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TechBurst Talks

TechBurst Talks

By: Charles Reed Anderson
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 In the dynamic realm of technology, buzzwords such as IoT, Smart Cities, and AI hold promise for transformative change, yet why do they often fall short of expectations? Introducing TechBurst Talks — a beacon of pragmatism in an industry often swayed by complacent optimism. Join us as we engage with global industry leaders to delve into the latest buzzwords, discerning between hype and reality. Politics & Government
Episodes
  • 061: CORPORATE CROSSFIRE: Navigating the New Global Order

    061: CORPORATE CROSSFIRE: Navigating the New Global Order
    Jun 6 2025

    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
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    41 mins
  • 060: SMARTPHONES DISRUPTED: Tariffs, Trends & Turmoil

    060: SMARTPHONES DISRUPTED: Tariffs, Trends & Turmoil
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, 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.


    SHOW NOTES

    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

    05:31 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:o0 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
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    39 mins
  • 059: AI & Advertising: From MAD MEN to MACHINE LEARNING

    059: AI & Advertising: From MAD MEN to MACHINE LEARNING
    Mar 20 2025
    🚀 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.
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    42 mins
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