Asia Tech Podcast

25/07/2024

"I think what I've learned is, if I can do it this way, then anyone can. And the qualification is by doing it. It is always daunting, I think, and it was more of an internal struggle for me to make that first investment, to write that first check...I'm just more accepting of the fact that I'm not going to be great at something the first time, and that's okay, but the only way I'm going to become great is by doing it more times and getting better..." - Elena Kersey

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast Elena Kersey, the Community and Partnerships Lead at ⁠Epic Angels⁠, shared key insights into angel investing. She emphasized that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those without finance or tech experience, can succeed in angel investing with a willingness to learn and a passion for innovation.

Some of the topics that Elena covered in detail:

- The importance of the support system provided by a group of female investors, many of whom are also new to startup investing.
- Seeking out founders with a deep commitment to solving a problem, often based on personal experiences.
- Another critical lesson is the importance of investment and sector diversification.
- Elena stressed that one qualification for being an angel investor is by doing it. - The experience of making that first investment, even if small, is invaluable.
- Angel investing is not a get-rich-quick scheme and a long-term perspective is essential.

Michael Waitze 0:02 And then we’ll start. Are You Ready? Ready? Hi. This is Michael waitze, and welcome back to the Asia Tech Podcast. Elena Kersey, the Community and Partnerships Lead at Epic Angels is with us today. Thank you so much for coming on the show. I’ve been waiting for this for a whi...

17/07/2024

"I had been curious about exploring AI specifically in the context of an animation project that I've been working on trying to develop for the past few years. And I remember a year ago we started to see some really phenomenal breakthroughs with what the potential for that could be, but it still felt a little bit limited, and it wasn't 100% where I thought it would need to be to really get into it...

I think that's what you want to happen when you're working with actors. In this case, it was almost like the AI was an actor. Let's treat the AI like an artist, not like a tool. It's going to give us its own interpretation. Let's be open to what that is."

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Jud Willmont, owner and producer/director at Willmountain Films, and Jacky Lin, founding partner at Creative Fitting, discussed their groundbreaking collaboration on an AI-generated film for the Shanghai Film Festival.

They emphasized the importance of a hybrid approach that merges human creativity with AI efficiency. While AI handled the heavy lifting of creating visual content, the essence of storytelling and creative direction came from human input. This blend of technology and artistry allowed for innovative results, as Jud and Jacky treated AI as an artistic partner rather than just a tool, embracing its randomness and unexpected outputs to enhance the film’s uniqueness.

The conversation also highlighted the rapid evolution of AI technology and the challenge of maintaining consistency in AI-generated content. Jacky explained how their team continuously upgraded their AI models to ensure high consistency in character movements and expressions throughout the film.

Despite AI's advancements, both Jud and Jacky underscored the irreplaceable value of human creativity in making content truly unique. As AI becomes more prevalent, the distinct perspectives and creative inputs from humans will be essential in setting exceptional work apart.

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https://asiatechpodcast.com/2024/07/17/ep-329-the-future-of-storytelling-in-film-a-hybrid-approach-of-ai-and-human-creativity-jud-willmont-and-jacky-lin/

03/07/2024

"So an event mesh is a data movement fabric, it's the layer between the network and the applications. So if we explain it a little bit further, event broker is this technology that allows you to move data in a one to many manner, in a publish to subscribe manner. So for example, if an order is created, and we say that order event is published to the event broker, that order may have to go to the order management system. It may also go to the digital receipt system. It may also go to the loyalty system. So the same order has to go to multiple systems. And this pattern is called publish, subscribe, which is done by an event broker." - Sumeet Puri

Sumeet Puri, Chief Technology Solutions Officer at Solace, offers invaluable insights into the world of real-time data and event-driven architecture. He details how event mesh technology can revolutionize customer experience, operational efficiency, and financial inclusion. If you are keen on understanding how to harness the power of real-time data to drive innovation and smarter decision-making in your business, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, ⁠Sumeet Puri⁠, Chief Technology Solutions Officer at ⁠Solace⁠, shared deep insights on the transformative power of real-time data and event-driven architecture. He explained how advancements in network and computing capabilities have enabled industri...

27/06/2024

"Resistance training is, you know, they can take away everything in terms of like, your comfort, your warmth, your food, you know, etc, make you disoriented, but they can't take away your will to resist, right? And they can't take away your mind, right? That's the thing that you can always control in terms of resistance. And so I emphasized that to her what they taught us over and over, which was, never forget who the enemy is." - Gene Yu

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast featuring Gene Yu, the founder and CEO of BlackPanda, we explored innovative approaches to cybersecurity and the vital role of crisis response. Gene’s unique background as a former Green Beret and West Point graduate has significantly shaped BlackPanda's approach. The company has revolutionized the cybersecurity field by offering emergency response services wrapped in an insurance-like product, making high-quality cybersecurity accessible and affordable for businesses across Asia. Gene emphasized the importance of credibility and trust in cybersecurity, drawing on his military background to build a strong and reliable brand in the industry.

Gene also shared insightful stories from his career, highlighting the importance of transferring skills across domains and the human element in crisis response. His transition from military crisis management to cybersecurity showcases the adaptability and strategic thinking required in both fields.

Gene's amazing experience rescuing a family friend from Abu Sayaff terrorists underscored the critical role of resilience, psychological strength, and human connection in crisis situations. BlackPanda's focus on specialization and niche expertise in emergency cybersecurity has positioned them as a leading firm, capable of delivering highly effective and efficient solutions tailored to specific emergencies.

Gene shared a gripping, ⁠true story⁠ about rescuing a family friend that had been kidnapped by ⁠Abu Sayyaf⁠, an experience that profoundly impacted his life. This mission highlighted the importance of resilience, adaptability, and human connection in crisis situations. Amazon commissioned Gene to write a book about the incident that will be released on October 1, 2024 and you can find it ⁠here.⁠

https://t.ly/69ZHy

https://youtu.be/hoxpEHM03GQ

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast featuring Gene Yu, the founder and CEO of BlackPanda, we explored innovative approaches to cybersecurity and the vit...

28/05/2024

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The Asia Tech Podcast focuses on all aspects of the Tech Startup scene in Asia-Pacific.There is an information gap about this topic globally and Michael Wait...

17/01/2024

In an enlightening conversation on the Asia Tech Podcast, ⁠Rebecca Joy⁠, COO and Founder of ⁠Saigon A.I.⁠, shared invaluable insights into her journey through the tech industry, the evolving landscape of technology in Vietnam, and the unique challenges and opportunities of being an entrepreneur in this rapidly transforming space.

Some of the topics that Rebecca covered:

- Her career pivot from finance to tech
- Why she identified Vietnam as an emerging tech hub
- The impressive growth of Vietnam's tech ecosystem
- Breaking stereotypes and encouraging women to participate in the tech revolution
- Artificial intelligence and the future of tech

Some other titles we considered for this episode:

1) Truth and Explainability
2) It Was a Lot of Fun Until You Got a Page at 2 AM
3) The Next Tech Frontier: Vietnam's Emerging AI Landscape
4) Empowering Women in Tech in Vietnam
5) The AI Revolution in Southeast Asia



Listen here ---> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2024/01/17/4447/

10/01/2024

Freight forwarding is a complex and often misunderstood industry that plays a crucial role in global trade. The Asia Tech Podcast had a fascinating conversation with ⁠Glenn Lai⁠, a co-founder and CEO of ⁠FR8Labs⁠ to learn more the industry at large and FR8Labs specifically.

Some of the insights that Glenn shared with us included:

- Embracing unconventional career paths can lead to innovative solutions
- The role of a freight forwarders and why FR8Labs focuses on SMEs
- The power of digital transformation in traditional industries
- Leveraging existing networks and knowledge
- Building scalable and adaptable business models - The platform approach
- The role of AI and technology in enhancing industry practices



Listen here --> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2024/01/10/ep-309-glenn-lai-fr8labs-the-next-generation-modern-operating-system-for-freight-forwarders/

03/12/2023

The Evolution of Grab - From Ride Hailing Pioneer to FinTech Powerhouse

In a fascinating conversation at the Singapore FinTech Festival, Kell Jay Lim, Regional Head of GrabFin, shared his insights on the growth and transformation of Grab, a company that has become synonymous with innovation in Southeast Asia. Here are five critical insights drawn from our discussion revealing the journey of Grab from a ride-hailing service to a multifaceted digital platform.

1. The Power of Adaptation and Expansion

Kell Jay Lim recounted how Grab evolved from its origins as a taxi booking app into a diverse digital platform offering food deliveries, grocery deliveries, and financial services. This trajectory highlights the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing environment. The decision to expand into food delivery, after acquiring Uber's business in Southeast Asia, was a pivotal moment.

2. Technological Self-Reliance: Building Custom Solutions

A significant milestone for Grab was developing its mapping system, a move driven by the desire for a product tailored to regional needs. Lim's discussion about this strategic shift underscores how companies can gain from creating in-house solutions that cater to unique operational requirements. This move improved service efficiency, emphasizing the importance of technological self-reliance and innovation.

3. Financial Inclusion as a Mission

Grab's journey into financial services wasn't just a business expansion; it was a step toward fulfilling its mission of empowering everyday entrepreneurs. Lim highlighted the financial struggles of drivers and small merchants who often find themselves excluded from traditional banking services. GrabFin's focus on providing accessible financial products, including loans and insurance, to this underserved demographic illustrates a commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.

4. Building a Super App: A Seamless Ecosystem

The evolution of Grab into a 'super app' allowed Lim to explain how integrating payment solutions like GrabPay improved user experience and opened doors to further financial services. This integration not only offers convenience to users but also cements customer loyalty and engagement, showcasing the benefits of a seamless, multifunctional digital ecosystem.

5. Future-Forward Thinking: Digital Banking and Beyond

Lim discussed the launch of digital banks in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This strategic move illustrates Grab's forward-thinking approach, where leveraging the power of their platform and understanding their customer base's needs allows them to compete effectively in the digital banking space. It also highlights how companies can use their strengths to diversify into new, yet complementary, business areas.



Watch the full video here:

Join us to discuss Grab's Beginnings, Grab Maps and GrabFin with Kell Jay, Regional Head at GrabFin. Banking, Fintech, and the Insurance Revolution – What Ar...

29/11/2023

We Created Our Whole System to Be Augmentive

The Asia Tech Podcast welcomed Daniel Lim⁠, the Founder and CEO of Pi-xcels⁠, a technology company that specialises in digital receipt issuance, offering an eco-friendly alternative to paper receipts for retailers, corporates, and any establishment that utilises receipts. But it is so much more than that!

Some of the insights I learned from Daniel included:

- The Value of Embracing a Non-Linear Career Path
- The True Power of Collaboration
- The Value of Shopper-Centric Data
- Augmenting Existing Systems for Greater Impact
- Balancing Perfection and Good Enough

This was an incredible conversation. Daniel may tell you otherwise, but he whip smart!



Listen here:

https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/11/29/ep-304-daniel-lim-pi-xcels-we-created-our-whole-system-to-be-augmentive/

01/11/2023

The Biggest Heart and Seeing Above the Clouds

The Asia Tech Podcast was joined by ⁠Sam Fromson⁠, a co-founder and COO of YuLife⁠, and Stephen Barnham⁠, the Global Chief Digital and Information Officer at ⁠Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

Sam and Stephen discussed their partnership and the innovative approach they are taking to reimagine the insurance industry. YuLife is on a mission to inspire people to live their best lives everyday. As a 120-year-old life insurance company dominant in Japan, Dai-ichi Life is looking for new growth opportunities to become a leading global insurer.

Some of the topics that Sam and Stephen discussed in detail:

- How YuLife is reimagining the insurance industry by focusing on wellbeing
- Building lifelong partnerships with their customers
- Gamification as a tool for engagement
- The challenges of entering new markets and the massive opportunity in Japan
- The importance of win-win partnerships and how Dai-ichi Life is the perfect example of this
- Balancing urgency and long-term vision

The Asia Tech Podcast was joined by ⁠Sam Fromson⁠, the co-founder and COO of ⁠YuLife⁠, and ⁠Stephen Barnham⁠, the Global Chief Digital and Information Office...

18/10/2023

A Safe Home Is the Foundation of a Good Life

The Asia Tech Podcast recently spoke with ⁠Rhonda Wong⁠, a co-founder and the CEO of Ohmyhome | NASDAQ:OMH⁠.

Ohmyhome is a one-stop prop-tech company that aims to be the most trusted and comprehensive property solution for everyone.

Some of the topics that Rhonda discussed in detail include:

- How her personal journey taught her the importance of having a stable and loving family
- The simple need to provide a better experience to families moving home
- Combining the financial aspect of real estate transactions with a genuine focus on the well-being and satisfaction of Ohmyhome's customers
- Getting comfortable with being an outlier across domains
- The genuine joy she feels when customers reflect their satisfaction with her and the team

Some other titles we considered for this episode:

1) I Come To Work Expecting to Solve Problems
2) You Don’t Need to Have a Larger Place to Be Happy
3) The Power of Aligning Business and Purpose
4) Building Trust in the Property Market
5) A Vision for a More Transparent Real Estate Industry

Full episode here:

https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/10/18/ep-298-rhonda-wong-ceo-at-ohmyhome-a-safe-home-is-the-foundation-of-a-good-life/

20/09/2023

Asia Tech Podcast - Singapore F1 2023 - Special Edition

It costs over $1BN dollars to develop a championship-winning F1 engine, hundreds of millions of dollars yearly just to run a team and many years and over 1,000 people to design each new car.

On the Asia Tech Podcast, we normally talk to startups and venture capitalists in Asia…but none are spending that much on R&D.

By 2026 the F1 cars will have completely new engines and by 2030, F1 teams need to reach net-zero emissions.

…and we went to the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore to find out what the fans think about this!

Check out this video to find out!

It costs over $1BN dollars to develop a championship-winning F1 engine, hundreds of millions of dollars yearly just to run a team and many years and over 1,0...

14/09/2023

US Actions Have Spurred China to Become More Self-Sufficient

After seeing many surveillance camera networks on the streets in China in 2017, ⁠Liza Lin⁠ and her writing partner ⁠Josh Chin⁠'s interest was piqued.

They were not surprised that the Chinese government was spying on its citizens, but they were surprised by the method.

Liza is a co-author of, "Surveillance State: Inside China's Quest to Launch a New Era of Social Control" and an award-winning China technology correspondent at The Wall Street Journal.

Liza joined us for a fascinating conversation that covered:

- China's surveillance relied on advanced technology from US suppliers
- The implementation of export control policies covering advanced technology and chip sales to China
- The impact of these policies on US technology and chip companies
- A renewed focus by the Chinese government to foster technology independence
- The impact on global supply chains and China-US relations
- How some US companies have been able to circumvent these restrictions
- The potential for the balance of power in the semiconductor industry to shift as China invests heavily in this sector



Listen here ---> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/09/13/ep-294-liza-lin-the-wall-street-journal-us-actions-have-spurred-china-to-become-more-self-sufficient/

10/09/2023

Facial Recognition and the Evolution of Surveillance in China

Watch this snippet of Asia Tech Podcast's upcoming conversation with Liza Lin, an award-winning China technology correspondent at The Wall Street Journal and a co-author of “Surveillance State: Inside China’s Quest to Launch a New Era of Social Control”.

The full episode is coming out this Wednesday...It is NOT to be missed!

29/08/2023

If You Really Want to Make a Difference

The Asia Tech Podcast had a great conversation with Amrita Vir...who is nothing short of brilliant.

Watch this short snippet of this week's full episode!

Pretty awesome stuff.

23/08/2023

I Stopped Being Afraid

Here is the full episode of the Asia Tech Podcast we teased over the weekend.

We feature Sina Meraji, the Founder and CTO/CEO of Learning Loop.

Sina and I bumped into each other serendipitously in Bangkok a couple of months ago and we had such a great conversation, that we decided to do an episode!

It did not disappoint.

We covered a lot of important topics which included:

- How Learning Loop has grown and iterated since its founding
- The power of getting Founders together to maximize their learning and maximize their luck
- Overcoming fear and uncertainty and purposefully building expertise
- Why Sina decided to start writing more content and the impact of the Butter Kaya Breakfasts
- Singapore’s success story



Listen here ---> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/08/23/ep-291-sina-meraji-learning-loop-i-stopped-being-afraid/

21/08/2023

The AsiaTechPodcast.com is excited to share an upcoming episode featuring Sina Meraji, Founder, CEO/CTO at Learning Loop.

In this episode, Sina talks about the concept of creating luck and how it can impact our lives and careers.

Sina shares an interesting framework inspired by Marc Andreessen's blog post from the early 2000s.

16/08/2023

Agriculture Is the Foundation of All Civilization

The Asia Tech Podcast was wowed by its conversation with the co-founder and CEO of Number 8 bio Thomas Williams.

From the origins of the company's name to the potential impact it could have on climate change, this entire conversation was genuinely amazing.

Full episode here ---> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/08/16/ep-290-tom-williams-number-8-bio-agriculture-is-the-foundation-of-all-civilization/

13/08/2023

This Has Profound Consequences

The Asia Tech Podcast is excited to announce its upcoming episode featuring Thomas Williams, a co-Founder and the CEO of Number 8 bio.

In this episode, Tom highlights the importance of the sustainability angle in agriculture.

He notes that animal agriculture alone accounts for 15% of climate change!

Tune in to gain insights on how agriculture as a whole contributes a quarter to a third of all climate change, the profound consequences it has, and how Number 8 bio is addressing these issues.

05/08/2023

You Will Find Something That Clicks

In our upcoming episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we feature Nathalie Rafeh, the Founder and CEO at Splashup, as she shares her insights on the beauty of entrepreneurship.

She emphasizes the importance of refining ideas and plans and finding the right product and customer experience.

Nathalie also encourages startups to continue iterating and keeping an open mind...and so much more!

Watch the short snippet below!

03/08/2023

We Want to Create a Story in a Gift

We all know Pang Xue Kai as the ex-Founder of Tokocrypto, which was acquired by Binance at the end of 2022.

Sensing an opportunity in the gifting market, he has co-Founded Untukmu.AI - The Future of Gifting to exploit a gap in the market to create a platform that would not only help people remember important events but also find meaningful and personalized gifts for their loved ones.

Get ready for an episode of AsiaTechPodcast.com filled with fascinating insights, heartwarming stories, and a glimpse into the future of gifting. Join us as we dive into the world of Untukmu and discover the power of AI in enhancing the way we show our love and care.

Listen here ---> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/08/02/ep-288-pang-xue-kai-untukmu-we-want-to-create-a-story-in-a-gift/

02/08/2023

Get ready for the upcoming episode of the AsiaTechPodcast.com, featuring Pang Xue Kai, a co-Founder at Untukmu.

He shares a perspective that should resonate with all of us..."How do we remember things?"

Instead of simply memorizing facts, we create stories!

Watch this quick snippet of the upcoming episode on which you will gain insights into how Untukmu is revolutionizing the gifting experience!

19/07/2023

The Best Employee Experience Possible

In this truly amazing episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Alex Bouaziz, a co-Founder and the CEO of Deel shares his journey from not speaking a word of English when he arrived in Israel to building a company that enables companies to hire and manage remote employees around the world.



https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/07/19/ep-286-alex-bouaziz-co-founder-and-ceo-of-deel-the-best-employee-experience-possible/

12/07/2023

I Want to See More People Flying

Tune in to the latest episode of the Asia Tech Podcast featuring Kirill Bratchenko, the Managing Director of Novation Academy.

In this captivating conversation, Kirill takes us on a journey from Ukraine to Cambodia, sharing his truly inspiring story of resilience and determination. With almost two decades of , Kirill's story will leave you motivated and ready to tackle new challenges.

Join us as we dive into Kirill's inspiring experiences and gain valuable insights into his growth as an entrepreneur.



Listen here ---> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/07/12/ep-285-kirill-bratchenko-novation-academy-i-want-to-see-more-people-flying/

09/07/2023

What You Describe Absolutely Does Not Exist in Asia

In the upcoming episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we delve deeply into the uncharted territories of Asia's general aviation industry with Kirill Bratchenko, the Managing Director of Novation Academy and a rare breed of .

In the face of Asia's untapped general aviation potential, Novation Academy is setting its sights on commercial pilot training and beyond. The dream? To cultivate an ecosystem around private pilot training, small aircraft sales, maintenance, skydiving, flying clubs, and private jets!

If you like this snippet, you will love the full episode!

06/07/2023

In Logistics, the Sound of Victory Is Silence

Thrilled to share that the latest episode of the Asia Tech Podcast is now live!

Join us as we dive into the world of technology and innovation in logistics and supply chain with Andrew McKeown CMILT, the CEO of LogChain.

Andrew is a visionary leader who is revolutionizing the industry with LogChain's cutting-edge solutions.

This episode discusses how LogChain leverages blockchain and artificial intelligence to streamline global trade, provide end-to-end visibility, and optimize supply chain operations.



Listen here ---> https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/07/05/ep-284-andrew-mckeown-ceo-at-logchain-in-logistics-the-sound-of-victory-is-silence/

01/07/2023

Together, Work Towards a Common Goal

In this week's upcoming episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we have the privilege of hosting Andrew McKeown CMILT, the CEO at LogChain.

Join us as Andrew dives deep into the world of change management and emphasizes the critical role it plays in business.

Andrew puts expertise into context and highlights the importance of focusing on change management in business and by extension focusing on the people. Drawing from his vast expertise, Andrew sheds light on the importance of focusing on people and how it correlates with successful change implementation.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation that will provide you with valuable insights into navigating change in the business landscape.

Stay tuned for this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast!

29/06/2023

The Value of an Entrepreneur Is to Make the Right Decision on Priorities

Asia Tech Podcast welcomed Sheldon Li, the co-Founder and CEO of Buyandship to the show. We delved into some fascinating topics that shed light on the world of cross-border shopping and the innovative solutions that Buyandship brings to the table. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ The founding of Buyandship: Sheldon shared the inspiring story behind the inception of Buyandship, a platform designed to help people buy products from overseas at better prices. Their mission is to empower consumers and enhance their shopping experience by eliminating the barriers of geography and price.

2️⃣ Price arbitrage in cross-border shopping: We explored the factors contributing to price differences. Sheldon highlighted how these elements create opportunities for savvy shoppers to find better deals across international markets.

3️⃣ Data and technology in Buyandship's business model: Sheldon emphasized the integral role of data and technology in improving conversion rates and generating revenue for Buyandship.

4️⃣ Global expansion challenges and strategies: We discussed the potential for Buyandship's global expansion and the hurdles they face when entering new markets. Sheldon shared insights into their meticulous market research, adapting to local consumer preferences, and building strong logistics partnerships to ensure seamless operations.

5️⃣ Sustainability and eco-friendly practices: Sheldon stressed the importance of sustainability in logistics partnerships. Buyandship actively collaborates with eco-conscious partners to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.

6️⃣ Sheldon's experiences and lessons as an entrepreneur: Sheldon shared some invaluable wisdom from his entrepreneurial journey. He emphasized the need for focus, the art of saying no to certain opportunities, and the value of learning from mistakes.

This episode was truly eye-opening. Sheldon's insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the world of e-commerce and cross-border shopping.



https://asiatechpodcast.com/2023/06/28/ep-283-sheldon-li-ceo-buyandship-the-value-of-an-entrepreneur-is-to-make-the-right-decision-on-priorities/