EP 295 - Ujjwal Deep Dahal - CEO at Druk Holding & Investments - What Makes Bhutan a Legitimate Next-Gen Startup Nation
Sep 26, 2023
auto_awesome
CEO of Druk Holding & Investments, Ujjwal Deep Dahal, discusses the importance of technology, Bhutan's commitment to sustainability, harnessing technological growth, self-sovereign digital identity, and collaboration in building an innovative and sustainable future.
Bhutan is leveraging its commitment to sustainability to build next-generation industries that solve problems while preserving the environment.
Bhutan's adoption of self-sovereign digital identity showcases its commitment to innovation and becoming a world leader in this space.
Deep dives
The Formation and Vision of DHI
DHI was formed in 2007 with the vision of making prudent investments for the benefit of future generations. It contributes about 40% of the government's revenue and plays a significant role in the country's GDP. DHI consists of 23 companies in various sectors such as airlines, telecommunications, energy, and banking. The aim is to ensure self-sustainability and economic growth while solving problems that matter to society.
Commitment to Sustainability and ESG
Bhutan is committed to carbon neutrality and negative carbon footprint, seeking to offset around 7 million metric tons of carbon annually. The focus is on balancing environmental preservation and economic development. The country aims to leverage green hydropower for its initiatives, such as a carbon-neutral Bitcoin mine that uses excess renewable energy. Bhutan's unique geographical location and commitment to sustainability provide opportunities to build next-generation industries that solve problems while preserving the environment.
Self-Sovereign Digital Identity
Bhutan is the first sovereign government to pass an act on self-sovereign identity (SSI). SSI provides individuals with verified credentials in a decentralized manner, enhancing data privacy and security. This digital identity platform enables secure and authenticated services, empowering individuals in areas such as banking, e-commerce, and poverty alleviation. Bhutan's adoption of SSI showcases its commitment to innovation and becoming a world leader in this space.
Integration of Technology in Bhutan
Bhutan is fostering an innovation ecosystem that involves collaboration between government, academia, industry, and society. With initiatives like the Super Fab Lab in partnership with MIT, Bhutan aims to prototype and develop solutions for future challenges. The country is also exploring the use of drones for tasks such as monitoring power transmission lines and delivering medical supplies to remote areas. Innovators from around the world are invited to contribute to Bhutan's technological advancements and build a thriving innovation-driven economy.
The Asia Tech Podcast spoke with Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of Druk Holdings & Investments, the commercial and investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Ujjwal shared his perspective on the importance of technology and innovation in solving societal problems and building a sustainable future. As an electrical engineer with experience in the power sector, Dahal has witnessed the transformation brought about by the internet and believes that it has provided opportunities for reflection and problem-solving.
Some of the main topics Ujjwal covered:
His perspectives on the continuous innovation brought on by technology
The importance and significance of electrifying 99.99% of Bhutan
Druk Holdings & Investments' focus on leveraging technology to become an innovation hub in the region
Bhutan's commitment to sustainability and using its net carbon-negative position to do Bitcoin mining
Self-sovereign digital identity and the introduction of the Super Fab Lab in cooperation with MIT
Some other titles we considered:
What Really Inspires Me Is to Solve Problems that Matter to Society
Why Bhutan Is a Legitimate Place to Innovate
Building an Innovative and Sustainable Future
Bhutan's Leapfrogging into the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Embracing Change: Bhutan's Journey Towards Technological Advancements
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode