BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  Rethinking Trade: ASEAN’s Rise in a Fragmented World

Rethinking Trade: ASEAN’s Rise in a Fragmented World

Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader, BCG’s Global Advantage Practice

20-May-25 12:00

Rethinking Trade: ASEAN’s Rise in a Fragmented World

As global trade becomes more fragmented, the Global South is stepping into a more prominent role. But with rising geopolitical tensions, how can Southeast Asian nations chart their own course, without falling into the crossfire between the US and China?

Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader of BCG’s Global Advantage Practice, joins us to unpack the growing influence of the Global South, ASEAN’s unique position, and what business leaders need to do to navigate the new trade order.

We discuss:

  • ASEAN’s balancing act between China and the US

  • The end of WTO-led globalisation, and what replaces it

  • How to build “geopolitical muscle” for resilience and agility

  • How to tap into South-South trade as it outpaces global trade

  • The evolving strengths of the Global South: capital, culture & innovation

  • What policymakers can do to make growth more inclusive and sustainable

Whether you’re an investor, policymaker, or business leader, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for operating, and thriving, in an increasingly multipolar world.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan, Kishan Sivaswamy

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


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

Categories:  economypoliticsinternationalmarkets

Tags:  geopolitical muscleglobal tradeaseangeopolitical strategyglobal southsupply chainsmultipolar world





Play / Pause

Listen now : BBC World Service: This episode of The Conversation features two women who...

Today’s Shows



11:00 AM

Best of Enterprise

(REPEAT) Amy Blair, Founder & CEO of Batik Boutique, on building Malaysia’s only B Corp–certified batik brand and her vision to take it global.

12:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

(REPEAT) This week we review the latest creepy-child horror film to hit the scene, Zach Cregger’s Weapons, followed by a discussion about the different types of horror movies out there.

1:00 PM

Cruise Control

(REPEAT) Honda's first EV in Malaysia, the e:N1 is now available in the market? Is the car worth getting? Tune in to hear Daniel's thoughts on the car!

2:00 PM

Matt-Splained

(REPEAT) Rich and Matt explore the contradictions and myth of that eternal essential: sleep

3:00 PM

Earth Matters

(REPEAT) Asian elephants in Malaysia face mounting threats from habitat loss, conflict, and development, but hope lies in efforts to foster coexistence. This World Elephant Day, Dr. Wong Ee Phin and Prof. Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz share what it takes to live alongside these magnificent giants.

4:00 PM

Bar None

(REPEAT) Lauren Hoh Ruyi joins us to share her football journey so far and her observations of the women's game here.

5:00 PM

BBC World Service

This episode of The Conversation features two women who are helping design affordable homes in Tanzania and Spain.