Tokyo recently hosted Nikkei's annual two-day Future of Asia conference, focusing on the theme of "Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World." The event brought together notable speakers, filled the venue with engaged participants, and prompted discussions on pressing issues facing Asia and the world. Among the sessions at the conference, one moderated by a participant offered unique insights from former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a veteran statesman with extensive experience in Asian leadership.
As the conference touched on the uncertainties plaguing Asia and the world at large, attention was drawn to various hotspots, including North Korea's nuclear advancements, tensions in the South China Sea, ongoing violence in Myanmar, and escalating U.S.-China relations. Amidst these global challenges, a new wave of middle-class Chinese individuals has been embarking on risky journeys through South America to seek a better life in the U.S. This trend has sparked discussions on the motivations and experiences of these migrants, shedding light on the complex realities they face both in their home country and upon arrival in the U.S.
While the Future of Asia conference provided valuable insights, South Asia's absence of representation underscored the region's own set of uncertainties, particularly highlighted by Pakistan's efforts to address its financial crisis by selling state-owned enterprises. The economic challenges in Pakistan point to a tough road ahead for potential buyers, especially in the case of Pakistan International Airlines. Additionally, the tech world's focus on generative artificial intelligence has prompted analysis on the profitability of Chinese cloud service providers and their awaited surge in demand for AI-related services. Amidst these discussions, the enduring appeal of radio, despite the rise of podcasts, was also explored, reflecting on the unique role of traditional radio broadcasting and its influence on language learning and daily news consumption.