This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Singapore wants to hit net zero by 2050, but with limited land, resources, and two heavyweight emitters (power and industry), the path isn’t straightforward. So how do we pilot, scale, and deploy low‑carbon solutions that actually move the needle?

This episode replays a recent Fireside Chat. Speakers from Temasek Foundation, JTC Corporation, Keppel Infrastructure Trust and A*STAR's ISCE² shared what’s working, what’s not, and what still needs to happen. From hydrogen technologies to patient capital, every story pointed to one thing: no single player can decarbonize alone.

Startups, industry, and government need to build an ecosystem where new ideas can be tested, funded, and scaled across Singapore’s toughest sectors, with initiatives like The Liveability Challenge to boost technologies from lab to market.

It’s a long journey ahead, but the session made one thing clear: collaboration is the engine that will power Singapore’s low‑carbon future.

Learn more about our speakers and the amazing work they are doing:

Temasek Foundation (Website)

Temasek Foundation (LinkedIn)

Anders Soh (LinkedIn)

JTC Corporation (Website)

JTC Corporation (LinkedIn)

Cindy Koh (LinkedIn)

Keppel Infrastructure Trust (Website)

Keppel Infrastructure Trust (LinkedIn)

Poh Tiong Keng (LinkedIn)

ISCE² (Website)

ISCE² (LinkedIn)

Wang Peiyi (LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Kellie Chan from SG Innovate

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Reuben in conversation with Kellie as they unpack her journey into venture capital and SG Innovate’s mission to accelerate deep tech innovation in Singapore.

Kellie shares insights on sectors shaping the future—cybersecurity, GenAI, and quantum—while highlighting SG Innovate’s role in nurturing today’s early-stage startups.

The discussion explores findings from their annual report, the challenges of scaling deep tech ventures, and why collaboration across the ecosystem is critical to unlocking opportunities, especially in quantum.

Learn more about SG Innovate, Kellie and the amazing work they are doing:

SG Innovate (Website)

SG Innovate (LinkedIn)

KellieChan (LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Vanessa Ding from SG Innovate

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Reuben in conversation with Vanessa as they explore her journey from researcher at A*STAR to leading talent development in deep tech at SG Innovate.

Vanessa shares how programs like the Helix Immersion Program are helping biomedical tech talent transition into industry roles and why bridging the gap between research and commercialization is vital for Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.

The discussion dives into the challenges of building a strong talent pipeline, the importance of supporting emerging startups, and Vanessa’s passion for creating impactful careers that shape the future of deep tech.

Learn more about SG Innovate, Vanessa and the amazing work they are doing:

SG Innovate (Website)

SG Innovate (LinkedIn)

Vanessa Ding (LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Doreen Chai, Deputy Director at co11ab Novena.

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Peiling in conversation with Doreen as they explore co11ab’s mission to accelerate biomed tech innovation through strategic partnerships with NHG Health, NTU, Singapore’s research institutions and of course, the startups they support.

Doreen shares how co11ab’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative community create a launchpad for local and global startups—spotlighting why cross-collaboration matters and how Singapore’s ecosystem gives innovators a competitive edge.

The discussion dives into the role of connected networks in scaling health tech ventures and why building bridges between academia, healthcare, and industry is key to driving growth.

Learn more about co11ab, Doreen and the amazing work they are doing:

co11ab (Website)

co11ab(LinkedIn)

Doreen Chai(LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Pauline Tay, Director, National Health Innovation Centre, Singapore (NHIC)

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Pei Ling in conversation with Pauline as they unpack the evolving landscape of healthcare innovation.

Pauline shares how NHIC empowers clinicians to turn ideas into impactful solutions—spotlighting breakthroughs like robotic surgical tools and novel eczema treatments.

The discussion dives into precision medicine, and why collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and tech partners is key to transforming patient care.

You’ll also hear Pauline’s personal journey from A*STAR researcher to leading NHIC, and her vision for a future where clinician-led innovation drives better health outcomes.

Learn more about NHIC, Pauline and the amazing work they are doing:

NHIC (Website)

NHIC (LinkedIn)

Pauline(LinkedIn)

Please note that as of 1 July 2025, National Healthcare Group has been rebranded to NHG Health.

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Rafael Alate Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Entrepreneurship

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Reuben in conversation with Rafael as they explore his decade-long journey championing entrepreneurship across different Singapore institutions and his current role at SUSS.

Rafael shares how SUSS is driving programs for social good and impact—spotlighting initiatives like dementia care services and inclusive education. The discussion dives into a 12-week intensive venture-building program, a 2.5-year partnership with Alibaba Cloud, and how these efforts empower aspiring entrepreneurs.

They also examine the urgent need to address an aging society and why collaboration with technology partners is critical to amplifying impact.

Learn more about SUSS, Rafael Alzate and the amazing work they are doing:

SUSS Entrepreneurship (Website)

SUSS Entrepreneurship (LinkedIn)

Rafael Alzate(LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Jay Chandran from Singapore Management University (SMU) Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Reuben in conversation with Jay as they explore his journey leading SMU’s innovation ecosystem and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Jay shares how SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship operates on three pillars—cultivate, coach, and convene—to empower students and startups.

The discussion dives into flagship programs like Protégé Ventures, Global Innovation Immersion, and the Business Innovations Generator, which help founders gain real-world experience and scale their ventures.

They also spotlight the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, attracting global startups to tackle pressing challenges, and explore trends in tech transfer and deep tech commercialization. Plus, Jay shares his vision for future opportunities, including the rise of venture studios and the need for entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more about Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at SMU, Jay and the amazing work they are doing:

SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Website)

SMU Institute ofInnovation and Entrepreneurship (LinkedIn)

Jay Chandran (LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Anuj Jain from NTU’s National Graduate Research Innovation Program (National GRIP).

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Reuben in conversation with Anuj as they explore his dynamic career journey—from FMCG to entrepreneurship and venture capital—leading to his current role at NTU running National GRIP.

Anuj shares how National Grip is driving the commercialization of deep tech research and nurturing science entrepreneurs to bridge academia and industry. The discussion highlights strategic partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Activate US, aimed at helping scientists scale innovations globally.

They also dive into the challenges of shifting research-focused mindsets toward entrepreneurial thinking and the opportunities for Singapore to build globally disruptive companies.

Learn more about National GRIP, NTU, Anuj and the amazing work they are doing:

National Grip (Website)

NTU Venture Building (Website)

NTU Innovation and Entrepreneurship (LinkedIn)

Anuj Jain (LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Professor Benjamin Tee from NUS Enterprise.

Recorded at SWITCH 2025 at the A*STAR booth, this episode features Reuben in conversation with Professor Tee as they explore his entrepreneurial journey, cutting-edge research in AI and sensor technology and guiding NUS Enterprise.

Professor Tee is a serial entrepreneur, founding multiple startups. He shares insights from his first venture, Preview Medical, and subsequent companies, highlighting the importance of turning ideas into market-ready solutions.

The discussion dives into his current role at NUS Enterprise, the National Grip Program, and the latest innovations shaping the Singapore startup ecosystem—along with why cultivating versatile talent is critical for the future.

Learn more about NUS Enterprise, Benjamin and the amazing work they are doing:

NUS Enterprise (Website)

NUS Enterprise (LinkedIn)

Benjamin Tee (LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Winston from LG Nova, the venture studio of LG Electronics.

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Reuben in conversation with Winston as they explore LG Nova’s mission to incubate and launch new software businesses in clean tech, health tech, AI and beyond that become subsidiaries of LG.

Winston’s journey took him from Malaysia to Silicon Valley, via Canada and Singapore.  He has been coming back to Singapore a bit more recently, looking for partnerships and technology synergies.

The discussion dives into LG Nova’s current and future initiatives.  Winston shares about two of the businesses, Primefocus Health, working on transitionary care at home and Pado, AI-powered energy management for neoclouds.

Learn more about LG Nova, Winston and the amazing work they are doing:

LG Nova (Website)

LG Nova(LinkedIn)

Winston Choe(LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]

This is One North Stories, an A*START CENTRAL Podcast

Meet Kiewai from Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), a Japanese government-related organization that promotes trade and investment.

Recorded at SWITCH 2025, this episode features Gus in conversation with Kiewai as they unpack the growing synergy between Singapore and Japan’s Deep Tech ecosystems. Discover how JETRO is driving innovation by supporting both Japanese and global companies, and learn what it takes to collaborate effectively with Japanese firms.

The discussion explores JETRO’s role in opening Japan’s market to international startups, key focus areas such as life sciences, healthcare, semiconductors, sustainability, and smart city solutions, and the structured support that helps early-stage ventures and mature companies succeed in Japan.

Learn more about Kiewai, JETRO and how they are bridging Singapore and Japan’s deep-tech ecosystem:

JETRO (Website)

JETRO(LinkedIn)

Kiewai(LinkedIn)

Thank you for listening. If you like what you’ve heard, please share with a friend. After that, please subscribe and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out A*START CENTRAL (Website, LinkedIn)

If you have future episode ideas, segments ideas or want to partner with us on this exciting journey, please get in touch: [email protected]