Malaysian fintech startup HelloGold shutters its consumer business
The app made use of blockchain innovation to enable customers to save money using gold for as low as RM 1; Users are given until 2nd February 2023 to withdraw their funds.

Sea Group mulls selling game maker Phoenix Labs
The plan is part of Sea’s efforts to cut costs and focus on its core business; The sale process has not yet started. Sea is reportedly in discussions with an adviser regarding the plan.

ComfortDelGro pumps US$4.3M into mobility-focused impact fund
The transport firm said it will look at the startups targeted by Shift4Good and make investments either on its own or through the fund.

Indonesian POS startup iSeller bags US$12M Series B
The investors are Intudo Ventures, KVision, Mandiri Capital Indonesia, and Openspace Ventures; With the deal, iSeller also completed its acquisition of local payment gateway Yukk.

Locad rakes in US$11M to build supply chain network across APAC
The investors include Reefknot Investments, Access Ventures, JG Summit, Sequoia Surge, and Febe Ventures; Locad organises end-to-end e-commerce fulfilment through its network of warehouses and shipping carriers across SEA.

Farquhar VC to help Korean university-affiliated startups to go global
Hanyang University and Farquhar VC will also explore joint funding initiatives to invest and scale HYUH startups globally; To date, Hanyang University Holdings has invested in more than 50 startups.

Sinar Mas unit leads pre-series A of Indonesia’s DCT Agency
DCT Agency connects companies and brands to influencers for marketing campaigns and live commerce sessions on TikTok; The startup currently has more than 500 online personalities on its network.

YC-backed Filipino fintech startup PayMongo names Jojo Malolos new CEO
Malolos is co-founder of GoTyme Bank, one of the digital banks licensed by the country’s central bank; PayMongo has been under public scrutiny for the past several months after a news report emerged of many scandals.

WhyQ adds US$1.1M to Series A1 to enable hawkers to go, sell online
The lead investor is Kairos FoodTech Fund of Kairos Capital; WhyQ plans to use the money to expand its digitalisation platform and support the growth of small businesses in Singapore and Malaysia.

Imajin announces seed funding from East Ventures, 500, Init 6
The firm will use the money for hiring, expanding, and developing products; Imajin connects local manufacturers with potential customers; it has so far partnered with over 500 SME manufacturers.

‘The era of easy money is over’: Southeast Asian VCs speak
While the funding winter will continue into H1 2024, SEA remains a bright spot due to its favourable demographics and supply chains shifting to the region.

Being a first-class listener will serve you best: PR expert Jon Howard
The Strategy Director at Bud Communications says to be curious about the other person’s perspective and no to worry about whether or not you’re the smartest person in the room.

How Perfect Day aims to win over Singapore’s alternative dairy market
Founded in 2014, Perfect Day works on the intersection of biological engineering, food innovation, and consumer products.

Malaysia can be a global SaaS leader, says Indelible Ventures
‘Because of the low cost base, we can actually leverage the growth that we get here and then turn into creating globally competitive products that can then penetrate other markets across the globe’, says Managing Partner Kevin Brockland.

Mark Cuban-backed blockchain firm Injective launches US$150M Web3 initiative
Injective aims to support developments in the interoperability, DeFi, and PoS infra sectors, among others; Investors in the initiative will provide token and equity investments as well as mentorship.

Demand for Web3 talent remains amid downturn, BNB Chain says
Amid mass tech layoffs, the firm currently lists 173 roles on its own platform; BNB Chain also pointed to the nearly 30,000 opportunities in the global Web3 space listed online.

How Rebase is leveraging Web3 to enhance real-world interactions
NFTs are often associated with digital art and profile pictures; however, their use cases are more than that; They have the potential to be a valuable addition to people’s day-to-day activities and hobbies.

8 billion people milestone: Reaching new heights for humanity
The world’s population is currently increasing at 0.83 per cent per year while some countries have a dramatically higher population growth rate than others.

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If we don’t drastically reduce our emissions – and tackle the climate crisis now – we’ll run out of time. To have productive conversations, to take impactful action, to rewind the effects of climate change, all of it.

It’s a statement most of us already know is true, but few want to hear. Let alone say.

Climate change is the most prevalent issue we face, and it could be the most significant hurdle in human history. Extreme droughts, flooding, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss aren’t scenes written for a movie set in a post-apocalyptic society. They’re disasters we’re already facing and at an alarming rate.

Keeping global temperatures within 1.5 or two degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels means redirecting our attention towards the hard-to-abate industries – the ones that need the most drastic, revolutionary change.

Shipping is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses, far surpassing aviation, agriculture, you name it. But as an industry, it presents historical challenges. Yes, its negative impact on the planet is practically unsurpassable, but it’s simultaneously responsible for the highest levels of global trade.

Currently, around 11 billion tons of goods are transported via ship each year. Reducing shipping trade may reduce GHG emissions, but there’s no saying its replacement (say, aviation taking up the global trade mantel) will serve our planet any better. Reduce trade, and you reduce supply, not to mention the world economy.

Also Read: How to navigate the investment opportunity in climate tech sector

Suddenly, we’re presented with new but equally as challenging considerations. The pieces of the puzzle may fit, but it doesn’t make for an attractive picture.

The only real answer? Change the picture

If we’re going to reach net zero by our targeted 2050, the shipping industry has no choice but to electrify its operations. More specifically, adopt advanced battery technology.

Electric vehicles and modes of transport have been a hot topic for a while now. In October 2022, US President Joe Biden pledged to award US$2.8 billion in grants for projects that expand the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries. But the emerging benefits of battery-powered vessels are taking the shipping industry by storm, and the market value is set to grow exponentially.

The United Nations (UN) has listed a number of alternative energy sources as potential solutions – wind, solar, green hydrogen, geothermal, hydropower, ocean energy, and bioenergy. There’s the pros and cons, the fors and againsts for every energy type (you only need to look at Lloyd’s List or The Economist to read more Op.Eds. on that), but each of these solutions has one common denominator: it needs energy storage systems to power.

From delivering voltage and frequency balancing to providing black start continuity to taking on the role of first response dynamic power — these factors are all crucial to electrifying ocean vessels. Not only do batteries propel ships, but they’re also integral to propelling the marine industry into a net zero future. Now, the demand for batteries is rapidly increasing as the benefits — environmental, cost, energy saving, etc. — become much more slap-in-the-face-obvious.

So what’s standing in the way?

In one short word: infrastructure.

We began to see battery-powered vessels emerge 12 years ago, but at the time, their application would peak with short-haul and small-to-medium-sized ferries. A decade ago, shipowners were hesitant to implement energy storage systems due to factors such as space, weight, costs, and infrastructure constraints.

You could argue it’s reductive, but the infrastructure is the big player and the final word in battery-powered vessels going the distance – figuratively and literally. But there are alternatives. Shift’s PWRSwäp is derived from the need to combat firstly the short-term cost of establishing the infrastructure we need and secondly the long-term uncertainty that’s often the prohibitor to technology advances.

PWRSwäp removes the roadblocks that come with purchasing a battery and investing in the infrastructure requirements. It’s the first of its kind, a pay-as-you-go energy-subscription service which allows ships to use and pay for only the energy they need, and vessels can ‘trade’ energy, swapping used battery cells for charged cells. This technology allows vessels to transition seamlessly to hybrid or full electric. Importantly, it also ensures that the size and weight of the battery are a fraction of what a traditional energy storage system would be.

Win-win-win – and so on

As these conversations and talking points may be (and the reality of the tech matches), it’s equally as important to address the concerns face-on. Not just the obvious commercial consideration, something we’re largely steered by at Shift, but things like safety standards.

Also Read: Preference for green jobs is the “most exciting” climate tech development: Lightspeed

Battery fires are a prominent hazard in the shipping industry. The concern isn’t exactly helped by historic news of batteries going awry and their suppliers making the same mistakes over and over. But lithium is extremely flammable, and fires can occur onboard vessels with marine batteries igniting from damage, overcharging, or overheating.

To make it worse, battery fires can be difficult to extinguish and can reignite days or even weeks later if not handled correctly or without the proper technology in place. Regulations for the safe storage and use of lithium-ion batteries and fire testing varies between countries and projects, meaning there’s very little drive to create uniformity and reliability in how we classify ‘safe’ ESS.

Safety and reliability were woven into the fabric of Shift from the outset. Observing the same mistakes made by other manufacturers over the years only motivated our own extremely stringent safety standards to increase. And with that, we created fire-resistant marine batteries. Our CellCool© system encases each cell in its own cooling liquid, which reverses a thermal runaway incident within a cell or block of cells. This allows the batteries to operate at their optimum temperature without the risk of overheating or catching fire.

Prioritising safety – and striving towards the industry’s most stringent regulations time and time again – underpins decarbonisation. It emphasises the well-being of crews, passengers, communities and the public and reinforces the longevity and untapped potential of battery technology in the climate crisis.

Our road to decarbonisation needs to be easy and accessible for business if we are going to succeed. This technology is not an idea for ‘five to ten years in the future’; it’s a tangible reality that is available today.

PWRSwäp’s capabilities are unique, sure, but its trajectory is equally unparalleled. The rapid uptake of battery technology that we see in the industry and interest from the market is something we’re ready to support. At Shift, we’re building charging stations along shipping routes to make the transition to hybrid or fully electric much more straightforward. Unlike refuelling with diesel or using other fuel-driven propulsion systems, the process of deploying, recharging and adopting PWRSwäp is rapid and simple.

At the end of the day, reaching our climate change goals will not be the result of one initiative, one policy, one company or one solution. At Shift, we’re constantly elevating our technology, focusing on partnerships with industry innovators and forward-thinking organisations. Proactively moving the needle on climate change.

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This seems to be an exciting time for consumers and producers of alternative dairy products in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore. According to data by Mordor Intelligence, this is influenced by the rising prevalence of lactose intolerance, which led to consumers searching for a healthier alternative.

According to the report, plant-based beverages are “naturally lactose-free and are generally considered to be lower in cholesterol and fat than animal-derived milk.”

“Further, the market is witnessing penetration of local brands specialising in innovative product offering to serve the consumer need for dairy-free beverages,” the report writes.

At e27, we have also witnessed the rise of local tech startups that are working in the sector, producing the alternatives to existing dairy products, particularly cow’s milk.

The promise of success also draws global startups to try their hands in this market, including California-based Perfect Day, which has recently launched its animal-free milk Very Dairy.

Also Read: Cell-based milk startup TurtleTree bags US$30M Series A to expand product portfolio

The milk is not plant-based; it is made of animal-free whey protein. The company describes it as “the same nature-identical protein found in traditional dairy, but without involving a single cow.”

“The microflora is given the genetic code for whey protein, fed plant sugar, then, through the process of fermentation (similar to making bread or beer), convert these ingredients into the animal-free whey protein, identical to what one finds in traditional milk,” the company explains.

This results in a vegan-friendly milk product that is lactose-, cholesterol- and hormone-free, low in sugar and saturated fat, and rich in protein and calcium.

In an interview with e27, Alex Brittain, SP of International at Perfect Day, explains that the company aims to create an impactful product by making it to be as close as possible to the traditional milk that consumers know and love. It also adds additional values such as its health and environmental benefits.

“It is what we are seeing universally in the markets where we are launching,” he explains. “That is like the number one driver of choice, followed by health and sustainability in that order.

Eyeing Asia

Founded in 2014 by bioengineers Ryan Pandya and Perumal Gandhi, Perfect Day works on the intersection of biological engineering, food innovation, and consumer products to create a greener tomorrow.

Also Read: Why Sesamilk thinks plant-based milk is healthier than cow milk and has a bright future

In Singapore, the launch of its Very Dairy milk follows the launch of animal-free ice-cream brand Coolhaus in July 2022. The ice cream product is developed using the same animal-free milk protein as Very Dairy.

The brands are available in various supermarket chains in Singapore for S$4.95 for the milk’s one-litre package.

“Our international expansion has only just started, and it’s starting with Asia, [particularly] in Singapore and Hong Kong … I think we have been really, really pleased with the reception and the support that we’ve been getting from retailers, distribution partners, and manufacturing partners that we have identified in the region,” Brittain says.

“I think the alternative protein landscape is well-developed here … When we talk to consumers, they are open to trying new, different innovation.”

But this does not mean that entering the Singapore market is not without challenges. In the context of ice cream brands, Brittain names strong attachment to existing major brands as something that is “deeply ingrained” in the market.

“It is hard coming in as a fledgling player with new technology to break into people’s repertoires and habits. [But] one of the good things about [ice cream] is that, basically, it is a category where consumers are open to trying new innovation,” he says.

Following the launch of its ice cream and milk brands in Singapore, Perfect Day aims to introduce its brands to new markets before expanding to other product categories.

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Image Credit: Perfect Day

The post Not a single cow harmed: How Perfect Day aims to win over Singapore’s alternative dairy market appeared first on e27.

Jon Howard is the Strategy Director at Bud Communications. Specialising in company reputation management, he’s directed full corporate rebrands, delivered multi-year B2B comms strategies and has worked with and reported to multiple C-suite types.

Howard originally hails from the UK’s south coast and worked in Germany and Finland before moving to Singapore. After studying journalism, his big break in PR came managing a press office for one of the UK’s biggest consumer lobby groups.

He is a regular contributor of articles for e27 (you can read his thought leadership articles here).

In this candid interview, he talks about his personal and professional life.

How would you explain what you do to a five-year-old?

We create and share interesting stories with journalists and other famous internet people at Bud Communications. That’s because we think they’ll also find these story ideas exciting and want to tell more people about them. These stories are about technology and focus on exciting inventions, smart business people and teams that want to do good things for the world.

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

The biggest challenge was getting into the communications and PR industry in the first place. Back in 2008, I was finishing up a Master’s degree, and every role I applied for required prior work experience. All I had to show was several internships, some unpaid freelance writing and significant bar/pub work to pay for my studies.

Luckily two great hiring managers looked past my lack of experience and gave me a shot. In the present day, it serves as a constant reminder to pay it forward if an entry-level applicant has a lot of passion and hunger to learn but not necessarily the roll-call of big names on their CV (yet).

How do you envision the next five years of your career?

I want to find myself within a compassionate team who speaks plainly and always has each other’s backs.

Also Read: It is your passion, not education, that drives your future: Meghan Bridges of Rainmaking Innovation

What are some of your favourite work tools?

I’m a big fan of the likes of EdX and Udemy. They have some top-notch courses that are budget-friendly and curated by top-class academics and educators.

On the specific note of workplace tools, this year we’ve introduced the HR platform 15Five, which is fantastic to see how team members are feeling weekly, as well as being able to schedule line management meetings and even 360 reviews and annual appraisals.

Regarding finance matters, Spenmo was recently added to our toolset, which has simplified our team’s corporate expenses and made the reimbursement process more frictionless.

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

One major misconception about being a great communications/PR pro is that you need to be the dominant voice at parties, always leading conversations and giving people “aha moments” with every sentence.

The truth is, being a first-class listener and the one asking thoughtful questions will serve you best. Practise active listening skills, always be curious about the other person’s perspective and don’t worry about whether or not you’re the smartest person in the room.

Do you prefer WFH or WFO, or hybrid?

I need a degree of routine and consistency, so I’m in the office almost daily. I’m also much more productive in an office environment. That probably sounds weird to many people, but thankfully commuting in Singapore is far more painless than, e.g. London. 

If I still lived there, my answer would probably be quite different. I don’t lose a lot of time travelling to work in Singapore, and internet connectivity is good regardless of the mode of transport.

What would you tell your younger self?

“Don’t worry; adults are also making it up as they go along. Be kinder to yourself.”

This line would have gone a long way to helping my perpetual feelings of imposter syndrome, especially earlier in my career.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Work in progress.

Also Read: Consistency is key in life: Baradhwaj R of MoEngage

What are you most likely to be doing if not working?

While living in Finland, I picked up padel tennis, a cross between tennis and squash and now slowly growing in Singapore, with new-ish courts in Jurong. I’m also kickstarting a homebrewing side gig, which I hope can become a mega business empire one day.

Learning languages is also perfect for mental stimulation, and I am a heavy Duolingo user. Lastly, one of the biggest habits I picked up during the COVID-19 lockdown in Europe was learning piano and sustaining a habit of playing for around 15-20 minutes daily.

What are you currently reading/listening to/ watching?

Reading – Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed is all about failure, why it’s healthy and how to learn from mistakes.

Listening – Up until England was knocked out of the World Cup, and I felt sad, I listened to The Guardian’s Football Daily podcast first thing each morning.

Watching – I’ve been sucked into The White Lotus “whodunnit” hype over on HBO. Meanwhile, for some of the best content on YouTube, shoutout to travel vlogger Indigo Traveller, who puts himself in extremely dangerous situations to tell important stories in conflict-ridden areas.

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Join the e27 contributor community of thought leaders and share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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WhyQ, a digital innovation startup focused on helping micro-SMEs digitise their businesses, has secured an additional RM4.6 million (US$1.1 million) in a Series A2 extension round.

Kairos FoodTech Fund of Kairos Capital Group led this round. The initial Series A2 round of RM11.8 million (US$2.7 million) closed in 2021 and included Delivery Hero, Chope, Angel Central, and RB Investments.

Kairos Capital previously invested in Good Meat, Roslin Technologies and Mission Barns.

With this additional funding, WhyQ plans to expand its digitalisation platform and support the growth of small businesses in Singapore and Malaysia. It will also improve its existing products and develop new ones.

“Collaborating closely with hawkers in Singapore for the past five years has allowed us to understand the challenges that small business owners face regarding digitalisation. Leveraging on our experience partnering with small-scale F&B owner-operators like hawkers, we would like to extend our expertise to help small business owners in Malaysia digitalise properly, with simple and free products,” said Varun Saraf, CEO and Co-Founder of WhyQ.

WhyQ started as a hawker food delivery service in 2017 and became an MSME-focused food delivery platform in Singapore. The firm has since added products to build digital infrastructure, enabling MSMEs to sell and grow their business online. It offers two free products: an eBiz app EBiz and a digital bookkeeping app Kira Kira.

Also Read: ‘The era of easy money is over’: VCs speak of funding winter and exit landscape in Southeast Asia

EBiz enables MSMEs to create their own online storefronts, connect with popular marketplaces, such as Foodpanda, accept online payments, and connect with logistics services like Lalamove within 60 seconds. This makes it easy for MSMEs to set up a digital presence quickly and easily and start selling online.

Kira Kira, on the other hand, allows small businesses to track their daily transactions, manage their accounts, and apply for low-interest loans from partners such as Funding Societies. This makes it easy for businesses to stay on top of their finances and access the funding they need to grow.

WhyQ currently powers over 20,000 small businesses in Singapore and Malaysia.

“SMEs are the economic backbone of Southeast Asia, accounting for more than 90 per cent of all companies and are the primary drivers of social mobility. The pandemic has increased demand for more adoption and integration of digital technology among SMEs. However, many SMEs face numerous barriers to adopting technology at a critical time of need. WhyQ is well positioned to help SMEs with their digitalisation challenges by providing the digital infrastructure and tools to close the digital divide for merchants in SEA,” said Eric Cheong, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Kairos Capital.

As part of its planned project trajectory in 2023, WhyQ plans to add more features to the eBiz app, such as customisable templates for online storefronts and integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada. It also plans to partner with more logistics providers and payment gateways to give small businesses even more options for fulfilling orders and accepting payments.

Additionally, it plans to enhance its digital bookkeeping app with new features, such as automatic sales & expense categorisations, inventory management, and bill payments. It will also continue to expand its network of lending partners to provide more options for small businesses seeking low-interest and quick loans.

WhyQ will also strengthen the digital payment infrastructure for MSMEs by offering a wide range of payment solutions that solve the needs of merchants as they go digital.

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Locad, an e-commerce fulfilment startup in the Philippines, has secured US$11M in a Series A investment round led by Singapore-based global VC firm Reefknot Investments.

Access Ventures, JG Summit, and returning investors Sequoia Surge, Febe Ventures, Antler, Hustle Fund, and Foxmont also participated.

The capital will be used to build an extensive and interconnected supply chain network across Asia Pacific through its technology platform. This move will provide e-commerce brands with logistics capabilities to tackle the US$170 billion e-commerce markets across Southeast Asia and Australia.

Also Read: ‘The era of easy money is over’: VCs speak of funding winter and exit landscape in SEA

Locad coordinates the physical movement of goods for an online world. It is the logistics engine for e-commerce brands, automating inventory distribution, warehouse storage, and shipping across Asia Pacific.

The tech platform synchronises inventory across online channels. It organises end-to-end fulfilment through its network of warehouses and shipping carriers across Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Australia.

The startup has served over 200 brands across Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. It claims to have shipped more than two million orders while maintaining a 99 per cent same-day order fulfilment rate.

Ervin Lim, VP of Reefknot, said: “Locad’s unique operating model of intelligently allocating inventory across distributed warehouses ensures that inventory is kept close to the customers, thereby enabling high cost and time savings for both brand and consumer. We believe that Locad’s logistics engine will spur greater participation in the digital economy as consumers outside of Tier-1 cities can now receive orders 2-3X faster at a fraction of the usual cost.”

Also Read: Startups should adopt the glocalisation mode of design and thinking: Reefknot’s Marc Dragon

Reefknot partners with high-growth technology companies pushing new frontiers within the supply chain and logistics space. Its first US$50 million fund has invested in Roambee, Pickupp, Secondmind, and Previse.

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Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today.

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Y Combinator-backed Philippine fintech startup PayMongo has appointed Jojo Malolos as President and CEO, effective February 1, 2023.

Malolos replaces interim CEO Isabel Ridad, who is leaving the company to pursue her own venture. Ridad will remain with PayMongo until February-end and continue to serve on the Board of Directors.

As CEO, Malolos will be responsible for reshaping PayMongo’s plans for its next growth phase. The fintech company said in a statement that it is entering a scale-up period amidst a challenging market environment. Malolos will lead the efforts to ensure success by implementing a broad range of transformation initiatives.

He will also lead the introduction of PayMongo’s next generation of products and services. In addition, with its newly issued EMI license, he will continue to focus the organisation on driving significant impact in the digital financial services sector.

Also Read: Francis Plaza steps down as PayMongo CEO

Malolos brings significant experience in M&A and organisational transformation and a track record in the fintech, VC, digital banking and innovation ecosystems.

He previously served as President and CEO of DAVI and JG DEV, the data analytics and venture arm of the Gokongwei Group, respectively. Malolos is also co-founder and Chairman of GoTyme Bank, one of the digital banks licensed by the country’s central bank BSP.

He was previously CEO of Wing Bank, a leading digital financial services provider in Cambodia and Smart Money (now known as PayMaya/Maya).

Founded in 2019 by Francis Plaza, Luis Sia, Jaime Hing, and Edwin Lacierda, PayMongo empowers online businesses to accept the full range of payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and over-the-counter payments.

Also Read: PayMongo’s ex-CFO denies stealing money, apologises for remarks against female colleagues

In February last year, PayMongo secured US$31 million in a Series B round of financing from investors, including JAM Fund (founded by Tinder founder Justin Mateen) and local VCs ICCP-SBI Venture Partners, and Kaya Founders. Previously, it bagged US$12 million Series A led by Stripe in 2020 and US$2.7 million seed round from investors, including Y Combinator, in 2019.

PayMongo has been under public scrutiny for the past several months after a news report emerged of many scandals in the company, including the fallout among top leaders, the firing of two co-founders, allegations of questionable spending by co-founders and employee harassment.

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Climate change is leading to more natural disasters around the world, with Asia being considered the “disaster central”. 45% of natural disasters globally happen in the region, and it is home to 3 of the 5 most disaster-prone countries in the world, namely the Philippines, India, and Indonesia (followed by Colombia and Mexico).

With the increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters due to climate change, the importance of disaster preparedness has become more crucial than ever. As such, Prudence Foundation proudly brings you: The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards. This year’s edition of the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards emboldens the organisation’s mission to build more resilient communities through the use of technology, empowering innovators to come up with solutions that predict, mitigate, and respond to disasters.

Prudence Foundation is a non-profit entity that operates the regional Community Investment programmes of Prudential plc.

This project aims to recognise and promote technology solutions that can help communities become more resilient to disasters by recognising the innovators who are working on disaster resilience technology solutions. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards hopes to shine a spotlight on these important innovations that can save lives and aid in recovery in the hopes of inspiring more innovators to step up and impart their expertise in life-saving solutions.

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards is committed to finding and supporting technologies that have the potential to make a real difference. Prudence Foundation believes that by recognising the innovators in the field, we can make a real impact in reducing the negative effects of natural disasters and helping communities recover more quickly.

Why disasters?

In Asia alone, these natural disasters have resulted in a significant human toll, with over 800,000 lives lost and more than 3.2 billion people affected since the year 2000. In addition, Asia has faced more than $1.1 trillion in economic losses.

Disaster preparedness has never been more important as natural disasters and floods continue to affect countries in Southeast Asia and Pakistan. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s major sixth assessment report on the physical science of climate change, released in August 2021, highlighted that many changes due to past and future greenhouse gas emissions are irreversible for centuries to millennia. This means that apart from mitigation and adaptation strategies, we also need to double down on equipping our communities with resilience.

Also read: The future of sustainable growth according to Dagangan

Moreover, in disaster situations, the most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected. Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, typhoons, heatwaves, and droughts, among many others — impacting vulnerable communities everywhere. Technology can play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of these disasters and aiding recovery efforts. Innovations such as early warning systems, emergency communication platforms, and disaster management systems can help save lives, protect property, and support recovery.

Innovators are invited to pitch their tech solutions that are aligned with five UN Sustainable Development Goals, namely: No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals.

What is the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards?

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards were created and launched in 2019 with the goal of finding, funding, and supporting innovative technology solutions that can save lives before, during, and after disasters. The organisation believes that technology has the potential to be a disruptive game-changer for good and can be just as impactful in disaster resilience as it has been in other areas such as Edtech, Fintech, and Medtech.

With climate change and COVID-19 wreaking havoc on communities, raising awareness and building resilience against disasters has never been more critical. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards aims to recognise and promote technology solutions that can help communities become more resilient to these disasters. It also hopes to encourage high-impact partnerships between the private sector, governmental, and non-governmental organisations, and bring their knowledge, capability, and investments to support D-Tech innovations.

Also read: Airwallex: making business transactions easier than ever with physical cards launch

In 2022, Prudence Foundation is happy to partner with e27, leveraging their leading technology summit, the Echelon 2023, to host the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards. Additionally, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) continued as Humanitarian Partner, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) joined as Technology Partner. The skills, experience, and reach of e27, IFRC, AWS, and other key partners can make our communities safer, more secure, and resilient.

For its submission, the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards encompasses multiple categories: early warning systems, emergency communication platforms, and disaster management systems. There are specific criteria for each category, and examples of different tech verticals that can be deployed. Additionally, the organisation is joined by notable judges and sponsors supporting the awards.

One of the most notable innovations helmed by the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards is previous winner Ecoworth, an innovative waste solutions partner that specialises in transforming waste materials into reusable products while delivering social and environmental benefits.

Ecoworth commercialises an innovative, sustainable technology to treat wastewater called ‘Carbon Fibre Aerogel’, developed at Nanyang Technological University. Carbon Fibre Aerogel is a highly absorbent material that is non-toxic, natural, and recyclable. Ecoworth is focusing on worth-creating applications in food waste, Oil & Gas, and other CleanTech & Ecologically responsible programmes. By using innovative filters, wastewater is transformed from waste into water that can be reused or released into the environment safely.

How and why you should get involved

Officially launching on February 2nd, 2023, Prudence Foundation as well as its partners, IFRC, AWS, and e27 proudly open the applications for the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards from January 12th to March 26th, 2023. Interested applicants may join in and gain insights about how to scale and expand their innovative solutions to reach wider adoption that can impact more lives. Individuals, companies, and organisations working on disaster-resilience technology solutions from all over the globe are encouraged to apply. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards also welcomes non-profit and for-profit companies to apply and participate in the awards.

Also read: BuzzAR is building the next big thing in Metaverse Marketing

This landmark event emphasises the importance of Disaster-Tech and how it can change the game in providing resilience to communities by leveraging the skills, experience, and reach of partners like AWS, e27 and IFRC. The organisation is proud to have supported and recognised past winners such as Ecoworth for their innovative solutions in the field of D-Tech.

For questions or inquiries about the awards, please visit the official event page here or reach out to us at selma@e27.co. The organisers are happy to answer any questions and guide you through the application process. We look forward to reviewing your innovative technology solutions and recognising the individuals, companies and organisations that are working towards building a more resilient future.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Prudence Foundation

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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Imajin, a B2B platform connecting large companies to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manufacturers in Indonesia, has secured an undisclosed amount in a seed funding round led by East Ventures.

500 Southeast Asia and Init 6, a VC fund launched by Bukalapak co-founders, also joined.

The firm will use the money for hiring, expanding, and developing products.

Established in 2019 by Chendy Jaya, Stefanus Hodir, and Joseline Olivia, Imajin connects local manufacturers with potential customers. Imajin has so far partnered with over 500 SME manufacturers.

Imajin also facilitates project financing for business owners with limited resources and provides a marketplace to supply raw materials.

In addition, it claims to provide quality assurance services, besides an online platform for project management and raw materials purchasing.

Last July, the startup received pre-seed funding from Init 6.

Early this month, it was reported that Imajin raised a seed funding round from several investors, including Init-6.

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As digital technology continues to advance, it’s no surprise that it’s playing a much deeper role in how we live. Lifestyle apps have become increasingly popular, with consumers turning to their smartphones for everything from fitness tracking to meal planning.

According to a report, the global fitness app market is projected to reach US$15.2 billion in value by 2028. Besides fitness apps, others are gaining influence in lifestyle technology. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have also entered the game.

NFTs, which represent ownership of unique digital assets, have exploded in popularity. Catering to a wide range of attention among investors, artists and creators, the global NFT trading volume peaked at US$1.3 billion in April 2022.

Beyond profile pictures and digital arts

NFTs are often associated with digital art and profile pictures; however, their use cases are more than that. They have the potential to be a valuable addition to people’s day-to-day activities and hobbies.

One of the key benefits of NFTs is that they enable true ownership of digital assets. Meaning, individuals can collect and trade unique items, such as digital trading cards, virtual real estate, and even in-game items. This allows for a whole new level of engagement in digital collectibles, similar to the way people collect physical sports cards.

“Today, we’re seeing traditional physical art being replaced by their digital counterparts using NFT technology. It’s not just about solving copyright issues in the digital world – it’s also empowering everyday people with the opportunity to collect and use digital content like never before,” said Edmond Troung, Founder of Rebase.

Also Read: AI might already be stealing our jobs, but chatbots can also help us improve at work through better use of data

NFTs are also being integrated into lifestyle apps, with fitness being a prime category. STEPN, a Web3 app that combines the elements of NFTs, gaming and movement, is a popular example whose 4.7 million registered users accumulated 67 million total miles.

Lifestyle apps using NFTs allow users to connect their physical activities with virtual assets. For instance, a fitness app can track the user’s movement and reward them with in-game points, which can be used to purchase virtual items. This creates a fun and rewarding experience for users to stay active, as the more they move, the more they can earn.

Despite the recent innovations, NFTs are not limited just to fitness gurus.

The convergence of physical and digital lifestyles

Now, more apps are leveraging the creative elements of non-fungible tokens to shape new lifestyle possibilities. With its hybrid approach to integrating NFTs into everyday life, Rebase is changing the way users enhance their activities and social interactions.

Rebase uses geolocation technology to combine the metaverse experiences happening in the real and virtual worlds. By doing so, Rebase incentivises users to go the extra mile where digital collectables and rewards can be found worldwide. Collected items can then be redeemed for NFTs, coins or other digital assets having real-world value. It has gamified aspects such as NFT minting or casual treasure hunts, to form engaging outdoor experiences.

The unique propositions of Rebase stem from its user experience based on real-world locations. This means that users have to physically move around and claim geographically-bound NFTs.

Consider the urban streets of Tokyo, or the bustling downtown city of Los Angeles, where millions of people capture additional value alongside their daily habits.

By adding the physical location component, brands that launch campaigns on Rebase can add genuine exclusivity and rarity to the NFTs being rewarded.

Also Read: 6 NFT mistakes to avoid for newbies

Beyond fitness, what’s next for NFTs?

Apps that utilise geolocation-based NFTs are no longer limited to fitness or wellness. For example, tourists can use Rebase as a means of exploring new cities or places of interest.

Collecting redeemable points adds casual fun along the way while tourists stroll through famous landmarks or historical museums.

The same can be applied to everyday people who go shopping or those who hop around for good restaurants. Restaurants and brands can launch their own NFTs, redeemable for special deals and offers that can only be attained by customers who “do work” to visit the shop and claim the NFTs.

“The world of NFTs and its incorporation in lifestyle apps offer endless opportunities for users to work, earn, spend, form connections, and share moments. Through user-friendly lifestyle apps, individuals of any background can now benefit from the valuable opportunities enabled by NFTs and Web3, which is quickly becoming the next phase of social interaction,” adds Troung.

Additionally, for people interested in concerts, events, or celebrity meet-and-greets, apps like Rebase can be used as a means of membership access. Upon arrival, fans who physically attend an exclusive event can claim gated tickets in the form of NFTs.

This can help prevent the use of forged tickets and ensure transparency in how the event ticketing process is carried out. During the event, the claimed NFT can also double down to unlock exclusive fan merchandise and perks.

Technology and social inclusivity

NFTs are powerful tools that represent a part of people’s lives in both the digital and real worlds. As Troung summarises, “they create a greater sense of identity and community bonding and have the potential to change the way digital assets are used in everyday activities.”

Also Read: DEA raises US$10M from LDA Capital to accelerate NFT gaming platform PlayMining

Successful NFTs create a strong sense of community centred around common interests. That’s why tiered memberships built around NFTs can strengthen the quality of users. For example, users can also be owners of digital Rebase land, which act as “digital NFT twins” of real locations. Based on the type of land owned, users have access to different levels of premium content, revenue streams or exclusive offers.

Anyone can own Rebase lands regardless of where they are physically located. Yet, they can still participate online to add value to regional events happening on the digital land and its real-world counterpart.

New forms of creative marketing are unleashed with the technical advantages of NFTs and Web3. How? Brands, for instance, can offer more personalised campaigns targeted at distinct participants in each tier. Brands can then take advantage of Web3 user analytics collected through the Rebase app and hence improve lifestyle experiences that consumers actually want.

NFTs in lifestyle apps have the potential to bring more value to our day-to-day activities, such as rewards for staying active or for personalized fan experiences. Better yet, it is socially inclusive for anyone in any region.

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The article was first published by The Human & Machine.

Image Credit: The Human & Machine

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