Crazy Smart Asia

“Horror is like a rollercoaster ride, it mirrors us as human beings,” says Kenneth Dagatan, the film director behind the Philippines’ first scary film to premiere at the Sundance’s Midnight Section. On Crazy Smart Asia, Dagatan shares with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei his philosophy of horror beyond cheap thrills, the joy of directing with playfulness and why nothing scares him more than the realities of adulthood.Timestamps: 00:33 Meet Kenneth Dagatan: Filipino Horror Film Director01:34 Quick Fire Questions with Kenneth02:42 Kenneth's Favorite Horror and Non-Horror Films03:56 The Art of Atmospheric Horror07:11 Balancing Creativity and Adulthood08:50 Kenneth's Early Influences and Education12:48 Discovering Filmmaking in University14:10 The Journey of a Filmmaker21:51 The Role of Extras in Films24:58 Challenges of Filmmaking in the Philippines25:36 Background Talent and Acting Aspirations26:42 Success of 'In My Mother's Skin'29:13 The Journey of Making a Horror Film34:34 Differences in Horror Across Cultures37:39 Creative Process and Challenges44:23 Upcoming Projects and Advice47:10 Final Thoughts and Farewell

“Animation is a magical thing that can bring ideas and beauty to people who don’t get access,” says visual development artist Desiree Ong on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Ong shares about the film that sparked her curiosity in animation, being a graphic designer for Guillermo del Toro’s award-winning stop-motion musical ‘Pinocchio’ and navigating the international film world as a Singaporean artist.Timestamps00:29 Meet Desiree Ong: Rising Visual Development Artist01:26 Quickfire Questions with Desiree04:22 Desiree's Journey in Animation14:05 Working with Guillermo del Toro on ‘Pinocchio’30:19 Challenges and Reflections34:07 Future Projects and Closing Remarks

“The more specific you are, the more global you are,” says Tan Si En, an award-winning Singaporean film producer and founder of Momo Film Co, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, they share why the best producers are like rivers – they flow with the bends, why the best films tell stories that are true to personal experiences, and dreams of an alternate career as a champagne grower.Timestamps 00:20 Meet Tan Si En: Award-Winning Producer01:06 Quickfire questions03:06 Tan Si En's Early Inspirations05:01 Journey to Becoming a Producer10:03 Founding Momo Film Co12:21 Collaborating with Southeast Asian Filmmakers20:02 Challenges and Successes in Film Production22:48 Future Projects and Aspirations33:22 Personal Passions and Final Thoughts34:34 Conclusion and Credits

“Being a film composer is about how good your instincts are,” says music composer Elliot Leung on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Hong Kong native discusses the process of composing big orchestral scores for blockbusters, why the ultimate compliment is the audience humming the main theme song in the bathroom after watching a film and why the voice memos app is his secret weapon in composition.00:34 Meet Elliot Leung: award-winning composer01:29 Quick fire questions 03:20 Elliot's musical journey06:06 Mentors and musical influences08:15 Transition from cellist to composer09:05 Breaking into the film industry13:40 Role and responsibilities of a film composer16:38 Designing memorable film scores17:38 The creative process behind 'Operation Red Sea'19:48 The Importance of musical pacing20:50 Mapping out the score21:34 The reality of creating film music25:29 Cultural differences in film scoring27:18 Experiencing the world through music31:07 Balancing creativity with deadlines34:17 Reflecting on the composer's role37:10 The unexpected side of composing38:17 Conclusion and credits

“In many ways, we are eating ourselves to our own extinction,” says Christophe Bariou, the co-founder of Dehusk, Maison Bukana and Maison Bukana Wines, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Filipino-French entrepreneur discusses overcoming a life-threatening cancer diagnosis in his twenties, living life with no regrets and his passion for veganism. 00:21 Meet Christophe Bariou: building a sustainable empire01:08 Quickfire questions02:28 Christophe's early life and influence06:52 Building a sustainable resort in the Philippines08:39 Facing a cancer diagnosis at 2616:39 Leadership lessons and business insights22:02 Advocating for veganism and sustainability25:34 Conclusion and final thoughts

“The most important quest of an entrepreneur is to focus on your customers,” says Caecilia Chu, the co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based fintech company YouTrip, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she discusses building Southeast Asia’s first multicurrency mobile wallet, nailing product market fit, perseverance as a business non-negotiable and the thought of her kids following in her footsteps. 00:27 Meet Caecilia Chu: Founder of YouTrip01:30 Quickfire questions04:22 Cecilia's early life and inspiration10:51 Founding YouTrip14:54 Challenges and growth of YouTrip18:52 Navigating COVID-19 and business adaptation25:06 Future of YouTrip and fintech insights30:22 Leadership reflections36:09 Final thoughts

“To do something great, you need to have focus, discipline and consistency,” says Mathew Leong, executive chef of the award-winning restaurant Re-naa, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Stavanger-based Singaporean chef opens up about moving to Norway with just $500 in his pocket, how competition is key to being your best self and why he rarely cooks at home. 00:34 Introducing Matthew Leong01:17 Matthew's early culinary start02:27 The path to becoming a chef03:54 A competitive streak04:42 Working at world-renowned Re-naa 07:45 Chef life lessons 11:05 Preparing for Bocuse d'Or12:56 Future goals 18:31 Final thoughts

“Until the time it's profitable, what’s the hoo-ha about? There is no achievement,” says Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Singapore-based startup Validus, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Goel shares his journey from the son of a tea taster in Kolkata to fintech founder, his quiet leadership style and the honest feedback he’s gotten for it, and the difference between seeking collaboration and seeking consensus.Show notes00:23 Introduction01:23 Quickfire questions 05:37 Growing up in Kolkata07:36 The evolution of Validus13:27 Challenges and strategies in SME lending19:55 The future of Validas20:56 Scaling the business22:16 Doubling down on key markets in Indonesia and Thailand 23:14 Being an introverted CEO28:15 Fundraising challenges and triumphs33:41 How to collaborate with co-founders38:02 The toll of entrepreneurship39:33 Final thoughts