1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:19,260 Welcome to Students Incorporated, a podcast where we dive into relevant topics and issues 2 00:00:19,260 --> 00:00:23,580 related to the world of business, technology, education and design. 3 00:00:23,580 --> 00:00:25,600 I'm your host, Mr. Jason. 4 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:29,980 Episodes include student conversations, interviews with thought leaders, and inspirational stories 5 00:00:29,980 --> 00:00:31,900 with an international flavor. 6 00:00:31,900 --> 00:00:35,840 This podcast is created and produced with the help of students from the International 7 00:00:35,840 --> 00:00:39,840 Community School of Bangkok. 8 00:00:39,840 --> 00:00:51,640 In today's episode, we'll be discussing social impact through technology and the idea 9 00:00:51,640 --> 00:00:53,100 of leaving a legacy. 10 00:00:53,100 --> 00:00:58,000 My co-host for this episode, Ronnie and Darren, will be conducting our guest interviews. 11 00:00:58,000 --> 00:01:04,600 In our first segment, we spend time talking with Dr. Narisa, founder and CEO of CocoPay.com. 12 00:01:04,600 --> 00:01:09,000 And then in our second segment, we'll talk with our very own Mr. Mike about social impact 13 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:12,080 initiatives that students are involved with here at ICS. 14 00:01:12,080 --> 00:01:15,760 But first, let's get our quote of the day and hear some headline news. 15 00:01:15,760 --> 00:01:18,140 Our quote of the day comes from Warren Buffett. 16 00:01:18,140 --> 00:01:23,280 He says, someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time 17 00:01:23,280 --> 00:01:24,280 ago. 18 00:01:24,280 --> 00:01:26,400 Buffett is a famous businessman and philanthropist. 19 00:01:26,400 --> 00:01:31,860 He is considered the most influential investor of the 20th and 21st century as he has accumulated 20 00:01:31,860 --> 00:01:34,840 a personal fortune of more than $100 billion. 21 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:39,640 In 2020, he aimed to donate 99% of his wealth to charitable organizations. 22 00:01:39,640 --> 00:01:43,200 He donated most of the money to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 23 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:45,160 This is a great example of a legacy. 24 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:50,160 Although he has amassed large amounts of wealth, he hopes to leave behind a legacy of generosity 25 00:01:50,160 --> 00:01:51,160 and care for others. 26 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:53,060 Now, on to news from Down Under. 27 00:01:53,060 --> 00:01:57,680 In a small town in Australia, millions of dead fish have been found on the riverside. 28 00:01:57,680 --> 00:02:02,120 This is happening due to a lack of oxygen in the water because of large heat waves across 29 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:03,120 the country. 30 00:02:03,120 --> 00:02:08,040 The region has already gone through tremendous environmental pressures due to the continuous 31 00:02:08,040 --> 00:02:09,040 flooding. 32 00:02:09,040 --> 00:02:13,520 It is predicted that there will be increased rainfall, heat, and fires. 33 00:02:13,520 --> 00:02:18,080 This is not the first time this has occurred, as dead fish were currently found in this 34 00:02:18,080 --> 00:02:19,600 region in February. 35 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:25,280 In financial news, SBB Bank in California, known as Silicon Valley Bank, collapsed a 36 00:02:25,280 --> 00:02:26,280 few weeks ago. 37 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:31,480 The bank was forced to shut down due to several factors, including poor management, liquidity 38 00:02:31,480 --> 00:02:35,400 issues, and rising inflation and interest rates. 39 00:02:35,400 --> 00:02:41,560 In short, the bank's long-term investments lost significant value and depositors withdrew 40 00:02:41,560 --> 00:02:44,880 large amounts of money running up to the shutdown. 41 00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:50,560 This is the largest bank to fail in the US since Washington Mutual in 2008. 42 00:02:50,560 --> 00:02:51,560 On to the weather. 43 00:02:51,560 --> 00:02:56,720 Recently, a cyclone hit Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. 44 00:02:56,720 --> 00:03:02,540 It has developed in the Indian Ocean more than a month ago and had only just hit Africa. 45 00:03:02,540 --> 00:03:06,120 This has been the longest cyclone ever recorded in history. 46 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:08,280 It was named Cyclone Freddie. 47 00:03:08,280 --> 00:03:12,120 The death toll crossed 300 and more than 700 were injured. 48 00:03:12,120 --> 00:03:14,820 The cyclone displaced 80,000 people. 49 00:03:14,820 --> 00:03:20,240 It caused much devastation across these countries due to the landslides and floods. 50 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:22,080 Thank you for the quote in the headline news. 51 00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:26,720 It's my pleasure to introduce our first guest of this episode, Dr. Narisa. 52 00:03:26,720 --> 00:03:30,920 Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with the Students Incorporated 53 00:03:30,920 --> 00:03:31,920 podcast team. 54 00:03:31,920 --> 00:03:35,240 Ronnie, we'll start off this segment with our first question. 55 00:03:35,240 --> 00:03:37,920 Thank you so much for joining us today on the podcast. 56 00:03:37,920 --> 00:03:41,720 Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your company and what 57 00:03:41,720 --> 00:03:42,720 you do? 58 00:03:42,720 --> 00:03:43,720 Oh, hi. 59 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:44,720 Nice to be here. 60 00:03:44,720 --> 00:03:45,720 My name is Narisa Chaweduor. 61 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:46,720 I'm Thai. 62 00:03:46,720 --> 00:03:53,760 I was born in Bangkok, but I lived in the UK for 27 years. 63 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:57,260 My background was in academics and the business. 64 00:03:57,260 --> 00:04:01,880 I was a lecturer here before at Jalan Korn University for two years. 65 00:04:01,880 --> 00:04:08,480 After I finished my PhD at LSE, I worked full-time as the CFO, Chief Financial Officer, and worked 66 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:14,320 part-time teaching at my university, LSE, where I got my PhD and also teach at King 67 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:15,320 College. 68 00:04:15,320 --> 00:04:23,040 And I have 10 years' career break when I have my children, when they are 0 to 10 years old. 69 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:28,920 And I work part-time, flexible hours, as the advisors for Japanese companies. 70 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:33,000 And then I set up my own business, Kogo Pay, two, six years ago. 71 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:36,360 So I have 12 years' plan, so halfway through. 72 00:04:36,360 --> 00:04:40,960 So since this episode is about social impact, can you explain the vision of Kogo Pay and 73 00:04:40,960 --> 00:04:43,160 how it strives to be socially conscious? 74 00:04:43,160 --> 00:04:47,520 Okay, I have to tell you the story about how I started Kogo Pay. 75 00:04:47,520 --> 00:04:53,800 I was interested in blockchain technology in 2016 first. 76 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:57,540 That's why I'm interested in FinTech first. 77 00:04:57,540 --> 00:05:02,800 So what I did, I joined the blockchain, the first group of a blockchain in London to get 78 00:05:02,800 --> 00:05:07,520 to know, after I read the book, and I was interested, get to know people in the same 79 00:05:07,520 --> 00:05:10,960 area and did some research, because I came from a research background as well. 80 00:05:10,960 --> 00:05:16,200 So we did some research about blockchain, and my interest is how to use technology like 81 00:05:16,200 --> 00:05:17,840 blockchain to help people. 82 00:05:17,840 --> 00:05:22,280 So it's just from the beginning, how to help people using the blockchain technology. 83 00:05:22,280 --> 00:05:28,680 My compassion, okay, besides working full-time in finance and set up my own business, I also 84 00:05:28,680 --> 00:05:30,000 am a part-time missionary. 85 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:35,680 So my compassion for missionary work into two groups, orphanage children and the homeless. 86 00:05:35,680 --> 00:05:39,600 So what I did before is, every year I do my missionary work part-time. 87 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:45,240 And I did in Japan with the OMF to help homeless people, and I always come back to Thailand 88 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:47,320 to method and help orphanage home. 89 00:05:47,320 --> 00:05:52,160 So I always think about how to use technology blockchain in the beginning to move the funds, 90 00:05:52,160 --> 00:05:58,520 to donate to the charities, fast and secure and cheaper than going to the normal banking 91 00:05:58,520 --> 00:05:59,520 process. 92 00:05:59,520 --> 00:06:01,040 So that's how I always start my business. 93 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:02,040 That's the beginning. 94 00:06:02,040 --> 00:06:05,420 We start from thinking about how to use technology to help people. 95 00:06:05,420 --> 00:06:09,040 And when we decide the product, the function, we always think about, okay, the function 96 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:11,920 would have something that we can use to help them as well. 97 00:06:11,920 --> 00:06:12,920 I have the project. 98 00:06:12,920 --> 00:06:17,800 I have done a bit, but I haven't launched everywhere in UK and Europe yet. 99 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:19,420 The project called Pay It Forward. 100 00:06:19,420 --> 00:06:25,880 My dream is one day everyone can use Coco Pay to pay for their own food or drink in 101 00:06:25,880 --> 00:06:29,640 the cafe or shop and pay another portion for someone else as well. 102 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:33,920 And when the homeless people or people who don't have money, maybe a single mom, single 103 00:06:33,920 --> 00:06:39,880 dad, see the sign of our logo Coco Pay, they can come to the shop or cafe and have for 104 00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:43,200 the food or drink that someone else already pay for them. 105 00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:45,360 So something like that is always in my mind. 106 00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:46,360 I want to make it work. 107 00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:53,440 Besides a normal business like B2C, cross-border payment using Coco Pay, or we're going to 108 00:06:53,440 --> 00:07:00,240 have digital bank, we provide I-Bank accounts in GDP and Euro, hopefully within Q3 this 109 00:07:00,240 --> 00:07:01,240 year. 110 00:07:01,240 --> 00:07:02,240 So this is a normal product. 111 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:05,000 So we always add something on. 112 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:10,480 And also we would like to keep a percentage, some percentage of our profits for the social 113 00:07:10,480 --> 00:07:14,000 impact projects that we want to help in the future as well. 114 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:17,320 So that's all about Coco Pay, who we are and what we plan. 115 00:07:17,320 --> 00:07:18,320 That's very interesting. 116 00:07:18,320 --> 00:07:19,540 Thank you so much for sharing. 117 00:07:19,540 --> 00:07:24,280 So since you're in the financial technology sector, what are some ways that you feel that 118 00:07:24,280 --> 00:07:29,200 the industry as a whole could improve in the area of becoming more socially conscious? 119 00:07:29,200 --> 00:07:37,360 I think you see a lot of people now's problems of the crash in the crypto exchange, cryptocurrencies, 120 00:07:37,360 --> 00:07:40,440 and also in the banking system at the moment. 121 00:07:40,440 --> 00:07:44,120 The problem is lots of people still abuse the system. 122 00:07:44,120 --> 00:07:48,640 If you see what happened in the crypto exchange, it will collapse because they used other people's 123 00:07:48,640 --> 00:07:52,920 money or assets, digital currencies, for their own benefits. 124 00:07:52,920 --> 00:07:55,640 For us, we are controlled by the central bank and regulators. 125 00:07:55,640 --> 00:07:59,360 We're not allowed to use other people's money to do the businesses. 126 00:07:59,360 --> 00:08:03,480 So if you make losses, a lot of companies make losses, and that's why they cannot have 127 00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:07,840 the money or either the cryptocurrency to return to the owners with the customers. 128 00:08:07,840 --> 00:08:10,320 So we have to have a proper compliance system in place. 129 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:14,680 And also we have to abide with the rules and make sure that people who run the businesses 130 00:08:14,680 --> 00:08:19,240 have the integrity and honesty and do properly to their businesses. 131 00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:23,200 And then we want to be the role model for other fintech companies to see what we're 132 00:08:23,200 --> 00:08:25,440 doing, how we can use technology to help people. 133 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:31,360 What I've been doing since last year in Dubai, we organized three conferences already. 134 00:08:31,360 --> 00:08:36,400 It's free for like-minded people who believe that we are interested in technology and how 135 00:08:36,400 --> 00:08:38,280 to use technology to help people. 136 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:43,320 So I arranged the first forum in Dubai about blockchain and financial inclusion. 137 00:08:43,320 --> 00:08:47,880 And the first one who's doing that, I mean, the woman founder who organized blockchain, 138 00:08:47,880 --> 00:08:50,040 normally you have to pay for it, but for us, it's free. 139 00:08:50,040 --> 00:08:52,360 I've been not focusing only on our businesses. 140 00:08:52,360 --> 00:08:56,120 We focus about like-minded people, invite like-minded people to talk about technology 141 00:08:56,120 --> 00:08:58,760 and financial inclusion, blockchain and financial inclusion. 142 00:08:58,760 --> 00:09:02,800 And the second one is a blockchain and how to use the blockchain in their businesses. 143 00:09:02,800 --> 00:09:05,920 And also we also focus on financial inclusion. 144 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:11,320 And the last one, last month, the third conference that we had is about metaverse and how we 145 00:09:11,320 --> 00:09:13,200 use metaverse for the businesses. 146 00:09:13,200 --> 00:09:18,320 And also during the conferences that I organized, we talked about NFT. 147 00:09:18,320 --> 00:09:23,080 What I did is I got my team in Thailand, go to the orphanage home that I helped in Masson. 148 00:09:23,080 --> 00:09:26,840 I got all the students draw the picture about their dreams. 149 00:09:26,840 --> 00:09:29,520 And then I showed it to the audience in my conference. 150 00:09:29,520 --> 00:09:35,480 We want to work with another friend of mine, Finnish artist, to convert all these photo 151 00:09:35,480 --> 00:09:38,440 pictures to the NFT and how to raise funds. 152 00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:39,440 That's what we planned. 153 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:44,980 So we want to do something that convince them, a video model for them to do something together 154 00:09:44,980 --> 00:09:47,180 in a community to help people. 155 00:09:47,180 --> 00:09:50,000 I haven't told you why I went to Dubai. 156 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:55,800 We used Dubai, organized everything in Dubai because last year in February, I was selected 157 00:09:55,800 --> 00:10:01,400 as one of 12 fintech founders from London to do first trade mission trip with the UK 158 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:03,920 government to the Male of London program to UAE. 159 00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:06,480 The first time they did and they selected 12 companies. 160 00:10:06,480 --> 00:10:10,840 I'm one of them, only one female founders and only one Asian. 161 00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:16,640 So we noticed you were a panelist for the Bloomberg Summit at APEC in Bangkok recently. 162 00:10:16,640 --> 00:10:20,040 Could you describe what this experience was like and what were some of the topics you 163 00:10:20,040 --> 00:10:21,040 had to discuss? 164 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:23,280 It was fantastic. 165 00:10:23,280 --> 00:10:29,320 I told everyone I'm like I'm nobody among somebody because in Thailand, I don't think 166 00:10:29,320 --> 00:10:33,200 people know me much compared to UK and Europe. 167 00:10:33,200 --> 00:10:40,360 So I was honored to be among the Minister of Finance, the Chairwoman of KBank, Chairman 168 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:44,040 of Bangkok Bank, the President of I think Boeing. 169 00:10:44,040 --> 00:10:48,360 I feel like I'm nobody, I was nobody among somebody. 170 00:10:48,360 --> 00:10:52,840 But it was an honor to be there, share my experience, challenges. 171 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:57,760 The topic that I was on the panel is about women in tech. 172 00:10:57,760 --> 00:11:01,000 As one of the founders of the women in tech and challenges that I have. 173 00:11:01,000 --> 00:11:05,880 They asked me questions about challenges I have in fundraising and how did I survive 174 00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:09,160 and share the experience to the audience. 175 00:11:09,160 --> 00:11:14,680 So in your opinion, what are some issues that women founders and entrepreneurs face within 176 00:11:14,680 --> 00:11:15,680 the tech industry? 177 00:11:15,680 --> 00:11:21,880 If you read the many articles, they're always saying that 3% of the money from VC went to 178 00:11:21,880 --> 00:11:22,880 the women. 179 00:11:22,880 --> 00:11:29,200 Imagine like, okay, it's very tough for women, especially in my space, in tech, to raise 180 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:30,200 fund. 181 00:11:30,200 --> 00:11:36,040 And also, you know, I'm not only like a woman, I'm Asian and my business is in Western countries 182 00:11:36,040 --> 00:11:37,040 as well. 183 00:11:37,040 --> 00:11:41,600 So it's even tougher for me as a UK, they call BAM, Black Asian Ethnic Minorities, to 184 00:11:41,600 --> 00:11:42,600 raise the money. 185 00:11:42,600 --> 00:11:46,200 I think the most challenging for me is fundraising. 186 00:11:46,200 --> 00:11:50,520 The rest, you know, like I'm sure that I can do, it doesn't matter, I'm a woman. 187 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:54,880 You know, I could be in the meeting, I could sit at a company, I can talk to people. 188 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:57,840 So fundraising is one of the challenges I face as a woman. 189 00:11:57,840 --> 00:12:02,700 You mentioned that fundraising was a personal challenge that you've had to face. 190 00:12:02,700 --> 00:12:04,080 Was there anything else? 191 00:12:04,080 --> 00:12:09,320 And also, what would be your advice to women and how would you advise them to overcome 192 00:12:09,320 --> 00:12:10,520 various challenges? 193 00:12:10,520 --> 00:12:16,040 I believe that as a woman, if we can show that you can do what you plan and you have 194 00:12:16,040 --> 00:12:21,960 passion, like for me, I have passion to do what I want to, to set up my fintech and also 195 00:12:21,960 --> 00:12:27,200 to encourage people to not just thinking about money or technology, but thinking about how 196 00:12:27,200 --> 00:12:29,880 to use technology and money to help people. 197 00:12:29,880 --> 00:12:34,960 And I always tell everyone, including my angel investors and my team, that I have a 12-year 198 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:35,960 plan. 199 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:39,520 And then after I exit my business, I have a little ideas and I have to make it happen. 200 00:12:39,520 --> 00:12:41,360 I want to be a full-time missionary. 201 00:12:41,360 --> 00:12:47,720 So I have my goal set again clear that this is going to be my last business ventures. 202 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:50,220 After I exit, I want to become full-time missionary. 203 00:12:50,220 --> 00:12:53,380 You know, even though I face many challenges, I have to make it happen. 204 00:12:53,380 --> 00:12:56,220 So our next question is about your personal journey. 205 00:12:56,220 --> 00:12:59,380 What path did you take to get to where you are right now? 206 00:12:59,380 --> 00:13:02,320 And have you always been interested in business and technology? 207 00:13:02,320 --> 00:13:03,320 Businesses, yes. 208 00:13:03,320 --> 00:13:07,280 I share with the students here earlier. 209 00:13:07,280 --> 00:13:14,520 When I was 15, I and my few friends in high school, we arranged what you call, I don't 210 00:13:14,520 --> 00:13:15,520 know, a club. 211 00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:19,560 We sold the ticket 250 baht many, many years ago, it made it when I was 15. 212 00:13:19,560 --> 00:13:22,480 And we hired a venue in a hotel. 213 00:13:22,480 --> 00:13:24,240 Central Department Store. 214 00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:25,640 What was the name of the hotel? 215 00:13:25,640 --> 00:13:26,640 Marriott, right? 216 00:13:26,640 --> 00:13:29,760 It was a long time ago, they just opened the hotel. 217 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:32,960 So we hired a room during the daytime on Saturday. 218 00:13:32,960 --> 00:13:35,040 We sold the ticket 250. 219 00:13:35,040 --> 00:13:38,800 And in the beginning, we couldn't sell the ticket. 220 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:43,800 So from seven students who wanted to do it together, they dropped off and then only three 221 00:13:43,800 --> 00:13:46,360 left, one girl and two boys. 222 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:49,540 And then we didn't give up. 223 00:13:49,540 --> 00:13:51,800 And at the end, we sold out. 224 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:53,680 And people in the queue. 225 00:13:53,680 --> 00:13:59,560 And then we got profit, can you imagine, 100,000 baht, which is about 2,500 pounds. 226 00:13:59,560 --> 00:14:03,440 When I was 15, so I was always interested in business. 227 00:14:03,440 --> 00:14:08,720 When I went to study in UK, when I was a student in 1999, I was the first person who did the 228 00:14:08,720 --> 00:14:11,080 website, you know, doing dotcom. 229 00:14:11,080 --> 00:14:15,120 I learned how to code and do a PhD with my engineering friends. 230 00:14:15,120 --> 00:14:18,200 So I did the first website for Thailand. 231 00:14:18,200 --> 00:14:22,600 So the Tourism Authority of Thailand in UK ran my website and they paid me like 500 pounds 232 00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:24,440 every month and launched it. 233 00:14:24,440 --> 00:14:25,800 Launched the proper launch, official launch. 234 00:14:25,800 --> 00:14:28,120 We used the official website for almost two years. 235 00:14:28,120 --> 00:14:29,280 I sold the website to them. 236 00:14:29,280 --> 00:14:32,160 And you know, I studied finance, finance and all the things. 237 00:14:32,160 --> 00:14:35,880 I always have an eye on technology and I learned it. 238 00:14:35,880 --> 00:14:39,000 You know, even though you study anything else, if you're interested in something, you can 239 00:14:39,000 --> 00:14:40,000 do it. 240 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:41,000 I can do website myself. 241 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:44,540 Even now, when we do the FinTech, I still involved with all the IT team. 242 00:14:44,540 --> 00:14:46,900 So I learned about coding something as well. 243 00:14:46,900 --> 00:14:47,900 So I learned the basics. 244 00:14:47,900 --> 00:14:52,360 So I know when I talk to my tech team, so I know what we should think about. 245 00:14:52,360 --> 00:14:57,480 And I set up my IT, AI team, two engineering from university. 246 00:14:57,480 --> 00:15:05,200 So I told them how to use AI to set up a small team to use AI to track the unusual transactions, 247 00:15:05,200 --> 00:15:06,840 to do monitoring transactions. 248 00:15:06,840 --> 00:15:09,840 So you have basically I can learn with them as well. 249 00:15:09,840 --> 00:15:12,960 We'd like to end our interviews by asking our guests for some advice. 250 00:15:12,960 --> 00:15:16,240 So our final question is, what advice would you give to young people who are thinking 251 00:15:16,240 --> 00:15:20,720 about careers in the tech industry or about starting technology focused companies of their 252 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:21,720 own? 253 00:15:21,720 --> 00:15:24,400 Well, first, in something like me, I'm interested in blockchain. 254 00:15:24,400 --> 00:15:28,720 You have to be interested in and have passion about how to learn it. 255 00:15:28,720 --> 00:15:34,040 First like I did, what I did is I studied and involved in the group of people who are 256 00:15:34,040 --> 00:15:35,040 interested in the same thing. 257 00:15:35,040 --> 00:15:39,840 In 2016, after I read a book about blockchain, I didn't jump into doing business straight 258 00:15:39,840 --> 00:15:40,840 away. 259 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:45,560 So I joined the blockchain, the first group in London, you know, to join them and have 260 00:15:45,560 --> 00:15:47,040 the research with them. 261 00:15:47,040 --> 00:15:52,080 And then I invested in other companies who started the blockchain cross-border payment 262 00:15:52,080 --> 00:15:53,080 first. 263 00:15:53,080 --> 00:15:56,560 So I invested with them and involved with them and worked for free to learn with them 264 00:15:56,560 --> 00:15:57,900 for a year. 265 00:15:57,900 --> 00:15:59,820 And then after that, I set up my own business. 266 00:15:59,820 --> 00:16:04,480 And then I know that my passion is about how to use technology to help people. 267 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:06,500 And then after I exit, this is what I want to do. 268 00:16:06,500 --> 00:16:08,000 So you have to have clear plan. 269 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:11,360 FinTech technology is very, very tough business. 270 00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:15,600 And I because I think my background is ready to help my business. 271 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:22,240 I have my PhD in compliance in the bank and my first job after university, I worked for 272 00:16:22,240 --> 00:16:24,960 Cooper's and library, which is a price for the house Cooper. 273 00:16:24,960 --> 00:16:26,600 So I qualify as a CPA. 274 00:16:26,600 --> 00:16:30,260 So my background helped me in compliance and I lecture as well. 275 00:16:30,260 --> 00:16:33,000 So I did some research and I have startup. 276 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:34,960 I did my dot-com business before. 277 00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:39,380 So I have experienced before because of in, if you don't have lots of money in the beginning, 278 00:16:39,380 --> 00:16:40,840 you have to raise lots of fun. 279 00:16:40,840 --> 00:16:44,880 So you have to have experience that the investor would trust in you and you have to have good 280 00:16:44,880 --> 00:16:45,880 team as well. 281 00:16:45,880 --> 00:16:46,880 Okay. 282 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:51,320 Compassion, believe in what you're doing and make sure that you have basic knowledge about 283 00:16:51,320 --> 00:16:52,320 what you're doing. 284 00:16:52,320 --> 00:16:56,440 If you do FinTech, either technology or compliance would help and fundraising. 285 00:16:56,440 --> 00:16:58,520 You have to have a proper team. 286 00:16:58,520 --> 00:17:02,480 And because when you raise fund, the investor will look at who's your team and what is the 287 00:17:02,480 --> 00:17:07,760 pin point you try to solve and your team and your compassion and your background experience. 288 00:17:07,760 --> 00:17:09,520 Thank you so much for coming on today. 289 00:17:09,520 --> 00:17:10,600 It has been an honor. 290 00:17:10,600 --> 00:17:12,940 Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story. 291 00:17:12,940 --> 00:17:19,240 Thank you for having me. 292 00:17:19,240 --> 00:17:23,040 This past week, we witnessed our students present their amazing capstone projects. 293 00:17:23,040 --> 00:17:27,240 It was great to see the students hard work and the uniqueness of all of their projects. 294 00:17:27,240 --> 00:17:31,640 For our listeners who don't know what capstone projects are, these are community service 295 00:17:31,640 --> 00:17:36,940 projects that serve as a final goal for the students to accomplish before graduating. 296 00:17:36,940 --> 00:17:41,800 The students aim to create sustainable projects that will help serve their communities. 297 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:45,800 And these projects help students improve their project management skills and help them to 298 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:54,440 get to know the communities around them. 299 00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:59,360 We are back with part two with Mr. Mike, the learning service coordinator at ICS. 300 00:17:59,360 --> 00:18:00,760 Welcome to the podcast. 301 00:18:00,760 --> 00:18:02,360 Can you please introduce yourself? 302 00:18:02,360 --> 00:18:05,600 Tell us what you do and how long you've been at ICS. 303 00:18:05,600 --> 00:18:06,720 Thanks for having me here, guys. 304 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:08,560 My name is Mike Holden. 305 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:09,560 I am married. 306 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:16,040 I've got two kids and I've been at ICS since the 2014-15 school year. 307 00:18:16,040 --> 00:18:19,000 So this is year number nine for me. 308 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:26,000 So part of my job is to like kind of help ICS and our community to be involved in helping 309 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:28,940 and reaching out to other communities around us. 310 00:18:28,940 --> 00:18:31,880 So how did you get involved in the area of social work? 311 00:18:31,880 --> 00:18:35,520 Social work I think is an interesting term, an appropriate term, I guess, that I've never 312 00:18:35,520 --> 00:18:39,740 really thought of myself as a social worker in that sense. 313 00:18:39,740 --> 00:18:40,740 But I think the phrase makes sense. 314 00:18:40,740 --> 00:18:45,400 But I think a lot of this really just kind of came from like growing up and experiences 315 00:18:45,400 --> 00:18:47,160 that I had as I grew up. 316 00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:54,320 So I definitely saw my parents serving in church and in school and in other places. 317 00:18:54,320 --> 00:18:57,160 So just kind of tagging along with them and different things. 318 00:18:57,160 --> 00:19:02,040 And then while I was in high school, definitely be involved in student council. 319 00:19:02,040 --> 00:19:06,240 And that was really like the primary avenue, I think, for like our school to be involved 320 00:19:06,240 --> 00:19:07,480 in service and things like that. 321 00:19:07,480 --> 00:19:11,040 So there were always like little projects that we were doing, fundraisers or like little 322 00:19:11,040 --> 00:19:12,520 drives or things like that. 323 00:19:12,520 --> 00:19:17,700 I think another experiences that were I think helpful for me was I was able to go on two 324 00:19:17,700 --> 00:19:22,720 kind of service trips to Mexico in kind of middle school, high school age, eighth grade, 325 00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:23,720 ninth grade. 326 00:19:23,720 --> 00:19:27,240 So I think a lot of those experiences just kind of helped to like provide that like broad 327 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:30,080 foundation of like, well, this is just what you do. 328 00:19:30,080 --> 00:19:35,120 And then I think like when I moved to Dulat in Malaysia, I was teaching there again, it 329 00:19:35,120 --> 00:19:36,480 was just kind of something that you did. 330 00:19:36,480 --> 00:19:39,880 So again, while I was involved with student council there, like well, student council 331 00:19:39,880 --> 00:19:40,880 and we do service projects. 332 00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:44,720 And so like, what are we going to do as a middle school coordinator there, then it also 333 00:19:44,720 --> 00:19:47,880 just kind of helped students, middle school students to be involved in different service 334 00:19:47,880 --> 00:19:51,240 projects and or awareness campaigns or things like that. 335 00:19:51,240 --> 00:19:53,640 So we were kind of worked on things like that every quarter. 336 00:19:53,640 --> 00:19:57,440 So again, just kind of something that we always kind of did and just kind of built out of 337 00:19:57,440 --> 00:19:58,440 that. 338 00:19:58,440 --> 00:20:02,040 So I was able to move to Indonesia and I think kind of the idea with that in part was to 339 00:20:02,040 --> 00:20:07,800 be more kind of on the front lines, like rather than helping students to do service or the 340 00:20:07,800 --> 00:20:12,920 school to do service is really being in communities and helping more directly. 341 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:18,460 And so basically, I helped to run kind of salt trips for other schools and to take those 342 00:20:18,460 --> 00:20:24,100 students into a lot of different villages around the resort that I got to work at. 343 00:20:24,100 --> 00:20:29,040 So what are some of your thoughts on the central role that community service plays in the ICS 344 00:20:29,040 --> 00:20:30,040 community? 345 00:20:30,040 --> 00:20:35,380 I think that this has been kind of a central idea for ICS from the beginning. 346 00:20:35,380 --> 00:20:41,320 So really, that's a pretty cool legacy really of kind of 30 years of I think that being 347 00:20:41,320 --> 00:20:45,440 a really an important character traits or value of ICS. 348 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:51,600 And I really think that's like kind of a reflection of the parents and their dedication to serving 349 00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:56,640 others, especially even in their own work outside, you know, and what they do as an 350 00:20:56,640 --> 00:21:00,680 adult and serving especially like marginalized communities here in Thailand. 351 00:21:00,680 --> 00:21:03,560 What were some challenges you overcame during your service projects? 352 00:21:03,560 --> 00:21:05,520 Yeah, I think this is a good question. 353 00:21:05,520 --> 00:21:09,140 I think no matter what you do, there's always going to be challenges. 354 00:21:09,140 --> 00:21:11,640 So yeah, I think the key is like us learning through those. 355 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:16,440 So I think some of the challenges I've had difference in expectations between like the 356 00:21:16,440 --> 00:21:21,200 people that we're serving or working with and then maybe what our expectations are. 357 00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:26,440 So sometimes that's things like time and like how long things should take or the organization 358 00:21:26,440 --> 00:21:27,440 of things. 359 00:21:27,440 --> 00:21:33,880 I think another challenge is related to like facilitating like larger groups. 360 00:21:33,880 --> 00:21:40,040 And so oftentimes, if we're working with a partner, they're not used to like organizing 361 00:21:40,040 --> 00:21:42,720 a service thing for 100 students or something like that. 362 00:21:42,720 --> 00:21:48,000 And so the way service happens with a smaller group versus a bigger group, the way I might 363 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:49,680 do something by myself is different. 364 00:21:49,680 --> 00:21:53,100 And so I think that sometimes has been a little bit of a challenge and sort of working those 365 00:21:53,100 --> 00:21:54,100 things out. 366 00:21:54,100 --> 00:21:59,320 I think another example is when we do things and we think we're helping and maybe it's 367 00:21:59,320 --> 00:22:01,460 even sometimes what they've asked for. 368 00:22:01,460 --> 00:22:05,280 But then in reality, it's not actually helping the way we think it's going to it almost can 369 00:22:05,280 --> 00:22:06,280 even hurt. 370 00:22:06,280 --> 00:22:11,960 So quick example that is one of the first projects we worked on in Indonesia, we went 371 00:22:11,960 --> 00:22:15,680 to the school working with the school and we're like noticing, hey, like there's no 372 00:22:15,680 --> 00:22:18,860 fans in these classrooms is super hot. 373 00:22:18,860 --> 00:22:20,840 This is a super rural school. 374 00:22:20,840 --> 00:22:24,640 Do you think that fans would be a good idea to help cool down your classroom a little 375 00:22:24,640 --> 00:22:25,640 bit? 376 00:22:25,640 --> 00:22:26,640 That's got to be much better for students. 377 00:22:26,640 --> 00:22:28,080 Like, yeah, like fans would be great. 378 00:22:28,080 --> 00:22:29,080 We love that fans. 379 00:22:29,080 --> 00:22:32,120 So we bring in a group, they bring some fans, they get them installed. 380 00:22:32,120 --> 00:22:33,120 It's awesome. 381 00:22:33,120 --> 00:22:35,360 Next time we go to the village, like, hey, wow, we got the fans. 382 00:22:35,360 --> 00:22:36,360 I mean, that's awesome. 383 00:22:36,360 --> 00:22:37,360 Can we turn them on? 384 00:22:37,360 --> 00:22:38,360 Because it's kind of hot in here. 385 00:22:38,360 --> 00:22:43,200 And they're like, oh, yeah, we actually don't have electricity until seven at night. 386 00:22:43,200 --> 00:22:48,400 So we've got fans for the students, but there's never fans on when the students are here. 387 00:22:48,400 --> 00:22:49,800 So they were like, yeah, but it's great. 388 00:22:49,800 --> 00:22:53,920 Like, we actually use the rooms for then community meetings and like evening stuff with their 389 00:22:53,920 --> 00:22:55,000 parents and stuff like that. 390 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:56,000 So it's great. 391 00:22:56,000 --> 00:23:00,240 They were very appreciative of fans, but our intent of like helping our students totally 392 00:23:00,240 --> 00:23:01,240 miss the mark. 393 00:23:01,240 --> 00:23:02,600 And so I think that's another challenge, right? 394 00:23:02,600 --> 00:23:08,040 Is like actually understanding what's happening to then be able to address that directly and 395 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:13,080 what's something that actually fits and is actually in need and feasible with the community. 396 00:23:13,080 --> 00:23:14,120 Thank you for sharing. 397 00:23:14,120 --> 00:23:19,760 So since this episode is about legacy, how would you define legacy and how would an individual 398 00:23:19,760 --> 00:23:24,520 create a positive and lasting legacy through service oriented work or activities? 399 00:23:24,520 --> 00:23:25,520 Yeah, legacy. 400 00:23:25,520 --> 00:23:27,080 This is a good question. 401 00:23:27,080 --> 00:23:31,120 The first thing that people think about when they think about legacy is how people are 402 00:23:31,120 --> 00:23:32,520 going to remember me, right? 403 00:23:32,520 --> 00:23:36,560 Like, so how will people remember the class of 2023, right? 404 00:23:36,560 --> 00:23:38,120 And sometimes that's definitely part of it. 405 00:23:38,120 --> 00:23:47,120 I think also it can be changes that are made or like even like things that are a part of 406 00:23:47,120 --> 00:23:49,000 the place or the school. 407 00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:51,160 And so it's kind of like the stuff that lasts. 408 00:23:51,160 --> 00:23:52,980 I think sometimes it can be really good. 409 00:23:52,980 --> 00:23:54,960 It can be a really positive element. 410 00:23:54,960 --> 00:23:58,300 And then sometimes it's a little less beneficial. 411 00:23:58,300 --> 00:24:02,760 So again, we could be bringing like this great gift to ICS. 412 00:24:02,760 --> 00:24:08,360 I can think of some really great things that were donated even to like ICS and some of 413 00:24:08,360 --> 00:24:12,000 those things are used really well and are really appreciated and maybe even have been 414 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:15,480 used so much they've been replaced by the school then which is awesome. 415 00:24:15,480 --> 00:24:20,800 But there's other things that have been donated or given that are like, hey, this is great. 416 00:24:20,800 --> 00:24:22,560 Where do we store this now? 417 00:24:22,560 --> 00:24:23,560 Right? 418 00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:25,840 Like how long do we have to keep this before we can get rid of it? 419 00:24:25,840 --> 00:24:26,840 Right? 420 00:24:26,840 --> 00:24:28,840 So that would be maybe like an example of like a negative legacy, right? 421 00:24:28,840 --> 00:24:34,960 I think the idea is, yeah, how do we understand what are going to be the most beneficial impacts 422 00:24:34,960 --> 00:24:38,440 or things that we can leave behind when we leave? 423 00:24:38,440 --> 00:24:43,120 So how do you say we're working on this at ICS and what impact do you think our students 424 00:24:43,120 --> 00:24:44,520 can have on society? 425 00:24:44,520 --> 00:24:49,160 So legacy as a school, I think one of the ways that we are working on that is just to 426 00:24:49,160 --> 00:24:53,720 continually improve our partnerships with like other communities. 427 00:24:53,720 --> 00:24:59,880 And one of those ways is more and more asking ourselves like how can we impact or benefit 428 00:24:59,880 --> 00:25:01,040 like our neighbors? 429 00:25:01,040 --> 00:25:04,240 Are we a good neighbor to the people right around us? 430 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:06,260 We go on salt trips that are hours away, right? 431 00:25:06,260 --> 00:25:09,400 But are we doing anything for the people that are within walking distance of us? 432 00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:10,800 Like how are we helping them? 433 00:25:10,800 --> 00:25:15,040 And so I think that's like an area that we're going to continue to explore and grow. 434 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:16,040 Yeah. 435 00:25:16,040 --> 00:25:19,360 And hopefully as a school, we're able to be good neighbors. 436 00:25:19,360 --> 00:25:24,440 I think another area is like with our students, hopefully you are that legacy as well that 437 00:25:24,440 --> 00:25:31,760 as you move out from ICS, there are certain traits, certain values that you have and that 438 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:35,000 that will continue with no matter where you live around the world. 439 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:39,640 So some of those things I think that are really important is like seeking first to understand 440 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:42,320 others before we like make assumptions. 441 00:25:42,320 --> 00:25:48,240 And then as we understand like our posture and how you respond to other people. 442 00:25:48,240 --> 00:25:52,640 So not just like a solution that works well for me, but through my understanding, am I 443 00:25:52,640 --> 00:25:57,200 able to help you in a way that then is beneficial for you? 444 00:25:57,200 --> 00:26:01,000 We like to ask our guests to share advice before ending each episode. 445 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:05,300 So what advice would you give not only to students, but adults as well regarding how 446 00:26:05,300 --> 00:26:09,080 they can get involved with service or service oriented activities? 447 00:26:09,080 --> 00:26:10,080 Yes. 448 00:26:10,080 --> 00:26:13,920 Sometimes I feel like there are just like barriers that are like, oh, I'm not sure how this is 449 00:26:13,920 --> 00:26:18,220 going to work or I'm going to feel super comfortable jumping. 450 00:26:18,220 --> 00:26:20,400 Just number one advice, jump in, just do it. 451 00:26:20,400 --> 00:26:25,480 I think you'll find that most of the time, wow, this experience is like way cooler than 452 00:26:25,480 --> 00:26:26,720 I anticipated. 453 00:26:26,720 --> 00:26:28,960 And with that, like be relational. 454 00:26:28,960 --> 00:26:33,800 So get to know people that you are serving or that you are working with. 455 00:26:33,800 --> 00:26:36,320 And I think those connections are huge. 456 00:26:36,320 --> 00:26:38,760 So be relational, get to know people. 457 00:26:38,760 --> 00:26:40,920 And then lastly, like be flexible. 458 00:26:40,920 --> 00:26:46,400 You walk in, we all walk in with a lot of expectations, a lot of assumptions about how 459 00:26:46,400 --> 00:26:50,120 things we think are going to be, but we got to like release those as much as possible 460 00:26:50,120 --> 00:26:54,000 and be flexible and willing to adapt and just serve. 461 00:26:54,000 --> 00:26:55,000 Thank you so much, Mr. Mike. 462 00:26:55,000 --> 00:26:57,560 It was great to have you on the podcast with us. 463 00:26:57,560 --> 00:27:02,280 And with that advice about service, something we're all capable of getting involved with, 464 00:27:02,280 --> 00:27:03,280 we are running out of time. 465 00:27:03,280 --> 00:27:06,000 Thank you again for joining us. 466 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:10,120 As we end this episode, we'd like to thank our guests and listeners for helping us make 467 00:27:10,120 --> 00:27:11,880 this podcast possible. 468 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:18,280 Our next episode will be about forensic science, criminology, and followed up by some dumb 469 00:27:18,280 --> 00:27:19,920 bad guy stories. 470 00:27:19,920 --> 00:27:25,000 As always, this podcast would not be possible without the hard work and support of our international 471 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:26,600 student production team. 472 00:27:26,600 --> 00:27:30,200 All music and sound effects are courtesy of pixabay.com, a vibrant community of creatives 473 00:27:30,200 --> 00:27:32,640 sharing copyright free images, videos, and music. 474 00:27:32,640 --> 00:27:34,400 And we are signing off until next time. 475 00:27:34,400 --> 00:27:42,280 We are Students Incorporated, because your voice matters.