logo
episode-header-image
Oct 6
14m 34s

The Surprising People Getting Very Rich ...

Bloomberg and iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Beyond software and chips, the AI boom relies on good old-fashioned manufacturing of essential components – a skill that has made a new class of people very, very rich.

On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host Oanh Ha talks with Bloomberg reporter Cindy Wang and Opinion columnist Catherine Thorbecke about how nimble producers—think toilet manufacturers and furniture makers—pivoted to this booming industry, and the risks of concentrating too much AI manufacturing in one part of the world.

Read more: ‘Like It’s Raining Gold’: The AI Boom’s Unexpected Billionaires

Bloomberg Billionaires Index: 500 of the World’s Richest People 

We have a special Bloomberg subscription offer for podcast listeners at Bloomberg.com/podcastoffer.

Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Guests: Cindy Wang, Catherine Thorbecke; Produced by Naomi Ng and Yang Yang; Edited by Crispina Robert and Paddy Hirsch Engineering by Greg Tock.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
What Happens When the Billionaires Brexit
Ultra-wealthy individuals in the UK have been fleeing the country, after sweeping Labour Party tax reforms led to a crackdown on overseas wealth. For the first time, new data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index reveals just how much money is at stake with the exodus. On today’s ... Show More
17m 51s
Oct 7
Texas Is Testing the Power of MAGA Inc.’s Money
President Trump is campaigning in Texas on Wednesday, rallying voters in a state that’s long been a Republican stronghold. His efforts in traditionally red states around the country show how surprisingly close many of these midterm races have become — and the outcome will determi ... Show More
16m 21s
Oct 5
Europe’s Debt Problem Is Back
Bond yields are climbing from the US to Japan — pushing up borrowing costs and putting fresh stress on governments, markets and consumers. In France, that strain could deepen into a broader crisis for the euro zone. On today’s episode, Bloomberg Opinion columnist John Authers and ... Show More
20m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
The Panama Canal is drying up
A drought has dramatically reduced the Panama Canal’s capacity, leading to higher costs and big delays for US-bound goods. Reporter Mie Dahl and economics professor Sharat Ganapati deliver the shipping news. This episode was produced by Jesse Alejandro Cottrell and Haleema Shah, ... Show More
25m 39s
Mar 2024
Disruption and drought in the Panama Canal
The important shipping route runs for 82 km through Central America, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.But a long period of dry weather means the water in the canal is very low, reducing the number of boats that can travel though.We travel to Panama to look at the impact ... Show More
18m 18s
Aug 2023
Drought causes headaches for Panama Canal
<p>Some of private equity’s biggest names are handing over companies they own to the lending arms of rivals, and Iran is dealing with the consequences of ultra-cheap petrol. Plus, the FT’s Christine Murray explains how the shipping industry is dealing with a severe drought that’s ... Show More
9m 8s
Oct 2021
America’s broken supply chain
tail spinning
22m 4s
Mar 2025
Deep Dive: The Economic Power Struggle Over the Panama Canal
<p>For over a century, the Panama Canal has been a vital artery of global trade and a symbol of U.S. economic dominance. But in 2025, it’s back in the headlines—Donald Trump is calling to reclaim it, and BlackRock has just acquired key ports on either side of the canal. This epis ... Show More
9m 23s
Oct 2021
The Great Supply Chain Disruption
<p>Throughout the pandemic, businesses of all sizes have faced delays, product shortages and rising costs linked to disruptions in the global supply chain. Consumers have been confronted with an experience rare in modern times: no stock available, and no idea when it will come in ... Show More
33m 3s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami