The Asia Tech Podcast had the opportunity to speak with Mehdi Ravanbakhsh, the CEO and Founder of Mapizy, who has over a decade of experience in geospatial mapping and AI. Mehdi shared his insights on the importance of learning languages, the intersection of geospatial mapping and AI, and his journey from academia to entrepreneurship. Some of the topics that Mehdi discussed in detail: Language as a key to understanding culture How geospatial mapping and AI go hand-in-hand The fact that drones have revolutionized aerial mapping How mapping data on the blockchain ensures transparency and accuracy The importance of entrepreneurship requires taking the first step Some other titles we considered for this episode: Just Start Something How AI Is Changing the Game Ensuring Data Integrity in Geospatial Information Starting from Somewhere: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success Information About the Built and Natural Environment

The Asia Tech Podcast hosted Michael Currie, the founder of Fling, who shared several insights he has gained from his experience in the drone industry in Southeast Asia. With a background in financial software development and AI research, Currie moved to Southeast Asia in 2017 and founded Fling in 2018, a company pioneering drones and AI in the region. Some of the topics Michael covered in detail: The Importance of Listening to Customers Enablement Over Disruption Overcoming Operating Challenges in Low-Wage Environments Leveraging Commodity Drones with Proprietary AI Software Expansion and Growth Opportunities for Fling Some other titles we considered for this episode: This Is Where I Really Learned to Listen Visibility Into the Whole Supply Chain Process How Fling's Drones Are Revolutionizing the Supply Chain Transforming Warehouses with AI Pioneering Drones and AI in Southeast Asia

Asia Tech Podcast hosted Sean Ringsted, Chief Digital Business Officer at Chubb. Sean shared his insights about the balance between technological automation and the human touch, integrating technology into the partner experience and omni-channel distribution. Some of the topics Sean covered in detail: Technology as an enabler Balancing technology with the necessity of the human touch How omni-channel is the next step in the customer journey The importance of embedded insurance building trust and loyalty The continuing massive opportunity for Chubb in Asia Some other titles we considered for this episode: The Future of Partner Experience: Technology and Beyond The Rise of Phygitally-Enabled Sales and Services Creating Seamless Experiences in the Digital Age Enhancing Partner and Customer Experiences Building Resilience Through Innovative Insurance Solutions Sign up for the live broadcast of 'Insurance for the New Possible' from the Singapore FinTech Festival here.

The Asia Tech Podcast was joined by Sam Fromson, the co-founder and COO of YuLife, and Stephen Barnham, the Global Chief Digital and Information Officer at Dai-ichi Life Holdings. Sam and Stephen discussed their partnership and the innovative approach they are taking to reimagine the insurance industry. YuLife is on a mission to inspire people to live their best lives everyday. As a 120-year-old life insurance company dominant in Japan, Dai-ichi Life is looking for new growth opportunities to become a leading global insurer. Some of the topics that Sam and Stephen discussed in detail: How YuLife is reimagining the insurance industry by focusing on wellbeing Building lifelong partnerships with their customers Gamification as a tool for engagement The challenges of entering new markets and the massive opportunity in Japan The importance of win-win partnerships and how Dai-ichi Life is the perfect example of this Balancing urgency and long-term vision Some other titles we considered for this episode: Building Long-Term Partnerships: The Mutual Benefits of YuLife and Dai-ichi Life The Role of Gamification in Customer Engagement Gamifying Insurance: Finding Growth in New Business Models Taking a Long-Term View: Balancing Urgency and Strategic Planning

The Asia Tech Podcast spent some high-quality time speaking with Nima Karimi, the founder and CEO at Lendela. Lendela is APAC's first and only personal loan matchmaker. Some of the topics that Nima covered in detail: The need for transparency in Consumer Lending How borrowing money can be a lonely experience and how Lendela makes it better The benefits, challenges, and expectations that accompany VC money Making the Consumer Lending experience more enjoyable and efficient The importance of cultural adaptability and how it helps building a startup in Southeast Asia Some other titles we considered for this episode: Transforming the Borrowing Experience The Rise of Fintech in Southeast Asia Challenges and Opportunities for Startups in Southeast Asia I Feel Like I Started Over Again I Was Terrified of Doing It On My Own

The Asia Tech Podcast recently spoke with Rhonda Wong, a co-founder and the CEO of Ohmyhome. Ohmyhome is a one-stop prop-tech company that aims to be the most trusted and comprehensive property solution for everyone. Some of the topics that Rhonda discussed in detail include: How her personal journey taught her the importance of having a stable and loving family The simple need to provide a better experience to families moving home Combining the financial aspect of real estate transactions with a genuine focus on the well-being and satisfaction of Ohmyhome's customers Getting comfortable with being an outlier across domains The genuine joy she feels when customers reflect their satisfaction with her and the team Some other titles we considered for this episode: I Come To Work Expecting to Solve Problems You Don’t Need to Have a Larger Place to Be Happy The Power of Aligning Business and Purpose Building Trust in the Property Market A Vision for a More Transparent Real Estate Industry

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we are joined by Jay Tye, the COO of Echo-MR. Our conversation with Jay delves into the changing landscape of market research and the role of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping its future. Some of the topics that Jay discussed in detail: The Role of Market Research in Decision-Making The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Market Research The Zen of Riding a Motorcycle and its connection to Market Research Embracing Risk and Innovation How the next generation will be the catalyst for driving innovation Some other titles we considered for this episode: You’ve Just Gotta Trust the Universe You Have to Slow Down to Speed Up Speed Creates Focus AI Is a Really Good Co-Pilot Motorcycles Are Just Bikes With Engines

The Asia Tech Podcast hosted Ameer Jumabhoy, a co-founder of utu, founded with the singular vision of enhancing the benefits of tax-free shopping and going beyond the savings of tax refunds for travelers. Some of the topics that Ameer discussed in detail: The evolution of tax-free shopping and utu's tech twist VAT or GST refunds to upsize purchases and provide valuable experiences to tourists The challenges of building complex digital wallets in the context of cross-border travel The importance of superior customer experiences in luxury retail The benefits of tax-free shopping for countries and the power of rewards Some other titles we considered for this episode: Unlocking Value: Tax-Free Shopping and the Rewards Revolution Revolutionizing the Travel Retail Experience The Intersection of Technology, Travel, and Rewards Leaning on Our Experience in Uncharted Waters

The Asia Tech Podcast spoke with Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of Druk Holdings & Investments, the commercial and investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Ujjwal shared his perspective on the importance of technology and innovation in solving societal problems and building a sustainable future. As an electrical engineer with experience in the power sector, Dahal has witnessed the transformation brought about by the internet and believes that it has provided opportunities for reflection and problem-solving. Some of the main topics Ujjwal covered: His perspectives on the continuous innovation brought on by technology The importance and significance of electrifying 99.99% of Bhutan Druk Holdings & Investments' focus on leveraging technology to become an innovation hub in the region Bhutan's commitment to sustainability and using its net carbon-negative position to do Bitcoin mining Self-sovereign digital identity and the introduction of the Super Fab Lab in cooperation with MIT Some other titles we considered: What Really Inspires Me Is to Solve Problems that Matter to Society Why Bhutan Is a Legitimate Place to Innovate Building an Innovative and Sustainable Future Bhutan's Leapfrogging into the Fourth Industrial Revolution Embracing Change: Bhutan's Journey Towards Technological Advancements

The Asia Tech Podcast went to the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore. It costs over $1BN dollars to develop a championship-winning F1 engine, hundreds of millions of dollars yearly just to run a team and many years and over 1,000 people to design each new car. On the Asia Tech Podcast, we normally talk to startups and venture capitalists in Asia…but none are spending that much on R&D. By 2026 the F1 cars will have completely new engines and by 2030, F1 teams need to reach net-zero emissions. …and we went to the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore to find out what the fans think about this!