Author

Subbiah Lakshmanan

Independent consultant

Subbiah Lakshmanan is an independent consultant working with start-ups and is based in Singapore.

Prior to his current position, he had a distinguished career in senior management positions with Fortune 500 companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. Lakshmanan holds an MBA in finance from the University of California, Berkeley.

He has a passion for backpacking and over the years has traveled extensively in China, India, Indochina, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Russia, South and Central America, the United States, Australia and North, West and Central Africa.

Articles by Subbiah Lakshmanan

Global Autocracy

Xi Jinping’s Contradictory Choices for China’s Future

As China’s President enters his third term, his political preferences directly undermine the economic achievements he envisions for his country for its 2049 centennial.

October 15, 2022

Global Autocracy & Global Economy

China’s Changing Tides

Reflections on the hurdles that China’s economy faces – and why Xi Jinping has become the biggest risk to China’s future evolution.

March 13, 2022

Global Diplomacy

Singapore’s 2020 Election: Political Renewal Ahead

Singapore faces a Catch-22: Its well-honed system of leadership renewal relying on capable technocratic candidates is reaching its limits.

July 21, 2020

Global Security

US-North Korea: Limits to the Peace Negotiations

Both Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un want to bring something that looks good back to their respective home audience. But the likely outcome will lack real substance.

February 27, 2019

Global Autocracy

The Political Management of North Korean Society

North Korea’s political management system of carrots and sticks has enabled the regime to survive for 66 years.

February 26, 2019

Global Security

Why Singapore?

Strategic reflections from the North Korean, U.S. and Singaporean perspectives on the location of the Trump-Kim summit meeting.

June 12, 2018

Global Democracy

Malaysia’s Big Surprise

Last week’s election result is a major milestone in the racial politics of Malaysia. They point to a mature democracy based on the rule of law.

May 14, 2018

Global Politics

Singapore Elections: All Sunshine for the PAP?

Despite an impressive election victory for the popular prime minister, Singapore’s politics is becoming more nuanced.

September 14, 2015

Trekking Through China

How has development progressed in coastal versus inland China?

August 13, 2008