Marketplace Asia

Episode 1

E-commerce

Sat, May 22, 2021

The pandemic has sped up the broader adoption of e-commerce. Taking a look at Alibaba's logistics system and sitting down with Rakuten's Hiroshi Mikitani to talk about the company's ambitions.

Episode 2

Luxury's Pandemic Pivot to Asia

Sat, Jun 19, 2021

Luxury consumption is up across Asia, and not even a global pandemic could dampen the mood among cash-rich millennials in Korea, Japan, and China. Today, the world's major luxury design houses are shifting strategy to reap the rewards.

Episode 3

Technology and the 2020 Olympics

Sat, Jul 24, 2021

While spectators will be barred from attending the Tokyo Olympic Games, billions across the world will be using technology to tune in, making the Olympic Games a space for innovation.

Episode 4

The Future of Food

Sat, Aug 21, 2021

From peanut protein to a seafood revolution, Asian palates have inspired new business as the region's innovators and entrepreneurs bring alternative foods and flavours to different markets.

Episode 5

Future of Work

Sat, Sep 18, 2021

Exploring the future of the workplace in Asia, from 'workcations' to robot workers, and co-working hubs, a look at workplace innovations rising to meet demand for a fresh take on the average work day.

Episode 6

Southeast Asia Super Apps

Sat, Oct 23, 2021

With an increasing number of successful super-apps and tech startups emerging from the region, Southeast Asia is quickly becoming a global bright spot, fuelled by growing market demand.

Episode 7

Sustainable Business and Finance

Sat, Nov 20, 2021

Highlighting Schneider Electric's plans for the APAC region and South Korea's Minister of Sports, Tourism, and Culture addresses the rise in international interest in his country's cultural exports.

Episode 8

The Hospitality Industry Bounces Back in Asia

Sat, Dec 18, 2021

While the travel and hospitality industry has been one of the worst-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, the pressures have pushed industry leaders to innovate and create new concepts and carve out new markets.

Episode 9

Asian Tech at CES

Sat, Jan 22, 2022

Speaking with the tech executives and innovators at CES about the latest products and trends in the field within the context of a vibrant tech market positioned for global growth next year.

Episode 10

Tech at the Beijing Olympic Games

Sat, Feb 19, 2022

A first look at the deployment of China's digital currency; using the Games as a testing ground to introduce its digital yuan, visiting athletes were able to spend it using wearables and special badges.

Episode 11

The Economic Impact of the Pandemic in China

Sat, May 21, 2022

As the world enters its third year of the pandemic, China is holding tightly to its strict policies; Kristie Lu Stout reports on the economic impact of these policies on China's markets and supply chains.

Episode 12

Spotlight on Singapore

Sat, Jun 18, 2022

How Singapore's aviation, tourism and travel industries will fare in a post-pandemic world. Also, a look at Singapore's tech giant Grab's recent IPO, new technology, and plans for future growth.

Episode 13

New Airline for 'Greater Bay'; Air Asia Pivots to Super App

Sat, Jun 18, 2022

Greater Bay Airlines CEO speaks on the challenges of launching a new airline in zero-Covid China. Air Asia made a crucial pivot in the pandemic, branching out into a super app platform.

Episode 14

California

Sat, Aug 13, 2022

E-commerce entrepreneurs in California cater to the Asian-American consumer missing a taste of home; investors in Silicon Valley look to South East Asia for the next unicorn.

Episode 15

How Inflation is Changing Asia's Fast Food Menus; Mental Health App Boom in Asia

Fri, Sep 9, 2022

Surging oil and food prices are pushing food chains in Asia to adopt new strategies to protect profits; Paula Hancocks explores the market pressures and brand pivots that may shape the future of fast food in the region.

Episode 16

F1 Returns to Asia; Royal Selangor

Sat, Oct 8, 2022

A look at the business impact of the return of Formula One to Asia and how century-old pewter manufacturer Royal Selangor plans to survive in an increasingly digitized, post-pandemic world.

Episode 17

Indonesia's Warungs Go Online; The Country's Home-Grown Answer to Netflix

Sat, Nov 12, 2022

In the run-up to the November 2022 G20 Summit in Indonesia, explores how the ambitious goal of digital transformation is playing out in the country through online warungs and Vidio.

Episode 18

South Korea's First Lunar Mission; Spotting Cancer with AI

Sat, Dec 10, 2022

Explores the Korean Aerospace Research Institute, the pioneers and entrepreneurs behind South Korea's burgeoning space industry, and the rapidly growing market for AI in cancer diagnosis.

Episode 19

Asian Tech Brings Hope for the Future at CES 2023

Fri, Jan 13, 2023

The annual Consumer Electronics Show kicks off the new year in technology; meeting the tech executives and startup innovators at CES pushing the bar on electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as gaming and entertainment.

Episode 20

Women in Tech and Finance; Phiona Okumu

Fri, Jan 27, 2023

With Nigeria's burgeoning tech scene becoming a fertile ground for startups and new businesses, women entrepreneurs are making moves in the fintech space; Spotify's Head of Music for sub-Saharan Africa talks about the company strategy for expansion.

Episode 21

South East Asia Tourism Rebound; Food Tech for Flavors in Asia

Fri, Feb 10, 2023

In an interview with Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Yogyakarta, the team explores Indonesia's evolving tourism strategy, and the path to recovery in 2023.

Episode 22

Virtual Humans & AI

Fri, Mar 10, 2023

When ChatGPT was released, it took the world by storm; the AI-powered chatbot is the fastest-growing internet service ever, by some estimates, and a number of companies are racing to bring their own language-processing systems to market.

Episode 23

Asia's "StockX" for Luxury Watches; Art Basel

Sun, Apr 9, 2023

With the return of Art Basel marking the biggest week on Hong Kong's arts calendar, Kristie Lu Stout explores how the city's art and luxury sector is bouncing back after three years of pandemic restrictions and the rise of other regional art hubs.

Episode 24

Episode #1.24

Sun, May 14, 2023

Marc Stewart explores one of Japan's manufacturing heartlands, visits a distillery and interviews the incoming CEO of Mazda, a company that has been part of Hiroshima's manufacturing fabric for over a century.

Episode 25

Episode #1.25

Sun, Jun 11, 2023

A look at the future of flying cars and how close flying cars, the stuff of science fiction for decades, are to becoming a reality; a look at what the future holds for the global race in electric vehicles.

Episode 26

Asia's Travel Rebound

Sun, Jul 9, 2023

Diving into Asia's tourism rebound after the covid-19 pandemic with the founder of travel booking platform Klook, and charting the road to recovery with the CEO of All Nippon Airways.

Episode 27

Australia Sports Tech

Sun, Aug 13, 2023

Australia is making a name for itself thanks to its sports tech industry; this sector is worth $2.78 billion, up 11% from 2022, and is expected to continue to grow in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

Episode 28

Ethics of AI in Asia; Flip Phone Comeback

Sat, Sep 9, 2023

Macao is host of an AI conferences; exploring the ethics behind artificial intelligence and Asia's place in the world of AI; visiting South Korea to sit down with the vice president of mobile experience at Samsung Electronics.

Episode 29

Adventure Travel World Summit; Tencent's Payment in the Palm of your Hands

Sun, Oct 15, 2023 15 mins

Learning more about different tourism trends in Asia and the future of the industry in the post-pandemic world. A look at a new payment system that can be used from the palm of one's hand.

Episode 30

EVs in Asia

Sat, Nov 11, 2023 15 mins

Kristie Lu Stout reports from Foxconn's tech day with a look at how feasible their ambitions to become a major EV player are. Also, featuring Hokkaido's premier adventure travel summit.

Episode 31

Esports; Mitsubishi

Sun, Dec 10, 2023 15 mins

Marc Stewart sits down with Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato to discuss the company's goals, the future of Japan's car manufacturing industry in the face of regional competition, and how Mitsubishi plans to become THE "off-road specialist" in Asia.

Episode 32

Episode #1.32

Sun, Feb 11, 2024

Kristie Lu Stout speaks with ministers on their countries' plans for the year to come at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, the latest and greatest tech from Asian companies at CES 2024.

Episode 33

Episode #1.33

Sun, Mar 10, 2024

A look at what it's like to work for the world's biggest chipmaker, TSMC, and what it takes to keep ahead in an increasingly crowded global EV race. Also, a look at Nio's factory in Hefei.

Episode 34

Episode #1.34

Sat, Apr 13, 2024

The co-founders Skyroot Aerospace, preparing for India's first private satellite launch; the CEO of Mahindra Group on electric vehicles, AI, and why India is seen as an increasingly compelling manufacturing alternative to China.

Episode 35

AI Smartphones

Sat, Jun 8, 2024

An era of change is calling for our smartphones: mobile makers are harnessing generative AI to transform the way we use and interact with our most important device; Anna Stewart meets one Chinese company leading the way with its eye-tracking technology and a man who launched a multi-million dollar business by bringing some very personal style to your cell.

Episode 36

Technology Transforming Sport

Sat, Jul 13, 2024

Looks at how generative AI is transforming the world of sports; finds out how new motion-tracking judging software is revolutionizing gymnastics; Kristie Lu Stout meets the founder of Nex.

Episode 37

Tech and Startups

Sat, Sep 14, 2024

Touring Bangkok's newest mega mall with its billionaire owner; as the world's coffee crops face the threat of global warming, two startups are brewing up beanless alternatives.

Episode 38

Sustainability; Real Estate

Sat, Oct 12, 2024

Marc Stewart visits GRST's facilities in China to see for himself the "magic" of the batteries dissolving in water, and speaks with CEO Justin Hung on what the innovation could mean for a more climate-friendly future.

Episode 39

Tourism and F&B

Sat, Nov 9, 2024

CNN's Marc Stewart explores the growth of Vietnam's tourism sector at Ho Chi Minh City's ITE travel forum and meets the people behind a pizza chain sweeping Asia.

Episode 40

Tech and Trends

Sat, Dec 14, 2024

CNN's Hanako Montgomery speaks with CEO Noboru Saito about TDK's new solid-state battery; it's Hello Kitty's birthday; as the brand turns 50, meeting the people who helped create not just a global icon but a cultural phenomenon.

Episode 41

Asia Trade & Economy / Luxury Retail

Sat, Jan 11, 2025

What Trump 2.0 means for Asia; CNN's Kristie Lu Stout speaks with three thought leaders from across the region on how Asian economies must navigate the choppy waters and opportunities ahead; CNN's Will Ripley meets the new CEO of Audemars Piguet.

Episode 42

Travel and Tourism

Sat, Feb 8, 2025

At the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Johor, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout explores future travel trends with industry leaders; the CES in Las Vegas, highlighting Southeast Asian tech innovations in mobility and EVs.

Episode 43

Aviation Festival Asia

Sat, Mar 8, 2025

CNN's Marc Stewart visits the Aviation Festival Asia in Singapore to speak to some of the key industry players about where the airline business in the region is heading. He also finds out why Singapore's Changi airport has become a destination beyond air travel. Marc gets a behind-the-scenes look at the new technology transforming Singapore's Changi airport to see how one of "the world's best airports" operates and learns how AI is impacting the aviation industry in Asia-Pacific.

Episode 44

Future Cities / SMEs in SEA

Sat, Apr 12, 2025

Amidst a turbulent global economy, Osaka's second World Expo explores a utopian vision of the future where over 100 countries and companies come together to design a better way to live. CNN's Hanako Montgomery gives a preview of the Expo, with the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives". Also, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout catches up with Malaysia-born stand-up comic Nigel Ng about his foray into F&B with a new chain of restaurants based around his iconic Uncle Roger character.

Episode 45

Auto China and Chinese EVs

Sat, May 10, 2025

Chinese and international companies showcase their latest launches amidst much fanfare at Auto China in Shanghai, including ICVs; a rare look inside the factory of Zeekr.

Episode 46

AI & Robotics in Asia

Sat, Jul 12, 2025

Despite challenges posed by Donald Trump's trade policies, China is steadfast in its pursuit of high-tech innovation including embodied AI -- AI that's being integrated into hardware like robots by China's Unitree Robotics, EngineAI, and AI² Robotics. Thanks to the country's deep talent pool, strong government support, and large (and tech-curious) domestic consumer base, some experts believe China could overtake the US to lead the way in humanoid adoption. From the Beyond Expo in Macau, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports on China's quest to dominate the AI robot race. And then, a trade show that started as a small tech sourcing fair now plays a vital role in developing artificial intelligence. CNN's Will Ripley heads to Computex in Taipei, Taiwan, to learn more about the lesser-seen hardware components that form the backbone of AI innovation.

Episode 47

HMC Innovation Center / Durian Exports

Sat, Aug 9, 2025

CNN's Kristie Lu Stout takes a look at Hyundai's high-tech Singapore factory with robot dogs, smart farms and fine dining. Malaysian durian exports to China are expected to boom as the "king of fruits" commands high prices.

Episode 48

Osaka Expo

Sat, Sep 13, 2025

Since 1851, the World's Fair has been a testing ground for future societies where visitors can interact with cutting-edge technology across sectors like healthcare, mobility, energy, and the arts. This year's Expo in Osaka, Japan, was no different. CNN's Hanako Montgomery took a tour.

Episode 49

Floating Solar Farms / 'On' Running in Asia

Sat, Oct 11, 2025

Exploring the future of clean energy across the region; in Kuching, Malaysia, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout speaks with industry leaders to uncover whether floating solar panels could be the key to sustainable power in space-constrained Asia. Then, CNN's Hanako Montgomery visits On's second flagship store in Tokyo and sits down with the CEO of On, Martin Hoffmann, to learn more about the Swiss sports apparel brand, and it's meteoric rise in Asia.

Episode 50

Thai Airways / The NBA Returns to China

Sat, Nov 8, 2025

In Bangkok, CNN's Richard Quest sits down with the CEO of Thai Airways to explore the airline's strategies for the future. Meanwhile, CNN's Ivan Watson travels to Macao for the NBA's long-awaited return to China.

Episode 51

FII Priority Asia 2025

Wed, Dec 17, 2025

We visit FII Priority Asia 2025 in Tokyo, where technology, AI, and investment take center stage in shaping the region's future. In Taiwan, CNN's Will Ripley visits semiconductor giant TSMC's annual sports day to see what it means for the company.

Episode 52

Asia's Economic Outlook / Din Tai Fung

Sat, Jan 10, 2026

CNN's Kristie Lu Stout sits down with two analysts to discuss Asia's 2026 economic outlook, while In Taiwan, CNN's Will Ripley visits Din Tai Fung to explore the secret behind the Taiwanese restaurant chain's global success.

Episode 53

ASEAN Tourism Forum

Sat, Feb 14, 2026

CNN's Hanako Montgomery heads to Cebu City, Philippines, the host city of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, where regional leaders map the future of Southeast Asian travel.

Episode 54

India AI Impact Summit

Sat, Apr 11, 2026

CNN's Hanako Montgomery heads to New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where world leaders, big tech companies, and industry experts all gather to discuss and shape the future of artificial intelligence.

Episode 55

Energy and EVs

Sat, May 9, 2026

CNN's Hanako Montgomery explores how geopolitical uncertainty affects energy in Asia. Then, CNN's Simone McCarthy visits the Beijing Auto show to witness how China is taking the driver's seat in the global EV revolution.

Episode 56

Chinese Brands Go Global / Comic Con Hong Kong

Sat, Jun 13, 2026

CNN's Hanako Montgomery explores how Chinese brands are expanding worldwide in search of new consumers, less competition, and higher profits. CNN's Ivan Watson attends Hong Kong's first-ever Comic Con to explore the mega-event and see how AI is impacting the industry.

Episode 57

China's Humanoid Ambition / Cathay Cargo

Sat, Jul 11, 2026

CNN's Mike Valerio explores China's race to deploy humanoid robots in factories as the country looks to reshape the future of manufacturing. Then, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout goes behind the scenes with Cathay Pacific to see how horses are transported across continents from Liège to Hong Kong.

Episode 58

South Korea's AI Boom / Athletic Tourism in Asia

Sat, Aug 8, 2026

CNN's Kristie Lu Stout takes us inside South Korea's tech and AI boom, where innovation, investment and ambition are reshaping one of the region's hottest markets. We also head to HYROX in Hong Kong to explore how sport is fueling the rise of tourism across Asia.

Episode 59

Kyrgyzstan's Textile Economy / Asia's Loneliness Economy

Sat, Sep 12, 2026

This month on Marketplace Asia, CNN's Mike Valerio explores how Kyrgyzstan is building on its strategic location and natural resources to grow its economy and strengthen trade ties across the region. Then, CNN's Stephanie Yang looks at how the "loneliness economy" is already reshaping business and consumption across Asia.

Episode 60

Episode #1.60

Sat, Oct 3, 2026