It was only many years later that we learnt about the atrocities and the inhuman ways the natives of the Amazon Valley were subjected to by the white barons to develop exporting of natural rubber to Europe to provide the main raw material for the automotive tyre industry which was gradually evolving in to a flourishing industry. The inventing of synthetic rubber in the late 1940s and the development of SBR  due to the short supply of natural rubber from the colonies  in the East to cater for the growing demand for tyres used in the military vehicles during the Second World War and the Korean War is another episode of beyond the border commercial endeavours.

Although the word ‘globalisation’ was coined by Theodore Levitt in 1983 through an article ‘Globalisation of Markets’ which appeared in the Harvard Business Review  (May-June 1983), I feel that we should go way back in the annals of history to get an understanding of the term. This knowledge may not look attractive to the modern business world. Nevertheless, the sociologists and others of similar disciplines will certainly find such knowledge useful in comprehending the modern day socio-economic woes.

Origins of globalisation may possibly be traced back to early human migrations, presumably from the Olduvai George Gorge, a site in Tanzania that holds the earliest evidence of human ancestors. Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, particularly different countries, with the intent of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. It typically involves movement over long distances. The driving motive, namely seeking dominance over fellow men and exploiting the natural environment to achieve success, does not seem to have changed over the millions of years.

The emergence of the great civilisations, e.g. Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and their subsequent decline can be attributed to globalisation. Similarly, the invasions and cross-border military conquests of historical fame (or notoriety) such as that of Alexander the Great and colonisation by the West for the exploitation of natural wealth in Asia, Africa and South America reveals an ugly facet of globalisation.

The Silk Route interlinking East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe, on the other hand, was central to the economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between these regions form 2nd century BCE to the 18th century.

The industrialisation and expansion of business and commerce across countries during the past 300-plus years was fuelled by the four industrial revolutions, or waves as some prefer to identify them, namely steam power, conveyor system, computers and digitalisation. The process is continuing to the unforeseeable future with new knowledge and innovations fuelling the globalisation.

The multifaceted nature of globalisation has commonly been identified into eight types as shown below:

•           Political Globalisation

•           Social Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Technological Globalisation

•           Financial Globalisation

•           Cultural Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Geographical Globalisation

My intention is not to delve in to a discussion about the pros and cons of globalisation, which has been comprehensively documented, but to highlight on some key aspects from this part of the world, especially of the Asian subcontinent.

Knowledge dissemination across border, in my view, is the single most important factor associated with globalisation. This appears common to all the above types of globalisation. The dissemination of the Buddhist doctrine by the great Emperor Asoka to countries spreading from the far East to the Central Asia and Middle East including the present Sri Lanka during 3rd century BCE is one of the earliest recorded instances of globalisation.

Countries with long histories going back to 3,000 to 4,000-plus years, such as India, China and Sri Lanka, possessed a vast knowledge base ingrained in the social consciousness. This appears to have significantly influenced the philosophical and intellectual thought of the Greek and Persian periods. Unfortunately, a major part of this knowledge has been eroded through the influence of the West, which started around the 16th century. One good example of this knowledge found in the ancient irrigation knowledge of Sri Lanka is the engineering  marvel of a gradient of 1 inch per mile in an ancient canal about 87 km long,  built to connect two man-made reservoirs in the 5th century AD. Similarly, India and Sri Lanka possessed a vast indigenous knowledge base in medicine, astrology, architecture, agriculture, irrigation and astrology, and it is somewhat unfortunate that this knowledge has not been adequately globalised. The only significant inroads are seen in tourism. But that too are based on the western norms.

On the other hand, we have acquired a vast knowledge from the industrialised countries on modern management thoughts and technologies which have enabled industrialisation and improvement in living conditions of the populace. In this era of interdependency, a country cannot afford to ignore the technologies which are necessary to maintain a suitable level of competitiveness internationally. However, if this is accomplished at the expense of ignoring the inherent social and cultural foundations, the long-term adverse consequences would be disastrous and unimaginable.

The adverse long-term consequences of the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and the global addiction to pharmaceuticals are already seen physically and socially in practically all the countries, especially the so called underdeveloped or developing countries.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the irreversible effects of global warming are two examples of globalisation which are affecting the mere sustenance  of mankind.

A country can immensely benefit by striving for stars through adopting modern technologies. However, the absolute importance of a strong base cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Back to a strong base and reinforcing the base lies at the core of sustainable development.

The words of Mahatma Gandhi echoing from the past reaffirm this plain truth in no uncertain terms.

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

“What's past is prologue," a quote from William Shakespeare's ‘The Tempest’ presumes that though history is written, the future is anyone's to decide – with the knowledge gleaned from the past. (TT)

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Kumho Tire USA has confirmed its return as a sponsor of the home plate signage programme for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, appearing in six stadiums nationwide. This marks the brand’s second consecutive year participating in the initiative, which aims to strengthen visibility among consumers, clients and retail partners.

The selection of ballparks was based on strategic market analysis, prioritising regions with strong growth potential for brand recognition. By securing rotational digital signage directly behind home plate, the company ensures consistent exposure to both live audiences and televised broadcasts, enhancing its presence in high-impact settings.

Kumho Tire will feature its brand at the following stadiums:

• Angel's Stadium: Anaheim, Calif.
• Busch Stadium: St. Louis, Miss.
• Chase Field: Phoenix, Ariz.
• Citizens Bank Park: Philadelphia, Penn.
• Comerica Park: Detroit, Mich.
• Great American Ball Park: Cincinnati, Ohio

These locations enable deeper collaboration with local dealer networks and increase the company’s footprint in areas vital to its long-term goals. Through this targeted investment, Kumho Tire reinforces its commitment to community engagement while advancing broader objectives in key US markets.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “We are thrilled to continue our significant presence in America's favourite pastime, leveraging rotational stadium signage in six key markets with high growth potential. This initiative not only elevates Kumho Tire's visibility and strengthens our position as a premium brand alternative but also creates valuable opportunities for our dealer partners to capitalise on increased local recognition.”

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Hankook Tire reinforced its brand presence on the global stage as the Semifinals of TGL presented by SoFi Season 2 took place on 17 March 2026 at the SoFi Center in Florida. Serving as the inaugural Official Tyre Partner and a Founding Partner of the league, the company leveraged this platform to highlight its premium identity. By embedding advanced technological solutions within the sports entertainment sector, Hankook aligned itself with the principle of ‘Technological Innovation’ promoted by Hankook & Company Group Chairman Hyunbum Cho. This strategy effectively communicated a progressive and contemporary brand image to audiences spanning 150 countries.

The competition unfolded as a high-intensity doubleheader featuring the regular season's top four teams. In the opening matchup, the No. 2 seed, Los Angeles Golf Club, faced Atlanta Drive GC, the tournament’s 2025 champion and No. 3 seed. Although Atlanta initially held an advantage, Los Angeles secured a 6-4 victory to advance. After trailing 4-3 at the conclusion of the Triples session, Los Angeles mounted a comeback in Singles by claiming three consecutive points. A pivotal moment came when Justin Rose levelled the score on the 10th hole before taking the lead with a birdie on the fourteenth, ending Atlanta's pursuit of consecutive titles.

The second semifinal featured the regular-season leader, Boston Common Golf, against Jupiter Links GC. This contest attracted widespread attention due to the participation of golf stars Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods in a high-stakes playoff atmosphere. Jupiter Links emerged victorious with a 9-5 win after a competitive Triples session. In Singles, Max Homa secured decisive victories over McIlroy in both of their encounters, propelling his team into the Final Series for the first time.

Both winning teams are set to compete in the Finals, a best-of-three series scheduled for 23 and 24 March 2026 at the same venue. As the season approaches its conclusion, Hankook Tire continues to connect with international audiences through elite sporting events. The company sustains a diverse global sports marketing strategy, encompassing partnerships with the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Borussia Dortmund and Al Ittihad. Additionally, its role as an official partner in premier motorsport series like Formula E and the World Rally Championship underscores its commitment to demonstrating technological leadership.

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Trelleborg Tires is all set to participate in LogiMAT 2026 to demonstrate how its XP series of material handling tyres delivers quantifiable performance gains and enhanced operational efficiency. Recognising that forklift fleets face a variety of demands, the XP range is engineered to match specific intensities, load requirements and working environments. Whether for rigorous warehouse operations or specialised settings needing non-marking or electrically conductive properties, these tyres are designed to help reduce unplanned downtime, optimise energy consumption and bolster workplace safety. The company invites attendees to explore these solutions at Hall 10, Stand A21 during Europe’s premier intralogistics event, which takes place in Stuttgart from 24 to 26 March 2026.

At the summit of the product line is the XP1000, built for the most demanding, maximum-intensity applications. This tyre enhances driver comfort through reduced vibration and superior traction, which also contributes to lower fuel consumption. A standout feature is its integrated Pit Stop Line technology, a visible orange indicator that emerges when roughly 100 operating hours remain. This proactive visual cue empowers fleet managers to schedule timely replacements, thereby circumventing unexpected and costly operational interruptions. The XP1000 is also offered with ProTEX, a specialised non-marking and electrically conductive rubber formulation designed for use in sensitive or potentially explosive atmospheres.

For the rigours of high-intensity tasks common in factories and distribution centres, the XP900 tyre provides exceptional stability and precise manoeuvrability. Constructed from advanced raw materials, its durable rubber compounds are rigorously tested to extend service life while supporting more environmentally conscious operations through a contribution to lower CO₂ emissions.

Addressing the needs of medium-intensity applications, the XP800 tyre is engineered for reliable performance in both indoor and outdoor settings. Its advanced tread pattern is specifically designed to support cost management without compromising on consistency. Completing the lineup, the XP700 tyre caters to lower-intensity material handling. It matches operational requirements with sufficient load capacity and responsive steering, and like its counterparts, includes a protective rim flange to guard against wheel damage, ensuring that efficiency and performance are maintained across all levels of activity.

Anton Stoynev, Director Material Handling & Construction Central Europe, Trelleborg Tires, said, “The full Trelleborg XP range, available in our portfolio and on display at LogiMAT 2026, demonstrates how our tyres support material handling operations across all intensities and environments. With tailored tyre solutions for specific operational needs, we enable customers to reduce downtime, optimise efficiency and enhance safety. As a business tyre partner to the forklift industry, we go beyond manufacturing tyres: we combine application expertise with practical support to empower customers to achieve their operational goals reliably and effectively.”

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Dunlop Tires North America has announced its role as Official Tyre Supplier and Technical Partner for the upcoming Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, a global racing series debuting in March 2026. This championship will feature six double-header rounds held at prestigious circuits during select MotoGP weekends across North America and Europe, bringing high-performance bagger competition to an international stage.

The partnership builds upon a deep-rooted collaborative history between the two iconic brands, spanning decades of joint efforts in original equipment manufacturing, product innovation and competitive racing. Dunlop currently provides all original equipment tyres for Harley-Davidson’s touring lineup, a relationship founded on mutual trust and aligned performance objectives that bridge everyday road use with track-ready capability.

Dunlop’s involvement draws on significant experience gained from MotoAmerica's King of the Baggers series, as well as an extensive motorsports legacy encompassing road racing, flat track, motocross and supercross. For this new championship, Dunlop will engineer dedicated racing tyres tailored to the distinct challenges posed by high-performance bagger motorcycles. Comprehensive trackside technical support will accompany the tyre supply throughout the season, ensuring teams have expert assistance at every round.

Mike Buckley, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, said, “Being selected as the official tyre supplier for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is a tremendous honour for Dunlop. Harley-Davidson is not only an iconic motorcycle manufacturer, but a long-time collaborator. From original equipment development to championship level racing, this programme reflects more than a supply agreement. It represents a true partnership as we take on new technical challenges together at the highest level of international racing. We are proud to collaborate with Harley-Davidson as partners in this championship. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what these motorcycles can achieve while delivering a racing product that reflects the scale, ambition and global reach of both brands.”

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