Inside Singapore's Mosquito Factory | Yanni Yoong, Debug | Tank Talks Asia

Inside Singapore's Mosquito Factory | Yanni Yoong, Debug | Tank Talks Asia

In this special episode of Tank Talks Asia, timed to coincide with World Dengue Day, Manisha Tank and Andrew Clark go behind the scenes at a mosquito factory in Singapore. They talk to Yanni Yoong from Debug, a Google-backed team that produces more than 10 million mosquitos a week to help combat dengue. Yanni explains exactly how disease-carrying mosquito populations are being suppressed and discusses how Singapore’s approach could help protect millions of people across Asia, the region that bears the majority of the world’s dengue burden. Featured Voices Hosts: Manisha Tank and Andrew Clark Guest: Yanni Yoong [https://sg.linkedin.com/in/yanni-yoong-6752b820], Senior Program Manager, Debug KEY TAKEAWAYS * Yanni explains how Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes can help to dramatically reduce populations of disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes without the use of pesticides. * She says Debug’s Singapore facility now produces more than 10 million mosquitoes a week to support large-scale suppression efforts. * Yanni outlines how AI and machine learning are used to identify and sort male mosquitoes with a level of speed and accuracy that would be impossible for humans. * She believes Singapore’s unique urban environment has helped shape a mosquito-control model that could be adapted across Asia, where 70% of the global dengue burden exists. * Yanni argues that climate change and urbanisation will increase the need for innovative, scalable approaches to controlling mosquito-borne diseases. CHAPTER HEADS 1:20 Welcome to the Mosquito Factory Andrew and Manisha get exclusive access to one of Singapore’s most unusual production facilities, where millions of mosquitoes are bred every week. 2:33 Why Google Is Making Mosquitoes Yanni explains how Debug emerged and why technology is being applied to one of the world’s biggest public health challenges. 5:18 The Science Behind Wolbachia She outlines how a naturally occurring bacterium creates incompatible mosquito mating and helps drive down disease-carrying populations. 7:24 From Google Maps to Mosquitoes Yanni shares her unconventional career journey and why she chose to work on dengue prevention. 9:18 How AI Learns to Spot a Mosquito She explains how technology can distinguish male and female mosquitoes in just a fraction of a second. 13:25 The Last Line of Quality Control Yanni details how humans work with AI to ensure only male mosquitoes are released. 17:45 Protecting Asia from Dengue The conversation turns to the scale of the dengue challenge and why Southeast Asia sits at the centre of the fight. 19:11 Can This Model Work Beyond Singapore? Yanni discusses how different Wolbachia strategies could be adapted for countries with varying resources and public health needs. 21:54 Climate Change and the Future of Disease Control The episode concludes with a discussion about urbanisation, rising temperatures, and the growing importance of innovative vector-control solutions. 24:20 Don’t Put Away the Repellent Yet Manisha and Andrew finish by reflecting on the life-saving potential of the project, Singapore’s role in scaling innovation, and the importance of staying vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases. Useful links https://debug.com/ [https://debug.com/] https://www.dengue.com/worlddengueday [https://www.dengue.com/worlddengueday] https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/work/wolbachia-method [https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/work/wolbachia-method] https://www.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/resources/research/environmental_health_institute/wolbachia-aedes-mosquito-suppression-strategy/project-wolbachia-only-targets-aedes-aegypti [https://www.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/resources/research/environmental_health_institute/wolbachia-aedes-mosquito-suppression-strategy/project-wolbachia-only-targets-aedes-aegypti] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases] https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/news/world-mosquito-program-and-debug-join-forces [https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/news/world-mosquito-program-and-debug-join-forces] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/google-subsidiary-expands-mosquito-facility-here-to-strengthen-anti-dengue-efforts Don’t miss out We’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.com [tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com] And 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 [https://www.asiaworks.com/] production.

Asia's Gold Rush? | Shaokai Fan, World Gold Council | Tank Talks Asia

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 Tank Guest: Shaokai Fan [https://www.gold.org/goldhub/gold-focus/author/shaokai-fan], Global Head of Asia Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks, World Gold Council KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Shaokai explains why gold is highly valued across cultures for its symbolic, spiritual and financial significance. 2. He talks about how our modern money systems evolved from gold-backed systems, including early gold coins and goldsmith-issued paper receipts. 3. Shaokai says Asia now dominates global gold demand, with China and India together accounting for roughly half of global consumer gold consumption. 4. He examines how central banks have accelerated their gold purchases in recent years amid geopolitical and financial uncertainty. 5. 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 HEADS 00:20 The Ancient Allure of Gold Manisha begins by discussing gold’s long history, tracing it all the way from ancient civilizations through to its modern resurgence in global markets. 01:58 From Wall Street to World History Shaokai reflects on his career path, which has led him from investment banking to the gold industry. 03:42 Why Humans Value Gold He explores what’s behind gold’s universal appeal, including its cultural symbolism and its association with the sun. 04:38 The Birth of Money Shaokai explains how gold coins and goldsmith receipts helped evolve into paper money and form the basis of our modern financial systems. 06:07 Asia’s Growing Influence He talks about China’s role as a producer and consumer of gold and also discusses the rise of the Shanghai Gold Exchange. 08:20 India’s Deep Cultural Connection Shaokai highlights India’s dual role as both a cultural and economic powerhouse in global gold demand. 09:42 Vietnam’s Evolving Gold Market He also touches on how Vietnam has loosened up its gold policy and where there’s still such a strong cultural demand for it there. 11:24 Is Gold Still a Safe Haven? Shaokai notes that gold doesn’t always rise during crises and that interest rates can affect its performance. 13:48 Central Banks and the Future of Gold He discusses why central banks are increasing their gold reserves and how geopolitics plays into their decision making. 17:38 Gold vs Bitcoin Shaokai compares gold and cryptocurrency, highlighting their differing roles as reserve assets and investment tools. 19:36 The Future Gold Era The episode concludes with a look at how Asia is becoming the central gravity point for the global gold market. Useful links https://www.gold.org/ [https://www.gold.org/] https://www.royalmint.com/invest/discover/gold-news/a-brief-history-of-gold/ [https://www.royalmint.com/invest/discover/gold-news/a-brief-history-of-gold/] https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/bretton-woods-created [https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/bretton-woods-created] https://www.gold.org/goldhub/research/gold-safe-haven-versus-silver-wildcard [https://www.gold.org/goldhub/research/gold-safe-haven-versus-silver-wildcard] https://en.sge.com.cn/ [https://en.sge.com.cn/] https://www.imf.org/en/home [https://www.imf.org/en/home] Don’t miss out We’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.com [tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com] And 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 [https://www.asiaworks.com/] production.

Brand Asia? Busting Asian Culture Myths | Andrea Ng, Canvas 8 | Tank Talks Asia

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 Tank Guest: Andrea Ng [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashuwen/], Director of Insight APAC, Canvas8 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Andrea says Asia’s rise is increasingly defined by its consumer culture, which is influencing global taste in entertainment, beauty, food and retail. 2. 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. 3. Andrea believes consumers in Asia are highly sophisticated in how they assess value and prioritize their spending. 4. She says that in Asia convenience is built into everyday life, through super apps and shared community spaces. 5. 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 HEADS 02:28 Is 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. 04:26 From Hello Kitty to Labubu She explores how digital connectivity has accelerated Asia’s cultural exports and turned regional trends into global phenomena. 05:28 The Myth of the Asian Consumer Andrea breaks down why treating Asia as a single consumer market is one of the biggest mistakes brands can make. 06:41 How Demographics Are Reshaping Demand She talks about how consumer priorities are diverging, from ageing societies in Japan and South Korea, to more youthful growth markets like India and Indonesia. 09:09 What Aspiration Looks Like in Asia Andrea and Manisha discuss how status, luxury, and aspiration are expressed differently across markets and generations. 11:47 Why Value Beats Discounts Andrea explains why consumers are strategically trading up and down, by prioritizing emotional and social value over price cuts. 14:30 The Ritual of Shopping Festivals She says the rise of double-digit shopping events reveals how e-commerce has become a budgeting strategy, as well as a form of entertainment. 15:56 Convenience as Culture From 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. 19:38 Who’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. 20:41 No Longer Passive Andrea explores how Asian consumers have become powerful brand participants, influencing everything from product direction to ethical accountability. 23:11 The Labubu Lesson The 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 links https://www.canvas8.com/sg [https://www.canvas8.com/sg] https://www.instagram.com/labubu/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/labubu/?hl=en] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20j01gqx1eo [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20j01gqx1eo] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bci1a1CF80 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bci1a1CF80] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzCAwdp1uIQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzCAwdp1uIQ] https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/trends/20260311/why-young-koreans-are-meeting-strangers-to-eat-french-fries-together [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/trends/20260311/why-young-koreans-are-meeting-strangers-to-eat-french-fries-together] https://songmontofficial.com [https://songmontofficial.com] https://www.gojek.io/ [https://www.gojek.io/] Don’t miss out We’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.com [tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com] And 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 [https://www.asiaworks.com/] production.

The Film That Changed Hong Kong Documentary Cinema | Robin Lee | Tank Talks Asia

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 [robin@lostatlas.hk]. Featured Voices Host: Manisha Tank Guest: Robin Lee [https://www.instagram.com/robintlee/], Award-Winning Filmmaker and Director of “Four Trails [https://www.fourtrails.hk/]” KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. The 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. 2. Robin says his passion for action sports helped inspire him to make “Four Trails”. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. “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 HEADS 02:10 When Passion Pays Off Robin describes the surreal moment he won a major award for a film that started as a passion project. 03:40 From Ski Films to Hong Kong Mountains He reflects on his background in action sports filmmaking and how it influenced his decision to tell this story. 04:37 More Than a Race Robin discusses why Four Trails is not really a competition, but a deeply personal test of resilience. 08:11 Capturing Human Limits He talks about the difficulty of filming the runners in moments of extreme physical and mental exhaustion. 10:22 An Endurance Test Robin shares how making the documentary became his own personal Four Trails challenge. 12:01 Editing 200 Hours of Footage He describes the painstaking process of turning hundreds of hours of raw footage into a feature-length film. 14:01 Why Music Matters Robin explains how the score was specially composed to heighten the emotional journeys of the runners. 15:42 The Struggle for Distribution He opens up about his two-year effort to secure distribution and how getting the film seen, in some ways, proved harder than making it. 17:49 Chow Yun Fat’s Surprise Endorsement Robin recounts the surreal moment when “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” star Chow Yun Fat requested a private screening of his film. 19:30 Global Hope He talks about the ongoing efforts to find international distributors so the film can reach a wider audience. 20:44 Showcasing a New Hong Kong The 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 links https://www.fourtrails.hk/ [https://www.fourtrails.hk/] https://www.instagram.com/robintlee/ [https://www.instagram.com/robintlee/] https://www.instagram.com/hk4tuc/ [https://www.instagram.com/hk4tuc/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogms9773yi0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogms9773yi0] https://www.facebook.com/lostatlasproductions/ [https://www.facebook.com/lostatlasproductions/] https://www.robinleevisuals.com/ [https://www.robinleevisuals.com/] https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000334/ [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000334/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sOEH3yrNlI [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sOEH3yrNlI] Don’t miss out We’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.com [tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com] And 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 [https://www.asiaworks.com/] production.

From a Village in Java to Glastonbury: How an All-Girl Indonesian Metal Band Rose to the World Stage | Marsya from the Voice Of Baceprot | Tank Talks Asia

In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, guest host Andrew Clark is joined by Voice of Baceprot’s frontwoman, Firda Marsya Kurnia, better known as Marsya. She talks about the Indonesian heavy metal group’s remarkable journey from meeting as school friends in a small village in West Java, to performing at events like Glastonbury and the Singapore F1. Marsya reflects on the role social media has played in helping propel the band to fame, as well as discussing their distinctive look. She also talks about why the band isn’t afraid to address social and political issues in their song lyrics. Featured Voices Host: Andrew Clark (interviewer); Manisha Tank (introduction) Guest: Firda Marsya Kurnia, Voice of Baceprot [https://voiceofbaceprot.com/], vocalist and guitarist KEY TAKEAWAYS * Marsya talks about how the Voice of Baceprot trio were guided by a teacher at school, who became their mentor. * She says that discovering metal music on their teacher’s laptop sparked their interest in the genre. * Marsya discusses how the band uses music to address social issues, such as poverty, patriarchy and freedom of expression in Indonesia. * She reflects on the role social media played in turning a low-quality music video into a viral moment that launched their international career. * Marsya also highlights the importance of giving back and explains how the band have built a studio in their hometown to support other young musicians. CHAPTER HEADS 00:00 From a Small Town to the Global Stage Andrew and Manisha introduce Voice of Baceprot, discussing the band’s roots in rural Indonesia and their rise to fame. 03:25 How It All Began Marsya explains how a teacher played a pivotal role in helping form the band while the girls were at school. 04:55 Discovering Metal She talks about how discovering the music of System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine sparked their interest in metal. 06:00 Naming the Band Marsya goes on to discuss the story behind Voice of Baceprot and the positive influence of their mentor. 07:01 Musical Influences She discusses how global metal icons and the Indonesian music scene have contributed to shaping the band’s sound. 08:28 Joy and Bravery Marsya talks about key themes in their music and says that performing is an act of freedom and self-expression for the trio. 10:04 Challenging Perceptions She talks about how, by performing metal in the hijab, the girls have had to confront online and offline stereotypes. 11:46 Music and Social Issues Marsya states that the band isn’t afraid to address issues like patriarchy and inequality in their lyrics. 12:58 Going Viral and Going Global She explores how social media transformed their path and opened up international doors. 15:47 Life on Tour She shares insights from performing at Glastonbury to Wacken and tells us how it feels to meet your musical idols. 20:40 Giving Back at Home Marsya explains that the band have returned to live in their home village and have built a studio there with the aim of supporting other talent. 23:33 The Next Chapter She outlines the band’s upcoming plans and has some advice for other young women in Asia. Useful links https://voiceofbaceprot.com/ [https://voiceofbaceprot.com/] https://www.instagram.com/marsyavob/ [https://www.instagram.com/marsyavob/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4sQPdgOgk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4sQPdgOgk] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJOtmMKwkcc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJOtmMKwkcc] https://www.instagram.com/p/DAVd8ynyUuG/a-little-story-when-we-were-racing-our-musical-roar-at-the-singapore-f1-arena-f1/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DAVd8ynyUuG/a-little-story-when-we-were-racing-our-musical-roar-at-the-singapore-f1-arena-f1/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU420zwX7do&list=RDOU420zwX7do&start_radio=1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU420zwX7do&list=RDOU420zwX7do&start_radio=1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iywaBOMvYLI [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iywaBOMvYLI] https://www.instagram.com/alissawhitegluz/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/alissawhitegluz/?hl=en-gb] https://copenhell.dk/en/front-page/ [https://copenhell.dk/en/front-page/] https://www.instagram.com/voiceofbaceprot/ [https://www.instagram.com/voiceofbaceprot/] https://www.youtube.com/@VoiceofBaceprot [https://www.youtube.com/@VoiceofBaceprot ] https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceofbaceprot [https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceofbaceprot ] https://open.spotify.com/artist/32rI2a65NqHEnTAewmPNEC?si=r0wuYnZkSZOmpktT-Sr6Vg [https://open.spotify.com/artist/32rI2a65NqHEnTAewmPNEC?si=r0wuYnZkSZOmpktT-Sr6Vg ] Don’t miss out We’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.com [tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com] And 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 [https://www.asiaworks.com/] production.