The Gateway

We live in the Asian Century. In the coming decades, China, Japan, India and Indonesia will rise to become among the largest economies in the world, driven by an explosion of innovation, productivity and domestic consumption from their large and fast growing middle class and high net worth populations. Smaller Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines will emerge as economic powers in their own right, an the World will tilt towards Asia, as businesses, investment and trade seek access to the high growth markets of the region. The economic engine of growth in the region is China. Every Asian country sees China as their No. 1 trading partner and is dependent on China for exports, investment and trade. All Asian countries have large Chinese populations themselves and, over many years, have learnt the art of diplomacy and the need to balance their economic, security and geo-political interests with China. This has been the story of the past 30 years which has seen unprecedented growth, wealth and prosperity in a region propelled by globalisation, trade and the lifting of many millions of people out of extreme poverty. This book represents a collection of articles, insights and ideas written by me during the course of 2021 to draw attention to the changing dynamics within our region and the opportunities emerging for the leaders of future generations.