His contribution appears in the feature section titled “Machine Learning Transforms Asian Fintech”, which explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping financial services across the region. Jonathan shares his perspective on how strategic partnerships and genuine internal product culture are critical for successful fintech innovation, not just flashy tech pilots or surface-level change.

Highlighting successful examples like Maybank’s MAE app and Ryt Bank, he emphasises the importance of user-centred design and long-term thinking. He also discusses how AI-powered fintech platforms are expanding access to financial services, especially in underserved markets across Asia:

“AI-powered fintech presents the opportunity for transformation that can accelerate financial inclusion in regions where traditional banking models have struggled,” he explains.

His insights point to a future where AI is not only a technological disruptor but also a key driver of economic inclusion, financial resilience, and practical innovation.

[Read the 4EJournazine Q3 2025 Issue (PDF)]

In this episode, we explore the growing importance of offshore wind in Scotland and the key role Asian investment is playing in the sector’s future. Our guest, Jeremy Grant – freelance columnist for The Scotsman and former Senior Editor at PwC with over two decades at the Financial Times – brings a wealth of insight into the political, economic and environmental forces shaping Scotland’s green energy transformation.

We discuss:

• What offshore wind is – and why floating offshore wind is a game-changer
• Why offshore wind is central to Scotland’s net zero strategy and the ‘reindustrialisation’ of its economy
• The long-term transition from North Sea oil and the employment potential in renewables
• Key foreign investors and why Scotland is attracting attention from Japan, Singapore, China and across Europe
• Environmental, aesthetic, and national security concerns surrounding wind energy infrastructure
• How UK and Scottish politics are shaping the narrative around energy independence and investment
• What’s next for Scotland’s offshore wind sector and how it aligns with the Clean Power 2030 target

Apus apus – the much-loved Common Swift we find in Britain – has a cousin, Apus apus pekinensis, that breeds in Asia. These Swifts were first known to breed in Beijing when the original city walls were constructed in the 1400s¹. The eaves and beams found in medieval Beijing provided the pekinensis Swift with nesting sites so ideal that the fortunes of this species seem to almost rise and fall with the construction or loss of man-made structures. The Swift, yuyan, shares its name with an archaic name for Beijing used in the Warring States period, Yanjing². Swifts are also thought to be the inspiration for mythical birds that feature in Shang, Song and Ming Dynasty mythology³.  

The real bird is perhaps no less otherworldly than its mythological counterpart. Their boomerang wings provide them with exceptional aerobatic skills, allowing them to catch up to 7,000 insects per day⁴. Most remarkable of all, they eat, mate and even sleep in the air, only landing to build nests and raise young. How they achieve sleep is still debated. Perhaps they shut down one side then the other hemisphere of their brain, alternately resting each half, or they fly up to a high altitude and then rest as they slowly glide downwards⁵. Pekinensis Swifts arrive in Beijing in April and will depart in the late summer after their chicks have fledged. 

European Swifts are known to migrate to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter months, but the migration routes followed by Pekinensis Swifts were, until recently, a mystery. Between 2014 and 2018, a team of scientists and volunteers worked to closely monitor the migrations of the Swifts that nest on the Summer Palace in Beijing⁶. Using mist nets – gossamer-fine webs employed to catch birds for ringing – a handful of Swifts were fitted with geolocators in 2014 that would track their movements over the following year, until they returned, as most Swifts do, to the same breeding grounds from which they themselves had fledged. 

Light-level geolocators were fitted to the Swifts with small harnesses, weighing only about 2% of the birds’ bodyweight⁷.  These devices record the times of noon, dawn and dusk during the Swift’s journey, and from this, successive locations along their migration path can be calculated. 

Researchers and volunteers were able to announce that the Pekinensis Swifts nesting on the Summer Palace fly every year to wintering grounds in south-western Africa. Of much interest to the scientists involved is that the birds were discovered to follow arid lands throughout most of their migration, seeming to favour conditions much drier than their Scottish cousins⁸. 

After leaving Beijing, the Swifts travelled west and into Mongolia, before heading south again to Xinjiang, in western China. They then flew through central Asia before crossing the Red Sea and arriving in north-east Africa. After heading south, their journey ended in the Southern African Plateau, where they spent the winter before returning to Beijing in the spring⁹. It is believed that this entire journey is made without the Swifts once touching the ground. 

Tragically yet unsurprisingly, Swifts are steadily becoming a rare sight in our skies. Reasons for their declining numbers include loss of suitable nesting sites, altered weather patterns which affect their migrations, and their insect prey becoming scarcer. 

Their plight is increasingly recognised, however, which provides hope that further resources will be invested in their conservation. There is surely nothing more important than encouraging greater appreciation amongst the public for these birds, and for others like them that are threatened. Birdwatching is a growing interest in China, a hobby which is thought to have attracted 200,000 new enthusiasts between 2018 and 2023¹⁰. And it’s not just pensioners: posts about ‘birdwatching equipment’ on Xiaohongshu, a social media site similar to Instagram, have spiked over the last few years¹¹. 

The fate of the Beijing Swift is dependent on the choices that we make today. The screaming swarms of Swifts that haunt the skies of summertime Beijing can be traced through the history of the city. We must work harder to ensure that both Scotland and China will continue to welcome this most captivating and enigmatic bird for years to come.

1. Wild Beijing. 2015. “Out of Africa! The Beijing Swift’s Incredible Journey Charted at Last.” https://wildbeijing.org/the-beijing-swift-project/. ︎
2. Common Swift. 2009. “Caring for the Common Swift in Beijing: Saving more than Swifts!” http://www.commonswift.org/4764Yuan.html.  ︎
3. Common Swift. 2009. “Caring for the Common Swift in Beijing: Saving more than Swifts!” http://www.commonswift.org/4764Yuan.html. ︎
4. Xing Fangyu. 2019. “Welcome home, Beijing swifts.” CGTN, April 13. https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d674d7741444d34457a6333566d54/index.html ︎
5. Coghlan, Andy. 2016. “Swifts break record by staying aloft for 10 months at a time.” New Scientist, October 27
   https://www.newscientist.com/article/2110650-swifts-break-record-by-staying-aloft-for-10-months-at-a-time/ ︎
6. Zhao, Y., Zhao, X., Wu, L., Mu, T., Yu, F., Kearsley, L., Liang, X., Fu, J., Hou, X., Peng, P., Li, X., Zhang, T., Yan, S., Newell, D., Hewson, C. M., Townshend, T., Åkesson, S., and Liu, Y. 2022. “A 30,000-km journey by Apus apus pekinensis tracks arid lands between northern China and south-western Africa.” Movement Ecology 10: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-022-00329-2 ︎
7. Zhao, Y., Zhao, X., Wu, L., Mu, T., Yu, F., Kearsley, L., Liang, X., Fu, J., Hou, X., Peng, P., Li, X., Zhang, T., Yan, S., Newell, D., Hewson, C. M., Townshend, T., Åkesson, S., and Liu, Y. 2022. “A 30,000-km journey by Apus apus pekinensis tracks arid lands between northern China and south-western Africa.” Movement Ecology 10: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-022-00329-2 ︎
8. Zhao, Y., Zhao, X., Wu, L., Mu, T., Yu, F., Kearsley, L., Liang, X., Fu, J., Hou, X., Peng, P., Li, X., Zhang, T., Yan, S., Newell, D., Hewson, C. M., Townshend, T., Åkesson, S., and Liu, Y. 2022. “A 30,000-km journey by Apus apus pekinensis tracks arid lands between northern China and south-western Africa.” Movement Ecology 10: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-022-00329-2 ︎
9. Zhao, Y., Zhao, X., Wu, L., Mu, T., Yu, F., Kearsley, L., Liang, X., Fu, J., Hou, X., Peng, P., Li, X., Zhang, T., Yan, S., Newell, D., Hewson, C. M., Townshend, T., Åkesson, S., and Liu, Y. 2022. “A 30,000-km journey by Apus apus pekinensis tracks arid lands between northern China and south-western Africa.” Movement Ecology 10: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-022-00329-2 ︎
10. Yi Shen. N.d. “Birdwatching Takes Flight in China.” China Minutes. https://chinaminutes.com/2025/04/23/birdwatching-takes-flight-in-china/ ︎
11. Yi Shen. N.d. “Birdwatching Takes Flight in China.” China Minutes. https://chinaminutes.com/2025/04/23/birdwatching-takes-flight-in-china/ ︎

In this episode of the Asia Scotland Institute Podcast, Patra Jumsai Na Ayudhya is joined by Wisarut Painark, English Lecturer at Thammasat University, Thailand. This podcast discusses how English literature first entered Thai universities and how it continues to evolve today. Once focused mainly on British and American texts, literature programmes are now expanding to include world literature and creative writing, reflecting a more global perspective.

The conversation explores the growing value of literature in Thailand at a time when humanities face decline elsewhere, highlighting the transferable skills students gain, from communication to cultural understanding. Graduates often find opportunities in international organisations, while the influence of literature is also seen in Thai media through local adaptations. Looking forward, future courses are expected to stay relevant by addressing contemporary global issues.

In this episode of our student-led podcast series, climate expert Belinda Schäpe joins host Eleanor de Renzy Channer to explore China’s decarbonisation journey, from its dual carbon goals for 2030 and 2060 to the rise of clean energy sectors like solar, batteries and EVs.

Key themes include:
• China’s long-term climate goals
• Xi Jinping’s “Beautiful China” initiative and its economic impact
• The ongoing role of coal and the challenges of energy restructuring
• China’s global climate commitments and international cooperation strategy
• What to expect from China’s upcoming 2035 targets and COP30 in Brazil

The bamboo metaphor symbolises the essence of Vietnam’s foreign policy: firm in principles yet flexible in strategy and approach. For decades, Vietnam has pursued a diplomatic path characterised by non-alignment, active engagement with major powers, and adaptability in its international dealings. The term bamboo diplomacy was popularised by the late General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nguyễn Phú Trọng, and reflects the long-standing foreign policy principles of President Hồ Chí Minh.

Since the end of the Cold War, Vietnam has not only enjoyed stable domestic politics but has also achieved rapid economic growth, played active roles in multilateral institutions, and maintained peaceful relations with global powers. The country has consistently upheld a foreign policy based on independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and diversification (Van, 2025). Like the bamboo tree, whose roots grow deep and firm—symbolising sovereignty, autonomy, and national interest—Vietnam stands strong in its principles. At the same time, its flexible branches sway with the wind without breaking, representing a pragmatic and adaptive approach to diplomacy. This combination has allowed Vietnam to navigate an unpredictable geopolitical environment and emerge as a credible middle power in international affairs.

Vietnam has demonstrated remarkable skill in balancing relationships with global powers, especially with two of its former adversaries: the US and China. Confronted with a variety of traditional and non-traditional security challenges, and shifting global alliances, Vietnam recognises that strict ideological alignment or rigid alliance commitments can be detrimental. Instead, it pursues cooperative relationships based on mutual benefit and adjusts its positions depending on the issue at hand (Ibid.). The country has also cultivated strong economic and security ties with middle powers across the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, South Korea, India, and the UK. Importantly, it avoids aligning with any power bloc against another, especially amid intensifying great power rivalries. This strategy allows Vietnam to diversify its partnerships, strengthen security cooperation, foster economic development, and expand its diplomatic influence—while avoiding entanglement in zero-sum conflicts.

Vietnam’s foreign policy has been shaped by its centuries-long history of struggle. The country endured over a thousand years of Chinese imperial rule, followed by French colonialism, and concluded decades of conflict with a hard-won victory over the United States in 1975, securing full territorial integrity and independence. This historical legacy has instilled in the Vietnamese people a deep determination never to trade sovereignty and peace for short-term gains. Today, the country remains keenly aware of the complex currents of international politics and thus adheres to principles of non-interference, self-reliance, and multidirectional diplomacy to prevent past vulnerabilities from recurring (Ibid.).

Bamboo diplomacy also reflects Vietnam’s strategic calculus in managing relations with individual major powers. Russia has long been a vital partner, especially in the field of defence. The bilateral relationship is characterised by military cooperation, including the supply of equipment and the modernisation of Vietnam’s defence capabilities (Mazyrin, 2012). The two countries are also engaged in joint oil and gas exploration in Vietnamese waters. However, the relationship is driven more by strategic and security concerns than by economic dynamism.

China, due to its geographic proximity and economic might, is an indispensable partner. It is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, and both countries share a similar one-party communist system. Nonetheless, the relationship has long been strained by territorial disputes in the South China Sea—an enduring test of Vietnam’s diplomatic agility. While Vietnam is keen to develop economic ties with its powerful neighbour, it remains steadfast in defending its maritime claims and sovereignty (Dung, 2022). To balance against China’s influence, Vietnam has built a comprehensive strategic partnership with the US, deepening economic ties and enhancing security cooperation. At the same time, Vietnam avoids aligning too closely with Washington, wary of provoking Beijing or becoming ensnared in great power rivalry (Ibid.).

As a result of this careful balancing act, Vietnam has earned the trust of all three major powers— the US, China, and Russia—becoming one of the few nations to host all three leaders: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. This remarkable achievement illustrates Vietnam’s growing geopolitical importance and its recognition as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia.

Bamboo diplomacy extends beyond bilateral relationships with great powers. Vietnam also seeks to make proactive and constructive contributions to multilateral institutions such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN), where it promotes regional peace, economic integration, and global stability (Bui, 2023). Confronted with escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Vietnam views the maritime dispute not only as a matter of sovereignty and territorial integrity but also as a regional security issue. To this end, it works to multilateralise the conflict through ASEAN and collaborates with external partners who support freedom of navigation and the rule of law. Vietnam has also demonstrated its commitment to international peace by participating in UN peacekeeping operations (Do, 2022).

Economic diplomacy is another cornerstone of the bamboo strategy. Vietnam has pursued free trade agreements with countries and regions around the world, and actively participates in organisations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Asia–Europe Meeting. Since the introduction of the Đổi Mới (“Renewal”) reforms in 1986, the country has become a favoured destination for foreign direct investment, thanks to its stable political environment, improving infrastructure, competitively priced and highly skilled workforce, and strategic geographic location (Bui, 2023).

In conclusion, bamboo diplomacy has played a pivotal role in enhancing Vietnam’s global presence. By diversifying its partnerships with both major and middle powers across economic, security, educational, and technological sectors, Vietnam has elevated its diplomatic influence while safeguarding its independence and autonomy. This strategy reflects the country’s flexibility, pragmatism, and resilience in a rapidly evolving multipolar world—like a bamboo tree that bends but does not break in strong winds. Guided by this philosophy, Vietnam has emerged as a stable middle power and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, successfully navigating international politics without becoming a pawn in great power rivalries.

References

Bui, T., 2023. Vietnamese Geoeconomics in a Polarized Global Economy: Understanding Bamboo Diplomacy and Its Viability. In Great Power Competition and Middle Power Strategies: Economic Statecraft in the Asia-Pacific Region (pp. 165-183). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Van, H., 2025. Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy: From Tradition To Modern. Mitreka Satata: Journal of Historical Studies and History Education, 1(1), pp.41-51.
Do, T.T., 2022. Vietnam’s emergence as a middle power in Asia: Unfolding the
power–knowledge nexus. Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 41(2), pp.279-302.
Dung, P.X., 2022. ” No One Can Force Vietnam to Choose Sides”: Vietnam as a Self-Reliant Middle Power. asia policy, 17(4), pp.151-179.
Mazyrin, V., 2012. Russia and Vietnam: Building a Strategic Partnership. ASEAN-Russia: Foundations and Future Prospects, Singapore: ISEAS Publications, pp.173-183.

In this episode of our student-led podcast series, Dr Ruby Wang, Founder and Director of LINTRIS Consulting and author of the acclaimed newsletter China Health Pulse, explores China’s growing role in global health and development aid.

Hosted by Eleanor de Renzy Channer, this conversation unpacks how China is redefining global health governance, why it’s not simply replacing Western aid, and what its strategic priorities are — from bilateral relationships to digital health innovation.

Key themes include:
• China’s motivations in global health diplomacy
• The concept of “selective multilateralism”
• How developing countries are engaging with China’s aid model
• The rise of digital health and biotech in China
• The end of the traditional aid model and the emergence of new frameworks

In this Edinburgh Fringe Special Edition Podcast, Eleanor de Renzy Channer and Ting Ting Zhang speak to Chia-che Hsieh, co-founder of Asia Base, and Hsu Chen Wei, founder of the Hsu Chen Wei Dance Company, about their Edinburgh Fringe show, which brings together traditional Taiwanese ritual and immersive, contemporary choreography.

In the podcast, we discuss the inspiration for the show, their combined focus on cross-cultural communication and, most importantly, how and where to buy tickets to see their show, Sàng Tsáu.

14 August marks the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence – a day of historical significance and national pride. For Pakistanis, it is more than a public holiday; it is a commemoration of the struggle for self-determination, the sacrifices of earlier generations, and the enduring principles of unity and sovereignty.

Historical Background

Pakistan came into being on 14 August 1947 following the end of British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent. The British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act, dividing the territory into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. Pakistan was established as a homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, while India became a secular state with a Hindu majority. Notably, Pakistan’s independence preceded India’s by one day.

Path to Independence

The movement for Pakistan gained momentum under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All India Muslim League. The demand for a separate nation was formally set out in the Lahore Resolution of 1940, based on the argument that Muslims and Hindus represented distinct nations with different cultural, religious, and social identities.

Key milestones towards independence included:

• Persistent political negotiations, public mobilisation, and the sacrifices of countless individuals in pursuit of self-determination.
• The Lahore Resolution (1940) – calling for autonomous states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern regions of British India.
• The 1946 elections – in which the Muslim League won a significant mandate for its vision of a separate Muslim state.

Independence Day Traditions

Independence Day is marked by both official ceremonies and community celebrations. Key traditions include:

• A 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals at dawn.
• The hoisting of the national flag at the Presidential and Parliament buildings in Islamabad.
• Military and civilian parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions.
• Public spaces, streets, and homes decorated with the national colours, and special programmes broadcast on television, radio, and in print media.

Educational institutions and community groups also organise events, such as debates, plays, and musical performances, which focus on themes of national identity and unity.

Independence Day vs. Pakistan Day – Key Differences

While both are significant national observances, Independence Day on 14 August marks the country’s formal creation in 1947. Pakistan Day, observed on 23 March, commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the groundwork for the demand for a separate homeland.

A Day of Reflection and Aspiration

Pakistan’s Independence Day is both a remembrance of the past and a reaffirmation of the country’s aspirations for the future. It serves as a moment to honour the sacrifices of previous generations, recognise the achievements made since independence, and look ahead to a future defined by unity, resilience, and progress.