The rapid advancement of AI has sparked widespread excitement and speculation, but the real impact of AI goes beyond the initial hype. While AI tools have demonstrated impressive capabilities, the most successful applications come from combining AI with human expertise. In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we talk to Simon Quirk, co-Founder and CEO of Graceview AI, about what it really takes to build an AI startup in today’s rapidly changing landscape.Some of the topics that Simon covered in detail include:While there may be some overhyped valuations in the AI sector, the long-term potential of AI is undeniable.For any startup, identifying a niche and going deep is crucial. This approach not only helps in product development but also in building credibility and trust with early customers.Graceview’s approach blends AI with human expertise, ensuring that while AI handles the heavy lifting, lawyers review and validate the output.Why being model-agnostic is an advantage. The ability to switch easily between AI models depending on what is best suited for a particular task.The importance of curating and validating data over time and building this into a corpus of valuable data.

The way we pay is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technology, consumer behavior, and the need for greater security. Traditional payment methods like credit cards are being replaced or supplemented by alternative payment systems such as mobile wallets, QR code payments, and real-time bank transfers.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Sheue Chee Beh, Head of Partnerships for APAC at Yuno, breaks down the hidden forces shaping how we pay today—and how businesses must adapt.Some of the topics that Chee covers in detail include:Payment systems have continuously evolved to make transactions more seamless while preventing fraud. The goal has always been to enhance customer experience while ensuring security.One of the biggest challenges in payments is striking the right balance between convenience and security. Consumers want a frictionless experience, but reducing friction may increase vulnerability to fraud.Digital payments are not just for consumers—they are also transforming SMEs.Payment Orchestration: For businesses operating in multiple countries, accepting payments isn’t as simple as choosing one provider. Every market has its own preferred payment methods, banking infrastructure, and regulations.One of the most surprising insights was that alternative payment methods are outpacing credit cards in many regions, especially in Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America.One of the most exciting developments in the industry is the effort to connect different national payment systems into a seamless global network.

The global automotive industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in history, driven by shifting market forces, technological advancements, and geopolitical tensions. Once dominated by traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the landscape is rapidly evolving as electric vehicles and hybrid technologies gain traction.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Hirotaka Uchida, Partner at Arthur D. Little, unpacks how Thailand, China, and India are shaping the global auto industry—and what it means for the future of mobility.Some of the topics that Uchida-san covered in detail included:How Thailand has positioned itself as a key player in the automotive industry over the last 50 years. While Japan pioneered the hybrid revolution with the launch of the Toyota Prius in 1997, it appears to be losing ground in the EV market to Chinese manufacturers.The Thai government is now using similar incentives that it once used for Japanese manufacturers to attract Chinese EV companiesHow and why the traditional auto market in Thailand is declining after peaking in 2012.Quietly, India is emerging as a major automotive market.For better or for worse, geopolitical tensions are reshaping the global automotive landscape.

Building a successful startup isn't about perfection; it's about embracing imperfection, moving forward with bold ideas, and creating something exciting. The best businesses are born when founders focus on building something useful and pushing boundaries, rather than obsessing over flawless execution. Entrepreneurs often get stuck trying to make everything perfect, but in reality, innovation thrives in environments where risks are taken, mistakes are made, and imperfection is accepted.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast featuring Eli David Rokah, the CEO of StartupBlink, I was struck by his passion for startups, ecosystems, and how he approaches building and scaling his business.Some of the topics Eli covered in detail included:For Eli, building a business is not just about profitability or prestige, but about creating something that excites the founder.Startup ecosystems are constantly evolving, with companies emerging and dissolving regularly. Trying to capture every shift in real-time would be an impossible task.The importance of a strong team and scaling beyond yourself.Startup ecosystems thrive in environments that encourage bold action and a willingness to fail. Perfectionism and fear of failure can be crippling, and startup founders need the audacity to pursue big ideas.How legal frameworks and cultural norms influence startup ecosystems. Eli pointed out that countries with lenient bankruptcy laws create a safer environment for entrepreneurs to take risks.Global thinking over local innovation is key.

The integration of AI into marketing has the potential to revolutionize how businesses approach their strategies, offering tools that can automate repetitive tasks while enhancing creativity and efficiency. AI platforms are increasingly being used to handle tasks like content creation, social media management, and campaign development, allowing marketers to focus on strategic initiatives.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Shalu Wasu, co-founder of gimmefy, shares his insights on blending AI and marketing to create more efficient workflows for marketers. Drawing from over two decades of experience in brand management, agencies, and media, Shalu explains how AI can automate routine marketing tasks, allowing teams to focus on high-impact strategies. Some of the topics that Shalu covered in detail include:AI isn't just about flashy features or fun gimmicks—it's about driving real productivity.Building bespoke AI that can create content that aligns with a specific brand's vision.The difficulty of proper AI prompting and how it can be solved.How to push AI to become more creative and striking a balance between innovation and automation.Why being an entrepreneur and building a business requires one to embrace uncertainty and to navigate ambiguity.

In the U.S. equity market, European financial markets, and major Asian capital markets, algorithmic trading accounts for about 60-75 percent of the overall trading volume. Algo trading has been on the rise in the U.S. equity markets since the turn of the century but seems to have plateaued around 70-80 percent in the last 5 to 10 years.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we spoke with Nirav Shah, Founding Partner of Versor Investments, about systematic investing and how technology is reshaping the financial landscape. Nirav explained how quantitative trading models use data to identify patterns and opportunities in global markets, allowing for trades at scale across various asset classes.Some of the topics that Nirav covered in detail include: Quantitative models operate at scale, meaning they can apply algorithms across various asset classes and geographies, from equity markets to commodities, currencies, and futures. This ability to scale is a key advantage for systematic firms. While systematic investing might seem purely data-driven, Shah highlighted that every algorithm starts with economic intuition. Before a model is built, there needs to be a reasoned hypothesis—an understanding of why a specific signal should correlate with future market behavior. Nirav believes that Versor’s edge lies in its use of alternative data—non-traditional datasets that aren’t created specifically for finance but can be harnessed to generate investment insights. This alternative data include news sentiment, social media sentiment, regulatory filings, credit card data, and app or web traffic. Even with advanced algorithms, there are times when human intervention can occur. Nirav explained that Versor typically lets models run without interference. However, in rare situations their investment committee steps in to adjust strategies. While alternative data provides a significant advantage, Nirav points out that it is operationally challenging to work with. Quant firms like Versor have developed a unique ability to handle large datasets, process information quickly, and connect with multiple data vendors. Nirav is optimistic about the future of systematic investing. He believes that we are at the cusp of an AI revolution, where technology will touch every part of the investment process. The increasing availability of alternative datasets, combined with the rapid advancement of AI tools, is creating a new landscape for investment firms.

Microfinance plays a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in underserved regions like Pakistan. By leveraging mobile technology and branchless banking, microfinance institutions can reach populations with limited access to formal banking, offering them essential tools like mobile wallets, credit, and savings products. However, financial inclusion is more than just providing access to banking—it is closely tied to social inclusion.In this episode, Kabeer Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Microfinance Network, shared his journey in using microfinance to drive financial inclusion in Pakistan.Some of the topics Kabeer covered in detail include:Launching EasyPaisa revolutionized financial inclusion in Pakistan by leveraging mobile penetration to bridge its banking gap.The critical link between financial AND social inclusion, particularly in Pakistan's rural areas.By immersing himself in the communities his microfinance initiatives were intended to help, Kabeer gained an authentic understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by local populations.While microfinance serves small entrepreneurs and commercial banks cater to large businesses, a significant gap remains in the support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The "missing middle" represents a crucial area for future development, as addressing it could lead to broader economic growth and stability.An estimated 30 million children in Pakistan are out of school, a figure that presents a formidable challenge to the nation’s future workforce. Naqvi expressed his concern that without proper education and vocational training, Pakistan’s youth could become a liability rather than an asset. His call to action for both the private sector and government is clear: education reform and support for underserved populations must be a national priority.

The idea that remote work is just a cost-cutting measure is outdated and shortsighted. The real power of remote teams lies in accessing a global talent pool that brings top-tier skills and diverse perspectives to companies that know how to leverage them. Large corporations have been doing this for years, but now, even small and medium-sized enterprises can tap into the same competitive advantage.In this episode, we dive into the future of business growth with Yoni Kozminski, co-Founder and CEO ofMultiplyMii, who tells us how leveraging high-performance remote teams is the secret weapon for scaling profitable companies.Some of the topics that Yoni covered in detail include:The democratization of talent allows SMEs to achieve the same level of productivity and profitability as large corporations—if they know how to harness remote talent effectively.The Philippines' 120 million-strong population, combined with a robust education system where English is the official medium of instruction, makes it a prime destination for outsourcing talent.Outsourcing isn’t just about paying lower salaries. The real advantage lies in operational savings and the ability to reinvest those savings into growth.You need to be crystal clear about your business’s needs before onboarding remote talent. If your company’s internal processes aren’t solid, hiring remotely will only magnify those inefficiencies.Having a well-documented set of procedures is crucial to scaling a business, especially when remote teams are involved.

While fintech apps and tools promise to simplify personal finance, they often miss the mark by focusing too much on the tech itself, rather than the real needs of users. The key to better money management isn’t just about having access to financial services; it’s about designing solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives. In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast with Monica Millares, Principal Product Ways of Working at BigPay, we explored the complexities of financial management and why technology alone isn’t the answer. Even the best technology fails if it doesn’t solve a real problem or if it’s too complicated for users to engage with confidently. Some of the topics Monica covered in more detail: Financial inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about accessibility Financial literacy and financial inclusion are two distinct yet interdependent challenges. It’s not enough to simply provide access to services; you need to ensure that users understand how to manage their finances effectively. Instead of overwhelming users with complex products, fintech companies should focus on solving one key problem that matters to the user. By doing this, companies can earn trust, which in turn opens the door to introducing users to more sophisticated financial services. Financial products should be designed for simplicity and impact - the impact of a financial product is not just about what it offers but how it solves real-life problems. With AI becoming increasingly powerful, fintech companies have an unprecedented opportunity to create personalized, scalable solutions that can impact millions of lives.

Most of us don’t realize how much cutting-edge technology is transforming logistics and supply chain management. Behind every e-commerce order, retail shipment, and last-mile delivery, AI, automation, and data-driven intelligence are reshaping how goods move from warehouses to customers.  Smart warehouses are reducing reliance on human labor, dark warehouses are cutting energy costs, and AI-powered route optimization is saving businesses millions. Logistics is no longer just a background function—it has become a key competitive advantage, where efficiency, speed, and sustainability determine success. As businesses push to meet rising customer expectations while cutting costs, technology is the only way forward. Companies are using predictive AI to optimize operations, digital twins to simulate logistics networks, and machine learning to improve last-mile delivery. Sustainability is no longer optional—AI-driven logistics are reducing carbon footprints while maximizing efficiency. The future of supply chain management isn’t about controlling every step—it’s about seamless integration, real-time visibility, and strategic collaboration. In this evolving landscape, those who fail to adapt will simply be left behind. The Smart Delivery Expo 2025 proved one thing above all: The future of logistics isn’t coming—it’s already here. The question is, are you ready to adapt?