BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)

“As a country, investing in education is a no-brainer. It can increase the marginal productivity of the citizens, thus increasing GDP. Often, education gets politicized. There’s also a cultural aspect where rich people want their kids to go to better schools. They spend money on them and take control of what their kids learn. It can lead to a bifurcation where you can have more or less resource schools. That leads to people pulling their kids out of public systems to go to private systems, which also leads to defunding of public systems and eventually to a negative cycle.” - Shiyan Koh “At the end of the day, you have to be really clear and honest with yourself on what the actual math of user acquisition and repeat usage is. Be disciplined in seeing cohort profitability and getting people to come back. People do a lot of price comparisons and they don't have as much loyalty. It makes the additional usage of other services weaker, whereas anyone who has gone to China and used WeChat or Ali, has really been blown away by that ecosystem where you can do anything and everything runs on the same payment rails. Ultimately, that is incredibly sticky and compelling.” - Shiyan Koh  “It's important for Southeast Asia’s education system to be well-managed. You need both the quality of management and the quantity of capital to go into it. Vietnam is turning into a technology hub because they are highly sophisticated in computer engineering and how they're looking at the world. Everyone says Vietnam is so good, but they don't talk about the education system decisions that were made 30 years ago. People ask what it takes for this country's ecosystem to be a great technology place. I say we have to talk about education today and in 30 years, we're going to see the tech system ecosystem evolve.” - Jeremy Au In a thought-provoking conversation between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, several key insights emerge. The discussion covers product-market fit, the challenges of monetization, the importance of customer education, and the dynamics of leadership transitions in companies. They also delve into the Vietnamese education system, highlighting its success and the factors contributing to its effectiveness. One key takeaway is the need for startups to carefully consider their monetization strategies and align them with customer behavior and willingness to pay. It is crucial to understand the value proposition and educate consumers effectively to generate recurring demand and avoid pulling forward future demand.  The discussion on leadership transitions reveals the ongoing debate between founder-led companies and the introduction of professional management. While some companies benefit from founder leadership throughout their growth stages, others thrive with the expertise of experienced managers. The conversation highlights the importance of striking the right balance between technical skills and management capabilities. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-education Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

“The world is going to be more generalist. It’s tough to pick one thing. I find that I can let myself off the hook by not picking one thing and doing lots of things and learning. Fortunately, in tech careers, that can work. A lot of papers call it deep generalism. People that you think are specialists have a background in being more of a generalist until they found something they loved and excelled at.” - Michael Smith Jr.  “​I don't think the Southeast Asia ecosystem is bad. We’re seeing the first true downturn. This is the most layoffs we have ever seen in big tech in our own backyard. I'm fortunate that I'm okay, but I know people that are not and I totally get that, but I don't think you can put a stamp on the whole thing and say it is messed up.” - Michael Smith Jr.  “This idea of unfettered access to a supercomputer for an 11-year-old is not a good thing. I'm glad I didn't experience that, but I do think computers are a part of our life and AI is real. I'm in the camp that says this is going to be like a superpower that will allow us to do more things, but there will always be people that are bad actors. I do think it will help more often than not. It's an interesting time because it's moving faster at a speed that we're not used to and there's still a lot of figuring out to do.” - Michael Smith Jr.  During the discussion between Jeremy Au and Michael Smith Jr., APAC GM of Microsoft for Startups, several key insights were shared. Firstly, Michael emphasized the value of being a generalist in the startup ecosystem, having experience as an investor, builder, and potentially exploring new avenues in the future. He highlighted the importance of adaptability and learning from diverse experiences. Secondly, Michael discussed his parenting philosophy, sharing how he raised his children differently by limiting their exposure to smartphones and social media. He emphasized the importance of fostering independence and creativity in children, allowing them to have a childhood free from excessive technology use. Lastly, the conversation delved into the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on startups. Michael expressed his belief that AI can be a powerful tool for startups to enhance productivity and reach broader markets. However, he also cautioned against blindly investing in pure AI ventures, noting the need for further development and infrastructure before such investments become more viable. Overall, the discussion showcased Michael's experiences as a generalist, his thoughtful approach to parenting, and his insights on the role of AI in the startup ecosystem. Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-smith-jr Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about NodeFlair here: https://www.nodeflair.com/

“Nothing will be easy. Along the journey, you will learn a lot more than you think. Don't worry about mistakes because they are meant to be made. We're human. The most important thing is how we can learn from them.” - Vireak Chea “Do something that you really love, not something people tell you to do. Once you do, everything will start falling into place.” - Vireak Chea “We help digitalize the pharmacy SMEs in Cambodia. When you start to become more digitalized, you have less work in the back end and you have more busy work in the front end, which is exactly what you want. Ultimately, that provides better care for the patients.” - Vireak Chea Jeremy Au interviewed Vireak Chea, a pharmacist and the founder of PillTech, a Cambodia-based B2B marketplace for the pharmaceutical industry, and discussed his motivations, experiences, and hopes for the future. Vireak expressed his desire to be closer to his family, which influenced his decision to return to Cambodia and build his business. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing ambitious ideas and emphasized the importance of finding harmony between work and family. Vireak’s primary goal is to provide access to affordable and legitimate medications in Cambodia, aiming to revolutionize the pharmacy industry and improve patient care through technology. He envisions expanding his venture to other countries with similar pain points in the pharmacy sector. He shared his insights on the journey of building a pharmacy business, including the need to understand customer journeys, educate customers, and adapt strategies based on learnings. Throughout the discussion, Vireak’s strong family orientation emerged as a driving force behind his decisions and his commitment to improving healthcare for other families. He encouraged listeners to pursue their passions and emphasized that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Lastly, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance was highlighted, with the reminder that work will always be there, but family needs care and attention. Overall, this interview provided valuable insights into the motivations, challenges, and aspirations of a pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur aiming to make a positive impact on healthcare in Cambodia. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vireak-chea Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

"There's a gap between men and women, but an even bigger gap between white women and Asian women. What is an Asian woman supposed to be like? A lot of reports in Western society show that women fulfill more emotional needs for their colleagues and are expected to get involved in diversity and inclusion efforts, which can sometimes turn into additional unpaid roles resembling human resources. It's fascinating to learn about these issues faced by women, especially those who belong to double minority groups." - Winnie Wong "Initially, my book centred around the stories of East Asian female founders and the lessons we learned from them. I did a pre-order campaign and shared the first drafts with my friends. They said it’s great, but they didn’t understand why I’m writing it and there wasn’t enough of myself in the book. It was scary to open up about my past experiences. The tough part is that I didn't want to portray myself as a victim, point fingers or blame anyone, and I wanted to maintain a positive perspective. It helped me reflect and share my experiences as objectively as possible." - Winnie Wong “In some ways, Southeast Asia can be ahead than the western world in supporting women in their careers. The future diversity in the region is still uncertain because visas have been declining, Singaporean population is becoming a lot more educated over time, and the middle income is growing. It's great that region is growing and I hope that representation will also grow eventually.” - Winnie Wong In this discussion between Jeremy Au and Winnie Wong, significant insights emerged including women's challenges in the workforce, the glass ceiling versus the bamboo ceiling, sponsorship and mentorship, and the role of diversity and inclusion. Winnie’s book, “You Don't Have To Look The Part”, played a prominent role in the conversation, blending personal narratives with research findings. One significant aspect explored was the apprehension and vulnerability associated with sharing personal stories. Winnie expressed her concerns about potential backlash and cancel culture. However, she emphasized the importance of authenticity and acknowledging the challenges faced, while maintaining a positive and constructive outlook. The conversation also highlighted the issue of representation, extending beyond gender diversity to encompass race, ethnicity, and disabilities. Winnie stressed the need for organizations to actively include underrepresented voices at all levels and explore diversity metrics. By doing so, companies can develop improved products and services that cater to a broader population. Feedback received led her to include more of her own experiences in the book, striking a balance between objectivity and subjectivity. She aimed to avoid victimhood narratives and instead presented her reflections and the realities encountered throughout her life. Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/winnie-wong Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

“Grab has laid off 10% of the workforce, which is a very sizeable dynamic. Previously, they have been letting people leave and haven't been adding people. Effectively, a hiring freeze has been a way for them to tighten expenses. I did feel that the communication of it was done straightforwardly and no one's surprised about the layoffs in this crisis of tech winter. Since the announcement, their stock market price has jumped by another 6% and shareholders are appreciative of this move.” - Jeremy Au “Full employment in Singapore is continuous. There are still jobs people are hiring for. It’s more of taking a job that wasn't necessarily your dream job, thinking about different versions of how your skills can be applied and being open to new opportunities, or taking a bit of time off, regrouping, and doing something independent. The good thing about Singapore is that the costs aren’t totally out of control, whereas in the Bay Area, the housing cost is very high, so it can be quite challenging to stay if you're not getting paid, and that leads to more dislocation.” - Shiyan Koh “I remember an interesting paper that said that if you graduated during a downturn, your lifetime earnings are some percentage lower. It was an interesting analysis where you have your first job’s salary, then you get increments on that job at your second, third, fourth job. There's an interesting cohort effect where if you graduate in a downturn, you're always one bound smaller in terms of total compensation, which is a tragedy for a lot of people in this current tech space situation. If you're in different verticals like hospitality or communications, there are a lot of jobs that are still available to you, but it's interesting to see that the tech side suddenly loses that shine.” - Jeremy Au Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh engaged in a discussion covering various topics, including Elon Musk versus Mark Zuckerberg, the Grab and Gojek layoffs, and the Singapore Press Holdings report. Regarding the hypothetical cage match between Musk and Zuckerberg, Jeremy expressed his bet on Elon Musk, envisioning a media event of significant magnitude. While both individuals shared their perspectives, it remained a light-hearted speculation about the outcome. The discussion then shifted to the layoffs at Grab and Gojek, acknowledging the potential impact on employees. They highlighted the importance of handling such transitions with care and sensitivity, recognizing the challenges faced by those affected. Lastly, the conversation delved into the Singapore Press Holdings audit report. Jeremy commended the transparency and detail provided in the report, emphasizing the value of acknowledging mistakes and learning from them. Shiyan shared a similar sentiment, valuing the comprehensive nature of the report and the opportunity for accountability and improvement within the organization. Throughout the conversation, the focus was on understanding different viewpoints and engaging in thoughtful analysis. The discussion highlighted the significance of transparency, empathy in managing layoffs, and the value of comprehensive reports in fostering accountability and improvement within organizations. Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/sph-audit-report Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

"I feel like part of this is driven by the fear of providing incorrect advice. For instance, someone from the pharmacy might approach me and say, 'Tiang, can I spend some time with you to gain your insights?' The truth is, I don't have all the answers. So, I worry about giving the wrong advice at the wrong time. Each company's situation is unique, and it's challenging to offer generic advice that would be truly helpful. For instance, suggesting cutting 30% of your workforce and extending runaway by six months during a downturn may not be the right approach for every company. Instead, I believe in asking questions like, 'Have you considered this?' because it depends on the specific circumstances of the company. Providing valuable advice requires a significant amount of effort and analysis." - Tiang Lim Foo “My aim is to ensure that founders realize their potential while also taking into account the broader business ecosystem. Finding a balance in this regard is challenging, and there are no simple answers. Each decision often feels like a trade-off, particularly during high-stress periods such as a downturn when viable options may seem scarce. However, I perceive my role as assisting founders in exploring various alternatives and even uncovering previously unknown possibilities. By helping them think through different options, I can contribute to generating new avenues that they may not have considered before.” - Tiang Lim Foo “For me, one way to exemplify the courage of the moment is through the act of making decisions. When I committed to this path for the next 10 years, I realized that there were numerous other avenues I could have pursued. It was indeed a little daunting. The most intimidating aspect, I believe, is ensuring that I choose the right individuals to join me on this journey. I question myself: What knowledge am I lacking? It's often the unknown unknowns that can be detrimental. Dealing with this uncertainty and managing the accompanying anxiety is an integral part of the process.” - Tiang Lim Foo The discussion between Jeremy Au and Tiang Lim Foo offers key insights into the world of investing, with a focus on Tiang's decision to embark on an investing journey, the delicate balance between founder friendliness and potential maximizing, and the influence of Haruki Murakami. The conversation also delves into the tension between being friendly with founders and driving their potential to the maximum. Tiang shares his approach of tough love, where he aims to bring out the best in founders while providing guidance and governance. The influence of Haruki Murakami, particularly his book on running, resonates with Tiang. He draws parallels between the discipline required in long-distance running and his approach to investing. Tiang finds solace and clarity through running, and this mindset translates into his investing philosophy—embracing a long-term perspective, managing anxiety, and focusing on mastery. Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/tiang-lim-foo Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about NodeFlair here: https://nodeflair.com/

“I think what else was interesting was Rachel Lim, a Singaporean co-hosting with Sam Altman as part of the Open AI team. The key phrase that became the headline was about humanity co-evolving with artificial intelligence. It was a striking statement, indicating a generational shift and an accelerant to evolution itself.” - Jeremy Au "People's energy can be sensed, and they may withhold it from you. However, it's understandable. The reality is, it's challenging. When I was a founder, I honestly placed more trust in certain investors over others. Even with the investors I did trust, I had to consider that I only had limited time, perhaps just one hour a week or even one hour a month, to process various matters. So, was I going to discuss my emotions? I'd rather focus on work or decisions since there are so many topics to cover. As a founder, I experienced stress, and I would probably place myself in the category of the 90% who did not confide in their investors about their stress." - Jeremy Au - Jeremy Au “When I was in the thick of it, my coach advised me to take four hours off and disconnect. Sometimes, it's crucial to remind people to do just that. Another important aspect, especially in the remote work environment, is encouraging founders to prioritize their teams' well-being. I once advised a founder, saying, 'You and your team have been working relentlessly for the past 12 months. It's essential to take them on an offsite that isn't solely focused on work. Just have fun together. Otherwise, you'll risk burning out your team.' Sometimes, it's about reminding people and normalizing the idea of taking breaks, even if they didn't explicitly seek my permission." - Shiyan Koh In the discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, several key insights emerged. They explored the concept of founders dealing with success and failure, particularly during the winding-down phase of a startup. Shiyan emphasized the importance of founders conducting themselves with integrity, treating everyone well, and communicating effectively during this challenging period. The conversation also touched on the issue of founder stress, burnout & failure report by Startup Snapshot. Shiyan highlighted the significance of taking breaks and encouraging founders to prioritize their well-being by allowing themselves to disconnect and recharge. Jeremy shared his personal experiences of finding restoration and clarity through hikes and off-the-grid experiences, including his month-long hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. He emphasized the value of giving oneself time and space for personal growth and reflection, and encouraged founders to seize opportunities for off-the-grid experiences, especially during transition periods.  Additionally, the discussion addressed Sam Altman's push for the regulation of AI and the use of "co" language such as "co-evolving" or "co-pilot" in relation to artificial intelligence. This highlighted the need for humanity to co-exist and evolve alongside AI, suggesting a paradigm shift and a call for responsible development and utilization of this technology. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/open-ai-founder-stress Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

"One pattern I've noticed is teams that are close and trust each other can talk about problems. They tend to go a long way together, and founders stick on the journey. The second one is a mission. If they have a clear mission and they're very clear about why they're doing this for a purpose larger than serving themselves. If you have a mission that you're living for, that you're fighting for, larger than yourself, then that will give you the motivation to keep going when things are tough." - Oswald Yeo "It was the awareness that it's not only about working hard and going through the grind day after day, that's very important. You just have to put in the hours. But it's the awareness that clarity is key, especially when you're building and leading a team. If you're leading a hundred people, a thousand people, you can be working hard, but if they're all working on the wrong things, then your head is heading off in the wrong direction at a faster velocity. So having clarity and ensuring that you take a step back to make sure your team is working on the right things, executing the right strategy." - Oswald Yeo "So one thing we have at our company, Glints, is a value called a beginner's mindset. We ask questions like, 'When was the last time someone gave you negative feedback?' and we observe how people react to that. Some people react defensively to feedback, while others respond well, becoming reflective and striving to improve themselves. At the core of it, it is ego, because if you can set aside your ego and reflect, recognizing that there are areas for improvement, I believe that, in combination with habits like reading or learning from mentors, it will propel you a long way." - Oswald Yeo In a discussion between Jeremy Au and Oswald Yeo, the CEO of Glints, key insights emerged regarding Oswald's entrepreneurial journey in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of adapting to Indonesia's unique market needs and tailoring strategies accordingly, while also building a strong team based on trust and clear communication. Oswald highlighted the significance of gaining clarity through mindfulness practices like silent retreats and meditation. Despite acknowledging funding challenges in the tech landscape, Oswald remained optimistic about opportunities for startups in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, and encouraged founders to prioritize clarity and strategy execution for success. He also shared insights about Glints' product market fit pivot, showcasing the company's adaptability to cater to the demands of the Southeast Asian talent market. Additionally, Glints recently released the Southeast Asia Startup Talent Report 2023 in collaboration with Monk's Hill Ventures. The report provides comprehensive salary and equity data, startup trends, and valuable insights from interviews with founders, VCs, and operators in Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Overall, the discussion shed light on Oswald's entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of local market adaptation, effective team building, mindfulness, and the positive outlook for tech startups in Southeast Asia. Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/oswald-yeo Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

"At the end of the day, people are, in some weird way, mourning the drop of Sequoia because it feels like it's splitting up. So there's a little bit of grief in the short term. But I think it could be a good thing, honestly, in the medium to long term. Obviously, Hong Shan, they’re going to do what they want to do and invest in what they want to do, and I think it would be a good thing for Peak. Everybody recognizes that Southeast Asia and India are different markets from America and Europe, and it's a very different market from China. So you might let them build a focused approach tailored for the ecosystem." - Jeremy Au "The Apple Vision Pro could be cool if, like, part of the workflow now is sometimes I'll ask someone, 'Can you read this email? Do I sound angry?' It would be cool if you could be side by side and flick something over to them, like 'Hey, check this.' It seems very possible in the Apple universe, considering we can already share wifi passwords, which is the best feature ever. Why can't you airdrop documents or views back and forth? If that were possible, it would be a lot more interesting and have a more interactive quality." - Shiyan Koh "There was an article where someone was talking about what was the societal impact of the button. So like in, Google Docs or in Microsoft Word, right? Basically, they're integrating GPT, and so there's a button that's basically just like start writing, and it's always easier to kind of edit than it is to come up with new like de novo stuff. But what does it do to the quality of our thinking as a society if no one has to struggle to come up with new things? Like you just kind of edit derivative things." - Shiyan Koh During a discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, several key insights were revealed. One notable topic of conversation was Sequoia Capital spinning off HongShan 红杉 and Peak XV. This split was seen as a strategic move to adapt to geopolitical tension, changing VC landscape and better cater to the specific needs of startups in different regions. Additionally, this move reflects the dynamic nature of the VC industry, where adaptability and specialization are crucial for success in a rapidly changing global landscape. Another significant point of discussion revolved around the Apple Vision Pro. They mentioned the product and contemplated its potential purchase for research purposes. They briefly touched on the contrasting strategies of companies like Tesla and Facebook. While Tesla started with high-end products and gradually expanded to a broader market, Facebook adopted a more affordable and mass-market strategy from the beginning. This comparison highlighted the different business models and revenue streams of these companies. Furthermore, Jeremy and Shiyan explored the educational and entertainment possibilities of VR and AR. They discussed immersive learning experiences and innovative storytelling in the entertainment industry. Additionally, they considered the social implications of these technologies, including the blurring of physical and virtual boundaries and the impact on human connection and empathy. Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/sequoia-capital-spins-off Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about NodeFlair here: https://nodeflair.com/

“It's nice to feel the anxiety and nervousness. Don't penalize yourself for telling people that you feel uncertain. It's not a popular emotion to share out loud, but I challenge you to feel it and take action because its purpose is to solidify certainty. Do the bound exploration pathing, the butterfly testing, and the experiments. When you do those things, you don’t only acknowledge your feeling of uncertainty, but you are also solving it.” - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast Host “Half of the folks who have midlife crises already had the signals all the way back at university or at their first job but they kept brushing it off. It’s been happening for a long time, but it wasn't allowed to be felt. They end up being locked into that path they don't like and then they have to do a rupture move where they jump entirely to a different path. You can save yourself the pain of a midlife crisis by being in touch with your feelings, the tribe you want to be with, and the lifestyle you want to build, and acknowledging and accepting the trade-offs of that passion or hobby. Go out there and slowly build the life that you want. You can have a happy life no matter what role you have.” - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast Host “It's much harder to explore careers when you're 50 years old. It’s more ideal and socially acceptable to do that when you're in your 20s. You’d want to create a very bounded exploration path. You have more energy, and fewer obligations in terms of family and salary, and you are part of a tribe where everyone’s doing the same thing. People expect you to explore new geographies, and do different things, and you don't get penalized for it.” - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast Host In their discussion, Jeremy Au and Adriel Yong offer valuable insights for individuals seeking personal fulfillment and making career choices. They advise approaching career decisions as a series of experiments and being open to exploring different paths. Rather than getting locked into a job that doesn't align with one's true passions and values, they suggest embracing feelings of uncertainty and seeking diverse perspectives from a wide range of people. Jeremy stresses the importance of gathering insights from various individuals before committing to a particular path, particularly for university graduates. The speakers highlight that uncertainty is a signal for change and growth, and individuals should acknowledge and discuss this openly. They both caution against ignoring early signals of dissatisfaction and emphasize the significance of pursuing personal happiness and fulfillment over external expectations. By gradually experimenting and exploring different options, individuals can potentially save themselves from drastic career changes or midlife crises down the line. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/student-career-planning Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/ #CareerPlanning #CareerExploitation #CareerExploration #Harvard #CareerExperiments #MidlifeCrisis #Passion #Fulfillment