Big Take Asia

David Ramli, a Bloomberg investing reporter based in Singapore, dives into the shocking downfall of Gibran Huzaifah’s fish-feeding startup, eFishery. Ramli details how financial desperation led Gibran to fabricate numbers, initially attracting massive investments but ultimately resulting in a $300 million wipeout. The discussion highlights the risks of venture capital, the ethical dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs, and the broader implications of deceitful practices within startup culture. Transparency emerges as a vital necessity in business.

Alice Kempton, an Australian woman on a quest for motherhood, shares her heartfelt journey through the complex world of egg donation and IVF. She reveals the emotional toll of infertility, the pressures of repeated miscarriages, and the financial strains they faced. The couple sought donors abroad, highlighting the quest for transparency and connection with their chosen donor. Their story unfolds with gut-wrenching setbacks but ultimately culminates in the joyful birth of their son, Rupert, emphasizing hope and the intricacies of family creation.

Vernon Silver, an investigative reporter at Bloomberg, dives into the murky waters of the human egg trade, having traveled to Greece to uncover shocking truths. He discusses a scandal where a fertility clinic allegedly stole eggs from 75 women, sparking ethical concerns and global repercussions. The podcast addresses Greece's dual role as a fertility tourism hub, highlighting both its appealing costs and significant ethical dilemmas. Silver elaborates on the vulnerabilities within the largely unregulated industry, emphasizing the critical importance of trust.

Natalie Obiko Pearson, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg and former India correspondent, sheds light on the harrowing world of the human egg trade. This gripping discussion reveals the shocking exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls drawn into the trade by economic pressures. Pearson explores the booming fertility industry in India, unearthing ethical dilemmas and dark stories of manipulation. The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for accountability in an unregulated, global market that commodifies women's bodies.

Enda Curran, a Global Economy reporter for Bloomberg, and Tom Orlik, Chief Economist for Bloomberg Economics, delve into the impact of Trump’s tariffs on global growth. They discuss the IMF's forecast of a 2.8% GDP growth, revealing a concerning decline in U.S. projections. The conversation highlights the $2 trillion potential loss to global GDP and its comparison to major economies. They also emphasize the significant adjustments required in response to ongoing trade tensions and the importance of international dialogue at recent IMF meetings.

Shuli Ren, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and expert on Chinese markets, discusses the impressive rise of Pop Mart, a toy company capturing global attention with its Labubu dolls and blind box collectibles. She highlights how celebrity endorsements, particularly from K-pop star Lisa, fuel demand. The conversation also delves into Pop Mart's innovative strategies, its resilience amid economic challenges, and how it inspires other Chinese brands to navigate international markets. This is a fascinating look at how a toy company is impacting China's economy.

As the trade war between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping continues to escalate, economists around the world are asking who will blink first. On this episode of the Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s John Liu and Jennifer Welch join host David Gura to discuss what it will take for both presidents to come to the negotiating table, how the current state of China’s economy impacts its positioning in the trade war and why hardball tactics are unlikely to work this time around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dexter Low, a Bloomberg real estate reporter, delves into the dramatic feud within Singapore's Kwek family, owners of a major developer. The discussion reveals how a lawsuit filed by the family patriarch against his son has rocked the image of this once-stable dynasty. They explore the fallout for investors amid internal conflicts and risky business decisions, shedding light on the complex dynamics that can challenge family-run enterprises in Asia. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for investor confidence and wealth management in such turbulent environments.

John Boudreau, Bloomberg's Southeast Asia editor navigating the intricacies of emerging economies, teams up with John Liu, senior executive editor for Greater China, to unpack the seismic impact of Trump's tariffs on Asian markets. They discuss how nations like Vietnam and China are grappling with crippling levies, triggering investor panic and stock market declines. The conversation dives into the strategic diplomatic maneuvers of Asian economies as they balance relationships with both superpowers while recalibrating their economic futures in a shifting global landscape.

Bloomberg reporter Josh Wingrove, who covers the White House, dives into President Trump's historic tariff announcement, the steepest in over a century. He discusses the staggering 10% tariffs imposed on all exporters to the U.S., with China facing duties exceeding 50%. The conversation explores the significant reshaping of global trade dynamics, potential retaliations from foreign nations, and the mixed reactions from American industries. Wingrove also highlights challenges economists face in predicting the longer-term impact on markets and consumer prices.