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/

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...

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

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...

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...

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank chats to Gene Yu, who’s the founder and CEO of cybersecurity and crisis response company, Blackpanda, and also a former US Army Special Forces officer.

Gene talks about growing up Asian-American, becoming a Green Beret, negotiating with terrorists, and ultimately finding purpose as the founder of Blackpanda.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Gene Yu, Founder & CEO, Blackpanda

1. Gene discusses how cultural expectations can drive ambition, but can also leave lasting emotional scars.
2. He suggests elite performance can often conceal a deep internal struggle.
3. Gene says failure can be a powerful force for redirection.
4. He believes that how we respond in a crisis reveals who we really are and what we have the potential to become.
5. Gene demonstrates that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.

00:00

An Extraordinary Life

Manisha introduces Gene and talks about how his career has spanned elite military service to cybersecurity leadership.

02:25

Growing Up Asian in White America

Gene and Manisha talk about how cultural dislocation shaped Gene’s early identity and self-perception.

04:50

Love Through Performance

Gene says that achievement became an emotional crutch and explains the cost of that mindset.

05:56

Losing Himself

He believes military life stripped away his identity before rebuilding him from scratch.

07:10

Fighting for Respect

He tried to assert himself by using physical dominance and nearly paid the ultimate price.

09:05

Becoming a Green Beret

Gene talks about what post-9/11 service meant to him and how he rose through the ranks.

12:45

Leaving the Military and a Loss of Purpose

He speaks about the struggle of stepping away from a life defined by mission and meaning.

17:00

When Everything Changed

How one phone call and a high-stakes rescue reshaped Gene’s career, his life, and his view of the world.

21:00

From Crisis to Cybersecurity

Gene explains what was behind the creation of Asia’s first cyber crisis response company.

26:10

Why Singapore Stuck

He shares how career opportunities and stability in Singapore turned a temporary move into a permanent home.

Useful links

https://www.blackpanda.com/

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/special-ops/special-forces

https://www.americanspecialops.com/special-forces/cif/

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank chats to author, historian, and filmmaker Sam Dalrymple, whose bestselling debut book Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia explores pivotal decisions from the past and looks at how they still shape the world we live in today.

Sam talks about partition, identity and forgotten geographies, sharing some insights on key historical figures. And he even discusses what he may write about next.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Sam Dalrymple, Author and Historian

1. Sam explains how the British Empire in India was far larger than commonly believed, stretching from Yemen to Burma.
2. He talks about how partition was chaotic, rushed, and poorly planned, rather than the result of a grand imperial design.
3. Sam also explores how key historical figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pandit Nehru were far more complex than their modern portrayals suggest.
4. He believes that understanding history is key to gaining clarity on present-day conflicts.

00:00

A Book That Reframes Asia

Manisha introduces Sam and talks about how Shattered Lands challenges how we understand modern Asia.

02:04

“Which Partition?”

Sam references a conversation he had that led him to consider the many partitions that have helped shape Asia into what it is today.

03:45

The True Size of British India

From Burma to the Persian Gulf, Sam explains how much of Asia was once governed from Delhi, and why this is often forgotten.

06:45

The Archives That Changed Everything

He talks about how newly digitised records uncover hidden turning points in history, including how the Gulf nearly became part of India.

08:20

Chaos Over Conspiracy

Sam explains how partition was executed in just 77 days, and shares some insights on how unprepared and overwhelmed colonial authorities really were at the time.

11:10

Rethinking Muhammad Ali Jinnah

He goes on to talk about how studying the founding father of Pakistan revealed a far more complex figure than he expected.

14:30

Pandit Nehru’s Turning Point

Sam also details how a harrowing encounter following the Amritsar massacre became a defining moment in India’s push for independence.

17:00

Burma: From Global Hub to Conflict Zone

Sam and Manisha talk about how Burma was once the “Singapore of its time,” and how Rangoon’s fall can help explain Myanmar’s modern struggles.

22:05

Project Dastaan: Reconnecting Across Partition

Sam explains how a university idea became a cross-border VR project, aimed at reconnecting communities divided since 1947.

24:05

Stories Beneath the Surface

Manisha talks to Sam about how he uses his travel writing as a gateway to explore history and culture more deeply.

26:00

Identity and What’s Next

Sam reflects on his mixed identity and what he hopes to explore...

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank sits down with Lu Zhang, the Founder and Managing Partner of Silicon Valley–based, Fusion Fund. They discuss Lu’s journey from growing up in Inner Mongolia, to launching her first venture fund in her early twenties.

Lu also shares her perspective on what’s currently shaping innovation and venture capital, and explains why she believes AI is reshaping healthcare, space tech and the global economy.

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Guest: Lu Zhang, Founder & Managing Partner, Fusion Fund

1. Lu believes curiosity is key to success and often matters more than age, credentials, or background.
2. She feels Silicon Valley remains a global tech leader due to its unique combination of talent, capital, and appetite for risk.
3. Lu notes that the next phase of AI will focus on practicality, with systems that are cheaper, more efficient, privacy-conscious, and ready for real-world use.
4. In her opinion, AI has the potential to transform both healthcare and space tech.
5. According to Lu, leaning into the unknown during periods of uncertainty and change can lead to the biggest rewards.

00:00 - The AI Moment

Manisha introduces Lu and sets the scene on why AI investment, innovation, and global attention are accelerating at an unprecedented pace.

01:59 - Roots of Curiosity

Lu reflects on her upbringing, early imagination, and how her background shaped her appetite for innovation.

05:08 - From Technologist to Entrepreneur

She talks about how a passion for deep tech led her to launch, scale, and exit her first company in her early twenties.

06:38 - Building Fusion Fund

Lu shares her journey from starting a venture fund and earning credibility, to scaling up from being a solo GP to a global platform.

10:57 - Why Silicon Valley Still Wins

She takes a candid look at what makes Silicon Valley’s ecosystem uniquely powerful for startups, investors, and exits.

15:30 - Inside the AI Investment Boom

Lu talks about capital flooding into AI and causing expectations to rise across the market.

16:40 - AI in Healthcare: Personalised and Preventative

Lu discusses how AI is transforming diagnostics, digital therapeutics, and the future of treatment.

18:05 - Who Owns Your Data?

Lu and Manisha talk about the hidden cost of AI tools and why data ownership and privacy will redefine business models.

19:15 - Space Tech Meets AI

Lu believes falling launch costs, satellite data, and AI-powered space technology could reshape life on Earth.

21:35 - What Comes Next

She touches on navigating bubbles, uncertainty, and opportunity and shares her advice for young innovators trying to define their future.

Useful links

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/carbon-nanotube