AsiaPulse

AI in IT has been big on hype, but short on returns. In fact, a recent study revealed just 25% of AI projects have met expected ROI, with only 16% scaled enterprise-wide. 

Yet Freshworks’ latest Benchmark Report offers a rare counterpoint showing AI actively delivering measurable, scaled results for IT and employee experience leaders worldwide. 

This week, we speak with Simon Man, Managing Director Asia, Freshworks

Over the next three years, more than 80% of organisations plan to embed Agentic AI into their operations; introducing autonomous agents that can make decisions and act without human approval. 

While this promises significant productivity gains, it also intensifies a growing blind spot in cybersecurity: Non-Human Identities (NHIs) now outnumber employees by a staggering 80:1, yet security teams often lack effective tools to manage their privileges and risks.

This week we discuss Agentic AI: Threats and Opportunities in the Cyber Realm with Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor, BeyondTrust

We continue our conversation around DronTech Asia 2025 which took place from the 30th of September to the 2nd of October at MITEC Kuala Lumpur.

In case you missed it, the conference showcased how drones are transforming industries across agriculture, energy, transportation, infrastructure, services, defence and security, entertainment, and more. It’s not just about technology — it’s about how drones are reshaping Malaysia’s economic landscape and driving innovation

We continue our coverage this week with Jin Xi Cheong, the CEO of Aonic who tell us about Aonic and its key business verticals as well as their Involvement in DronTech Asia 2025

If you look at the Singapore tourism sector, the projected economic impact of S$66.1 billion in 2024 (9.8% of GDP) — the pressure is back on hotels, restaurants, and venues to attract and retain skilled staff.

But training remains a challenge in a workforce where up to 40% of hospitality staff were foreign nationals pre-pandemic, often speaking multiple languages and coming from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

We explore how AI is revolutionizing front line training by overcoming language barriers — a timely issue in Singapore’s fast-recovering, multicultural hospitality sector.

Matthew Spriegel, Founder and CEO of Atiom joins us. 

According to the World Economic Forum, 39% of core skills required in the workforce will change by 2030.

Generative AI expert and co-founder of Straits Interactive, Alvin Toh shares with us his observations about how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the future of work across Southeast Asia.

Plus, we discuss if only certain jobs should have a right to use AI.

 This is an Asia Collective podcast series  

All the buzz has been cyber resilience and various countries in the region launching their own dedicated cyber defence services for government,

What does this mean for governments across SEA and what can we learn from Malaysia?

Ahead of CYBERDSA which happens from 30th Sept to 2 oct in Kuala Lumpur, we have

Rear Admiral Fadil Bin Abdul Rahman, Director General, Defence> Cyber and Electromagnetic Division (BSEP)

This is an Asia Collective podcast series

Be a part of setting the rhythm in Asia

For enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

Following its highly successful inaugural edition in Bangkok, which gathered 68 exhibitors and over 3,400 participants from 41 countries, DronTech Asia 2025 promises to be even bigger. This premier exhibition and high-level conference will showcase how drones are transforming industries across agriculture, energy, transportation, infrastructure, services, defence and security, entertainment, and more. It’s not just about technology — it’s about how drones are reshaping Malaysia’s economic landscape, driving innovation, and contributing to the growth of the ASEAN market.

Ahead of the event, we speak with Wan Mohd Farhan, Head of Innovation Ecosystem, MRANTI to find out more about the Malaysian Drone Technology Ecosystem.

MRANTI is a strategic partner for DronTech Asia 2025, supporting this vital platform that fosters regional collaboration, live demonstrations, expert-led discussions, and unmatched opportunities for decision-makers, investors, and industry leaders. 

For enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected] 

As telcos accelerate AI adoption, there is growing recognition of the need for responsible AI practices. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparent governance are increasingly becoming baseline requirements for AI initiatives. 

What are some of the unique challenges telcos in this region face when implementing AI and GenAI solutions across markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines?

Plus, what are the main security issues when it comes to implementing AI in telcos?

We find out more from Genie Yuan, Regional Vice President, APAC Japan, at Couchbase 

 This is an Asia Collective podcast series 

This week, we discuss the wider implications on Mobile App security with AI. How do we ensure that authentication is done right?

We also talk about Appdome’s protection and why it is more effective than MFA or SDKs for stopping account takeovers in Singapore. 

Plus, how can mobile businesses in Singapore protect sensitive in-app processes like login and payment from automated attacks?

Our guest is Jan Sysmans, Mobile App Security Evangelist at Appdome. 

This is an Asia Collective podcast series

In May, Fortinet conducted a briefing that addressed critical cybersecurity challenges, with a focus on the growing risks to Singapore’s economy and infrastructure. 

In this episode, we’ll explore the alarming rise in cyberattacks, the threat of AI-powered cybercrime, and the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to combat these evolving dangers

Elliott speaks with Rashish Pandey, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Asia & ANZ, Fortinet

This is an Asia Collective podcast series

Be a part of setting the rhythm in Asia

For enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]