Rich Bradbury and Matt Armitage dive deep into the world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and its potential to create of enhanced, super intelligent cyborgs. From Elon Musk's Neuralink to military applications, they explore the current state of BCI technology, detailing advances in implantable and non-invasive technology and its ability to decode thoughts and translate them into actions. They discuss current applications, which include restoring movement in patients with paralysis, using...

We explore the rising influence of quantum computing—a technology poised to revolutionise industries by tackling complex challenges that traditional computers can't address. With global investments in quantum computing expected to soar to $9.1 billion by 2030, this technology is becoming a serious contender alongside artificial intelligence. However, despite Malaysia's progressive policies in cybersecurity and digital transformation, quantum computing has largely been overlooked. We discuss...

This week Rich Bradbury and Matt Armitage look at a University of Tubingen study that explores the relationship between AI, information and trust, especially in anticipation of the conversational and primarily screen free future of the Internet. After the break they start with medical tech where researchers have identified a bacterium that could accelerate the healing of wounds, especially for those with chronic conditions. And then, for some reason, discuss the effect of streetlights on...

In this first episode of Tech Talk in collaboration with CelcomDigi, we kick off the series with Afizulazha Abdullah, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of CelcomDigi, exploring the company's evolution from a traditional telecommunications provider to a cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions powerhouse. Afizulazha shares insights into CelcomDigi's commitment to leveraging 5G, AI, and emerging technologies to benefit Malaysian enterprises. He highlights the significant advancements in...

In this episode of Mattsplained, Rich Bradbury and Matt Armitage explore a controversial proposal to save coral reefs by introducing heat-resistant species, debating the potential benefits and risks of this ecological experiment. The duo then discusses a surprising study suggesting that a vegan diet might slow biological aging, though Matt cautions against seeing it as a fountain of youth. Then they delve into the fungal future, exploring how mycelium-based materials could revolutionize...

We explore the AI economy’s impact on business operations with David Irecki, the Chief Technology Officer of APJ at Boomi. David shares insights on overcoming digital fragmentation, enhancing data management, and harnessing AI-driven solutions to foster innovation. We also discuss the AI economy in Malaysia, strategies to accelerate innovation, and the importance of effective API management in digital transformation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Armitage and Rich Bradbury dive into the recent CrowdStrike outage that caused chaos worldwide. They explore the far-reaching implications of the incident, which affected millions of Windows PCs across various sectors including aviation, healthcare, and finance. In dissecting the technical aspects of the outage, they discuss how a simple software bug in CrowdStrike's security system led to such widespread disruption. They also delve into the conspiracy theories that have sprung up...

Last Friday, a Microsoft-Crowdstrike update error caused one of the worst IT outages in history and this impacted over 8.5 million Microsoft devices around the world. To provide more scope on this, more than 3,000 flights within, into, or out of the US were cancelled on July 19, with more than 11,000 delayed. Planes continued to be grounded in the days since, with nearly 2,500 flights cancelled within, into, or out of the US, and more than 38,000 delayed, three days after the outage...

Today Rich Bradbury and Matt Armitage discuss the growing fear and anger surrounding unchecked advances in artificial intelligence (AI): the potential impact of AI on the job market, the ethical implications of AI-generated content, and the lack of regulation in the AI industry. Matt references the movie "Surrogates" to illustrate the potential dangers of relying too heavily on technology, and highlights the increasing disconnect between humans and the technology they depend on. He also...

In this episode of Tech Talk, we address the pressing issue of deepfake fraud in the financial sector with Frederic Ho, the Vice President of Asia Pacific at Jumio. Based on Jumio's 2024 Online Identity Study, we explore consumer confidence in banking fraud-protection measures and their specific concerns about deepfakes. Frederic will discuss how deepfakes pose unique threats to financial services and provide concrete examples of deepfake-powered fraud. We'll look into the specific measures...

Join hosts Richard Bradbury and Matt Armitage for a fascinating journey through the latest in weird and wonderful scientific breakthroughs. In this episode, we explore: • Bionic legs with neural interfaces that are changing lives and blurring the line between human and machine • Fish-friendly hydropower turbines that could revolutionize renewable energy • Why night owls might just be smarter than early birds (sorry, morning people!) • How Lego is becoming an unexpected hero in scientific...

Today on Tech Talk, we speak with David Holland, Managing Director of Swag at Employment Hero on the intricacies of AI-driven recruitment platforms, their possible integration with existing and traditional HR systems as well as their role in predicting and meeting future hiring needs. We’ll also discuss the benefits these platforms bring to businesses and job seekers alike along the challenges and future trends in AI-driven recruitment technologies moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener...

Join Rich Bradbury and Matt Armitage as us as they discuss the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and explore the radical geoengineering projects that tech giants are betting on to power our future. From Microsoft's dream of harnessing the power of the sun to controversial schemes to manipulate our planet's climate, they delve into the complex world of energy consumption, environmental impact, and the ethical dilemmas of technological advancement. Are these ambitious endeavors...

As Malaysia prepares to roll out e-invoicing nationwide, there is a pressing need to address the cybersecurity risks that come with this transition. From the shift from private to public network environments to the integration with government solutions, the landscape is fraught with potential vulnerabilities. On this show, we aim to shed light on these issues and provide actionable insights for businesses to safeguard their data assets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we will explore the vulnerabilities of current facial recognition systems, the advancements needed to counteract deepfake attacks, and how AI can be both a tool and a threat in biometric security. We will also discuss the integration of multi-factor authentication systems, the role of public awareness, and the future directions in this critical field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once again, Rich Bradbury and Matt Armitage explore the world of weird science. Matt looks at the potential anti-aging effects of space travel on billionaires, the use of AI to decode dog vocalizations, and the accidental broadcast of a NASA training exercise. Returning to the theme of innovative energy solutions, they discuss a new material from MIT that uses soot, carbon black, in concrete to store electricity. Before turning to gravity batteries in abandoned mines and skyscrapers, and the...

Matt Armitage and Richard Bradbury explore exciting breakthroughs in cancer treatment, focusing on the shift from viewing cancer as a singular entity to understanding it as an ecosystem. They discuss the potential of mRNA vaccines for personalized cancer treatment, the promising results of a melanoma vaccine trial, and the development of engineered viruses to target and kill cancer cells. The hosts also delve into the success of lorlatinib in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer and...

The hydrogen goldrush is the latest frontier of the energy wars. Rich and Matt examine the latest breakthroughs in hydrogen energy technology and look at its green credentials. Join them as they unpack the science behind green, blue, and even geologic hydrogen, and explore its potential to power our cars, trucks, and even airplanes of the future. The pair also dive into the exciting possibility of extracting naturally occurring gold hydrogen from underground deposits, which could...

Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to both Malaysia and the global community. In Malaysia, the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-induced events, such as the devastating floods in 2021 which displaced approximately 400,000 individuals, underscore the nation's vulnerability and the urgent need for robust adaptation and resilience strategies.We speak with Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, CEO of NanoMalaysia, to explore the urgent topic of climate resilience. With Malaysia facing...

In today’s green hued instalment, Rich and Matt delve into the exciting world of superconductors and the ongoing quest for room-temperature superconductivity, which could pave the way for a future of limitless clean energy. Matt gets particularly fired up by a groundbreaking alternative to pesticides, inspired by the ingenious traps of carnivorous plants. Yes. Spraying plants with glue. AI forces its way onto the agenda as they examine the controversy surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s beef...

The Amazon Web Services “Finance Forward Series: Data, AI & Agility - Thriving In The New Insurance Landscape” event concluded on 14 May 2024, with a panel session featuring Gianluca Bernacchia, Senior Partner, Consulting & Analytics Asia, and Global C&A Insurance Community Lead with DXC Technology; and Nipun Grover, ASEAN Insurance Specialist with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The conversation explored the growing adoption of Generative AI (Gen AI) among insurers, the critical role...

We speak with Dr. Ian Tan, an Associate Professor in Computer Science and the Head of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. We discuss the profound changes artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing to the world of programming and computer science. From Jensen Huang’s vision of a future where traditional programming languages are no longer necessary to the rise of low-code and no-code platforms, we explore how these advancements are reshaping...

Join us as Dr. Mohammad Sherafatmand from Hydroleap discusses innovative solutions to Malaysia's critical water challenges. With the nation's ageing infrastructure and rising water demand set to increase by over 100% by 2050, the need for sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever. Dr. Sherafatmand explains how his company's proprietary electrochemical engineering technology offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to treat wastewater, which could play a crucial role in...

Rich and Matt dive into the complex intersection of technology, security, and information warfare. Starting with TikTok's recent controversies and the US government's push to force its sale, the discussion explores the challenges of regulating social media platforms amidst geopolitical tensions. Moving to the battle against misinformation, an MIT study is using AI chatbots to counter conspiracy theories through factual, non-judgmental conversations - potentially reshaping deeply held...

We sit down with Sanjay Sarma, the newly appointed CEO and Dean of the Asia School of Business, to explore the transformative impact of AI on education. With AI technologies like ChatGPT on the rise, tertiary education is at a pivotal moment of change. Sarma will share his insights into how AI will influence educational practices, and the challenges and opportunities these technologies pose for future graduates. He brings a wealth of experience in open learning and academia to shed light on...