Category: Singapore

Russian cybersecurity firm Group IB to open global HQ in Singapore: CEO | Reuters

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

I have written before about the notion of cities and anchor tenants when it comes to the startup ecosystem.

I fully believe that Singapore has won this battle versus any other SEA city.

Now add Group IB to the list. You may not know the name but what I find interesting is why they chose Singapore.

What many people don’t know is the one Interpol is in Singapore and two, they HQ their cyber crimes unit in Singapore.

I suspect more companies who work around this industry will start to see Singapore as the best spot for an HQ.

Russian cybersecurity firm Group IB to open global HQ in Singapore: CEO | Reuters

Singapore PM Bloomberg interview

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I rather enjoyed this one. I will preface that no country is perfect but I like a lot of what he says when it comes to geo political stuff, healthcare, aging and education. As a Singaporean PR, I can vouch for how good these systems are – compared to both other SEA cities I have lived in and America. I loves his comments around teachers and how they help them grow and push them out as well.

The Anchor Tenant – AVC

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This is why I am excited about Singapore and think it will remain the leader for the SEA startup scene for years to come.

Singapore is full of anchor tenants in tech and media.

Google, facebook, apple, AirBnB, soon stripe and eventually Dyson will all be here building stuff.

We will continue to see more trailing tech spouses (TTS) which in turn will bring more employees or people who have a spouse working that will use their opportunity to build or join a startup.

The runoff from the anchor tenants is only beginning to be felt in Singapore and around the SEA region.

The Anchor Tenant – AVC:

Malls need anchor tenants. These are the stores that bring the folks to the mall so that they can discover all of the other amazing places to shop that sit between the big tenants.

Cities need the same. Particularly cities that are trying to develop new industries.

Stuff to be thankful for!

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

Let’s start with this:

My wife did an amazing job on this beauty. Thanks babe – can’t wait to get home and chill.

Yesterday I was in a grab coming back from NUH, daughter had a follow up appointment, and I was chatting with the driver about grab and GO-JEK. For the record he was staying with grab since he has premium status and he likes the service. Most drivers I chat with have told me they signed up for GO-JEK already.

The other topic we covered is Singapore and my desire for a Singapore passport. He said most Singaporean’s probably think the USA passport is better but we agreed that most people take Singapore and it’s many benefits for granted.

Health and taxes being foremost for me.

The appointment we had at NUH was 53 SGD all in. I don’t have insurance for the basic stuff so I am using the Permanent Resident subsidized rates. I am sure even in Bangkok the visit would have cost more and in the USA would have been 2-5x.

No healthcare system is perfect but I am continually amazed at how it works in Singapore for PR’s and residents. We did all of our stuff for the new kid under the PR subsidized plan and all of our checkups and vaccinations we will do at the polyclinics.

There are of course issues even in Singapore around rising health costs but when I compare the system to Thailand or USA – there is no comparison. The stay at KK has been amazing and the staff are exemplary.

I am thankful for the new kid and the privilege of getting to use the Singapore health system.

Bloomberg w/Amit Anand

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

Cool to hear Amit on the radio:

Amit Anand, Managing Partner/Co-Founder, Jungle Ventures, joined Rishaad Salamat and Bryan Curtis on Daybreak Asia to discuss investment opportunities in South East Asia. He looks into the explosion in internet users across the region, how start-ups are taking advantage of that and some of the most interesting companies he has invested in.

— Read on www.bloomberg.com/