02 The Unconventional Academic Journey: Where Science Meets Business - Dr Daniel Mahadzir

What does it mean to lead with questions rather than answers? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Mahadzir—researcher, founder, CEO, investor, and activist—whose career defies the traditional academic path. As an Innovation Fellow at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, he works at the crossroads of food security, digital health, and climate action. He also leads R&D at Adeante Corporation, advancing sustainable agri-tech to strengthen Southeast Asia’s food systems. Daniel’s journey shows that a PhD career doesn’t have to be linear. It can be bold, impactful, and full of surprises.