Asia Tech Podcast

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we dive deep into the world of AI and data centers with Rich Farrell, APAC Director of Digitalization, Cybersecurity, and Data Centers at Eaton. Rich reveals how AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time, but many businesses rushing to adopt it don't fully understand why. Some of the big topics Rich covered in more detail: We highlighted that AI could be the most significant technological transformation we’ve seen. AI is not just a topic for tech insiders anymore; it has entered public consciousness and is driving conversations at the highest levels of business and government. The fear of falling behind competitors and customer expectations often drives the decision to adopt AI. Yet, without a well-defined purpose, companies risk implementing AI without seeing tangible benefits. Despite AI’s growing importance, there’s a glaring gap in expertise. This talent shortage makes it difficult for companies to implement and manage AI solutions effectively. One of the biggest dilemmas is the tension between AI's growth and sustainability goals. When big tech companies committed to being carbon-neutral by 2030, AI wasn’t on the radar. Data centers, the backbone of the digital world, are undergoing a transformation to support AI’s energy demands. New designs are incorporating renewable energy sources like nuclear and grid-aware devices that can optimize power usage and even sell energy back to the grid.

In a compelling discussion, Peter Man, General Manager at Red Hat for Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, dives into the geopolitical challenges facing Hong Kong and the transformative power of open source technology. He highlights how open source fosters transparency, eliminating the risks of vendor lock-in, and promotes collaborative innovation. Peter also discusses the potential for Hong Kong to tap into new markets through the Greater Bay Area, emphasizing a shift in corporate governance that leverages open source as a secure, resilient solution amidst instability.

In a dynamic conversation with Jayne Chan, Head of Startups at Invest Hong Kong, I had the privilege of exploring the intricacies of Hong Kong's startup landscape. Our discussion touched on the city's role as a financial hub, the impact of global talent, and the evolving tech environment that continues to shape its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Some of the topics that Jayne covered in detail: Hong Kong's startup ecosystem is international and diverse. 27% of Hong Kong’s startup founders hail from outside the city, representing a rich blend of ideas and innovations from places like Mainland China, the UK, the US, France, and Australia. Hong Kong's status as one of the world’s leading financial centers provides a natural foundation for a thriving fintech sector. Ranked third globally, just behind New York and London, the city attracts financial professionals who often pivot into FinTech entrepreneurship. While FinTech dominates, Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem is increasingly diversifying into deep tech, biotech, and green tech...standing as the second-largest fundraising hub for biotech globally. Hong Kong’s unique geographical and economic positioning as a conduit to Mainland China could be a distinct advantage for startups. With a population of 86 million and a combined GDP of $2 trillion, the GBA offers immense market potential for both B2B and B2C startups. Invest Hong Kong doesn’t just promote Hong Kong as a destination for startups—it plays an active role in helping startups scale. Invest HK's connection initiatives act as a marketplace where startups can showcase their solutions and find the resources they need to grow.

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast featuring Jon Stona, Vice President of Global Marketing at Airwallex, we explored how the company has revolutionized global payments by addressing real business pain points. Some of the topics Jon covered in detail: How the company founders, who were running a cafe in Melbourne, were constantly frustrated by the complexity and cost of paying international suppliers. Airwallex's global reach has been built on the foundation of deep local knowledge, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. While tech is essential, real transformation happens when technology is combined with human relationships. How Airwallex is creating a modular financial operating system that is built for scale. Building a challenger brand requires trust, credibility, and cultural connection.

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI-generated avatars. We discuss how hyper-realistic avatars are transforming marketing, sales, and customer service by mimicking human interaction in ways that feel almost real. We spoke with Igor Hofman from D-ID and he covered: How humans are wired to interact with other humans. This interaction, however, does not always have to involve a real person. If avatars are highly realistic and mimic human behavior closely enough, they can satisfy the brain’s need for human interaction. The pace of technological development in the avatar space is nothing short of astonishing. The advancements are moving so fast that it’s plausible to imagine a future where interacting with avatars could become indistinguishable from real human interaction. How avatars are already transforming marketing and sales. Avatars are increasingly being used to create personalized marketing content, enabling companies to target their audiences with extreme precision. One of the most promising applications of avatars is in customer service. Some companies are now using avatars to enhance or even replace traditional chatbots. Avatars bring a more personal and engaging touch. Igor sees the future in natural user interfaces (NUIs), where users interact with AI and digital systems as if they were speaking to another person. NUIs could revolutionize the way we engage with digital content.

As we move further into the digital age, the lines between our physical and virtual lives are becoming increasingly blurred. We already spend a significant portion of our lives in front of screens, and this digital immersion is only growing deeper. The future of the internet lies not just in new technologies but in how those technologies empower users to own and control their data, identities, and content. In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we dive deep into the future of the internet with Aaron McDonald, Founder and CEO of Futureverse. Some of the topics Aaron covered in detail include: He has a nuanced view of the metaverse, one that challenges the notion that it’s a future concept. He explained that the metaverse is already part of our lives. The digital world and the physical world are tightly intertwined, and the future of the internet is about enhancing this immersion and fostering user ownership of data and content. The concept of self-sovereign identity, where we control our personal data and only share what is necessary, when it is necessary. Making technology feel like magic and creating products that hide the complexity and provide seamless user experiences. How interoperability, particularly in gaming and digital assets, is one of the hardest challenges the metaverse faces. The ability to use digital items across different platforms and experiences is key to making the metaverse a reality. The belief that we’re at a critical juncture where the physical and digital worlds are merging, and the decisions we make now will influence how seamlessly (and safely) they do so.

Tianwei Liu, co-Founder and CEO of StraitsX and a blockchain expert, delves into how blockchain could revolutionize payments and finance. He discusses the rapid settlement of transactions, especially in cross-border scenarios, and the role of stablecoins in enhancing payment ecosystems. Liu emphasizes empowering developers with better tools to innovate and shares insights on StraitsX's regulatory journey in Singapore. The potential of programmable money also gets attention, showcasing how automation can transform business processes.

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, John Lombard, CEO for APAC at NTT DATA, shared his leadership journey and key insights gained from a career spanning consulting, international business, and technology. John also discussed the future of AI and its transformative potential, comparing it to the impact of electricity. Some of the topics John discussed in more detail include: The importance of flexibility, cultural awareness, and the ability to make informed decisions based on past cycles He emphasized that AI will be human-led in the near term, supporting rather than replacing human intelligence The growing demand for lightweight, specialized AI models John further stressed NTT DATA’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in reducing energy consumption in data centers and developing green technologies. The need for companies and individuals to invest in AI skills

Pauline Kirk, founder of Femvestorsglobal, aims to empower women through financial literacy and independence. She discusses 'The Disney Effect,' illustrating how childhood influences shape money attitudes. Pauline shares her journey of transforming financial struggles into advocacy, emphasizing the emotional aspects of money management. She advocates for embracing failure as a learning step and highlights the importance of developing good financial habits. Ultimately, she calls for breaking societal taboos around money to foster open discussions and a better financial future for women.

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we explore the rapidly evolving startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia with Fannie Soubiele, Head of Venture Capital Business Development Southeast Asia at Google Cloud. Fannie shares her journey from working at some of the region's earliest venture capital firms to her current role at Google Cloud and her involvement with Epic Angels, a female-led angel investment network. Some of the topics that Fannie covered included: Resilience as a fundamental trait for any successful entrepreneur. Maintaining the determination to keep moving forward, learning from failures, and staying committed to the vision despite setbacks. The evolution of Southeast Asia'a startup ecosystem. It is not just about the number of startups but also about the increasing sophistication of the support networks, including accelerators, VCs, and government initiatives. How visionary leaders are crucial for setting the direction of a startup and rallying their team around a common goal. Their ability to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on long-term objectives make the difference between success and failure. A thriving startup ecosystem has far-reaching impacts beyond just economic growth. It can drive social change by providing new ways to address societal challenges and by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The potential for angel investing to democratize wealth creation. Through platforms like Epic Angels, experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds can contribute to and benefit from the startup ecosystem.