BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  Kishore Mahbubani on the Asian Century and World War III

Kishore Mahbubani on the Asian Century and World War III

Kishore Mahbubani, Author, Living the Asian Century

13-Aug-24 15:00

Kishore Mahbubani on the Asian Century and World War III

Professor Kishore Mahbubani is a prominent Singaporean academic and the Founding Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in NUS. He’s an ex-diplomat who served as Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and held various senior positions in Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He’s also an author known for his sharp commentary on global affairs, particularly regarding the rise of China and Asia as a whole, the decline of the American Empire and its implication for global political economy. He’s written books such as “Has China Won” and “Can Asians Think” and his latest one – Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir. 

In this episode, Kishore Mahbubani joins us in conversation about his life and lessons from years of working as a diplomat. We talk about the rise of Asia, the curious case of Singapore's first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, the strengths of ASEAN, US-China relations and if we're getting closer to World War III. 

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  politicsinternationalgovernment

Tags:  kishore mahbubanilee kuan kewworld war iiiliving in the asian centuryrise of chinaamerican empirehas china woncan asians thinkthe bigger picturebeyond the ballot boxaseansoutheast asia





Play / Pause

Listen now : Enterprise Explores: Costco vs. Trump. Penta’s Bryan DeAngelis explores why retailers are...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist, UBP tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Ken Foong, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us an outlook for Singapore’s property market.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Lim Wei Jiet, Constitutional Lawyer discusses the urgent reforms needed to strengthen judicial manpower.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Prof. James Chin of the University of Tasmania and Prof. Dr. Evan Lau Poh Hock of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak discuss the political and economic outlook for Sabah and Sarawak in 2026.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Amin Ashaari, CEO & Co-Founder of SoyaCincau, shares his views on government apps.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist, UBP tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

The Property Show

Dr. Suraya Ismail of Khazanah Research Institute discusses homeownership and housing affordability in Malaysia.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

FeedMe. Restaurants are under pressure like never before like rising costs, staff shortages, shrinking margins, and systems that were never designed for today’s pace of business. We speak with Squall Tan, CEO of FeedMe, about how a simple frustration with slow service and wrong orders led to the creation of a full F&B operating system now used across the region. Squall shares how FeedMe evolved from a homegrown POS into an integrated platform that helps restaurants automate ordering, reduce operational blind spots, and make smarter, data-driven decisions. From why most F&B businesses fail, to how AI is reshaping restaurant operations and what it takes to scale a food-tech company across Asia, this is a discussion on how technology is quietly redefining the F&B industry.

11:00 AM

The Workplace

Fahad Naeem, Country Director, Randstad Malaysia. Malaysia’s job market is moving fast in 2026, with new roles opening up, salaries shifting, and employers competing harder than ever for the right talent. But beneath the activity lies a deeper transformation in how Malaysians choose where and why they work. We speak with Fahad Naeem, Country Director at Randstad Malaysia, about the findings from Randstad’s 2026 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide, and what they reveal about Malaysia’s push towards a higher-value workforce. From skills shortages and AI-driven role changes, to rising employee confidence and the growing importance of trust, flexibility, and learning opportunities, this conversation explores why pay alone is no longer enough to attract or retain top talent. It’s a timely look at what employers must rethink in 2026 and what professionals should watch for as Malaysia’s workforce enters a new chapter.

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Costco vs. Trump. Penta’s Bryan DeAngelis explores why retailers are suing over "Liberation Day" tariffs and if the White House’s domestic capital is waning. Plus, has the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela rewritten the power dynamic between D.C. and the Private Sector?

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

We find out about a Semai fruit season homestay finally opening to the public, supported by Gerimis Art, sharing forest life, culture, and community-led ecotourism.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

UMMC performed a liver transplant that saved the life of a four-month-old baby. The surgical team shares the harrowing experience.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Big Issue

7:00 PM

Stories of KL

We learn about KL Car Free Morning- a weekly community initiative that opens KL streets up to the public.

8:00 PM

Cruise Control

Daniel Fernandez, Managing Editor, dsf.my