Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

Wenchi Yu

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu presents on-the-ground views from Asia about Trump 2.0's policies and politics and their implications for China, Taiwan, Asia, and beyond. Wenchi Yu interviews business and political leaders with deep experience working on and living in the Asia Pacific region.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 22 Beyond Geopolitics: China's Domestic-First Economic Policy with Kelvin Lam

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with the UK-based macroeconomist, Kelvin Lam, a long-time China observer, about the current state of China’s economy. The conversation highlights several issues, including the challenges in the property sector, the country’s transition towards a high-tech economy, and the need to boost domestic consumption. The discussion also touches on the issue of inequality, the phenomenon of involution (over-competition within industries), and the future outlook for China's economic policies. Kelvin provides valuable insights as China prepares to unveil its 15th Five-Year Plan later in October. 00:00 Introduction to China's Economic Landscape 01:01 Kelvin Lam's Background and Expertise 01:56 Current State of China's Economy 07:28 The Role of the Property Market 10:26 Domestic Consumption and Economic Transition 11:34 High-Tech Manufacturing and Economic Growth 15:01 Unemployment and Labor Market Dynamics 16:14 Government Policies to Boost Consumption 19:11 Income Growth and Social Stability 22:00 China's Technological Advancements and Global Positioning 25:40 Overcapacity and Market Competition 30:52 Government Strategies for Industrial Consolidation 35:17 The Upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan 37:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    39 min

  2. AUG 25

    Ep. 21 American Businesses in Taiwan: Navigating Trade, Energy, and Geopolitical Challenges

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Carl Wegner, President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taiwan, about the implications of Trump 2.0's policies for Taiwan. The conversation highlights that beyond tariffs, American businesses also worry about energy stability, lack of a US-Taiwan double-taxation treaty, Taiwan's aging population, and geopolitical dynamics. Wegner explains that despite the uncertainty, American investment in Taiwan continues to be strong, with a survey showing over 70% of members plan to maintain or increase their investments. The discussion also touches on promising non-semiconductor industries in Taiwan, such as defense, clean energy, and biotech, as well as the increasing awareness of Taiwan in Washington D.C.   Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    32 min

  3. AUG 8

    Ep. 20 Bryce Whitwam Discusses China's Digital Marketing Revolution: From Foreign Brands to "Guo Chao" 国潮

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bryce Whitwam, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in Asia, including 17 years in China, where he led major advertising agencies and founded his own. Bryce highlights the "seismic shift" in marketing and consumer behavior brought about by the rise of multifunctional digital platforms such as WeChat, Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu (also known as Red Note). The conversation also covers the rise of Chinese domestic brands, a phenomenon known as "Guo Chao 国潮," like Luckin Coffee, which have challenged foreign brands such as Starbucks.  Whitwam argues that while consumers may sometimes boycott foreign brands like H&M for nationalistic reasons, they generally base their purchasing decisions on product quality and trust. Despite tariffs and the closure of the "de minimis" loophole, Whitwam predicts an increase in direct-to-consumer sales from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.. He views these tariffs as a "failed policy" that will lead to higher prices for consumers.  Bryce Whitwam contributed a chapter, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Staying Ahead of the Most Dynamic Market on Earth, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change. Bryce Whitwam is also a co-host of ShanghaiZhan, a podcast about all things China marketing, advertising, tech and platforms.   00:00 The Digital Revolution in China 02:46 Bryce's Journey in Marketing and Advertising 05:40 E-commerce and Social Commerce Transformation 08:38 The Shift in Advertising Strategies 11:40 The Rise of Short-Form Video and Influencer Marketing 14:32 Understanding Chinese Social Media Platforms 17:42 The Impact of Domestic Brands and Guo Chao 20:08 Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Preferences 23:12 The Future of US-China Business Relations 25:43 Conclusion: The Competitive Landscape Ahead Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    47 min

  4. JUL 28

    Ep. 19 Taiwan's Balancing Act: Navigating Beijing, Washington, and Its Own Identity

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Professor Philip Hsu 徐斯勤 of National Taiwan University about the intricate political landscape of Taiwan, focusing on the 7/26 recall elections, public opinion regarding identity and relations with China, and the evolving dynamics of Taiwan's relationship with the U.S. Taiwan is the flashpoint where technology, business, and geopolitics intersect. A deeper understanding of this island nation and its dynamic political forces—especially through the lens of Taiwan-China and Taiwan-US relations—is vital for navigating both opportunities and risks with more informed decision-making. For Wenchi's take on the 7/26 recall elections, please read my Substack.  00:00 Taiwan's Political Landscape and Recall Elections 05:42 Cross-Strait Relations and U.S. Concerns 08:12 Public Opinion on Taiwan's Identity and China 23:15 Taiwan's Evolving Relationship with the U.S. 30:31 Domestic Issues and Future Implications for Taiwan in the World Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    42 min

  5. JUL 17

    Ep. 18 Ethan Tu on Pioneering Responsible AI in Taiwan

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Ethan Tu (杜奕瑾), founder of Taiwan AI Labs, Asia's first open AI research institution. Taiwan AI Labs is dedicated to advancing AI through open algorithms, open-source code, and federated learning, an approach that enables collaborative machine learning without centralizing data, thus preserving privacy and preventing monopolies. Ethan's career includes founding Taiwan's first Chinese-language search engine, Yam, and the first social media platform, PTT (批踢踢). He later played a pivotal role in helping launch Microsoft's Bing and its first virtual assistant, Cortana. Recognizing AI's immense potential—including its capacity for harm—Ethan returned to Taiwan to champion responsible AI development. His work now focuses particularly on federated learning and combating disinformation. Today, Taiwan AI Labs' innovations are widely adopted in healthcare, privacy protection, and the promotion of democracy. 00:00 Introduction to AI and Its Global Implications 00:56 Ethan Tu's Journey and Taiwan AI Labs 04:34 Concerns Over Big Tech and Data Privacy 06:30 Innovations in Combating Disinformation 10:41 Federated Learning: A New Approach to AI 14:30 Taiwan's National Strategy for AI 15:35 Information Manipulation and Its Impact 21:33 The Infodemic System: Tracking Misinformation 24:59 Building Trust in Information Sources 26:53 Censorship vs. Content Moderation 29:49 The Role of TikTok in Political Discourse 33:52 AI Ethics and Education in Taiwan 35:37 Conclusion: Responsible AI for the Future Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    38 min

  6. JUN 26

    Ep. 17 Jett Chen on Taiwan's AI-Powered Semiconductor and Startup Growth

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Jett Chen, founder of Semi Vision, a Taiwan-based semiconductor industry research institution providing comprehensive insights into the semiconductor ecosystem. With a family business specializing in semiconductor packaging, Jett observes how AI advancements are transforming the startup ecosystem in Taiwan. Jett discusses the complexities of semiconductor manufacturing, the importance of packaging, and the emerging opportunities for startups in AI. Jett also addresses the energy challenges Taiwan faces as it develops its AI capabilities, the implications of NVIDIA's investment in Taiwan, and the ongoing talent shortages in the engineering sector. The conversation also examines geopolitical factors affecting the semiconductor supply chain, highlighting the competitive dynamics between Taiwan and China, and the implications of the US’s export control policies. Reference: Jensen Huang's Keynote at COMPUTEX 2025 00:00 Taiwan's Semiconductors and AI Opportunities 05:54 Understanding the Semiconductor Ecosystem 09:37 The Role of Packaging in Semiconductor Manufacturing 11:56 AI Servers and Their Impact on the Industry 15:35 Emerging Startups in AI and Semiconductor 17:35 Energy Challenges in Taiwan's AI Development 20:02 NVIDIA's Investment and Its Implications for Taiwan 21:48 Talent Shortages and Immigration Policies 23:52 Geopolitical Impacts on Semiconductor Supply Chains 27:24 The Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    31 min

  7. JUN 3

    Ep. 16 Beyond EVs: Understanding China's Internet of Mobility Revolution with Bill Russo

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bill Russo, an auto industry expert with a lifelong career in Detroit and China (Chrysler), about China's rapid rise to become the world leader in automobile manufacturing, sales, and exports, as well as the global leader in new energy vehicles, batteries, and the "internet of mobility."  Bill Russo contributed a chapter, CHINA’S AUTO INDUSTRY: The Race to a Sustainable Future, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change. 00:00 China's Automotive Revolution 02:29 Bill Russo's Journey in the Auto Industry 04:31 The Growth of China's Auto Market 11:22 The Shift from Foreign to Chinese Domestic Brands 15:12 Market-Driven Growth in China's Auto Industry 22:30 The Rise of Electric Vehicles in China 30:47 The Internet of Mobility and Technological Innovation 35:15 The Digital Transformation of Automobiles 39:07 Impact of Trade Wars on Globalization 45:59 Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chains 50:58 The Future of Transportation and Mobility 01:01:09 China's Role in the Global Automotive Landscape Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    1h 6m

  8. MAY 21

    Ep. 15 The Risks of Underestimating Competition from China with Zak Dychtwald

    Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Zak Dychtwald, author of Young China: How the Restless Generation Will Change Their Country and the World. Dychtwald, a leading expert on China's market and workforce, discusses the dangers of underestimating Chinese competition and how negative perceptions and a poor understanding of Chinese businesses and their innovations can lead to misguided global business strategies. Dychtwald emphasizes that China's market is not only significant for its economy but also serves as a proving ground for products that can succeed globally. The conversation highlights the need for a nuanced perception of China, moving beyond government narratives to appreciate the vibrancy and competitiveness of its market.   Reference: The Risks of Underestimating Competition from China, by Zak Dychtwald, Harvard Business Review 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Zach Dychtwald's Journey and Insights on China 07:21 The Rise of Young China and Consumer Trends 09:01 Resurfacing Interest in Chinese People and Culture 10:40 The Risks of Underestimating Chinese Competition 12:11 Innovation Parity: China vs. the West 14:15 The Global Reach of Chinese Products 18:30 Changes at the Canton Fair: A New Era 21:41 China as a Proving Ground for Global Products 23:45 Navigating Globalization: Chinese Brands on the World Stage 25:04 Pharmaceuticals and MedTech: China's Global Health Innovations 26:58 China's Leadership in New Energy and Technology 29:26 Understanding China's Domestic Focus and Global Ambitions 32:02 The Belt and Road Initiative: Stability and Economic Growth 35:00 Innovation Ecosystem: China's Competitive Edge 40:12 Assessing US-China Competition: Risks and Opportunities 45:10 Learning from China: Strategies for Global Competitiveness Perspectives with Wenchi Yu YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK1a7U8kP0TgXhvI5Bj70H4cPPlapCdQ&si=RuA_jZROR2ynRbxH Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kXiEF08IjtT3j1DyEnBbG?si=68ab3ea172594620 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu presents on-the-ground views from Asia about Trump 2.0's policies and politics and their implications for China, Taiwan, Asia, and beyond. Wenchi Yu interviews business and political leaders with deep experience working on and living in the Asia Pacific region.

Information

  • Creator
    Wenchi Yu
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Perspectives with Wenchi Yu
  • Show Website
    Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

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