
Hosted by Pearl Lam (林明珠) · EN
The Pearl Lam Podcast takes followers on a journey of raw and intimate conversations to inspire, educate and disrupt conventional ways of thinking alongside some of the world’s brightest talents who have proven themselves as unafraid to challenge convention - no matter what.
The Pearl Lam Podcast was launched by Pearl Lam (林明珠) in 2023 with a mission to inspire, educate and disrupt conventional ways of thinking alongside some of the world’s brightest and emerging voices. The Pearl Lam Podcast is filmed on location all over the world in a reflection of Pearl’s longstanding advocacy for building cross-cultural understanding. The Pearl Lam Podcast has been filmed in London, Paris, New York, LA, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The Pearl Lam Podcast host, Pearl Lam, is a cultural commentator, an international gallerist and a leading global authority on contemporary art. Her galleries in Hong Kong and Shanghai are well known globally for their intellectual impact and ambition and for helping to break down outmoded precepts. Pearl Lam founded the China Art Foundation in 2008 because she believes that art has the power to transcend cultural boundaries and to foster mutual understanding. Pearl Lam's most popular mantra, which she repeatedly uses in The Pearl Lam Podcast, is that “art is not about passport”.
Pearl Lam is recognised as an influential figure within both the contemporary art and business worlds. She has been an expert panel speaker at major global business events, including for Credit Suisse, JP Morgan and

In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam meets in London with Anders Petterson, founder and CEO of the art-market research firm ArtTactic. Anders traces his path from investment banking into contemporary art and examines how the market has shifted over the past 25 years, noting that the present moment represents a significant turning point for many galleries.The discussion covers the pressures associated with major art fairs such as Frieze and Art Basel, the effects of geopolitical instability and economic slowdown, and the widening divide between mega-galleries and younger spaces. With Pearl contributing her perspective as a gallerist, the conversation expands to consider sustainability, risk, and the forms of art ecosystems that may be viable in the decades to come.

In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam sits down with Ben Luke, one of the most respected voices in contemporary art criticism and host of A Brush with… and The Week in Art for The Art Newspaper. Drawing from his extensive experience speaking with artists, curators, and cultural leaders, Ben reflects on how art can serve as a bridge across social and political divides. The conversation moves fluidly from the question of whether curators need formal art history backgrounds to the wider role of the humanities in nurturing empathy and critical thinking. As they discuss the state of Britain’s cultural landscape, both Pearl and Ben consider how education, creativity, and open dialogue can foster a more connected and compassionate society.

In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl sits down with renowned economist Keyu Jin, Professor at the London School of Economics and author of The New China Playbook, for a nuanced conversation about China's evolving global identity. Together, they unpack the layers of misunderstanding between China and the West, the myths surrounding the Chinese economy, and the generational transformation reshaping ambition, consumption, and individualism within the country. Keyu gives a rare insider’s perspective, bridging her academic insights with her lived experience across Beijing, London, and the United States. From economic reform to innovation, from demographic shifts to soft power, this episode invites listeners to challenge assumptions and consider how cultural context shapes economic behavior. Whether you’re curious about the future of global trade, the rise of Gen Z in China, or the broader implications of China's rise, this episode offers both clarity and complexity in equal measure.