·E26
The Man Who Knows EVERYONE | Jasper Donat, CEO & Co-Founder Branded, All That Matters | Tank Talks Asia
Episode Description
In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha talks to Jasper Donat, co-founder of Branded and creator of All That Matters (and the man who knows everyone!) about the three decades he has spent at the forefront of Asia’s media, music and live events industries.
Jasper shares stories (name dropping included!) from a career spent connecting audiences, artists and ideas. He also reveals why he believes Asia is increasingly shaping global culture, rather than just consuming it.
Featured Voices
Hosts: Manisha Tank
Guest: Jasper Donat, CEO and Co-Founder, Branded
Key takeaways
- Jasper says Asia has evolved from being a destination for global entertainment into a major exporter of culture, talent and influence.
- He argues that despite advances in AI and virtual events, people still want to gather in person and share live experiences.
- Jasper believes creator culture transformed fandom by creating direct and personal relationships between audiences and talent.
- He says the future of entertainment lies in the growing overlap between sports, music, culture and digital communities.
- Jasper states that Asian artists and creators are increasingly finding global audiences without relying on traditional Western gatekeepers.
Chapter heads
01:15
Why I Never Went Home
Jasper explains how a planned two-year move from London to Hong Kong led to a 30-year career in Asia.
02:13
The Birth of Modern Asian Media
He reflects on the rise of satellite television, Channel V and the early efforts to localise content for Asian audiences.
03:09
A Marathon Was Born
Jasper tells the story of how a casual brainstorming session helped create the first Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.
04:04
When the Spice Girls Came to Delhi
He reminisces about when some of the world's biggest music acts came to Asia during the region's entertainment boom.
05:03
Building Music Matters
Jasper explains why Asia needed its own music industry platform as the sector grappled with piracy, Napster and digital disruption.
08:36
The Day YouTubers Became Superstars
Jasper recalls the launch of YouTube FanFest and the moment creators proved they could command fan loyalty on a global scale.
11:50
The Craziest Fans in Asia
He compares fan culture across the region, from the passionate crowds of the Philippines to the orderly queues of Singapore.
15:11
Influencers vs. A-Listers
Jasper weighs in on who holds more sway in Asia today and shares a memorable Nile Rodgers story.
17:08
When Shah Rukh Khan Wasn't the Main Attraction
Jasper recounts the surreal moment Bollywood's biggest star was overshadowed by Lilly Singh.
19:09
Why Asia Is Now Exporting Culture
He explains why the next chapter for Asian creators, musicians and entertainers is taking their influence to audiences around the world.
Useful links
https://www.allthatmatters.asia/
https://www.youtube.com/@YouTubeFanFest
https://www.wearyourmusic.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WI23EMNKPE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9CY4CPgCzs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj9FxhGEloc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_lPCGrbWMQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIZzZ28u-Vs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjjDwycSq4k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO6x9Xn6CsM
Don’t miss out
We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:
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Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.