her understanding of food and waste.13:45Why Insects Are on the MenuFrom 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.19:58Is 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.20:48The Personal Cost of Choosing an Unconventional PathSasha recalls the difficult conversations with her parents about working in hospitality, while Christina reflects on unexpectedly becoming a business owner.23:16Small Changes, Big ImpactChristina 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.24:18An Unusual GiftThe pair reveal what’s inside the jar they brought for the TTA shelves and, unsurprisingly, it has something to do with insects.25:56The Long Road to Insect ApprovalThey 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/menuhttps://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Singapore/Singapore/Fura.htmlhttps://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/mealworm-margaritas-jellyfish-martinis-at-new-eco-conscious-bar-furahttps://greenloopfarms.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mushroom_at_the_End_of_the_Worldhttps://www.sfa.gov.sg/regulatory-standards-frameworks-guidelines/insect-regulatory-framework/insect-regulatory-frameworkhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/10/singapore-approves-insects-eat-foodhttps://nomaprojects.com/blogs/journal/stepping-into-nature?srsltid=AfmBOor6XyjpTJlxR46ew5cJip1YeM70YVrV408zE4wKqlwOoI5i9s07https://www.instagram.com/fura.sgDon’t miss outWe’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] 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.