1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:19,280 Welcome to Students Incorporated, a podcast where we dive into relevant topics and issues 2 00:00:19,280 --> 00:00:23,600 related to the world of business, technology, education and design. 3 00:00:23,600 --> 00:00:25,600 I'm your host, Mr. Jason. 4 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:29,980 Episodes include student conversations, interviews with thought leaders, and inspirational stories 5 00:00:29,980 --> 00:00:31,980 with an international flavor. 6 00:00:31,980 --> 00:00:35,900 This podcast is created and produced with the help of students from the International 7 00:00:35,900 --> 00:00:37,900 Community School of Bangkok. 8 00:00:37,900 --> 00:00:51,400 Hey, happy new year, everyone. 9 00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:53,320 2023 is finally here. 10 00:00:53,320 --> 00:00:58,280 We actually just celebrated two new years, the traditional January 1st New Year and the 11 00:00:58,280 --> 00:01:01,280 Lunar New Year on January 22nd. 12 00:01:01,280 --> 00:01:05,760 We hope everyone had a restful vacation and is excited for this new year. 13 00:01:05,760 --> 00:01:10,960 In today's episode, we will be discussing some predictions for 2023. 14 00:01:10,960 --> 00:01:14,240 Lion will start us off with our quote of the day. 15 00:01:14,240 --> 00:01:17,680 Our quote of the day comes from famous author and theologian, C.S. Lewis. 16 00:01:17,680 --> 00:01:18,680 He said, 17 00:01:18,680 --> 00:01:21,860 You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. 18 00:01:21,860 --> 00:01:24,320 This quote is extremely applicable to the new year. 19 00:01:24,320 --> 00:01:27,300 We all set goals for ourselves and have dreams we wish to achieve. 20 00:01:27,300 --> 00:01:32,360 No matter how big or small your goals and dreams are, they are worthy of accomplishment. 21 00:01:32,360 --> 00:01:35,720 Always strive for growth and progress and not for perfection. 22 00:01:35,720 --> 00:01:40,400 C.S. Lewis is the author of The Great Divorce, The Four Loves, and of course, The Beloved 23 00:01:40,400 --> 00:01:42,200 Chronicles of Narnia series. 24 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:48,280 He also won the Carnegie Medal in Literature work for his work, The Last Battle in 1956. 25 00:01:48,280 --> 00:01:50,400 Here are some headline news from around the world. 26 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:54,520 Beating out China, India has now become the most populated country in the world. 27 00:01:54,520 --> 00:01:59,600 India's population is around 1.42 billion people, while China reported a decrease in 28 00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:05,280 population to 1.41 billion people, the first time since the 1960s, according to the World 29 00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:06,680 Population Review. 30 00:02:06,680 --> 00:02:11,040 Speaking of China, after three years, China is opening back up and has approved group 31 00:02:11,040 --> 00:02:12,520 tours to many nations. 32 00:02:12,520 --> 00:02:16,800 Chinese tourists have begun traveling to these countries, including Thailand. 33 00:02:16,800 --> 00:02:20,200 Moving on, New Zealand's Prime Minister has recently resigned. 34 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:25,560 She was New Zealand's 40th Prime Minister and has served since 2017 when she was elected 35 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:30,720 at the age of 37 as New Zealand's youngest Prime Minister to ever be elected. 36 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:35,640 And unlike many politicians these days, her resignation was not due to a scandal, but 37 00:02:35,640 --> 00:02:39,780 rather she is quoted as saying, I no longer have enough in the tank. 38 00:02:39,780 --> 00:02:43,840 After six years of public service and some of those years through the pandemic, she has 39 00:02:43,840 --> 00:02:46,480 cited burnout. 40 00:02:46,480 --> 00:02:48,880 Thank you for the quote in the headline news. 41 00:02:48,880 --> 00:02:53,620 For the first part of this episode, we will be looking at and discussing predictions our 42 00:02:53,620 --> 00:02:56,260 listeners have made for 2023. 43 00:02:56,260 --> 00:03:01,440 Last year, we sent out a survey asking a wide range of questions to ask listeners what they 44 00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:04,880 predict 2023 to be like. 45 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:06,880 Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey. 46 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:09,280 Your responses were very helpful. 47 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:14,080 The first question we asked our listeners was, do you think 2023 will be better than 48 00:03:14,080 --> 00:03:15,080 2022? 49 00:03:15,080 --> 00:03:16,960 The results were very positive. 50 00:03:16,960 --> 00:03:23,400 50% of the participants said yes, 2023 will be better than 2022, while only 9.4% said 51 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:24,400 no. 52 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:27,320 However, 40.6% of the survey takers did say maybe. 53 00:03:27,320 --> 00:03:32,040 Since it's only January, we do have a while to see if 2023 will be better than 2022. 54 00:03:32,040 --> 00:03:33,040 What do you think, Linda? 55 00:03:33,040 --> 00:03:37,520 I have a feeling that 2023 will be better than 2022. 56 00:03:37,520 --> 00:03:42,040 Moving on, we asked our listeners for specific predictions they would make for 2023. 57 00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:47,640 We received responses about a wide variety of topics from technology, current events, 58 00:03:47,640 --> 00:03:48,640 and community life. 59 00:03:48,640 --> 00:03:50,800 Let's start from the technology predictions. 60 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:54,760 A prediction was that quantum computers will break cryptography. 61 00:03:54,760 --> 00:03:59,560 Another listener predicted that Neuralink will... wait, what is Neuralink? 62 00:03:59,560 --> 00:04:04,640 Basically, Neuralink uses a brain chip interface to help individuals with paralysis move and 63 00:04:04,640 --> 00:04:05,640 communicate. 64 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:09,080 I also read that it may help restore vision, help individuals who suffer from Parkinson's 65 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:13,840 disease and Alzheimer's, and may assist people who have had spinal cord injuries. 66 00:04:13,840 --> 00:04:14,840 That's really cool! 67 00:04:14,840 --> 00:04:19,520 There were also predictions that advancements will be made in the field of AI and that there 68 00:04:19,520 --> 00:04:21,720 will be new VR headsets. 69 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:26,060 Someone also said that META, formerly known as Facebook, might go bankrupt. 70 00:04:26,060 --> 00:04:31,120 The final prediction was that Elon Musk's Starship will take a crew of eight civilians 71 00:04:31,120 --> 00:04:33,320 on a journey to the moon and back. 72 00:04:33,320 --> 00:04:37,720 That moon mission is called the Dear Moon Project and is sponsored and will launch during 73 00:04:37,720 --> 00:04:39,280 2023. 74 00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:43,560 These were all fascinating to read and we'll have to see if any do come true. 75 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:46,280 The next category of predictions was about current events. 76 00:04:46,280 --> 00:04:50,240 A popular prediction made multiple times that Cristiano Ronaldo would retire. 77 00:04:50,240 --> 00:04:55,120 Now, we know that didn't exactly happen, but it truly was an interesting guest. 78 00:04:55,120 --> 00:04:58,800 Someone believes that we may discover new species of whale that will be colorful, perhaps 79 00:04:58,800 --> 00:04:59,800 neon green. 80 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:00,800 That would be amazing. 81 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:03,280 I would love to see a neon green whale. 82 00:05:03,280 --> 00:05:06,080 Who knows, maybe we will see a neon green whale. 83 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:09,280 We also received predictions about the COVID-19 pandemic. 84 00:05:09,280 --> 00:05:13,040 Some hope that COVID-19 will have less of an influence on society and we may stop wearing 85 00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:14,240 masks altogether. 86 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:18,640 On the other hand, others believe that there may be another pandemic or that another virus 87 00:05:18,640 --> 00:05:19,640 will be discovered. 88 00:05:19,640 --> 00:05:23,120 Other predictions were related to tension between countries and conflicts that may occur. 89 00:05:23,120 --> 00:05:26,520 We also received a lot of predictions about our community. 90 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:31,080 A lot of people believe that our school may renovate more sections and buildings. 91 00:05:31,080 --> 00:05:35,320 An individual predicted that the school will purchase nearby land to transform it into 92 00:05:35,320 --> 00:05:36,600 another parking lot. 93 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:39,020 That would definitely be very helpful. 94 00:05:39,020 --> 00:05:43,820 Others made more general predictions and goals about relationships, work ethics, and passing 95 00:05:43,820 --> 00:05:45,320 difficult classes. 96 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:50,320 Okay, thank you for submitting your predictions and answers to our questions. 97 00:05:50,320 --> 00:05:52,920 They were very helpful and interesting to read. 98 00:05:52,920 --> 00:06:05,600 Now, we'll be right back after this PSA. 99 00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:09,300 I have been obsessed with bears lately, so here are some bear facts. 100 00:06:09,300 --> 00:06:11,600 Bears are deeply loyal toward their family members. 101 00:06:11,600 --> 00:06:16,360 They will risk their lives and fight to the death to save a cub or sibling from danger. 102 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:19,480 Bears also have great eyesight, sense of smell, and hearing. 103 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:23,480 They can smell food from miles away, and their eyesight helps them see if fruit is ripe. 104 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:26,280 Bears are one of the deadliest animals in the world, and they are the apex predator 105 00:06:26,280 --> 00:06:27,280 in their ecosystems. 106 00:06:27,280 --> 00:06:31,620 So, remember, if you're ever in a bear attack, remember this rhyme. 107 00:06:31,620 --> 00:06:33,400 If it's brown, lay down. 108 00:06:33,400 --> 00:06:35,280 If it's black, fight back. 109 00:06:35,280 --> 00:06:41,800 If it's white, good night. 110 00:06:41,800 --> 00:06:44,880 Okay we are back with part two of our episode. 111 00:06:44,880 --> 00:06:50,720 Now since we already discussed the predictions our listeners have for 2023, let's talk about 112 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:54,200 the final question we asked the participants. 113 00:06:54,200 --> 00:06:56,240 Lion will kick us off about that. 114 00:06:56,240 --> 00:07:00,200 There is one specific question in the survey that I find particularly interesting. 115 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:03,920 We asked, which animals do you think you can beat in hand-to-hand combat? 116 00:07:03,920 --> 00:07:09,140 The choices were rats, cats, dogs, eagles, lions, grizzly bears, kangaroos, and more. 117 00:07:09,140 --> 00:07:12,440 The most popular answers were rats, medium-sized dogs, and house cats. 118 00:07:12,440 --> 00:07:15,140 The least popular answers were kangaroos and elephants. 119 00:07:15,140 --> 00:07:19,080 An interesting fact is that roughly 6% of all Americans believe they can take on a grizzly 120 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:23,560 bear unarmed, while a whopping 12.5% of ICS students believe that they can take on a grizzly 121 00:07:23,560 --> 00:07:24,560 bear unarmed. 122 00:07:24,560 --> 00:07:27,760 From this statistic, we can conclude that ICS students are more confident in their ability 123 00:07:27,760 --> 00:07:30,240 to fight animals with their bare hands than Americans. 124 00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:33,160 Also shout out to the three people on our survey that said they absolutely love school 125 00:07:33,160 --> 00:07:34,160 food as it is right now. 126 00:07:34,160 --> 00:07:37,040 But Lion, remember what we said during episode 16? 127 00:07:37,040 --> 00:07:39,840 We won't discuss school food in a lot of detail. 128 00:07:39,840 --> 00:07:44,580 So we also decided to research predictions that experts and the general public have made 129 00:07:44,580 --> 00:07:45,720 about this year. 130 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:50,160 Since we continue to make developments in technology each year, they believe that we 131 00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:54,360 will make great advancements in the field of AI and that it will become more popular. 132 00:07:54,360 --> 00:07:59,640 It is also predicted that the price of Bitcoin will fall to $5,000. 133 00:07:59,640 --> 00:08:01,320 That's a really sharp decrease. 134 00:08:01,320 --> 00:08:05,940 Although global recession is probable, the USA may avoid recession as inflation rates 135 00:08:05,940 --> 00:08:08,080 may seem to be slowing down. 136 00:08:08,080 --> 00:08:11,400 People expect an unemployment rate to slightly rise but still stay low. 137 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:15,440 Although some people will struggle, unemployment will not skyrocket, which usually happens 138 00:08:15,440 --> 00:08:16,440 during a recession. 139 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:20,320 According to the Bank of America CEO, there may be a mild recession but it probably won't 140 00:08:20,320 --> 00:08:21,320 be extreme. 141 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:26,080 I really hope that global economies recover now and that recessions will not be too bad. 142 00:08:26,080 --> 00:08:30,960 We also looked at some more general predictions people have made about weather and space. 143 00:08:30,960 --> 00:08:37,960 A survey conducted by IPSOS that asked more than 24,000 citizens of 36 countries about 144 00:08:37,960 --> 00:08:41,160 2023 revealed some interesting predictions. 145 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:45,440 18% of the survey takers believe that aliens will visit Earth. 146 00:08:45,440 --> 00:08:48,360 22% believe that an asteroid will hit Earth. 147 00:08:48,360 --> 00:08:53,760 65% believe that there will be more extreme weather events and possibly natural disasters 148 00:08:53,760 --> 00:08:54,760 this year. 149 00:08:54,760 --> 00:08:59,560 57% also said that the weather this year may be the hottest it's ever been. 150 00:08:59,560 --> 00:09:07,600 Honestly, I really hope those don't come true but we never know what climate change. 151 00:09:07,600 --> 00:09:12,200 As we end this episode, we want to thank everyone for submitting their predictions and feedback 152 00:09:12,200 --> 00:09:13,560 on the survey. 153 00:09:13,560 --> 00:09:18,480 Our next episode will feature the ICS Model United Nations team who will be discussing 154 00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:19,960 their upcoming conference. 155 00:09:19,960 --> 00:09:25,120 Remember, you can listen to our podcasts on all major streaming platforms. 156 00:09:25,120 --> 00:09:29,780 This podcast would not be possible without the hard work and support of our international 157 00:09:29,780 --> 00:09:31,280 student production team. 158 00:09:31,280 --> 00:09:35,120 All music and sound effects are courtesy of Pixabay.com, a vibrant community of creatives 159 00:09:35,120 --> 00:09:37,640 sharing copyright-free images, videos, and music. 160 00:09:37,640 --> 00:09:39,800 And we are signing off until next time. 161 00:09:39,800 --> 00:09:56,480 We are Students Incorporated because your voice matters.