In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, I sit down with Ian Chong from Samsung Electronics to talk about his work on the mobile B2B team and the cutting-edge advancements Samsung is making, particularly in AI technology for smartphones.

We dive into the new Galaxy AI capabilities, including features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Transcript Assist. Ian shares why on-device AI is critical for ensuring both security and speed and discusses Samsung’s collaborations with major tech players.

We also explore how AI is being implemented in industries like law enforcement and finance. On a lighter note, Ian opens up about his passion for coffee and his quirky sock collection. To wrap up, we talk about the future of AI and its transformative potential across different sectors.

Show Notes:

00:45 Welcome to Tech Burst Talks

01:00 Introducing Ian Chong and His Role at Samsung

01:35 AI Innovations in Samsung Smartphones

02:13 Galaxy AI Features in Action

04:25 Live Translate and Business Features

08:00 Samsung’s Security Measures

10:49 Rugged Devices for Various Industries

13:27 Customer Insights on AI

16:58 Samsung’s Open Ecosystem and Partnerships

21:45 Enhancing Experiences with AI

22:21 Addressing AI Skepticism

24:25 The Power of Hyper-Connected Devices

25:38 Future of AI and Gen AI

26:44 AI in Retail and B2B Applications

29:36 Transformative AI in Healthcare

31:20 Personal Addictions: Coffee and Crazy Socks

36:18 Reflections and Future Aspirations

38:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of TechBurst Talks, we’re taking on the challenge of demystifying AI and breaking down the overwhelming flood of buzzwords. You’ve heard them before—AI, ML, DL, LLM, SLM, RAG, ChatGPT, Custom GPT, NLP—the list goes on.

Our goal is to make these terms accessible and easy to understand, no matter your background.

I’m thrilled to be joined by Bernard Leong, who is the Host of the Analyse Asia podcast, the founder of Dorje.ai, and an expert in the field of Artifical Intelligence. 

What makes this episode special is that Bernard and I approach learning differently. Bernard is a theoretical learner, able to grasp complex concepts with ease. On the other hand, I’m more of a kinesthetic learner—I need to see how these terms apply in the real world, rather than just understanding the theory.

Together, we’ll cover the essential AI buzzwords and trends, with something for everyone. Whether you’re on the cutting edge of AI or just trying to get a handle on the jargon, this episode will bring clarity to the chaos.

01:00 Welcome and Introduction to AI

01:26 Bernard Leon's Background and Expertise

04:30 Understanding Artificial Intelligence

05:10 Big Data vs. Artificial Intelligence

06:29 Machine Learning and Deep Learning Explained

10:23 Generative AI: The Game Changer

17:30 Real-World Applications of AI

21:56 AI in Everyday Life and Business

31:14 The Evolution of Wind Turbine Maintenance

32:50 ChatGPT Revolutionizes Data Cleaning

34:21 Ethical Considerations in AI

37:09 Federated Learning and Privacy

38:47 AI's Impact on Jobs and Productivity

44:49 Future Trends in AI

49:48 Challenges in AI Adoption

51:57 Introducing Dorje.ai

55:24 Final Thoughts and Advice on AI

In this episode of the Techburst Talks podcast, we delve deep into the current challenges and future prospects of the telecom industry.

I'm joined by industry veterans Chris Lewis from Lewis Insight and Rob Jones, CEO of Bluefire, the discussion spans a wide array of topics including:

• the financial viability of 5G - is anyone actually making $$$?
• the adaptation of telcos to new technologies like IoT - can telcos deliver complex solutions?
• and the increasing importance of customer-centric business models.

The conversation also examines the role of #AI in transforming the industry, the impact of global markets, and the structural changes needed to stay competitive.

The trio emphasizes the necessity of partnerships, the limitations of current business models, and the importance of personalized services in the evolving telecom landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Telecom Industry Challenges

00:13 Meet the Experts: Chris Lewis and Rob Jones

01:07 Chris Lewis: Insights on Telecom Dynamics

02:02 Rob Jones: Global Telecom Experience

02:49 Current Trends in the Telecom Industry

06:46 Challenges in Telecom Pricing and Competition

10:32 Strategies for Telecom Operators

13:14 The Role of Connectivity in Telecom Services

15:52 Telcos and the Competitive Landscape

28:26 The Future of IoT in Telecom

31:12 Learning from Other Industries

31:54 Economic Evolution and Partnering

33:29 Structural Changes in Telecom

35:28 Impact of AI on Telecom

37:41 Challenges and Opportunities with AI

49:24 Future of Telecom: 6G and Beyond

58:15 Collaboration and Personalization in Telecom

01:02:58 Concluding Thoughts

TechBurst Talks Season 4 Episode 2

IoT Re-Imagined: Practicality over Promises

In this episode of the Tech Burst Talks podcast, host Charles interviews Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr. 

Gerhard discusses his transition from running the IoT business at Telstra, Australia’s largest telecoms operator, to a startup environment, his current role at Kallipr and the company's innovative IoT solutions. He elaborates on Kallipr’s unique approaches to sensor technology, total cost of ownership, and real-world applications in industries like rail and water management. 

The conversation also touches on global IoT market trends, including the rise of India as a tech superpower and the impact of satellite connectivity. Gerhard shares personal anecdotes and offers a glimpse into his future vision for Kallipr, emphasising digitising infrastructure and leveraging AI for efficient data management.

00:40 Welcome Back, Gerhard Loots!

00:48 Career Transition: From Telstra to Kallipr

02:40 Introducing Kallipr

03:51 Competing in the Global Market

04:52 Focus on Total Cost of Ownership

06:35 Real-World Use Cases and Success Stories

11:00 Fun with B2B Marketing

13:30 Future Plans for Kallipr

19:00 Industry Insights and Market Trends

32:40 Personal Stories and Fun Questions

38:00 Closing Remarks and Farewell

🎥 Catch the Full Podcast Video on the TechBurst Talks YouTube Channel! Dive deep into our conversation at YouTube Link 🚀

Follow Kallipr:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kallipr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kallipr

Kallipr’s entertaining B2B videos (about time someone made tech fun!)

Edge Battery Change video 

https://youtube.com/shorts/oMDikM3Wi24?si=cglkUMVEoHYsU5hC

Radar Tech Demo: Scientific Beer Evaluation

 https://youtu.be/PE_QsYIxy18?si=Gu7KJDBNSLmkD1rz

How we IP68 Test Our IoT Devices 

https://youtu.be/xj5NWMu9D0g?si=JQn_ocLXD29YoUmH

20 Year Battery Life

https://youtu.be/Jybt_4eC91M?si=JVCK1l94MYf1GsUm

In this episode, we talk about Uma's transition from technology industry executive to purpose-driven entrepreneur - and how focusing on her inner self helped drive that transition - and transform her life. 

01:15 Uma’s journey of Self Discovery through the Hoffman Process 

07:56 Introducing solitude in your life

11:40 The Corporate Perception of Self Help: “Are you OK” versus “Investing in yourself”

14:30 Uma’s new venture ELEVATE - and her first three startups

21:40 Why Now? What led Uma down the path of Self Discovery?

25:00 How this journey helped ease her transition from tech industry leader to purpose-driven entrepreneur

40:40 Uma’s journey to financial stability and independence

45:00 Five Year Outlook: What will success look like?

49:30 Why “How are you?” is now one of the most interesting questions someone can ask

Find out more about Uma:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/ 

Instagram: @rawwithuma @umathana1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RawWithUma 

Find out more about ELEVATE:

https://www.elevateasia.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevateasia 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-the-business 

Instagram: @elevateasiaorg 

Find out more about the Hoffman Process

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoffmanCentre/ 

If you keep up to date with the latest technology news, you know that the momentum and investment has shifted from Asia to the Middle East. But gone are the days where countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE just import technology and talent - the new trend across the Middle East is how to create a home-grown technology startup ecosystem - and this is what we are going to cover in today’s podcast. 

Let’s face it - money is not going to be an issue - but as we have seen from other countries, just throwing money at the startup ecosystem is no guarantee that it will be successful. 

To help us go through this topic, we are joined by the Partner & Co-Founder of SparkLabs Group, Bernard Moon. SparkLabs has made a name for itself by launching accelerators and VC funds in Asia, Australia and the US, but now they are entering the Middle East market, so let’s see what has drawn SparkLabs to that region - and what Bernard thinks will be the critical success factors to making sure they get a return on their investments. 

Show Notes:

00:00 Intro to Bernard Moon and SparkLabs Group

02:30 SparkLabs new accelerator programs in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi

06:00 How does SparkLabs plan to find the “best of the best” startups in the Middle East

08:45 Do you see any similarities between the Middle East markets and other countries where you have had success with your accelerators (e.g. Korea, Taiwan)? And are there any specific opportunities and / or risks compared to the other markets you operate in? 

14:30 What are the critical success factors for the Middle East markets to develop a home grown startup ecosystem? And what is the role of academia in creating this?

20:30 What does SparkLabs look for in startups that they want to invest in? And are there any red flags that you watch out for?

24:00 What will it take for SparkLabs to view their entry into the Middle East accelerator market a success?

26:00 What can countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE learn from other markets, like Singapore, that haven’t made the most of their investment / funding of their local startup ecosystem?

30:00 Why are startups keen to be involved with SparkLabs versus the many other accelerator programs in the market?

33:00 Last week, SparkLabs listed it’s USD 100m SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) on Nasdaq. Can you give us an overview of how this came about and what your strategy for the SPAC is?

More information on SparkLabs can be found here:

Contact Bernard directly: [email protected] 

SparkLabs Saudi Arabia

SparkLabs Korea

SparkLabs Taiwan

SparkLabs Cultiv8

SparkLabs Group

In Part II of our Middle East Deep Dive, we talk with Carrington Malin to find out how the government's in the Middle East are driving unprecedented growth and innovation. 

But it's more than just the tech, they are up-skilling their workforces and training students on how to leverage emerging technologies to transform the traditional industries that support their economies - and develop new ones. Exciting times to say the least...

Show Notes:

1:00 Intro to Carrington Malin and the various roles he has played in the Middle East’s technology ecosystem for the past 30 years. 

5:00 How Middle East governments are driving innovation that leverages emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence by dedicating funds to support their initiatives and creating detailed action plans and deliverables to ensure they go beyond the hype. 

11:00 The region’s plans to build “home-grown” taken to support it’s tech and innovation initiatives

16:00 The growth in large language models (e.g. Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institutes Falcom LLM that rivals ChatGPT and OpenAI)

23:00 How government policies and regulations will ensure the countries like Dubai will lead the way globally around autonomous vehicles - and not just self-driving taxis, they are getting ready for flying taxis

30:00 How government-led initiatives is transforming the region’s talent pool

This is the first in a series on Technology and Innovation trends in the Middle East. Things have gone quiet in Asia post-pandemic - and the global recession has not helped. 

However, the Middle East is thriving. 

Hardly a week goes by where there isn’t another jaw-dropping announcement related to emerging technologies like AI, autonomous vehicles and the Metaverse in the Middle East - or the massive investment in initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM. 

To help us delve deeper into the Middle East’s technology innovation landscape, I’m joined by Danial Mausoof. He's based in Abu Dhabi, but covers the Middle East and Africa as part of his job, so we are lucky to have him with us to share his unique insights and perspectives.

Show Notes:

02:45 Key market trends in the Middle East

06:30 The Talent Issue: How the Middle East is starting to build a local talent pool to drive and support innovation

08:30 Overview of the three key markets: Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi

13:00 Why the recession has not derailed tech spend in the Middle East.

16:45 The state of 5G in the Middle East - and why they could lead in 5G monetisation

23:00 Artificial Intelligence: How the combination of investment, education and regulation is making the Middle East a leader in AI

28:00 Smart Cities: How the greenfield Smart Cities like NEOM will drive global innovation

33:00 Autonomous Vehicles: How the Middle East’s progressive regulatory environments have ensured they will lead in self-driving taxis and, believe it or not, flying taxis

40:00 Our future forecasts - when will we go beyond the hype on….

• 5G
• 5G monetisation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Large Language Models (e.g. ChatGPT)
• Metaverse
• Smart Cities
• Autonomous Vehicles

In this episode, we are joined by Jordan Kostelac, co-founder of Deploy Capital, to discuss the current state - and what the future holds - for PropTech in Asia Pacific. 

Show Notes:

02:50 What the hell is PropTech and is it still a buzzword?

02:45 Intro to Jordan Kostelac, Asia’s PropTech Provocateur

06:45 Jordan’s experience working with PropTech startups with the JLL & Lendlease “Propell Asia” accelerator programme.

08:05 Examples of PropTech startups in Asia that are delivering value

13:45 How will PropTech in Asia evolve in the future?

22:15 AI & PropTech: so many opportunities, but what about the security and data privacy risks?

34:20 How will the next wave of emerging technologies, including web3, the metaverse and ChatGPT, impact PropTech.

39:45 Jordan’s new venture, Deploy Capital, that combines blockchain, PropTech & venture capital. 

43:45 Look to the future - if PropTech succeeds, what did we do right? And if it fails, what did we screw up?

45:45 Tell us something about yourself that will surprise us? 

Stay in touch with Jordan

Twitter: @scopelessness 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jkostelac/

www.jordankostelac.net

Stay in touch with Deploy Capital

Twitter: @deplo0x 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deploycapital-online/ 

deploycapital.online

We need to face the facts - our Return to the Office strategies are failing. Giving away free beer once a week is not enough to make our employees WANT to come back to the office. So what will make them? That’s what we are going to discuss today. 

I’m joined by Helen Snowball, JLL’s Global Head of People Solutions and Experience, to discuss how showing empathy, creating purpose and delivering enhanced employee experiences are the keys to attracting and retaining talent in the post pandemic world. 

Show notes:

00:30  Intro to Helen Snowball, Global Head of People Solutions and Experience, JLL

03:30  How delivering enhanced employee experiences can help attract and retain the best talent

07:55  How JLL has managed the transition back to the office for its 100,000+ workforce by implementing the hybrid model that employees want

12:30  How upskilling middle management to manage hybrid work environments is vital to make your return to the office successful 

14:30  Why ignoring the human impact of the pandemic - and a lack of empathy - has led to the failure of most our return to the office strategies  

18:30  The importance of trust when implementing a hybrid work strategy - and why hybrid should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat

23:30  What can companies do (spoiler alert: focus on purpose) to attract and retain the best talent and mitigate the risk of the Great Resignation?

31:30  What mistakes do companies make with their return to the office strategies and initiatives?

34:30  What advice do you have for people trying to redesign their organisations for the Future of Work?

37:30  What do you do to keep yourself motivated, energised and inspired?