In this explosive Tech Burst Talks episode, host Charles sits down with Andrew Staples, a battle-tested geopolitical expert who made the leap from The Economist to founding his own advisory firm, GeoPol Asia. Together, they dissect how corporations across Asia are caught in the crossfire of escalating US-China tensions, tariff wars, and supply chain disruptions. This isn't just academic analysis - it's corporate survival intelligence from the trenches. Staples reveals how multinationals are paralysed by uncertainty, with investment plans on hold whilst executives scramble to navigate everything from Vietnam's tariff backlash to China's strategic overseas expansion. The conversation exposes the volatile landscape where Singapore battles the Middle East for innovation talent, venture capital dries up across Southeast Asia, and Western MNCs find themselves demoted to third-tier priorities by nervous headquarters. From the miscalculation risks that keep geopolitical experts awake at night to Japan's demographic time bomb spurring unprecedented innovation, this episode delivers the tactical insights C-suite leaders need to thrive when caught between superpowers. Whether you're repositioning supply chains or managing expat teams in Asia's dynamic markets, Staples provides the intelligence needed to survive the corporate crossfire of our fractured global order. SHOW NOTES: 00:08 Introduction and Guest Background 04:17 Geopolitical Climate and Business Impact 06:44 Navigating Uncertainty in Asia 11:02 China's Strategy and Global Influence 13:57 Challenges for Western MNCs in Asia 15:54 Middle East vs. Asia: Innovation and Investment 20:05 VC Slowdown and Future Strategies 22:09 Advice for Western Expats in Asia 23:31 Networking and Curiosity in Asia 24:52 Geopolitical Risks in Asia 26:22 Future Prospects and Global Order 29:58 Personal Reflections and Predictions 37:27 The Allure of Japan 39:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, IDC's Bryan Ma joins Charles to unpack the shifting landscape of the global smartphone and device industry. From the US–China tariff shake-up to Apple’s manufacturing pivot toward India and Vietnam, they break down how supply chains are being reengineered in real time. They also dig into the latest AI integrations—from smartphones to PCs—and what Computex 2025 revealed about the future of consumer tech. Expect insights on Samsung, Google, OpenAI, and what might finally follow the smartphone era. Tariffs, AI, and tech power plays—this is the episode that connects the dots. 00:10 Introduction and Greetings 00:23 Annual Update on Smartphones and Devices 00:41 Impact of Tariffs on the Tech Industry 04:03 Apple’s Strategy to Navigate Tariffs 05:41 Samsung and Other OEMs’ Responses 11:56 PC Industry and Tariff Implications 14:13 Shifts in Global Manufacturing 16:33 AI PCs: Hype or Reality? 20:28 AI on Smartphones: The Evolution 21:21 Samsung’s AI Innovations 21:48 The Search for AI Use Cases 24:30 OpenAI’s Big Move 25:30 Future of AI Hardware 27:13 AI’s Rapid Adoption 28:00 Challenges in AI Deployment 29:18 Foldable Phones and Future Trends 31:12 Wearables: The Next Frontier 35:40 Computex Highlights 38:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🚀 AI is transforming advertising, and in this episode, we dive deep into how digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising is changing the game. My guest, Dagny Lacka, founder of Flow City, explains how her company is using AI, foot traffic analytics, and real-time bidding to make billboard advertising as dynamic and targeted as online ads. No more two-week static campaigns—now brands can target the right people, at the right time, in the right place. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How AI is revolutionising outdoor advertising ✅ The power of real-time ad buying & precision targeting ✅ How challenger brands are using AI to take on big advertisers ✅ The future of DOOH advertising—from 3D billboards to hyperlocal campaigns 🔥 Whether you’re in marketing, AI, or just curious about how technology is reshaping the industry, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now! SHOW NOTES: ⏳ [00:00] Introduction • Charles welcomes Dagny Lacka, founder of Flow City. • Today’s topic: How AI is transforming the digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising industry. ⏳ [01:30] What is Digital Out-of-Home Advertising? • DOOH is modern outdoor advertising using digital billboards instead of static posters. • Ads can now be traded in real time, rather than booked in weeks-long slots. • More flexibility and precision targeting for advertisers. ⏳ [04:15] How Flow City is Changing the Game • Flow City connects AI, foot traffic data, and ad space to help brands buy smarter and target better. • Real-time audience insights: Ads are served when the right people are present. • Example: A tech brand targeting London professionals can buy space at peak commute hours in key locations. ⏳ [08:30] Dagny’s Journey: From Journalism to AI & Advertising • Started in TV advertising, later shifted into digital outdoor advertising. • Founded Flow City to make advertising more data-driven and accessible. • Early challenges: Moving from retail analytics to smart city-driven ad placements. ⏳ [12:00] AI & Footfall Analytics in Advertising • Predicting audience movement in cities using AI. • Why traditional retail analytics didn’t work, but DOOH was a perfect match. • Dynamic content: Tailoring ads in real-time based on location and audience type. ⏳ [16:30] The Pandemic Pivot: Turning Crisis into Growth • COVID-19 shut down outdoor advertising, leaving Flow City in crisis. • The tech team used the downtime to develop better automation. • Breakthrough moment: Secured direct access to premium ad networks, unlocking major growth. • New model: Clients only pay for ads when they are actually seen, reducing risk. ⏳ [21:00] AI’s Role in Pricing & Campaign Optimization • AI helps brands find the best locations at the best prices. • Avoiding high-cost ad slots by identifying when advertising competition is lower. • Strategic ad buying: Instead of running for two weeks, brands can spread ads over months for better impact. ⏳ [25:15] Challenger Brands vs. Big Advertisers • Big brands are slow to adopt change, while small brands use AI to disrupt the market. • Case study: A challenger brand outperformed an industry leader, which eventually went into administration. • Startups and new brands can now compete with industry giants using targeted, affordable ad placements. ⏳ [30:00] How Flow City Works for Clients • AI analyzes audience behavior and suggests optimal ad placements. • Example: Instead of random billboards across London, the system targets a specific group repeatedly for higher impact. • Smart pricing: Ads are placed where they cost less but still reach the right people. ⏳ [34:00] The Future of Digital Out-of-Home Advertising • 3D digital ads & transparent screens are the next big innovations. • Hyperlocal targeting: Global brands are now customizing ads per city and even per neighborhood. • AI is improving real-time engagement in advertising, making campaigns more interactive. ⏳ [37:30] Startup Challenges & The London VC Scene • London’s VC market is risk-averse, making it harder for startups to secure funding. • Many European startups end up raising money in the US or Asia. • Flow City grew by focusing on profitability instead of chasing VC funding. ⏳ [40:00] Final Thoughts & Closing • Flow City’s mission: Help challenger brands take market share from incumbents. • The future: Expanding to more markets, helping millions of businesses run smarter ad campaigns.

The tech industry loves to talk about disruption, innovation, and the next big thing—but what about the one algorithm we still struggle to solve? Ourselves. In this episode of TechBurst Talks, we’re shifting gears. No hype, no buzzwords—just a raw, honest conversation about life, purpose, and what truly matters beyond the boardroom. Joining me is Uma Thana Balasingham, a former tech leader turned purpose-driven entrepreneur. She’s navigated massive career shifts, personal reinvention, and the kind of introspection that most of us avoid. We dive into the Hoffman Process, a transformative experience that forces you to look inward, break old patterns, and unlock what’s truly holding you back. Why do high achievers—people who seem to have it all—feel stuck? And more importantly, how do we get unstuck? Let’s get into it. 01:15 Uma’s journey of Self Discovery through the Hoffman Process 07:56 Introducing solitude in your life 11:40 The Corporate Perception of Self Help: “Are you OK” versus “Investing in yourself” 14:30 Uma’s new venture ELEVATE - and her first three startups 21:40 Why Now? What led Uma down the path of Self Discovery? 25:00 How this journey helped ease her transition from tech industry leader to purpose-driven entrepreneur 40:40 Uma’s journey to financial stability and independence 45:00 Five Year Outlook: What will success look like? 49:30 Why “How are you?” is now one of the most interesting questions someone can ask Find out more about Uma: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/ Instagram: @rawwithuma @umathana1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RAWwithUMA Find out more about ELEVATE: https://www.elevateasia.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevateasia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-the-business Instagram: @elevateasiaorg Find out more about the Hoffman Process Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoffmanCentre/

In this episode of the TechBurst Talks podcast, host Charles interviews Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr. Gerhard discusses his transition from running the IoT business at Telstra, Australia’s largest telecoms operator, to a startup environment, his current role at Kallipr and the company's innovative IoT solutions. He elaborates on Kallipr’s unique approaches to sensor technology, total cost of ownership, and real-world applications in industries like rail and water management. The conversation also touches on global IoT market trends, including the rise of India as a tech superpower and the impact of satellite connectivity. Gerhard shares personal anecdotes and offers a glimpse into his future vision for Kallipr, emphasising digitising infrastructure and leveraging AI for efficient data management. 00:40 Welcome Back, Gerhard Loots! 00:48 Career Transition: From Telstra to Kallipr 02:40 Introducing Kallipr 03:51 Competing in the Global Market 04:52 Focus on Total Cost of Ownership 06:35 Real-World Use Cases and Success Stories 11:00 Fun with B2B Marketing 13:30 Future Plans for Kallipr 19:00 Industry Insights and Market Trends 32:40 Personal Stories and Fun Questions 38:00 Closing Remarks and Farewell Follow Kallipr: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kallipr/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kallipr Kallipr’s entertaining B2B videos (about time someone made tech fun!) Edge Battery Change video https://youtube.com/shorts/oMDikM3Wi24?si=cglkUMVEoHYsU5hC Radar Tech Demo: Scientific Beer Evaluation https://youtu.be/PE_QsYIxy18?si=Gu7KJDBNSLmkD1rz How we IP68 Test Our IoT Devices https://youtu.be/xj5NWMu9D0g?si=JQn_ocLXD29YoUmH 20 Year Battery Life https://youtu.be/Jybt_4eC91M?si=JVCK1l94MYf1GsUm @Kallipr @charlesreedanderson #IoT #TechInnovation #Kallipr #DigitalTransformation #Sensors #SmartTechnology #Industry40 #Manufacturing #TechLeadership #BatteryLife #DeploymentEfficiency #Maintenance #AustralianMade #Industry40 #IndustrialIO #Startup#LEOSat #NTN #AI, #SmartTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #Kallipr #TotalCostOfOwnership #SensorTechnology #HumanOutcomes #RailManagement #WaterManagement #SatelliteConnectivity #GlobalIoTTrends #IoTSolutions #InfrastructureDigitisation #EdgeComputing #BatteryLife #BusinessTalks #B2BMarketing #IndustryInsights

B2B Marketing Without the Bullsh*t: Creativity, Brand & Staying Real Marketing in tech is evolving fast—so how do you stand out, stay relevant, and keep it real? In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with Jon Buckthorp—Commercial Director at Differentiated, founder of Jon B Studios, and a guy who’s done it all in tech & marketing. We get into: ✅ How creativity is the secret weapon in B2B marketing ✅ The no-BS way to build a personal brand that actually works ✅ The biggest pitfalls in tech marketing today (and how to avoid them) ✅ Why authenticity is the ultimate competitive advantage And of course, some personal reflections on career choices, success, and what really drives happiness. 🎧 Listen in for an unfiltered take on the future of B2B marketing. #Marketing #B2B #Branding #Authenticity #TechBurstTalks 01:15 Welcome to TechBurst Talks with Jon Buckthorp 02:05 Jon's Journey in Tech and Marketing 04:00 The Birth of a Portfolio Career 05:10 Inside Differentiated: Creativity in B2B Marketing 06:36 Jon B Studios: Influencer Marketing Redefined 08:15 Challenges and Triumphs of Personal Branding 17:40 The Women's Sports Alliance: Promoting Women in Sports 19:45 Future Goals and Aspirations 21:30 B2B Tech Marketing: The Good, The Bad, and The Creative 22:50 Deliberate Marketing Strategies 23:33 B2B Marketing Success Stories 26:35 Challenges in 5G Marketing 28:20 Innovative Marketing Approaches 33:25 Personal Reflections and Career Advice 36:05 Fun and Personal Questions 41:40 Closing Remarks Find out more: Differentiated https://www.differentiated.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/differentiated/ Download Differentiated’s “Art and Science Research Report” https://documents.differentiated.co.uk/art-and-science/2024/ Women's Sports Alliance https://www.wsportsalliance.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsportsalliance Follow Jon Buckthorp https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbuckthorp/ https://x.com/Buckee http://buckee.bsky.social/

Samsung’s AI Playbook: Smarter Tech, Stronger Security AI is redefining the smartphone experience—but how does it actually work in the real world? In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with Ian Chong from Samsung Electronics to explore: ✅ Samsung’s latest AI innovations, including Galaxy AI ✅ Game-changing features like Circle to Search & Live Translate ✅ How AI is transforming industries like law enforcement & retail ✅ Why on-device AI is key for security & speed And because tech isn’t everything, we also chat about Ian’s coffee obsession, his quirky sock collection, and what’s next for AI in Samsung devices. 🎧 Tune in for a no-BS, inside look at AI’s impact on mobile. #Samsung #GalaxyAI #AI #TechBurstTalks #OnDeviceAI Show Notes: 00:45 Welcome to Tech Burst Talks 01:00 Introducing Ian Chong and His Role at Samsung 01:35 AI Innovations in Samsung Smartphones 02:13 Galaxy AI Features in Action 04:25 Live Translate and Business Features 08:00 Samsung’s Security Measures 10:49 Rugged Devices for Various Industries 13:27 Customer Insights on AI 16:58 Samsung’s Open Ecosystem and Partnerships 21:45 Enhancing Experiences with AI 22:21 Addressing AI Skepticism 24:25 The Power of Hyper-Connected Devices 25:38 Future of AI and Gen AI 26:44 AI in Retail and B2B Applications 29:36 Transformative AI in Healthcare 31:20 Personal Addictions: Coffee and Crazy Socks 36:18 Reflections and Future Aspirations 38:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Telecom’s Future: AI, Innovation & The Real Challenges The telecom industry is evolving fast—but are we keeping up? In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with telecom veterans Chris and Rob to cut through the noise and get real about: ✅ The impact of AI on networks, costs & efficiency ✅ Why inclusive design matters in telecom ✅ How operators can balance cost vs. customer experience ✅ The rising demand for compute power & what it means for telcos From connectivity to competition, we unpack the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the future of telecom. 💡 If you want real insights, not industry fluff, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in now! 00:00 Welcome to TechBurst Talks 01:34 Meet Chris and Rob 03:17 Global Telecom Trends 07:32 Challenges in the Telecom Industry 11:33 Telcos and the Competitive Landscape 30:56 The Future of IoT in Telecom 33:05 The Role of Wholesale in Telecoms 33:47 Lessons from Other Industries 34:39 Economic Evolution and Value Chains 36:18 Structural Changes in Telecoms 38:23 Impact of AI on Telecoms 40:42 Challenges and Opportunities with AI 52:58 Future of Telecoms: 6G and Beyond 01:02:19 Collaboration and Innovation in Telecoms 01:03:02 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook