Are you a screen addict? If the answer is yes, you are certainly not alone.

In fact, according to a report by Nielson, the average US adult spends a whopping 10 and a half hours consuming digital media per day. Gen Zs suffer the most – reportedly checking their phones on average 79 times per day, with 80 per cent living in fear that someone may actually ring them.

Today’s young adults also experience high rates of anxiety and depression, which one American study could directly link to the use of multiple social media platforms. Such compulsive, damaging behaviour, which would normally merit a stay in rehab, has instead become so normalised that those who don’t follow suit are in the minority. 

However, a digital world is not without its benefits. Zoom, for example, was invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to stay connected during what felt like armageddon to many. The real issue is that tech usage has now become so widespread in our society that human interaction in our post-lockdown world is suffering as a result. 

One need only look to self-service checkouts to realise that face-to-face contact with other humans is slowly being removed from our daily activities. Even the hospitality industry, once known for its customer service,  is jumping on the bandwagon, with Airbnb and other hotel conglomerates now offering self-check-in options.

Needless to say, we are living more comfortable and efficient lives than ever before, but how will such reduced human connection shape our future? 

Researching this piece brings my grandma to mind, whose weekly coffee mornings with friends and choir rehearsals bring her great pleasure. However, she is the exception and not the rule.

Many retired people see their social circles shrink to a point whereby ‘transactional’ interactions, i.e. talking to a shop cashier, are the only human communication they get during a week. As technology removes the need for such professions, slowly isolating the elderly and increasing loneliness, it is also impinging upon society’s willingness to care.  

Also Read: Real-World Assets meet virtual realms: A game-changer for global trade

This is because when we communicate online, our brains don’t receive the neural signals necessary to feel empathy. “Little by little, this sort of shallow interaction chips away at our empathic capacities,” according to Dr. Helen Riess’ new book, The Empathy Effect: 7 Neuroscience-Based Keys for Transforming the Way We Live, Love, Work, and Connect Across Differences. 

Such desensitisation to human emotion has only been exacerbated by the rise of 24/7 rolling news. As more and more tragedies are live-streamed, our first instinct in some cases is no longer to save lives but to gain social media engagement, as demonstrated in London when bystanders took selfies as a man drowned. 

The good news is that emerging immersive technology, such as Extended Reality (XR), is proving invaluable in helping society adapt to the new social norms of the digital era.

Take the previous example. Desensitisation is often an occupational hazard for Health Care Professionals (HCPs) too, who come face to face with human suffering on a daily basis. Yet, an empathetic approach to patients remains essential for optimal clinical results.

French startup VirtualiSurg and Dräger are tackling just that with their new empathy training programme for medical professionals in fully immersive Extended Reality, designed to improve bedside manners when caring for parents of premature babies.

Healthcare professionals are trained to adopt more empathetic approaches during these traumatic and stressful periods for the parents and are able to boost their proficiency in these invaluable soft skills entirely from a virtual environment.

And the benefits of immersive tech are being felt by all ages.  For example, Virtual Reality (VR)  has been introduced into treatment plans for the elderly and those suffering from cognitive impairments, offering multi-sensory experiences and a sense of escapism hard to come by due to physical restraints. For those suffering from neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), including Alzheimer’s, VR was proven to effectively improve cognition as well as psychological symptoms, such as anxiety.  

Also Read: Metaverse companies must beware the poisoned chalice of web

Its tangible impact also extends to mental health research and practice. VR is already being harnessed by companies, such as C2C Care, to treat anxiety-related conditions, including addiction and eating disorders.

Their approach sees patients undergo repeated immersion therapy based on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles, whereby they are exposed to highly controlled, real-life triggers of their condition within a virtual 3D space and taught healthier coping mechanisms for the future.

Data tracking of behaviours within these VR experiences can then reveal important characteristics of mental health conditions and inform more accurate assessments and tailored treatments. 

These are just a few of the ways in which immersive tech is already positively transforming our world, and the revolution is set to continue as the sector grows exponentially.

So, as Generation Alpha begins to dip its toes into the digital world, let’s remind them that technology can absolutely be a friend, not a foe, as long as it is used to enhance, and not replace, our human connections. 

—

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

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

Image credit: Getty Images

The post How immersive tech can boost your health and happiness appeared first on e27.

Seraya Partners, an independent private equity (PE) fund for next-generation infrastructure investing based in Singapore, has closed its first fund at US$800 million, surpassing its original US$750M target.

Also Read: Circulate Capital makes final close of US$76M fund to advance circular economy for plastics

The Asia-based and focused Seraya Partners Fund I has commitments from global institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurers, and family offices across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The LPs include the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Alberta Investment Management Company (AIMCo), and funds and accounts managed by Blackrock.

The team will continue focusing on building its existing platforms and identifying new investment opportunities in Fund I.

“Asia’s rapidly expanding cities, intensifying climate change, and ageing infrastructure have created a pressing need to address the region’s burgeoning trillion-dollar infrastructure gap. Energy transition and digital infrastructure will be the twin engines to bridge this gap and lead us toward net-zero ambitions,” said James Chern, Managing Partner and CIO of Seraya Partners.

Also Read: Balancing revenue, impact remains the top challenges faced by social impact startups

Seraya Partners targets control-oriented, middle-market platform investments in next-generation infrastructure, focusing on the digital infrastructure and energy transition sectors, primarily within the developed and Southeast Asia regions. The mid-market-focused fund aims to bolster the region’s transition to net zero and accelerate the adoption of clean, sustainable energy.

Seraya has offices in Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, and Denmark.

It has already invested in three platforms:

Empyrion DC: A green data centre operator. Empyrion develops and operates highly energy-efficient hyperscale and colocation data centres and employs renewable energy to power its data centres. Empyrion operates and develops projects across multiple markets, including North and Southeast Asia.

Cyan Renewables: A pure-play offshore wind farm vessel operator in Asia that owns and leases specialised vessels to support all phases of offshore wind farm projects, from installation to operations. In July 2023, Cyan acquired its first ship in a deal with Belgium’s DEME, including a long-term charter with turbine maker Siemens Gamesa for work offshore Belgium. The platform looks to address the severe shortage of vessels serving offshore wind farms. Cyan aims to own and operate a $1 billion portfolio of vessels by the end of 2025.

Astrid Renew: It develops cutting-edge solar, wind, and energy storage solutions in partnership with multinational corporates committed to RE 100 goals, as well as local power utilities and regulators.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), approximately US$1.7 trillion will have to be invested annually in infrastructure across Asia through 2030 to meet current demand.

The post Seraya Partners Fund I hits US$800M final close, invests in 3 energy firms appeared first on e27.

Alterno, Forte Biotech, and AirX Carbon won the inaugural Net Zero Challenge 2023, a climate innovations competition in Vietnam by Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation.

Alterno, which produces low-cost thermal energy storage using sand-based batteries, won the Renewables and Carbon Removal track.

Forte Biotech, a producer of onsite RAPID diagnostic tests for early detection of prawn diseases, is the winner of the Food Systems & Sustainable Agriculture track.

Also Read: What the SEA startup ecosystem needs to know about COP28

AirX Carbon, which produces cost-comparable fossil-based plastic replacement from biowaste, is the Circular Economy & Waste Management track winner.

The three companies will receive a total of VND 15 billion (US$630,000) in grants from the Net Zero Challenge, which will be used to pilot their climate innovation in Vietnam. Two additional investment prizes of US$50,000, each from Touchstone Partners and East Ventures, have been awarded to AirX Carbon and Alterno.

All nine finalists can also receive up to US$90,000 in cloud credits from Amazon Web Services.

Net Zero Challenge 2023 provides opportunities for climate innovators to showcase their sustainable innovations in addressing ecological challenges and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Since its launch on 21 August this year, the Net Zero Challenge has received over 300 applications from 45 countries within a seven-week period. Over 30 per cent of the application pool were from teams outside of Vietnam.

Also Read: Startup Genome: Singapore remains top startup ecosystem for clean tech, blue economy

Nine finalists were shortlisted and underwent three weeks of mentoring sessions, communications coaching, and collaboration with potential local pilot partners. Touchstone Partners provided localised mentorship and support in facilitating strategic partnerships in Vietnam.

—

The post Alterno, Forte Biotech, AirX Carbon win Net Zero Challenge 2023 in Vietnam appeared first on e27.

As part of its expansion into the Southeast Asian (SEA) region, the social media platform Bondee highlights the important role played by its use of augmented reality (AR) technology in user-generated content (UGC).

The development of this feature begins with the team’s realisation that many smartphone users still view the use of AR in smartphones as a “mere gimmick” with limited positive experience in using them. This inspired Bondee to develop an AR feature that adds a new dimension to the technology being used.

“The Bondee product has evolved greatly in the last few months, as we see trends in AR that speak to its great potential in allowing users to express their creativity. Bondee has made major changes to the product, adding new AR features that align with our vision to bridge users’ virtual and real-world experiences,” explains Zizheng Lyu, Senior Engineer at Bondee, in an email interview with e27.

Lyu says how the platform incorporates AR has enabled a “whole new level of engagement.”

“For example, you can put your avatar near a food centre, recommending the dessert stall there. This will give other Bondee users tips as they discover the world around them, and they can also respond to you, thanking you for the tip or even disagree with your recommendation,” he explains.

“And unlike games or shopping apps, where AR objects are the same for everyone, we worked hard to create a unique AR experience for every user. The clothing you pick out for your avatar and the accessories your avatar has on are all reflected in the AR object actually put out at the location.”

Also Read: How Augmented Reality is offering new opportunities to broadcast businesses services globally

Bondee has already included this new AR feature–called BON–in its app’s latest version. It has been beta-tested in Singapore and Thailand; the company said it has received positive user feedback.

“In Singapore and Thailand, we tested out our AR features with university students. Not only did they really like the new features, they also suggested creative ideas. For example, they recommended that items found in Bondee Space (a virtual room you can decorate) and message bottles found in Floating (a relaxing feature where you sail on a boat) can be put in the real world through AR,” Lyu says.

“Specifically, the National University of Singapore’s 90 Degree Drama Club used Bondee to promote their production. Students in the drama club used the BON AR feature to showcase daily snippets of life in the club, update behind-the-scenes footage, share interesting stories, and find other like-minded students.”

When asked about the secret behind the success of this app and its use of AR, Lyu shares three key points:

Online to offline integration
“Bondee has combined AR and social media, encouraging everyone to experience offline, real-world scenarios. This means exploring and interacting with friends in the real world instead of doing so online at home.”

Express themselves through AR Avatar
“Even before we started using AR in Bondee, we have been super focused on giving users a platform to express their individuality through customisation. Aside from dressing up their avatars, the Space feature lets anyone create their own dream room in Bondee.”

Creativity
“The combinations of furniture, toys, paintings, just to name a few, make the experience fresh every time, whether you are decorating your own Space or visiting a friend’s. As I work on the technical aspects of Bondee, every one of us have to keep in mind that this expression of individuality is core to the Bondee experience.”

Also Read: Beyond gaming, these are 6 potentially disruptive uses of augmented reality

What is next for Bondee

Bondee entered the highly competitive social media space and became a big hit earlier this year as social media users looked for an alternative to existing platforms such as Facebook and X (Twitter).

Following up on its initial success, Bondee made a significant milestone this year by appointing Singapore-based CEO Fei Yu. The company is also expanding its team and already has a presence in Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing, with colleagues working remotely in Bangkok, Jakarta and Taipei.

“Our team is still growing, with more technical team members expected to come on board in the next few months,” Lyu says.

He also shares what is coming up from Bondee from a product perspective: The team wants to ensure that the new features introduced this year meet the expectations of users.

“We have only released the new AR features in limited markets so far and are looking forward to a wider release in the coming year. This also means we need to optimise the experience for all these other markets aside from Singapore and Thailand so far,” Lyu says.

“We want our new AR features to really help users explore the real world, and find enjoyment by discovering experiences that merge their virtual and offline worlds.”

—

Image Credit: Bondee

The post Elevating user experiences with AR: How Bondee plans to do it differently appeared first on e27.

With the world’s constantly growing needs, startups play a crucial role not only in unlocking avenues for growth and expansion but also in driving meaningful societal impact. While the traditional focus of startups has been on disrupting industries and capturing markets, an increasing awareness of social and environmental challenges has prompted a shift towards a more conscientious approach.

Startups have the agility and innovative spirit to address pressing global issues, such as climate change, inequality, and healthcare access. By embedding a sense of purpose into their business models, startups can align their growth strategies with solutions that have a positive impact on communities, the environment, and beyond.

Furthermore, the pursuit of impact is not merely a philanthropic gesture but a strategic imperative for startups looking to thrive in the long term. Consumers and investors are increasingly valuing socially responsible businesses, and startups that integrate sustainable and ethical practices into their core operations are better positioned to attract support and loyalty.

Also read: Qarbotech named winner of inaugural EQT Impact Challenge

Chris Marchant, CEO of Vitasoy International Singapore, explained, “We found there are two main reasons why we should be considering sustainability. The first one is that it’s what our consumers are looking for. The world is changing. People are looking to do the right thing for the environment. And the second one is thinking about the bottom line. A lot of these sustainability initiatives will actually improve your profit. At Vitasoy International Singapore, for example, we’ve been able to reduce our utility usage and our water usage in a lot of these areas. So, do the right thing and also be able to save money while you do it.”

This dual commitment to growth and impact not only helps startups build resilience in the face of societal challenges but also creates a positive feedback loop where success is measured not only by financial metrics but also by the positive change the business brings to the world. In essence, startups are uniquely positioned to be both drivers of economic prosperity and catalysts for positive change, embodying the potential for businesses to be a force for good in the global community.

Bridging the knowledge gap with DBS

In collaboration with the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP), DBS Foundation, and e27, the DBS BusinessClass foundED event was hosted by DBS Singapore in October 2023. This inspirational forum celebrates modern-day founders and encourages innovation for the next generation of social entrepreneurs. It offered a unique opportunity for founders to connect with fellow innovators, industry experts, and like-minded individuals to share ideas, form new partnerships, and expand their network. In line with the theme of advancing startups for impact, this event served as a platform where startups can gain valuable insights on how they can take their business ventures to the next level while creating an impact on society.

The event welcomed esteemed speakers from CIIP, GovTech Singapore, Temasek, and Vitasoy International Singapore to discuss trends, opportunities, and support available for businesses with impact. The panel of experts shed light on how organisations are helping to create a more sustainable future by promoting responsible investments, leveraging technology as an enabler of social change, and providing financial assistance to startups that prioritise positive environmental or social outcomes. It was truly inspiring to hear about the various initiatives being taken by these organisations to foster meaningful progress within the wider community

Also read: Carousell partners with YEAP to address challenges in e-waste

“This is our inaugural foundED event in Singapore and we are pleased to gather many startups today to celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship,” shared Koh Kar Siong, Group Head for Corporate and SME Banking, Institutional Banking Group at DBS. He added, “With the theme of advancing startups for impact for this event, it also reinforces our key focus at DBS in supporting our clients to drive not only growth and transformation but also positive impact.”

Here’s a glimpse of the event:

Supporting sustainable growth through access to resources

Fortunately, businesses of all sizes now have access to a variety of resources that can help them reach their sustainability goals and empower their entrepreneurship journey. In supporting businesses, DBS has curated a full suite of resources available under DBS BusinessClass with insights, trends, and tools.

Social enterprises and SMEs in particular benefit from specialised programmes and initiatives designed to support sustainable growth. These include government grants, training courses, advisory services, networking events and more — all designed to provide the necessary support for organisations looking to become more eco-friendly while achieving long-term success.

Also read: Unlock growth potential with the latest insights on Gen-AI

For instance, one particularly helpful resource that social enterprises and SMEs can tap into is the Business For Impact Banking Package offered by DBS to support businesses for impact by providing a range of financing solutions, funding programs and knowledge sharing. With holistic assistance, businesses can focus all their resources on sustainability and innovation causes.

Find out more about DBS’ sustainability initiatives and financing options here.

– –

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

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.

The post Advancing startups with impact: Insights from the DBS BusinessClass foundED Event 2023 appeared first on e27.