TNGlobal recently talked to Rafael Saavedra, a Venezuelan video creator and a technology enthusiast who is also widely known as Rafa Goes Around on YouTube.

As Rafael has attended major tech events in Asia throughout 2024, like the Inclusion Conference on the Bund, Hong Kong FinTech Week, and Singapore FinTech Festival, he shared his unique perspective as a traveler and observer of the technology industry, including his journeys during these events, and his observations on the development of latest technology trends including AI and Web3, among others.

Rafael, who lived in Asia for nine years, also shared his views on the future of FinTech, and his experience as a video content creator in the exclusive interview.

 According to Rafael, no tech conference is complete without AI, blockchain and green finance in 2024.

Read more here:

Q: During the past few months, you have traveled to Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore and visited major fintech events. How were your experiences attending these events? Are there any similarities? How are they different from each other?

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of attending the Inclusion Conference on the Bund in Shanghai, Hong Kong FinTech Week, and Singapore FinTech Festival. Each event offered something unique and valuable.

I was especially impressed by the innovative spirit at the Inclusion Conference in Shanghai. Although Shanghai’s event is relatively new compared to the others, it showcased groundbreaking technologies and forward-thinking ideas with its focus on newly-emerged AI-driven solutions and practical applications.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong FinTech Week stood out for its strong global connectivity and emphasis on bridging markets, reflecting its role as an international financial hub. Singapore FinTech Festival impressed me with its integration of sustainability themes and its global perspective on addressing financial and environmental challenges. While each event had distinct strengths, they all shared a commitment to driving innovation in the FinTech industry.

Q: Do you have any memorable highlights?

The highlight of Hong Kong FinTech Week was the focus on Real World Assets (RWA). These technologies digitize physical assets, allowing broader participation in financial systems while improving transaction transparency and efficiency. This has immense potential globally.

Singapore’s exhibitions emphasized ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) themes and how technology drives sustainability. One highlight was an AR-based solution that educates people about marine conservation and biodiversity. It was a fascinating example of how technology can directly influence ordinary lives.
At the Inclusion Conference in Shanghai, the AI-powered robots left a lasting impression on me. These included patrol robots like robot dogs designed for complex environments, mechanical intelligent prosthetics for medical rehabilitation, and AI service robots. They demonstrated the vast potential of AI in real-world applications, showcasing how technology can significantly enhance our daily lives.

Q: What are the companies that impressed you the most?

Several companies stood out to me during these events. In Shanghai, a company specializing in AI applications impressed me with their innovative products, including robot dogs, AI service robots, and mechanical intelligent prosthetics.

These technologies were not only futuristic but also demonstrated practical applications that can improve quality of life.

In Singapore, a green finance company caught my attention. They utilize blockchain technology to track carbon emissions and support ESG investments. Their approach highlights how FinTech can drive sustainability.

Additionally, Ant Group left a strong impression on me across these events. They focus on enabling inclusive services and leveraging technologies to solve real-world problems and showcase their global vision through these international gatherings.

Whether through their AI products, blockchain initiatives, or sustainability-focused projects, Ant Group consistently presents cutting-edge innovations that have the potential to shape the future of digital services.

Q: Can you share some of the insights you gained from engaging with professionals at these events?

Interacting with professionals at these events provided invaluable insights.

For example, in Shanghai, I spoke with an AI expert who detailed how their algorithms help financial institutions improve risk management.

In Hong Kong and Singapore, I learned from a startup founder about how technology bridges gaps for underserved communities in Asia. And a conversation with an ESG advisor shed light on the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategies. Each discussion offered a unique perspective on how FinTech is driving global change.

Q: What’s the future of FinTech?

From my observation, the future of FinTech is centered around three main trends: AI as a transformative force, blockchain for building trust and transparency, and green finance as a critical focus for sustainable development.

The challenges, such as navigating evolving regulations and addressing data privacy concerns, are significant, but the collaborative spirit and innovation I witnessed at these events make me optimistic about the industry’s ability to overcome them.

Q: You are from Venezuela. What sparked your interest in Asia and why did you come to Asia?

Growing up in Venezuela, I was always fascinated by different cultures, and Asia seemed like a place full of history, innovation, and unique perspectives.

My interest was sparked by a mix of curiosity and the stories I heard about the rapid growth and technological advancements happening here.

I initially came to Asia to explore its vibrant cities and immerse myself in the culture but I ended up staying because of the opportunities to connect with people, learn about innovation, and share these experiences with the world through my videos.

Living in Asia for nine years has allowed me to see firsthand how this region is shaping the future in ways that are inspiring and thought-provoking.

Q: What has your experience been like working as a video blogger?

This has been an incredible journey. It’s not just about filming and editing—it’s about storytelling and connecting with people across cultures. I love showcasing the world through my lens and helping others see places, technologies, and lifestyles they might never encounter otherwise.

There are challenges, of course, such as staying consistent, creating fresh ideas, and balancing the technical side of video production with the creativity of storytelling.

But it’s all worth it when I see people engaging with my content, learning something new, or feeling inspired to explore the world themselves.

Q: Why are you interested in technology, considering that there are not many tech bloggers on YouTube?

Technology is something that impacts every aspect of our lives, from the way we communicate to how we solve global challenges.

I have always been curious about how things work and fascinated by the innovations that shape our future.

As a content creator, I realized there was a gap in how technology stories are told, especially when it comes to how innovations are transforming societies.

Many people think of tech as something abstract, but I want to make it relatable and engaging, showing the human side of these advancements. It’s exciting to be one of the few tech-focused creators on YouTube, especially with a global perspective, because it allows me to bring something unique to the table.”

Q: What is your impression of Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore?

Each city left a deep impression on me. Singapore stood out for its focus on sustainability and its well-organized, forward-thinking environment. Hong Kong’s global connectivity and its role as an international financial hub were evident in every aspect of the FinTech Week.

Shanghai feels like a futuristic city, full of energy and innovation. The Inclusion Conference on the Bund demonstrated that even as a newer event, it’s already making significant strides in showcasing cutting-edge technologies.

While these cities each have their unique strengths, what unites them is their commitment to fostering innovation and creating solutions for the future.

Singapore stood out for its focus on sustainability and its well-organized, forward-thinking environment. While these cities each have their unique strengths, what unites them is their commitment to fostering innovation and creating solutions for the future.

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