Vietnam-based venture investment management platform Wiziin has secured US$500,000 in pre-seed funding from an unnamed tech serial entrepreneur.

“The venture capital world has long adhered to traditional methods of funding and investing in startups. This funding will enable us to accelerate our next efforts in emerging blockchain technology to disrupt this industry and revolutionise how venture capital operates based on the tokenisation of assets, and smart contracts,” stated Co-founder Thong Dang.

Founded in 2020 by experienced venture capitalist Tien Nguyen and serial entrepreneur Dang, Wiziin aims to bridge the gap between investors and founders through its new blockchain-based platform.

It provides tech platforms specialising in data-driven solutions for startups and investors in capital raising, dealmaking, and co-invest monitoring. It has a network of over 200 investors, and over 5,000 companies have raised funding via the platform.

Also Read: Leveraging blockchain: A new era for small business innovation

Wiziin is creating a new investment platform named “Homerun.club”, which enables efficient co-investment in blockchain environments for professional individual investors. By eliminating intermediaries, this platform aims to democratise funding access, empower entrepreneurs globally, and attract a broader range of investors.

“While our platform operates in a decentralised manner, we still require users to verify their identity in order to comply with regulations and safeguard investor interests. This verification process effectively mitigates fraudulent activities and enhances the overall credibility of our platform,” explained Dang. “We are also actively seeking institutional funding later this year to further develop the platform. This will enable the fundraising process to become a collaborative effort between the project and its community, driving mutual growth and success.”

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The image used in this article is AI-generated.

The post Wiziin nets US$500K for its blockchain-powered venture investment management platform appeared first on e27.

GoTo on track to profitability, loss narrows 56% in Q2
The group posted net revenue of US$232M in Q2, an 87% increase from the same period last year; Meanwhile, its net losses amounted to US$216M, a 56% drop from Q2 2022.

ID audio startup Noice lays off staff amid restructuring efforts
According to the company’s LinkedIn page, it has 215 employees; It is unclear how many are impacted; Noice offers a hyperlocal approach to podcasting and audio storytelling by platforming series in local dialects.

Xendit sheds ‘small number’ of product jobs
The fintech unicorn said the move has less to do with revenue or cost reduction and more about increasing the speed of its software development life cycle and generating “accountability within engineering processes.”

Bad loans from Indonesia’s fintech lenders hit US$338M: OJK data
The amount marked a 54.9% jump y-o-y; It also outpaced the growth of total outstanding loans disbursed by the country’s fintech lending platforms, which increased 18.9% y-o-y.

BNPL startup Atome renews US$100M debt facility with HSBC Singapore
The funds will help the fintech firm to expand its services in the Philippine market and develop new consumer financing products; Atome claims it has over 40M app downloads and has disbursed more than US$4B in loans.

GoTo to exit entertainment biz, target budget consumers as it eyes profits
The company is expanding its consumer base while being “extremely disciplined” about costs; GoTo has reduced its workforce by 24% over the past three quarters while reducing non-personnel fixed operating expenses by 10%.

HealthXCapital joins Jungle to lead healthcare investments in SEA & India
HealthXCapital has engaged with over 1,200 founders across various healthcare segments, including home care, ambulatory care, insurtech, data sciences, and brain health.

SG politician leaves Grab to take ‘external-facing’ role in fintech firm
Tin Pei Ling served as director of corporate development at Grab, a shift from her initial role as director of public affairs at the firm.

Boost Capital lands US$2.5M for its chat-based bank client onboarding platform
The Singapore-based SaaS platform enables financial institutions to digitally onboard applicants for loans, savings, credit cards, and insurance quickly.

Beep launches SEA’s largest eRoaming network with a seed round
The lead investors are GGV Capital and Wing Vasiksiri; Beep is an IoT transaction platform that is a universal translator, connecting various charging systems used by different operators.

Antler joins SaaS insurtech platform CHOYS’s US$1.1M seed round
Other backers are Wing Vasiksiri, Foremast, and Fintech Nation Fund; CHOYS empowers organisations with well-being tools and a platform to make a “bigger impact” by better understanding and connecting with their people.

Sea Group logs minimal revenue growth in Q2, misses estimates
Sea Group registered US$3.1B in revenue for Q2; The logged amount marks a 5.2% increase year on year; Nonetheless, Shopee continued to be the biggest money maker for the group, generating US$2.32B in revenue for Q2 2023.

SG competition watchdog opens Grab, Trans-cab merger for public comments
Grab and Trans-cab submitted the merger proposal to the CCCS in August for a decision on whether the acquisition would violate a section of the Competition Act 2004.

MAS to regulate stablecoins for ‘value stability’ in new framework
Issuers need to meet a minimum base capital and several prerequisites, including the stability of the tokens’ value; Companies must also return the par value of the holder’s stablecoin within five business days if requested by a customer.

Musk says X will address shadowbanning ‘soon’.
Shadowbanning is not outright banning a user but making changes that ensure their content is no longer circulated and kept out of public view; Shadowbanning has been a topic of concern even in Twitter’s earlier days.

Indonesia, Singapore start trial on cross-border QR code payments
Both have set a target of introducing the system in the second half of this year.

From a single brew to unicorn: Kopi Kenangan’s journey of coffee and creativity
Kopi Kenangan is now in the early stage of exploring the use of AI for picking locations for new store openings.

Gushcloud’s winning formula: Navigating authenticity, innovation, and tech in influencer marketing
CEO Althea Lim says Gushcloud stays away from paid influencer gigs that could have the possibility of being mistaken to be propaganda.

27 ID startups that have taken the ecosystem to next level this year
These Indonesian startups have made the nation proud in this Independence Day; It has proven to be a challenging –yet historical– year.

Inclusion matters: How GitHub enhances accessibility for individuals with disabilities
Exploring the tech industry’s commitment to inclusivity, the strides made in workplace accessibility, and the transformative power of diverse perspectives.

AI is not about job displacement but job augmentation: Nick Eayrs of Databricks
We will still want a human in the loop to oversee and check the output from AI while having AI do the mundane stuff in a more efficient way, says Nick Eayrs of Databricks.

Flexibility is key: How to succeed in an ever-changing startup world 
With the right mindset and approach, you can thrive in a constantly changing startup world and turn challenges into opportunities for success.

Balancing AI and human ingenuity: A guide to keeping your brain sharp
By adopting a balanced approach and implementing these strategies, we can maintain our cognitive edge and harness the full potential of AI.

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Image Credit: Gojek.

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Amidst the AI revolution, e27 presents a new series showcasing how organisations embrace AI in their operations.

Raviteja (Ravi) Dodda is the co-founder and CEO of MoEngage, an insights-led customer engagement platform built for customer-obsessed marketers and product owners.

Dodda has over ten years of experience leading global teams and managing products. Before joining MoEngage, he co-founded DelightCircle, a localised retail mobile app.

He has been included in the BW Disrupt 40 under 40 and Forbes 30 under 30 lists.

In this edition, Dodda shares how MoEngage has embraced Artificial Intelligence.

Edited excerpts:

How do you perceive the AI revolution and its potential impact on your industry and workforce?

From my perspective, I find Artificial Intelligence to be nothing short of a revolutionary force, completely transforming the way businesses approach their marketing strategies. It empowers them to reach unprecedented efficiency, personalisation, and overall success.

Thanks to AI, companies can now swiftly gather information and take decisive action in their marketing endeavours. Marketers, in particular, can harness the power of AI to gain real-time insights, allowing them to prioritise crucial aspects like customer value and revenue.

Furthermore, the wonders of AI and machine learning extend to understanding customer preferences, enabling brands to send messages at the perfect time and through the most effective channels, ultimately leading to improved Return on Investment (ROI).

By embracing AI’s (automation and optimisation) potential, brands can delve deep into customer behaviour, accurately engage the right audience, and establish personalised connections at every stage of the customer lifecycle. This level of personalisation fosters stronger customer relationships, engendering loyalty and trust in the brand.

As I see it, the impact of AI and automation on the workforce in the customer engagement industry could bring about specific changes. While AI can handle many routine tasks, I believe that humans will continue to play an important role, resulting in a fusion of Human-in-the-loop (HITL) decision-making that leverages human and machine intelligence to create optimal results.

To thrive in this evolving landscape, I think the workforce may need to embrace this shift by acquiring new skills related to AI, data analysis, and customer experience management.

In what ways has your company embraced AI technologies to improve operational efficiency or enhance business processes?

We are ahead of the curve, and our customers have been leveraging our Sherpa AI engine and machine learning to power their consumer brands. It helps them optimise their conversion, reach customers at the right time, and move to predictive customer engagement, fueling their business growth.

Sherpa lets you protect your customer base by identifying customers likely to churn, convert, or become inactive. Sherpa can boost your ROI by identifying customers ready to buy and upgrade. You can even set up custom prediction models and test the accuracy of those models with our built-in Prediction Quality Scores and more.

Can you share specific examples of how AI has been integrated into your workforce to streamline operations or drive innovation?

We have a task force to leverage AI for our business and customers. The GenAI task force at MoEngage is a good example of how a diverse representation can drive varied opinions, eliminate bias and ensure a system balance.

Also Read: AI is not about job displacement but job augmentation: Nick Eayrs of Databricks

With this, we strive to guarantee that all employees go through the same recruiting procedure, receive equal compensation, and have equal opportunities for career advancement.

What challenges or concerns did you encounter when implementing AI technologies within your organisation, and how did you address them?

We are in the learning phase to identify the right problems we want to solve with GenAI. For both our internal teams and our customers, we want to be able to add value that helps drive growth.

So, we are not focusing on just adding a layer on top of Open AI to solve things already addressed by the tools like ChatGPT, among several others.

How do you ensure transparency and uphold ethical considerations in using AI technologies within your organisation to mitigate privacy concerns?

Employees’ privacy is at the core of everything we do with AI technology. We’ve worked hard to create clear and honest privacy policies explaining how we handle user data – from collection to storage and sharing. We always ensure to get explicit and informed for any data utilised for AI-powered analysis because respecting user privacy is paramount.

We’re vigilant about collecting only the necessary data for AI-enabled tasks. We go the extra mile to anonymise (PII Tokenised Sending and Masking) it whenever possible, reducing the risk of privacy issues.

We take great pride in following ethical guidelines, ensuring fairness and responsibility in the development and use of AI technologies. We keep our employees up-to-date through ongoing education and training, fostering a culture of awareness and accountability regarding privacy concerns and the ethical impact of AI-powered technologies.

How do you ensure that AI technologies complement your workforce’s existing skills and expertise, rather than replacing or displacing human workers?

Based on historical experiences – such as the industrial revolution – we can infer that technological revolutions initially result in disruption, which leads to job losses, but ultimately results in job growth and prosperity over the long term due to improved efficiency.

Also Read: AI has its advantages but it can never fully replace humans: Asnawi Jufrie of SleekFlow

To ensure harmonious integration of AI with the workforce, we adopt a strategic approach, identifying roles where AI complements and enhances human capabilities. We foster a continuous learning and innovation culture, encouraging employees to see AI as a valuable tool that augments their skills, not a job threat. Prioritising human-centred design principles in our AI development, we create intuitive, user-friendly solutions that promote collaboration between humans and AI, preserving human expertise.

At MoEngage, we actively encourage team members to propose novel ways to integrate AI and recognise and reward ideas that strike a harmonious balance between AI and human capabilities. Through this balanced integration, we drive prosperity and growth in our organisation and beyond.

How do you envision the future collaboration between humans and AI? What role do you see AI playing in augmenting human capabilities?

Envisioning the future collaboration between humans and AI foretells a remarkable transformation in our work and life in general. AI has the potential to become an invaluable tool, augmenting human capabilities and leading to unprecedented advancements across diverse fields.

However, it is vital to emphasise that AI’s role is to enhance human capabilities, not to replace humans. Striking a harmonious balance between AI and human involvement will be paramount to unlock the full potential of this collaboration.

For instance, the AI-powered capabilities showcased by our recommendation engine Sherpa not only help marketers and product owners (from consumer brands) send the right message to the right customer at the right time on the right channel (thus optimising RoI) but also save them time to focus on improving the conversion funnel and working on novel strategies to drive business growth. This is where I feel AI can augment human capabilities.

What advice would you give to founders looking to leverage AI in their workforce?

It is vital to understand that while AI-powered technologies can make life easier, improve productivity and drive operational efficiency, they must be balanced well with the human element.

Ensure that the processes for which you want to implement AI-enabled technology are ultimately helping human operators maximise the potential of their work. AI shouldn’t be considered a replacement but rather a complementary effort to drive better business results.

Leaders and founders also need to ensure the ethical implementation of AI, where the technology only serves to improve and elevate the level of expertise of team members and not aim to sideline them effectively.

The AI-enabled processes should allow for the analysis of large data sets and provide actionable insights faster, thus helping individuals and teams (across consumer brands) focus on providing seamless and relevant customer experiences.

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

The post AI must be used to enhance team members’ expertise, not to sideline them: Ravi Dodda of MoEngage appeared first on e27.

Malaysia has a high rental deposit problem.

The hefty deposits, often exceeding a tenant’s monthly salary, restricts mobility and housing options, especially for the Middle 40 (M40) and Bottom 40 (B40) group and young professionals.

As per an estimate, the total rental deposits stuck in the market amount to a massive US$6 billion.

Earnest Wong and Edmund Chong saw an opportunity here to bring a change and create an impact.

“We saw the pain points of high rental deposits and decided to create a solution to free up cash flow for tenants while providing security for landlords,” says Wong.

Wong (CEO) founded BlueDuck with Chong in 2018. Wong has a strong background in insurance and management, while Chong (CTO) brings years of experience in systems and security.

Also Read: ApartX allows landlords to share their properties via smart home solutions remotely

In a nutshell, BlueDuck is a fintech company providing financial services in Malaysia. It offers an easy rental solution for people looking for residential or commercial properties. It allows tenants to save cash upfront while enabling landlords and agents to rent out faster to a verified tenant.

The startup runs a zero-deposit programme, which allows tenants to pay a small annual subscription fee instead of traditional cash deposits, freeing up their cash flow. Upon verification, tenants receive a Blueduck Guarantee Certificate to reassure landlords.

The startup charges a tenant profiling fee on top of a small fee of 1 per cent of each rental transaction.

In addition, it charges an upfront one-time BD subscription fee charged yearly. The fee is 15-20 per cent of a 3-month guarantee, depending on the credit score and the BD scorecard and the purpose of renting (commercial/residential) of the tenant.

If any unforeseen incidents happen, Blueduck steps in to cover the cost on behalf of the tenant.

The programme has over 6,000 subscribers.

“In addition to the revenue generated from the zero-deposit programme’s subscription fee, we also derive income from our hassle-free rental collection services for landlords. Furthermore, our tenant profiling service aids landlords in making informed decisions, further adding value to their rental experience. These diversified revenue streams contribute to BlueDuck’s sustainable growth and financial success,” he explained.

Blueduck collaborates with over 1,000 landlords, realtors, and property developers in Malaysia.

While BlueDuck has made good progress, the company is aware of the challenges ahead. Creating widespread awareness about the zero-deposit programme is one.

“As we continue expanding, education becomes vital. To address this, we’re strategically partnering with developers and agents to reach a wider audience. Additionally, ensuring a seamless user experience and building trust are ongoing priorities. By leveraging advanced technology and focusing on excellent customer service, we’re committed to overcoming these challenges and furthering our mission,” says Wong.

BlueDuck has onboarded two VC firms to its cap table, along with experienced angel investors. He says their expertise and guidance have been invaluable in shaping its strategic direction and fueling growth.

In the short term, BlueDuck is focused on expanding its market presence by increasing its subscriber base and forging strategic partnerships with developers and real estate agencies.

“In the long term, our vision is to become a dominant player in the region, expanding beyond Malaysia and venturing into other ASEAN countries. We envision a future where Blueduck’s zero-deposit programme becomes a standard in the rental industry, empowering millions of tenants and landlords,” Wong concludes.

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Image Credit: BlueDuck

The post How BlueDuck tackles the ‘hefty rental deposit’ problem in Malaysia using a zero-deposit scheme appeared first on e27.

Yesterday, e27 and Splunk teamed up to host “Information to Action: How to understand user behaviour, influence design, and shape business strategy” at The Hive Carpenter, illuminating the path for businesses seeking to harness the power of digital experiences to drive customer satisfaction and business success. The event brought together industry leaders and tech aficionados to explore the partnership between data and business success.

A lineup of exceptional speakers, including Pauline Sim, Manivannan Govindan, Simon Lawrie and Anisa Maulani delved into real-time insights for downtime reduction, leveraging exceptional digital experiences to achieve business objectives, and making sound data-driven decisions.

Also Read: Why using security information and event management (SIEM) tools makes sense even if SEA isn’t high on compliance yet

Here are some highlights from their discussion:

• Essence of Digital Experience: The discussion began with an exploration of the digital experience’s core, emphasising its emotional impact alongside functionality. Personalisation, speed, and reliability were identified as vital components.
• Overcoming Challenges: Resistance to change was recognised as a universal challenge in digital transformation. The panel stressed the need for cultural shifts, stakeholder alignment, and effective communication.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Data insights were highlighted as guiding lights for informed decisions. Real-world examples, such as banks during peak seasons, showcased the transformative impact of data analytics.
• Automation as a Solution: Automation was spotlighted as a solution to industry challenges such as talent shortages. Its efficiency-boosting potential and benefits in addressing talent gaps were underscored.
• Holistic Transformation Approach: Integrating digital tools seamlessly into existing ecosystems, balancing in-house development with ready-made solutions, and embracing innovation and automation were highlighted as pathways to successful digital transformation.

“Information to Action” was not just a discourse on digital experience but a voyage into the heart of customer engagement and business growth. The insights shared by the panellists resonated with professionals seeking to enhance their digital offerings and create lasting impressions on their users. Moreover, the event provided an opportunity for everyone to connect with fellow tech enthusiasts and industry leaders in the digital space. And guess what? It was a big success!

Also Read: Bill Tai wants to ’empower the next generation’ of Zuckerbergs

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the attendees who joined us. We had an absolute blast! Don’t forget to take a peek at these photos from the event.

The post Beyond discourse: Unpacking ‘Information to Action’ with e27 and Splunk appeared first on e27.

Since I got my hands on ChatGPT, I’ve been fascinated with AI. Okay, Black Mirror is probably one of my favourite series on Netflix, but I don’t like watching it alone because it scares me. I don’t think we’re that far from a Blade Runner 2049 world.

One thing I noticed when I started using ChatGPT for a week was that my brain was getting sluggish. The various AI applications such as ChatGPT, Rytr and Grammarly’s AI have made writing and editing articles much easier.

The brain is a muscle like every other body part, and we need to keep it working out. I like improv because I call it mental gymnastics. So I had to find other ways to sharpen my brain — I started doing crossword puzzles that week and decided to learn Bahasa in Duolingo. Nothing like learning a new language to keep your brain moving.

In an era where artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT provide instant answers, there’s growing concern that reliance on these platforms might dampen our cognitive abilities. The question is, how do we leverage these powerful tools without losing our edge? In this article, we’ll explore actionable strategies for balancing the convenience of AI with the development of human intellect.

Set clear boundaries: Know when to use AI

• Determine when to use AI and when to think independently.
• Use AI for complex queries and personal effort for simpler ones.
• The balance between convenience and cognitive effort.

Engage in regular mental exercises: Stay sharp

• Participate in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, reading, and writing.
• Explore creative pursuits like storytelling and stand-up comedy to enhance cognitive function.

Also Read: Should ChatGPT chat with your customers?

Apply what you learn: Make it practical

• Utilise the information gathered through AI in practical scenarios.
• Teach others to reinforce learning and maintain cognitive sharpness.

Incorporate physical exercise: A healthy mind in a healthy body

•  Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing mental function.
•  Physical health is an essential part of maintaining mental acuity.

Leverage AI as a collaborative tool: Partner with technology

•  Engage with AI tools in a way that complements your thinking.
•  Use AI to inspire new ideas and insights rather than merely as an information provider.

AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard are undoubtedly revolutionising how we access information. But they should not be seen as a threat to human intelligence. By adopting a balanced approach and implementing these strategies, we can maintain our cognitive edge and harness the full potential of AI.

Not only can we preserve our intellectual abilities, but we can also foster growth and creativity. The future is not about AI versus human intellect but how we can wisely integrate the two to forge new paths in understanding, innovation, and personal development.

I treat ChatGPT as both a sounding board and a springboard for idea generation for posts, articles, and, surprisingly enough, even jokes and stories when I’m stuck.

I use Canva’s AI to kick off slide creation, as I am not a big fan of slides.

Now dear reader, was this piece written by me or by AI?

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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

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

Image credit: Canva

The post Balancing AI and human ingenuity: A guide to keeping your brain sharp appeared first on e27.

The era of artificial intelligence (AI) is here, and one function that could quietly reap its benefits is HR: specifically recruitment within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

SMEs continue to be blighted by talent shortages, with one global study of SME leaders revealing that talent acquisition and retention is a key challenge for nearly half of all businesses, only behind survival and expansion. An apparent challenge for smaller firms in Singapore is that they are recruiting from a shallow pool of candidates and, within that, competing with large, well-established businesses for talent. 

Given that SMEs are key drivers of economic growth, addressing these issues at a policy level is important and must be done consistently and continuously. Equally, though, it is time for small businesses to reimagine the hiring process entirely.

Exploring AI solutions to tackle talent gaps

Small business owners typically spend too much time writing job descriptions and sifting through hundreds of résumés, speaking to interested applicants, and establishing meaningful connections with talent for future recruitment. It is a tedious and expensive undertaking under normal circumstances – but especially so in today’s economic climate where business costs are rising and fears of a recession are looming.

In a recent survey we conducted among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), 81 per cent of Singaporean SME business leaders believe they can’t compete with multinational corporations for talent given the rising costs of recruitment. In order to expand and grow, employers need to find an easier, more seamless way to secure and maintain talent. 

Once considered an expensive, futuristic tech investment, AI solutions are now well and truly within the reach of small businesses. From sourcing and screening candidates to scheduling interviews and even reducing bias in the process, there are sophisticated AI tools that are increasingly improving recruitment results for businesses on a small budget. 

Also Read: What can local companies do in 2023 for workplace mental fitness?

This was one of the key considerations that went into developing Swag – our own AI-powered solution that’s specifically designed to level the playing field for SMEs in the current employment landscape. Conversations with several small businesses made it clear that finding and retaining employees due to increased overheads and limited resources hinders their productivity, growth and oftentimes their survival in a challenging macroeconomic environment. 

Reaping rich rewards 

The return on investment for AI-driven recruitment solutions can be tremendous. New, emerging studies already point to remarkable returns for businesses using AI-driven solutions in the form of cost and time savings as well as strategic business benefits. 

What’s more, these solutions are punching above their weight to drive value beyond talent acquisition. For example, Swag is also a primary interface for work-related tasks, offering features like shout-outs, time and attendance management, leave tracking and rostering, which plays an important role in retaining and engaging talent.  

Addressing AI critics

As with any technological innovation, but especially with AI – there are plenty of critics. Within the recruitment industry, the reticence to adopt AI solutions has to do with risks of bias and redundancy of recruitment roles. The answer to both issues is the same: regardless of what solutions SMEs choose, recruiters won’t be replaced by AI.

If anything, AI can help recruiters spend time on higher-value tasks, including improving the candidate experience, building on candidate insights and engaging with passive candidates. Importantly, talent acquisition teams can focus on scrutinising bias and demanding greater transparency from the AI platforms they use. 

Small businesses are crucial to the nation’s economy, and today they face challenges on two key fronts: a lack of skilled and qualified staff needed for better productivity and future growth and a serious cost-of-living crisis faced by their employees, leading them to look externally for job opportunities.

AI-based solutions proactively address both these pain points by empowering employers to streamline key parts of the recruiting process, leading to improved talent attraction and retention, saving costs and time in the process.

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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

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

Image credit: Canva

The post Levelling the playing field: How AI can transform SME hiring appeared first on e27.

In the evolving landscape of the tech industry, diversity and inclusion are more than mere buzzwords – they are essential components driving progress and innovation. While attempts have been made in recent years to increase gender and racial representation in tech, the inclusion of disabled persons remains a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of this broader conversation.

According to an Adobe study, 77 per cent of employees with disabilities feel their employers have improved support since the pandemic began. Yet, 84 per cent of all respondents, irrespective of disability status, think their colleagues would benefit from enhanced workplace accessibility.

Moreover, 75 per cent of the disability community considers accessibility and inclusivity as crucial when assessing job opportunities. These insights indicate that, despite advancements in the workplace and technological accessibility, there’s room for further improvement.

In the tech sector, leveraging diverse perspectives is essential for innovation. Representation of disabled individuals is not only ethically significant but also drives growth and dynamism. The concept of diversity and inclusion is not only about hiring people from all walks of life but creating an environment where they are valued and appreciated for their unique identities. 

A recent study by McKinsey & Company, Diversity wins: How inclusion matters, revealed that companies excelling in diversity and inclusion see a profitability increase between 25 per cent to 36 per cent. These companies also have superior employee retention and demonstrate a 20 per cent elevated rate of innovation compared to their counterparts.

In July, marking Disability Pride Month, the emphasis was on the importance of embracing individuals with disabilities, offering a moment of reflection on the state of inclusion in tech, and highlighting both challenges and initiatives taken by industry leaders. As a leading player in the tech ecosystem, GitHub shares how they are promoting inclusion and accessibility in their platform.

A commitment to inclusive development

On May 18, which was also Global Accessibility Awareness Day,  GitHub announced several product updates aimed at enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for its 100M+ developers.

Also Read: Building the rainbow bridge: How businesses can foster Diversity & Inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees

GitHub’s first Head of Accessibility, Ed Summers, says, “Today, there are over 650 million people in APAC living with disabilities and more than one billion people globally. I’m proud to be one of them. However, those of us with disabilities encounter barriers every day that we need to work around to live the life we want to live. The World Bank has labelled this situation ‘The Disability Divide’ and acknowledged technology as a ‘disruptive force’ that can enable the inclusion of people with disabilities.

“Technology has the potential to completely transform life for people with disabilities. But, if we want to make a real difference in accessibility, we’ve got to figure out how to get more people with disabilities on board as creators, incorporating their valuable insights and lived experiences into the mix.”

Summers, confronted with a degenerative retina condition, lost his vision twenty years ago and adapted to screen readers and other assistive technologies to navigate computer systems. Committed to furthering accessibility, his primary goal is to assist individuals with disabilities in maximising their potential in both the modern classroom and the 21st-century knowledge economy.

Grounded in his experiences, Summers asserts that involving individuals with disabilities in the software development process stands as a pivotal strategy to enhance accessibility and address the Disability Divide. This principle has underpinned his professional pursuits for the past decade.

“In August 2022, I started my professional journey as Head of Accessibility at GitHub. Every day I’m excited to be here because GitHub has a critical role to play in improving accessibility and disability inclusion for developers globally,” remarked Summers. 

GitHub’s accessibility program aims to support individuals with disabilities in software development. The initiative begins with the company’s hiring practices and includes training for all employees on accessibility protocols. The platform is being adapted to accommodate developers with disabilities, and GitHub collaborates with these developers to understand their specific requirements. 

The GitHub team has implemented several accessibility improvements, including a primary navigation experience designed with accessibility in mind and a fast code search compatible with screen readers. Looking ahead, GitHub Copilot, an AI tool for developers, has introduced an experimental feature called GitHub Copilot Voice, enabling coding through voice and potentially assisting developers with hand-typing challenges.

The company is also working with external partners and the open-source community to further its goals for disability inclusion. GitHub commits to maintaining its focus on accessibility, providing updates on its progress, and addressing community feedback.

Personal triumphs highlight industry-wide potential

While we discuss the advancements in assistive technology and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in software development, it’s crucial to illustrate these points with real-world examples. Let’s consider the story of Becky Tyler to provide a firsthand perspective.

Becky Tyler’s journey in coding began uniquely: she navigates the digital world entirely with her eyes, from live streaming and drawing to writing code. Her interest originated from gaming, especially Minecraft. While studying computer science at the University of Dundee, she explored open-source software and collaboration.

Initially, Becky interacted with video games through Special Effects, a nonprofit focusing on accessibility. However, the assistive equipment’s limitations led to her seeking enhanced tools. In response, developer Kirsty McNaught, in conjunction with Special Effect, integrated OptiKey’s eye gaze tracking with EyeMine, an interface tailored for players with disabilities. As a beta tester, Becky’s passion for coding was kindled, realizing she could address many accessibility challenges firsthand.

Also Read: How and why you should embrace neurodiversity at the workplace

Becky’s story is similar to that of many other developers, but with one exception – the standard way of using a computer was inaccessible to her. Her journey underscores the transformative potential of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities and the importance of their involvement in the development process.

The intersection of tech and inclusivity

Diversity and inclusion are evolving past mere social responsibility markers. Companies increasingly understand that aiding employees with disabilities through necessary infrastructure and assistive technology not only boosts credibility but also spurs innovation. 

A diverse and inclusive organisational culture augments value and productivity while opening doors for a broader talent pool. This results in a new ecosystem that enables fresh ideas and encourages a progressive approach to roadblocks.

“I hope to see more advances in assistive technologies in the coming years. This includes more sophisticated and accessible tools that cater to a wider range of disabilities, enabling seamless participation in various aspects of life and work. I also hope to see even more opportunities open up for disabled individuals in the tech industry.

“By taking proactive steps like implementing accessible workplace design and inclusive policies, organisations can enable disabled individuals to have more meaningful and fulfilling careers in tech. My vision is a future where people with disabilities play a vital role in shaping technological innovations, making society more inclusive and prosperous for everyone,” said Summers.

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Singapore-based VC firm Jungle Ventures has announced the addition of HealthXCapital to lead its healthcare investments in Southeast Asia and India.

Seemant Jauhari, a seasoned leader with 22 years of experience in healthcare investments who has led HealthXCapital since its inception, will be joining Jungle Ventures as a Partner for healthcare.

HealthXCapital has engaged with more than 1,200 founders across a wide range of healthcare segments, including home care, ambulatory care, insurtech, data sciences, and brain health. Their portfolio features names such as RED.Health, Homage, Medfin, and THB.

Jungle Ventures specialises in early to growth-stage investments in Southeast Asia and India, with a focus on nurturing businesses from their inception through their journey to becoming unicorns and eventually to IPO.

The firm’s portfolio includes regional and global category leaders such as Kredivo, Moglix, Pomelo, Livspace, Builder.ai, and Sociolla.

Also Read: Boost Capital lands US$2.5M for its chat-based bank client onboarding platform

The digital transformation in the healthcare industry, spurring innovations in advanced diagnostics, personalised medicine, big data, and AI, offers a significant opportunity for founders and investors to partner with innovators aiming to impact healthcare for the two billion people in Southeast Asia and India.

“I believe that by converging outside-in perspectives derived from investing across sectors and our nuanced understanding of healthcare, we shall be able to bring forth a unique strategic and operational value add to healthcare startups in the region,” said Jauhari.

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Singapore-based IoT transaction platform, Beep, has announced the launch of what it claims to be Southeast Asia’s largest electric vehicle roaming (eRoaming) network. Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in Singapore (HMGICS), Tribecar, EVFY, Singapore Electric Vehicles, and Quantum Mobility are among the initial entities to use the network.

Beep also announced the successful completion of its seed funding round, led by GGV Capital and Wing Vasiksiri. NUS Technology Holdings, SUTD Venture Holdings, XA Network, and prominent angel investors also took part in the funding round. The amount of funding is undisclosed.

Beep will utilise the fresh funds to improve technical connectivity and deploy the largest roaming network in Southeast Asia as part of expansion plans into Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond. The company will continue to collaborate with additional charge point operators, vehicle OEMs, and fleets to grow the network on a permission basis.

Also Read: We need to accelerate progress at the frontier of innovation

Founded in 2018, Beep seeks to transform the traditional vending machine industry by enabling cashless transactions through its innovative IoT platform.

Beep’s platform functions as a universal translator, connecting various charging systems used by different operators, eliminating the need for extra integration efforts. Rather than developing a proprietary Voltality charging app, Beep provides a white-label website or API, enabling vehicle manufacturers, charging operators, and fleets to incorporate charging connectivity into their current applications or interfaces.

After collaborating with the Singapore Government during the pandemic, Beep launched Voltality in 2021, an eMobility platform for businesses and drivers. In 2022, it initiated the region’s first eRoaming pilot with five operators.

Spanning over 1,350 charge points, the network is a collaboration with 11 operators in Singapore, including the nation’s three largest operators — SP Group, ComfortDelGro ENGIE (CDG ENGIE), and Charge+, as well as strategic providers like QuickCharge, MNL Solutions, and Go by City Energy.

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Image credit: Beep

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