Pang Xue Kai is the co-founder and CEO of Untukmu.AI, a startup dedicated to reinventing gift-giving with AI for deeper, more meaningful connections.

After founding Tokocrypto, Indonesia's pioneering crypto exchange, and spearheading the TKO token launch, he balances his drive for innovation with time for family, surfing, and golf.

As he navigates the adventures of entrepreneurship and personal passions, he’s reminded of life's unpredictability, recently sidelined by a knee injury from tennis—a humbling reminder that even as we age and pursue our passions, it's crucial to listen to and take care of our bodies.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I lead Untukmu.AI, where we use AI to personalize gift-giving, making it more meaningful. Unlike others, we focus on understanding relationships and occasions deeply, ensuring every gift strengthens connections.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

What might surprise you is that my journey to becoming the CEO and founder of Untukmu.AI, and previously leading Tokocrypto, started from a completely different path—I was originally in mechanical engineering.

This transition from a field grounded in the physical and tangible, to diving into the digital realms of blockchain and AI, was something I never anticipated. It's a testament to the unexpected paths life can take us on, highlighting that with passion, adaptability, and continuous learning, it's possible to pivot and succeed in areas far beyond our initial starting points.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight of my career so far has definitely been the successful launch of the TKO token through one of the largest and most successful Initial Exchange Offerings (IEO) on Binance Launchpad.

This achievement wasn't just a milestone for Tokocrypto but a testament to the trust, support, and enthusiasm from our community. It underscored the potential of blockchain in Southeast Asia and marked a pivotal moment where our vision for Tokocrypto was recognized on a global stage, highlighting the impact we could have on the digital economy and beyond.

This success has fueled my ongoing journey with Untukmu.AI, reminding me of the power of community and innovation in creating meaningful change.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

I'm currently keeping a close eye on the intersection of AI and blockchain technology within the startup space. The reason for my interest is twofold. First, my journey with Tokocrypto gave me a deep appreciation for the transformative potential of blockchain, not just in finance but across various sectors.

Then, founding Untukmu.AI has further solidified my belief in AI's ability to personalize and enrich our daily experiences. This year, I'm particularly intrigued by how startups are leveraging these technologies together to create solutions that are not only innovative but also secure, transparent, and user-centric.

This convergence has the potential to redefine industries, enhance customer experiences, and introduce new levels of efficiency and personalisation. It's a space brimming with opportunities for meaningful impact, and I'm excited to see how it evolves.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Embrace continuous learning, especially in rapidly evolving fields like AI and blockchain. Build a strong team and network, focusing on impactful solutions. Stay resilient, curious, and committed to positive change.

Additionally, learn to seek alpha by identifying trends and hype, which can guide strategic decisions. Push forward boldly, with an eye on the future.

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‍🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

My daughter, I could go on for days.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

As of now, it’s the Dune series. The love of Dune was what made my wife fall in love with me

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Pistachio

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We've edited this interview for clarity.