Shiyan Koh: Singapore Studies Nuclear Energy, SEA Startup Pessimism & AI Waifus – E608

Shiyan Koh: Singapore Studies Nuclear Energy, SEA Startup Pessimism & AI Waifus – E608

Author: Jeremy Au August 1, 2025 Duration: 44:38

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, joins Jeremy Au to explore Singapore’s exploration of nuclear energy, the Southeast Asia startup downturn, and how AI is changing both business and social behavior. They discuss how the government seeds long-term energy strategy, what optimism looks like in a bear market, and why human interaction must remain a priority as digital tools evolve. Together, they reflect on resilience, founder mindset, and parenting in an increasingly AI-driven world.


02:15 Singapore is quietly exploring nuclear power as an energy source: In 2024, Singapore signed a civil nuclear cooperation "123 Agreement" with America and launched the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative (targeted ~100 researcher lab) at the National University of Singapore (NUS).


03:46 Hitting carbon net zero may require nuclear energy: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general Rafael Grossi: “When it comes to decarbonising, what are your options? Here, there is no hydropower. You have renewables, but you don’t have much territory... It’s a small country, so you cannot have wind parks for kilometres on end... In my opinion... Singapore could rightly (be) the most perfect example of a country that needs nuclear energy."


06:28 Nuclear acceptance may follow the NEWater playbook: They compare it to the early skepticism around NEWater, which underwent societal education, trial balloons, and gradual integration. Hurdles include nuclear safety, exploration of small modular reactor designs and concerns/ collaborations with neighboring countries.


13:59 Southeast Asia’s startup mood has soured post-boom: After years of hype and capital, many founders now face disillusionment. Shiyan calls it a hangover from the zero-interest era but also notes new AI-driven opportunities are emerging.


15:36 Founders can now build global-first with AI: Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets make regional scaling hard. Shiyan explains that founders can now launch globally from day one using AI tools, bypassing local limitations.


19:32 AI changes what’s possible, but customers, not VCs, decide: Even with better tools, Shiyan reminds founders that most startups still fail. What matters is whether customers are willing to pay, not just whether investors believe.


23:00 Real connection still beats AI companionship: They explore whether AI waifus can help people practice social skills or just create more isolation. Shiyan argues nothing replaces shared quirks, jokes, and emotional presence in real life.


Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/shiyan-koh-singapore-nuclear-energy

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at 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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