The Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Temasek have launched a joint S$75 (US$55) million pilot programme to accelerate the creation of successful deep-tech startups from the pipeline of research at NTU and NUS.

Temasek will invest S$65 (US$48) million, mostly through its early-stage deep-tech investing platform Xora Innovation, in deeptech startups, while NTU and NUS will each invest S$5 million.

Temasek and Xora will collaborate with NTU and NUS to launch and build globally competitive ventures with strong potential to address large global market opportunities in energy transition, biotechnology, and the future of computing and cognition.

Also Read: Singapore’s seed and early fundings in Aug 2023 drop 30 per cent from July: Tracxn report

In addition, the two universities will develop a common Intellectual Property (IP) licensing framework, which will expedite the licensing and translation of university technologies for spin-off companies. The outcome will be a shorter process of one month instead of the usual period, which can take up to five months.

Xora’s team of deep tech founders will collaborate with the IP and technical teams from the universities to develop and hone their go-to-market strategies.

NTU and NUS will also develop a unified online platform to provide potential licensors with a one-stop shop to identify and select IPs from both universities that align with their business requirements.

Furthermore, Temasek, NTU, and NUS will also provide the startups access to their networks of businesses and mentors. At least two startups will be launched annually and provided entrepreneurial mentorship, funding, and support to position them for long-term global success.

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The image used in this article is AI-generated.

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As the third largest motorcycle country in the world, Indonesia is ambitious with its e-motorcycle adoption target of 13.5 million by 2030. But this number is not unrealistic. Within the last two years, according to a white paper on electric vehicles (EVs) by Deloitte, the market has seen a 15.4 times increase in e-motorcycle ownership.

In 2022, there were already 25,782 e-motorcycles in Indonesia, with more than 1,500 swapping stations available per Q1 2023. However, this does not mean that the journey into e-motorcycle adoption is not without barriers.

There are three barriers to adoption for Indonesian consumers:

1. Inadequate energy distribution infrastructure, such as charging station availability, range anxiety, and charging duration, are hindering consumers from shifting to e-motorcycles.

2. Expensive price of the EV. According to the white paper, approximately 56.77 per cent of electric motorcycles are sold with upfront battery cost (charging model), which results in spiking prices for customers.

3. Reliability and performance of the current products. With motorcycles being the primary mode of transportation and a source of income for low to middle-income families, performance factors such as driving range, charging duration, and speed result in hesitation towards trusting e-motorcycles.

Also Read: Exponent Energy unlocks a zero to 100 per cent 15-min rapid charge for electric vehicles

The following table gives an explanation of the factors that affect consumers’ decisions:

Battery swapping is the way to go

Indonesia’s e-motorcycle industry showcases a US$19.2 billion opportunity from both the manufacturers and energy distribution standpoint, according to Deloitte.

The current e-motorcycle industry is dominated by startups that raised equity and debt financing from institutional investors such as venture capitalists and private equities, especially as OEM players deploy a “wait and see” approach to EVs.

Also Read: SLEEK EV secures funding from ORZON Ventures to advance affordable electric mobility in SEA

The report also stated that the battery-swapping model of e-motorcycles, as opposed to the charging model, has proven its compatibility in the market. Of the 25,782 e-motorcycles on the road, the battery-swapping model accounts for 43.23 per cent.

There are several benefits that might have drawn customers to the battery-swapping model, including the 10-second lag time to switch batteries (as opposed to the three or four hours with battery charging).

In order to help consumers switch to e-motorcycles, there are several forms of support that the government is providing. For example, since 2019, the Indonesian government has continually imposed regulations to incentivise consumers, reduce manufacturing costs, and accelerate infrastructures for electric two-wheelers to achieve its targets by 2030.

The subsidies to promote procurement include sales subsidies totalling ~US$455.8 million, which will be deployed in 2024, with combustion conversion subsidies amounting to US$339/unit to cover the conversion cost for electrical engines.

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Image Credit: RunwayML

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Hong Kong-based open metaverse company Animoca Brands has secured US$20 million in a round led by CMCC Global.

Kingsway Capital, Liberty City Ventures, GameFi Ventures, Aleksander Larsen (founder of Sky Mavis), Gabby Dizon (founder of Yield Guild Games), institutional investors of Koda Capital, and others also joined the round.

Animoca Brands’s Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Yat Siu, also participated.

The new capital will be used to advance the company’s Mocaverse project, including product development, facilitating Web3 adoption, and securing partnerships to expand its portfolio’s gaming, culture and entertainment ecosystem.

Also Read: Animoca Brands to acquire MotoGP developer WePlay Media

Mocaverse is building Web3-native tooling to empower products in gaming, culture, and entertainment verticals. This allows users to create their own digital identity, accrue reputation, earn and spend loyalty points and use their digital identity to access the Mocaverse ecosystem, seeded by Animoca Brands’s 450-plus portfolio companies and partner network with over 700 million addressable users.

Mocaverse will soon launch Moca ID, a non-transferrable NFT collection designed to enable users to craft their on-chain identities and participate in the Mocaverse ecosystem. Moca ID holders can access Mocaverse ecosystem experiences and earn loyalty points through active engagement.

These loyalty points will power a permissionless and interoperable loyalty system that will be progressively decentralised to enable third-party adoption and integration of Moca ID to advance the accessibility and growth of Web3.

“The ongoing evolution of the Internet involves a shift from hierarchical power structures to autonomous ones, and the DAO-based approach of Mocaverse ensures that its community will be focused on driving innovation and collaboration across the broader Animoca Brands ecosystem. In addition to empowering users to participate in a vibrant community that generates new economic opportunities, Mocaverse will also serve as the digital identity, reputation, and loyalty system for other decentralised organisations,” Siu said.

Also Read: Animoca Brands acquires US-based music metaverse company Pixelynx

Animoca Brands develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products, including original games such as The Sandbox, Phantom Galaxies, Life Beyond, Crazy Kings, and Crazy Defense Heroes, and products utilizing popular intellectual properties including Disney, WWE, Snoop Dogg, The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP, and Formula E.

It has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Forj, Lympo, Animoca Brands Japan, Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, Life Beyond Studios, Notre Game, TinyTap, Be., PIXELYNX, and WePlay Media.

In September 2022, Animoca Brands secured US$125 million from investors, including Boyu Capital, Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Temasek and GGV Capital. Singapore-based Web3 investor True Global Ventures 4 Plus Fund and its follow-on fund TGV 4 Plus FoF also joined with a US$17.2 million convertible note investment. 

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Image Credit: Animoca Brands.

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Indonesian edutech startup Cakap recently announced that it has recorded “robust performance”, with its revenue doubling in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year (YoY), a positive outcome that the company said has been consistent since 2020.

According to Cakap CFO Jonathan Dharmasoeka, the company experiences robust growth from all segments, recording positive EBITDA. With this achievement, it is on track to meet the company’s annual budget.

“By staying relevant to evolve based on market demands, Cakap consistently broadens its offerings to benefit more Indonesian students, enhancing their language proficiency, vocational skills, and business acumen-—the main pillars of Cakap. Within the realm of languages, Cakap extends its reach across age groups, encompassing adults and children alike, while diversifying its course array,” he explains in an email to e27.

“Notably, the launch of Korean courses and the launch of blended classes at Cakap Kids Academy. In the arena of upskilling, our focus remains on courses that equip students with job-ready competencies, proving that the highest demand for the course is in the career and development category.”

Starting off as Squline, a platform to learn foreign languages, today, Cakap’s main revenue models are subscription-based and license-based models across its three business pillars: Language, upskill, and business.

The language pillar currently contributes the largest share of revenue to the company, with a growing percentage of students opting to learn Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. The courses offer programmes ranging from three months to 12 months.

Also Read: ZEZEDU revolutionises math education with its AI-powered tools, helping students to excel

As Dharmasoeka has explained, the popularity of Korean courses has surpassed Mandarin over the past six months.

Apart from that, Cakap also aims to solve the problem of learning loss, a phenomenon of elementary school students missing out on making progress in their learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Bank highlighted this issue in a report, and Cakap tackles it through the launch of their Cakap Kids Academy, an initiative that combines offline language learning with several facilities designed to enhance soft and motor skills. It aims to create a fun learning experience for children aged four to 12.

“The vision and goal of Cakap is to elevate people’s lives through quality education. This drives Cakap’s approach always to consider the holistic development of students, valuing both online and blended learning methodologies. Recognising the demand for offline engagement, Cakap has identified that certain types of development are more effectively carried out through in-person interactions. Therefore, the company strategically integrates offline components into its offerings,” Dharmasoeka explains when asked about the integration of offline elements in the company’s business.

Also Read: AI Blocks, revolutionising education with easy and effective AI technology learning

Cakap has also introduced the Cakap English Standardized Test (CEST), an English language testing system curated and developed by its internal education team that is the equivalent of other standardised tests such as TOEFL. Advantages of the test include the ability to be taken through a mobile device and the use of both human and AI supervision in its results. It is also marketed as being more flexible, affordable, and faster in giving results.

Since its launch at the end of Q1 2023, the company said that 14 institutions have adopted the CEST, and 5,000 students have been scheduled for the test.

Enabling lifelong learning

As a platform with the goal to enable lifelong learning for its users, the majority of Cakap’s students are in the 20-29 age group, followed by the 30-39 age group.

Demographically, its students are mostly located in the Greater Jakarta Area, followed by Medan and Bali in the top ten cities.

It has forged over 600 clients, spanning educational institutions, corporations, governmental bodies, and foundations.

Founded by Tomy Yunus and Yohan Limerta, Cakap’s most recent funding round is a Series C from MDI Ventures and Heritas Capital, which resulted in a US$100 million valuation.

Dharmasoeka shares the company’s up-and-coming plans for the remainder of 2023.

Also Read: Why GoImpact believes that education is the key to promoting ESG investment

“Expanding into second and third-tier cities across all core business areas, and broadening the reach of CEST test takers through AI adaptation, are focal points. Throughout the remainder of 2023, the company is dedicated to nurturing its core business with the aim of fostering a robust and more impactful educational enterprise,” he says.

“The primary focus for 2024 centres on elevating the personalised learning experience for our students and crafting comprehensive, specialised courses. On the business front, our goal is to establish an all-encompassing ecosystem that spans casual learning and certification programmes. This effort contributes to boosting the nation’s employability rate and places a heightened emphasis on advancing UNDP SDG’s point five, which pertains to gender equality, within our business processes.”

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Image Credit: Cakap

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Gobi Partners today announced that it had made an undisclosed strategic investment in Electronic Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH), a Malaysia-based company that focuses on electronic waste (e-waste) recycling, with L8 Ventures as a co-investor in the funding round.

The investment was made out of the Khazanah Nasional-backed Gobi Dana Impak Ventures Fund (GDIV Fund), part of Khazanah’s initiative to bolster the local startup ecosystem operating within Dana Impak’s Future Malaysia Programme.

“My vision for ERTH is to see widespread acceptance of our environmental initiatives, all geared towards improving the environment. With this funding, we aim to extend ERTH’s influence further, making a positive impact on the lives of everyone,” says ERTH co-founder Nahed Eletribi in a press statement.

The company also shared that within the next 12 months, its goal is to open more branches across Malaysia.

Established by Eletribi and Mohamed “Mo” Tarek El-Fatatry in 2019, ERTH was born out of a desire to make a meaningful impact, particularly in waste reduction, with a focus on e-waste.

Also Read: YEAP joins forces with youths to drive e-waste awareness and sustainable innovation

In addition to facilitating responsible e-waste disposal, it also rewards contributors with cash incentives or vouchers. According to the company, this approach fosters a community-driven commitment to environmental preservation while providing economic compensation.

ERTH aims to achieve its goal by employing a gig-economy workforce of over 1,000 freelancers, referred to as “Heroes.” These Heroes collect obsolete, faulty, and discarded electronics, such as laptops, smartphones, printers, televisions, and various devices, directly from households and businesses.

According to Tarek, who is a Finland citizen, “Finland has consistently ranked among the cleanest countries in the world, and I’m enthusiastic about applying Finnish best practices here in Malaysia to lead the way in e-waste recycling within Southeast Asia and ultimately work towards making Malaysia the cleanest country in this region. Our partnership with Gobi through the GDIV program is a perfect match, benefiting both our companies and contributing to the improvement of Malaysia’s environmental efforts.”

Since 2019, ERTH said that its Heroes have collectively diverted more than 1,000,000 kilograms of e-waste from landfills or the equivalent of 1,053 Perodua Myvi cars or 13 Boeing 737 aeroplanes.

The Malaysian Department of Environment has recognised ERTH as the largest authorised collector of e-waste in Malaysia.

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Image Credit: Gobi Partners

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Manuva, an Indonesian startup helping SME manufacturers produce ready-made, custom-made packaging and semi-branded goods, has secured US$8 million in new funding.

Singapore-based VC firm Tin Men Capital joined the round with US$3 million, with the balance coming from other undisclosed investors.

Manuva plans to expand its business with the new funds by adding biodegradable packaging and exploring the semi-branded goods vertical.

It is also pursuing a distribution expansion strategy to reach the islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra, and several major cities across Indonesia.

Also Read: 5 smart ways to decarbonise supply chains and logistics with AI

Founded in 2018 by Anggara Pranaspati, Raffisal Damanhuri, and Hasandi Patriawan, Manuva (formerly Tjetak) provides merchants and online sellers with various types of packaging, from cardboard and snack boxes to paper bags and plastic cups. Through more than 100 manufacturing partners, Manuva is producing more than 300 different packaging SKUs under its six private label brands for more than 7,000 retailers and 100 enterprise customers.

The startup also provides modern digitisation tools that enable players in their ecosystem to improve their logistics, procurement, inventory and sales processes.

“Over the past few years, Manuva has demonstrated substantial growth while achieving sound unit economics, which is a mindset that both our teams share,” Tin Men Capital Co-Founder Murli Ravi said.

In addition to financial backing, Tin Men Capital has been collaborating closely with Manuva, offering strategic advisory services and fostering opportunities to bolster Manuva’s growth and expansion efforts.

Before this funding round, Manuva had secured an undisclosed sum in a Series A fundraising led by Vertex Ventures and a seed funding round from angels.

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Image credit: Manuva

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Protégé Ventures, a student-run venture fund programme set up by the Singapore Management University Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), has launched the Marina & David Su Protégé Ventures Fund II.

This S$500,000 (US$368,000) sector-agnostic fund looks to invest in early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates of Singapore’s polytechnics and universities.

David Su, founding managing partner of Matrix Partners China and a member of the SMU Enterprise Board, donated the amount.

The fund was launched in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Heng Swee Keat. He was the chief guest on the opening ceremony of Finals Week (called BLAZE) of the 11th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC).

Also Read: Meet the 55 finalists vying for prizes worth US$1.9M at SMU’s LKYGBPC competition in Singapore

Protégé Ventures was formed in 2017 to facilitate connections between university innovations and VC funding and to foster collaboration among students across different tertiary institutions. It also allows students to gain practical insights into the complex venture investment landscape, nurturing the next generation of tech and entrepreneurial leaders.

Since its inception, Protégé Ventures has trained 251 students, evaluated over 1,100 deals, and invested SGD265,000 (US$194,000) in ten startups that have collectively raised over SGD35 (US$26) million from notable institutional investors.

“For Singapore to successfully engage the challenges of tomorrow, we must cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy, agile and skilled decision-makers who can take the lead in navigating the turbulent and uncertain technological and economic landscape with sensitivity and wisdom,” said Su.

The LKYGBPC is a biennial university startup challenge organised by SMU IIE. As many as 53 finalist teams representing 1,100 universities across 77 countries were selected to compete for the grand prizes in Singapore from 11 to 15 September 2023.

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Image Credit: LKYGBPC.

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In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program (YEAP) is partnering with Stridy, a trailblazing organization committed to environmental conservation and community engagement. Moreover, Stridy’s Chief Stridy Officer, Yasser Amin, has been named a Youth Ambassador for YEAP, cementing the collaboration’s commitment to empowering youth-driven change in the realm of environmental protection.

This momentous partnership signifies a shared vision to tackle a critical environmental issue, promote sustainable practices, and mobilise communities to protect our planet.

Also read: Bio Farma x MIT Hacking Medicine 2023 champions healthcare innovation

Launched recently by e27, YEAP aims to increase e-waste awareness among Singaporean youths. In a region experiencing rapid technological growth, YEAP’s mission to promote responsible e-waste disposal has become increasingly vital. The program is looking to partner with various companies and individuals to launch an awareness campaign to drive actionable steps for e-waste management.

Stridy: A catalyst for change in action

Stridy, an organization firmly rooted in environmental stewardship, has garnered attention for its innovative approach to conservation. Led by Yasser Amin, Stridy’s mission is to create a cleaner world by inspiring community-driven initiatives aimed at preserving natural environments. Yasser’s journey began with organizing beach cleanup sessions, which deepened his appreciation for coastal and inland ecosystems and reinforced the need to protect them.

Also read: This e-commerce platform is building sustainable growth in rural Indonesia

Yasser Amin’s vision for Stridy transcends individual efforts. He believes in the power of community building and civic engagement to effect meaningful change. As the face and heart of Stridy, Yasser’s mission is to unite organizations and individuals, expanding Stridy’s influence wherever he goes. His unwavering commitment to environmental conservation aligns perfectly with YEAP’s core values and objectives.

YEAP and Stridy: A partnership for environmental impact

The partnership between YEAP and Stridy represents a synergy of shared values, goals, and a collective passion for environmental sustainability. This collaboration is poised to amplify the impact of both organizations, combining e27’s established presence in the tech community with Stridy’s innovative grassroots approach.

Together, YEAP and Stridy aim to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of e-waste and promote responsible disposal practices. They will collaborate on a series of initiatives designed to engage youth and communities, fostering a culture of eco-consciousness and environmental responsibility.

Also read: 15 startups are raising $100M across Early and Growth stage at DDay

“Tak Kenal, Maka Tak Cinta. The Malay idiom Tak kenal, maka tak cinta translates to ‘We cannot love what we do not know’,” said Amin. “I try to embody this into my work as much as possible. We cannot move forward with solving e-waste issues without being familiar with the negative effects of our actions on our planet or being appreciative of our natural environments.”

Empowering youths for change

YEAP believes in the power of youth to drive meaningful change. By harnessing their energy and passion, this program aims to create a ripple effect that spreads awareness about e-waste challenges and encourages sustainable practices.

We encourage youth between 15 and 35 to join this movement. By coming together, we can reshape the way we interact with technology, reduce e-waste, and create a more sustainable digital ecosystem.

Be involved

For more insights on e-waste, and updates on upcoming programs and activities, follow YEAP on Instagram and Facebook.

Join YEAP. Become a youth ambassador here.

Be a YEAP partner and help us change the world. Click here for partnership opportunities.

To know more about Stridy and its initiatives, click here.

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Welcome to the pulse of Southeast Asia’s burgeoning tech landscape, where innovation knows no bounds.

In a whirlwind week of entrepreneurial dynamism, startups from across the region have seized the spotlight by securing substantial investments, fueling their dreams of growth and transformation.

These visionary enterprises are poised to reshape industries, from electric scooters to recruitment solutions, mobile remittance, infant nutrition, and more.

As we delve into the details of these investments, it becomes evident that Southeast Asia is fostering innovation and attracting significant capital, driving the digital revolution forward.

Join us as we unravel the latest developments in this thriving tech ecosystem.

Scooterson raising US$10M funding

US-based electric scooter startup Scooterson, which has its manufacturing plant in Singapore, is set to kick off its new US$10 million fundraising process next month.

The new capital raise will fuel Scooterson’s multifaceted expansion strategy, encompassing product development, geographical reach, and operational enhancements, its Co-Founder and CTO Deepansh Jain told e27.

Established in 2016, Scooterson offers a semi-autonomous e-scooter model, Rolley, which requires zero learning curve and can accelerate. Its Smart Mode Acceleration feature works in tandem with the scooter’s sensors, phone sensors, and prior ride data to optimise speed.

KUPU nets US$6M funding

KUPU, an AI-powered recruitment platform in Indonesia, raised US$6 million in the latest funding round by Ascend Global Investment Fund (AGIF).

With this new funding round, KUPU plans to broaden its market presence while strengthening its Al-driven solutions.

An average of 250 individuals submit applications for a single job opening, but only four to six make it to the interview stage. Ultimately, just one receives an offer. This process takes a typical company around 68 days to complete for each new hire.

KUPU tackles these challenges with its innovative tools, including talent and job competency models, omnichannel sourcing, AI-facilitated video interviews, and Al matching models. This makes it easier for companies to find the best talent and for job seekers to find career opportunities that match their potential.

Teja Ventures invests in Grouu

Grouu, an Indonesian startup working on the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers, secured an undisclosed amount in additional investments from Singapore-based VC firm Teja Ventures.

The funding will help the startup diversify its product offerings, enhance its proprietary digital subscription platform, and strengthen its omnichannel presence across various e-commerce platforms and offline retail networks.

“Our direct-to-consumer approach allows us to understand customers’ needs and expectations first-hand. To further enhance product accessibility, we are strengthening our omnichannel presence, which includes various e-commerce platforms and offline retail networks like supermarkets and baby shops,” said Jessica Marthin, Co-Founder and CEO of Grouu.

Founded in August 2020, Grouu focuses on meeting the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers from six months and above. The development process of its products and menu involves parents as consumers and a team of experts comprising nutritionists, food scientists, chefs, and paediatricians to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

TANGGapp closes US$2.5M seed round

TANGGapp, a P2P mobile remittance app targetting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), closed its US$2.5 million seed funding round from TEN13, Goodwater Capital, North Fifth Asia, Foxmont Capital, and angels from the Manila Angel Investors’ Network (MAIN).

Founded in 2020 by Filipina-Dutch and American Harvard graduate Rebecca Kersch, TANGGapp enables customers in the Philippines to connect with local banks and e-wallets for transactions. It wants to be the international ‘Venmo’ across the seas for the 1.5 billion unbanked globally and migrant workers, starting with the Philippines.

500 Global raises US$143M

Global early-stage VC firm 500 Global raised US$143 million for its third early-stage fund (500 Southeast Asia III) and growth investment vehicle for Southeast Asia.

The Limited partners (LPs) across its early-stage and growth investment vehicles include a sovereign wealth fund, public and private pension funds like Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP], and Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

A university endowment, family offices of prominent global investors, and portfolio companies valued at over US$1 billion from 500 Global’s first Southeast Asia early-stage fund also invested.

Originally targeted for US$75 million, 500 SEA III closed at US$100 million, with over half of the fund coming from returning LPs. The early-stage fund will invest in businesses and AI-enabled technologies that advance rural digitalisation, sustainable cities, human and machine productivity, healthcare, food security and financial inclusivity.

500 SEA III aims to invest between US$250,000 and US$500,000 in 100 pre-seed to Series A startups across Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Global Brain co-leads Josys’s US$93M round

Josys, a Japanese device management startup helping companies reduce IT operation costs and enhance security systems, raised US$93 million in Series B funding.

Global Brain and Globis Capital Partners led the round, bringing Josys’s total funding to US$125 million.

With this new round of funding, the SaaS startup plans to expand its product and engineering team and grow its operations in the US and the APAC region.

Established in 2021, Josys helps companies automate and optimise the management of their software applications and devices.

WhiteCoat closes a tranche of Series B round

Telehealth services provider WhiteCoat Global is poised to achieve break-even in its core market, Singapore, by the end of this year, said Founder and CEO Bryan Koh.

The B2B2C startup, which partners with insurers and companies to provide digital care offerings to employees and their dependents, also has a presence in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

“We are poised to break even in our core market, Singapore, by the end of this year and will be the first digital healthcare firm in the region to reach this milestone through organic growth,” Koh said in an interview with e27. “We now have plans to expand into Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong by the end of this year.”

Monk’s Hill backs DELOS

ELOS, an aquaculture-tech company in Indonesia, announced the completion of an undisclosed Series A funding round led by Monk’s Hill Ventures.

DELOS intends to utilise the funding to double its production and further enhance AquaHero by investing in research and development focused on reducing production costs through improved disease monitoring, water quality management, feed conversion ratios, and yield optimisation.

Founded in 2021 by Guntur Mallarangeng, Aris Noerhadi, Alexander Farthing, and Bobby Indra Gunawan Wibisono, DELOS aims to jumpstart what it calls the ‘Blue Revolution’. The vision is to propel Indonesia into a global aquaculture seafood producer within a decade, revolutionising and modernising the US$2.5 billion Indonesian aquaculture industry for seamless integration into the global seafood supply chain.

SLEEK EV secures funding from ORZON

Singapore-headquartered SLEEK EV, which offers affordable and sustainable mobility solutions, announced the completion of an undisclosed Pre-Series A funding round led by ORZON Ventures, a VC firm backed by OR and 500 TukTuks.

January Capital and A2D Ventures also participated.

The funds will also be directed towards the enhancement of the user experience by developing the Smart Vehicle Controller Unit to facilitate seamless connectivity with their vehicles through the Sleek App.

Founded in 2019 by Kantinan Tunveenukoon and Zhang Quan (ZQ) Ong, SLEEK EV aims to establish electric vehicles as the standard rather than the exception in urban mobility. They address the issue of high travel expenses in Southeast Asia, where transportation costs can be over 30 per cent of income. Motorcycles offer an affordable alternative, and the founders are leveraging industry connections to promote cleaner and cheaper mobility through electrification.

Monk’s Hill Ventures invests in Saladin

Vietnamese insurtech firm Saladin announced the completion of its Series A funding round led by Monk’s Hill Ventures.

Saladin’s pre-seed investors Peak XV Partners, Venturra Capital, and Patamar Capital, besides a group of angels, also joined the round.

Saladin plans to use the capital to accelerate the development of technology and insurance products and expand its marketing, sales partnership networks, and customer support services.

Founded in 2021, Saladin is an online platform that utilises a multi-channel distribution system to provide a single destination for personalised insurance solutions.

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At e27, our mission is to nurture inventive thinkers and offer a space where exceptional individuals can disseminate their distinct perspectives and know-how. Our Contributor Programme stands as a gateway for fervent contributors to engage in rich dialogues about entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.

Weekly, we showcase articles from our community members. These pieces showcase dives into emerging patterns, sector studies, and new notions. Join us as we aim to expand your horizons and pique your interest.

Can people analytics boost Malaysia’s labour market?

People analytics have become an essential tool to help companies show empathy and understanding of what their employees need.

By Terrence Yong, GM (Asia Pacific) at Visier Inc.

Malaysia’s evolving job market, impacted by technology and changing employee expectations, requires innovative solutions. People analytics, using data like surveys and performance records, is helping employers make data-driven decisions in hiring, retention, and skill development.

The pandemic accelerated these changes, emphasising skills development, diversity, and flexible work arrangements. Challenges include data quality and silos between departments. People analytics bridges these gaps, fostering a data-driven culture.

For example, the LEGO Group used people analytics to identify skills gaps and align development with business needs. As Malaysia’s job market transforms, people analytics enhances employee experience, engagement, and performance.

Navigating spatial computing: Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality trends

Technology will continue to integrate into our lives, and that will happen, in large part, through spatial computing.

By Brian Wallace, Founder of NowSourcing

Spatial computing, encompassing augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, is emerging as a transformative technology trend.

Virtual reality offers immersive experiences beyond gaming, from pilot training to art appreciation. Augmented reality, with over 1.4 billion predicted users by 2024, overlays digital elements onto the physical world, with applications ranging from medical surgery aids to education and business. Mixed reality, blending virtual and physical realities, holds great potential.

While these technologies are currently costly and bulky, they are evolving and set to integrate further into our daily lives, shaping the future of work and play.

To what extent will AI affect the media industry?

The successful integration of AI technology into the media industry will depend on striking a delicate balance between efficiency and quality.

By Shagun Karki, Founder of makeraves

AI tools like Google and Microsoft’s capabilities to provide comprehensive search query answers are raising concerns among publishers about decreased traffic and revenue.

However, AI’s impact on the media industry is nuanced. It drives demand for high-quality journalism, especially as subscription models prioritise engaging content over clickbait. AI aids wider distribution through translation tools, reaching diverse audiences.

Still, the rise of deep fakes threatens misinformation, urging media to invest in detection and education. Automation could lead to job losses, emphasising the need for a balance between efficiency and quality in the media’s AI integration.

How brands are crafting communities through the art of visual storytelling

In this renaissance of visual storytelling, brands wield the brush of video content to craft masterpieces that transcend mere promotion.

By Sunil Nair, President of BeLive Technology

In the digital realm, video content has become a powerful tool for brands to engage and unite their audiences, creating a sense of community.

Video transcends language and cultural barriers, fostering global connections. It conveys empathy and shared values, building brand loyalty. User-generated content and live streaming offer interactive and participatory experiences, while inclusive storytelling celebrates diversity.

Data-driven insights refine narrative craft, and augmented reality adds immersive elements. Artificial intelligence is poised to personalise video narratives. Brands now act as modern-day artists, using video to create meaningful connections and inspire digital communities.

Also Read: Community voices: Weekly compilation of expert insights on marketing, AI, and blockchain

Beyond blocks, we need builders for Singapore’s digital domain too

We need to boldly prepare and empower locals to lead Singapore’s digital journey, ensuring wider participation in our digital workforce.

By Marcus Loh, Director at Temus

Singapore’s iconic HDB flats serve as a financial safety net for many, but as the country evolves into a digital economy, empowering its citizens to participate in the digital domain becomes crucial.

The World Bank notes the growing importance of the digital economy, with rapid growth in the past decade. However, there’s a talent gap in tech skills.

Initiatives like Temus’ Step IT Up program aim to train individuals in tech roles, enabling career transitions and contributing to Singapore’s digital future. Balancing traditional values with digital advancement is key to the nation’s success.

Liquid staking: Bridging the gap with traditional finance

Liquid staking has emerged as a transformative force in the crypto industry, bridging the gap between traditional finance and DeFi.

By Danny Chong, Co-Founder and CEO of Tranchess

Liquid staking, a fusion of DeFi and traditional finance, is reshaping the crypto industry. It bridges the gap by offering stability and familiarity, attracting a broader range of investors. This innovation unlocks opportunities for structured products and derivatives, transforming investment practices.

While resembling traditional finance instruments, liquid staking maintains low risk within the DeFi ecosystem. Emerging trends include external subsidies, revolving lending, multi-chain support, and institutional LSD pools, promising a transformative impact on the crypto landscape.

Adopting electric construction machinery for a sustainable future in Singapore

Switching to eco-friendly equipment in construction sectors provides environmental, health, safety, economic, and efficiency benefits.

By Muralidharan Angadu, Managing Director at Volvo Construction Equipment Singapore

Singapore is at the forefront of electric construction machinery adoption, with Volvo Construction Equipment introducing electric wheel loaders and excavators to the market. These machines help reduce the construction industry’s environmental impact, which is responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions.

The near-silent operation of electric machines benefits urban environments, extends working hours, and reduces the need for costly fume-extraction systems. The shift to electric machinery also enhances safety, improves air quality, and contributes to sustainability efforts. Volvo CE aims to have 35 per cent of its machines powered by electromobility by 2030.

Early-stage proptech and contech investing: Who gets the VC checks?

When assessing contech startups, the ability of the founding team to navigate a complex B2B sales environment is key to their survival and growth.

By Jimmy Ng, VC at Gobi Partners GBA

The Hong Kong construction technology (contech) market is a significant sector due to construction’s global economic importance, accounting for 13 per cent of the world’s GDP. In Hong Kong, the construction industry employs 8.5 per cent of the total workforce, with an average worker age of 47.

Contech has become an attractive sector for VC investment, with startups focusing on areas like BIM, robotics, project management tools, and more. Successful contech startups often possess deep industry knowledge, a track record of project deliveries, and a focus on opportunities in the pre-construction and during-construction phases of the value chain.

How Tyroo is disrupting adtech in APAC with innovation and partnerships

The APAC region’s rise in adtech promises a new era in advertising with endless possibilities for brands to connect with diverse audiences.

By Surabhi Pandey, Content Manager at SYNC

The APAC adtech industry, valued at US$886.19 billion in 2022, is set to grow at a CAGR of approximately 13.7 per cent from 2023 to 2030. Tyroo, a regional adtech company, is making a significant impact in the industry through innovative partnerships, performance-driven marketing, and a commitment to user privacy.

CEO Siddarth Puri discusses Tyroo’s achievements and vision. Tyroo recently partnered with LG Ad Solutions to revolutionise Connected TV advertising in the APAC region. Puri emphasises the importance of deep industry knowledge and successful project deliveries in adtech startups. Tyroo focuses on the pre-construction and during-construction phases of the value chain.

Safeguarding Singapore’s election: Staying alert to digital scams in 2023

Through vigilance against digital scams and collective action, both Singapore’s citizens and authorities protect the democratic process.

By Vivian Wong, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing at ArmourZero

Singapore is facing its presidential election in 2023, but alongside this significant event, digital scams are a growing concern. Malicious actors use fake messages and websites to deceive people and potentially disrupt the fairness of the election.

To counter this threat, Singapore has implemented robust cybersecurity measures, including advanced protocols and constant monitoring. Additionally, citizen education and collaboration with technology companies are key components of safeguarding the democratic process. This collective effort highlights the importance of maintaining a fair and unblemished electoral event in the digital age.

Also Read: Weekly roundup: Diving deep with our contributors’ latest

How this introvert started a community of women investors in SEA

Your personal life influences your professional life, as they should.

By Chloe Tan, Associate Marketing Manager at Hustle Fund

Networking and connecting with people is like finding your ‘energy circles’. Curating a circle of individuals who think like you, have valuable insights, or share your goals is essential.

Tan writes as an extroverted introvert, it involves balancing highly extroverted and introverted seasons, alternating between personas to be effective in different situations, and cultivating clarity through introspection.

Blurring the lines between personal and professional life can lead to deeper connections and a stronger support network. Building a tribe requires constant recalibration, adaptation, and the intentional pursuit of finding your people.

Myths vs reality: Remote and hybrid managers report high productivity and trust

Remote work has proved easier and more enjoyable for managers, with most embracing the benefits of flexibility and remote collaboration.

By Daan van Rossum, CEO at FlexOS

A recent survey of 200 hybrid and remote managers in the USA found that 66 per cent of them reported increased productivity since adopting the new working model. Furthermore, 98 per cent of these managers trust their teams to be productive on non-office days.

The survey also revealed that 77 per cent of managers find it easy to manage remote teams, and 62 per cent find it enjoyable. Employee satisfaction and morale (60 per cent) were highlighted as major benefits of remote work, alongside reduced commute time and stress (54 per cent) and improved work-life balance (53 per cent).

These survey results demand re-evaluating how we think about hybrid and remote work. You can check out the survey here.

CPaaS adoption surges in APAC: A game changer for businesses in the digital era

The accelerated adoption of CPaaS by businesses signals the realisation of brands required to adapt and engage customers in today’s fragmented digital space.

By Velid Begovic, Vice President Revenue APAC at Infobip

The global CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service) market has seen substantial growth, with the APAC region experiencing the fastest year-on-year growth.

In 2022, cloud contact centre interactions within CPaaS platforms increased significantly, with WhatsApp interactions growing by 80 per cent, RCS interactions growing by 62 per cent, and traditional channels like SMS and email also experiencing increased usage.

Businesses in APAC have recognised the benefits of CPaaS, including improved customer messaging, increased security, flexibility, advanced analytics, omnichannel capabilities, and support for emerging trends like video features and data privacy.

Advancing Singapore’s government digital maturity: Principles for next-level transformation

In the face of an increasingly volatile and complex global landscape, Singapore’s government must embrace adaptability across all dimensions.

By Joel Koh, Strategy Consultant at Temus

Singapore’s government has made significant progress in digital maturity, reaching Level 3 on Gartner’s Digital Government Maturity Model. However, there is untapped potential to reach Levels 4 and 5 by focusing on seamless data sharing, advanced big data analytics, and pervasive predictive AI.

Embracing digital transformation is imperative for navigating uncertainties, overcoming legacy constraints, improving data accessibility and speed, and harnessing emerging technologies. Key principles for guiding this transformation include a unified data view, reinforcing AI, accelerating tech modernisation, and innovating with emerging tech. This transformation will position Singapore as a forward-looking, Smart Nation on the global stage.

Gen Zs, Millennials, and Baby Boomers: When are they most productive at work?

Understanding the needs of a modern, intergenerational work environment is essential for attracting and retaining talented employees.

By Simon Dale, Vice President & MD at Adobe Southeast Asia and Korea

Perceptions of generational differences in the workplace are prevalent as multiple generations, such as Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, work together. However, it’s crucial for organisations to view employees as individuals with unique work styles, needs, and preferences rather than relying on broad generational stereotypes.

The Future of Time study emphasises the importance of flexibility in the workplace, with younger generations valuing the ability to manage their own time and work when they are most productive. Implementing flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, is essential to attracting and retaining top talent, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.

To address these evolving workplace dynamics, organisations should invest in technology infrastructure that supports remote work and collaboration while ensuring productivity and efficiency for all employees.

World EV Day 2023: Recognising sustainability achievements in the EV sector

Discover Altair’s commitment to sustainability in the electric vehicle sector through the 2023 Altair Enlighten Award on World EV Day.

By Srirangam R Srirangarajan, Managing Director (ASEAN and ANZ Regions) at Altair 

Altair is celebrating World Electric Vehicle (EV) Day 2023 by highlighting its commitment to sustainability through AI solutions. They recently announced the recipients of the 2023 Altair Enlighten Award, which recognises innovations in reducing carbon emissions and championing sustainability in the automotive industry.

Altair emphasises the importance of EVs in addressing climate change and uses computational science and AI to drive sustainability. Malaysia’s efforts to promote EVs, including tax exemptions and incentives, demonstrate the nation’s commitment to a greener transportation future.

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