Ever wondered how Singapore, a small yet mighty nation, has become a beacon of progress and functionality? Buckle up as we take you on a journey through this impressive success story, guided by our guest Kaijie NG, a former leader in Singapore with an intriguing career path that spans both public sector and startup scenes. We discuss the country's thriving world of entrepreneurship, the unique social contract between its people and government, and how one's personal experience of social mobility plays a pivotal role in a nation's success.As our conversation unfolds, we shift our focus to the intricacies of corporate innovation. Our guest shares valuable insights about their work at IMDA and the crucial role this organization plays in fostering a symbiotic relationship between corporates and startups. Through the Open Innovation Platform, they've been able to facilitate numerous problem statements and exponentially grow the ecosystem. Get ready to delve into the nitty-gritty of aligning different business cultures, navigating growth challenges in startups, and the role of trust in successful mergers and acquisitions.As we wrap up, we'll explore how the IMDA's innovation division is driving forward corporate innovation strategies. Hear about the efforts to bring together corporates and startups, the importance of diverse solution providers, and the vision to help corporates become self-sufficient in innovation. We'll also discuss the success of the Open Innovation Platform, it's impact on the Singapore market, and how it bridges the gap between corporates and startups. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for Singapore's entrepreneurial culture, the value of social contracts, and the ongoing efforts to propel corporate innovation.

Step into the future with Craig Wing, a visionary futurist, PhD candidate, and global keynote speaker who has graced stages in over 45 countries. In an era where the boundaries of the physical, digital, and biological worlds are increasingly intertwined, Craig, with his expertise in emergent futures thinking and disruptive technologies, offers a unique lens to view the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He astutely observes, "If the work can be done by a machine, it's disrespectful to give it to a human being."Having consulted with the UN, moderated the 10th BRICs summit, and even turned down an opportunity with one of Richard Branson’s companies, Craig's experiences provide a rich tapestry of insights. Dive deep into the art of "futureproofing," exploring everything from the intricacies of the fourth industrial revolution to the ethical dilemmas of AI. As he challenges us to reflect on our current stance, he reminds us, "The education system is a systems issue. You don't fix it by saying, 'let's create more jobs.'"Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply curious about the trajectory of our world, this masterclass is your compass. With Craig's thought-provoking assertion, "By 25, I wasn't black, white, or anything in between. What was I?", he invites listeners to ponder identity, technology, and the transformative landscape ahead, all while sharing tales from his own journey – from converting his car to electric to hosting sessions at the African Innovation Symposium.Embark on this enlightening journey with a man who's not just predicting the future but actively shaping it. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to not just anticipate what's next but to be an active participant in its creation. Join us in this masterclass and be inspired to shape your own future.

In the newest episode of 'Crucial Conversations', we invite you on a captivating journey with AJ, a tech visionary whose entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds. Fresh from university, AJ faced the challenges of his first business head-on, setting the stage for a career defined by adaptability and innovation. From his foundational roots in IT, he ventured into the nuanced world of Digital Sovereignty, and further delved into the complexities of Quantum Computing. But AJ's aspirations didn't stop there. With eyes set on the cosmos, he's now exploring the vastness of space, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to a series of enlightening insights:AJ's Business Philosophy: "It's not just about the product. It's about crafting holistic solutions where your product plays a pivotal role."Market Acumen: "Understanding your target audience and crafting a precise market strategy is the key to success."Strategic Collaborations: "Partnerships, like the one with the Thai government, elevate business credibility and showcase the potential of your offerings."Market Realities: "Introducing a product in a market like Thailand, which is a decade behind in digital adoption, presents its unique challenges."Product Evolution: "It's not just about creating; it's about identifying needs, ensuring market resonance, and scaling effectively."Community Building: "In the tech world, it's essential to foster a community and educate, rather than push aggressively."This episode is more than a conversation; it's a masterclass in tech entrepreneurship. AJ's evolution from IT to the forefront of technological innovation is a testament to his relentless drive and visionary zeal. Tune in to 'Crucial Conversations' and immerse yourself in the world of a true tech pioneer.

Join us for a riveting episode of "Crucial Conversations" with the dynamic Elke Biechele, the powerhouse at the helm of RisikoTek Pte Ltd. Having lent her expertise to global institutions like Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, and the European Central Bank, Elke is no stranger to the intricacies of the financial world. Dive deep as she unveils her passion project – RisikoTek and its revolutionary AMALIA software, a beacon in financial crime intelligence. Unravel the world of tokenized litigation finance and its potential impact on traditional stock market dynamics. Journey through Elke's formidable career, from managing global derivative portfolios in London to setting up risk frameworks in Singapore. And as a trailblazing woman in tech and finance, Elke's mission is evident – to challenge, expose, and combat the fraudulent underbelly of the financial realm. Tune in for insights, innovations, and inspiration from a woman dedicated to combating the shadows of financial misdeeds. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ng Nichol, the CEO of X-Inc group of companies, Co-Founder of The Food Bank Singapore, and board member of several NGOs. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Nichol's extraordinary journey with her family's food supply business, FoodXervices Inc, and her audacious digital transformation drive that turned the company's fortunes around.We'll learn about the challenges she faced during the company's transition from a traditional business model to a tech-driven one, and how her meticulous, hands-on approach facilitated the process. Hear how Nichol spearheaded the company's foray into the digital space, teaching staff to use new technologies, setting up a corporate website, and implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning software to streamline operations.Nichol shares her compelling story of rejuvenating the family business, acquiring it, setting up a modern enterprise, and navigating through the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once again Nichol is faced with the consequences of a black swan event that has pushed this business to the brink of survival and she openly shares the challenges and next steps to be taken. We also unpack the amazing work being accomplished with the Food Bank and the positive impact this is having for those in need. Tune in for an insightful dialogue on business transformation, resilience, and the power of digital technology.

Tune into this compelling episode of Crucial Conversations with Dr. Viveka Kalidasan, an esteemed technopreneur, recognized as one of MIT Technology Review's '35 Innovators Under 35' and 'Top 100 Women in Technology' in Singapore. From creating patient-centric medical devices to initiating 'The Industry 5.0 Women' venture building program at The Edify Project, Dr. Kalidasan's pursuits empower diversity and foster innovation.As the Director of Venture Building and Business Development (APAC) with Vertical Velocity Ventures, she aids businesses scale in the SG & APAC region. Besides this, she is a Board Member at the Singapore South Asia Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SSACCI), and the brains behind Let-Lab, an innovation lab of Ultra Clean Holdings Inc.In our conversation, we discuss her impactful mentorship work, her ground-breaking research in wireless sensing sutures, and her vision for sustainable Industry 4.0 innovations. Join us for an inspiring look into Dr. Kalidasan's exceptional journey in the realms of technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Welcome to another episode of Crucial Conversations, in this episode we sit down with Cheng Guo, the founder of Step VR, a company that is revolutionizing the metaverse experience. Imagine immersing yourself in a movie as a character, playing counterstrike with your friends in the metaverse while running through the physical world. What if AI could change the ending of a game or movie based on the actions you take during the experience, this is all becoming a reality. Are you ready, player one!Step VR, founded in 2013, has dedicated nearly a decade to perfecting the technologies required to create an authentic virtual reality experience. With a remarkable portfolio of over 80 patents, Step VR has developed core technologies such as laser positioning, motion capture, robotic haptic, and an omnidirectional motion system. These innovations have culminated in the creation of the world's first and only metaverse portal device, capable of replicating all five senses within the virtual world. Meta and Apple Vision Pro hold onto your helmets!In our conversation, Cheng takes us on a journey through his genesis story, revealing the inspiration behind his vision for Step VR. We delve into the fusion of different technologies that enable this immersive experience, elevating it above the rest. We also explore the pain points and challenges Cheng encountered along the way, from building a dedicated team to scaling this technology on a global level.But it doesn't stop there. We uncover how Step VR's technology is fostering new communities, bringing people together in large warehouses to engage in joint combat experiences reminiscent of popular games like Counter-Strike. This technology is redefining the boundaries of teamwork and collaboration in virtual environments.One of Step VR's most remarkable achievements is the regeneration of the five senses. Through a decade of research and development, Cheng and his team have created a metaverse experience that fully immerses users with sensory feedback. Their flagship product, Gates 01, features a groundbreaking omnidirectional treadmill that eliminates spatial limitations and motion sickness, providing a seamless VR experience. Cheng also shares his futurist thinking and provides glimpses of his upcoming innovations and ventures. As a true pioneer, he envisions using technology to propel humankind forward, and his ideas are sure to spark your imagination.Join us in this captivating episode of Crucial Conversations as we uncover the story behind Step VR, the challenges faced, the remarkable technology developed, and the future that Cheng Guo envisions for the metaverse and beyond.

In this insightful Crucial Conversation episode, we are honored to welcome Jonathan Lau from Nervotec, a distinguished former fighter pilot and a visionary entrepreneur who has seamlessly transitioned from the disciplined ranks of the military to the dynamic realm of technology startups.Jonathan opens up about his intriguing career transition, elucidating the parallels between the mental fortitude required in the cockpit and the resilience needed to pilot a startup. He shares the genesis of Nervotec, which was conceived through the identification of a critical need during his flights. As we delve deeper, Jonathan imparts invaluable wisdom on tackling the challenges of developing cutting-edge technology. He draws from his extensive experience in leading project development teams for the RSAF, focusing on how the principles of strategic planning and agile leadership in the military are transferable and immensely beneficial in the unpredictable and fast-paced startup environment. Furthermore, we discuss the scaling of Nervotec’s innovative technology globally. With an emphasis on Jonathan’s approach to team building, product scaling, and market penetration, startup founders and leaders will gain unique insights into navigating the often turbulent waters of international expansion. This episode is an enriching resource for startup founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone with an interest in innovation, leadership, and strategic planning. Join us as we chart the course of a leader who has successfully navigated the transition from commanding the skies to steering the helm of trailblazing tech ventures.Embark on a journey of learning and exploration with Jonathan Lau in this captivating episode of the Nervotec Podcast. 

Embark on this enlightening journey with us, at the dawn of the U.S.'s decision to raise its debt ceiling—a choice that looms an impending tsunami of monetary creation (set to the ceaseless drone of money printers), promising to rev up the stealthy wheels of inflation, and casting a long shadow of financial despair for untold generations of Americans. Amid the brewing tempest, a global banking crisis is tottering, poised to unleash financial havoc far and wide. We usher you into a gripping episode, guiding you through the realm of Bitcoin—the beacon of hope in this landscape of looming financial meltdown.Dan Clarke delves deep into the world of Bitcoin, beginning with the enigmatic origin story of its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Unearthing the ground-breaking white paper that ignited the cryptocurrency revolution, Dan explores Satoshi's vision of a decentralized peer-to-peer electronic cash system that could bypass traditional financial institutions.As Dan demystifies Bitcoin mining, he unveils the innovative process that maintains the Bitcoin network's integrity while creating new bitcoins. He discusses 'stacking sats,' a term derived from satoshis, the smallest unit of Bitcoin, symbolizing the regular accumulation of Bitcoin as an investment strategy and a form of resistance against traditional financial structures.The conversation takes a critical turn as Dan delves into the historical banking crises, the abandonment of the gold standard, and the resulting monetary policies that have led to our current financial predicament. Dan elucidates on the stealth tax that is inflation, caused by excessive money printing and its impact on the purchasing power of the average citizen. We tie this into the concept of perpetual war, funded by incessant money creation, and its devastating global effects.Finally, Dan positions Bitcoin as the escape hatch designed precisely for this moment in history. With its capped supply, decentralized nature, and resistance to censorship, Bitcoin offers a lifeline out of the failing traditional financial system and the stealth tax of inflation.This episode is not just an exploration of Bitcoin but also an urgent call to listeners to learn, engage, and seize control of their financial narrative. It invites everyone to understand the principles behind Bitcoin, contemplate its potential impact, and make informed decisions about their financial future.In a world marked by financial uncertainty, this episode of Crucial Conversations with Dan Clarke is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the significance of Bitcoin and its potential to redefine our economic landscape.

Immerse yourself in this inspiring episode of Crucial Conversations as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Loretta Chen, a distinguished creative force, academic, and entrepreneur. We delve into her various roles, experiences, and her latest venture, Smobler Studios, which pioneers brand-building and inclusive communities in the metaverse.Throughout our conversation, we examine Dr. Chen's incredible achievements, including her work as Executive Creative Director for world-renowned brands, her efforts in empowering women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and her dedication to fostering inclusive environments in the rapidly evolving metaverse.We also discuss her impressive academic background, spanning from being the first Singaporean woman to receive a full PhD scholarship from UCLA and National University of Singapore to her current teaching and visiting professor roles at prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Mellon, Stanford University, and the University of Toronto.Join us as we uncover Dr. Chen's passion for breaking stereotypes, championing advocacy, and promoting change through her extraordinary endeavors in higher education, the arts, and her commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.