Valerie Vu: Vietnam’s Tech Reforms, Energy Battles & Surviving Trump’s Tariff Shock – E629

Valerie Vu: Vietnam’s Tech Reforms, Energy Battles & Surviving Trump’s Tariff Shock – E629

Author: Jeremy Au September 25, 2025 Duration: 36:44

Jeremy Au and Valerie Vu sit down in Singapore to examine how Southeast Asia’s private capital markets, Vietnam’s reforms, and regional politics are shaping investor sentiment and startup opportunities. They explore slower fundraising cycles, Vietnam’s push toward technology-driven growth, and how energy shortages and tariff shocks impact manufacturing. Their discussion also covers foreign investor trust, nuclear energy debates, and the rise of cybersecurity and AI as national priorities.


03:52 Vietnam steadies after political consolidation: New leadership pursues double-digit GDP growth, economic reforms, and technology-driven policies.

06:42 Electricity price hikes trigger crisis: EVN’s subsidy rollbacks risk $13 billion in renewable projects and damage foreign investor trust.

12:53 Nuclear energy returns to the agenda: Vietnam revives talks with Russia and Japan to build its first reactor by 2030.

20:47 Tariffs negotiated down to 20 percent: Vietnam avoided harsher 46 percent rates, keeping FDI inflows stable and competitive against India and China.

25:49 Supply chain transparency becomes critical: Firms must prove independence from China to avoid 40 percent penalties, creating opportunities for verification startups.

28:36 Startups align with government priorities: AI, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure ventures gain support through partnerships and favorable policy.


Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/valerie-vu-powering-vietnam


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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