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Tank Talks Asia

Tank Talks Asia

By: AsiaWorks
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Against a backdrop of booms, busts, and geopolitical shifts, Asia continues its quiet and confident rise. More than ever, new and colourful Asian voices are bursting onto the global stage, from the world of business, tech, media, music, politics, sports, art, and culture. Hosted by acclaimed broadcaster and interviewer Manisha Tank, Tank Talks Asia meets the humans helping to drive this dynamic region forward.Copyright 2026 AsiaWorks Economics Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Asia's Gold Rush? | Shaokai Fan, World Gold Council | Tank Talks Asia

    Asia's Gold Rush? | Shaokai Fan, World Gold Council | Tank Talks Asia
    Jun 4 2026
    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 TankGuest: Shaokai Fan, Global Head of Asia Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks, World Gold CouncilKey takeawaysShaokai explains why gold is highly valued across cultures for its symbolic, spiritual and financial significance.He talks about how our modern money systems evolved from gold-backed systems, including early gold coins and goldsmith-issued paper receipts.Shaokai says Asia now dominates global gold demand, with China and India together accounting for roughly half of global consumer gold consumption.He examines how central banks have accelerated their gold purchases in recent years amid geopolitical and financial uncertainty.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.Chapter heads00:20The Ancient Allure of GoldManisha begins by discussing gold’s long history, tracing it all the way from ancient civilizations through to its modern resurgence in global markets.01:58From Wall Street to World HistoryShaokai reflects on his career path, which has led him from investment banking to the gold industry.03:42Why Humans Value GoldHe explores what’s behind gold’s universal appeal, including its cultural symbolism and its association with the sun.04:38The Birth of MoneyShaokai explains how gold coins and goldsmith receipts helped evolve into paper money and form the basis of our modern financial systems.06:07Asia’s Growing InfluenceHe talks about China’s role as a producer and consumer of gold and also discusses the rise of the Shanghai Gold Exchange.08:20India’s Deep Cultural ConnectionShaokai highlights India’s dual role as both a cultural and economic powerhouse in global gold demand.09:42Vietnam’s Evolving Gold MarketHe also touches on how Vietnam has loosened up its gold policy and where there’s still such a strong cultural demand for it there.11:24Is Gold Still a Safe Haven?Shaokai notes that gold doesn’t always rise during crises and that interest rates can affect its performance.13:48Central Banks and the Future of GoldHe discusses why central banks are increasing their gold reserves and how geopolitics plays into their decision making.17:38Gold vs BitcoinShaokai compares gold and cryptocurrency, highlighting their differing roles as reserve assets and investment tools.19:36The Future Gold EraThe episode concludes with a look at how Asia is becoming the central gravity point for the global gold market.Useful linkshttps://www.gold.org/https://www.royalmint.com/invest/discover/gold-news/a-brief-history-of-gold/https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/bretton-woods-createdhttps://www.gold.org/goldhub/research/gold-safe-haven-versus-silver-wildcardhttps://en.sge.com.cn/https://www.imf.org/en/homeDon’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:tanktalksasia@asiaworks.comAnd 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.
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    23 mins
  • Brand Asia? Busting Asian Culture Myths | Andrea Ng, Canvas 8 | Tank Talks Asia

    Brand Asia? Busting Asian Culture Myths | Andrea Ng, Canvas 8 | Tank Talks Asia
    May 20 2026
    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 TankGuest: Andrea Ng, Director of Insight APAC, Canvas8Key takeawaysAndrea says Asia’s rise is increasingly defined by its consumer culture, which is influencing global taste in entertainment, beauty, food and retail.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.Andrea believes consumers in Asia are highly sophisticated in how they assess value and prioritize their spending.She says that in Asia convenience is built into everyday life, through super apps and shared community spaces.Andrea states that consumers across Asia are actively shaping brands, by using their communities and networks to influence and question where brands are headed.Chapter heads02:28Is 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.04:26From Hello Kitty to LabubuShe explores how digital connectivity has accelerated Asia’s cultural exports and turned regional trends into global phenomena.05:28The Myth of the Asian ConsumerAndrea breaks down why treating Asia as a single consumer market is one of the biggest mistakes brands can make.06:41How Demographics Are Reshaping DemandShe talks about how consumer priorities are diverging, from ageing societies in Japan and South Korea, to more youthful growth markets like India and Indonesia.09:09What Aspiration Looks Like in AsiaAndrea and Manisha discuss how status, luxury, and aspiration are expressed differently across markets and generations.11:47Why Value Beats DiscountsAndrea explains why consumers are strategically trading up and down, by prioritizing emotional and social value over price cuts.14:30The Ritual of Shopping FestivalsShe says the rise of double-digit shopping events reveals how e-commerce has become a budgeting strategy, as well as a form of entertainment.15:56Convenience as CultureFrom 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.19:38Who’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.20:41No Longer Passive Andrea explores how Asian consumers have become powerful brand participants, influencing everything from product direction to ethical accountability.23:11The Labubu LessonThe 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 linkshttps://www.canvas8.com/sghttps://www.instagram.com/labubu/?hl=enhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20j01gqx1eohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bci1a1CF80https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzCAwdp1uIQhttps://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/trends/20260311/why-young-koreans-are-meeting-strangers-to-eat-french-fries-togetherhttps://songmontofficial.comhttps://www.gojek.io/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:tanktalksasia@asiaworks.comAnd 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.
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    25 mins
  • The Film That Changed Hong Kong Documentary Cinema | Robin Lee | Tank Talks Asia

    The Film That Changed Hong Kong Documentary Cinema | Robin Lee | Tank Talks Asia
    May 6 2026
    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”Key takeawaysThe 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.Robin says his passion for action sports helped inspire him to make “Four Trails”.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.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.“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.Chapter heads02:10When Passion Pays OffRobin describes the surreal moment he won a major award for a film that started as a passion project.03:40From Ski Films to Hong Kong MountainsHe reflects on his background in action sports filmmaking and how it influenced his decision to tell this story.04:37More Than a RaceRobin discusses why Four Trails is not really a competition, but a deeply personal test of resilience.08:11Capturing Human LimitsHe talks about the difficulty of filming the runners in moments of extreme physical and mental exhaustion.10:22An Endurance TestRobin shares how making the documentary became his own personal Four Trails challenge.12:01Editing 200 Hours of FootageHe describes the painstaking process of turning hundreds of hours of raw footage into a feature-length film.14:01Why Music MattersRobin explains how the score was specially composed to heighten the emotional journeys of the runners.15:42The Struggle for DistributionHe opens up about his two-year effort to secure distribution and how getting the film seen, in some ways, proved harder than making it.17:49Chow Yun Fat’s Surprise EndorsementRobin recounts the surreal moment when “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” star Chow Yun Fat requested a private screening of his film.19:30Global HopeHe talks about the ongoing efforts to find international distributors so the film can reach a wider audience. 20:44Showcasing a New Hong KongThe 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 linkshttps://www.fourtrails.hk/https://www.instagram.com/robintlee/https://www.instagram.com/hk4tuc/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogms9773yi0https://www.facebook.com/lostatlasproductions/https://www.robinleevisuals.com/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000334/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sOEH3yrNlIDon’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:tanktalksasia@asiaworks.comAnd 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.
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    25 mins
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