Salma Dias Saraswati is CEO and Co-Founder of Tenang, an AI-enabled mental health platform in Indonesia. 

They’re on a mission to make mental health support more accessible and affordable for the younger generations; millennials, Gen-Z, and beyond.

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

Well, imagine being an orchestra conductor, making sure all the instruments are playing in harmony to create a beautiful symphony. But instead of music, we create amazing products and services that make people's lives better and happier. 

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I get to be the one who steers the ship and makes sure we're all working toward the same goal. It's a wild ride, but it's so worth it when we get to see the impact we're making in people's lives.

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

Something that might surprise people about me is that despite being the CEO of Tenang which is a mental health tech startup, I didn't have a technology background, let alone Artificial Intelligence-related knowledge, because I actually started my career as a lecturer. Still, my passion for mental health and making a social impact led me to take the leap and start Tenang. 

One time after we launched our AI chatbot, we managed to help more than 1000 people in a week! When I was a psychologist, I was only able to help not more than 50 people per week. Such an exciting journey so far!

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

So far, the biggest highlight of my career would have to be graduating from the Founder Institute as the only participant from Southeast Asia in their first global health-tech cohort and becoming their President cohort. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by so many talented individuals and learn from some of the best in the business. 

But if I had to pick just one, I'd say participating in B20 2022 (which was a part of the G20 Presidency event) in Indonesia was a once-in-a-lifetime event. To have the opportunity to connect with business leaders from all over the world and contribute to the global conversation on economic issues was truly amazing. 

And, of course, the fact that it took place in my home country made it all the more special.

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

I'm really intrigued by the growth of women-led tech startups. It's exciting to see women taking the lead and making their mark in the tech industry. I'm so glad that they're being recognized and supported. 

I'm also keeping an eye on the use of Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse, and Blockchain in enhancing people's daily lives. I believe that those technologies are inevitable parts of our future, and I'm eager to see how they can be used to improve people's happiness and well-being, especially in healthcare.

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

If I had to give advice to someone just starting out in building something, I'd say there are three key things to keep in mind.

First, always believe in yourself and your vision to help solve people's problems. Because when you do, the universe will help and provide you with support and the right people along the way. 

Second, don't be afraid to ask for help and support. There's so much untapped potential within us, and seeking help and support can only accelerate our growth and success. 

Last but not least, never stop learning. The beauty of our industry is that there's always something new to learn, so stay curious and keep your mind open to new ideas and opportunities.

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

Oh, that's an easy one! It's humans, hands down. As a psychologist, I find the human mind, relationships, and self-empowerment to be endlessly captivating. There's so much depth to the emotions and behaviors that drive us, and I could talk about them for hours on end. It's just amazing to see how people interact with one another and how they grow and change over time. That's what makes working in this field so fulfilling for me.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

I'm a fan of movies that feature strong, bold characters and thrilling adventures. From mystery-solving detectives to superheroes saving the world, these types of movies never fail to keep me on the edge of my seat. I also enjoy films that explore the concept of time and space and make me think about life from a different perspective. And let's not forget about shows that celebrate and empower women; I find those particularly inspiring. If I had to name some, those are The Bold Type, Sherlock Holmes, Interstellar, Inception, Money Heist, Queen of Gambit, Marvel Movies, etc.

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

That's a tough one! When it comes to ice cream, I can't seem to pick just one flavor. I love the classic chocolate, but vanilla is always a crowd-pleaser. And when I'm feeling adventurous, I love trying new flavors like matcha or fruity options. So, you could say I have an all-around love for ice cream.

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