In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank is joined by colleagues Andrew Clark and Yeen Chong for a debrief from the Milken Global Investors’ Symposium in Hong Kong. The symposium’s theme this year was “Capital in a Changing World”.

Drawing on their conversations with policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs, they explore Asia’s economic resilience, China’s accelerating digital transformation, and the long-term growth story emerging across Southeast Asia.

Featured Voices

Hosts: Manisha Tank, Andrew Clark and Yeen Chong

Guests: Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Former Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Egypt

Professor Ben Shenglin, Dean, International Business School, Zhejiang University

Perry Wong, Managing Director and Senior Fellow, Milken Institute International

Christopher Ganis, Chief Investment Officer, Indonesia Investment Authority

Adrian Li, Founder and Managing Partner, ACV Capital

Zabrina Lo, Senior Editor, Tatler

Key takeaways

• We discuss how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are helping to accelerate capital flows into Asia, with cities like Hong Kong and Singapore seen as stable investment hubs.
• We talk about how China’s rapid digital transformation, especially in payments and infrastructure, is reshaping how capital moves and how economies function.
• We explore how Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, is emerging as a major long-term investment opportunity, driven by demographics and domestic consumption.
• We look at how deglobalization is creating both uncertainty and opportunity, and is pushing countries to build resilience through regional collaborations like ASEAN.
• We consider how social and cultural perceptions in Asia are shifting, with younger generations increasingly choosing to pursue careers in the arts and creative industries.

Chapter heads

00:20

Setting the Scene

Manisha introduces Andrew and Yeen and asks them to unpack their experience at the Milken Institute Global Investors’ Symposium in Hong Kong.

02:15

The Elephant in the Room: Geopolitics

They discuss the impact of events in the Middle East and how global uncertainty is shaping investor sentiment.

03:35

Capital Flows in Asia

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat talks about how capital is shifting across Asia, driven by a growing demand for stability and predictability.

09:09

China’s Digital Leap

Professor Ben Shenglin explains how digital payments and infrastructure are transforming China’s economy and capital movement.

11:46

Rethinking Growth in China

Perry Wong evaluates China’s approach to market correction, government intervention and long-term economic resilience.

16:00

Indonesia’s Moment

Christopher Ganis outlines how deglobalization and domestic strength are positioning Indonesia as a key investment destination.

20:21

Southeast Asia’s Growth Story

Adrian Li shares why the region’s demographics and economic fundamentals make it one of the world’s most compelling opportunities.

25:50

Hong Kong’s Cultural Evolution

Zabrina Lo reflects on the growing viability of careers in the arts and creative industries.

Useful links

https://milkeninstitute.org/

https://www.zju.edu.cn/english/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Adam-Smith

https://asean.org/

https://www.ina.go.id/

https://hyrox.com/

https://acv.vc/

https://www.tatlerasia.com/

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tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com

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Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.