The telecommunications landscape is undergoing a seismic shift with the advent of 5G and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies. Southeast Asia, with its rapidly growing digital economy, stands at the cusp of this transformation.

This article explores the synergies between 5G and VoIP, how they are set to revolutionise communication in the region and the potential impacts on businesses and consumers alike.

Synergistic speeds: 5G meets VoIP

The rollout of 5G technology promises unprecedented speeds and reliability, factors that are crucial for the effective transmission of voice data over the Internet.

A study by GSMA Intelligence forecasts that by 2025, 5G will account for around 21 per cent of mobile connections in Southeast Asia. This expansion is expected to provide the infrastructure necessary for high-definition voice experiences, pushing the capabilities of VoIP to new heights.

VoIP’s flexibility and scalability make it a perfect match for the robustness of 5G networks. With lower latency and increased bandwidth, 5G enhances VoIP services, allowing for clearer calls, video conferencing without lag, and innovative services that integrate AI and real-time data analytics.

A catalyst for consumer innovation

On the consumer front, the 5G-VoIP synergy is just as transformative. With 5G’s capacity to support a more significant number of devices at higher data rates, VoIP services can now be extended to a wider range of consumer devices beyond smartphones, such as smartwatches and IoT devices.

The Ericsson Mobility Report suggests that there will be an estimated 29 billion connected devices globally, a large chunk of which will be in Southeast Asia, a region known for its quick adoption of new technologies.

This technological blend is paving the way for innovative applications in telephony. Imagine a scenario where your watch not only tells you who is calling but also transcribes the conversation in real-time, or a smart home system that uses VoIP to connect you directly to your local grocery store’s ordering service.

Also Read: Is Singapore 5G ready?

Revolutionising business communications

The business sector in Southeast Asia is set to benefit significantly from the 5G-VoIP fusion. According to a Deloitte report, 76 per cent of businesses in the Southeast Asia region view 5G as a critical enabler of their digital transformation journey. 5G integration with the cloud-based phone system will empower businesses with tools for seamless communication, irrespective of geographical barriers.

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), an offshoot of VoIP, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.2 per cent from 2020 to 2027 in Asia Pacific, as per Grand View Research. This growth is fueled by the need for collaborative communication platforms that UCaaS and 5G can provide, facilitating a connected workforce that is more responsive and productive.

Challenges and opportunities

While the prospects are bright, the road ahead is not without challenges. Infrastructure remains a significant hurdle, with varying degrees of 5G readiness across Southeast Asian countries. A 2021 ASEAN report highlights the digital divide, noting that while Singapore has a 5G coverage of almost 95 per cent, countries like Laos are still grappling with basic 4G services.

There’s also the issue of cybersecurity. As VoIP relies on the internet, the increased surface area for attacks that 5G networks present cannot be ignored. The Southeast Asian region has seen a 600 per cent increase in cyber-attacks in recent years, according to a study by Kaspersky. Ensuring secure VoIP communication over 5G networks will require concerted efforts in cybersecurity protocols and education.

Conclusion: Embracing the future

The fusion of 5G and VoIP in Southeast Asia is more than just an upgrade in telephony — it’s a leap into the future of communications. The potential for innovation is vast, from businesses enjoying enhanced operational efficiency to consumers experiencing new levels of connectivity.

However, realising this future will require strategic investments in infrastructure and cybersecurity alongside collaborative efforts from policymakers, telecom operators, and tech companies.

As 5G becomes the backbone of the region’s digital economy and VoIP continues to disrupt traditional telephony, one thing is certain: Southeast Asia is poised to be at the forefront of the next wave of communications evolution, marking an era where distance is no longer a barrier to interaction and innovation is just a call away.

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Dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of Southeast Asia‘, Singapore is home to a flourishing startup scene. We have 31 startups that have achieved unicorn status — or have a US$1 billion valuation — with more than half of these startups being set up in the past two years. When we zoom out, startups across the region have seen a 40 per cent increase in terms of growth in 2020. 

There is little doubt that building a successful business entails hard work, and this has become even more challenging in today’s macroeconomic environment. The ability to rally a team and harness every member’s strengths is key to scaling the business for success. 

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Rachel Lim, Co-Founder and Executive Chairwoman of fashion brand Love, Bonito, and Abheek Anand, Managing Director of leading venture capital and growth investing firm Peak XV Partners, in a recent episode of ‘At The Table’, a series where we bring together thought leaders in their respective fields to discuss some of today’s hottest topics.

You can watch the full episode here.

The conversation was illuminating, to say the least. We delved into the secrets to starting a company, the growth journey towards scaling up, and what it takes to support talent and teams in reaching milestones and successes. 

Here are five key takeaways from our conversation.

Authenticity is a hallmark of true leaders

True leadership stems from authenticity. Forging meaningful relationships and being an integral part of your team helps to close the gap between you and your team. During our discussion, Lim highlighted that in a world where we often look up to leaders like Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg, entrepreneurs sometimes feel the pressure to mimic their styles instead of finding their unique paths.

Also Read: Depression was the best thing that happened to me as a founder. Here’s why

Lim says, “I learned the hard way that trying too hard to emulate a leader I wasn’t meant to be was a mistake. I believed that to be a great leader or entrepreneur, I had to possess the same qualities as these successful figures. However, embarking on a journey of self-awareness and discovery helped me shape my leadership style into something authentic and genuine and reflects who I really am today.”

Find strength in resilience 

While we often hear about successful entrepreneurs who seized opportunities at the most opportune time, the reality is that the market is unpredictable. As Anand highlighted, “The best founders are the ones who are incredibly resilient in the face of the downs and are able to double down on the things that are working in challenging times.” This is something Anand firmly believes in, and uses the quote by motor racing legend Ayrton Senna to illustrate this.

Whether you’re navigating the startup rollercoaster or your career path, the key to overcoming tough times is resilience. The most accomplished entrepreneurs and professionals are not those who do not fail, but they are often the ones who embrace setbacks as opportunities to pivot, learn, adapt, and emerge stronger than ever. 

Knowing and articulating your ‘why’ is key

In ‘The StartUp of You’ by Reid Hoffman, he says that “The person passionate about what he or she is doing will outwork and outlast the guy motivated solely by making money”. He’s absolutely right. At LinkedIn, we are mission-driven – we do well, and we do good.

Having spent a decade there, I have seen first-hand what’s possible when you work with a team that shares your passion and purpose. It isn’t just a fancy tagline. It is the heartbeat of our organisation and one that provides a competitive advantage. 

Our purpose empowers our people to make the right choices every day for themselves, each other, and our members. Anand sums it up, “Missionary organisations almost always are more successful in the long run than mercenary ones.”

When times get tough, a clear sense of purpose is like a lighthouse that guides you through the storm. It is a driving force that keeps all entrepreneurs moving onward and upward.

Also Read: Autistic founders, advocates share their vision of a more inclusive workplace

Lim agrees, “Entrepreneurship is like a marathon, and it is undeniable that there will be tough times. But what keeps me going is having a clear conviction and purpose of why my products and services exist.”

Embrace change and cultivate a growth mindset 

In the fast-paced world of startups, having a growth mindset and being adaptable are the keys to success. In other words, as your business landscape changes, change with it. To illustrate this, Lim quotes author and futurist Alvin Toffler, “The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

So, it’s not just about accepting change but actively embracing it for growth and looking at challenging times as a real opportunity to take stock of what’s working and what’s not, where the areas of growth are, in order to stay agile.

“It is important for founders to have an ability to be very customer-centric while being market aware. This means to be aware of where the market environment is so you can adapt a business strategy that plays into that market environment,” says Anand.

Invest in yourself and a team you can rely on 

As I spoke with Lim and Ahbeek, a fundamental principle stood out – successful entrepreneurs are not made overnight. The path to success in the ever-evolving startup landscape is a gradual process of self-mastery, personal growth, resilience, and continuous learning. Honing your skills, persistent effort, and a deep commitment to your goals will be integral to your success.

Further to that, entrepreneurship is not a journey you can embark on alone. It’s important to bring the right people with you on the journey and place them in the right roles in order to succeed. It is also a two-way street – employers have to understand the motivations of their employees and ensure their needs are met so the team can grow together.

Remember that overnight success is oftentimes a rarity. By understanding your purpose, embracing resilience and unwavering dedication, I hope that these tips can help to transform your aspirations into reality.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

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Fr8Labs, a Southeast Asia-based AI-enabled freight logistics startup with offices in Indonesia and Singapore, has completed its seed funding round, raising US$1.5 million.

The investors are East Ventures, FEBE Ventures, Kaya Founders, Mulia Sky Capital, Seedstars International Ventures, Venturra, and various angel investors.

The funds raised will primarily support the continued development and market expansion of Fr8Labs’s products.

Also Read: Female Muslim entrepreneur accelerates success in Indonesia’s logistics-tech arena

Fr8Labs was founded in early 2022 by CEO Glenn Lai and Chief Product and Technology Officer Felix Lu.

The startup develops multiple innovative solutions for freight forwarders in Asia, including a cloud Operating System and a Generative AI assistant bot that aims to serve as an AI co-pilot for forwarders. These functions aim to solve pain points by streamlining operations, including integrating shipment job processes and integrating various internal and external stakeholders’ functions, such as between sales and operations (CRM and Accounting), and linking platforms like emails and chat platforms.

For example, instead of performing multiple manual data entries, a forwarder can upload a PDF of a shipping order on Fr8Labs’s platform and have the shipment booking and other required workflows automatically created, producing various complete documents in one step and reducing human error that could cause delays such as an error in submission to customs.

Shortly, Fr8Labs will expand the service experience by offering multiple relevant ancillary products, such as WMS, FX trade, financing, cargo insurance, visibility and rates management, and a marketplace, all integrated into one platform.

The company aims to establish an open ecosystem that enables forwarders to utilise its platform as a foundational lego block for integrating and managing multiple logistics tech applications.

FrR8Labs already operates with paying customers in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Australia, with plans to serve the rest of Asia.

Also Read: Logistics, supply chain industries need to unveil the Northstar of AI integration: Quincus

The Southeast Asian logistics market represents a massive opportunity for growth, with a total value of approximately US$389 billion in 2022 and an 11.8 per cent CAGR over the next five years, a study reported by OECD.

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Image Credit: FR8Labs.

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Dear reader,

The special climate tech edition of The Global Startup Ecosystem Report unveiled during COP28 sheds light on the evolving landscape of Cleantech and the Blue Economy. This comprehensive examination delves into the interconnected yet distinct realms of sustainable solutions and ocean resource utilization.

Singapore’s remarkable leap from 26th to 8th place in cleantech ecosystem categories underscores its burgeoning role in driving innovation, making it the sole Asian representative in the top 10.

Meanwhile, Silicon Valley and London retain their global dominance in cleantech, holding the first and second positions, respectively.

The report highlights Singapore as the unparalleled leader in the Blue Economy startup ecosystem, attributing its success to a high number of relevant startups and robust university support for innovation.

This illuminating report reflects the dynamic shifts in global startup ecosystems and underscores diverse regions’ pivotal role in advancing climate-conscious entrepreneurship.

Sainul,
Editor.

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Singapore remains top startup ecosystem for clean tech, blue economy
In the Cleantech ecosystem categories, Singapore moved up an impressive 18 places, from number 26 to eight, says a report by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network; Silicon Valley and London remained the world’s leading cleantech ecosystems.

Blibli’s gross profit climbs 59% in Q3, EBITDA loss narrows 28%
The Indonesian e-commerce major posted US$237.4M for Q3 2023, which marked a 3% decline y-o-y; However, its quarterly gross profit for the same time frame climbed 59% to US$34.9M.

Singapore’s early-stage VC firm FEBE Ventures unveils US$75M Fund II
FEBE Ventures also partnered with Tekton Ventures to support globally-minded entrepreneurs leveraging tech for global progress, particularly in emerging economies; Otium Capital, an international family office, is the anchor investor.

India and SEA’s climate tech sector set to reach US$350B by 2030
In 2022, global climate tech investments exceeded US$70B, nearly doubling the previous year’s record, with SEA and India contributing a 7% share; The study titled The Essence of Climate Tech for India and Southeast Asia was conducted by Golden Gate Ventures and Venture East.

Vietnamese fashion supply chain platform Inflow lands US$2M investment
The investors are AppWorks, 500 Global, January Capital, Spiral Ventures, and Saison Capital; Inflow provides fashion brands with tools and technologies to simplify the sourcing and manufacturing process and speed up time to market.

AI-enabled freight logistics startup Fr8Labs raises US$1.5M
East Ventures, FEBE Ventures, Kaya Founders, Mulia Sky Capital, Seedstars International Ventures, and Venturra; Fr8Labs’s solutions include a cloud OS and a Generative AI assistant aiming to serve as an AI co-pilot for freight forwarders.

Grab-led GXBank launches as Malaysia’s first digibank
GXBank offers a daily interest rate of 3% per annum for users who save in their main account or Pockets; Customers can use Pockets to monitor progress and receive money-saving tips.

Indonesian trade minister denies that TikTok filed for e-commerce permit
After TikTok Shop was shut down in October, the social media firm’s e-commerce future in Indonesia remains in limbo; To overcome regulatory hurdles, one path TikTok is exploring is to partner with local e-commerce players.

After Musk tirade, X faces prospect of more advertisers fleeing
Walt Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery suspended advertising on X earlier this month following Musk’s endorsement of an antisemitic post that falsely claimed members of the Jewish community were stoking hatred against white people.

X CEO Linda Yaccarino publicly backs Musk after he says ‘f*ck yourself’ to advertisers
Elon Musk, who in recent days has endorsed antisemitic content on the platform alongside other conspiracy theories, has threatened lawsuits against Media Matters, the Center for Countering Digital Hate and the Anti-Defamation League, claiming their reports are scaring advertisers off the platform.

ChatGPT mobile apps have topped 110M installs, ~US$30M in revenue
The mobile apps make money by selling the ChatGPT Plus subscription via in-app purchases; The US$19.99 per month service offers a variety of extra perks, including general access during peak times, faster response times and early access to new features and improvements.

Ma urges Alibaba to change and reform as PDD catches up in market value
Jack Ma congratulated eight-year-old PDD for its decision-making, execution, and efforts over the past few years while calling on Alibaba employees to return to the company’s mission and vision to reform to secure tomorrow’s and the day after’s glory.

US compels Saudi fund to exit Altman-backed AI chip startup
Altman-backed Rain Neuromorphics, a startup designing chips that mimic the way the brain works and aims to serve companies using AI algorithms, raised US$25M in 2022; Aramco’s Prosperity7, a lead investor in the round, sold its shares in the startup.

EcoSfera helps turn your household waste into energy in the comfort of your home
EcoSfera can be installed on the customers’ premises, process 5-50 tonnes of waste per day, and create up to 150kWh of power per container.

Turn Capital: Navigating turnarounds and sustainable growth
Turn Capital provides insights into its Opportunity Fund’s preferred sectors, ongoing discussions for potential acquisitions, and the integration process post-acquisition.

That time Sam Altman went to take a smoke break around the office building
Sam Altman’s reputation as a charismatic leader seemed to play a great role in how the situation progressed at Open AI last week.

Innovation in HR: Hacking Talents’s journey in personalised professional development
Hacking Talents stands out by focusing on individualised professional development and data-driven HR strategy.

US Navy Chief Digital Transformation Officer reveals why most transformations fail
When it comes to digital transformation, Dr Patrick O’Connel highlights the importance of having a steady, strong budget.

How VFlowTech plans to power Pulau Ubin towards a sustainable future
VFlowTech aims to encourage regions and communities to consider sustainable energy storage solutions and reduce reliance on diesel generators.

Carb0n.fi seeks to revolutionise climate action with blockchain
Carb0n.fi offers a decentralised platform for carbon offset NFTs, aiming to empower global users in combating climate change.

Traction metrics that investors look for in early-stage startups
Different investors might consider different traction metrics, depending on the verticals that the startup is working on.

Back to the future: Why VR is the future face of education
This infographic reveals what Southeast Asia can learn from the US on the implementation of VR in e-learning.

Spotlighting Georg Chmiel: Championing inclusive work ecosystems in Southeast Asia
With 30 years of experience in fast-growing online businesses, Chmiel led 35+ acquisitions and seven takeovers.

Innovation meets endurance: The crucial balance for modern businesses
Resilience and innovation go hand in hand. Discover how corporations like Salesforce and Canva have adapted to the digital landscape to succeed.

Cracking the code: Decoding 4 myths in Indonesia’s startup realm
This article highlights four common misconceptions that founders might have that can either make or break a startup.

Beyond desk spaces: A fresh approach to revolutionising Malaysia’s coworking landscape
Coworking spaces globally gain popularity, transforming work dynamics with flexible alternatives to traditional offices.

How fintechs and neo-brokers are empowering retail investors
Fintechs and neo-brokers have made stock trading more accessible & affordable for retail investors, empowering them to take control of their financial futures

How technology can bridge language barriers to build an inclusive society
The key to a digitally inclusive world is the real-time translation of a message across multiple languages and amplifying user outreach.

Exploring blockchain’s potential impact on the education sector
By the year 2024, the application of blockchain technology is anticipated to have a substantial influence on the education sector.

Money talks: How tech can boost Filipinos’ financial literacy
With parents and schools silenced by cultural taboos, money management apps are filling the gaps in Filipino youths’ financial knowledge.

Revolutionising warehousing: An in-depth conversation with XSQUARE
In the thriving global Warehouse Automation market, XSQUARE Technologies is reshaping intelligent warehousing in Singapore and Asia Pacific.

10 reasons not to pay the ransom in a ransomware attack
We’ll explore ten crucial reasons why refraining from ransom payments is vital in the ongoing global fight against cybercrime.

From authentic leadership to talent investment: 5 proven tips to win the startup game
The path to success in the startup landscape is a gradual process of self-mastery, personal growth, resilience, and continuous learning.

The next communications frontier: Uniting 5G and VoIP in Southeast Asia
The fusion of 5G and VoIP in Southeast Asia is more than just an upgrade in telephony; it’s a leap into the future of communications.

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In a dynamic week for Southeast Asia’s startup scene, a range of innovative ventures secured notable funding from regional investors and venture capital firms. Among them are ByHours (Spain), edamame (the Philippines, VAMA (India), Lendela (Singapore), Climate Alpha (Singapore), JALA (Indonesia), Inflow (Vietnam), Fr8Labs (Singapore).

These investments highlight the diverse and thriving entrepreneurial landscape in Southeast Asia.

ByHours

Funding: Undisclosed.
Investors: Velocity Ventures (lead) and others.
Short bio: ByHours offers users a global platform to book short stays in over 4,000 partner hotels for 3, 6, and 12 hours. It offers a flexible ‘pay-per-use’ model with a 24-hour check-in option. This model accommodates travellers who only pay for the required hours, making it suitable for those seeking a brief rest or experiencing a short layover without an overnight stay.

edamama

Funding: Not disclosed
Investors: ACTIVE Fund, Kickstart Ventures, Gentree Fund, Innoven Capital, GS Group.
Short bio: edamama is an O2O parenting platform in the Philippines. It provides parents with essential resources, products, and community support. Its mission is to empower parents and caregivers by offering a wide range of curated products and services that cater to the unique needs of families. Since its launch in 2020, the platform claims to have delivered over 3.5 million products to families across the Philippines.

VAMA

Funding: US$1.5M
Investors: Wavemaker Partners (lead) and others.
Short bio: Established in late 2020, VAMA.app is a virtual platform serving as a one-stop destination for easy access to e-pujas, e-darshans, and astrology services for devotees across India. The platform offers virtual puja remedies in temples to devotees and customers from all over the world. It has partnered with over 250 temples throughout India and built a network of more than 300 astrologers on its platform.

Lendela

Funding: US$5M
Investors: Chocolate Ventures, Cocoon Capital, Phillip PE, Genting Ventures
Short bio: Founded in 2018, Lendela is a digital loan matchmaker connecting borrowers with loan options. The platform provides borrowers with transparent and personalised loan options. Since its inception, the startup claims to have connected over 100,000 consumers with more than 100 lending partners. Today, it serves customers in three markets with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

Climate Alpha

Funding: US$5M
Investors: First Cheque@Jungle and others.
Short bio: Founded in 2022 by Parag Khanna, Climate Alpha fuses data science, climate modelling and finance to promote sustainable investment. The company uses geographic information system (GIS) data and economic modelling to deliver a solution for navigating accelerating climate volatility and forecasting the financial impact of climate risks. Climate Alpha distinguishes itself from other climate tech companies tracking and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by offering data-driven roadmaps to construct more resilient portfolios.

JALA

Funding: US$13.1M
Investors: Intudo Ventures, SMDV, Mirova, Meloy Fund
Short bio: JALA is an Indonesian digital enabler for the shrimp industry. 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.

Inflow

Funding: US$2M
Investors: AppWorks, 500 Global, January Capital, Spiral Ventures, Saison Capital
Short bio: Inflow is a Vietnam-based fashion supply chain platform. It taps into the garment production advantages of Vietnam and Southeast Asia while solving critical supply chain challenges in the fashion industry, such as opaque supplier networks and inefficient project management of the design-to-production cycle.

According to the company, the platform offers full visibility into the supply chain, from inventory forecasts to data-driven factory matching to merchandise management, all accessible through a user-friendly dashboard with real-time tracking. Its production network includes over 150 pre-vetted and ethical manufacturers and suppliers in Vietnam.

Fr8Labs

Funding: US$1.5M
Investors: East Ventures, FEBE Ventures, Kaya Founders, Mulia Sky Capital, Seedstars International Ventures, Venturra, angels
Short bio: Fr8Labs develops multiple innovative solutions for freight forwarders in Asia, including a cloud Operating System and a Generative AI assistant bot that aims to serve as an AI co-pilot for forwarders. These functions aim to solve pain points by streamlining operations, including integrating shipment job processes and integrating various internal and external stakeholders’ functions, such as between sales and operations (CRM and Accounting), and linking platforms like emails and chat platforms.

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