25 APR

Episode 34 - Talking Machine Learning and AI with Kevin Tian from Tiktok

Today on The Pinpoint Asia Podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Tian, a Machine Learning Engineer at TikTok with a deep background in AI, computer vision, and medical imaging.From cutting-edge research to Big Tech and startup innovation, Kevin has been at the forefront of AI development. He has also worked in Facebook (now Meta) a Research Scientist.On today's podcast, we’ll be asking Kevin questions about Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI—breaking it down in a way that anyone can understand. IntroductionCould you please introduce yourself and give us an overview of your journey in machine learning and AI? What got you interested AI?You moved from academia into the corporate world by working for Facebook. Why did you make this transition and what was the transition like?Understanding Machine LearningFor our listeners who might not be familiar, how would you define machine learning?What is the difference between machine learning and artificial intelligence?What is deep learning?Work Experience and ProjectsCan you tell us about your role as a Machine Learning Engineer at TikTok? Are you able to talk about some of the key projects you have worked on?Your work at Shenzhen University involved a 3D image segmentation framework. Can you talk about medical imaging, why it is important and what 3D image segmentation means?What is an ASR model and how complex is it?You have experience with self-supervised pretraining in ASR models at Facebook. Could you talk more about this?Technical InsightsHow do you approach the challenge of developing algorithms for video understanding?In your opinion, what are the most important skills for someone looking to excel in machine learning?Machine Learning in PracticeWhat are some common misconceptions about machine learning that you’ve encountered?How do you manage to keep up with the fast-paced developments in AI and machine learning?Can you share any insights on how machine learning can be applied to improve real-world business processes, particularly in the context of TikTok or your past roles?Challenges and Future ProspectsWhat are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your machine learning projects, and how did you overcome them?What future advancements in AI and machine learning are you most excited about?How do you see machine learning evolving over the next few years?Closing ThoughtsIf you could give one piece of advice to aspiring machine learning engineers, what would it be?How do you see your career evolving in the next 5-10 years in the field of machine learning?

49 min

14 MAR

Episode 33 - How to stand out as a candidate in today’s marketplace

How to stand out as an ideal candidate in this modern job market. How is the current landscape of the talent scene different from the traditional one, say 20 years ago? How can a candidate One Stand Out in this market then? How do you foresee AI changing the hiring process? How can job seekers leverage the power of AI in their job search? Resume, cover letter and interview prep using AI. How can we leverage the current AI technologies today to enhance them? Which is working on communication & presentation skills. Why is this so important more so now than before? What would you say to people who believe that communication skills are something people are born with (or without)? How does one get better at communication & presentation? Where do we even start? Strategic resume & interview preparation. How do I prepare for my interview when I don’t even know what questions will be asked? What is the significance of networking in the modern job market? How can modern job seekers leverage partnerships with recruiters to stand out and gain competitive edges? How do we identify these great recruiters?

54 min

28 FEB

Episode 32 - Talking about Data Science, Data Models and AI with Arunabha Gupta

1. Arun, could you start by sharing your journey into data science? What drew you to this field, and how has your career evolved across different industries? 2. In your work at Swiss Re, you’ve developed solutions like geospatial property databases and electric vehicle pricing models. Could you share a real-world example of how these solutions impacted decision-making? 3. The insurance industry is often considered traditional. How is data science reshaping this space, particularly in areas like claims management, risk assessment, and customer retention? 4. You’ve also worked in the healthcare space, including projects at Novartis. Could you give an example of how you applied data science to address challenges in healthcare or pharmaceutical domains? 5. Predictive analytics and anomaly detection are common terms in your work. Could you explain what they mean in practical terms and provide examples of their application? 6. Data quality and governance are critical in analytics. How do you ensure these are maintained, especially when dealing with large datasets across multiple platforms? 7. AI is transforming analytics. How do you see AI enhancing data science, and what opportunities or challenges do you foresee in its application to industries like insurance and healthcare? 8. From your experience, what are the key challenges organisations face when trying to scale their data-driven initiatives, and how can they overcome them? 9. You’ve mentored data science students and teams. What skills or mindsets do you believe are essential for someone to succeed in this field? 10. Finally, for listeners considering a career in data science, what advice would you give to help them navigate this ever-evolving industry?

57 min

14 FEB

Episode 31 - Talking to the CEO of Daxtra - Christian Ward

Introduction Today on The Pinpoint Asia Podcast, we welcome Christian Ward, CEO of Daxtra, a leading SaaS recruitment solution. Explore his journey from starting his own company to returning as Daxtra’s CEO, along with insights on scaling a global SaaS business and the impact of Generative AI. Background Could you please tell us what Daxtra is? How big is the business and how many people do you have?Let's go back to the beginning - you were a teacher in Taiwan in 2003. Was that more of a explore-the-world phase or did you really think about being a teacher?How did the transition to working at Daxtra come about in 2004?Why did you leave Daxtra in 2012 and what prompted the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey?Your LI profile reads "African sneaker business owner" - tell us about it. How did that happen and what was your role in that business?You returned to Daxtra as a CEO last year in 2023. What prompted the return? What lessons did you learn from running your own business that you brought back to Daxtra?Starting and Scaling a SAAS Business What is a SaaS business?From your experience, what are the critical first steps for someone with a technology background who wants to start a SAAS company?What were some of the most significant challenges Daxtra has faced and continues to face when scaling up?What strategies did you use to differentiate Daxtra’s offerings in a competitive SAAS market?Managing Growth and Global Expansion Can you share specific strategies that were pivotal for scaling Daxtra’s operations internationally?How do you ensure that Daxtra’s technology and service offerings are adaptable to various markets and client needs?How do you manage the complexities of scaling a business while keeping the company culture intact across global teams?What is Daxtra's moat and how can you keep low-cost providers from taking away your market share?Impact of Generative AI on Entrepreneurship In your view, how has Generative AI changed the landscape for launching and running a SAAS business?Are there particular aspects of building and scaling a SAAS company that have become easier due to advances in AI?How is Daxtra leveraging Generative AI in its recruitment solutions, and what impact has this had?What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs on using AI tools to their advantage?Leadership and Team Dynamics What qualities do you think are essential for a leader in the SAAS industry?How do you foster innovation and keep your team motivated amidst the fast-paced changes in technology?Can you share any insights into your approach to hiring, especially for technical and leadership roles in a SAAS business?How do you manage collaboration and communication among diverse teams, especially in a remote or hybrid working environment?Future Trends and Advice Where do you see the SAAS industry heading in the next 5 to 10 years, especially with the rapid evolution of AI?What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own SAAS businesses in today’s tech landscape?How do you stay ahead of competitors and maintain relevance in a constantly evolving industry?If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of business advice, what would it be?Closing Thoughts What’s next for Daxtra under your leadership?Any final thoughts or words of encouragement for budding SAAS entrepreneurs?

49 min

15/11/2024

Episode 30 - Understanding HR with Mukta Arya (CHRO - SocGen)

We are incredibly excited to welcome a distinguished guest on today's podcast. While we typically delve into conversations with CIOs and technologists, today we're shifting gears with Mukta Arya, the Chief Human Resources Officer for Asia Pacific at Societe Generale. Mukta brings a wealth of experience in HR leadership, and we are thrilled to have her join us to share her insights. I also discovered that she is the author of several thought-provoking books, including a collection of intense poems that I am gradually reading to fully appreciate and absorb! Background Before embarking on a long and successful career in HR, you actually chose to do your Bacehlor's in zoology. Why zoology and when did you decide that HR was your true calling? Delving into the HR World The Many Facets of HR: HR encompasses a wide range of functions—from recruitment to employee relations to organisational development. Could you elaborate on the key facets within HR and how each contributes to the overall success of an organisation? The Role of a CHRO: What exactly does a CHRO do, and what qualities or experiences are essential to rise to this role? Can you share your journey to becoming a CHRO and the pivotal moments that shaped your career? Underappreciated Aspects: What are some of the most underappreciated aspects of the CHRO’s role? Are there any misconceptions about what HR leaders do that you’d like to clear up? Challenges of the Role: On the flip side, what are the most challenging aspects of being a CHRO, particularly in a global organisation like Societe Generale? Crafting an HR Strategy: When we talk about HR strategy, what does that entail? Could you define what makes a good HR strategy and how its effectiveness is measured within an organisation? You have worked in different parts of the world - India, Singapore and now Hong Kong. How has working in these different regions shaped your career and your thought process? Questions About DEI Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are frequently discussed in the corporate world. Why are they so critical to an organisation’s success, and how do they impact the bottom line? Can you share any specific initiatives you've led or witnessed that made a significant difference? Glass ceiling effect for women: In the recent past working women would hit the glass ceiling and couldn't easily advance in their careers. Do you feel that the ceiling has broken in recent years? What suggestions do you have for women trying to balance family and work while achieving success in their roles? The Future of HR AI and HR: With the advent of AI and other technologies, how do you see the role of HR evolving in the next decade? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee, and how can HR leaders prepare for these changes? Can you talk about the effects of AI within SocGen? They say that jobs might disappear and new ones might take their place. What is your take on this? Advice for Aspiring CHROs: What advice would you give to someone who aspires to become a CHRO? What should they focus on, both in terms of skill development and career progression?

47 min

01/11/2024

Episode 29 - Talking Running with Chang

We are going to take a little detour from the usual theme of our podcasts today. Our client is a senior technologist and the CIO of a major bank but that's not the accomplishment we want to focus on for today. Instead, we're going to talk about running. Chang has run several 1000 kilometres and has finished several challenging runs in Hong Kong including the Four Trails. He does all this being a family man with 3 children and a demanding job! Today we will talk about how he got into running and we'll focus on two of his epic runs. The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka which he helped inaugurate and his attempted Camino De Santiago run (600+ km). So let me extend a warm welcome to the one and only Chang! Background What got him into running? Paint a picture of his running career from the time we did the HK100 together Talk about his list of accomplishments since then Where does this drive to keep running come from? Mental toughness What does he say to himself when the going gets tough? When does he know when to quit a race? Do thoughts of quitting enter his mind? If so, how does he handle them? Physical toughness Roughly what does his training look like to facilitate such runs People talk about weak knees and cartilage as the distance goes up. Is there any truth to this and what does he do to avoid injuries? Does he always watch what he eats? Even during a down season? What does he normally eat? Family How much of a difference can a supportive family be for him to indulge in his passions? How did he find a wife so supportive of his running? Will his kids follow in his footsteps? Does he want them to? Connection between running and work How does he decide where to channel his energy? What are the positive effects and the negative effects (if any) of long-distance running on work? Random questions Is running an addiction for him? Is there any downside to this addiction (if it is one) The Sri Lankan trail Tell us about the time when he was in Sri Lanka during the Tsunami When did he realize the threat and what was going through his mind then? How did he learn about the Pekoe trail? He did the 22-day trail in just under 58 hours!! Talk to us about The preparation for it The dangers of it How he beat being alone in the dark What about animals? How did he manage the weather? The support from the crowd What were the toughest moments during the race? What was it like to finish it? Camino De Santiago trail How did the idea come about? Talk to us about The preparation for it The dangers of it How he beat being alone in the dark What about animals? How did he manage the weather? The support from the crowd How hard was it to make the decision to quit? After he quit, did regrets take over his mind? How did he handle them? How will he change his preparation the next time around? To finish: What lessons has he learnt from long-distance running? How has it shaped him as a human being? How should one balance sports vs social connections vs work? What are some of the top tips for being able to successfully run such distances?

1h 23m

09/10/2024

Episode 28 - Talking about DaLa (Data Literacy Association of Hong Kong) with Dr Charm

Today on The Pinpoint Asia Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Toa Charm, a visionary leader who has a wealth of experience in the technology space. With over three decades of experience across AI, Big Data, FinTech, corporate innovation, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Charm has held senior positions at global giants like HSBC, IBM, and Oracle. He’s the founding chairman of the Data Literacy Association (DaLa), driving data empowerment across industries, and a key mentor to some of Asia’s most promising start-ups. Our goal today is to understand more about DaLa, why he chose to start this association and the benefits of being a member of DaLa. First of all, let me welcome Dr Charm to the podcast! 1. DaLa’s Vision and Mission Could you please give our audience an overview of your background and share the inspiration behind founding the Data Literacy Association (DaLa)? What was the driving force behind this initiative? How does DaLa aim to bridge the gap in data literacy, and why is this critical in today's digital landscape? What are some of the key initiatives DaLa has undertaken to empower individuals and organisations to understand and utilise data effectively? 2. Data Literacy Empowerment and Digital Transformation In your view, how does improving data literacy contribute to successful digital transformation within organisations? You have worked with numerous companies on their data strategies. Could you give us examples of how enhanced data literacy has translated into business success? For companies just starting on their data literacy journey, what are the fundamental steps they should take to begin leveraging data more effectively? 3. DaLa’s Impact on the Industry Can you share some success stories where DaLa has made a significant impact on an organisation’s data culture and performance? How do you foresee the role of DaLa evolving as the demand for data-driven decision-making grows globally? What are the unique challenges DaLa faces in promoting data literacy across various sectors, and how are you addressing them? 4. Personal Insights and Future Goals Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for DaLa in the next 5-10 years? How do you plan to expand its influence globally? How do you balance your involvement in DaLa with your other roles in academia, industry, and mentoring? What advice would you give to businesses and individuals who want to stay competitive in a data-driven world? 5. DaLa Events and Awards Could you please talk more about DaLa awards and events? What is the Data Literacy Index and how is it calculated? Why should companies consider participating in the DaLa awards?

50 min

08/10/2024

Episode 27 - Talking about the AI with Kevin Pereira - MD of Blu

Introduction: We've all been hearing about AI and how it's about to take over the world! Today on the Pinpoint Asia Podcast, we are honoured to have Kevin Pereira, MD of Blu Limited which is a consulting firm that specializes in Artificial Intelligence. He is also a guest lecturer at HKUST and teaches 'Big Data in Finance' and 'AI in Marketing' to MBAs and MFin students. We are going to ask him many questions pertaining to AI to learn more about the topic. Questions: 1. Background & Career Journey: Let's start with a bit of background. Can you tell us a bit about your journey in technology and how you first got involved in AI and automation? You started talking about AI before the likes of ChatGPT, etc. How did you have the foresight to delve more into this? 2. The Role of AI in Business Transformation: You have consulted with many companies about AI. Which industries are ripe for transformation in your opinion? For those companies that want to get ahead of the AI curve, what should they do now to prepare? 3. AI Innovation & Trends: What are some of the most exciting AI innovations you’ve encountered recently that have the potential to revolutionise industries? How do you think generative AI, like chatbots and AI-generated content, is influencing the way companies operate? What are the key trends in AI that you believe every business leader should be paying attention to? 4. Challenges & Ethical Considerations: AI comes with its challenges, from data privacy concerns to ethical dilemmas. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced when implementing AI in businesses? How do you navigate the ethical considerations of AI, especially in sectors that have a large societal impact? 5. Future of AI: In five years, where do you see AI taking us? What are some of the future innovations or challenges we should be prepared for? How do you envision the role of human workers evolving alongside AI in the workplace? 6. Inspiration & Advice: For young professionals looking to enter the AI space, what advice would you give them to succeed in this rapidly growing field?

42 min

The Pinpoint Asia Podcast (pinpointasia.com)

Episode 34 - Talking Machine Learning and AI with Kevin Tian from Tiktok

Episode 33 - How to stand out as a candidate in today’s marketplace

Episode 32 - Talking about Data Science, Data Models and AI with Arunabha Gupta

Episode 31 - Talking to the CEO of Daxtra - Christian Ward

Episode 30 - Understanding HR with Mukta Arya (CHRO - SocGen)

Episode 29 - Talking Running with Chang

Episode 28 - Talking about DaLa (Data Literacy Association of Hong Kong) with Dr Charm

Episode 27 - Talking about the AI with Kevin Pereira - MD of Blu

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information

The Pinpoint Asia Podcast (pinpointasia.com)

Episodes

Episode 34 - Talking Machine Learning and AI with Kevin Tian from Tiktok

Episode 33 - How to stand out as a candidate in today’s marketplace

Episode 32 - Talking about Data Science, Data Models and AI with Arunabha Gupta

Episode 31 - Talking to the CEO of Daxtra - Christian Ward

Episode 30 - Understanding HR with Mukta Arya (CHRO - SocGen)

Episode 29 - Talking Running with Chang

Episode 28 - Talking about DaLa (Data Literacy Association of Hong Kong) with Dr Charm

Episode 27 - Talking about the AI with Kevin Pereira - MD of Blu

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information