Portfolio

Economics and business

KPMG
2025
KPMG Asia Pacific CEO Outlook 2025

This is a survey-based report in its 11th edition. Written for KPMG, it explores Asia-Pacific's regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, technology & AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

StoneBench
2025
ACFTA 3.0: Greater integration likely, but who benefits?

This StoneBench whitepaper, written in partnership with Priyanka Kishore, founder of Asia Decoded and Stephen Olson, visiting senior fellow at ISEAS, explores the implications of the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, given the current macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop.

KPMG
2025
KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook: Asia Pacific

This is a survey-based report on Asia-Pacific, written for KPMG. This report explores regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, technology & AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

Economist Impact
2025
Sustainable possibilities for palm oil

A research- and interview-driven branded feature written for Economist Impact and sponsored by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council. The piece delves into the importance of sustainability in the palm oil sector, particularly for top producing countries like Malaysia.

StoneBench
2025
Critical minerals and rare earths: ASEAN’s new moment?

An in-house point of view written by Samantha Cheh, senior editor at StoneBench. The paper explores how the rush to secure critical minerals and rare earth, could have a transformative impact on the ASEAN region.

Visa
2025
How Malaysian SMEs are navigating challenges and embracing digitalisation

Writing an article detailing the journey of Malaysian SMEs in navigating the emerging digital frontier. Digital payment systems serve as powerful catalysts in this growth journey, enabling businesses to significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce transaction costs and dramatically accelerate payment cycles.

Economist Impact
2025
From energy to AI: Mitsubishi Corporation is charting a new path

An advertisement feature written for the Economist Impact and sponsored by the Mitsubishi Corporation, exploring how one of Japan’s major investment and trading companies is changing its business model to meet the evolving needs of global industries.

StoneBench
2025
What the new geoeconomics means for ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is at an inflection point. This StoneBench white paper, written in partnership with Public Policy Advisory Asia, looks at the challenges ASEAN faces, and provides strategic recommendations.

DBS Bank
2025
Asian economies face further tariff whiplash

A secondary-research based article written for DBS on the evolving global tariff situation kickstarted by US President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Understanding its impacts on Asian businesses, can equip them to respond to it appropriately.

Economist Impact
2024
Where cutting-edge EV innovation meets customer experience

A branded piece written for Economist Impact and commissioned by Hyundai showcasing how The Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) is revolutionising the automobile customer journey, with an on-premise restaurant that is supplied with produce from a co-located, fully automated farm.

KPMG
2024
Beyond the cash

This article explores the key drivers of ESG in Asian family businesses.

Economist Impact
2024
Paving the way towards a more diverse workforce

A profile written for the Economist Impact, commissioned by FM. The profile tells how being a woman, Yong Seek Ying broke through many gender norms to become a shining example for women in STEM.

KPMG
2023
KPMG 2023 CEO Outlook: Asia Pacific

This is a survey-based report on Asia-Pacific, written for KPMG. This report explores regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, generative AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

PwC
2023
Upskilling for shared prosperity in Southeast Asia: Fostering sustainable growth

A whitepaper written on digital upskilling and sustainability within Southeast Asia and its potential impacts on employment and the economy. Focused on four key sectors within Southeast Asia—manufacturing, agriculture, energy and utilities, financial services. This report is further supplemented using secondary research.

Economist Impact
2023
Bridging the skills gap: fuelling careers and the economy in Asia-Pacific

A skills gap report written for Economist Impact and supported by Google at the back of an Asia-based survey of 14 major Asian markets. The report contains key insights on reskilling and upskilling in 14 markets in the region, derived from extensive desk research, a primary research survey and expert interviews.

Economist Impact
2023
Innovation for the new globalisation

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article explores the emerging model of new globalisation, and on the role of innovation in delivering a more equitable and sustainable model of growth and development.

Economist Impact
2023
Is frugality the future of innovation?

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article looks at examples of how frugal innovation are bearing commendable results in emerging economies, requiring governments to respond positively.

Economist Impact
2023
Clustering for collaboration

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article explores how tech clusters fuel innovation and economic growth.

Economist Impact
2023
Digital transformation led growth for Indian corporates

Indian companies are mindful of digitalisation needs and are well on their digitalisation journeys. 88% of the surveyed c-suite executives report satisfaction with innovation and digital transformation strategies their companies have adopted or are planning to adopt.

Economist Impact
2023
Leap in 5G connectivity presents a “perfect moment” for telcos

As digital technologies and innovations become embedded in the day-to-day of consumers and enterprises, the role of telcos has seen a significant transformation over the past decade. Innovating new technologies and implementing them will be met with poor network connectivity.

Economist Impact
2023
Expanding access to the 5G ecosystem

As rapid tech adoption continues, high-quality and seamless connectivity will be fundamental to ensuring that organisations in the public and private sector are able to take advantage of the digital economy.

Economist Impact
2023
The future belongs to 5.5G innovation

Investments in ICT infrastructure and consequent digitalisation will drive the fourth industrial revolution. Much as steam power and the mechanisation of production drove the industrial revolution three centuries ago, ICT innovation will drive the fourth industrial revolution through gains from digitalisation.

Economist Impact
2023
Hybrid work and a focus on skills is redefining the Indian workplace

Indian corporates are moving away from what was traditionally understood as the 'workplace' as they adapt to the changing market environment. Indian companies are thinking about the purpose of the workplace and redefining it using digital communication and collaboration tools.

Economist Impact
2023
Corporate India is prioritising sustainability initiatives

The findings of the survey reflect strong enthusiasm among Indian corporates for a range of sustainability initiatives. Their top choices are setting sustainability targets and conducting regular sustainability best practice trainings and knowledge-sharing sessions in the organisation.

DBS Bank
2023
Supporting the Metals & Mining sector's push to net zero

China's recent emergence from its prolonged COVID lockdown and shift away from strict zero-COVID rules is having a positive impact on output and consumption in the country. In particular, the reopening of the economy is a positive sign for the metals and mining sector, which feeds into several other important industries such as infrastructure, shipping, aviation, steel and automotives, that are the pillars of the region's economic growth.

Economist Impact
2023
What lies in store for digitalisation-enabled industry 4.0

A branded piece written for Economist Impact and sponsored by Huawei. The piece delves into how advanced digital technologies are enabling businesses across industries achieve more accurate production, reduce service downtime and boost cost savings.

The Financial Times
2023
Rewired: Outcompeting through digital and AI

A branded piece written for the Financial Times and sponsored by McKinsey & Company on how businesses can successfully implement digital and AI technologies to generate new revenues, improve customer experience and lower costs.

Economist Impact
2022
New ways of work: Spotlight on workplace transformation in North Asia

Economist Impact, supported by Google Workspace, conducted a survey of more than 600 knowledge workers across Asia Pacific about their experiences with hybrid or flexible work. This whitepaper explores why the North Asian region will be slow to adopt flexible work.

Economist Impact
2022
New ways of work: Spotlight on workplace transformation in Australia

Economist Impact, supported by Google Workspace, conducted a survey of more than 600 knowledge workers across Asia Pacific about their experiences with hybrid or flexible work. This whitepaper explores the growing adoption of hybrid and remote work in Australian workplaces.

Economist Impact
2022
New ways of work: Spotlight on workplace transformation in India

Economist Impact, supported by Google Workspace, conducted a survey of more than 600 knowledge workers across Asia Pacific about their experiences with hybrid or flexible work. This whitepaper explores the growing demands for hybrid work amid slow to change workplace culture in India.

Economist Impact
2022
Advance Australia prepare: How to make Australian businesses future-ready

This whitepaper was written on the back of a benchmark developed by Economist Impact. Commissioned by Cognizant, the research aimed at providing a quantifiable and comparative assessment of the future-readiness of different key economies' business environments, and this report focused on Australia.

Economist Impact
2022
The Great Resignation in Asia-Pacific: Is data the answer for companies?

This report by Economist Impact, sponsored by Tableau, explores the reasons behind and the implications of the Great Resignation in Asia-Pacific. It also take a look at how companies can take a data-driven approach in improving employee retention and managing the workforce of the future.

Economist Impact
2022
In pursuit of recovery, companies refocus on their people

This article is written on the back of a survey of 350 corporate leaders conducted across different markets, exploring how companies are rethinking sustainable recovery. This article explores how talent management is being approached amid the pandemic.

Economist Impact
2022
Business leaders consider technology's potential for growth

Digital technologies have been instrumental in helping businesses tide over the worst of covid-19. This article, written on the back of a survey of 350 executives, explores how businesses are planning their growth and looking to realise their potential.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: What's in store for ASEAN economies?

We speak with Priyanka Kishore, head of India and South East Asia, Macro and Investor Services at Oxford Economics, about the outlook for Southeast Asia’s economies in 2022, and challenges facing the region.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Indian business and the economy

We speak with Ritesh Kumar Singh, chief economist of Indonomics Consulting and former assistant director of the Finance Commission of India, about the prospects of the Indian economy in the new year, key areas of concern and some bright spots.

She Loves Data
2022
Diversity at the top: The imperative for change

This project entailed the substantive editing of a report that delves into the issue of diversity in data and technology roles across various industries in Asia-Pacific. The report outlines the key action items from roundtable discussions organised by the Courage Council and She Loves Data.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
Reshaping productivity: A changed workplace after covid-19

This report is written on the back of a global survey of more than 360 business executives on the implications of remote work on organisations, their employees and on productivity. How are organisations responding to change, and how are they supporting productivity?

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
Trade in Transition

Edited this global report on the state of trade in a post-COVID world, published by The Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by DP World. The report looks at how the pandemic changed trade and expectations of trade among companies.

The Financial Times
2021
Preparing for a post-Covid career

A branded piece written for the Financial Times and supported by INSEAD, delving into how young professionals can better prepare themselves for a career in a post-Covid world.

Tech in Asia
2020
Can Vitamin Subscriptions Transform Asian Healthcare?

This feature article looks in detail at the growing trend of vitamin subscriptions, which are being fuelled by growing awareness, increasing affluence and changing lifestyles across the Asia-Pacific region.

Guy Carpenter
2020
Diversity is key to successful business

A branded piece on how Guy Carpenter is bringing a wealth of change in initiating a gender diversity in the corporate sector. Initiating changes in terms of both policies and thought process.

Mercer
2020
Q&As from the Mercer webcasts on COVID-19

Rewriting and editing a commentary written on the back of a series of webinars focusing on how employers in Singapore are managing government and employee responses in the face of COVID-19.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2020
The COVID-19 push: Accelerating change in Australian industries - Mining

Last of a three part article written for the Economist Intelligence Unit and supported by Vocus, looking at how digital uptake in Australia's mining sector, amid the pandemic should be further supported with the right investments in connectivity and cyber and network security.

IMMEDIA
2020
Helping Singapore's SMEs Prepare for an Uncertain 2020

An article written for IMMEDIA and supported by the UOB delves into the uncertain economic conditions SMEs are faced with, and how digitalisation can play an important role in supporting businesses by enhancing efficiencies and reducing costs.

IMMEDIA
2020
Cash Flow Relief to Help SMEs Cope with COVID-19 Impact

A look into the Singapore government’s Stabilisation and Support Package announced as part of the 2020 budget for a leading Singapore bank, and the measures included in the package to support Singaporean enterprises, workers and households.

IMMEDIA
2020
The S$53 billion Resilience and Solidarity Budget: What does it mean for SMEs?

An article written for IMMEDIA and supported by the UOB discusses Singapore’s massive support package for enterprises, individuals and households in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It details various government initiatives to support the economy, and how UOB is a partnering with the government for many of them.

Unravel
2020
The 'new normal' may also be a better normal: Will businesses buy-in?

In this first part of the conversation, Darren Thayre, who leads Google’s digital transformation initiatives across the region, speaks to Unravel’s Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi about what the ‘new normal’ will look like from a tech perspective. He offers his views on remote working, the push for digitalisation and whether businesses are on board to make these changes outlast the pandemic.

Unravel
2020
Why the future of work should be remote

Open-core software development company GitLab has 1,300 employees working remotely in more than 65 countries around the world. We spoke with Darren Murph, the company’s head of remote, about how companies can master remote work, ways to build company culture in an all-remote context, the importance of breaking out of legacy mindsets to embrace change, and preparing for the new future of work.

Unravel
2020
Asia's economic future and the role of the state in a post-COVID world

In the first part of this conversation with Unravel, James Crabtree, journalist and author of The Billionaire Raj, and an Associate Professor of Practice at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, speaks with Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi about the socio-economic implications of the growth outlook for Asia, the changing relationship of people with their governments in the context of the economic role and powers of the state, and the long-term challenges for the region.

Mercer
2019
The Changing State of Health Benefits in Asia

This piece outlines the importance of providing international medical plans that take into consideration maternity expenses, dental checkups and care for dependents so as to attract global talent and facilitate sustainable organisational growth.

INSEAD
2018
Gender Equality in Asian Corporate Leadership: Distant Dream Or Achievable Ideal?

A whitepaper written for INSEAD's Emerging Markets Institute that looks at gender parity in senior corporate roles in the technology and finance sectors in Asia. The paper captures the views of senior corporate leaders in the two sectors across Asia and provides insight into the reasons contributing to this disparity, and possible ways to address the issue.

INSEAD
2017
Hartalega: Taking Off the Gloves?

An INSEAD case study that explores the different strategies that catapulted Hartalega—a Malaysian publicly-listed company—to become one of the world’s largest nitrile glove manufacturers.

Nikkei Asian Review
2017
Singapore Group Pilots 'Agglomeration' to Aid SME Growth

An article for the Nikkei Asian Review that looks at a Singapore-based firm’s push for a new model of 'agglomeration’, in which companies in the marketing space share resources and expertise and combine for a listing to meet their funding requirements more easily.

Marsh & McLennan Companies
2017
The Impact of Oil Prices on Asia: Navigating the Uncertainties

Copyediting of a report by Marsh and Oxford Economics that looks at the impact of oil prices on Asia. The report identifies winners and losers amongst producers, consumers, and governments, and stress-tests the macroeconomic impacts of further falls in oil prices through scenario analysis.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2016
Information Influencer, Strategy Shaper: The Changing Profile of the CIO in Asia-Pacific

This report for the Economist Intelligence Unit was based on results drawn from analysing CIO profiles spanning diverse industries in the Asia-Pacific region. The report offers an understanding of dynamic changes in a CIO’s role in an organisation as a result of visible growth seen in technology adoption across various industries.

BRINK Asia
2016
The 'Inequality Trap' Threatens Asian Economic 'Miracle'

This article explains why inequality in Asia is threatening economic growth. It goes on to discuss the resultant environmental and health impacts, accompanied by increased polarisation and the need for inclusivity.

Nikkei Asian Review
2015
E-commerce drives Indian investment

Interspersed with interviews, this article chronicles the sudden influx of investments in India’s e-commerce sector and the massive role it could play in its economic growth.

Global Trade Review
2012
Asia Petrochemicals: Waiting for demand

A feature written for Global Trade Review that looks at the slowdown in the demand for petrochemical products, the factors underpinning the decline in demand, and how the industry is coping with the downward trend.

Finance and investment

AIIB
2025
2024 AIIB Sustainability Report

Edited and proofread Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's inaugural sustainability report, representing the Bank's pivotal step in this regard. The report gives insights into the multilateral bank's strategic approach in adopting climate-conscious investment practices and decision-making.

AIIB
2025
2024 AIIB Annual Report

Edited and proofread Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's annual report for 2024. The report gives insights into the multilateral bank's structure, strategy and financing of critical infrastructure in their Member countries.

DBS Bank
2025
Indonesia's Rise in Green Aluminium

A secondary-research based article written for DBS on the potential of green aluminium in Indonesia and how financial institutions can play an active role in supporting Indonesia government's efforts by providing the essential financing needed by companies to invest in more sustainable aluminium production.

AIIB
2024
2023 Annual Operational Procurement Report

Editing and proofreading AIIB's annual operational procurement report for 2023. The Report provides statistics and analysis of procurement contracts signed between 2016 and 2023, which are financed by AIIB through Sovereign-backed Financings, including both standalone and cofinanced projects, as well as Project Preparation Special Fund grants.

AIIB
2024
2023 AIIB Annual Report

Edited and proofread Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's annual report for 2023. The report gives insights into the multilateral bank's structure, strategy and financing of critical infrastructure in their Member countries.

Visa
2024
Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study 2024

A survey-based report written on the developing consumer attitudes across six Southeast-Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and Thailand). In its 10th edition, the study tries to understand the developing consumer behaviours in terms of digital payments and commerce in the region.

AVPN Asia
2024
How Faith-aligned Capital is Tackling Poverty in Asia

Editing of a research brief detailing key insights from the Faith and Giving initiative by AVPN. The brief shares how faith-aligned givers are working with local communities and organisations to tackle poverty in Asia, emphasising on long-term impact and betterment of the society in the region.

Economist Impact
2023
Driving development: The impact of ICT investments on the digital economy

A report written on the back of a global survey of 500 individuals (company executives, policymakers and investors). This report is written for Economist Impact and is supported by GSMA Intelligence and Huawei. The report draws insights from survey results and interviews on the impact of information communication technology (ICT) investments on the global digital economy.

Haymarket
2023
Driving Change in Asia Pacific's Renewables Sector: Trends and Investible Opportunities

A comprehensive report built on in-depth secondary research presenting a compelling case for investment in renewable energy technologies with a strategic emphasis on electric vehicles and related infrastructure across Asia. The research also incorporates insights from interviews with subject matter experts spanning critical Asian economies such as China, India, Indonesia and Singapore.

StoneBench
2023
Playground for innovation: Fintech regulatory sandboxes in Southeast Asia

Playground for innovation: Fintech regulatory sandboxes in Southeast Asia is a report published by StoneBench. It discusses the broadening adoption of regulatory sandboxes against the backdrop of accelerated fintech growth in Southeast Asia. It also identifies the impact of regulatory sandboxes on the fintech sector and looks ahead at what role such sandboxes can have in the regional regulatory landscape in future.

Unravel
2023
How will digitalisation play out in 2023?

We speak with Darren Thayre, head of Innovation, Global Strategic Initiatives at Google, about digital trends expected to play out in Asia in 2023, how digital banks are giving traditional banks a run for their money, the future of CBDCs in Asia and what companies should prioritise on the digital front.

Unravel
2021
Digitalisation for financial inclusion

We speak with Rosy Khanna, who heads the financial institutions practice in Asia for the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group that’s focused on private-sector development in less developed countries, about why this is important, what it means for financial inclusion and the role of tech in remittances.

Unravel
2021
Rethinking infrastructure development in Asia

We speak with Isabel Chatterton, who heads the infrastructure and natural resources practice in Asia for the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group that’s focused on private-sector development in less developed countries. In this first part of the interview, Ms Chatterton speaks about the changes in mindset she’s witnessing, and looks at some of the areas in the infrastructure space that are seeing the most rapid change (and most interesting developments).

Unravel
2021
How is the insurance industry responding to climate change?

In this second part of the interview, Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at Asian Development Bank,speaks about how the insurance industry is coping and innovating to respond to the growingnumber of extreme weather events. He also speaks of strategies being used by insurancecompanies to better manage extreme weather events.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
Productive ageing in Hong Kong: Breaking the mould of ageing

This report is written on the back of a consumer survey of over 600 Hong Kong residents, and focuses on their financial, health and social preparedness for life after retirement, and their perceptions on productive ageing.

The Asian Banker
2020
What will the new banking normal look like?

The banking sector has traditionally been conservative in adopting emerging technologies, but things are changing rapidly with the entry of digital banks across Asia. The COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated tech adoption and provided a fillip to digitalisation efforts across all sectors including financial services.

Unravel
2020
Digital banks must become lifestyle partners

Digital banking holds the promise to transform financial services and improve customer experience. But the successful digital banks will have to put culture and mindset even before technology in order to be successful, according to Darren Thayre, Head, Digital Transformation and Digital Ventures for Google across Asia-Pacific, Japan and China.

Unravel
2020
What is Asia’s insurance story?

In this first part of the interview, Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist,Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at the Asian Development Bankspeaks with Shivaji Bagchi and Siddharth Poddar of Unravel about the evolution of insurancein Asia over the years, the reason for its low uptake in Asia and the impact of COVID-19 on the insurance industry.

BRINK Asia
2018
Can Sustainable Finance Thrive in Asia? (Part 2)

The second part of the interview with Ms. Herry Cho further advises governments and businesses to find the right balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

BRINK Asia
2018
Financing a Greener Asia (Part 1)

In this first part of a conversation with Ms. Herry Cho, Director and Head of Sustainable Finance Asia, ING, on the viability of green financing in Asia, she stresses upon the importance of sustainable finance for Asian businesses and the subsequent evolution of the regulatory landscape in Asia.

Oliver Wyman
2017
Closing The Financing Gap: Infrastructure Project Bankability In Asia

Copyediting of a report for Oliver Wyman that analyses the boom in infrastructure demand in Asia, and delves into the drivers and challenges associated with infrastructure financing in the region, including the inadequacy of the existing financing model driven by the public sector based on future requirements forecasts.

Nikkei Asian Review
2017
Singapore Group Pilots 'Agglomeration' to Aid SME Growth

An article for the Nikkei Asian Review that looks at a Singapore-based firm’s push for a new model of 'agglomeration’, in which companies in the marketing space share resources and expertise and combine for a listing to meet their funding requirements more easily.

INSEAD
2017
Hartalega: Taking Off the Gloves?

An INSEAD case study that explores the different strategies that catapulted Hartalega—a Malaysian publicly-listed company—to become one of the world’s largest nitrile glove manufacturers.

Infrastructure Investor
2016
Australian Infrastructure: A Tale of Two Markets

This assignment for Infrastructure Investor entailed the writing of three feature articles for on developments and trends in the infrastructure investing in Australia. Based on secondary research and conversations with leading practitioners in the space, the pieces delved into different aspects of Australian infrastructure including asset recycling, public-private partnerships, mergers and acquisitions. One piece focused on the renewable energy sector.

Private Equity International
2015
Middle East and North Africa: Ready for More

A feature detailing the conditions favouring the growth the private equity industry in the Middle East and North Africa, based on secondary research and conversations with private equity industry professionals.

Infrastructure Investor
2015
The Asian Debt Opportunity

This feature for Private Debt Investor delves into the emergence of private debt in the Asian private equity and infrastructure investment space.

INSEAD
2015
Private Equity Navigator

Our team wrote the Private Equity Navigator, a bi-annual private equity report published by INSEAD’s Global Private Equity Initiative. Each report looked at different private equity trends, such as those related to fundraising, investment numbers, returns, and return comparisons between regions.

Nikkei Asian Review
2015
E-commerce drives Indian investment

Interspersed with interviews, this article chronicles the sudden influx of investments in India’s e-commerce sector and the massive role it could play in its economic growth.

Nikkei Asian Review
2015
Hong Kong, Singapore head in opposite directions on tax

This article in the Nikkei Asian Review is focused on recent income tax policies introduced by the Singapore and Hong Kong governments in their recent budget announcements, and how the two economies are taking different approaches towards addressing similar challenges.

PEI Media
2015
Indian solar: the great buildout

An opinion piece written on the state of solar energy in India, and how the country plans to increase its solar capacity in the overall energy mix.

Infrastructure Investor
2013
ASEAN Intelligence Report

This is a series of articles written for a special report published by Infrastructure Investor in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat. The articles written by our team focus on infrastructure connectivity plans in ASEAN, the status of various initiatives that have been taken to draw private investment, the regulatory environment for infrastructure investing, and an analysis of opportunities in specific infrastructure sectors.

Global Trade Review
2013
Country Report: India - Shifting Patterns

This feature for Global Trade Review chronicles the impact of shifts and trends in global trade on India’s exporters and how they are coping with the challenges faced.

Global Trade Review
2013
India Transportation Infrastructure: Paving the way

The lack of investment in India’s transport infrastructure is adversely impacting its GDP growth. This piece written for Global Trade Review sheds light on various initiatives taken by the government to address this shortfall.

Infrastructure Investor
2013
The $8 trillion Deficit

This is a feature written for Infrastructure Investor magazine on the back of a conference on infrastructure investment in emerging markets, its challenges and opportunities.

Infrastructure Investor
2009
Chinese Infrastructure: Plenty to Play for

This feature is focused on the Chinese government’s push for infrastructure development in the country, and the multiple infrastructure investment opportunities that it opened to private investors.

Globalisation and trade

DBS Bank
2025
Asian economies face further tariff whiplash

A secondary-research based article written for DBS on the evolving global tariff situation kickstarted by US President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Understanding its impacts on Asian businesses, can equip them to respond to it appropriately.

StoneBench
2025
What the new geoeconomics means for ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is at an inflection point. This StoneBench white paper, written in partnership with Public Policy Advisory Asia, looks at the challenges ASEAN faces, and provides strategic recommendations.

StoneBench
2025
ACFTA 3.0: Greater integration likely, but who benefits?

This StoneBench whitepaper, written in partnership with Priyanka Kishore, founder of Asia Decoded and Stephen Olson, visiting senior fellow at ISEAS, explores the implications of the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, given the current macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop.

StoneBench
2025
Critical minerals and rare earths: ASEAN’s new moment?

An in-house point of view written by Samantha Cheh, senior editor at StoneBench. The paper explores how the rush to secure critical minerals and rare earth, could have a transformative impact on the ASEAN region.

Hinrich Foundation
2024
Bringing trade into the Web 3.0

A secondary-research based report written on TradeTrust, a blockchain-powered protocol developed by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority to make the world’s first fully paperless cross-border transaction a reality.

StoneBench
2024
The (re)emergence of the Global South: Consensus in discontent

The Re(emergence) of the Global South: Consensus in discontent is the first in a series of whitepapers published by StoneBench on the Global South. Amid the many disruptions in the global economic and geopolitical landscape, there’s been growing discussion surrounding the opportunities for the Global South to consolidate and exert influence in global affairs. This whitepaper looks at why the concept of the Global South is in the headlines again, whether it will materialise into something...

Smartkarma
2024
Australia-ASEAN Summit: Prospering In Partnership

Writing a secondary research-based article on the growing economic partnership between Australia and ASEAN and what the future holds in terms of key areas of cooperation between the two economies.

Economist Impact
2022
Chain reactions: building value in procurement through digitalisation

This paper, written for Economist Impact, and commissioned by SAP, looks at challenges in business continuity and profitability for organisations through the lens of procurement; ascertains steps taken by procurement professionals to secure supply in this difficult operating environment; and explores the impacts of trends such as regionalisation, localisation, reshoring/nearshoring and the environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) agenda on their activities.

Economist Impact
2022
The cost-plus world of supply chains

This whitepaper written for Economist Impact and commissioned by GEP, delves into the evolving world of supply chain disruption and how businesses' responded. It is based on a survey conducted between December 2021 and February 2022 of 400 executives in the US and Europe familiar with their organisation’s supply chain strategy and operations.

Economist Impact
2022
Resilience and sustainability in the cost-plus world

Economist Impact, supported by GEP, conducted a survey of 400 supply chain and operations' executives across US and Europe, on their resilience and sustainability approach amid global inflation and supply chain disruptions. This whitepaper explores some of the key messages that emerged from the survey.

Unravel
2022
Estonia and Singapore: Cooperation between two 'digital tigers'

We speak with Priit Turk, Estonia’s first resident Ambassador to Singapore, on how Estonia encourages and nurtures the growth of startups; the challenges faced by small nations; and how digital governance and cooperation can benefit both Singapore and Estonia.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: What's in store for ASEAN economies?

We speak with Priyanka Kishore, head of India and South East Asia, Macro and Investor Services at Oxford Economics, about the outlook for Southeast Asia’s economies in 2022, and challenges facing the region.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: China and the West

We speak with Andrew Cainey, Senior Associate Fellow at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Director of the UK National Committee on China, about the outlook for relations between China and the West, its implications for the business of global tech firms and competing narratives on governance and the future of the world.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Australian foreign policy challenges and priorities

We speak with John West, executive director of the Asian Century Institute and author of the book Asian Century… on a Knife-edge, about Australia’s diplomatic priorities for 2022, its relations with China, security and strategic alliances it is now a part of, and challenges in Australian foreign policy.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: The future of globalisation

We speak with Michael G Plummer, Director, SAIS Europe and Eni Professor of International Economics, Johns Hopkins University, about the future of global trade, the continuing US-China trade war and the themes that will shape globalisation in 2022.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: China's inward turn

We speak with Robert Wihtol, who currently teaches at the Asian Institute of Management and is a former Country Director for China and Director General for East Asia at the Asian Development Bank, about China’s perceived inward turn over the past couple of years, its relations with Western powers in 2022, and some China-related trends to watch for.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
Trade in Transition

Edited this global report on the state of trade in a post-COVID world, published by The Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by DP World. The report looks at how the pandemic changed trade and expectations of trade among companies.

Unravel
2021
Global trading system not at tipping point yet

We spoke with Michael Plummer, who is director of the Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies Europe and the Eni Professor of International Economics at Johns Hopkins University and former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Asian Economics, about the future of global trade, the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO), how the tech war could impact other economies, Europe’s role in the centrality of the rules-based trading system, and Asia’s role in the future.

Unravel
2021
Is the global trade recovery here to stay?

In this second part of the interview on the state of the global economy and its prospects, we speak with Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Allianz and Euler Hermes, about current global supply-demand dynamics, the short supply in shipping containers, and the resilience of Asian supply chains and economies at large.

Unravel
2021
Global trade bounces back

In the first of a two-part interview, we speak with Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Allianz and Euler Hermes, about the reasons for this recovery, post-pandemic supply chains and protectionism.

Unravel
2021
Trade can boost Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery

We speak with Dr Ong Kian Ming, Former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia and current Member of Parliament for Bangi, about the importance of ratifying the CPTPP and RCEP for Malaysia, concerns floating around these FTAs in the country, and the role of trade in Malaysia’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Unravel
2020
China's importance will remain even as globalisation retreats

In this second part, James Crabtree speaks to Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi of Unravel about the potential geopolitical impact of the pandemic in Asia, the changing role of China, the implications of the pandemic on the Belt and Road Initiative and globalisation more broadly, and the Indo-China spat.

S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Singapore
2020
Think Tank Newsletter (Jan-Feb 2020)

We copyedit the Think Tank newsletter for the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. The newsletter is focused on geopolitical and strategic developments in the region.

S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Singapore
2019
Think Tank Newsletter (Sep-Nov 2019)

We copyedit the Think Tank newsletter for the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. The newsletter is focused on geopolitical and strategic developments in the region.

The Kathmandu Post
2019
In defence of protectionism

This is an opinion piece written for The Kathmandu Post, a popular English daily in Nepal. It looks at Nepal’s burgeoning trade deficit, the need to control it and possible ways to do it.

BRINK Asia
2019
2018: A BRINK Asia Perspective

This article on BRINK Asia dwells on important developments and events that shaped 2018, such as developments in renewable energy, around the Belt & Road Initiative, the continuation of US-China trade tensions and the continued interest in fintech.

BRINK Asia
2018
Different Standards for Judging the BRI?

Mr. Mahamoud Islam, Senior Asia Economist, Euler Hermes, shares his perspectives around China's Belt & Road Initiative and the criticism around mounting debts for participating countries in this interview.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2018
The Global Illicit Trade Environment Index - Asia Briefing Paper

This report for the Economist Intelligence Unit looks at how government policies across Asia are either enabling or inhibiting the growth of illicit trade. It is written on the back of an index created for the purpose by the Economist Intelligence Unit with supplementary research through secondary sources and interviews with stakeholders.

BRINK Asia
2018
Asia and the Next Phase of Globalization (Part 1)

In this first of a two-part interview, Mr. Ludovic Subran, Global Head of Macroeconomic Research at Allianz and Chief Economist, Euler Hermes, shares his views on the implications of China's Belt & Road Initiative and trade and investment opportunities created for Asian economies.

BRINK Asia
2018
A Backlash Against Globalization? Not Really (Part 2)

In this second part of the interview, Mr. Khanna shares his views on growing US-China trade protectionism measures, and how Asian economies could go on to lead the global economy in the years to come.

BRINK Asia
2018
The Belt and Road Initiative: Wider Implications for Asia (Part 1)

This is the first of a two-part interview with Mr. Parag Khanna, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Singapore, on the Belt & Road Initiative’s possible economic impact on other Asian economies and the associated challenges surrounding this development.

BRINK Asia
2018
Asia Climbing GVCs, but More Remains To Be Done (Part 1)

In this first of a two-part interview, Mr. John West, Executive Director, Asian Century Institute, shares his views on how Asian businesses need to quickly adapt to the growing influence of AI and automation and how they can ascend global value chains to remain competitive.

BRINK Asia
2018
Why Trade Matters to the ASEAN+3 (Part 1)

This is the first of a two-part interview with Mr. Hoe Ee Khor, Chief Economist, AMRO, on the importance of trade for the ASEAN+3 economies and the implications that growing protectionism could have on its growth trajectory.

BRINK Asia
2018
Southeast Asia Is Still Important for Britain (Part 1)

This is the first of a two-part interview with Mr. Scott Wightman, British High Commissioner to Singapore, on the importance of an economic relationship between the UK and the Southeast Asian region in the face of Brexit and increasing trade tensions.

S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Singapore
2018
Profitability of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail

This project entailed the copyediting of a paper for the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies that analyses the profitability of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail based on the relationship between population density and profit margins of railway companies in several countries.

BRINK Asia
2016
Can the ASEAN Trade Bloc Reach its Full Potential? (Part 1)

In this first part of an interview with Mr. Pushpanathan Sundram, Former Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, Mr. Sundram shares his views on the issues plaguing the ASEAN grouping, and what the bloc must do to realise its full economic potential for the sake of its people and its businesses.

Nikkei Asian Review
2015
Southern shutdown puts onus on Kathmandu to bridge trust deficit

This opinion piece for the Nikkei Asian Review provides insight into the economic challenges faced in Nepal owing to the seven-week shutdown announced by minority groups in the south of the country and an unofficial economic blockade on the country imposed by southern neighbour India.

HQ Asia
2015
ASEAN: The Business Case for Regional Integration

This interview based article offers insights shared by Dr. Pankaj Ghemawat and Prof. Anselmo Rubiralta. It allows an understanding of collaboration benefits in context to creation of the ASEAN Economic Community and what the term ‘globaloney’ means.

Global Trade Review
2013
Country Report: India - Shifting Patterns

This feature for Global Trade Review chronicles the impact of shifts and trends in global trade on India’s exporters and how they are coping with the challenges faced.

Public policy

StoneBench
2025
Small steps, big gains: Nepal’s puzzling pace of poverty reduction

This is an in-house report written in partnership with John Donaldson, associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University. The report explores how Nepal's dramatic fall in poverty is not because of its growth or remittances, but is more a result of hundreds of small, community-level interventions.

Economist Impact
2024
New challenges, new leaders: Collaborative and human-centric leadership for better outcomes

A briefing paper written for the Economist Impact and sponsored by the Menzies Foundation. This paper is based on an extensive literature review, a social listening exercise and an expert interview programme, all of which were used to understand the evolving nature of leadership in the public, private and non-profit sectors against a backdrop of mega trends spanning technological, climate and geopolitical forces impacting the current and future role of leaders across the globe.

PPAA
2024
Better Animal Health for a Sustainable Future in ASEAN

This is a research and interview-based report written for the Asian Animal Health Association. The report delves into how animal health, particularly livestock plays a crucial role in economic, social and environmental areas in the Southeast Asian region.

Hinrich Foundation
2024
Bringing trade into the Web 3.0

A secondary-research based report written on TradeTrust, a blockchain-powered protocol developed by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority to make the world’s first fully paperless cross-border transaction a reality.

The Financial Times
2022
Greater access to medicines an urgent global need

Global healthcare has long struggled with unequal access to medicines. Inequities not only exist between rich and poor countries, but also between the wealthy and the poor within countries. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Covid-19 has exacerbated existing challenges in healthcare delivery.

The Financial Times
2022
Good governance is key to national resilience

An article written for the Financial Times and supported by the Chandler Institute of Governance, delving into how governments with better governance systems are better prepared to manage crises like the pandemic.

The Financial Times
2022
Good governance is the foundation of inclusive societies

An article written for the Financial Times and supported by the Chandler Institute of Governance. The piece delves into how social mobility is closely linked to governments that foster fair and inclusive societies.

The Financial Times
2022
More digitalisation for better governance

An article written for the Financial Times and supported by the Chandler Institute of Governance on how digital technologies is important for better governance. Governments that have implemented digital technologies are better placed to serve their citizens more effectively.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Australian foreign policy challenges and priorities

We speak with John West, executive director of the Asian Century Institute and author of the book Asian Century… on a Knife-edge, about Australia’s diplomatic priorities for 2022, its relations with China, security and strategic alliances it is now a part of, and challenges in Australian foreign policy.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Asia’s insurance landscape

Here, we speak with Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at Asian Development Bank, about key insurance-related themes he expects to play out in 2022, some changes he hopes to see in the industry, and the impact of COVID-19 on the insurance industry and social security systems in the region.

European Chamber of Commerce Singapore
2019
Position Paper on Singapore's Healthcare Sector

This is a detailed interview- and research-driven whitepaper prepared for the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. It is focused on Singapore’s healthcare industry and in particular the industry transformation map. It provides an insight into how the pharmaceutical, medical devices, insurance and health technology sectors can work with the government in realising the transformation.

Centre for Liveable Cities Singapore
2019
Groundbreaking: 60 Years of National Development in Singapore

This particular proofreading project was for a book celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Ministry of National Development, Singapore. It chronicles the story of Singapore’s national development from pre-independence to the present day.

Centre for Liveable Cities Singapore
2019
Engineers as Urban Systems Innovators

This proofreading assignment was for a book that was a collaboration between the Professional Engineers Board and the Centre for Liveable Cities at the Ministry of National Development, Singapore. It captures some of the key facets of the Singapore story, in the making of one of the world’s most liveable cities.

BRINK Asia
2018
Government-business collaboration key to drive RegTech ecosystem in Asia

In this second part, Subas Roy, Partner, Digital Risk and Compliance at Oliver Wyman and Chairman of the International RegTech Association, speaks to BRINK Asia about the evolution of the regtech landscape in Asia, the nature of regtech partnerships and collaborations and the priorities in this space for both businesses as well as the government and the regulators.

Nanyang Technological University Singapore
2016
50 Years Of Materials Science In Singapore: Introduction

This is the introductory chapter in a book that commemorates the evolution of the materials science industry in Singapore. It was written for the Nanyang Technological University.

Nikkei Asian Review
2015
Southern shutdown puts onus on Kathmandu to bridge trust deficit

This opinion piece for the Nikkei Asian Review provides insight into the economic challenges faced in Nepal owing to the seven-week shutdown announced by minority groups in the south of the country and an unofficial economic blockade on the country imposed by southern neighbour India.

Nikkei Asian Review
2015
Hong Kong, Singapore head in opposite directions on tax

This article in the Nikkei Asian Review is focused on recent income tax policies introduced by the Singapore and Hong Kong governments in their recent budget announcements, and how the two economies are taking different approaches towards addressing similar challenges.

Sustainability

KPMG
2025
KPMG Asia Pacific CEO Outlook 2025

This is a survey-based report in its 11th edition. Written for KPMG, it explores Asia-Pacific's regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, technology & AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

Economist Impact
2025
Sustainable possibilities for palm oil

A research- and interview-driven branded feature written for Economist Impact and sponsored by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council. The piece delves into the importance of sustainability in the palm oil sector, particularly for top producing countries like Malaysia.

AIIB
2025
2024 AIIB Sustainability Report

Edited and proofread Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's inaugural sustainability report, representing the Bank's pivotal step in this regard. The report gives insights into the multilateral bank's strategic approach in adopting climate-conscious investment practices and decision-making.

DBS Bank
2025
Indonesia's Rise in Green Aluminium

A secondary-research based article written for DBS on the potential of green aluminium in Indonesia and how financial institutions can play an active role in supporting Indonesia government's efforts by providing the essential financing needed by companies to invest in more sustainable aluminium production.

KPMG
2025
KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook: Asia Pacific

This is a survey-based report on Asia-Pacific, written for KPMG. This report explores regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, technology & AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

StoneBench
2025
Small steps, big gains: Nepal’s puzzling pace of poverty reduction

This is an in-house report written in partnership with John Donaldson, associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University. The report explores how Nepal's dramatic fall in poverty is not because of its growth or remittances, but is more a result of hundreds of small, community-level interventions.

PPAA
2024
Better Animal Health for a Sustainable Future in ASEAN

This is a research and interview-based report written for the Asian Animal Health Association. The report delves into how animal health, particularly livestock plays a crucial role in economic, social and environmental areas in the Southeast Asian region.

Economist Impact
2024
New challenges, new leaders: Collaborative and human-centric leadership for better outcomes

A briefing paper written for the Economist Impact and sponsored by the Menzies Foundation. This paper is based on an extensive literature review, a social listening exercise and an expert interview programme, all of which were used to understand the evolving nature of leadership in the public, private and non-profit sectors against a backdrop of mega trends spanning technological, climate and geopolitical forces impacting the current and future role of leaders across the globe.

AVPN Asia
2024
How Faith-aligned Capital is Tackling Poverty in Asia

Editing of a research brief detailing key insights from the Faith and Giving initiative by AVPN. The brief shares how faith-aligned givers are working with local communities and organisations to tackle poverty in Asia, emphasising on long-term impact and betterment of the society in the region.

KPMG
2024
The future of urban transformation in Asia Pacific

An article written for KPMG, detailing how collaboration between the region's economies, could lay the blueprint towards developing a more livable, sustainable and equitable urban cities in Asia Pacific.

Economist Impact
2023
Innovation for the new globalisation

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article explores the emerging model of new globalisation, and on the role of innovation in delivering a more equitable and sustainable model of growth and development.

Economist Impact
2023
Is frugality the future of innovation?

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article looks at examples of how frugal innovation are bearing commendable results in emerging economies, requiring governments to respond positively.

Economist Impact
2023
Clustering for collaboration

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article explores how tech clusters fuel innovation and economic growth.

PwC
2023
Upskilling for shared prosperity in Southeast Asia: Fostering sustainable growth

A whitepaper written on digital upskilling and sustainability within Southeast Asia and its potential impacts on employment and the economy. Focused on four key sectors within Southeast Asia—manufacturing, agriculture, energy and utilities, financial services. This report is further supplemented using secondary research.

Economist Impact
2023
Bridging the skills gap: fuelling careers and the economy in Asia-Pacific

A skills gap report written for Economist Impact and supported by Google at the back of an Asia-based survey of 14 major Asian markets. The report contains key insights on reskilling and upskilling in 14 markets in the region, derived from extensive desk research, a primary research survey and expert interviews.

KPMG
2023
KPMG 2023 CEO Outlook: Asia Pacific

This is a survey-based report on Asia-Pacific, written for KPMG. This report explores regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, generative AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

Economist Impact
2023
Corporate India is prioritising sustainability initiatives

The findings of the survey reflect strong enthusiasm among Indian corporates for a range of sustainability initiatives. Their top choices are setting sustainability targets and conducting regular sustainability best practice trainings and knowledge-sharing sessions in the organisation.

Haymarket
2023
Driving Change in Asia Pacific's Renewables Sector: Trends and Investible Opportunities

A comprehensive report built on in-depth secondary research presenting a compelling case for investment in renewable energy technologies with a strategic emphasis on electric vehicles and related infrastructure across Asia. The research also incorporates insights from interviews with subject matter experts spanning critical Asian economies such as China, India, Indonesia and Singapore.

DBS Bank
2023
Supporting the Metals & Mining sector's push to net zero

China's recent emergence from its prolonged COVID lockdown and shift away from strict zero-COVID rules is having a positive impact on output and consumption in the country. In particular, the reopening of the economy is a positive sign for the metals and mining sector, which feeds into several other important industries such as infrastructure, shipping, aviation, steel and automotives, that are the pillars of the region's economic growth.

Economist Impact
2022
In pursuit of recovery, companies refocus on their people

This article is written on the back of a survey of 350 corporate leaders conducted across different markets, exploring how companies are rethinking sustainable recovery. This article explores how talent management is being approached amid the pandemic.

She Loves Data
2022
Diversity at the top: The imperative for change

This project entailed the substantive editing of a report that delves into the issue of diversity in data and technology roles across various industries in Asia-Pacific. The report outlines the key action items from roundtable discussions organised by the Courage Council and She Loves Data.

Economist Impact
2022
Resilience and sustainability in the cost-plus world

Economist Impact, supported by GEP, conducted a survey of 400 supply chain and operations' executives across US and Europe, on their resilience and sustainability approach amid global inflation and supply chain disruptions. This whitepaper explores some of the key messages that emerged from the survey.

Economist Impact
2022
Advance Australia prepare: How to make Australian businesses future-ready

This whitepaper was written on the back of a benchmark developed by Economist Impact. Commissioned by Cognizant, the research aimed at providing a quantifiable and comparative assessment of the future-readiness of different key economies' business environments, and this report focused on Australia.

Economist Impact
2022
The Great Resignation in Asia-Pacific: Is data the answer for companies?

This report by Economist Impact, sponsored by Tableau, explores the reasons behind and the implications of the Great Resignation in Asia-Pacific. It also take a look at how companies can take a data-driven approach in improving employee retention and managing the workforce of the future.

The Financial Times
2022
Greater access to medicines an urgent global need

Global healthcare has long struggled with unequal access to medicines. Inequities not only exist between rich and poor countries, but also between the wealthy and the poor within countries. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Covid-19 has exacerbated existing challenges in healthcare delivery.

The Financial Times
2022
Good governance is key to national resilience

An article written for the Financial Times and supported by the Chandler Institute of Governance, delving into how governments with better governance systems are better prepared to manage crises like the pandemic.

The Financial Times
2022
Good governance is the foundation of inclusive societies

An article written for the Financial Times and supported by the Chandler Institute of Governance. The piece delves into how social mobility is closely linked to governments that foster fair and inclusive societies.

The Financial Times
2022
More digitalisation for better governance

An article written for the Financial Times and supported by the Chandler Institute of Governance on how digital technologies is important for better governance. Governments that have implemented digital technologies are better placed to serve their citizens more effectively.

Unravel
2021
How is the insurance industry responding to climate change?

In this second part of the interview, Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at Asian Development Bank,speaks about how the insurance industry is coping and innovating to respond to the growingnumber of extreme weather events. He also speaks of strategies being used by insurancecompanies to better manage extreme weather events.

Unravel
2021
Technology can deliver sustainable agriculture

In this second part of the conversation, we speak with Elizabeth Hernandez, head of external affairs and sustainability, Asia Pacific at Corteva Agriscience, on growing awareness about food sustainability, smallholder farmers in the region, food waste and the future of agriculture.

Unravel
2021
Agriculture needs a rethink

We speak with Elizabeth Hernandez, head of external affairs and sustainability, Asia Pacific at Corteva Agriscience, about how food systems can be more resilient and productive, the impact of climate change on agriculture in the region and how technology can help address some of the challenges facing the agriculture industry.

Unravel
2021
Climate change risk: near a tipping point

Arup Chatterjee, the insurance expert at the ADB, speaks about the impact of growing climate-related risks on infrastructure and financial market stakeholders

Guy Carpenter
2020
Diversity is key to successful business

A branded piece on how Guy Carpenter is bringing a wealth of change in initiating a gender diversity in the corporate sector. Initiating changes in terms of both policies and thought process.

European Chamber of Commerce Singapore
2019
Collaboration opportunities to address healthcare transformation in Singapore

This is a detailed interview- and research-driven whitepaper prepared for the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. It is focused on Singapore’s healthcare industry and in particular the industry transformation map. It provides an insight into how the pharmaceutical, medical devices, insurance and health technology sectors can work with the government in realising the transformation.

Mercer
2019
The Changing State of Health Benefits in Asia

This piece outlines the importance of providing international medical plans that take into consideration maternity expenses, dental checkups and care for dependents so as to attract global talent and facilitate sustainable organisational growth.

BRINK Asia
2019
How Is Caregiving Holding Women Back?

An interview with Ms. Shailey Hingorani, Head of Advocacy, Research and Communications, AWARE, on Asian women facing gender disparity due to their role as primary caregivers and how the Singapore government is addressing this imbalance.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2018
The Global Illicit Trade Environment Index - Asia Briefing Paper

This report for the Economist Intelligence Unit looks at how government policies across Asia are either enabling or inhibiting the growth of illicit trade. It is written on the back of an index created for the purpose by the Economist Intelligence Unit with supplementary research through secondary sources and interviews with stakeholders.

INSEAD
2018
Gender Equality in Asian Corporate Leadership: Distant Dream Or Achievable Ideal?

A whitepaper written for INSEAD's Emerging Markets Institute that looks at gender parity in senior corporate roles in the technology and finance sectors in Asia. The paper captures the views of senior corporate leaders in the two sectors across Asia and provides insight into the reasons contributing to this disparity, and possible ways to address the issue.

BRINK Asia
2018
Mobility Solutions for Asia's Booming Cities

In this interview, Mr. Christopher Leck, Deputy Group Director, Technology and Industry Development at Land Transport Authority, Singapore, shares the government's vision for the implementation and adoption of smart technology systems to address growing issues around urban mobility.

BRINK Asia
2018
How Can Cities Be Smart about Going Smart? (Part 1)

In part one of a two-part interview, Mr. Tan Kok Yam, Deputy Secretary, Smart Nation & Digital Government at the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore shares the government's smart nation vision and key measures implemented towards mitigating cyber risks.

BRINK Asia
2018
Can Sustainable Finance Thrive in Asia? (Part 2)

The second part of the interview with Ms. Herry Cho further advises governments and businesses to find the right balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

BRINK Asia
2018
Financing a Greener Asia (Part 1)

In this first part of a conversation with Ms. Herry Cho, Director and Head of Sustainable Finance Asia, ING, on the viability of green financing in Asia, she stresses upon the importance of sustainable finance for Asian businesses and the subsequent evolution of the regulatory landscape in Asia.

Oliver Wyman
2017
Evolving Risk Concerns In Asia Pacific - 2017

Copyediting of a report for the Marsh & McLennan Companies focusing on the evolving risk concerns in Asia-Pacific, drawing on insights covering societal ageing, infrastructure and cyber risks.

BRINK Asia
2017
Sustainability in Southeast Asia: Escaping the Catch-22

An article enriched with key points from the fourth Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources. It highlights issues surrounding Southeast Asia's sustainable and environmental policies, and how these can be addressed with collaboration, sustainable finance and technology.

BRINK Asia
2016
The 'Inequality Trap' Threatens Asian Economic 'Miracle'

This article explains why inequality in Asia is threatening economic growth. It goes on to discuss the resultant environmental and health impacts, accompanied by increased polarisation and the need for inclusivity.

PEI Media
2015
Indian solar: the great buildout

An opinion piece written on the state of solar energy in India, and how the country plans to increase its solar capacity in the overall energy mix.

Technology

KPMG
2025
KPMG Asia Pacific CEO Outlook 2025

This is a survey-based report in its 11th edition. Written for KPMG, it explores Asia-Pacific's regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, technology & AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

Economist Impact
2025
Cloud compliance

A branded piece written for the Economist Impact and sponsored by the AWS and SAP. The piece delves into the importance of cloud technology in the insurance sector, helping insurance companies to comply with regulatory standards, while providing seamless support to customers and mitigating emerging security threats.

KPMG
2025
KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook: Asia Pacific

This is a survey-based report on Asia-Pacific, written for KPMG. This report explores regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, technology & AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

Visa
2025
How Malaysian SMEs are navigating challenges and embracing digitalisation

Writing an article detailing the journey of Malaysian SMEs in navigating the emerging digital frontier. Digital payment systems serve as powerful catalysts in this growth journey, enabling businesses to significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce transaction costs and dramatically accelerate payment cycles.

Economist Impact
2025
From energy to AI: Mitsubishi Corporation is charting a new path

An advertisement feature written for the Economist Impact and sponsored by the Mitsubishi Corporation, exploring how one of Japan’s major investment and trading companies is changing its business model to meet the evolving needs of global industries.

Economist Impact
2024
Where cutting-edge EV innovation meets customer experience

A branded piece written for Economist Impact and commissioned by Hyundai showcasing how The Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) is revolutionising the automobile customer journey, with an on-premise restaurant that is supplied with produce from a co-located, fully automated farm.

KPMG
2024
The future of urban transformation in Asia Pacific

An article written for KPMG, detailing how collaboration between the region's economies, could lay the blueprint towards developing a more livable, sustainable and equitable urban cities in Asia Pacific.

Hinrich Foundation
2024
Bringing trade into the Web 3.0

A secondary-research based report written on TradeTrust, a blockchain-powered protocol developed by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority to make the world’s first fully paperless cross-border transaction a reality.

SmartKarma
2024
ASEAN Agritech: Key beneficiary of the AI revolution

Writing a secondary research-based article on how AI is playing a crucial role in Southeast Asia’s agriculture sector. With the region’s growing population and climate challenges, AI applications are helping farmers manage plant diseases, pests, and livestock more efficiently.

KPMG
2023
KPMG 2023 CEO Outlook: Asia Pacific

This is a survey-based report on Asia-Pacific, written for KPMG. This report explores regional insights from KPMG's global survey of over 1,300 CEOs, diving into their perspectives on economic outlook, ESG, generative AI, and talent - revealing their next crucial steps.

Economist Impact
2023
What lies in store for digitalisation-enabled industry 4.0

A branded piece written for Economist Impact and sponsored by Huawei. The piece delves into how advanced digital technologies are enabling businesses across industries achieve more accurate production, reduce service downtime and boost cost savings.

Economist Impact
2023
Driving development: The impact of ICT investments on the digital economy

A report written on the back of a global survey of 500 individuals (company executives, policymakers and investors). This report is written for Economist Impact and is supported by GSMA Intelligence and Huawei. The report draws insights from survey results and interviews on the impact of information communication technology (ICT) investments on the global digital economy.

Smartkarma
2023
Evolving Role of Payments in Southeast Asia: Insights from Merchants

A perspective report capturing the evolving role of payments in Southeast Asia. The whitepaper delved into the adoption and use of digital payments that accelerated significantly post the pandemic and how these changes impacted the region’s businesses and their changing perspectives on the evolving role of payments in their strategy and operations.

The Financial Times
2023
Rewired: Outcompeting through digital and AI

A branded piece written for the Financial Times and sponsored by McKinsey & Company on how businesses can successfully implement digital and AI technologies to generate new revenues, improve customer experience and lower costs.

Economist Impact
2023
Digital transformation led growth for Indian corporates

Indian companies are mindful of digitalisation needs and are well on their digitalisation journeys. 88% of the surveyed c-suite executives report satisfaction with innovation and digital transformation strategies their companies have adopted or are planning to adopt.

Economist Impact
2023
Hybrid work and a focus on skills is redefining the Indian workplace

Indian corporates are moving away from what was traditionally understood as the 'workplace' as they adapt to the changing market environment. Indian companies are thinking about the purpose of the workplace and redefining it using digital communication and collaboration tools.

Economist Impact
2023
Innovation for the new globalisation

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article explores the emerging model of new globalisation, and on the role of innovation in delivering a more equitable and sustainable model of growth and development.

Economist Impact
2023
Clustering for collaboration

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article explores how tech clusters fuel innovation and economic growth.

Economist Impact
2023
Is frugality the future of innovation?

Written at the back of a research programme supported by Philip Morris International, this article looks at examples of how frugal innovation are bearing commendable results in emerging economies, requiring governments to respond positively.

Economist Impact
2023
Leap in 5G connectivity presents a “perfect moment” for telcos

As digital technologies and innovations become embedded in the day-to-day of consumers and enterprises, the role of telcos has seen a significant transformation over the past decade. Innovating new technologies and implementing them will be met with poor network connectivity.

Economist Impact
2023
Expanding access to the 5G ecosystem

As rapid tech adoption continues, high-quality and seamless connectivity will be fundamental to ensuring that organisations in the public and private sector are able to take advantage of the digital economy.

Economist Impact
2023
The future belongs to 5.5G innovation

Investments in ICT infrastructure and consequent digitalisation will drive the fourth industrial revolution. Much as steam power and the mechanisation of production drove the industrial revolution three centuries ago, ICT innovation will drive the fourth industrial revolution through gains from digitalisation.

StoneBench
2023
Playground for innovation: Fintech regulatory sandboxes in Southeast Asia

Playground for innovation: Fintech regulatory sandboxes in Southeast Asia is a report published by StoneBench. It discusses the broadening adoption of regulatory sandboxes against the backdrop of accelerated fintech growth in Southeast Asia. It also identifies the impact of regulatory sandboxes on the fintech sector and looks ahead at what role such sandboxes can have in the regional regulatory landscape in future.

Unravel
2023
How will digitalisation play out in 2023?

We speak with Darren Thayre, head of Innovation, Global Strategic Initiatives at Google, about digital trends expected to play out in Asia in 2023, how digital banks are giving traditional banks a run for their money, the future of CBDCs in Asia and what companies should prioritise on the digital front.

Unravel
2023
How is Asia doing in terms of its digital infrastructure?

We speak with Blair Chalmers, Singapore-based managing director at Marsh McLennan Advantage, on the uneven progress in digitalisation across Asia, due to its various infrastructural gaps. He also speaks about some key developments we can expect to see in the region’s digital economy this year, and drivers of change.

Economist Impact
2022
Business leaders consider technology's potential for growth

Digital technologies have been instrumental in helping businesses tide over the worst of covid-19. This article, written on the back of a survey of 350 executives, explores how businesses are planning their growth and looking to realise their potential.

Economist Impact
2022
Advance Australia prepare: How to make Australian businesses future-ready

This whitepaper was written on the back of a benchmark developed by Economist Impact. Commissioned by Cognizant, the research aimed at providing a quantifiable and comparative assessment of the future-readiness of different key economies' business environments, and this report focused on Australia.

The Financial Times
2022
More digitalisation for better governance

An article written for the Financial Times and supported by the Chandler Institute of Governance on how digital technologies is important for better governance. Governments that have implemented digital technologies are better placed to serve their citizens more effectively.

Economist Impact
2022
Chain reactions: building value in procurement through digitalisation

This paper, written for Economist Impact, and commissioned by SAP, looks at challenges in business continuity and profitability for organisations through the lens of procurement; ascertains steps taken by procurement professionals to secure supply in this difficult operating environment; and explores the impacts of trends such as regionalisation, localisation, reshoring/nearshoring and the environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) agenda on their activities.

Economist Impact
2022
Tech redefines ageing: how tech is enabling productive lives for older populations

A report written for Economist Impact and supported by HSBC, exploring how digital technologies are redefining what it means to age productively. The report is backed by survey of 600 Hong Kong residents aged 30-69 years old, and explores their attitudes towards the role of technology in their lives and the barriers impeding digital adoption among their age groups.

Economist Impact
2022
The Great Resignation in Asia-Pacific: Is data the answer for companies?

This report by Economist Impact, sponsored by Tableau, explores the reasons behind and the implications of the Great Resignation in Asia-Pacific. It also take a look at how companies can take a data-driven approach in improving employee retention and managing the workforce of the future.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Content, fintech and the future of cash

We speak with Rahul Mudgal, Global Marketing Director for DOCOMO Digital, about the two big themes that will play out in 2022 in terms of content and fintech. We also discuss why cash will continue to rule the roost in the foreseeable future in South and Southeast Asia.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Digitalisation in Asia

We speak with Darren Thayre, Head of Innovation, Global Strategic Initiatives at Google, about digitalisation in Asia in 2022, and key themes that will play out in the region.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Blockchain, CBDCs and digital assets

We speak with Amit Ghosh, Chief Information & Services Officer for R3, about what 2022 may bring for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), blockchain interoperability, and the continued adoption of blockchain-based solutions and applications across Asia.

Unravel
2021
Technology can deliver sustainable agriculture

In this second part of the conversation, we speak with Elizabeth Hernandez, head of external affairs and sustainability, Asia Pacific at Corteva Agriscience, on growing awareness about food sustainability, smallholder farmers in the region, food waste and the future of agriculture.

Unravel
2021
Asia's tech embrace and the promise of prosperity

In this second part, Ms Khanna talks about the importance of financial inclusion, the role of digital payments in supporting the post-COVID economic recovery, and also some of the emerging risks in this ecosystem that must be managed.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2020
The COVID-19 push: Accelerating change in Australian industries - Mining

Last of a three part article written for the Economist Intelligence Unit and supported by Vocus, looking at how digital uptake in Australia's mining sector, amid the pandemic should be further supported with the right investments in connectivity and cyber and network security.

DOCOMO Digital
2020
Game on: The Gaming Opportunity Unravelled

A white paper that looks at the evolution of the gaming industry, and mobile gaming in particular. The paper looks at the factors that have driven the surge in mobile gaming and its prospects for the future, with a deep-dive into payments and various payment types. Research for this report was supplemented with interviews with industry professionals.

DOCOMO Digital
2020
The Rise and Rise of OTT Media

A research report detailing the rapid surge in over-the-top media consumption globally on the back of advancements in mobile technology, higher bandwidth connectivity, quality content and the availability of diverse payment options. Research for this report was supplemented with interviews with industry professionals.

Tech in Asia
2020
Can Vitamin Subscriptions Transform Asian Healthcare?

This feature article looks in detail at the growing trend of vitamin subscriptions, which are being fuelled by growing awareness, increasing affluence and changing lifestyles across the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asian Banker
2020
What will the new banking normal look like?

The banking sector has traditionally been conservative in adopting emerging technologies, but things are changing rapidly with the entry of digital banks across Asia. The COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated tech adoption and provided a fillip to digitalisation efforts across all sectors including financial services.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2020
Leading ASEAN Growth with Technology

This branded piece for Hitachi looks at smart and sustainable practices, energy management and better urban transportation, which could act as enablers for certain the ASEAN region’s smart infrastructure development aspirations.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2020
Urbanising the 'Smart' Way

This branded piece for Hitachi illustrates the importance of data and the need for public and private participation in realising urbanisation the smart way.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2020
How Tech is Reimagining Electricity

An article for the Economist Intelligence Unit showcasing the benefits technology is bringing to the energy sector, while resolving several long-standing issues in the areas of to electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage.

Unravel
2020
The fintech future in emerging markets

We spoke with Marcel van Oost, an Amsterdam-based fintech strategist and investor who works with several digital banks and fintech companies globally, about the future of financial services in emerging economies. He speaks specifically about the role digital banks can play in emerging markets, and key fintech trends we can expect to see. He also talks about the importance of fintech companies making products not for themselves but for the people who will eventually use them.

Unravel
2020
AI will continue to drive seismic shifts in emerging markets

In this second part, Scott Hunter speaks with Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi of Unravel about how societies are coping with changes brought about by AI, the data privacy dilemma and emerging disruptive technologies in the light of COVID-19.

Unravel
2020
The transformational abilities of AI

In the first part of this conversation with Unravel, Scott Hunter, cloud value advisor at Google, speaks with Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi about what ‘AI for good’ really is, and its implications on food security, healthcare and supply chains. He also talks about the role of AI in the development of emerging markets and in taking financial services to an underserved population.

Unravel
2020
Asia's digital economy landscape and building trust in technology

In the second part of the conversation with Unravel’s Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi, Mr Thayre provides his views on some of the constraints on the journey to digitalisation in developing Asian economies, and how these can be managed. He also provides his perspective on the public health vis-à-vis data privacy debate, and talks about the issue of our trust in technology.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2019
Tailored with technology: How fintech is fuelling international growth

An article written for the Economist Intelligence Unit that talks about how fintech is supporting the growth of small businesses by providing companies with access to larger markets virtually, and by increasing efficiencies in a variety of operational aspects of business.

DOCOMO Digital
2019
Middle East's Digital Ecosystem: Set for growth

The telecom sector has driven the increase in mobile subscriptions in the Middle East, leading to both internet penetration and consumption growth. This research-based report analyses and uncovers regional digital disruption in the region, and what its governments are doing to support the trend.

BRINK Asia
2018
Asia jumping onto the RegTech bandwagon

In this first part of a two-part interview, BRINK Asia spoke with Subas Roy, partner, RegTech, Digital Risk and Compliance at Oliver Wyman and chairman of the International RegTech Association, about the key considerations, costs and benefits, and other emerging regtech trends in Asia.

BRINK Asia
2018
Fintech in ASEAN—Collaboration Is Key

A research driven article on the how ASEAN countries provide a fertile market for fintech companies looking to innovate, collaborate and scale.

BRINK Asia
2018
Government-business collaboration key to drive RegTech ecosystem in Asia

In this second part, Subas Roy, Partner, Digital Risk and Compliance at Oliver Wyman and Chairman of the International RegTech Association, speaks to BRINK Asia about the evolution of the regtech landscape in Asia, the nature of regtech partnerships and collaborations and the priorities in this space for both businesses as well as the government and the regulators.

BRINK Asia
2018
How Can Cities Be Smart about Going Smart? (Part 1)

In part one of a two-part interview, Mr. Tan Kok Yam, Deputy Secretary, Smart Nation & Digital Government at the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore shares the government's smart nation vision and key measures implemented towards mitigating cyber risks.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2016
Information Influencer, Strategy Shaper: The Changing Profile of the CIO in Asia-Pacific

This report for the Economist Intelligence Unit was based on results drawn from analysing CIO profiles spanning diverse industries in the Asia-Pacific region. The report offers an understanding of dynamic changes in a CIO’s role in an organisation as a result of visible growth seen in technology adoption across various industries.

Nanyang Technological University Singapore
2016
50 Years Of Materials Science In Singapore: Introduction

This is the introductory chapter in a book that commemorates the evolution of the materials science industry in Singapore. It was written for the Nanyang Technological University.

Digital economy

Visa
2024
Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study 2024

A survey-based report written on the developing consumer attitudes across six Southeast-Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and Thailand). In its 10th edition, the study tries to understand the developing consumer behaviours in terms of digital payments and commerce in the region.

Economist Impact
2023
Driving development: The impact of ICT investments on the digital economy

A report written on the back of a global survey of 500 individuals (company executives, policymakers and investors). This report is written for Economist Impact and is supported by GSMA Intelligence and Huawei. The report draws insights from survey results and interviews on the impact of information communication technology (ICT) investments on the global digital economy.

Smartkarma
2023
Evolving Role of Payments in Southeast Asia: Insights from Merchants

A perspective report capturing the evolving role of payments in Southeast Asia. The whitepaper delved into the adoption and use of digital payments that accelerated significantly post the pandemic and how these changes impacted the region’s businesses and their changing perspectives on the evolving role of payments in their strategy and operations.

StoneBench
2023
Playground for innovation: Fintech regulatory sandboxes in Southeast Asia

Playground for innovation: Fintech regulatory sandboxes in Southeast Asia is a report published by StoneBench. It discusses the broadening adoption of regulatory sandboxes against the backdrop of accelerated fintech growth in Southeast Asia. It also identifies the impact of regulatory sandboxes on the fintech sector and looks ahead at what role such sandboxes can have in the regional regulatory landscape in future.

Unravel
2023
How is Asia doing in terms of its digital infrastructure?

We speak with Blair Chalmers, Singapore-based managing director at Marsh McLennan Advantage, on the uneven progress in digitalisation across Asia, due to its various infrastructural gaps. He also speaks about some key developments we can expect to see in the region’s digital economy this year, and drivers of change.

Economist Impact
2022
Tech redefines ageing: how tech is enabling productive lives for older populations

A report written for Economist Impact and supported by HSBC, exploring how digital technologies are redefining what it means to age productively. The report is backed by survey of 600 Hong Kong residents aged 30-69 years old, and explores their attitudes towards the role of technology in their lives and the barriers impeding digital adoption among their age groups.

Unravel
2022
Estonia and Singapore: Cooperation between two 'digital tigers'

We speak with Priit Turk, Estonia’s first resident Ambassador to Singapore, on how Estonia encourages and nurtures the growth of startups; the challenges faced by small nations; and how digital governance and cooperation can benefit both Singapore and Estonia.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Digitalisation in Asia

We speak with Darren Thayre, Head of Innovation, Global Strategic Initiatives at Google, about digitalisation in Asia in 2022, and key themes that will play out in the region.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Content, fintech and the future of cash

We speak with Rahul Mudgal, Global Marketing Director for DOCOMO Digital, about the two big themes that will play out in 2022 in terms of content and fintech. We also discuss why cash will continue to rule the roost in the foreseeable future in South and Southeast Asia.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Blockchain, CBDCs and digital assets

We speak with Amit Ghosh, Chief Information & Services Officer for R3, about what 2022 may bring for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), blockchain interoperability, and the continued adoption of blockchain-based solutions and applications across Asia.

Unravel
2021
Digitalisation for financial inclusion

We speak with Rosy Khanna, who heads the financial institutions practice in Asia for the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group that’s focused on private-sector development in less developed countries, about why this is important, what it means for financial inclusion and the role of tech in remittances.

DOCOMO Digital
2020
The Rise and Rise of OTT Media

A research report detailing the rapid surge in over-the-top media consumption globally on the back of advancements in mobile technology, higher bandwidth connectivity, quality content and the availability of diverse payment options. Research for this report was supplemented with interviews with industry professionals.

DOCOMO Digital
2020
Game on: The Gaming Opportunity Unravelled

A white paper that looks at the evolution of the gaming industry, and mobile gaming in particular. The paper looks at the factors that have driven the surge in mobile gaming and its prospects for the future, with a deep-dive into payments and various payment types. Research for this report was supplemented with interviews with industry professionals.

Unravel
2020
Asia's digital economy landscape and building trust in technology

In the second part of the conversation with Unravel’s Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi, Mr Thayre provides his views on some of the constraints on the journey to digitalisation in developing Asian economies, and how these can be managed. He also provides his perspective on the public health vis-à-vis data privacy debate, and talks about the issue of our trust in technology.

Unravel
2020
Digital banks must become lifestyle partners

Digital banking holds the promise to transform financial services and improve customer experience. But the successful digital banks will have to put culture and mindset even before technology in order to be successful, according to Darren Thayre, Head, Digital Transformation and Digital Ventures for Google across Asia-Pacific, Japan and China.

Unravel
2020
The fintech future in emerging markets

We spoke with Marcel van Oost, an Amsterdam-based fintech strategist and investor who works with several digital banks and fintech companies globally, about the future of financial services in emerging economies. He speaks specifically about the role digital banks can play in emerging markets, and key fintech trends we can expect to see. He also talks about the importance of fintech companies making products not for themselves but for the people who will eventually use them.

DOCOMO Digital
2019
Middle East's Digital Ecosystem: Set for growth

The telecom sector has driven the increase in mobile subscriptions in the Middle East, leading to both internet penetration and consumption growth. This research-based report analyses and uncovers regional digital disruption in the region, and what its governments are doing to support the trend.

BRINK Asia
2018
Fintech in ASEAN—Collaboration Is Key

A research driven article on the how ASEAN countries provide a fertile market for fintech companies looking to innovate, collaborate and scale.

BRINK Asia
2018
Asia jumping onto the RegTech bandwagon

In this first part of a two-part interview, BRINK Asia spoke with Subas Roy, partner, RegTech, Digital Risk and Compliance at Oliver Wyman and chairman of the International RegTech Association, about the key considerations, costs and benefits, and other emerging regtech trends in Asia.

BRINK Asia
2018
Government-business collaboration key to drive RegTech ecosystem in Asia

In this second part, Subas Roy, Partner, Digital Risk and Compliance at Oliver Wyman and Chairman of the International RegTech Association, speaks to BRINK Asia about the evolution of the regtech landscape in Asia, the nature of regtech partnerships and collaborations and the priorities in this space for both businesses as well as the government and the regulators.

Interviews

Unravel
2023
How will digitalisation play out in 2023?

We speak with Darren Thayre, head of Innovation, Global Strategic Initiatives at Google, about digital trends expected to play out in Asia in 2023, how digital banks are giving traditional banks a run for their money, the future of CBDCs in Asia and what companies should prioritise on the digital front.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: The state of media

We speak with Brock Meeks, one of the pioneers of online journalism and founder of CyberWire Dispatch, the first online news publication set up in 1994, about the state of journalism, the quest for truth in a world dominated by social media, and the continuing use of media outlets as vehicles for propaganda.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Indian business and the economy

We speak with Ritesh Kumar Singh, chief economist of Indonomics Consulting and former assistant director of the Finance Commission of India, about the prospects of the Indian economy in the new year, key areas of concern and some bright spots.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: China's inward turn

We speak with Robert Wihtol, who currently teaches at the Asian Institute of Management and is a former Country Director for China and Director General for East Asia at the Asian Development Bank, about China’s perceived inward turn over the past couple of years, its relations with Western powers in 2022, and some China-related trends to watch for.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: China and the West

We speak with Andrew Cainey, Senior Associate Fellow at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Director of the UK National Committee on China, about the outlook for relations between China and the West, its implications for the business of global tech firms and competing narratives on governance and the future of the world.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: What's in store for ASEAN economies?

We speak with Priyanka Kishore, head of India and South East Asia, Macro and Investor Services at Oxford Economics, about the outlook for Southeast Asia’s economies in 2022, and challenges facing the region.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Digitalisation in Asia

We speak with Darren Thayre, Head of Innovation, Global Strategic Initiatives at Google, about digitalisation in Asia in 2022, and key themes that will play out in the region.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Blockchain, CBDCs and digital assets

We speak with Amit Ghosh, Chief Information & Services Officer for R3, about what 2022 may bring for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), blockchain interoperability, and the continued adoption of blockchain-based solutions and applications across Asia.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Australian foreign policy challenges and priorities

We speak with John West, executive director of the Asian Century Institute and author of the book Asian Century… on a Knife-edge, about Australia’s diplomatic priorities for 2022, its relations with China, security and strategic alliances it is now a part of, and challenges in Australian foreign policy.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Content, fintech and the future of cash

We speak with Rahul Mudgal, Global Marketing Director for DOCOMO Digital, about the two big themes that will play out in 2022 in terms of content and fintech. We also discuss why cash will continue to rule the roost in the foreseeable future in South and Southeast Asia.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: Asia’s insurance landscape

Here, we speak with Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at Asian Development Bank, about key insurance-related themes he expects to play out in 2022, some changes he hopes to see in the industry, and the impact of COVID-19 on the insurance industry and social security systems in the region.

Unravel
2022
2022 Outlook: The future of globalisation

We speak with Michael G Plummer, Director, SAIS Europe and Eni Professor of International Economics, Johns Hopkins University, about the future of global trade, the continuing US-China trade war and the themes that will shape globalisation in 2022.

Unravel
2022
Estonia and Singapore: Cooperation between two 'digital tigers'

We speak with Priit Turk, Estonia’s first resident Ambassador to Singapore, on how Estonia encourages and nurtures the growth of startups; the challenges faced by small nations; and how digital governance and cooperation can benefit both Singapore and Estonia.

Unravel
2021
Global trading system not at tipping point yet

We spoke with Michael Plummer, who is director of the Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies Europe and the Eni Professor of International Economics at Johns Hopkins University and former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Asian Economics, about the future of global trade, the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO), how the tech war could impact other economies, Europe’s role in the centrality of the rules-based trading system, and Asia’s role in the future.

Unravel
2021
Changing conversations around infrastructure in Asia

In this second part of our conversation, Ms Chatterton talks about the role of infrastructure in Asia’s economic recovery, the promise of digitalisation and the various conversations around the greater use of artificial intelligence for different purposes.

Unravel
2021
Rethinking infrastructure development in Asia

We speak with Isabel Chatterton, who heads the infrastructure and natural resources practice in Asia for the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group that’s focused on private-sector development in less developed countries. In this first part of the interview, Ms Chatterton speaks about the changes in mindset she’s witnessing, and looks at some of the areas in the infrastructure space that are seeing the most rapid change (and most interesting developments).

Unravel
2021
Asia's tech embrace and the promise of prosperity

In this second part, Ms Khanna talks about the importance of financial inclusion, the role of digital payments in supporting the post-COVID economic recovery, and also some of the emerging risks in this ecosystem that must be managed.

Unravel
2021
Digitalisation for financial inclusion

We speak with Rosy Khanna, who heads the financial institutions practice in Asia for the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group that’s focused on private-sector development in less developed countries, about why this is important, what it means for financial inclusion and the role of tech in remittances.

Unravel
2021
Is the global trade recovery here to stay?

In this second part of the interview on the state of the global economy and its prospects, we speak with Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Allianz and Euler Hermes, about current global supply-demand dynamics, the short supply in shipping containers, and the resilience of Asian supply chains and economies at large.

Unravel
2021
Global trade bounces back

In the first of a two-part interview, we speak with Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Allianz and Euler Hermes, about the reasons for this recovery, post-pandemic supply chains and protectionism.

Unravel
2021
Technology can deliver sustainable agriculture

In this second part of the conversation, we speak with Elizabeth Hernandez, head of external affairs and sustainability, Asia Pacific at Corteva Agriscience, on growing awareness about food sustainability, smallholder farmers in the region, food waste and the future of agriculture.

Unravel
2021
Agriculture needs a rethink

We speak with Elizabeth Hernandez, head of external affairs and sustainability, Asia Pacific at Corteva Agriscience, about how food systems can be more resilient and productive, the impact of climate change on agriculture in the region and how technology can help address some of the challenges facing the agriculture industry.

Unravel
2021
How is the insurance industry responding to climate change?

In this second part of the interview, Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at Asian Development Bank,speaks about how the insurance industry is coping and innovating to respond to the growingnumber of extreme weather events. He also speaks of strategies being used by insurancecompanies to better manage extreme weather events.

Unravel
2021
Climate change risk: near a tipping point

Arup Chatterjee, the insurance expert at the ADB, speaks about the impact of growing climate-related risks on infrastructure and financial market stakeholders

Unravel
2021
Trade can boost Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery

We speak with Dr Ong Kian Ming, Former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia and current Member of Parliament for Bangi, about the importance of ratifying the CPTPP and RCEP for Malaysia, concerns floating around these FTAs in the country, and the role of trade in Malaysia’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Unravel
2020
The fintech future in emerging markets

We spoke with Marcel van Oost, an Amsterdam-based fintech strategist and investor who works with several digital banks and fintech companies globally, about the future of financial services in emerging economies. He speaks specifically about the role digital banks can play in emerging markets, and key fintech trends we can expect to see. He also talks about the importance of fintech companies making products not for themselves but for the people who will eventually use them.

Unravel
2020
AI will continue to drive seismic shifts in emerging markets

In this second part, Scott Hunter speaks with Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi of Unravel about how societies are coping with changes brought about by AI, the data privacy dilemma and emerging disruptive technologies in the light of COVID-19.

Unravel
2020
The transformational abilities of AI

In the first part of this conversation with Unravel, Scott Hunter, cloud value advisor at Google, speaks with Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi about what ‘AI for good’ really is, and its implications on food security, healthcare and supply chains. He also talks about the role of AI in the development of emerging markets and in taking financial services to an underserved population.

Unravel
2020
China's importance will remain even as globalisation retreats

In this second part, James Crabtree speaks to Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi of Unravel about the potential geopolitical impact of the pandemic in Asia, the changing role of China, the implications of the pandemic on the Belt and Road Initiative and globalisation more broadly, and the Indo-China spat.

Unravel
2020
Asia's economic future and the role of the state in a post-COVID world

In the first part of this conversation with Unravel, James Crabtree, journalist and author of The Billionaire Raj, and an Associate Professor of Practice at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, speaks with Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi about the socio-economic implications of the growth outlook for Asia, the changing relationship of people with their governments in the context of the economic role and powers of the state, and the long-term challenges for the region.

Unravel
2020
Asia's digital economy landscape and building trust in technology

In the second part of the conversation with Unravel’s Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi, Mr Thayre provides his views on some of the constraints on the journey to digitalisation in developing Asian economies, and how these can be managed. He also provides his perspective on the public health vis-à-vis data privacy debate, and talks about the issue of our trust in technology.

Unravel
2020
The 'new normal' may also be a better normal: Will businesses buy-in?

In this first part of the conversation, Darren Thayre, who leads Google’s digital transformation initiatives across the region, speaks to Unravel’s Siddharth Poddar and Shivaji Bagchi about what the ‘new normal’ will look like from a tech perspective. He offers his views on remote working, the push for digitalisation and whether businesses are on board to make these changes outlast the pandemic.

Unravel
2020
Why the future of work should be remote

Open-core software development company GitLab has 1,300 employees working remotely in more than 65 countries around the world. We spoke with Darren Murph, the company’s head of remote, about how companies can master remote work, ways to build company culture in an all-remote context, the importance of breaking out of legacy mindsets to embrace change, and preparing for the new future of work.

Unravel
2020
Digital banks must become lifestyle partners

Digital banking holds the promise to transform financial services and improve customer experience. But the successful digital banks will have to put culture and mindset even before technology in order to be successful, according to Darren Thayre, Head, Digital Transformation and Digital Ventures for Google across Asia-Pacific, Japan and China.

Unravel
2020
What is Asia’s insurance story?

In this first part of the interview, Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist,Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at the Asian Development Bankspeaks with Shivaji Bagchi and Siddharth Poddar of Unravel about the evolution of insurancein Asia over the years, the reason for its low uptake in Asia and the impact of COVID-19 on the insurance industry.

BRINK Asia
2019
How Is Caregiving Holding Women Back?

An interview with Ms. Shailey Hingorani, Head of Advocacy, Research and Communications, AWARE, on Asian women facing gender disparity due to their role as primary caregivers and how the Singapore government is addressing this imbalance.

BRINK Asia
2018
Government-business collaboration key to drive RegTech ecosystem in Asia

In this second part, Subas Roy, Partner, Digital Risk and Compliance at Oliver Wyman and Chairman of the International RegTech Association, speaks to BRINK Asia about the evolution of the regtech landscape in Asia, the nature of regtech partnerships and collaborations and the priorities in this space for both businesses as well as the government and the regulators.

BRINK Asia
2018
Asia jumping onto the RegTech bandwagon

In this first part of a two-part interview, BRINK Asia spoke with Subas Roy, partner, RegTech, Digital Risk and Compliance at Oliver Wyman and chairman of the International RegTech Association, about the key considerations, costs and benefits, and other emerging regtech trends in Asia.

BRINK Asia
2018
Different Standards for Judging the BRI?

Mr. Mahamoud Islam, Senior Asia Economist, Euler Hermes, shares his perspectives around China's Belt & Road Initiative and the criticism around mounting debts for participating countries in this interview.

BRINK Asia
2018
Mobility Solutions for Asia's Booming Cities

In this interview, Mr. Christopher Leck, Deputy Group Director, Technology and Industry Development at Land Transport Authority, Singapore, shares the government's vision for the implementation and adoption of smart technology systems to address growing issues around urban mobility.

BRINK Asia
2018
Asia and the Next Phase of Globalization (Part 1)

In this first of a two-part interview, Mr. Ludovic Subran, Global Head of Macroeconomic Research at Allianz and Chief Economist, Euler Hermes, shares his views on the implications of China's Belt & Road Initiative and trade and investment opportunities created for Asian economies.

BRINK Asia
2018
A Backlash Against Globalization? Not Really (Part 2)

In this second part of the interview, Mr. Khanna shares his views on growing US-China trade protectionism measures, and how Asian economies could go on to lead the global economy in the years to come.

BRINK Asia
2018
The Belt and Road Initiative: Wider Implications for Asia (Part 1)

This is the first of a two-part interview with Mr. Parag Khanna, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Singapore, on the Belt & Road Initiative’s possible economic impact on other Asian economies and the associated challenges surrounding this development.

BRINK Asia
2018
How Can Cities Be Smart about Going Smart? (Part 1)

In part one of a two-part interview, Mr. Tan Kok Yam, Deputy Secretary, Smart Nation & Digital Government at the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore shares the government's smart nation vision and key measures implemented towards mitigating cyber risks.

BRINK Asia
2018
Can Sustainable Finance Thrive in Asia? (Part 2)

The second part of the interview with Ms. Herry Cho further advises governments and businesses to find the right balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

BRINK Asia
2018
Financing a Greener Asia (Part 1)

In this first part of a conversation with Ms. Herry Cho, Director and Head of Sustainable Finance Asia, ING, on the viability of green financing in Asia, she stresses upon the importance of sustainable finance for Asian businesses and the subsequent evolution of the regulatory landscape in Asia.

BRINK Asia
2018
Asia Climbing GVCs, but More Remains To Be Done (Part 1)

In this first of a two-part interview, Mr. John West, Executive Director, Asian Century Institute, shares his views on how Asian businesses need to quickly adapt to the growing influence of AI and automation and how they can ascend global value chains to remain competitive.

BRINK Asia
2018
Why Trade Matters to the ASEAN+3 (Part 1)

This is the first of a two-part interview with Mr. Hoe Ee Khor, Chief Economist, AMRO, on the importance of trade for the ASEAN+3 economies and the implications that growing protectionism could have on its growth trajectory.

BRINK Asia
2018
Southeast Asia Is Still Important for Britain (Part 1)

This is the first of a two-part interview with Mr. Scott Wightman, British High Commissioner to Singapore, on the importance of an economic relationship between the UK and the Southeast Asian region in the face of Brexit and increasing trade tensions.

BRINK Asia
2016
Can the ASEAN Trade Bloc Reach its Full Potential? (Part 1)

In this first part of an interview with Mr. Pushpanathan Sundram, Former Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, Mr. Sundram shares his views on the issues plaguing the ASEAN grouping, and what the bloc must do to realise its full economic potential for the sake of its people and its businesses.

HQ Asia
2015
ASEAN: The Business Case for Regional Integration

This interview based article offers insights shared by Dr. Pankaj Ghemawat and Prof. Anselmo Rubiralta. It allows an understanding of collaboration benefits in context to creation of the ASEAN Economic Community and what the term ‘globaloney’ means.

Branded content

Economist Impact
2022
Responding to seismic shifts in the media industry

An interview with Nitin Mittal, President – Technology & Data, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, exploring the rapid change being witnessed in the content and media consumption landscape in India, amid the pandemic.

Economist Impact
2022
The digital transformation imperative in the energy sector

An interview with Rahul Tandon, Head – Digital Transformation (Project Anubhav), Bharat Petroleum on the growing demand for energy in India and how that has called for a transition towards sustainability in the energy sector.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
Adopting agility in the consumer sector

In this interview for The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Accenture, we spoke with Sumant Bhargavan, an executive director at ITC who oversees its FMCG business, to understand how the company has responded to the downturn and the role technology has played in its response.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
Making India a manufacturing powerhouse

In this interview for The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Accenture, we spoke with Karsten Mueller, executive vice president, manufacturing and quality at Bosch India, about technology-related developments in Indian manufacturing, its future and the changes that must come for India to become a global manufacturing hub.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
Responding to changing customer expectations in banking

In this interview for The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Accenture, we spoke with Tejas Mehta, chief technology officer at RBL Bank, one of India’s fastest growing private sector banks, about innovation in banking, how the industry has been forced to respond to changes over the past 18 months, and some challenges it faces.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
India's automotive sector: Preparing for a rebound?

In this interview for The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Accenture, we spoke with Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director, auto & farm sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India’s largest automotive companies and the world’s largest tractor manufacturer, about post-COVID learnings, and the prospects of India’s auto sector.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
2021
People 4.0: At the intersection of humanity and technology

This branded content article for Microsoft looks at how technology has provided a lifeline to businesses and institutions, but organisations must not overlook the role of people in building an agile, responsive culture that empowers everyone to drive innovation and transformation.