In the fast-paced world of business, where every decision counts, investing in employee cybersecurity has become more than just a best practice – it’s a strategic move that can significantly impact a company’s bottom line.

In this article, we explore the compelling reasons why businesses should prioritise cybersecurity training for their employees, not only to bolster their digital defences but also to make sound financial sense.

Navigating the digital landscape

As businesses continue to digitise their operations, the risk of cyber threats looms large. Your employees are not just the end-users; they are the frontline defenders against potential attacks. By equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape securely, businesses can build a robust defence against cyber threats.

The financial toll of cybersecurity breaches

The financial ramifications of a cybersecurity breach are not to be underestimated. Legal fees, regulatory fines, and the costs associated with mitigating the breach can take a toll on a company’s budget. Investing in employee cybersecurity is akin to purchasing insurance – a proactive measure that can save businesses from the financial fallout of a breach.

Human firewall

Employees are often the first point of contact with potential threats, and a well-trained workforce acts as a human firewall. Recognising phishing attempts, practising secure password management, and being vigilant against social engineering tactics are skills that can significantly reduce the risk of successful cyber attacks.

Also Read: Two decades of digital defence: Why cybersecurity must remain a top concern for everyone

Minimising human errors

A significant percentage of cybersecurity incidents are a result of human error. From clicking on malicious links to falling for scams, these errors can be costly. Through comprehensive cybersecurity training, businesses can minimise these mistakes, making their workforce a more reliable line of defence.

Productivity boost

Beyond security benefits, cybersecurity training contributes to increased productivity. When employees are well-versed in secure digital practices, they spend less time dealing with security-related issues and more time focusing on their core responsibilities.

Regulatory compliance

Various industries are subject to stringent cybersecurity regulations. Non-compliance not only poses a legal risk but also brings financial consequences. Ensuring that employees are educated on these regulations is a proactive step toward avoiding fines and legal complications.

Adapting to emerging threats

The landscape of cyber threats is ever-evolving. Ongoing cybersecurity education is an investment in the future, enabling employees to adapt to emerging threats and ensuring that your business remains resilient in the face of new challenges.

In conclusion

In conclusion, prioritising employee cybersecurity is not just about securing digital assets; it’s a strategic move that makes financial sense. The investment in training pays off in the form of a more secure business environment, reduced risk of breaches, and a workforce that is not only vigilant but also contributes to the company’s overall productivity and success in the dynamic digital landscape.

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Japan, one of the largest and most competitive economies in the world, is known for its advanced technology and diverse industrial sectors, including automotive, electronics, and robotics.

A huge contributor to its global reputation for innovation is the presence of its highly educated, industrious workforce. Similarly, there is a wealth of support from the country’s leaders and government institutions available for the public to leverage. This has led to the installation of conglomerates across different industries that sprouted over the last few decades and have expanded and secured their market globally.

However, in today’s evolving tech landscape, established enterprises no longer monopolise innovation and creativity. Young talent with entrepreneurial flair is easily found and honed through online and offline resources — particularly in the tech startup landscape. 

Southeast Asia has cemented itself as an active hotbed for investment and innovation

Over the years, Southeast Asia’s tech startup ecosystem thrived due to a young, tech-savvy population, increasing internet penetration, and a growing middle class. These factors create a fertile ground for innovation in sectors like deep tech, healthtech, fintech, e-commerce, and many others.

Also read: Expanding the possibilities of metaverse with RAPUTA

Regional governments have caught on to this trend, prioritising development and aiding startups with global resources for growth and expansion. According to an article published by Tatler, “The region’s growth potential is staggering, with a projected increase of $130 billion from 2022 to 2025 and an impressive CAGR of 20%. It is predicted that Southeast Asia’s technology startups could reach an astounding valuation of $1 trillion by 2025, up from $340 billion in 2020.” This attracts the attention of more developed countries looking to deploy capital.

This is why Mitsubishi Electric, one of the world’s biggest manufacturers, is pumping $35m into startups from Southeast Asia via the ME Innovation Fund (MEIF), serving as a bridge between the Mitsubishi Electric Group and startups. Since its founding in 2022, MEIF has taken “technology” as its keyword to discover innovative and novel ideas from startups and bring change to the world through co-creation.

Kenji Minefuji, Manager at Business Innovation Group at Mitsubishi Electric and Investment lead at ME Innovation Fund (MEIF), is in charge of the deal operation and project management after investment, providing hands-on support for startups. 

When asked about their interest in Southeast Asia, he underlines, “The potential market and the growth of the population is the highlight. [The] Southeast Asian startup landscape demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the social issues at hand. They not only offer technological innovation and high-quality products but also provide solutions directly as well as address the needs of the communities they serve.”

One notable startup in its portfolio is Kegmil, a Singapore-based tech startup specialising in developing AI-based software solutions aimed at revolutionising the future of field service management. Kegmil is on a mission to empower deskless field service professionals in Southeast Asia through their cloud-based, mobile-first software for maintenance heroes across industries.

According to Minefuji, “We are committed to nurturing and understanding alongside Kegmil and our other portfolio companies in this journey towards excellence. Our intent is clear. In the future, we intend to proceed with scale implementation.” This is the kind of synergy that is available for regional startups to capitalise on. 

Exciting synergy between Japan & Southeast Asia forging powerful future startups

Global Japanese firms have established multiple bases in Southeast Asia. Their presence provides a strong customer base for startups, aiding product launches and future expansion to the Japanese and global markets. Japanese companies offer manufacturing expertise and ecosystem access, allowing Southeast Asian startups to merge technology and market entry effectively.

Also read: Future-proofing omnichannel touchpoints for businesses via AI

A partnership between both regions is an effective way to inject fresh deal flow into the Japanese ecosystem. This also strengthens Southeast Asia’s global reputation for innovation, as corporate support fuels expansion and speedy growth. For example, Mitsubishi Electric can be a manufacturing partner for deep tech and industrial startups well into their Proof of Concept stage.

Deep tech startups gain global support through corporate collaboration programs

Corporate and startup enablers are joining forces to support startups, leading to programs that further strengthen and empower startups. Leave a Nest started the Tech Planter, one of the largest ecosystems connecting Southeast Asia to Japan back in 2014, with the intent to discover and sprout the seeds of innovation that are being developed by researchers and startups that aim to implement their science and technology into our society. Subsequently, in 2018, they established the Center of Garage, which is a unique incubation space specialised for deep-tech startups in Tokyo, Japan.

Recently, Leave a Nest is excited to announce the establishment of the newly formed Center of Garage Malaysia. The emergence of COVID established the necessity for the emergence of deep tech startups to solve pressing concerns. There is still a lot of support needed to claim the success of startups in deep tech and the Center of Garage Malaysia aims to fulfil that role.

Based on his leadership skills directing the Leave a Nest Group as Founder and Group CEO, Yukihiro Maru, PhD,  anticipates that “Deep tech startups would be a very important portion of Southeast Asia.” Dr Maru further clarifies that “The situation and current ecosystem is heavily supporting IT, but to ensure the success of deep tech startups, new measures to create a new ecosystem should be implemented. 

As part of their mutual mandate, Mitsubishi Electric and Leave a Nest have been partnering since before the establishment of MEIF. For instance, through Leave a Nest’s Tech Push Program, Mitsubishi Electric shared its patented technology and also participated in collaborative opportunities with students to generate new business ideas based on scientific and technological breakthroughs.

This has become a focus area being considered for deal flow, Minefuji anticipated. Dr Maru also emphasises Leave a Nest’s promise of support for student enterprises emerging from university spin-offs and technology transfers.  “My history and experience on the technical side stretch turning university technology to society adaption, and on the business side, how to IPO and collaborate with big corporates. This is the right timing for the Southeast Asian governments wanting to change the situation. Markets now rely not only on IT but also on deep tech to solve the deep issues,” he explained.

How startups can maximise the opportunities

Startups engaging with Mitsubishi Electric should know that their global presence spans beyond Japan and Southeast Asia, reaching North America and Europe. Minefuji advised that ME’s expertise holds significant market dominance in areas like factory automation and air conditioning. This extensive international network provides valuable resources for international expansion. Expanding from this, the ME Innovation Fund encourages startups to direct their energy toward tackling pressing social problems and driving transformation through innovative concepts and groundbreaking technology.

Minefuji added, “It’s vital to establish clear lines of communication regarding capabilities and limitations. The wealth of experience within our engineering community remains there as an immediate asset. This honest dialogue allows both parties to identify areas of mutual benefit.”

Also read: The Future of Capitalism: Get the chance to win $5 million worth of investments

Dr Maru clarifies that the verticals they are looking to support and get involved with are relevant to their existing expertise. Startups not only in industrial and logistics, AI, robotics, manufacturing, and energy, but also in biotech, biofuel, bio fertiliser, food security, agriculture and food systems, agricultural feeds, and sustainability are welcome to introduce themselves for investment and partnership opportunities. 

Dr Maru explains, “Our vision is Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness. That is the vision for us. Not only for revenue or profit but also, we want to solve deep issues and explore deep tech. We have to actively pair with local talents to identify opportunities and co-create new business together.”

The collaboration between established Japanese conglomerates and emerging startups from Southeast Asia not only signals global interest in the region but also demonstrates the transformative potential of transnational relationships. As Southeast Asia cements its position as a thriving hub for investment and innovation, the ME Innovation Fund’s commitment to this collective success reflects a strategic effort to capitalise on the region’s remarkable potential — with Japan ultimately serving as a catalyst to unlocking growth opportunities for the region and beyond.

For more information, visit https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/cvc/index.html

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by CPXI

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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JALA, an Indonesian digital enabler for the shrimp industry, has closed a US$13.1 million Series A round of financing led by Intudo Ventures.

Sinar Mas Digital Ventures (SMDV) and existing investors Mirova and Meloy Fund (Deliberate Capital) also joined.

With this round of financing, JALA plans to scale up its operations to Sumatera, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara — three areas that have demonstrated unique potential for the growth of the shrimp farming industry.

Also Read: Jala Tech secures seed funding to empower shrimp farmers

“This funding will enable us to bring our end-to-end shrimp farming solution to remote areas in Indonesia and equip local farmers with the technological and financial support they need in advancing the country’s shrimp production,” said Liris Maduningtyas, Co-Founder and CEO of JALA.

Founded in 2017 by Aryo Wiryawan (Chairman) and Maduningtyas, JALA provides shrimp farmers with advanced technology services, including in-depth aquaculture analysis built on real-time data and connected equipment, farm assistance, farm financing, supplies and inputs and marketplace services to bring harvest to market.

Its mobile app enables effective monitoring of their shrimp farming processes. The app allows users to record, monitor, and analyse every aspect of their shrimp farming in real-time directly from their mobile devices. This functionality provides farmers with data and progress tracking, assisting them in making well-informed decisions promptly.

Through its farm credit scoring service, farmers can prove creditworthiness and gain access to affordable financing options. JALA offers harvest access services for farmers of all sizes to help them bring their products to market.

The agritech company also offers farm assistance, which gives farmers the direct guidance and support they need in tackling day-to-day challenges in their farms.

Also Read: Agritech startup Jala comes out as winner of Top100 Indonesia Qualifier Roadshow

The company claims it has won over 20,000 users, and its app has monitored shrimp across more than 35,300 ponds. In the future, it will feature more in-depth predictions for cultivation performance, water quality, shrimp disease prediction, and automation in data inputs.

JALA has also collaborated with Conservation International in building the first Climate Smart Shrimp, a combined intensification effort with mangrove restoration for traditional shrimp farms.

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Image Credit: JALA

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Aethir, a Singapore-based company founded in 2021, aims to address the scalability challenges faced by the gaming and AI industries.

Led by a team of cloud industry veterans, it has built a Scalable Decentralised Cloud Infrastructure (DCI) network that offers significant cost reductions, improved efficiency, and reduced latency. With a diverse user base consisting of infrastructure providers and end-users, Aethir aims to significantly impact the cloud computing space.

The company specifically targeted the scalability of GPU cloud infrastructure, which was plagued by high costs, limited resource availability, and latency. By leveraging advanced technologies and edge computing principles, Aethir has successfully reduced costs, enhanced scalability, and significantly reduced latency in its infrastructure.

“The cloud sector has traditionally been a challenging industry to scale, plagued by high costs, particularly for customers requiring complex real-time rendering or streaming infrastructure – and that’s not taking into account the additional stress on the ecosystem as a result of the AI boom,” explains Mark Rydon, CEO and Co-Founder, Aethir, in an email interview with e27.

“At Aethir, we’re laser-focused on solving the cloud scalability challenge. We’ve built a global Decentralized Cloud Infrastructure (DCI) network specifically to scale complex cloud infrastructure services globally; a significant milestone for the future of the gaming and AI industry. The cost and performance advantages of our DCI are significant, and when coupled with our ability to operate in developed and developing markets alike, we’re unlocking a huge amount of potential value for our customers.”

Also Read: Foodtech transformation in Philippines: Cloud kitchens and online delivery reshape eating habits

Aethir’s user base can be categorised into two distinct categories. The first category comprises infrastructure providers with valuable computing resources, particularly GPUs. Aethir engages these providers through strategic partnerships and industry networks, allowing them to generate a return on underutilised equipment.

The second category comprises end-users, primarily gaming and AI companies, who require high-performance computing resources. Aethir caters to their needs through its GPU-as-a-service model, offering low-latency and cost-effective access to GPU resources.

Moving forward

Aethir’s revenue model combines traditional transaction fees with blockchain-based tokenisation. This approach ensures sustained revenue and creates an incentivized ecosystem benefiting both infrastructure providers and end-users.

In July, Aethir announced the completion of its Pre-Series A funding round, securing over US$9 million in investment. The round was led by renowned global investors, including Sanctor Capital, Hashkey, Merit Circle, and CitizenX.

“We have been proud supporters of Aethir since 2021 and are helping to expand the network by investing in the rendering nodes. The initial vision and the technology of the Aethir team convinced us to be part of the seed round. The execution of building the network and its fast adoption kept us as active members of the growing ecosystem,” said Chen Li, CEO and Co-Founder, Youbi Capital, who invested in the company.

“Unlike the low utilisation of nodes in other decentralised networks, the Aethir nodes are projected to be used 50 per cent of the time, generating significant revenue for the node operators in addition to the mining reward. It makes the early participation of mining on the Aethir network unique from all other DEPIN projects.”

Also Read: How to manage multi-cloud complexity: A strategic guide

With the funding, Aethir is poised to expedite its global expansion in key markets such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and North America. The company aims to capitalise on the growing demand for its services and establish a strong presence in these regions. In addition to expanding its infrastructure, Aethir has forged strategic partnerships with major players in the Gaming and AI Infrastructure space. These partnerships will further enhance the company’s reputation and visibility in the market.

As 2024 approaches, Aethir is gearing up for significant milestones. The company plans to launch its token in the first half of the year, marking a deeper integration into blockchain technology and solidifying the scalability of its infrastructure model.

Furthermore, Aethir is on track to onboard its first million users, a testament to the trust and demand for its services. Looking ahead, Aethir is focused on expanding its product offerings as the AI marketplace continues to evolve, ensuring it stays at the forefront of innovation in cloud computing.

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Image Credit: Aethir

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There is no doubt that Taiwan’s tech and startup landscape is a dynamic, thriving, and rapidly growing ecosystem. According to the 2022 Taiwan Startup Ecosystem Survey published by PWC and the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, Taiwan tech startups excel in R&D and commercialisation. When evaluating the local startup ecosystem and international competitiveness from an innovation standpoint, Taiwanese startups were observed to excel in “innovation and product technology R&D capabilities” and “commercial competence” compared to foreign startups.

The primary hurdles for domestic startups involve market expansion and revenue increase, with a notable focus on revenue growth (56.4%), broadening their customer base (47.4%), and enhancing profit margins (37.3%). Additionally, locating suitable strategic partners (32.1%), venturing into global markets (24.6%), and attracting talent pose challenges for Taiwanese startups. (Source: PWC)

Innovation therefore cannot be confined to local markets. Startups, to grow, need the mutual partnership of other exciting ecosystems to foster growth opportunities and pursue success. Cross-country collaborations bring a lot of benefits in accelerating digital transformation brought about by unlocking new market opportunities in previously unfamiliar terrain.

As such, startups pursuing growth trajectories are inclined to explore this path despite the challenges that may come with it.

Southeast Asia: An exciting market for Taiwan

With a history of fostering innovation, a robust and agile market, and a dynamic tech landscape, it comes as no surprise that Taiwan has set its eyes on Southeast Asian markets due to its advanced progress. As shown in the rise of unicorns in recent years, the region’s diverse market offers opportunities for unique solutions and cross-border collaborations, particularly in spaces where Taiwan thrives the most such as manufacturing.

Singapore alone is a playing field for public and private entities actively engaging with startups in the region, further validated by ranking #7 in the Global Innovation Index 2022. With the combined market access of other locally fostered economies, Forbes predicts that by 2025, Southeast Asia’s technology startups could reach an astounding valuation of US$1 trillion by 2025, trebling from US$340 billion in 2020.

Also read: Bridging Japan and Southeast Asia’s tech landscapes through the ME Innovation Fund

This predicted potential is easily accelerated through startup regional expansion and potential partnership opportunities. Mutual support between Taiwan and Southeast Asia can create startups that are ready to take on a global status. Southeast Asia can provide market opportunities and exposure, while Taiwan’s ecosystem aids through product development and ICT corporate cooperation.

Kao Shien-Quey, Deputy Minister of the National Development Council (NDC) – Taiwan, describes the market by expressing that, “a lot of capital and talent [are] flowing into the Southeast Asian countries. There are solutions utterly leveraging cutting edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and 5G,” underscoring how the significant expansion of these sub-sectors are recognised on top of the success of existing digital economies such as fintech and e-commerce.

Taiwan’s unique advantage in advanced technologies and solid industrial foundation is further strengthened thanks to the support of a robustly supportive ecosystem, particularly through the help of Taiwan’s NDC. 

Connecting the dots for thriving ecosystems to foster global potential

NDC launched Startup Island TAIWAN in 2019 to attract investment and development of startup communities in Taiwan. The initiative has worked to lay out networks, promote exchanges, and enhance the visibility of Taiwan’s innovation in international society. Furthermore, NDC is collaborating with government departments such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the National Science and Technology Council to enhance their initiatives’ scope.

This year, the NDC selected 13 model companies from more than 200 nominated candidates to undergo Startup Island TAIWAN’s “NEXT BIG” program. This initiative aims to identify and promote benchmark startups recommended by the community and industry leaders. The awarded companies cover a wide range of fields from educational technology, health management, and AI, to cybersecurity.

Deputy Minister Kao emphasizes that “Variety is the need and main source for local startups if they want to pursue and accelerate the process of digital transformation. We provide support from funding (through the National Development Fund), mentorship, and talent recruitment.” Startups in the program are invited to take advantage of these resources in order to go global, attract international investors, and eventually exit with an IPO.

Also read: Expanding the possibilities of metaverse with RAPUTA

Supported by President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwanese government has continuously updated their strategies to create a better investment environment and support companies during her presidency. In this way, she believes that Taiwan is speeding up to become the rising star of startups in the near future, and hopes Taiwan can be a world leader in innovation. Their commitment extends a crucial signal for Southeast Asian startups to capitalize on present and future opportunities for international development.

This is exemplified in recent collaborative efforts wherein Southeast Asian startups are exposed to potential partnerships through the presence of the Taiwanese delegation in SWITCH Singapore. Southeast Asian startups, especially those in more traditional markets, can also benefit from overseas expansion by leveraging Taiwan’s increased R&D and market support in order to build resilience in early product penetration. These strong linkages can create more options for early-stage companies targeting B2B and B2C markets, and provide wider job opportunities in both technical and digital fields. This is the kind of collaboration Deputy Minister Kao is envisioning to bridge successfully in the long run.

Additionally, Taiwan’s long-standing deep business ties with both the US and Japanese markets can potentially be leveraged by Southeast Asian startups. This network is imperative in building the right infrastructure and foundations. Deputy Minister Kao iterates that collaboration can exist, “if not just in technology sharing, then also in financing and talent recruitment. This can form the triangle of resources that would benefit general contractors from different regions.”

Slow and steady growth for ecosystem players in Taiwan and Southeast Asia

Startups face a high risk of failure and challenges at the earlier stages of startup growth. This is where both local and international ecosystems can intervene the most. Taiwan’s government policies bring this to fruition through increased assistance and entrepreneurial resources, as shown by their recent establishment of international startup clusters, financial subsidies, and knowledge-sharing programs.

Also read: Set sail with intellectual property: Your business’s journey to success

Startup Island TAIWAN and by extension, NDC’s presence, signifies Taiwan’s commitment to elevating its global recognition from a ‘Startup Island’ to a prominent player. With a unified brand identity and public-private partnerships, the objective is to demonstrate Taiwan’s innovation potential on the global stage.

For further details, please visit the Startup Island TAIWAN website: https://startupislandtaiwan.info/

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Startup Island TAIWAN

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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