#sxsw2025

[sai-hemlighet]

[casiumimmigration]

Breaking Borders: How Global Talent Powers America's Billion-Dollar Startups | SXSW 2025

Talent flows where it is welcomed." -@priyankaonair#SXSW2025 with @WallStManeet. At "Breaking Borders," our CEO explored how immigrants founded 55% of America's billion-dollar startups and why welcoming global talent drives innovation.

[casiumimmigration]

The Future of Tech & Immigration: Insights from SXSW 2025

America’s greatest innovations have always been fueled by global talent. As we stand at a crossroads in tech and immigration policy, I’m looking forward to joining Forbes' Maneet Ahuja at hashtag#SXSW2025 to discuss what’s next. Our panel, "Breaking Borders: Fueling America's Next Innovation Wave," will explore how immigration continues to shape the U.S. tech landscape, with insights from my journey building AI technologies at Microsoft and founding Casium. This conversation isn’t just about policy it’s about the people, ideas, and breakthroughs that drive our industry forward. Hope to see you there! 📆March 9, 2025 ⏰2:30-3:30pm CT 📍Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon F See full details and add to your schedule: https://lnkd.in/eTKTAD-J SXSW AI2 Incubator Casium

[djnothinnice]

Get ready for SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas! 🎉 Which badge will you be purchasing? Choose from Music, Film, or Video Games. Don't miss out on this incredible event! Learn more: SXSW 2025 Details: https://cstu.io/49a69a

[sai-musik-worldwide]

Behind the scenes of SAI : How SAI got to SXSW2025 stage. - Friday, January 24, 2025

Hey there! This is SAI. First of all, thank you so much for making your way to this page.

I’ve been officially selected as an artist for SXSW (South by Southwest)….! Wow! I’m so happy….!!!

For those who’ve been following me since late October (or even earlier) when I started my stay in New Zealand, you probably already know—it hasn’t been a smooth journey at all. Haha.

Before Coming to New Zealand

Life in New Zealand

Recognizing Myself as an Artist in New Zealand

Behind the Scenes of SXSW

Behind the Journey to SXSW: SAI’s Story

NEW SONG “Got Oq Kid”

Diary Entry Around January 22nd

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Before Coming to New Zealand

The main reason I came to New Zealand was that I wanted to try working in English as part of my long-term goal of considering a future base overseas. Working abroad is quite difficult unless you have a visa like a Working Holiday Visa, so I thought, “This is my one chance to work abroad in my life!” That was the initial reason for my decision.

For the record, I’ve come this far through self-study. So, if you’re someone who’s worried about not being able to speak English, trust me—you can do it.

There are Asian musicians thriving in Western countries (or globally), like Yaeji, Beabadoobee, or ORONO from SUPERORGANISM. • Yaeji is of Korean descent but born and raised in the US. • Beabadoobee has Filipino roots but is based in the UK. • ORONO is Japanese but attended school in the US.

This means they’re native English speakers and live in Western countries/America, which creates far more opportunities for them compared to someone like me, a Japanese-born and raised artist. (Of course, they’ve achieved their success through their immense talent, but still!)

So while starting my career from Japan and trying to break into overseas markets is great, I realized I needed to extend my stay abroad to grab as many opportunities as possible—and I’m still thinking that way.

This means they’re native English speakers and live in Western countries/America, which creates far more opportunities for them compared to someone like me, a Japanese-born and raised artist. (Of course, they’ve achieved their success through their immense talent, but still!)

So while starting my career from Japan and trying to break into overseas markets is great, I realized I needed to extend my stay abroad to grab as many opportunities as possible—and I’m still thinking that way.

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Preparing to come here was already a challenge.It was very difficult because the cost of living in New Zealand is three times that of Japan. It was a stoic year where I focused only on preparations rather than performing live.

Life in New Zealand

Here, I’ve been incredibly lucky with my punk housemates, who’ve created a peaceful and supportive environment for me. But finding work hasn’t been easy. New Zealand is currently in a recession, and even locals are struggling to find jobs. On top of that, I’ve been based in a smaller town rather than a big city.

I started working at a restaurant, but after a lot of challenges (I even made a YouTube video about it, though I’m debating whether to share it because it’s too real—haha), I decided to quit. The restaurant was run by Asian immigrant owners, and while I respect their work ethic, it felt like I was still in Asia rather than experiencing life in New Zealand.

I decided I couldn’t leave without experiencing work under a New Zealand-based owner, so I started handing out my résumé everywhere: galleries, cinemas, bookstores—places that aligned more with my interests. Let me tell you, the process was way more hard than you’d imagine.

However, I was turned down by numerous galleries (they said that most of them were small, privately run galleries and couldn't afford to hire anyone), so I decided that this would be my last gallery, which was attached to an art school, and the teacher I met there was incredibly kind, and she gave me a tour of the school.

By sheer luck, Fashion design teacher was looking for a costume assistant—and I landed the job!

At that moment, I remembered the story of J.K. Rowling (although I don’t fully support her due to her LGBTQ views). As a single mother living in poverty, she wrote Harry Potter and was rejected by publishers multiple times—12, to be exact—before finally getting her chance.

This reminded me that even the most incredible works (or people) won’t be recognized unless they’re seen by the right audience. As an artist, believing in yourself and your work and never giving up is what matters most.

And, well, I featured in the newspaper here.

From the outside, it might look like a series of glamorous events, but behind the scenes, it’s been a mix of relentless effort, risks, and perseverance.

Recognizing Myself as an Artist in New Zealand

While working at the restaurant, I was asked if I could work on weekends. Here’s the thing—weekends are when most live music opportunities happen, even in New Zealand. Balancing work and music felt just as challenging as it does in Japan. Haha.

But receiving DMs from fans in Australia and New Zealand saying, “I want to see you perform live!” (Thank you♡）and getting the chance to do a last-minute set at a hardcore punk festival made me realize that people see me as an artist and want what I create.

On my birthday, when my housemates were away and I was spending the day alone, I thought, “Since I’m already abroad, why not apply for SXSW?” (Here’s a reality check—it’s an application-based process. Meaning, yes, you could apply too!)Yes.so far.

New Zealand and the US are far apart, But at that moment, I was determined.

Being here also made me want to fully pursue a career as an artist. My friend—who are musicians and painters—would apply for government grants to fund their projects. They’d openly say things like, “I don’t want to work; I just want to make art.” That kind of openness inspired me.

During an Instagram Live session, a friend named Doichan told me, “SAI, you should have more confidence in yourself!” Her words really lifted me up and encouraged me to keep going.

Behind the Scenes of SXSW

Getting selected for SXSW wasn’t smooth sailing. I found out on December 20 that I had made the shortlist, but the email also said, “The final decision might come a few days or even weeks before the event.”

I thought, “How am I supposed to prepare for the US trip with just a few days’ notice?!” but I decided to book a ticket anyway. I told myself that even if I wasn’t officially selected, I’d book my own shows in the US and perform no matter what.

My favorite American hardcore band! I was going to contact them and figure something out myself.

And then, just days before,I got mail: I was in.

This experience taught me that what you see on the surface—the “glamorous” parts—are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind every success story is a mountain of hard work, risks, and unwavering determination.

Behind the Scenes of SXSW

Getting selected for SXSW wasn’t smooth sailing. I found out on December 20 that I had made the shortlist, but the email also said, “The final decision might come a few days or even weeks before the event.”

I thought, “How am I supposed to prepare for the US trip with just a few days’ notice?!” but I decided to book a ticket anyway. I told myself that even if I wasn’t officially selected, I’d book my own shows in the US and perform no matter what.

My favorite American hardcore band! I was going to contact them and figure something out myself.

And then, just days before,I got mail: I was in.

This experience taught me that what you see on the surface—the “glamorous” parts—are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind every success story is a mountain of hard work, risks, and unwavering determination.

Behind the Journey to SXSW: SAI’s Story

Before TAWINGS officially formed as a band, I was actually a bassist for them.

But I left because I wanted to pursue punk music, which led me to form my own band, Ms.Machine.

Later, TAWINGS went on to perform at SXSW and release music with Space Shower Music—a major milestone for them and something that truly set them apart.

Of course, seeing this lit a fire in me. I couldn’t help but feel driven. I wanted to play at SXSW, too, and I even told my bandmates about it. But it wasn’t easy. While I always dreamed of working internationally, the challenges and limitations were overwhelming. Eventually, the band went on hiatus, and I decided to fully commit to my solo career.

There were moments of loneliness, but looking back now, I know I made the right decision. I also believe that it’s not about the path you choose, but about what you do after making that choice. The key is to refuse to regret it—to commit with everything you have.

Two years ago, Harry, a DJ, organizer, and videographer, interviewed me. In that interview, I said “I want to perform at SXSW.” And now, it’s happening. Watching that video now, I feel such gratitude and fulfillment.

So, if you’ve read this far—thank you! This is my journey, told in order. But what I really want to convey is this: I don’t want you, the reader, to ever feel like you’re not good enough. Set your goals high, never give up, and give it your all. Results will follow.

NEW SONG “Got Oq Kid”

I just released a brand-new song and music video yesterday—make sure to check it out and watch it as many times as you like!

I directed the entire creative process for the music video, including shooting and editing.

Diary Entry Around January 22nd

A pretty big miracle has happened in my life. But, you know, a miracle is something you feel when something greater than yourself happens, right? That’s when I realized—maybe I was the one who didn’t believe in myself all along. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1. Never give up and keep at it step by step. 2. Even if people ignore you or say hurtful things, just think: “They just don’t recognize my worth yet.” Hold onto your pride. For every good wave that comes, there’s so much effort, uncertainty, tears, and exhaustion that lead up to it. Way more than people might realize. But if you never give up, your dreams will come true! This is a true Cinderella story—so watch it happen! Alright, let’s do this!!!!

Thank you for reading this far! If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: don’t underestimate yourself. Set a goal, give it your all, and never give up.

And to friends,my partner, family, and everyone who supports me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t have done this without you. To my fans (Wave Army), your messages and encouragement keep me going.！

Please send me your positive messages and comments♡ And don’t forget to like, follow me on Note, and check out my social media accounts!

🏄‍♀️http://instagram.com/jaghetersai 🏄‍♀️http://tiktok.com/@jaghetersai_jp 🏄‍♀️http://youtube.com/@jaghetersai/ 🏄‍♀️http://youtube.com/@OLIVEWILLYLOVEGOOD With love, PUSS OCH KRAM (hugs and kisses) SAI