Asia Tech Podcast

Businesses today face a growing challenge: they are generating more data than ever before, yet struggle to make sense of it in a way that drives consistent, effective decision-making. Traditional analytics tools tend to focus on specific functions, leaving teams operating in silos with little understanding of how their choices affect the broader organization. While being “data-driven” was once considered a competitive advantage, it has become a vague and often unhelpful term.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Karen Kim, CEO of Human Managed, argues that being "data-driven" is no longer enough. Businesses aren’t suffering from a lack of information—they’re suffering from too much of it, without a clear way to turn that data into meaningful action.Some of the topics that Karen covered in detail include:Decision Intelligence isn’t just about better decisions—it’s about decisions at scale.Karen introduced the idea of composite AI, where multiple AI tools and models—LLMs, agents, deep learning systems—are combined to build richer, more nuanced workflows.The problem is not access to tools—it’s connecting data to outcomes.The shift from data-driven to decision-centric.Service design will be the next frontier in AI.

Global supply chains have evolved into highly complex, technology-driven networks that power the movement of goods across borders. These systems rely on precision logistics, data-driven optimization, and seamless coordination between air, ground, and digital infrastructure.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Kawal Preet, President APAC at FedEx, shares key insights into how logistics, emerging technologies, and leadership intersect in today’s fast-changing world.Some of the topics Kawal covered in detail include:FedEx isn’t just a logistics giant; it’s an organization deeply rooted in its people-first philosophy, "People-Service-Profit".The FedEx network isn't just about physical movement; it's about optimizing routes, reducing transit times, and making data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency.Supply chains have evolved significantly over the years, shifting from centralized, thick pipelines to agile, multi-dimensional networks.FedEx is embedding AI and digital tools across its entire value chain.As one of the largest logistics companies in the world, FedEx has made sustainability a core focus.APAC is the future of global trade.

Last-mile delivery has evolved into one of the most important and complex elements of modern commerce. As the final point of contact between a brand and its customer, it directly shapes satisfaction, loyalty, and perception. Today’s consumers expect speed, flexibility, and personalization—often driven by the convenience of same-day or even 10-minute deliveries.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Gautam Kumar, co-Founder and CEO of FarEye, breaks down why last-mile delivery is no longer just a logistics function—it’s the final, critical touchpoint in customer experience.Some of the topics that Gautam covered in detail:Last-mile delivery is the real “storefront” of modern commerce. No matter how amazing your product is, the last-mile experience is what your customers remember.Generative AI Is transforming routing and real-time optimization.Data-driven delivery is about personalization and prediction. FarEye leverages historical data to optimize delivery attempts.Failed deliveries aren’t just costly, they’re environmentally harmful. Every failed delivery means more fuel, more emissions, and added pressure on the logistics system.Luxury deliveries will become a differentiator.Gen Z and Millennial consumers expect speed, transparency, and sustainability.

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.