Category: Singapore

Sustenir Agriculture :: Cool stuff made in Singapore

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

I love the impact of tech on food production and figure we haven’t seen anything yet.

Saw this on kickstarter today :: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/451425606/sproutsio-smart-microgarden

I look forward to the days I could buy some unit and put it in my closet and grow fresh veggies using less water and power than growing them normally does.

It reminded me of a tour I had the other day of Sustenir :: http://www.susteniragriculture.com/ . Was killer to see what these guys are doing, see the process and taste some of the goodies. I won’t say much more than that but this type of stuff is the beginning of changing our food chain, reduce the need for imports and it will grow stuff without a lot of chemicals, plus it uses much less water.

That kale was damn tasty.

The world is a troublesome place and I don’t think tech is the saviour but I do feel that tech can help keep us on earth without totally destroying it. It’s also super awesome as a VC to get to explore this stuff while I learn about how capital can help fuel the positive tech changes in our lives.

Indonesia Panel at Deal Street Asia Conference

~ michael_msft ~ 1 Comment

Full agenda is here :: http://www.dealstreetasia.com/events/?utm_source=dsa-website&utm_medium=top-banner&utm_campaign=2016Summit

I will be doing a panel on :: Indonesia, Poised for Growth! Will it deliver?

I obviously have my hunches about it. I mean, not trying to boast, but I kind of helped to kick off the scene when Yahoo bought Koprol. Of course that didn’t go according to plan but it still was a huge milestone in SEA region and was a big shot in the arm in the Indonesian scene.

You can read more about that journey here :: http://www.nokpis.com/2014/02/28/koprol-the-inside-story-part-1/

I am a big believer in Indonesia but I have my own feelings about how it will all play out but here is your chance to get involved.

Please leave questions you might have for the panel in the comments on this post and I will pick the best ones and use them during my panel and will also give credit to the person asking.

Get on it.

SeedPlus Open House – JTC SwitchOn@Launch Pad

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

Here is the official link to the event :: http://www.jtc.gov.sg/switchon2016

I dont have a link for you all yet but will add it once I do.

On September 21st JTC will be have an open house and other stuff over in startup central area – Launch Pad to be precise.

You can find our map here – http://www.seedplus.com/contact/ .

The SeedPlus slot is from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. We will have some snacks and drinks.

If you think you want to come please gives us a heads up via email so we get a sense of the interest.

Hello@seedplus.com

Hope to meet some new or familiar faces.

Where to find the best coders?

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

I thought this article was pretty interesting but not sure if the sample size is big enough to really declare winners but interesting to see the country breakdown.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/08/30/who-would-win-the-coding-olympics/

China and Russia at the top but also cool to see Singapore come in at #13.

People always ask if there is talent outside of the USA or the known ecosystems of record and I always say that there are but that things like culture, experience and supporting cast members have a lot to do with success as well. Hard to rival Silicon Valley or the USA ecosystem in general due to some of those factors and the shear size of the market but you can’t ignore Asia.

Impossible.

I tend to have always thought the raw coding skills in Asia are as good as the USA but the experience of working for large tech firms on global products is lacking but that is improving with time and the presence of companies like Google who are beginning to build product in the region.

Good time to be in Asia.

Attores :: Cool stuff made in Singapore

~ michael_msft ~ 1 Comment

Singapore is a pretty happening place when it comes to fintech stuff and startups using the blockchain to build product.

One such company is http://attores.com/

They actually just hosted an event last night that Vitalik of Ethtreum attended – some pics here :: https://www.facebook.com/attorescom/

It’s interesting to see Singapore be the regional HQ for innovation around finance, thank you MAS, and of course seeing Singapore lead the way with autonomous vehicles as well.

Good times. Good place to be.