Asia Tech Podcast

By Michael Waitze Media

All Things Asia, All Things Tech... more

· Technology

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Asia Tech Podcast:

How many episodes does Asia Tech Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 379 episodes available.

Asia Tech Podcast episodes:

October 29, 2024EP 343 - Can Open Source Save Hong Kong? - Peter Man - Red Hat
In the Asia Tech Podcast’s conversation with Peter Man, General Manager for Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau at Red Hat, we explored the complex landscape of digital transformation in Hong Kong and how open source technology plays a pivotal role in its future.
Some of the topics that Peter covered in detail:
Geopolitical challenges drive the need for open source. Peter explained that open source technology offers a politically neutral, transparent solution in an increasingly polarized world.

Digital transformation is Hong Kong is less about speed and more about leveraging technology to tap into new markets and customer bases, particularly through expanding into the Greater Bay Area.

Open source, by its nature, is transparent—there are no hidden backdoors or trojan horses in the code, and businesses can audit and compile the code themselves.

One of the biggest advantages of open source software is that it frees companies from the potential of vendor lock-in.

Open source software fosters a collaborative approach to innovation, where the entire community benefits from shared knowledge and contributions.
...more
30min
October 22, 2024EP 342 - Is Hong Kong the Best Place to Build a Tech Startup? - Jayne Chan - Head of Startups at Invest Hong Kong
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.
...more
33min
October 15, 2024EP 341 - Is Asia the Next FinTech Hub? - Jon Stona - VP Global Marketing at Airwallex
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.
...more
31min
October 08, 2024EP 340 - Are We Ready to Chat with AI Avatars Instead of Humans? - Igor Hofman - D-ID
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.
...more
30min
October 02, 2024EP 339 - Is the Metaverse Already Already Here - Are We Ready for It? - Aaron McDonald - Founder and CEO of Futureverse
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.
...more
36min
September 27, 2024EP 338 - Will Blockchain Make Banks Obsolete? - Tianwei Liu - co-Founder and CEO of StraitsX
Blockchain technology is poised to reshape the future of payments and finance through its unique programmability and decentralized nature. One of its most significant advantages is the ability to settle transactions instantly, eliminating the delays and risks typically associated with traditional payment systems, especially in cross-border scenarios.
In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Tianwei Liu, a co-Founder and CEO of StraitsX, discusses the evolving landscape of digital currencies, including stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and tokenized bank deposits.
Some of the topics Tianwei covered in detail:
Emphasizing how vital it is to empower developers with the right tools to innovate. By building better APIs, StraitsX opened up a world of possibilities for other entrepreneurs and engineers to create more efficient payment systems.

Working closely with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to ensure StraitsX' operations met regulatory standards. Tianwei explained how StraitsX was the first fintech in Singapore to be granted the widely accepted stored value facility license, which allowed them to scale operations.

Stablecoins represent a significant evolution in the payment ecosystem, offering the benefits of blockchain technology while maintaining the stability of traditional currencies.

Tianwei highlighted the immense potential of programmable money, which allows for the automation of business logic—such as expiration dates, discount vouchers, or conditional payments.

Despite the complexity of blockchain and the technologies behind it, Tianwei believes the ultimate goal is to make these innovations invisible to the end user.
...more
42min
September 18, 2024EP 337 - Why Investing in AI Skills Is Crucial to Stay Competitive - John Lombard - CEO APAC at NTT DATA
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
...more
32min
September 10, 2024EP 336 - What Every Woman Needs to Know About Financial Independence - Pauline Kirk - Femvestorsglobal
Financial empowerment, especially for women, is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of personal development. Recently, the Asia Tech Podcast spoke with Pauline Kirk, the founder of Femvestorsglobal. Pauline's mission to empower women through financial literacy and independence is both inspiring and a call for change.
Some of the topics that Pauline discussed in detail:
Pauline uses the term "The Disney Effect" to describe how societal norms and childhood influences shape women’s attitudes toward money.

Pauline candidly shared her own experiences with financial highs and lows, and turned her "mess" into a message, advocating for financial literacy and empowerment.

She emphasizes that understanding and managing one's emotions around money is crucial to developing a healthier relationship with money.

Embracing failure as a necessary step toward success. In the context of financial empowerment, it means acknowledging past mistakes without letting them define your future.

Financial independence starts with good habits, stressing the importance of developing and maintaining habits that align with long-term financial goals.
...more
30min
September 06, 2024EP 335 - Why Southeast Asia’s Startup Ecosystem is Thriving - Fannie Soubiele - Google Cloud
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.
...more
29min
August 29, 2024EP 334 - Why Media Has Always Been a Tech-Driven Industry - Rob Bradley - CNN International Commercial
In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast featuring Rob Bradley, Senior Vice President of Digital Revenue Strategy and Operations at CNN International Commercial, we explored the profound impact of technology on the media industry.
Some of the topics that Rob discussed in detail included:
The media industry has always been at the forefront of technological innovation.

How programmatic advertising changed the game and made the sales role more complex and valuable.

While technology enables scale and efficiency of ad placement, a human touch still drives storytelling and creativity.

The necessity to be data-driven to build trust and maintain long-term client relationships.

How the media industry’s evolution has been relentless, with new platforms, technologies, and consumer behaviors constantly reshaping the landscape.
...more
41min

FAQs about Asia Tech Podcast:

How many episodes does Asia Tech Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 379 episodes available.