Eugene Cheah: Open-Source AI and the Future of Work - E686

Eugene Cheah: Open-Source AI and the Future of Work - E686

Author: Jeremy Au April 13, 2026 Duration: 52:24

Is open source the true future of Artificial Intelligence? In this episode of the BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast, Jeremy Au sits down with Eugene Cheah, CEO and Co-Founder of Featherless AI. They dive deep into the architecture of the RWKV model, the intense global competition between open source and closed source AI, and how China is aggressively pushing an open source strategy to bypass chip constraints.

Recorded with a focus on the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem, this episode breaks down the immediate impact of AI on the global south, specifically highlighting the vulnerability of the BPO and call center industries in the Philippines. Eugene also shares his extraordinary journey from building UIlicious to securing a $1M investment in San Francisco with no pitch deck, and his ongoing work with the Linux Foundation and the World Trade Organization to bridge the global AI language divide.

Discover tactical insights into startup bootstrapping, macroeconomics, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to navigate the hyper-competitive deep tech space.

Tune in to learn how to future-proof your business and stay ahead of the AI curve in Southeast Asia.


00:00 - Introduction & Featherless AI

02:59 - From UIlicious to AI Research

05:45 - RWKV & the Transformer Alternative

07:13 - Spinning Out Featherless as a New Company

09:10 - Fundraising in San Francisco

16:15 - Open Source vs. Closed Source AI

21:52 - China's Open Source AI Strategy

23:57 - Advantages & Disadvantages of Open Source

28:06 - Inference as a Service & Model Variety

32:13 - The Future of AI: Reliability & Specialization

36:35 - Personal Growth & Navigating AI Politics

39:01 - Policy Advice for Southeast Asia & Global AI Impact

43:39 - Multilingual AI & Closing the Global Divide

48:44 - Being Brave: Founding Story & Closing Reflections

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/eugene-cheah-featherless-ai-open-source-ai

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at https://www.bravesea.com

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There’s a unique energy building across Southeast Asia, a sense of possibility that’s palpable from Singapore’s skyscrapers to the bustling streets of Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech captures that momentum by going beyond the headlines and funding announcements. Host Jeremy Au, a venture capitalist and serial founder with a background from Harvard and Berkeley, steers these conversations with a distinct perspective-one that balances the hard metrics of growth with the very human elements of leadership and personal development. Each episode feels like a candid, in-depth dialogue, whether he’s speaking with a first-time founder navigating early traction or a seasoned investor mapping regional trends. You’ll hear genuine stories about building companies, the tough lessons learned from failures, and the often-overlooked journey of staying grounded while scaling rapidly. This isn’t about presenting a polished facade of success; it’s about the real work of creating something meaningful. With over eighty thousand regular listeners, this podcast has become a key resource for anyone invested in the region’s tech ecosystem. Jeremy brings his own experiences as a sci-fi enthusiast and a father into the mix, often exploring how broader perspectives on the future and empathy shape better leaders. Tune in for practical insights on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and management, all framed within the vibrant and complex tapestry of Southeast Asia. New conversations arrive every Monday, offering a thoughtful pause to reflect on how we build what’s next.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)
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