Ep265: The Great Leapfrog
Can South and Southeast Asia jump straight to clean tech?
South and Southeast Asia face a different challenge to many developed economies. As the regions continue to grow, so too does demand for energy, transport and industry. The question is whether that growth can be powered by cleaner technologies from the start.
In the second of our episodes recorded from Singapore, Michael meets Marie Cheong, founding partner at 100x100, a climate tech venture builder and VC for South and Southeast Asia. Previously, Marie co-founded WaveMaker Impact, where she helped launch climate startups addressing some of the region's biggest opportunities for decarbonisation.
Marie explains why climate innovation in emerging South Asian markets requires a different approach. They discuss investing across the region, growing energy demand, using AI to decarbonise manufacturing, and why there are no "silver bullet" solutions to climate change.
Marie also takes Michael to the People Bee Hoon noodle factory, which makes rice vermicelli noodles to see how Desmond Goh, the factory’s director is using AI to improve his operations. Michael meets to Desmond and Muun AI founder Kathryn Knight about how better use of data can help cut emissions and waste.
And at the end of the episode, a very special announcement… stay tuned.
Topics discussed:
• Building climate startups across South and Southeast Asia
• Why climate investing needs more than "silver bullet" technologies
• The biggest opportunities for climate innovation in emerging Asian markets
• Solving regional pain points as the key to success
• Can Southeast Asia grow without burning more coal?
• Investing in emerging markets and navigating regional diversity
• How AI can help manufacturers cut emissions, costs and energy use
• The next generation of climate technology in Asia
Watch the full episode now on YouTube or find it on your favourite podcast platform.