Follow the Money: Where Investors Are Betting on Asia's Future | Milken Summit | Tank Talks Asia

In this special episode of *Tank Talks Asia*, recorded in Singapore following the Milken Institute Asia Summit, Manisha Tank is joined by colleagues Andrew Clark and Yeen Chong to explore the big ideas shaping Asia’s investment landscape. From shifting global capital flows and AI, to personalised cancer vaccines and affordable healthcare, the team speaks to investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers about how investment is evolving to meet the needs and challenges of a changing world. **Featured Voices** **Hosts:** Manisha Tank, Andrew Clark, Yeen Chong **Guests:** - Paul Thoppil, High Commissioner for Canada in Singapore - Tristan Thompson, NBA Player; Founding Partner, Introduction.com - Shannon Cheung, Chairman and CEO, Averest Capital - Manoj Kumar, Founder, Social Alpha - Carol Fong, Group CEO, CGS International Securities Limited ### **Key takeaways** - Paul Thoppil says that as geopolitical relationships and trade patterns shift, Canada and other markets are looking to attract investment by offering greater diversification and trusted governance for major projects. - Tristan Thompson explains that athletes, entertainers and other influential figures are becoming alternative sources of capital for startups, bringing visibility, personal brands and storytelling alongside their financial investment. - Shannon Cheung discusses how AI, genome sequencing, mRNA technology and advanced cell culture are creating new possibilities for personalised cancer vaccines, while raising important questions about access to emerging medical treatments. - Manoj Kumar states that patient, philanthropic and early-stage capital can help bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial markets, supporting innovations such as affordable MRI machines. - Carol Fong believes that China's expanding economic footprint, ASEAN's developing technology ecosystem and closer regional connections could reshape capital flows across Asia, although the region still faces a challenge in attracting investment into its technology and capital markets. ### **Chapter heads** 0:00 Introduction **0:42** **A Pivotal Moment for Asia** Reflecting on the Milken Institute Asia Summit, Manisha, Yeen and Andrew discuss the growing international interest in Asia, shifting capital flows and the questions surrounding AI, investment and who holds the reins of economic power. **03:37** **Diversifying Trade and Attracting Global Investment** Paul Thoppil, the High Commissioner for Canada in Singapore, explains how Canada is seeking to attract international investment through trade diversification, greater certainty for investors and streamlined project approvals. **08:42** **Athletes as the New Capital Allocators** NBA player and founding partner of Introduction.com, Tristan Thompson, discusses how athletes and celebrities can bring startups more than capital, at the same time as highlighting why human connection remains valuable in an AI-driven world. **13:39** **From Personal Loss to Personalised Cancer Vaccines** Shannon Cheung, Chairman and CEO of Averest Capital, shares how his family's experience with cancer inspired his move into biotechnology, explaining how AI, genome sequencing and mRNA technology are helping Likang Life Sciences develop personalised cancer vaccines. **19:25** **Turning Innovation into Social Impact** Manoj Kumar, the founder of Social Alpha, explains how philanthropic and early-stage capital can help bring affordable healthcare and other impactful innovations to market, from low-cost MRI machines to sustainable materials made from flower waste. **25:38** **China, ASEAN and the Future of Capital Flows** Carol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International Securities, explores how China's expanding regional footprint, growing technology ecosystems and closer ties with ASEAN could reshape investment flows and unlock new opportunities across Southeast Asia. **Useful links** https://milkeninstitute.org/events/asia-summit-2026 https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/singapore-singapour/singapore-singapour.aspx?lang=eng https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/canada-investment-summit-2026.html https://liberal.ca/plan/ https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/04/23/3279930/0/en/tristan-thompson-joins-introduction-com-as-founding-partner-backing-the-rise-of-the-400b-in-person-connection-economy.html https://introduction.com/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cmq5nljx7972o https://averest.com/about.html https://likanglife.com/ https://www.lechengmedical.com/ https://www.socialalpha.org/ https://phool.co https://www.cgsi.com/Home?lang=EN **Don’t miss out** We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email: [tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com](mailto:tanktalksasia@asiaworks.com) And don’t forget to **follow, subscribe, and share** so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia. Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.