// KL-based · builder · operator · advisor

I help people
build things that
actually matter.

I run AI.SEA — a builder ecosystem across Southeast Asia — and work with teams navigating AI adoption, new markets, and the messy early stages of building something real. Cambridge physics background, VC experience, now mostly just shipping.

Let's work together →See my projects

Building the builder layer of Southeast Asia.

AI.SEA connects serious builders, AI companies, corporates, and institutions across the region. We do GTM activations, corporate residencies, and institutional programs. Co-founded with Edward. Started small, grew fast, still two people.

10k+
builders
8
countries
2k+
hackathon signups
AnthropicOpenAIAWSCursorElevenLabsGroqQwen / Alibaba CloudManusVirtualsCarousell
GTM · APAC market entry

Getting traction in Southeast Asia

I've run live activations across MY, SG, TH, VN, ID. I know which communities move, which events are noise, and how to build real credibility in markets where it has to be earned. Good fit if you're an AI company trying to crack APAC without guessing.

Talk to me →
AI strategy · early teams

Figuring out what to actually build

I work best in the early, ambiguous stage — stress-testing ideas, finding where the leverage is, and helping technical and non-technical sides actually get on the same page. Physics background, VC experience, now mostly just building things myself.

Talk to me →

Things I've shipped.

A mix of tools I needed, experiments that grew legs, and infrastructure that now has users.

AI.SEA
Cross-border builder ecosystem. Connective tissue for serious builders across SEA.
IdeaSea Browser
Scrapes SEA forums for real complaints → generates project ideas you can actually build on.
AEO/GEO Optimizer
Diagnostic tool for how well your content surfaces in AI systems — not just Google.
KL Traffic Heartbeat
Cinematic 24h replay of KL traffic using Waze data. In progress.
Byte In
Healthtech app with a gamified nutrition loop for Gen Z. Built 0→1.
TalkNia
Discord ↔ Telegram message bridge. Built for Build Club when the community was split across platforms.
All projects →

Things I've thought about long enough to write down.

Substack
Overcomplicate.exe
Hidden math and systems behind everyday phenomena. The kind of thing you explain at dinner and lose people in 30 seconds.
The Edge Malaysia
Technology and innovation will help us live longer
Co-authored with Dr Michael Gan. Digital health, preventive care, and Malaysia's healthcare landscape.
EETimes
The Rise of Digital and Precision Agriculture
IoT, AI, and digital twins in farming. Written during my IDTechEx days.

How I got here.

2025 – now
Co-founder & Operator · AI.SEA

GTM activations, corporate residencies, institutional programs. Building the infrastructure for AI builders across Southeast Asia — with Edward, from scratch.

2024 – now
City Lead · Build Club Malaysia

Grew from a small core group to 1,000+ builders in under a year. Hands-on AI engineering programs, multi-disciplinary ecosystem, real community infrastructure.

2025
Senior Manager, Entrepreneur Experience · Endeavor Malaysia

Founder experience, ecosystem partnerships, and strategic programs. Worked closely with high-growth founders across the region.

2023 – 2025
Venture & Ecosystems · Sunway iLabs

Fund-of-funds modeling, dealflow, startup–corporate pilot programs. Learned how large organizations make decisions — and how slowly.

2021 – 2023
Technology Analyst · IDTechEx

Deep tech market analysis — healthtech, agritech, metamaterials, telecoms. Good for making me rigorous about claims.

2017 – 2021
M.Sci & B.A. Physics · University of Cambridge

First Class (BA), Distinction (MSci). Theoretical and computational biophysics. Still the thing that shapes how I think about systems.

Say hello.

Whether it's an AI.SEA partnership, advisory work, or something you're building in the region — I'm happy to talk. I try to respond to everything that feels genuine.

brendan@aisea.builders →LinkedIn