AsiaPulse

The rise of digital wallets has accelerated the shift toward secure, mobile-based identity verification.Businesses face the challenge of overcoming adoption barriers while meeting the growing demand for friction-less, secure experiences. In our season finale, we discuss the Rise of Digital Wallets and Holiday Traffic: Is Your Login Experience ReadyJoining us is Johan Fantenberg, Director at Ping Identity

AI in IT has been big on hype, but short on returns. In fact, a recent study revealed just 25% of AI projects have met expected ROI, with only 16% scaled enterprise-wide. Yet Freshworks’ latest Benchmark Report offers a rare counterpoint showing AI actively delivering measurable, scaled results for IT and employee experience leaders worldwide. This week, we speak with Simon Man, Managing Director Asia, Freshworks

Over the next three years, more than 80% of organisations plan to embed Agentic AI into their operations; introducing autonomous agents that can make decisions and act without human approval. While this promises significant productivity gains, it also intensifies a growing blind spot in cybersecurity: Non-Human Identities (NHIs) now outnumber employees by a staggering 80:1, yet security teams often lack effective tools to manage their privileges and risks.This week we discuss Agentic AI: Threats and Opportunities in the Cyber Realm with Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor, BeyondTrust

We continue our conversation around DronTech Asia 2025 which took place from the 30th of September to the 2nd of October at MITEC Kuala Lumpur.In case you missed it, the conference showcased how drones are transforming industries across agriculture, energy, transportation, infrastructure, services, defence and security, entertainment, and more. It’s not just about technology — it’s about how drones are reshaping Malaysia’s economic landscape and driving innovationWe continue our coverage this week with Jin Xi Cheong, the CEO of Aonic who tell us about Aonic and its key business verticals as well as their Involvement in DronTech Asia 2025

If you look at the Singapore tourism sector, the projected economic impact of S$66.1 billion in 2024 (9.8% of GDP) — the pressure is back on hotels, restaurants, and venues to attract and retain skilled staff.But training remains a challenge in a workforce where up to 40% of hospitality staff were foreign nationals pre-pandemic, often speaking multiple languages and coming from diverse cultural backgrounds. We explore how AI is revolutionizing front line training by overcoming language barriers — a timely issue in Singapore’s fast-recovering, multicultural hospitality sector.Matthew Spriegel, Founder and CEO of Atiom joins us. 

According to the World Economic Forum, 39% of core skills required in the workforce will change by 2030.Generative AI expert and co-founder of Straits Interactive, Alvin Toh shares with us his observations about how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the future of work across Southeast Asia.Plus, we discuss if only certain jobs should have a right to use AI. This is an Asia Collective podcast series  

All the buzz has been cyber resilience and various countries in the region launching their own dedicated cyber defence services for government,What does this mean for governments across SEA and what can we learn from Malaysia?Ahead of CYBERDSA which happens from 30th Sept to 2 oct in Kuala Lumpur, we haveRear Admiral Fadil Bin Abdul Rahman, Director General, Defence> Cyber and Electromagnetic Division (BSEP)This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

Following its highly successful inaugural edition in Bangkok, which gathered 68 exhibitors and over 3,400 participants from 41 countries, DronTech Asia 2025 promises to be even bigger. This premier exhibition and high-level conference will showcase how drones are transforming industries across agriculture, energy, transportation, infrastructure, services, defence and security, entertainment, and more. It’s not just about technology — it’s about how drones are reshaping Malaysia’s economic landscape, driving innovation, and contributing to the growth of the ASEAN market.Ahead of the event, we speak with Wan Mohd Farhan, Head of Innovation Ecosystem, MRANTI to find out more about the Malaysian Drone Technology Ecosystem.MRANTI is a strategic partner for DronTech Asia 2025, supporting this vital platform that fosters regional collaboration, live demonstrations, expert-led discussions, and unmatched opportunities for decision-makers, investors, and industry leaders. For enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected] 

As telcos accelerate AI adoption, there is growing recognition of the need for responsible AI practices. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparent governance are increasingly becoming baseline requirements for AI initiatives. What are some of the unique challenges telcos in this region face when implementing AI and GenAI solutions across markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines?Plus, what are the main security issues when it comes to implementing AI in telcos?We find out more from Genie Yuan, Regional Vice President, APAC Japan, at Couchbase  This is an Asia Collective podcast series 

This week, we discuss the wider implications on Mobile App security with AI. How do we ensure that authentication is done right?We also talk about Appdome’s protection and why it is more effective than MFA or SDKs for stopping account takeovers in Singapore. Plus, how can mobile businesses in Singapore protect sensitive in-app processes like login and payment from automated attacks?Our guest is Jan Sysmans, Mobile App Security Evangelist at Appdome. This is an Asia Collective podcast series

In May, Fortinet conducted a briefing that addressed critical cybersecurity challenges, with a focus on the growing risks to Singapore’s economy and infrastructure. In this episode, we’ll explore the alarming rise in cyberattacks, the threat of AI-powered cybercrime, and the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to combat these evolving dangersElliott speaks with Rashish Pandey, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Asia & ANZ, FortinetThis is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

As organizations across Southeast Asia accelerate AI adoption — from digital assistants to backend automation — they’re unknowingly opening themselves up to a growing threat: API vulnerabilities. Akamai’s 2025 API Security Impact Study shows that API-related  security incidents are now costing APAC enterprises over US$500K per year — and yet few business leaders know how exposed they truly are.Elliott speaks with Ari Weil, Akamai Technologies' Cloud Evangelist to find out more.This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

This week, Elliott Danker speaks with Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia, British International Investment as they discuss energy sustainability across South East Asia as well as how it compares with regions like Europe and America.Srini also gives some insights into some recent announcements by BII as well as their current investment strategy.This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re diving into the unseen battlefield of Machine Identity and AI Agent Security—as autonomous systems grow more powerful, securing their digital identities may be the next global security imperative.Elliott speaks with Gal Zror, Security Research Director, CyberArkThey explore how identity-first security strategies must evolve to account for synthetic and AI-driven actors as well as the role emerging technologies like decentralized identity or verifiable credentials play in governing AI agents.This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

This week, we discuss some of the trends when it comes to terrorism threats in Southeast Asia plus how conflicts impact global business stability and investment risk.And where is technology in all of this? How is it functioning as a multiplier in the current state? Explore the interconnected layers of today’s global threat environment—from weaponized tech and decentralized terror networks to ideological shifts and business risk exposure. Elliott Danker speaks with Rakyan Adibrata, Government Relations Manager at Kresna Strategic as they discuss leaderless causes and the new face of a terrorist. This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

Who has the right to data? Just like oil, if I discover it in my backyard does it belong to me?Plus we discuss the term Technopolitics and how we see the growing entanglement of technology and geopolitics reshaping the way companies design, build, and deploy tech infrastructure.Are we headed toward a 'splinternet'—and what would that mean for global innovation, cybersecurity, and online freedom?Damien Kopp, Managing Director at RebootUp joins Elliott Danker for this conversation.This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

As data centre capacity is expected to grow by 18.5% over the next five years, primarily driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, the need for efficient resource management is more urgent than ever. Current estimates suggest that data centre electricity consumption could double between 2022 and 2026, with the sector already consuming an amount of electricity equivalent to Japan's total consumption.Enter Ecolab, a company that focuses on the critical role of water and energy management in the rapidly growing data centre industry.This week, Elliott speaks with Gregory Lukasik SVP and CEO of Southeast Asia, EcolabThis is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

This week, we find out more about Cybersecurity Malaysia and their mission of collaboration and setting themselves as one of the leaders of cybersecurity in Malaysia and for the region.Dato Dr Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, CEO Cyber Security Malaysia speaks with Elliott Danker about their efforts in public awareness as well as the all important collaboration with the private sector.Dato Amir also shares his thoughts on the future of cybersecurity in Malaysia and what he'd like his leadership at Cybersecurity Malaysia to be remembered for. This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

This week, we discuss if the world still needs a global superpower and if this is becoming a thing of the past?We also talk about the counter terrorism landscape and what exactly does it mean to be a global power in cybersecurity and how the race for this status is shaping up. Muhammad Faizal Bin Adbul Rahman, Research Fellow (Regional Security Architecture Program) S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University joins Elliott Danker this week. This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

With maritime security and digitalisation becoming critical global priorities, Estonia is bringing its expertise in maritime innovation, cybersecurity, and infrastructure protection to Singapore Maritime Week 2025.This week, Elliott Danker speaks with  Kaupo Läänerand, Deputy Secretary General for Maritime and Water Affairs at the Estonian Ministry of Climate to find out more about Estonia’s expertise in AI-driven maritime surveillance, port digitalisation, and cybersecurity offers valuable insights for Singapore’s shipping and logistics sectors.  This is an Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

This week, we touch on the role of Southeast Asia and ASEAN when it comes to the relationship with the westWhat is Malaysia's appeal to the Trump administration as well as ASEAN.Plus, how does a country like Malaysia prioritize when it comes to builateral relationships? Does it put itself first, ASEAN or the West? And is this something other countries will be thinking of? Director, Thomas Daniel, Director, Foreign Policy and Security Studies, Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia joins us for this Asia Collective podcast seriesBe a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen recently said that “America’s primacy has become the overriding consideration” in its foreign policy, at the expense of bilateral and multilateral ties. He added that Asia’s image of the US has “changed from liberator to great disruptor to a landlord seeking rent.  So if the US is a landlord seeking rent, how should south east Asia rethink defense? And what does this spell for the counter terrorism landscape?Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs joins us this week to discuss these and more.Be a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

Since the pandemic, it feels like the world doesn’t want to follow the US lead. How carefully will it be observing the US intervention in the Russia /Ukraine war? Is there a world leader position up for grabs now or is this the great global de-globalisation? In this episode, we discuss these as well as the implications of the increasing global dialog with or without the US in attendance. Dr Samir Puri, Director, Centre for Global Governance and Security, Chatham House | Author of ‘Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing’ is our guest this week. Be a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

Season 2 of AsiaPulse opens with a look at GeopoliticsThis week, US President Donald Trump and Russia President Vladimir Putin agreed on a halt in Russian attacks against Ukrainian energy targets - but fell far short of securing a full ceasefire in a highly anticipated phone call.But it felt like Trump lacked a contingency plan and with Putin not barging on his long standing demands, how carefully must Trump now weigh his options ahead of their next meeting?Plus, we discuss which countries will now be paying attention to what looks like a dramatically waning influence of the United States? Trisha Craig, Executive Director, Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies weighs in on this week's top story. Be a part of setting the rhythm in AsiaFor enquiries on collaborations and partnerships, email us at [email protected]

AI and GenAI investments in Asia-Pacific are expected to reach $110 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 24% from 2023 to 2028.This means big changes for the workplace – from how leaders need to lead to the redefinition of jobs.So, how can we work with AI as our co-pilot?This week Elliott Danker speaks with Lem Chin Kok, CEO of technology company AiRTS and Yeo Chuen Chuen, Global executive coach and author of  "Leaders People Love" in a 2 part series finale on the future of leadershipIn part 2, we discuss the future of careers and how AI will affect hiring criteria.This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia 

AI and GenAI investments in Asia-Pacific are expected to reach $110 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 24% from 2023 to 2028.This means big changes for the workplace – from how leaders need to lead to the redefinition of jobs.So, how can we work with AI as our co-pilot?This week Elliott Danker speaks with Lem Chin Kok, CEO of technology company AiRTS and Yeo Chuen Chuen, Global executive coach and author of  "Leaders People Love" in a 2 part series finale on the future of leadershipIn part 1, we discuss how is South East Asia faring when it comes to redefining jobs and if we still live in a world of domain-specific expertiseThis podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

The move from compliance to AI Governance training is something we are seeing especially when it comes to data professionals.But why is this so important and how does this factor in the Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0 Alvin Toh, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Straits Interactive joins us this week to discuss this and more. Straits Interactive is the leading authority in data protection and privacy in the ASEAN region, offering innovative privacy solutions and training courses for companies globally.We also talk about Straits Interactive's new IAPP training scheme and why this will help businesses in Singapore and the region? 

OrangeKloud, a Singapore-based software company dedicated to making app development accessible to everyone with a no-code approachThey recently announced the launch of eMOBIQ AI, world's leading AI-driven app development platform powered by natural language processing This week, we speak with Alex Goh, founder OrangeKloud and we discuss what the no-code approach means for businesses looking to expand.Plus, Alex talks about the AI landscape developing in 2025 and will we see a different approach between east and west.This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

If the design on your credit card were more colourful or perhaps more sleek or if it even had funky lights....would that make you use your card more often? IDEMIA Secure Transactions, a division of IDEMIA Group, recently released the findings from its global survey on consumer payment card behaviour and habits. This week, we dive into the details of that survey ahead of the Christmas Season/Romain Zanolo, Managing Director APAC, IDEMIA joins us in conversation as we also ask the question, is a credit card still a symbol of status? This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

This week, we unpack How would standardizing APIs drive global telecom innovation and create new opportunities for monetizationPlus we take a look at what businesses should pay attention to in the growing telecom industry when looking to expand in South East Asia given the gaps seen in different countries and if ultimately the region will be on the same standard in connectivity.  Henrique Vale, Head of Cloud & Network Services APAC at Nokia joins us as we also touch on the role of AI in the telecom industryThis podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

It took nothing less than a global outage to draw attention to the power of code and the importance of software developers. Sometimes being perceived as a back office commodity, little did society understand the power of code as the building block of everything digital which we use in our daily lives today. More importantly, it demonstrated the consequences of bad code, and the downtime, security risks, and poor performance that come with it.This week, we speak with Marcus Low, General Manager & Vice President, APJ at Sonar, to find out how code quality is more than just the back end but rather the bed rock of a business. This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

The burning question we have been trying to answer for a while now has been "will AI take my job away?"Well this week, we discuss the AI APAC Institute’s Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence report and some of the work being done at Qlik’s AI Advisory Council.What exactly comprises responsible adoption of AI and What does that framework look like? Plus the need to protect creative human skills.We discuss this with Kelly Forbes, Co-Founder and Executive Director of AI Asia Pacific Institute and a Qlik AI Advisory Council Member.This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

This week, fresh off the US Presidential elections, we take a look at what went wrong for the Democrats, the messaging from both candidates and how that might have backfired on the Democrats.We also look at the fundamentals that need to be addressed post elections including inflation and jobs.We also reflect on one of the underlying issues of this election - what is the role of men. What are their priorities and how did that affect their votes.    Our guest this week is Trisha Craig, Executive Director at the Princeton Institute for International and Regional StudiesThis podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

How is Gen AI reshaping the consumer landscape and how are companies keeping up with this rapid pace of change.We also talk about "controlled disruption" as well as some future trends worth watching out for.Our guest this week is Mário Braz de Matos, the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Flying Fish LabThis podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

With the Right to Disconnect policy in Australia and Singapore’s upcoming Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) guidelines, the evolving work landscape is becoming increasingly important for organisations.This week we speak with Narita Cheah, Co-Founder & CEO of Paperspace Asia to find out more about Paperspace Asia's Workplace DNA Whitepaper.Just how different is Singapore compared with other markets and how does this shift workspace priorities. We also discuss potential trends to watch out for in workspace design. This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

This week, we speak with Alban Sciascia Director Semar Sentinel indonesia on the issues around the current defence cooperation landscape.We also discuss the importance of the US Presidential elections and it's impact on defence engagement in the region.Plus we talk about what to expect when Indonesia President-elect Prabowo Subianto takes over formally. This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

As multinational businesses look to expand in the Asia/Asia Pacific region - home to diverse cultures, languages, and some of the world's fastest-growing markets - it's essential to navigate the complexities of communication. Businesses are navigating multicultural environments where accurate, efficient translation is essential for everything from emails and reports to contracts and proposals. Enter DeepL, an AI powered translation tool that offers highly accurate, context-aware translations across 31 languages, helping businesses and individuals break language barriers in global markets. But what makes DeepL stand out from the rest of the competition and which industries or countries benefit the most from this. Is DeepL here to replace jobs?This week, we speak with Steve Rotter, CMO at DeepL to find out more.This podcast is in collaboration with M Group Asia

This week, we speak with Sabrina Wang, Association blockchain Asia (ABA) Secretary General.We talk about how Blockchain help achieve more equality through the efforts of ABA as well as the Blockchain for Good Alliance.We also talk about how businesses play in social impact and what this area lacking in. 

This week, we speak with Chester Cabalza, President and Founder at International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC)We find out more about the trends around the South China Sea, the potential effect of interest rate cuts from the Federal reserve as well as the future of conflicts. We also discuss the importance of Business and Risk intelligence firms. 

This week, we speak with Jason Low, Regional Head of APAC of IceotopeWe talk about data centres and the pending issues surrounding various expansion projects in the region. How big a role will it play in the current economy given that it is a mostly digital landscape. We also discuss the security and sustainability implications as well.

This week, we speak with Wafa Taftazani, founder of UpBanxWe talk about the role of AI when it comes to helping businesses expand in terms of finances and how this fintech company is helping the content creator space. DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is not investment advice and does not constitute any offer or solicitation to offer or recommendation of any investment product. It is for general purposes only and does not take into account your individual needs, investment objectives and specific financial circumstances. Investment involves risk. 

This week, we speak with Adiputera Saadon, Compliance officer for Venturebeam Markets Pte LtdElliott speaks with Adi in his capacity as a certified crypto currency investigator. We talk about the role of compliance in the cryptocurrency space, red flags and how can venture capital firms effectively integrate cryptocurrency compliance into their due diligence processes when evaluating potential investments.DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is not investment advice and does not constitute any offer or solicitation to offer or recommendation of any investment product. It is for general purposes only and does not take into account your individual needs, investment objectives and specific financial circumstances. Investment involves risk. 

This week, we speak with Benjamin Ang, Head, Centre of Excellence for National Security and Future Issues in Technology Head, Digital Impact Research S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Nanyang Technological UniversityWe look at the conversations around cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, how AI can affect legislation and the trending topics that businesses will be looking at regarding AI legislation and concerns. We also discuss the ethics around cybersecurity. 

This week, we speak with Jan Sysmans, Mobile App Security Evangelist, Appdome to discuss key mobile app security issues.We also look at the relationship between mobile app security and companies and customers. We also look at mobile app friendly economies like Indonesia and what businesses should pay attention to when looking to expand there. 

This week, we speak with Asih Karnengsih, Executive Director at Indonesia Blockchain & Crypto Exchange Association to discuss Central Bank Digital Currencies, blockchain and it's future.We also talk about Crypto as a financial instrument and how to look at it as an assert and a currency.We also dive into aspects that need to be fulfill as far as regulation goes and how that discussion is panning out at the moment. DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is not investment advice and does not constitute any offer or solicitation to offer or recommendation of any investment product. It is for general purposes only and does not take into account your individual needs, investment objectives and specific financial circumstances. Investment involves risk. 

This week, we speak with Adib Zalkapli, Independent Political observer who is based in Malaysia.We find out about some of the legislative moves Malaysia is making in the tech sector, how social media is implicated and we also discuss China's growing influence.We also take a look at some of the key strategic partnerships in the tech sphere from a Malaysia perspective.

This week, we speak with Charles Ferguson, General manager and corporate development lead for Asia pacific, Middle east and Africa for GP.We talk about how businesses can grow in the region as well as how companies can identify and cultivate the global leader mindset. 

This week, we speak with Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International AffairsWe talk about Singapore's seat in this space of defence cooperation in ASEAN and how a small nation like Singapore makes it's voice heard.

This week, we speak with Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International AffairsWe talk about Defence cooperation and Partnerships, the emmergence of the strong man leader as well the topic of AI when it comes to defence conversations.