Shelter from the storm:
Investing in the era of uncertainty

The signs of a thriving business and investment ecosystem between Asia-Pacific and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are hard to miss. The two regions are strengthening ties through strategies such as trade agreements and infrastructure investments. Asian companies are interested in becoming a part of the UAE’s free trade zones. What is the current state of the UAE-Asia Pacific relations as well as the future prospects? What are the implications for some of the key players? How can investors and businesses navigate the opportunities and risks within this transforming landscape?

Increasingly more financial players are interested in tapping into the potential of ESG and impact investments in Asia-Pacific. To address social and environmental challenges effectively, key stakeholders need to ensure that impact capital is deployed strategically, matching with the right opportunities. What are the opportunities investors can leverage to generate social and environmental value along with economic returns? What is the role of innovative models of business and financing in unlocking the potential of impact-driven investments?

On the global stage, India and China are becoming key players in terms of total number and valuation of startups, following the United States. Indonesia and Vietnam’s progress have been remarkable as well. Can Asia Pacific create the next generation Silicon Valley and become a centre for entrepreneurship and innovation? In this episode, we talk about the startup ecosystem in Asia-Pacific. We also discuss how investors and founders can unlock entrepreneurship opportunities in the region.

In the last six years, India’s business environment rankings rose 10 places among the 82 countries assessed by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Expanding investments will be crucial in maintaining the country’s favourable position for investors. To achieve this, India needs to keep improving regarding ease of doing business and governance transparency. Transforming the infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy is also key. In this episode, we discuss business and investment opportunities and risks in India.

The era of AI has begun. Asia-Pacific’s spending on AI will reach around $50 billion in 2026. In the sixth episode of the series “Shelter from the storm: Investing in the era of uncertainty,” sponsored by EquitiesFirst, we discuss the opportunities and risks around artificial intelligence investments in Asia-Pacific. Our guest speakers talk about the new business models emerging from the expanding industry applications of AI and how investors can leverage the associated investment opportunities. What AI can offer is almost limitless, but the opportunities don’t come without risks.