BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)

Jeremy Au discussed three key insights on Southeast Asia venture capital. First, he highlighted the "Series B Valley of Death," where local funds support pre-seed to Series A, and global investors focus on later stages, but Series B and C funding gaps force startups into aggressive cost-cutting or revenue expansion. Second, he emphasized the importance of timing in venture bets, arguing that startups must be positioned in the right economic window—neither too futuristic nor too late—illustrating with examples like AI-driven call centers in the Philippines and Vietnam’s emerging luxury goods market. Third, he discussed how VCs balance two roles—judging founder potential and adding value—to maximize the likelihood of building unicorns - where startups adapt and learn quickly using the Lean Startup and OODA loops, with examples from sectors like HR tech, AI call centers, and consumer goods. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/series-b-valley-of-death Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

JingJing Zhong, the Co-founder and CEO of Superbench and Jeremy Au discussed: AI Impact on Service Businesses: JingJing explained how AI advancements have transformed traditional service industries. Previously, AI struggled with logic and calculations, making it unreliable for tasks like generating service quotes. Now, improved reasoning allows AI to think through multi-step processes, reducing human workload and increasing efficiency. Superbench helps businesses like cleaning and plumbing services scale without needing more employees. She shared how her former company, Helpling, reduced its sales team from five agents to one while increasing conversion rates from 30% to 70%. CRM vs. RAG Reality: JingJing pointed out that traditional CRM systems don't integrate well with AI-driven customer support. She introduced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) as a way to improve AI accuracy by linking responses to verified business knowledge before generating answers. Many AI chatbots still struggle with anything beyond FAQs and simple transactions, particularly in handling complaints. She predicts AI will advance even faster in the next two years, further reshaping service industries. Customers now assume AI agents are human because AI responses feel more natural than scripted templates used by actual employees. Founder Productivity Lifestyle: JingJing reflected on how managing stress as a founder led her to restructure her daily habits. She quit alcohol, shifted to a healthier diet with more vegetarian meals, and committed to consistent journaling. She noted that these changes had a direct impact on her business performance, saying that after quitting alcohol, her sales "went crazy." She emphasized the importance of therapy for founders, citing YC President Gary Tan’s advice: “Do therapy before you start a company.” She believes founders should address their fears and anxieties early to avoid making poor decisions under pressure. Jeremy and JingJing also talked about startup fraud cases like eFishery, the effects of investor ghosting in Southeast Asia, and cultural differences in venture capital practices between the U.S. and Southeast Asia. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/service-industry-ai-transformation Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Jeremy Au referenced Asia Partners’ report predicting a surge in Southeast Asian unicorns based on macroeconomic fundamentals, and discussed the GDP per capita “time machine” phenomenon where Chinese and American founders enter Southeast Asia to replicate proven business models in frontier markets. He also shared an LP’s perspective on Southeast Asia's underperforming VC funds, questioning whether it was due to fund selection or broader market dynamics, e.g. Vietnam’s struggle to produce a successful tech IPO and high U.S. interest rates that have constrained regional Series B/C capital. He compared VCs to Olympic coaches, explaining that top investors prioritize 10x teams, product, and defensible economics—but competition is fierce for the best startup teams, e.g. Rewind AI receiving 170 term sheets via a Google form auction as an extreme case of a bidding war where VCs fight to get into the round. === Jeremy Au (区汉辉) hosts BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech, the region’s #1 tech podcast and global top 10% podcast with 50,000+ monthly listeners. He cofounded Orvel Ventures (network-driven VC fund), leads the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels for Southeast Asia and is an angel investor in 24 startups. Jeremy teaches venture capital fund strategy and entrepreneurship at National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University. Previously, Jeremy was a VC investor and Chief of Staff at Monk's Hill Ventures, Southeast Asia’s leading pre-A and Series A investor. Jeremy founded and led CozyKin, an early education marketplace to Series A and acquisition by Higher Ground Education. The startup was recognized for winning Harvard Business School's New Venture Competition and the MassChallenge grand prize. Jeremy also cofounded and bootstrapped Conjunct Consulting, an impact consulting platform, to profitability, 100+ clients and thousands of trained impact leaders. He was a Bain management consultant and an infantry sergeant in Singapore. Jeremy is a keynote public speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership and community engagement for thousands across Harvard, Deutsche Bank, e27 Echelon, Singapore Global Tech Network, Boston SPARK Council, Institute of Policy Studies, Civil Service College and many others. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Prestige 40 Under 40 and LinkedIn Top Voice. Author of BRAVE10, showcasing the top 10 journeys of Singapore tech leaders. Harvard MBA and UC Berkeley honor degrees in Economics & Business Administration. Jeremy enjoys science fiction, hiking and being a dad of two daughters. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gdp-per-capita-time-machine Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #SoutheastAsiaTech #PowerLawReturns #UnicornHunting #TechInvestments #InnovationEconomy #EntrepreneurshipInsights #TechGrowth #BRAVEpodcast

Jeremy Au explored the intricacies of understanding customer personas and the challenges of market research. He emphasized the importance of creating nuanced personas for effective marketing, distinguishing them from harmful stereotypes by grounding them in real customer behaviors and needs. He shared insights on the pitfalls of traditional survey methods, particularly how timing and context can lead to inaccurate data, as seen in an example where sober participants misrepresented their preferences for draft beer. Jeremy also analyzed the economic mechanics of customer lifetime value, citing a Southeast Asian SaaS company that generated $100,000 per customer lifetime by charging $1,000 monthly with a 75% margin and a 10-year average retention. Additionally, he discussed Disney's long-term marketing strategy to cultivate lifetime loyalty across generations, contrasting it with the scarcity-driven luxury branding of Hermès and its Birkin bags. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/marketing-personas-loyalty Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Nicolas Bivero, CEO & Co-Founder of Penbrothers, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Japan Intern to Philippines Director: Nicolas Bivero shared his journey as a Venezuelan-German, transitioning across continents and industries. His early exposure to Japanese culture through karate and aikido, influenced by his father, inspired his eventual move to Japan. Initially planning a six-month stay, Nicolas secured an internship at a 160-year-old Japanese logistics company after a chance connection through his uncle. This role evolved into an 18-year career, focusing on replicating Japanese logistics operations across Southeast Asia. Nicolas detailed his adjustment to Japan’s hierarchical corporate culture, his unique position as one of the few foreigners in the company, and his extensive travel across Southeast Asia to develop new business opportunities. 2. 8-Year Side Hustle to Full-Time Founder at 44: In 2014, Nicolas co-founded Pen Brothers with his best friend to address the challenges of global talent shortages by leveraging the Philippines’ vast pool of skilled professionals. Starting as a side hustle, Pen Brothers initially supported startups by hiring remote Filipino teams for roles like software development and business development. Nicolas emphasized the importance of retaining Filipino talent locally to combat brain drain, reflecting his observations of Venezuelan and Portuguese migration trends. By 2022, after eight years of part-time involvement, Nicolas transitioned to leading Pen Brothers full-time. He highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on enabling remote work nationwide, allowing skilled professionals in provinces like Mindanao to work with global clients without relocating. 3. PEO Industry for Filipino Talent: Nicolas dispelled misconceptions about the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry, noting its ability to provide high-quality, long-term roles. He cited examples of senior engineers and specialized staff hired through Pen Brothers, including one who earned a competitive U.S. salary while working for a startup remotely from the Philippines. Nicolas also shared his optimism for Filipino talent, emphasizing their English proficiency and adaptability. He stressed the need for continued government support for education and the importance of positive feedback loops in fostering globally competitive talent. He also discussed the return of some Filipino diaspora members, who bring valuable international experience back to the country. Nicolas also reflected on Japan’s hierarchical work culture, how his father’s passion for martial arts influenced his professional journey and the challenges of scaling remote teams.

Jeremy Au explored the evolving venture capital landscape in Southeast Asia by linking GDP per capita thresholds (US$5K in Vietnam, Indonesia & Philippines vs. US$94K Singapore) to the rise of unicorns like Gojek and Grab. Jeremy also explored the implications of high global interest rates, which have reshaped venture capital deployment, shifting focus toward early-stage investments while reducing late-stage funding. Lastly, he analyzed the diversification of startup models, such as Vietnam's localized mini-conglomerates and Singapore’s globally focused virtualized teams, emphasizing adaptability as a key driver for success in a fragmented yet promising ecosystem. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gdp-per-capita-vs-unicorns Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Jeremy Au examined the evolution of technology marketing and communication, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI, the importance of addressing consumers' primary problems, and the iterative nature of innovation in startups. Jeremy stressed the necessity of solving consumers' most pressing problems at the right moment to achieve product-market fit, illustrating this with real-world scenarios where timing dictated success. Additionally, he underscored the iterative principles of the Lean Startup and Kaizen, which prioritize rapid building, measuring, and learning cycles to meet evolving consumer needs while minimizing errors. The discussion also touched on notable examples like Netflix’s shift from DVDs to streaming and the development of reusable rockets by SpaceX to illustrate these principles in action. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/product-market-fit-pivot Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Kristie Neo, VC (Southeast Asia) Editor at DealStreetAsia, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Channel News Asia to DealStreetAsia VC Editor: Kristie began her journalism career at Channel News Asia (CNA), working in documentaries and later transitioning to business news. She emphasized CNA’s commitment to telling stories through an “Asian perspective,” which shaped her approach to reporting. Later, Kristie also joined DealStreetAsia (DSA) as a venture capital and startup reporter, contributing to its growth from a small team. She highlighted the challenges of establishing credibility as a startup newsroom, including building relationships with key stakeholders and securing access to major press events. 2. Investigative Journalism: Kristie spearheaded the use of Singapore’s ACRA database to access private company filings, uncovering financial insights that shaped investigative reporting at DealStreetAsia (DSA). Her work involved analyzing complex financial reports, connecting the dots between stakeholders, and leveraging this data to produce in-depth reports. Over time, these efforts evolved into Data Vantage, a proprietary tool offering comprehensive company data and insights across Southeast Asia, becoming a critical resource for DSA’s operations. 3. Unicorn Mismanagement (Revolution Precrafted): Kristie led an exposé on Revolution Precrafted, a Philippine unicorn valued at over $1 billion, revealing fraudulent activities. Through on-ground investigations in Manila, she uncovered unfulfilled development projects and inconsistencies in financial operations. Her findings triggered a national government investigation, highlighting the risks of informal structures in Southeast Asia’s startups and emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the ecosystem. Jeremy and Kristie also discussed ethical challenges in journalism, declining media trust, technology's impact on storytelling, and Southeast Asia’s cultural nuances in startup reporting. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kristie-neo Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #InvestigativeJournalism #SoutheastAsiaTech #MediaInnovation #StartupEcosystem #DigitalStorytelling #AsianNarratives #VentureCapitalInsights #TransparencyMatters #TechJournalism #BRAVEpodcast

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au discussed: 1. eFishery Fraud Allegations: Once an Indonesian agritech darling, eFishery’s end-to-end aquaculture solutions were lauded for their potential to improve farmers’ productivity and incomes. eFishery had achieved a $1 billion valuation in 2023, backed by investors like Temasek, Sequoia, Northstar, and GGV Capital. Whistleblower allegations against the founders surfaced despite significant financial oversight, including audited accounts and reputable due diligence processes. Shiyan emphasized the trust deficit such incidents cause, and drew parallels to Zilingo’s earlier downfall which caused a chilling effect on Southeast Asia’s growth-stage investments. 2. Early Exits Signals: Jeremy highlighted the divergent strategies of eFishery’s investors during its Series D round. Notable exits included Ideasource, which achieved a 40x return over a decade, and Sui Ling Cheah from Wavemaker, who bought in via secondaries in 2019 and accomplished a similar return in five years. These moves showcased varying approaches—early-stage investors seeking liquidity versus late-stage investors balancing signaling effects. They also discussed the challenges of timing exits in Southeast Asia’s market context, balancing growth ambitions with prudent capital recovery. 3. Ecosystem Red Flags: Jeremy and Shiyan debated how weak financial governance impacts Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Citing eFishery’s CFO resignation and earlier signals as red flags, they stressed the need for stricter board oversight and robust due diligence practices. Jeremy noted how fraud incidents strain ecosystem trust, making diligence processes longer and more expensive. Drawing parallels to the U.S., Shiyan emphasized how trust and long-term reputation are critical for founders aiming to sustain multiple ventures. They discussed how practices like misreporting revenue—common in sectors like e-commerce—distort valuations and create cascading governance failures. Additional topics included Southeast Asia’s funding culture, revenue-quality metrics, exit dynamics for early employees, and honest advice to founders. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-unicorn-fraud Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Jeremy Au discussed the financial returns of venture capital. Firstly, he explored the concept of power law returns, emphasizing that only 4% of startups generate 10-50x returns, with examples like WhatsApp achieving 50x and Zoom delivering 22x even at later stages. He highlighted this phenomenon's prevalence in industries such as Hollywood (blockbusters vs. average films) vs. aviation (budget airlines). Secondly, he explained the three-fund trajectory for venture capitalists to become established, while noting that Fund 1 and Fund 2 for emerging managers often outperforming due to industry veterans leveraging insider insights—citing crypto as an example where early adopters thrived in the 2010s. Lastly, he underscored the importance of governance, pointing out how founder-investor relationships hinge on balancing control rights and trust. He used examples such as the OpenAI coup attempt vs. Sam Altman and Southeast Asia’s reputation for financial mismanagement to stress the implications of governance misalignment and regulatory challenges in the region. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-power-law-bets Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Yudara Kularathne, CEO & Cofounder of HeHealth, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. D*ck Pics for Science: Yudara described the progress of HeHealth, an AI-powered men’s health app launched in 2022. The app helps users detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by analyzing images. Within two weeks of its release, the app received over 20,000 downloads globally, including from countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Yudara recounted a case where a user with monkeypox contributed 150 detailed images documenting his condition over two weeks to help improve the app’s diagnostic accuracy. This approach leveraged community contributions to create robust, annotated datasets while adhering to ethical guidelines. 2. Child Emergency Doctor to AI Founder: Yudara reflected on his journey from managing over 10,000 cases as a pediatric emergency doctor to founding HeHealth. During his time at Sengkang General Hospital, he built a dedicated pediatric emergency department with support from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted hospital workflows and inspired him to address healthcare gaps. He cited a personal encounter in 2019, when a friend mistakenly believed he had HIV and considered suicide, as the moment that fueled his commitment to bridging stigma-driven healthcare disparities through technology. 3. Model Training vs. Regulatory Affairs: Yudara emphasized the balance between building AI models and navigating regulations. HeHealth used incremental data collection and synthetic data to improve accuracy and reduce biases, particularly for underrepresented groups. In 2023, HeHealth faced a $50 million FTC lawsuit in the U.S., citing privacy concerns about sensitive user data. Using AI tools for legal strategy and transparent communication, Yudara successfully resolved the case within two months. He highlighted how innovation often outpaces regulation and the importance of proactive collaboration with regulators to mitigate risks. Jeremy and Yudara also talked about the role of synthetic data in addressing racial biases in AI healthcare tools and the challenges of scaling health tech in emerging markets. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/yudara-kularathne Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Jeremy Au explored the nuances of venture capital through three lenses. He described how LPs, such as sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, pursue diversification and long-term returns, often seeking a 25% net IRR to justify the high risks of VC, as seen in Southeast Asia's emerging tech ecosystem. Using the "2 and 20" model, Jeremy explained that a. general partners commit 1% of the fund size (e.g., $1M for a $100M fund) as skin in the game while limited partners provide 99% of the capital. b. GPs spend 2% of the fund size on operations for 10 years and c. GPs receive 20% of the fund exit upside and LPs 80%. He shared examples like Sequoia's $100M investment in Zoom, yielding 22x returns, and Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp, which turned a $60M investment into $3B. Lastly, he likened VC to 19th-century whaling, where only 6% of deals produce 60% of returns, drawing parallels to how power-law distributions shape the industry’s focus on rare, high-value investments. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-vs-whaling-power-law Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Jeremy Au discussed the nuanced challenges faced by venture capitalists in assessing startups, emphasizing the importance of local expertise and first-principles thinking. For example, he shared how his understanding of Singaporean founders—gained through years of personal interactions—provided him with an edge over Silicon Valley VCs. He highlighted the risks of fraud in Southeast Asia, citing cases like Zilingo and comparing them to global examples such as Theranos and FTX, which underscore the need for robust due diligence. He explained how VCs use strategies like hiring fraud analysts or leveraging local networks to address these risks. Drawing parallels to the 19th-century whaling industry, Jeremy illustrated how power law dynamics dominate VC returns, with only about 6% of investments producing 60% of total returns, as seen in analysis from Horsley Bridge. This perspective frames VCs as high-performance scouts navigating a market where a single unicorn, like Grab or Gojek, can make or break a fund’s success. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-edge-vs-fraud Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Pinn Lawjindakul, Partner of Lightspeed Southeast Asia and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Bain Consultant to Grab Head: Pinn recounted her shift from Bain & Company, where she started as an intern in 2011, to joining Grab in 2015 during its rapid expansion. She highlighted the operational and cultural differences between consulting in San Francisco and Southeast Asia, noting the latter’s more hierarchical and less mature environment. At Grab, Pinn tackled challenges such as competing with Uber, Easy Taxi, and Rocket Internet, emphasizing the importance of localized operational advantages. 2. Tiger Global to Lightspeed VC Partner: Pinn reflected on her pivotal time at Tiger Global (2016–2019), where she immersed herself in growth-stage investments like Flipkart. The fast-paced environment and exposure to trend-driven, data-backed decision-making helped her realize the impactful nature of venture capital. This experience solidified her passion for working closely with entrepreneurs and shaping transformative businesses. Transitioning to Lightspeed Ventures, she embraced a focus on early-stage startups in Southeast Asia, drawn by the opportunity to guide founders from the outset and help them adopt a regional mindset critical for success 3. Southeast Asia vs. China & India: She highlighted Lightspeed’s report, which debunked the longstanding comparisons of the region to China and India. The report argued that Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets, diverse consumer profiles, and smaller economic scale require a unique approach, defying the traditional narratives borrowed from larger, more homogenous markets. They also championed Singapore's underestimated potential as a key driver of economic growth, countering the conventional wisdom that focuses almost exclusively on larger markets like Indonesia, e.g. Gojek vs. Grab. Pinn also highlighted the need for a more rational approach to capital allocation, underscoring how sustainable growth requires founders and investors alike to balance ambition with market realities. Jeremy and Pinn also discussed her perspective being a parent has changed her perspective on startups, what they learned as Bain interns and what advice she would give her younger self. == Pinn is a founding member of Lightspeed Southeast Asia, a global early-stage investment fund. Prior to Lightspeed, she was at Insignia Venture Partners and Tiger Global Management, where she focused on consumer and financial technology across SEA, India and China. She worked closely with Flipkart (sold to Walmart), Ola, Policybazaar, Hike, Games 24x7, Razorpay, Uxin (IPO exit). Pinn started her career as a management consultant at Bain & Company and also founded Grab’s motorcycle-on-demand in Bangkok, Thailand. Pinn graduated from Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania with a double degree in Psychology and Finance. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. China Exporters vs. Trump: Jianggan Li shared his experiences from nine trips to China, highlighting how exporters are stockpiling goods to mitigate U.S.-China trade tensions amid 2025 Trump-era tariffs. Discussions in Hangzhou emphasized the limits of the “China Plus One” strategy, with countries like Vietnam and Indonesia struggling to match China’s scale and supply chain efficiency. The conversation also covered China’s cross-border logistics innovations, including the Xi’an-to-Budapest rail route, and the integration of Chinese labor into global supply chains, such as assembly work in Italy’s luxury goods sector. 2. Expansion to Saudi Arabia & Middle East: Saudi Arabia’s energy surplus, social contract with foreign labor and government openness to tech and e-commerce firms, such as Talabat and Bytedance, create market expansion opportunities for China exporters and manufacturers. Jeremy and Jianggan noted Saudi Arabia’s interest in Singapore’s industrial policies as a model for economic transformation and compared this approach to Southeast Asia’s more protectionist policies. 3. Electric Vehicle Wars: Jianggan provides a candid look at the competitive landscape of China’s EV sector, from the collapse of smaller players to BYD's dominance. They discuss how scale, innovation, and investment strategies are reshaping the industry. They discuss the implications of the price war vs. consolidation for both domestic and global producers and consumers. Jeremy and Jianggan also discussed startup drone delivery tests in Dubai, Vietnam VNG’s struggles and competition vs. Chinese platforms, and the implications of U.S. 2025 “reverse CFIUS” regulations. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

In this lighthearted episode, Jeremy Au sits down with fellow podcaster Edric Poon, host of Podcaster’s Playground, for a unique twist on the usual format. Armed with a deck of “Truth or Drink” cards, the duo tackles unexpected and hilarious questions that reveal surprising insights about their lives and quirks. Highlights include: - Edric sharing his passion for the iconic Elvis-inspired Super 55 microphone and how it became a symbol of his podcasting journey. - Jeremy confessing his love for the bizarrely catchy jingle, Baby Monkey Riding on a Pig, as his undergrad alarm clock anthem. - A debate on tights, "mantyhose," and how functional fashion changed Edric’s perspective on masculinity. - Reflections on dogs and personalities, where Jeremy introduces his Shiba Inu, Keiko, as his perfect companion. - A heartfelt moment as Edric recounts the best compliment he's received from his wife, inspiring a deep dive into self-acceptance. - Jeremy’s journey of overcoming procrastination and the personal growth sparked by understanding the science behind habits. The conversation takes poignant turns as the duo reflects on love, loss, and resilience, including Jeremy’s emotional story of grieving a past relationship and finding healing in love. With humor, vulnerability, and unexpected wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, a good laugh, or an inside look at the personal lives of two seasoned podcasters. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Dave Overton, Founder of Symph.co & Geeks On A Beach, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Philippines Humanitarian Commitment: Dave recounts moving to the Philippines in 2003 with his wife, a midwife-turned-doctor, who co-founded a nonprofit delivering over 7,000 babies in the past two decades. What began as a temporary three- to five-year plan evolved into a long-term commitment to creating impact in Southeast Asia. Supporting the nonprofit’s growth to a team of 50 medical professionals, Dave reflects on sustainable impact, sharing lessons learned about transforming lives and communities. 2. Serendipity at Geeks On A Beach Community: Co-founded by Dave and Tina Amper in 2012, Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) was inspired by 500 Global’s Geeks on a Plane and aimed to unite startups, investors, and ecosystem players in a collaborative setting. Dave shares the financial hurdles faced during GOAB’s early days and how the event became a platform for significant deals, including an investor funding five startups at a single event. He emphasizes the importance of creating “gravity” to foster collaboration and serendipitous connections within the startup ecosystem. 3. Cebu Serial Founder: He discusses his ventures: Symph.co, a software development company with 88 team members, and Flying Tigers Express, a logistics startup shortening delivery times from 12 days to just 24 hours in cities like Cebu and Davao. Dave also reflected on Cebu’s IT Park evolution from a single building in 2003 to a thriving tech hub, illustrating the broader transformation of the local ecosystem. . They explored challenges of balancing Cebu’s regional development with larger hubs like Manila and Singapore Dave and Jeremy also discussed the lessons learned from stepping back to let new leaders drive community growth, the importance of nurturing students into the next generation of founders and community vs. ego systems. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Franco Verona, Managing Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Foxmont Capital VC & BCG Report: Franco recounted Foxmont Capital Partners’ journey since its founding in 2018, highlighting 40 investments across fintech, deep tech, and consumer goods. Their Philippine Venture Capital Report in collaboration with BCG has been instrumental in attracting global attention to the Philippines’ potential as an emerging market. Analysis includes the rise of the middle class, which grew from 12% to 48% of the population within a decade, alongside consistent 6% GDP growth. This economic momentum has driven demand for local consumer brands like Pickup Coffee and Colourette. 2. Philippines Startup Opportunities: They explored how startups can address gaps between generational low-cost products and premium U.S. imports by targeting the young, experimental population with an average age of 25. Franco emphasized prioritizing profitability and creating Filipino solutions for Filipino problems. Examples included TPG’s investment in BillEase, IFC’s funding of Salmon, and the rise of B2B solutions like Sprout Solutions addressing HR and payroll inefficiencies. 3. 10 Year Predictions: Franco forecasted that the Philippines would mirror Indonesia’s growth trajectory from a decade ago, with fintech, e-commerce, and logistics driving the next wave of investments. While trends like AI and crypto dominate globally, foundational sectors where the Philippines lags 5–10 years behind peers present the most immediate opportunity. Key investments such as General Atlantic’s involvement in Kumu and MUFG’s funding of GCash signal ecosystem maturity. They also discussed how geopolitical tensions with the U.S. and China could shape future growth and relations. The influx of Chinese goods and EVs was also noted as shaping competition and local demand. Additionally, they touched on the Philippines’ dual colonial history and its cultural impact on business, the economic implications of the recent POGO ban, and the rise of tech-driven business models replacing BPO-led operations === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Jay Fajardo, Executive Director of IdeaSpace & QBO and Jeremy Au discussed 1. Philippines Founder Exit: Jay’s journey into tech began in 1983, when his father gifted him a Sinclair ZX81 computer, inspiring him to teach himself programming. By 15, he developed payroll software that he sold to a distributor, marking his entry into entrepreneurship. In the late 1990s, as technology director at BusinessWorld, he led its transition to the web, making it the first Philippine news outlet online. He later founded Airborne Access in 2002, deploying Wi-Fi to over 700 locations across the Philippines. The company was acquired by PLDT in 2008, demonstrating Jay’s ability to innovate and scale in an emerging market. 2. Startup Community Hubs: They discussed the Philippines’ potential as a tech hub, supported by its 114 million population and strong English fluency. Despite these advantages, the country struggled to attract venture capital in its early days compared to Indonesia. Jay highlighted foundational efforts like Roof Camp (2009) and the first Startup Weekend (2011) in Manila, which helped create a vibrant startup community. Initiatives such as IdeaSpace Ventures (founded in 2013) and Kubo fostered innovation through funding and education. The diaspora played a crucial role, with Filipino professionals from Silicon Valley returning to share global expertise, while challenges like brain drain persisted. 3. AI Disrupting BPO & Services: AI emerged as a pivotal theme, with its potential to disrupt the $30 billion BPO sector, which employs 1.3 million people. Jay advocated for local startups to develop AI-driven solutions to replace and improve existing systems. The conversation also touched on the pandemic’s impact, which accelerated digital payment adoption and fostered hyperlocal businesses such as cloud kitchens. Despite challenges like limited middle-management talent and ongoing migration of skilled workers abroad, Jay remained optimistic about the ecosystem’s ability to adapt and innovate. Jeremy and Jay also touched on the increasing focus on follow-on funding for mature startups, niche applications of AI, and opportunities for local startups to exit through acquisitions or stock exchange listings. They reflected on early-stage startups as key to reinvigorating the ecosystem and Jay’s experience balancing entrepreneurship with family life. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-startup-community Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-startup-community 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-startup-community Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-startup-community Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Carlo Chen-Delantar, Co-founder of Gobi-Core Philippine Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Philippines 2025 Challenges: Carlo highlighted the 2024 Philippine Horizons Report, calling for the full implementation of the Innovative Startup Act of 2019 to address gaps in visas, taxes, and funding. Ambitious goals, such as creating four unicorns by 2030 (with GCash and Maya leading), face challenges from bureaucratic inefficiencies like the six-month minimum timeline for establishing businesses. The BPO sector, a significant economic driver, faces disruption from AI-driven automation. Incomplete infrastructure projects, promised under the Duterte administration, also hinder the country’s competitiveness. 2. Trump Geopolitical Tensions: Under the Trump administration, U.S.-China decoupling in global trade policies will impact the Philippines’ reliance on Chinese imports, which dominate platforms like Lazada. Carlo noted that over 50% of cars sold in 2024 were Chinese EV brands, reflecting this dependence. The West Philippine/ South China Sea dispute can also increase tensions with China. 3. Corporate vs. Independent VCs: Corporate venture capital (CVC) dominates the Philippines, similar to Thailand, while independent VCs remain limited. Conglomerates like Ayala and Aboitiz support talent development, but the ecosystem lacks robust support for independent startups. As the Philippines approaches middle-high-income status by 2026, it must emulate successful pro-local policies in Indonesia, such as fostering unicorns like GoTo, to stimulate long-term growth. Carlo highlighted the risks of CVC dominance in curbing the broader multiplier effects independent startups offer. Jeremy and Carlo also discussed how AI adoption could disrupt traditional workflows while benefiting startups, the need for improved visa policies to retain diaspora talent, and opportunities to enhance the Philippines’ service industries for global competitiveness. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-challenge Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-challenge 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-challenge Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-challenge Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Join Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, as they share 5 bold predictions about Southeast Asia's tech ecosystem, including how VCs continue to shift their strategy, silent death of funds and the second-order impact of US-China decoupling on regional markets. Balancing optimism with pragmatism, they also discuss 5 wishes for the region, including overhauling financial accounting operating standards and supporting "failed" founders to bounce back into the talent network. === Shiyan Koh is the Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, a venture capital fund that invests in pre-seed software startups in the U.S., Canada and Southeast Asia. Prior to that she was VP Business Operations and Corporate Development at NerdWallet, a Fintech Startup that helps users with a range of financial decisions through content, community and tools. Over the course of six years at NerdWallet, she led product teams, ran business operations and corporate development, and helped grow the company from US$1M to US$150M in revenue. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities #DeepTechSingapore #SoutheastAsiaTech #USChinaDecoupling #VentureCapitalTrends #TechInnovationHub

Sean Ang, Chairman of NUS Alumni Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. NUS Alumni Ventures: Sean shared how NUS Alumni Ventures (NAV), established in 2020, connects NUS alumni to startups across Southeast Asia for partnerships and investments. Inspired by Stanford Angels, NAV focuses on matchmaking rather than direct funding, organizing four major events annually to link startups with alumni in various industries. The platform engages both seasoned professionals and students, teaching investment analysis and fostering connections. Sean emphasized NAV’s role as a facilitator rather than an investment firm, focusing on SaaS, B2C, and B2B startups. 2. University Unicorn Founders: Sean highlighted NUS’s role as a key entrepreneurship hub in Southeast Asia, citing successful alumni-led companies like Carousell (Siu Rui, Lucas, and Marcus) and PatSnap (Jeffrey Tiong and Guang Tian). Programs like NUS Overseas College (NOC) and research initiatives such as GRIP drive innovation, although more commercialization of deep tech is needed. NUS attracts top talent through its strong academic programs, which create an environment for entrepreneurship and research to thrive. 3. USA vs. Singapore Angels: Sean discussed the distinct cultural landscape of Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem compared to the U.S., where angel investors often reinvest from successful exits. In Singapore, most angels come from traditional industries—banking, consulting, and law—recycling high incomes. This difference impacts startup funding dynamics. Sean noted NAV’s role in bridging gaps, activating alumni, and helping early-stage startups navigate this unique landscape through targeted, quality connections. Jeremy and Sean also touched on the role of Block71 in connecting students with startups, the cultural importance of warm introductions and his new project to connect business angels and family offices across the region. === Sean Ang is the Chairman of NUS Alumni Ventures (NAV), a society that seeks to connect the NUS Alumni network to businesses in SEA for business matching opportunities (partnerships or investments). NAV is a value-driver to two different categories: senior NUS alumni and junior NUS alumni. Besides the core mission of helping people to reconnect with the alma mater, facilitating the interactions of these two distinct generations is another core mission that NAV has been very proud of enabling since our establishment 4 years ago. Besides the alumni community, NAV is also committed to training the next generation that is passionate about being significant future contributors to the innovation industry. We recruit a batch of 50 new students (undergrads, masters, PhDs) every year, trained by retained senior NAV associates. On the backdrop of this committed resource, we organize 4 demodays quarterly interspersed with smaller networking events to grow the ecosystem. Driven by his passion for connecting people, Sean is co-founding SEADS—a people-first platform transforming how entrepreneurs and investors navigate Southeast Asia’s fragmented early-stage investment ecosystem. Featuring a meticulously curated database of business angels, venture capitalists, and family offices, SEADS empowers entrepreneurs and investors alike by fostering meaningful connections and streamlining access to regional funding opportunities. Sean is starting SEADS with a fellow NAV alumni member. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ nus-alumni-ventures Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ nus-alumni-ventures 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ nus-alumni-ventures Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ nus-alumni-ventures

Cheryl Lau from “Edit History” Podcast and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Law & PHD Dropout: Cheryl reflected on leaving law school in Hong Kong in 2018 despite earning a scholarship due to self-awareness gained during internships and to focus on a research degree instead. She later had to choose to drop out of her Hong Kong PhD during the pandemic in order to join her now-husband in Singapore. She shared her mixed emotions about leaving academia and choosing love. Although her parents initially disapproved, they came to respect her independence and ability to take responsibility for her choices. 2. Side Hustle to Thought Leadership Podcaster: Cheryl described her podcast’s transformation from “The Side Hustle Club” to “The Thought Leadership Club” and now “Edit History.” This latest iteration critiques and reflects on past works, showcasing personal and professional growth. Cheryl, as a solopreneur, manages every aspect of production, emphasizing storytelling and thought-provoking content. She highlighted the importance of meaningful long-form content, which she finds more resonant than short-form media in today’s AI-driven landscape. 3. Asian Childhood Beliefs vs. Personal Growth: Growing up in Canada as the child of Asian immigrants, Cheryl internalized the value of hard work but later questioned whether diligence alone ensured success. Leaving law school was a pivotal moment, prompting her to focus on aligning her career with her strengths. Cheryl also overcame insecurities about her appearance and public speaking by committing to daily Instagram video stories, building confidence and refining her ability to connect with others. These experiences now shape her work as a coach and content creator, helping others build meaningful bodies of work. Additionally, Cheryl shared her thoughts on balancing short-form and long-form content, her childhood aspiration to edit textbooks and how the pandemic profoundly shaped her career transitions and personal life. === Cheryl Lau is a podcaster who helps entrepreneurs and creators around the globe build a substantial and compelling body of work that matters. Cheryl believes that your impact isn’t defined by your audience size, your business revenue, or whether you have a LinkedIn Top Voice badge. Instead, it is measured through whether you’ve built something that matters to you and your people. This is precisely what your body of work does. Her podcast is the Thought Leader Club (previously called Side Hustle Club). The podcast was shortlisted for the 2024 Asia Podcast Awards (by Radioinfo Asia) in the “Best Money and Business Podcast” category and won the 2023 Golden Crane Award (by the Asian American Podcasters Association) in the “Best Entrepreneur/Solopreneur Podcast” category. Cheryl has quit graduate school twice - Law school in 2018 and PhD in 2022. Both times, it felt like she went from being the Asian parent’s dream child to their biggest disappointment overnight. But since starting to build a body of work in 2019, Cheryl has created new business and career opportunities that not only make her proud… But it also makes her parents proud. Today, Cheryl’s work empowers entrepreneurs and creators to stay committed to pursuing what they truly believe in and always take full responsibility for their decisions and actions - And it all starts with building a body of work that matters. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ law-dropout-to-podcaster-coach Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ law-dropout-to-podcaster-coach 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ law-dropout-to-podcaster-coach Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ law-dropout-to-podcaster-coach Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

Jeremy Au and Gita Sjahrir discussed three key themes during their conversation: 1. Apple’s $1 Billion Investment in Indonesia and Local Content Policies: Indonesia’s regulation requiring local components in imported products initially banned iPhone 16 sales, sparking public frustration. The government negotiated with Apple, escalating from a $10 million offer to a $1 billion investment. Gita highlighted President Prabowo Subianto’s role in global diplomacy, marking a shift from Indonesia’s traditionally insular policies. They also explored the broader context of deglobalization, where nations prioritize domestic production, and discussed how similar strategies could be applied in other markets like Vietnam. 2. Traveloka and the Middle-Class Economy: Traveloka, founded in 2012 by Ferry Unardi, Derianto Kusuma, and Albert Zhang, represents a scalable digital-first platform in Indonesia. Despite this potential, economic insecurity among the middle class limits its growth. Indonesia’s GDP grew 5% in 2023, but discretionary spending remains low due to middle-class vulnerability. Traveloka also faces competition from Agoda, part of Booking Holdings, and new entrants from China. Jeremy and Gita stressed that stabilizing the middle class is crucial not just for Traveloka but for consumer-driven industries across the region. 3. Cultural Barriers and Financial Literacy in Startups: Gita discussed how Indonesia’s “shame culture” prevents founders from addressing their weaknesses, particularly in financial literacy. She noted that one in three founders struggles with basics like distinguishing GMV, revenue, and contribution margins, which often leads to poor decision-making. Jeremy and Gita emphasized the importance of personal growth to overcome these challenges, encouraging founders to “do it scared” and take action despite fear. Jeremy and Gita also discussed the challenges of navigating the “messy middle” in startups, often spanning over a decade; lessons from the 2014–2015 tech boom, which highlighted the risks of overfunding and rapid scaling; the transition from physical to digital industries, with Indonesia’s digital economy growing 16% in 2023; Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to position Indonesia as a neutral geopolitical player; and how founders can reassess their long-term priorities and time investments in startups. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ indonesia-apple-1b-deal Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ indonesia-apple-1b-deal 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ indonesia-apple-1b-deal Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ indonesia-apple-1b-deal Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities #AppleInvestment #IndonesiaEconomy #TechPolicy #MiddleClassChallenges #StartupCulture

Ron Baetiong, Founder of Podcast Network Asia, and Jeremy Au discussed: Philippines Basketball Jock to Founder Exit: Ron shared his early life as a basketball jock raised in a lower-middle-class Filipino household by his single mother. Determined to achieve the Filipino dream of owning a house, Ron worked in a call center at 18 while studying at the University of Santo Tomas. Ron’s time at Groupon (2011) taught him foundational sales skills that later became pivotal. He launched his first startup, a nightlife app called Partyphile, inspired by his personal pain points as a clubgoer. Despite initial traction with 50,000 users, the business struggled with monetization. By 2016, Ron pivoted to Chatbot.ph, leveraging the emerging chatbot market. Within a year, the company was acquired by Sterling Paper Group, allowing Ron to fulfill his dream of buying his mother a house. 2. Startup Failure Lessons: His journey revealed key lessons about being a solo founder and the importance of monetization strategies. Ron shared how missing opportunities to sell club tables—a lucrative revenue stream—hindered growth. The business faced a turning point in 2016, following a tragic incident at a major rave event and political shifts under Duterte’s presidency that dampened the nightlife scene. Transitioning to Chatbot.ph, Ron capitalized on timing and his ability to build quick MVPs. By mid-2017, the company generated over $10,000 in monthly revenue and attracted investors, leading to its acquisition. Ron highlighted how this pivot taught him to prioritize building strong teams and focusing on cash flow. 3. Podcast Network Asia & Serye FM In 2019, Ron founded the podcast HustleShare to document startup journeys and give back to the Philippine ecosystem. He expanded this passion into Podcast Network Asia (PNA), which grew to manage 320 shows, including exclusive collaborations with Spotify, paying $20,000 per show annually. However, Spotify’s strategic pivot in 2023—ending exclusivity deals—led to significant financial strain for PNA. In response, Ron launched Serye FM to address the growing demand for localized audio content. Serye FM adopted a paywall model within Spotify, enabling Filipino listeners to access serialized audio series. With 100% month-on-month growth over five months, Serye FM has emerged as a rising star. Ron’s teaming with co-founder Rexy Dorado, formerly of Kumu, reinforced the platform’s potential to replicate its success. Jeremy and Ron also talks about the grief of losing his co-founder in 2023, managing platform risks with Spotify, and his plans to scale Serye FM from the Philippines to the U.S. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ ph-founder-podcast-lesson Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ ph-founder-podcast-lesson 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ ph-founder-podcast-lesson Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ ph-founder-podcast-lesson Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Tony Pang, founder of IME International Mandarin Education, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Veteran EdTech Founder Journey: Tony shared his evolution from a Boston University graduate to a seasoned entrepreneur. After working at Toshiba in Japan during its economic peak, he returned to Hong Kong in the 1990s to launch eSchool, a corporate e-learning platform during the dot-com boom. Despite the bubble burst, he bought back his shares and sold the company to a larger firm. In 2005, he sold his Mandarin training company—the largest in Hong Kong—to The Washington Post. Tony also broke new ground in 2001 by collaborating with Disney to design the world’s first Disneyfied mobile phone, rebuilding hardware and software from scratch. This experience highlighted his focus on innovation, calculated risks, and leveraging partnerships for success. 2. Rise of Chinese Language Learning: Tony explored the growing demand for Mandarin as a second language, driven by China’s global influence, particularly in ASEAN countries. He contrasted Eastern cultures’ preference for assessment-driven learning with the West’s more relaxed approach. Through IME, Tony uses edtech to make HSK assessments accessible, affordable, and engaging globally, addressing challenges like fragmented demand and the Ministry of Education’s reliance on outdated models. He noted that improving accessibility can unlock significant latent demand, even in regions where Mandarin is not traditionally popular. 3. Risk vs. Resilience: Tony emphasized the importance of calculated risks and identifying a unique competitive edge. He shared lessons from his Disney mobile phone project, showing how entrepreneurs can thrive against larger competitors by focusing on niche markets and innovative solutions. He encouraged resilience through perseverance, leveraging resources, and aligning strategies with long-term goals. Jeremy and Tony also touched on the role of luck in entrepreneurial success, generational shifts toward multilingualism and geographic trends in Mandarin language adoption. === Tony Pang, based in Hong Kong and founder of International Mandarin Education (IME), is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record in education and e-learning. With over 20 years of expertise in Mandarin education, he specializes in information systems and assessment. His strong connections with the Ministry of Education of China (MOE) underscore his pivotal role at the intersection of education and technology. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ chinese-language-learning-boom Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ chinese-language-learning-boom 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ chinese-language-learning-boom Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ chinese-language-learning-boom Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Clement Pang, cofounder of Lirvana Labs and Jeremy Au explored: 1. Google Engineer to $400M Exit Clement detailed his journey from a computer science graduate at Rice University in 2004 to starting at Google during its IPO phase and later GLMX in 2007 to build a financial trading platform as a founding engineer. In 2012, he co-founded Wayfront, an observability SaaS company that filled a gap in system monitoring. Early customers included Workday, Yammer, and Lyft, and the platform eventually scaled to serve companies like Reddit and DoorDash. Wayfront’s acquisition by VMware in 2017 for $400 million provided Clement with invaluable lessons about scaling cross-functional teams and handling millions of data points per second. He emphasized minimizing dependency on external factors, a lesson learned from GLMX’s reliance on interest rates, and aligning teams with a clear vision—a skill he honed while managing 2,000 engineers at VMware. 2. “Diamond Age” Education AI: Drawing inspiration from Neil Stephenson’s The Diamond Age, Clement envisions AI as a tool to democratize education and approximate human tutors. In 2021, Clement co-founded Livano Labs with his sister to transform early childhood education using generative AI. Their app, Yeti Confetti Kids, launched in 2022, targets children aged 3 to 9, teaching math, English, and social-emotional skills. AI designs personalized learning experiences instead of relying on pre-set algorithms. Feedback loops enabled the AI to improve its outputs by analyzing real-world usage data. He emphasized curriculum alignment for classroom settings, where AI must adhere to structured learning goals. 3. Gen Z Future: Clement reflected on how tools like ChatGPT are changing interpersonal communication, particularly for Gen Z. He drew parallels to the introduction of calculators in education, noting how technological tools shift norms and practices. He discussed AI’s role as a sounding board for personal and professional problem-solving, encouraging users to engage critically with its outputs while leveraging its strengths. They also discussed lessons from Clement’s experiences managing cross-functional teams during Wayfront’s rapid growth, how decreasing costs are enabling scalable applications like Yeti Confetti Kids, and the role of AI in enhancing collaboration and decision-making. === Clement Pang is a serial entrepreneur (400MM in exits) and current co-founder and co-CEO of Lirvana Labs, a startup that created an AI Learning Companion to teach children the critical literacy and reasoning skills that change lives and destinies. With over 17 years of experience in software engineering, architecture, and leadership, Clement is passionate about building purposeful products that leverage the power of AI and data to solve real-world problems and improve human well-being. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ google-engineer-to-400M-exit Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ google-engineer-to-400M-exit 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ google-engineer-to-400M-exit Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ google-engineer-to-400M-exit Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Singles' Day 11/11 eCommerce: Jianggan shared his recent immersion trip to Hangzhou, where he observed China’s vibrant e-commerce and live commerce sectors. With Singles’ Day on November 11 approaching, he noted how this biggest shopping holiday in China has influenced shopping behaviors across Southeast Asia. Major platforms like Lazada and Shopee now promote Singles’ Day regionally and have inspired monthly events like 10.10 and 9.9 sales, reflecting how Chinese shopping culture has permeated the region’s markets. These frequent sales resonate with local consumers, and the rise of “payday promotions” as SEA brands continually invent new reasons to engage consumers between big sale events. This trend has raised demand for popular Chinese products, which occasionally leads to counterfeit goods, such as longjing "dragon well" tea.. He also highlights a visit to a logistics center in China, where human workers sort 3.5 million parcels daily, which rise to 8 million at peak periods, significantly contrasting Southeast Asia's relatively lower volume. 2. Trump vs. BRICS & Exporters: Reflecting on the US-China trade war, they outlined how supply chain shifts began during the 2016 Trump administration when tariffs on Chinese exports pushed some manufacturers to relocate to Vietnam and Cambodia. Although challenging, this diversification trend was essential for reducing tariff exposure and mitigating political risk. Chinese founders had to overcome frauds and scams in these frontier markets. The recent BRICS summit, with Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand joining as partners, highlights a shift toward a multi-polar economic strategy. A handshake between Xi Jinping and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the summit indicated efforts to ease border tensions while China maintained its role as India’s largest trading partner. 3. Singapore Suzhou Industrial Parks & Hangzhou: They examined the role of regional industrial parks, with a focus on the Suzhou Industrial Park, a collaboration with Singapore that set a model for attracting FDI and spurred local development. Both Jiangsu (Suzhou) and Zhejiang (Hangzhou) provinces now lead China’s wealthiest regions, each with a GDP per capita of about $20,000, double the national average. Suzhou’s FDI-driven approach contrasts with Zhejiang’s privatized clusters, where private entrepreneurs, such as those in Yiwu, naturally formed their own industries. This economic contrast highlights how both regions have fostered complementary ecosystems, with distinct founder “vibes” reflecting diverse business cultures. Jeremy and Jianggan also discussed why China is holding off on a fiscal stimulus till America's election results, how Singaporean brands are entering America's “affordable luxury” niches which align with America’s higher GDP per capita, and the expansion of Chinese brands like Luckin Coffee and Chagee into the US market. === Jianggan Li is the Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, a Singapore-headquartered venture outfit. Prior to founding Momentum Works, he co-founded Easy Taxi in Asia, and served as Managing Director of Foodpanda. He is also the co-author of the book Seeing the Unseen: Behind Chinese Tech Giants' Global Venturing. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and a degree in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University. Apart from English and his native Mandarin, he is also fluent in French and conversational in Cantonese & Spanish. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ trump-vs-brics-exporters Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ trump-vs-brics-exporters 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ trump-vs-brics-exporters Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ trump-vs-brics-exporters

Xiaoyin Qu, founder and CEO of Heeyo.ai, and Jeremy Au discussed: Facebook Product Manager to Stanford MBA Dropout Founder: Xiaoyin shared her journey from Shandong, China to studying at Pomona College in 2009, part of an early wave of Chinese students pursuing U.S. undergraduate degrees. Initially focused on economics, her career pivot to computer science was inspired by an internship at Atlassian, then a small startup. Her subsequent Product Manager role at Facebook with Instagram’s early product management team of 20–30 members in 2014 introduced her to Silicon Valley’s dynamics of scaling tech platforms. Xiaoyin reflected on reconciling cultural differences, including her Confucian upbringing and Silicon Valley’s fast-paced, innovation-driven ethos. She shared why she joined Stanford MBA, and why she dropped out to be a founder Run The World Pandemic Learnings: Xiaoyin recounted founding her virtual events startup in 2019 with a term sheet from Andreessen Horowitz. Launching the platform in February 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the company experienced explosive demand, scaling from 10 to 50 employees by year’s end. A viral TechCrunch article highlighted their services, drawing hundreds of clients daily. However, Xiaoyin noted the high churn rates in the events industry and the challenges of sustaining growth post-pandemic. Reflecting on the “zero interest rate policy” (ZIRP) era, she discussed the pressures of over-hiring and subsequent layoffs, lessons that now guide her to focus on strategic agility and resource efficiency, particularly as economic conditions evolve. Heeyo AI Generation Alpha Education: Xiaoyin’s current venture, Heeyo.ai, focuses on AI-driven interactive education for children aged 3 to 11. Inspired by her upbringing and fascination with technology, the platform uses text-to-speech and large language models to support over 30 languages, serving users in 100+ countries. Heeyo.ai allows parents to customize educational content, incorporating values and interests like STEM, social-emotional learning, and cultural heritage. This design ensures the platform resonates with Gen Alpha, a tech-savvy generation naturally integrating AI into their daily lives. Xiaoyin emphasized safety, age-appropriateness, and ethical AI interactions, supported by child psychologists and educators. She also highlighted AI’s potential to democratize education globally, addressing disparities and providing personalized learning experiences. They also discussed the role of AI in fostering creativity as a key skill for the future, cultural customization of AI tools to reflect personal values and evolving educational approaches that emphasize emotional intelligence and social learning. In addition to these main points, Jeremy and Xiaoyin briefly explored several other themes: - The role of AI in fostering creativity as a key skill for the future. - Cultural customization of AI tools to reflect regional and personal values. - The impact of “zero interest rate policy” (ZIRP) on startup hiring practices during COVID-19. === Xiaoyin Qu is the founder and CEO of heeyo.ai which provides interactive AI tutor and playmate for kids aged 3-11 and is funded by OpenAI. Prior to Heeyo, Xiaoyin Qu founded Run The World, a leader in virtual events software and was awarded Inc's Top 100 Female Founder and Fast Company's Most Innovative Company in events. She was a Stanford MBA dropout. She co-founded Stoooges Education, a leading College Admissions Consulting firm in China when she was 19. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ gen-alpha-ai-educ Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ gen-alpha-ai-educ 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ gen-alpha-ai-educ Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ gen-alpha-ai-educ Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

Valeri Vu, Founding Partner at Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Vietnam Likes Trump Win: Valerie analyzed the positive local sentiment towards Trump’s recent U.S. presidential win in 2024. She highlighted the $100 billion trade surplus Vietnam holds with the U.S. which brings potential American tariff risks, with a potential Vietnamese counterproposal to balance the trade relationship by purchasing defense and technology goods, such as aircraf. Trump’s hawkish stance on China indirectly benefits Vietnam by encouraging manufacturing shifts, but also brings challenges for maintaining stable trade relationships. Valerie highlighted Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy,” referencing recent efforts by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to engage with both the U.S. and China. 2. China Factory Relocation: The discussion focused on Vietnam’s growing role as a manufacturing hub, fueled by U.S. tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods. Valerie detailed how relocations, including consumer electronics factories, are concentrated in industrial parks in Bac Ninh (North) and Binh Duong (South), benefiting Vietnam’s manufacturing share, which currently stands at 2–3% globally. However, challenges persist, such as workforce skill gaps, rising coal consumption, and environmental concerns like air pollution. Vietnam is targeting growth in high-tech sectors, such as AI and software, to diversify its economic base. She also predicted that domestic consumption in Vietnam, currently sluggish due to lingering effects of a real estate crisis, will recover in 2025 as the economy stabilizes. 3. Startup Protectionism & Opportunities: Valerie outlined how local startups struggle to compete with international e-commerce giants like Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Temu, which dominate Vietnam’s market through aggressive pricing and logistics advantages. Local platforms such as Tiki and Sendo have seen their market shares eroded, a stark contrast to Indonesia, where protectionist policies like banning Temu have shielded domestic players. She highlighted the rise of Vietnamese diaspora founders, like Pham Nhat Vuong of Vingroup, who are returning to Vietnam with global experience to build competitive ventures. Valerie stressed the need for startups to go global to thrive, citing successful Vietnamese brands like Trung Nguyen Coffee. She noted that SMEs face significant challenges as global competition intensifies, but startups targeting cross-border opportunities, especially in Southeast Asia, show promise. === Valerie founded Ansible Ventures, a seed fund dedicated to Vietnam in 2022. Previously, she served as Vietnam Country Head for Venturra Capital, where she led over a dozen investments from 2020 to early 2022. From 2016 to 2019, she worked at Deloitte U.S. as a senior consultant where she advised hedge funds, private equity funds and other investment management clients. Valerie graduated magna cum laude in 2016 from Temple University’s Fox School of Business with a major in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Pennsylvania. She also founded Career Opportunities in Vietnam (COVN), providing advice to aspiring professionals and co-hosted Forward Vietnam Podcast. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ vietnam-likes-trump Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ vietnam-likes-trump 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ vietnam-likes-trump Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ vietnam-likes-trump Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

ZQ, Cofounder of Sleek EV, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Electric Vehicle Founder Passion: ZQ shared his unconventional path from university studies to co-founding Sleek EV. Pivotal milestones include being inspired by his parents’ entrepreneurial roots and self-discovery traveling in a self-renovated solar-powered van and a NUS Overseas Colleges internship in New York. Two years after launching, the company has grown to 90 employees and deployed over 3,000 electric motorcycles across Southeast Asia, with its operations hub based in Bangkok. 2. Thailand EV Market Selection: ZQ chose Thailand over other Southeast Asian markets like Indonesia and Vietnam, due to the centralized market, strong motorcycle culture, and rapid adoption of new technologies making it an ideal entry point. ZQ highlighted the challenges of competing with established brands like Honda, which dominates 80% of the local market, and the importance of designing an affordable and reliable product to meet consumer demands. He also discussed the evolving EV ecosystem, emphasizing partnerships with local manufacturers, the role of CATL batteries, and the complexities of developing a standardized charging infrastructure. 3. Balancing Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship: ZQ reflected on the challenges of managing his dual roles as an entrepreneur and a father to his two-year-old daughter. He candidly shared the sacrifices his family has made, including long periods away from home and financial uncertainties. Despite the difficulties, ZQ emphasized that fatherhood has enhanced his leadership skills and emotional resilience, helping him grow personally and professionally. He also discussed his belief in allowing his child the freedom to choose her own path, supporting her dreams—whether entrepreneurial or otherwise. They also discussed the role of ESG values in driving Sleek EV’s mission, challenges in scaling a hardware vs. software startups and the future of EV charging infrastructure for mass adoption. === Zhang Quan (ZQ) is the co-founder and COO of Sleek EV, one of the fastest-growing electric motorcycle companies in Southeast Asia. With over five years of experience in the electric motorcycle industry, ZQ has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of sustainable transportation. Before launching Sleek EV, he co-founded companies that distributed various electric motorcycle brands and developed Thailand's first digital financing platform for electric motorcycle hire purchase. A passionate advocate for the startup ecosystem, ZQ has held positions at tech companies such as Klook in Singapore and collaborated with pioneering Spotify team members in New York City to establish a social networking app, which attracted over 300,000 users within just six months. Currently, he balances his professional commitments with family life, shuttling between Bangkok and Singapore. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-electric-vehicles Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-electric-vehicles 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-electric-vehicles Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-electric-vehicles Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Edward Booty, Founder of reach52, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Health Access For 6M Lives: Edward Booty, CEO of reach52, shared how the company addresses healthcare gaps in rural and underserved regions across Asia and Africa. Initially conceptualized during Edward’s travels in India, reach52 shifted from a tech-heavy model reliant on shared kiosks to a comprehensive platform empowering local health workers. The organization uses data-driven tools to map community health needs and deliver targeted interventions, improving access to essential medicines and education. By 2023, reach52 had impacted over 6 million lives across seven countries, aiming to expand further into Africa due to extreme medication price disparities—sometimes 30 times higher than in the UK. 2. reach52 Business Model: Edward detailed the complexities of balancing impact and profitability as a social enterprise. reach52 operates on dual funding—corporate sponsorships and distribution margins from affordable medicines. He highlighted systemic challenges like fragmented impact measurement frameworks and vested interests in rural markets, which can hinder scale. Edward underscored the importance of embracing market complexities, such as regulatory engagement and supply chain management, to achieve scalable impact without diluting the mission. 3. Social Enterprise Perceptions: The conversation explored how perceptions of social enterprises have evolved over the past decade. While “social business” was trendy in the 2010s, health equity has become the focal point in global discourse. Edward reflected on navigating fluctuating funding priorities, avoiding inauthentic rebranding to chase trends, and staying committed to Reach 52's mission of health access for underserved communities. They also discussed the role of training in empowering unpaid health workers, collaborative models with governments and NGOs to scale local health solutions and the economic impact of health expenditures on poverty in rural regions. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://[email protected]/health-access-for-6M-lives Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://[email protected]/health-access-for-6M-lives 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://[email protected]/health-access-for-6M-lives Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://[email protected]/health-access-for-6M-lives Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia:https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities #HealthEquity #AffordableMedicine #SocialEnterprise #GlobalHealthcare #EmergingMarkets #BRAVEPodcast

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. 6 Million Population: Singapore’s population reached 6 million in 2023, up from 5 million in 2010. Shiyan noted the population was 2.7 million when she left two decades ago in 1990, highlighting rapid growth. Increased density has boosted economic diversity, comparable to New York City’s business environment. Unlike USA or the EU, Singapore’s population growth is driven by legal immigration due to strong border enforcement. International events like the F1 Grand Prix and Token 2049 contribute to an influx of expatriates, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a global business hub. 2. Anti-Immigration vs. Education Assimilation: With Singapore’s GDP per capita at USD 88,000, which six times higher than neighboring Malaysia, Shiyan highlighted that Singapore naturally attracts workers from ASEAN countries. She emphasized that immigration often fills jobs that the local population does not. Jeremy noted that immigration, while necessary for economic growth, is controversial globally, especially when people feel its benefits aren’t equally shared. They both suggested that schools should serve as platforms for integrating immigrant children, given Singapore’s declining birth rate. They also discussed how international schools, equal government funding across local schools, socio-economic factors, tuition, and parent self selection drives competition across families for local school slots. 3. US$230M Bitcoin Theft Lessons: 20-year-old Singaporean Malone Lam was arrested in Los Angeles for stealing 4,100 Bitcoin, worth USD 230 million. He partied hard with the proceeds, gave away Birkin bags at nightclubs, and bought luxury cars. Prioritizing long-term thinking and value creation leads to sustainable success, rather than chasing short-term career gains that sacrifice integrity. Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on fostering "kampung community spirit”, the impact of alumni networks and socioeconomic background on local school performance, and the role of expatriates in Singapore's business ecosystem. === Shiyan Koh is the Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, a venture capital fund that invests in pre-seed software startups in the U.S., Canada and Southeast Asia. Prior to that she was VP Business Operations and Corporate Development at NerdWallet, a Fintech Startup that helps users with a range of financial decisions through content, community and tools. Over the course of six years at NerdWallet, she led product teams, ran business operations and corporate development, and helped grow the company from US$1M to US$150M in revenue. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Jeremy Au examined the key advantages for venture capital judgment, with a focus on local market expertise in Southeast Asia. VCs must confront the limits of their knowledge and not be overconfident, especially in frontier markets. Global funds have been burned by high-profile and hidden cases of unchecked fraud (e.g., Theranos, FTX, and Zilingo), illustrating how localized due-diligence analysts. He discusses how VCs are evaluating and investing in “lonelytech” AI companionship, exemplified by companies like friend.com, which offers on-demand AI friends for those seeking constant companionship. Reflecting on his experience with Professor Howard Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences and the "Good Citizen Project," Jeremy underscored the societal shift from traditional support systems to commodified relationships, now facilitated by technology. He highlighted the VC’s responsibility in distinguishing sustainable value from fleeting trends while navigating the ethical terrain between investment potential and societal impact. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-advantages Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-advantages-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-advantages-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-advantages-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Kheng Lian Ho, Managing Partner at Turn Capital, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Law to Turn Capital Managing Partner: Kheng’s disciplined childhood as a 11-year old Singapore national badminton athlete laid the foundation for her early legal carer For six years, she practiced restructuring and cross-border litigation in Singapore and Hong Kong, drawn to the intellectual challenges but stifled by routine and limited personal connection. Seeking more impactful, people-centered work, Kheng left her law career to do angel investing, be a venture partner at Vectr Ventures in Hong Kong, facilitated deal sourcing and capital markets, and founded the Open Circles community to connect entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. Building on her extensive network and operational expertise, Kheng co-founded Turn Capital alongside Joseph Phua and Shang Koo. With a focus on acquiring and transforming underperforming consumer tech companies, Turn Capital leverages 40 combined years of experience to revitalize these businesses and guide them back to profitability. 2. Buying Flash Coffee Thailand & Turnaround: Her fund strategy is a. acquired former VC-backed startups plagued by high costs and inefficiencies in social, entertainment, media, and e-commerce sectors b. limited number of acquisitions for deep hands-on business engagement and c. balanced goal of 3-5x returns over five years. Their first acquisition, Flash Coffee Thailand, showcases this method: by reducing the original 46 outlets by half, the team swiftly brought operations to break-even, paving the way for sustainable expansion and long-term growth. Acquiring majority operational control is key to execute rightsizing and achieve profitability within nine months. She shares that they bring an external, objective eye, vs. founders, board and executives that may not be able to reach a consensus to execute the turnaround internally. 3. Emerging Fund Manager Advice: By 2023, Turn Capital successfully raised over $20 million, backed by prominent investors such as Kee Lock from Vertex Ventures, Peng Ong from Monk’s Hill Ventures, and Twitch cofounder Kevin Lin. Kheng underscored the importance of a distinct and well-defined investment strategy to stand out in the competitive market. Kheng leveraged her established network to attract high-profile investors, emphasizing the value of relationships cultivated over time. She recommends first-time fund managers tap into their existing networks, especially those who have financially benefited from past collaborations, as they often become key supporters during fundraising. Unlike her prior advisory roles where rejection felt indirect, leading as a general partner made setbacks personal, demanding strong emotional resilience. To maintain balance amidst the pressures of high-stakes investing, Kheng incorporates daily hot yoga, meditation, and the support of close friends into her routine. Jeremy and Kheng also discussed how her personal identity has shifted over time, what it meant to turn away from the legal career ladder and what she likes about being a fund manager. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kheng-lian-ho Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kheng-lian-ho-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kheng-lian-ho-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kheng-lian-ho-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Trump 2028 Tariffs: With Trump’s return to the presidency and Republican dominance in the Senate, House, and Supreme Court, the stage is set for new tariffs on Chinese imports. This is likely to redirect manufacturing to Southeast Asia, positioning countries like Vietnam and Indonesia as key beneficiaries, particularly in sectors such as electronics and textiles. However, this move will also lead to an influx of low-cost Chinese exports into Southeast Asia, challenging local markets and putting pressure on SMEs. Concurrently, rising US labor costs fueled by stricter immigration policies are driving American companies to ramp up automation while also making Southeast Asia an attractive hub for labor-intensive industries. In aggregate, the region's business mix is likely to move from local SMEs & conglomerates to more US and China MNCs. 2. iPhone Ban Protectionism vs. Globalization: Indonesia has imposed device manufacturing local content requirements, thus leading to a ban on the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel. While these policies provide temporary leverage, Gita noted that sustainable growth requires more than protectionist measures, Indonesia needs to build private-sector capacity and improve its business environment. China manufacturers are also building more local joint-venture partnerships to comply with Indonesia's proposed 200% anti-China import tariffs. This is similar to Japan’s relocation of factories to Southeast Asia during the 1970s and 1980s in response to US trade barriers. In contrast, Singapore continues to keep borders open to to Chinese and global capital - with the goal of becoming the regional talent hub vs. Hong Kong. 3. ASEAN Unity & Peace: Diplomacy across the region is vital to maintain regional stability and cohesion to address external pressures. Jeremy and Gita praised ASEAN’s ability to maintain peace despite diverse political systems and cultures. This multi-party relational resilience has underpinned decades of peace and economic growth since the Vietnam War, even in an era marked by rising protectionist policies. Remarkably, they noted how ASEAN leaders continue to come together annually for a group photo and joint communiqué — a symbolic gesture to cooperation among 700 million people across the region’s vastly different nations, cultures and languages. Jeremy and Gita also talked about Indonesia’s EV & nickel battery market potential, Malaysia’s new proactive foreign direct investment approach, and growth vs. redistribution-focused economic policies. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-and-indonesia-tariff Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-and-indonesia-tariff-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-and-indonesia-tariff-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-and-indonesia-tariff-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Trump Win vs. Southeast Asia Trade: Trump’s 2024 landslide election victory across the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, will reshape Southeast Asia’s economic landscape. His proposed “global 10% tariff” on all US imports and a targeted 60% tariff on Chinese goods may severely disrupt Southeast Asia’s trade flows. Singapore could face challenges for export-driven industries and its role as a key transit hub for US-China trade. Chinese-funded products manufactured in Southeast Asia—such as solar cells produced in Vietnam— may now face similar tariffs as those directly from China. Biden-era “reverse CFIUS” restrictions, which limit US investment in Chinese firms across sectors such as AI and advanced manufacturing, coupled with Trump's new China hawk administration will further accelerate American LPs and MNCs to redirect foreign direct investment (FDI) towards Southeast Asia instead of China. 2. China Talent Flows: Known as the “Delaware of Asia,” Singapore stands to benefit as both US and Chinese firms seek a neutral and stable base for regional Asia operations (versus Hong Kong). As US-China tensions deter many Chinese families and professionals from pursuing American education and career paths, Singapore has become an appealing alternative. Singapore, a nation built by immigrants, has long maintained a social contract that includes national service (NS) obligations as a cornerstone of fostering social cohesion among its diverse population. However, the country has historically faced complex challenges in determining which types of immigrants to accept, how best to integrate them into society and to improve income inequality. Jeremy shared a story about a former Thai employee who had to leave America after her H-1B visa renewal was denied during Trump’s first term, illustrating how Trump’s immigration policies could drive talent to return to the regional tech ecosystem. 3. Silicon Valley Divided: Opinions remain split, with Trump’s pro-deregulation stance sparking optimism in some corners, evidenced by a surge in Bitcoin prices and positive reactions from equity markets. Supporters point to potential gains for sectors like crypto and tech equities, alongside corporate tax cuts that help maintain profits, boost R&D, and provide attractive exit opportunities for venture capitalists. Concerns were raised that while deregulation under Trump may fuel market growth, higher tariffs could exacerbate economic disparities and be the wrong solution for the middle class. Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about how China exporters like BYD electric cars will now increasingly focus on Southeast Asia markets, Singapore’s low birth rate like Japan and the growing number of startups building digital AI companions. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Charles Ormiston, Founding Partner of Bain Southeast Asia, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Founding Bain Southeast Asia: Charles established Bain's office in Singapore, which initially faced major skepticism from Bain’s leadership who favored Hong Kong as the regional hub. Believing Singapore’s strategic location to be better suited for Southeast Asia, Charles stood firm - even at the risk of his career. His bet paid off when the Singapore office flourished and became the regional leader. He pursued a unconventional hiring strategy for that time: prioritizing local talent over international hires and avoiding expatriate perks like housing allowances. This talent core cultivated a leadership pipeline deeply committed to the region’s long-term growth, with key figures like Edmund Lin rising from the office's second employee to Chairman today. 2. Reengineer Your Career: After a health wake-up call, he decided to hand over to Till Vestring and move to an advisory role. His successor led Bain to new heights by expanding to a regional footprint with Bangkok, Jakarta and other offices. After a 14-month break working with nonprofits, Charles returned to focus on "transformation" projects which aligned with his strengths. This pivot allowed him to achieve a new "capstone" level of career impact and personal satisfaction. 3. Angsana Council on China vs. USA Rivalry: Charles co-founded the think-tank with Peng T. Ong of Monk's Hill Ventures to improve global understanding of Southeast Asia’s high-growth markets. Their research is powered by prominent members like former Indonesian trade minister Gita Wirjawan and former Singaporean foreign minister George Yeo and partnership with Bain & DBS Bank. Charles shared how many business and political leaders had once underestimated China's ability to rise as a global innovation leader. ASEAN countries must navigate the increasingly complex global rivalry in order to maximize benefits and reduce risk from this trade & research decoupling. Charles and Jeremy also discussed being inspired by in-person meetings with Lee Kuan Yew and Bain's Chairwoman Orit Gadiesh, how consulting has evolved in the era of hybrid work, and his personal passion for cycling. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/charles-ormiston Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/charles-ormiston-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/charles-ormiston-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/charles-ormiston-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Jeremy Au and Adriel Yong discussed whether Southeast Asian founders should move to Silicon Valley, and why "sea turtle" professionals are returning from America (and China) to Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. San Francisco and New York are global tech talent vortexes, where non-American founders are attracted to their deep VC funding pools and a multi-generational legacy of founder support since the 1950s, e.g. the "father of VC" Georges Doriot of America Research & Development Corporation (ARDC). America's large ecosystem also holds transformative appeal for deep tech and frontier tech founders, as well as higher pricing power for both SaaS and consumer brands. In contrast, Singapore has the same GDP per capita (US$88K) as America, with a better quality of life for families looking for healthcare, public safety, education and housing. Southeast Asian diaspora returning to their home countries should be realistic about Asia's higher number of working hours compared to America and EU, fragmented markets, regulatory challenges and less mature economies. Savvy international founders have a "time machine" mindset: visualizing the country's future in 10-20 years, seeing the industry as it actually is and then building the companies that make sense for this decade and geography. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/silicon-valley-talent-vortex Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/silicon-valley-talent-vortex-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/silicon-valley-talent-vortex-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/silicon-valley-talent-vortex-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Adrian Tan, Author of “No More Bosses” & Chief Marketing Strategist at Marketing Sumo, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Laid-Off To HR Founder: Adrian’s career in HR began as he navigated the volatile job market of the early 2000s. After layoffs from tech companies during the dotcom bubble and another setback in 2003 with the SARS epidemic, he sought greater stability by starting his own recruitment business in 2004. Over the next 11 years, he grew this business through multiple economic cycles, worked hundred-hour weeks, and learned on the job. He reflected on a missed opportunity during a lucrative growth phase to scale his business, which he now views as a turning point that could have changed his career path. This built his resilience and industry insights, which later shaped his journey as an independent HR consultant. 2. Writing "No More Bosses": Adrian’s new book, No More Bosses: The Journey to Sustainable Self-Employment, draws from his own pivot to freelancing. He received a LinkedIn message from a Penguin editor, which he initially believed to be a scam. He wrote the book to inspire mid-career professionals, especially in high-cost cities like Singapore, to explore independence. Real-life case studies include Nancy Lai who launched a D2C baby products business, showing that solopreneurship can be successful with strategic planning. 3. Solopreneur Work-Life Challenges: Adrian shared the ups and downs of self-employment, noting that while independence provides autonomy, it demands discipline and structure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he struggled with maintaining boundaries as he worked from his dining table, often working late into the evening. To maintain work-life balance, he set smartwatch reminders like “World’s Greatest Dad” at 7pm to ensure he prioritized family time. However, he stressed that the goal in self-employment is not just income, but optimizing time and flexibility, which he values more than the financial stability offered by corporate roles. Jeremy and Adrian also talked about the importance of fully outlining chapters before beginning to write, the role of perseverance in professional development, and how personal branding landed him multiple opportunities. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. 109 Member 48 Ministry Cabinet Coalition: With the inauguration on October 20, 2024, President Prabowo Subianto expanded the cabinet from 34 to 48 ministries, the largest since 1966. Prabowo's coalition-building strategy is to accommodate political allies and unify the seven-party coalition behind him. They drew comparisons to Germany’s coalition politics, emphasizing the importance of coordination between Indonesia’s national and regional leaders for effective governance. 2. Temu Ban, TikTok & Bukalapak: In early October 2024, Indonesia banned Chinese social commerce platform Temu, similar to TikTok Shop which then had to acquire Tokopedia. The Indonesian government also requested Apple and Google to block the Temu app to prevent local downloads. Other nations, including the United States and EU, are scrutinizing Chinese exporter practices, with the US tightening tax exemptions on low-cost imports in 2023. Gita explained that while such protectionism shields MSMEs, Indonesia’s core issues (e.g., complex bureaucracy, high business costs, lack of raw materials and a multi-year backlog for trademarks) remain unaddressed. She argued that easing these foundational barriers would create a fairer, more sustainable advantage for local businesses, rather than just temporary protection from foreign competition. 3. VC Investments: Indonesia has already attracted interest in green joint ventures (JVs), particularly with China. Jeremy highlighted MAKA Motors, founded by former GoJek CTO Raditya Wibowo, as a local player advancing EV production, while Gita mentioned Toba’s push for renewable energy. They underscored the cultural importance of home ownership, noting that many Indonesians aspire to own land despite its often low financial returns, which drives prop-tech startup Rukita. Rekosistem is also a key startup addressing waste management in Indonesia’s growing urban areas. They also discussed the pressures faced by Indonesia’s “sandwich generation,” who often support both aging parents and their own families, and how these dynamics shape housing affordability and socio-economic mobility. Jeremy and Gita also talked about the film “Home Sweet Loan, which explores Indonesians’ struggle with housing affordability, the influx of green investments into EV battery production and the regulatory challenges surrounding the rise of online gambling among youth. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/prabowo-48-ministry-cabinet Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/prabowo-48-ministry-cabinet-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/prabowo-48-ministry-cabinet-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/prabowo-48-ministry-cabinet-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Jeremy Au explored the evolution of technology marketing and how marketers have adapted to communicate complex innovations effectively. He began by referencing sci-fi writer Arthur C. Clarke’s 1974 “crazy” prediction about how their room-sized computers would eventually shrink to the size of briefcases and that people would eventually be able to work from anywhere in the world. Early software marketers like WordStar focused on explaining and promoting “groundbreaking” features, such as moving text blocks—capabilities that were previously unimaginable with typewriters. Jeremy emphasized that while technology continues to advance, the core human desires for status, security, and convenience remain unchanged. Companies like Apple, with products like the augmented reality Vision Pro and Apple Watch, and Dyson have mastered the art of blending functionality with premium status to appeal to early adopters and affluent consumers. He concluded by noting that despite the shifting landscape of technology -from floppy disks to cryptocurrency and AI companions - the fundamental marketing strategy endures: simplify the message and prioritize solving immediate consumer needs, a timeless approach evident in both historic and modern claims of achieving 10x disruptive improvements vs. the pain of the status quo. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/arthur-clarke-1974-prediction Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/arthur-clarke-1974-prediction-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/arthur-clarke-1974-prediction-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/arthur-clarke-1974-prediction-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Tina Amper, Strategic Director of Geeks on a Beach, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Burnout to Community Leader: Tina shared her experience of migrating from the Philippines with an engineering degree from the University of San Carlos to California’s booming tech industry in the 1990s. She excelled in product marketing and business development roles, but ultimately burned out after years of travel and high-intensity work. By 2010, her mother's declining health prompted her to take a sabbatical and return to her hometown Cebu, which was being transformed by the growing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. This proved to be fertile ground for her exploration and cultivation of a thriving local tech community. 2. Geeks on a Beach: Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) launched in 2013 and started as a casual idea between Earl Valencia, cofounder of IdeaSpace and QBO, and Paul Pajo, a Filipino tech evangelist, to create a tech conference blending work and leisure on the beach. With participants ranging from 400-500 people annually, GOAB has become a key platform for fostering collaborations between startups, investors, and business leaders. Tina emphasized the importance of support from government bodies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). 3. 12M Filipino Diaspora Reverse Culture Shock: Tina's return to her motherland after living in the US involved overcoming reverse culture shock while also reconnecting with her roots. She shared her advice for the 12 million strong Filipino diaspora considering a return home. She discussed how she personally found her purpose by contributing to the local tech community through initiatives like TechTalks.ph. Jeremy and Tina also explored various community archetypes of lurkers vs. champions, paid membership communities vs. casual tech meetups and financial sustainability strategies. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tina-amper Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tina-amper-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tina-amper-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tina-amper-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts You don't want to miss Geeks On A Beach, the unique premier startup conference in the region! Join us from November 13 to 15, 2024, at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu. This event brings together tech enthusiasts, investors, and entrepreneurs for three days of workshops, talks, and networking. Register at geeksonabeach.com

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Singapore Vetoes Allianz $4.4B Insurer Acquisition: They discussed the Singapore government’s veto of the NTUC Income and Allianz merger, primarily over concerns of an undisclosed plan for $2B capital withdrawal post-merger. This case illustrated the delicate balance required between pursuing financial strategies and adhering to a social mission, especially in a cooperative structure transitioning to a corporatized entity. 2. NTUC 1961 History & Income Cooperative Mandate: They expanded on the broader historical role of National Trade Unions Congress with the People’s Action Party since 1961, vs. the now-defunct leftist Singapore Association of Trade Unions (SATU). The central workers' union is the parent organization of NTUC Enterprise, which is a holding entity of multiple cooperatives and mission-based corporations like NTUC Fairprice (supermarkets), First Campus (childcare) and Income (insurance). They referenced analysis on other successful single-country insurer cooperatives benchmarks from former NTUC Enterprise & NTUC Income CEO Tan Suee Chieh. 3. Trump vs. Kamala Impact on Southeast Asia: Jeremy and Shiyan debated how the US election’s potential outcomes could lead to dramatically different White House policies on free trade, capital gains and China relations - leading to significant ripple effects on Singapore & Southeast Asia. This highlights the deep interconnectivity of American political decisions with regional economic outcomes. Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on the impact of US interest rate cuts on global markets, the acceleration of Chinese companies entering Southeast Asia, and Singapore's higher number of work hours vs. America and the EU. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Jeremy Au breaks down the "David vs. Goliath" dynamics of startups challenging industry giants. Startups face unique marketing challenges but can thrive by focusing on experimentation and innovation, creating entirely new market categories. Just like the rise of oat milk and nicotine vapes, disruptive marketing turned once-unknown products into billion-dollar industries. He covers the case study of Southeast Asian unicorns Grab and Gojek who leveraged their agility to outmaneuver Uber and local taxi fleets in Singapore and Indonesia. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-vs-goliath Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-vs-goliath-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-vs-goliath-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-vs-goliath-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Michael Chua, Award-Winning Actor, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Consultant to Award-Winning Actor at Age 50: Michael had a a long and successful career as a technology consultant traveling across Europe. At the age of 50, he was talent-scouted through a Facebook photo to become an actor. His curiosity exploring a new creative field quickly blossomed into a successful career, with over 400 acting credits and several awards, including Best Actor and Best Film at the Singapore International Film Festival. He shared his experience learning to act in films like Ilo Ilo which won the prestigious Camera d'Or award at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and the 50th Golden Horse Awards in 2014. He also discussed his experience acting in popular YouTube shows like Titan Academy led by JianHao (7.5 million subscribers). 2. AI Disrupting Filmmaking: Michael spoke about AI’s productivity improvements, e.g. LED backdrops replacing traditional green screens and automating processes such as color grading and sound editing. However, he emphasized that AI avatars of actors are truly disruptive, which raises the bar for all human actors. He warned that mid-tier actors who can't convincingly convey emotion may be replaced by AI, while top-tier performers will continue to thrive as their unique human qualities become more valuable. He also reflected on how the need for authenticity in performances becomes even more critical in the director’s role, especially in a world increasingly swamped by AI-generated content. 3. Climbing the 'Third Mountain': Michael described his transition from consulting to acting as climbing the "second mountain" and to directing as the most difficult "third mountain." Directing requires a broader skill set, balancing logistics with creative vision. His earlier career in technology consulting prepared him for this, giving him the ability to manage large, complex projects. As a director, he now oversees not just the actors but also the entire production, from lighting and sound to camera work and set design. Michael is determined to create films that resonate deeply with audiences while balancing the technical complexities of filmmaking. Jeremy and Michael also talked about the pressures of privacy that come with being a public figure, the difference between influencers and actors, and the pros and cons of staying in Southeast Asia to tell culturally specific stories (vs. moving to Hollywood). Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-chua Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-chua-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-chua-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-chua-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. US$1.1 Trillion Monetary Stimulus: Jianggan and Jeremy examined China’s recent monetary measures (equivalent to 6% of nominal GDP) boosting consumer confidence and stabilizing the housing and stock markets. The Politburo launched a $114 billion lending pool to support stock buybacks by asset managers and insurers, lowered the policy interest rate by 0.2% and reduced mortgage interest rates by 0.5%. They speculated that fiscal stimulus, including broader consumption voucher programs like the $72 million initiative in Shanghai, is likely to follow. These efforts are intended to stabilize China’s real estate market and restore confidence after a prolonged period of economic slowdown. 2. Temu & Shein vs. USA De Minimis Tariffs: They focused on the de minimis rule, which currently allows imports under $800 to enter the US tariff-free. Jianggan explained how Chinese platforms like Temu (Pinduoduo) and Shein have benefited from this loophole by shipping small goods directly to American consumers. The Biden administration’s efforts to close this loophole will harm low-income American consumers, reducing welfare benefits by $12-14 billion USD. Chinese exporters, particularly smaller ones, may also face challenges, though large platforms are adapting by increasing inventory stored in the US to mitigate this new tariff. 3. YouTube & Shopee Anti-TikTok Shop Alliance: They discussed China’s growing influence on Southeast Asia’s cross-border trade, with Vietnam emerging as a key hub for Chinese companies. Warehouses along the Vietnam-China border are facilitating live-stream sales directly to Vietnamese consumers. Additionally, the conversation touched on YouTube’s partnership with Shopee, which is seen as a strategic move to counter TikTok Shop. This partnership is expected to expand across Southeast Asia, with Indonesia positioned as a critical battleground in the e-commerce space. Jeremy and Jianggan also touched on other relevant topics, including the impact of US interest rate cuts on global markets, the role of the Chinese Yuan in export competitiveness, and Vietnam’s strategy to navigating the USA-China rivalry. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Jeremy Au defined startups as newly established businesses bringing future technologies to the present, with unicorns being those valued at over $1 billion. These valuations are typically driven by revenue generation of around $100 million annually and market confidence in future profitability, eg. Palantir and Salesforce. Private markets apply valuation multiples based on future growth potential, with speculative booms in sectors like crypto, where revenue valuation multiples went as as high as 1000x due to bull markets. The odds of achieving unicorn status (about 1 in 40 for USA startups with venture funding) and outlined eight strategies for building a unicorn (Christoph Janz). These include models like “whales,” serving high-value clients, and “rabbits,” scaling by targeting many smaller customers. He emphasized that becoming a unicorn requires long-term execution, strategic positioning, and navigating indirect competition, particularly in Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/8-ways-to-build-a-unicorn Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/8-ways-to-build-a-unicorn-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/8-ways-to-build-a-unicorn-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/8-ways-to-build-a-unicorn-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Johann Wah, President & Cofounder of Nika.eco, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Student Founder Beginnings: While attending Yale-NUS, Johann founded a sustainable apparel company to pay for his university expenses and dates with his now-wife. The business started gaining traction after a Straits Times article featured their eco-friendly fabrics, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to canceled orders and an overwhelming inventory. Faced with financial challenges, he borrowed money from friends and family to meet his Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for the fabrics. When B2C sales dried up, he pivoted to B2B, cold calling and knocking on doors of corporations with sustainability mandates. After three months of high risk, he secured contracts with Western multi-national corporations headquartered in Singapore that allowed him to clear his debts and pay for his university fees. 2. Amazon to Nika.eco Founder: Johann landed a role as on AWS’s startup team after three attempts. Despite achieving his dream of working at Amazon, he felt compelled to explore climate tech, motivated by a conversation with his best friend and co-founder who had already left Amazon to pursue the same vision. Together, they launched Nika.eco to democratize climate and geospatial modeling, making it more accessible to smaller universities, researchers, and consultants. Their product simplifies climate modeling by offering a one-click virtual machine that automates setup, cutting down the typical three-day setup process to mere minutes. This solution addresses the cost and complexity barriers that smaller institutions face in accessing high-end cloud computing resources. 3. Climate Change Perspective: His passion for climate tech is deeply rooted in his childhood experiences in Chiang Mai, Thailand where his father, a part-time missionary, worked closely with indigenous farmers. The farmers were reliant on deforestation and monoculture farming practices to sustain their livelihoods, which sparked his interest in environmental sustainability. His wife, the cofounder of Thryft.sg, Southeast Asia’s largest secondhand bookstore, shares his commitment to sustainability. They frequently discuss the future of the planet and their hope for raising children in a better world. Johann remains optimistic that human innovation will help mitigate the effects of climate change. He also believes that although the world faces significant ecological challenges, technology and adaptability can pave the way for a brighter future. Jeremy and Johann also discussed how spatial analytics transform insurance risk pricing, how his time in the oil and gas industry shaped his sustainability approach, the importance of public-private partnerships, and Southeast Asia’s potential to become a hub for climate-focused solutions. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johann-wah Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johann-wah-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johann-wah-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johann-wah-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts