Episode Overview

In this very first episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank talks to some of the region’s most influential movers and shakers at the Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore.

TTA Producer and Milken insider Yeen Chong joins her to offer insights from an event that brings together billion-dollar investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are all helping to shape the future of Asia.

Featuring insights from leaders including Curtis Chin, Pandu Sjahrir, Lu Zhang, Steven Ciobo, Chinta Bhagat and more, this episode captures the optimism, urgency, and cultural energy driving what many believe is Asia’s decade.

Manisha and Yeen ask the question why Asia, and why now?

Featured Voices

Host: Manisha Tank

Producer and Co-host: Yeen Chong, Head of Communications, Milken Institute Asia

Voices from the Milken Institute Asia Summit:

• Curtis S. Chin, Chair, Senior Fellows; Senior Advisor, Global Markets, Milken Institute; featured at 5:30 and 22:23
• Pandu Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer, Danantara Indonesia; featured at 7:41 and 22:27
• Miro Lu, Founder & Managing Director, Perspective Media; featured at 9:25
• Lu Zhang, Founder & Managing Partner, Fusion Fund; featured at 11:18 and 22:17
• Chinta Bhagat, Managing Partner, Aries Holdings; featured at 13:39
• Steven Okun, Founder & CEO, APAC Advisors; featured at 15:14 and 22:05
• Steven Ciobo, Milken Institute Asia Fellow, Former Australian Minister of Trade, Tourism & Investment, & Minister for Defence Industry; featured at 16:11
• Billy Naveed, Founder & Chairman, Young Founders School; featured at 17:48
• Alicia Ng, VP, Head of R&D, Wider Asia, Haleon; featured at 19:34
• Laura Entwistle, Director of Strategic Partnerships; Unheard; featured at 20:58

Key takeaways from our guests

• Asia is no longer emerging — it’s driving global opportunity.
• The region’s diversity is its strength, not a challenge.
• Tech, especially AI, is reshaping every industry from China to Indonesia.
• Immigrant identity is a powerful entrepreneurial fuel.
• Geopolitical tensions require resilience, not fear.
• Growth must be balanced with awareness of ethical and societal issues.
• Culture, community, and family remain central to Asia’s identity.

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