From the death of cookies to the ‘Privacy Sandbox’, Southeast Asian advertisers are gearing up for some major changes from Google in 2024. After four years of chatter, the global technology giant is finally ready to sunset third-party cookies within months.

Dubbed the ‘cookie apocalypse’, the user privacy-led shift has left many in the marketing and publishing communities understandably worried about the future of their programmatic campaigns and their ability to effectively plan, target and measure.

Driving without fuel

Google’s third-party cookie, a unique code that tracks users’ browsing habits, has underpinned digital advertising since the early 2000s. In the past two decades, the cookie has been instrumental in enabling advertisers and publishers to build highly targeted and personalised digital campaigns using programmatic buying.

Programmatic advertising’s growth and value cannot be underestimated. In Asia Pacific in 2021, the spending on programmatic stood at US$147.5 billion. This is expected to increase to US$262.13 billion by 2026. As one of the fastest-growing ad types, programmatic has become a staple in any marketer’s toolbox.

Third-party cookies provide the data that allow marketers to target audiences with highly personalised ads on any site or platform. So, running a programmatic campaign without this data may initially appear to be like trying to drive a car without fuel. 

But this is not a new challenge. Privacy regulations such as GDPR requiring explicit consent and changes to operating systems like the Apple iOS introducing ITP in 2017 have meant that third-party cookies have long since been redundant across nearly half of all internet usage.

Working with an agnostic programmatic partner can help marketers run cookieless campaigns with confidence, ensuring exceptional performance regardless of what happens in the future, with or without cookies.

At Crimtan, we’re not only following Google’s Privacy Sandbox, but we’re also working to ensure that our approach works alongside identity technologies such as LiveRamp and advances in AI to afford more real-time signals to effectively plan, measure and target, such as probabilistic matching.

Also Read: Navigate in a cookie-less world, leverage AI and think community-first

And, although not all these initiatives have been welcomed by the advertising industry (the Privacy Sandbox’s current state clearly leaves room for scepticism), APAC marketers have reason to be optimistic. The United States and the United Kingdom have already witnessed a pullback in the use of cookies to track and identify customers as a result of legislation and big tech firm initiatives.

Indeed, around 28 per cent of US mobile browsers and 20 per cent of UK mobile browsers are now cookieless. A Yahoo study meanwhile revealed that over 90 per cent of the same reach can be achieved without cookies. 

As such, there is reason to hope for cookieless programmatic advertising campaigns that are accurate and still generate a high return on investment. Here’s how to achieve this.

Wider reach with consent 

The first key to a successful post-cookie campaign is to switch up the data. Marketers may no longer have the same access to third-party data, but they have treasure troves of their own – known as first-party data.

Marketers will need to get their data in order: document it, assess its value and ensure it complies with the relevant privacy regulations. Once this is in place, they should work with multiple technology partners to analyse their first-party data, create lookalike audiences, personalise content and find target audiences online.

First-party data allows marketers to identify the right customer at the right time and place and with the right messaging. Testing and analysing first-party data will enable marketers to customise advertising strategies and reach customers most efficiently.

Using cookieless connected platforms can help marketers identify high-value customers, find similar audiences and group them into target segments. Platforms such as Crimtan’s ArchiTECH help marketers serve personalised messages through dynamic creative optimisation (DCO), allowing them to leverage a single template to curate many different, highly relevant variations of an ad to connect with different audience segments throughout the customer lifecycle journey.

This was seen through Crimtan’s partnership with JTB Communication Design (JCD), which operates Joshitabi, an entertainment news, lifestyle and travel information site targeting Japanese women, boasting over 3.4 million users. The partnership combined Crimtan’s programmatic solutions with Joshitabi’s first-party data, enabling targeted advertising across the entire travel journey – without the aid of cookies.

Also Read: We can no longer adopt a cookie-cutter approach to marketing: Gunalan Ram of CINNOX

Through this collaboration, advertisers could gain exclusive access to real-time traveller intent signals from Joshitabi’s audience, providing a new opportunity for brands to expand beyond their current reach, revolutionising advertising for Japanese outbound travel and enhancing overall marketing performance.

Having an agnostic solution that can pick the best option, either persistent ID or probabilistic, that doesn’t rely on third-party cookies is crucial for effectively retargeting existing and new customers.

Crimtan’s cookieless connected platform underpinned by its agnostic ActiveID, combines deterministic data with probabilistic and signal data to produce a robust option to more effectively plan, target and measure your marketing campaigns. This translates to achieving a wide reach of your target audience with consent.

The end of cookies does not mean the end of successful programmatic advertising. Taking an agnostic approach will help marketers navigate whatever changes lay ahead, while by using well-managed first-party data and technology, they can still enjoy the rewards of precise, compliant and high-return programmatic campaigns.

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Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in the last few years have made AI a buzzword in everyday life. AI cameras watch as you purchase in the self-checkout lane, notifying associates if you don’t ring up an item. Companies even utilise AI in their human resources (HR) departments, writing job descriptions and scanning job applications to locate the most qualified people for open positions.

However, AI algorithms are only as unbiased as those creating the programs. It still offers promising possibilities to remove preconceived notions when utilised correctly.

How to use AI to remove hiring bias

One might think a computer is immune to bias, but the opposite is sometimes true. While AI might remove it, it could also unintentionally embrace past outcomes and duplicate biases. Adding a human component to the selection process is crucial to avoid discrimination.

Here are some ways HR and company leadership can tap into the power of AI to remove hiring bias: 

List future skills

A survey on how people view AI found that 69 per cent of people from Thailand felt it would replace their jobs, and 62 per cent from Malaysia and Indonesia felt the same. As the world shifts to a machine learning mode, people will need to have or develop new skills in their industries.

Things are likely to become more automated, so learning, growing and adapting are as crucial as any book knowledge. AI can help HR teams create job descriptions that list current and future skills necessary to excel in the field.

Use broad datasets

When training AI models, it’s crucial to pull from the wider population, other countries, different socioeconomic levels and various cultures. If you wish to utilise AI to remove bias against age, gender, race and other demographic factors, you must train it from a vast pool of thoughts.

Also Read: How AnyMind Group achieved profitability through its approach to human resource and leadership

It’s wise to speak with diverse members of the team for programming. If your company isn’t yet diverse, you may want to pull in data from larger enterprises to avoid programming inherent bias into the selection process.

Improve onboarding

One thing that can prevent your team from being diverse is losing people shortly after hiring them. Approximately 33 per cent of new hires quit within three months. Use AI onboarding to ensure your training process removes unfairness and is accessible to all employees.

Since computers look at step-by-step processes, AI is a great way to build out your training modules. You can even run simulations to see how a specific persona might react to training.

Be transparent

One way AI helps remove bias in the hiring process is by showing the outside world your efforts to remain diverse and unbiased. Be open about your policies and how your algorithms work. Tell potential employees which parts of the hiring process tap into AI to gather candidates and share what you’re looking for. Explain how the computer sorts resumes with certain skills listed.

You can never totally remove bias, even with a computer. However, trying to do so will reward your brand with a nice mix of staff members with various backgrounds and knowledge to share.

Reduce research time

Data analytics is a top use of AI in business because computers are adept at sorting through tons of information and spitting out results. HR departments can utilise automation to sift through hundreds of applications and select only those with the qualifications most necessary to fill the position.

The machine doesn’t look at gender, age or race but only at the applicant’s skills. By letting it do the initial sorting, those who have a lot to offer but might fall outside the hiring norm still have a chance to gain a face-to-face interview and wow leaders.

Give humans the final say

Yes, humans suffer from their own biases. Some prefer those who are familiar with what they’ve always known. Others grew up in a non-diverse environment and may not fully understand another culture. Some prefer a certain level of education or gender. AI data sorting removes bias, but you don’t want a computer to decide about someone you must interact with daily.

Also Read: Why we need to embrace HR tech adoption stat

The best way to remove bias after AI does its work and humans take over is to train leadership and HR teams to be aware of their personal preferences and fight against them. Show the benefits of a diverse workforce in solving problems.

Feed the machine

AI gets better over time via machine learning. Take the time to feed the machine new data as you learn excellent techniques. If you notice the computer is biased in one area, retrain it to remove that preference.

Can AI make hiring bias worse?

AI is valuable in finding and training new employees to your standards, but it isn’t perfect. The best thing you can do is utilise it to remove as much bias as possible in the early stages of recruitment. Take the time to look for and be aware of biases, as it’s the first step to removing discrimination.

—

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Dear reader,

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines is intensifying its efforts to block access to crypto exchange platform Binance, citing concerns over the security of Filipino investors’ funds.

With approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the SEC aims to restrict local access to Binance’s main website and affiliated platforms. Emilio Aquino, SEC chairperson, emphasised the perceived threat posed by Binance’s unlicensed services, including crypto savings accounts and leveraged trading products.

Despite the SEC’s warnings, data suggests a substantial crypto user base in the Philippines, ranking 7th globally with over 9.3 million owners.

The SEC’s scrutiny of Binance dates back to November 2023, coinciding with legal issues faced by Binance’s former CEO.

While Binance’s operations in the Philippines underwent leadership changes, the SEC remained resolute in its stance against the platform, underscoring regulatory challenges in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.

Sainul,
Editor.

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NEWS

Philippines to move ahead with Binance ban
The Securities and Exchange Commission chairperson Emilio Aquino said in a letter to the National Telecommunications Commission that Binance is a “threat to the security of the funds of investing Filipinos”.

Indonesian lending platform Akulaku secures US$100M from HSBC
The proceeds will be used to settle some of Akulaku’s debts; Akulaku has a presence in the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, plus Indonesia, its major market for the company.

Bukalapak posts 23% revenue growth in 2023, nearly hits EBITDA breakeven in Q4
The company logged adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2023 at negative US$2.9M, improving by 80% y-o-y; A factor in Bukalapak missing this milestone is its investment in Allo Bank, which dragged down the e-commerce firm’s performance.

Japan’s GMO Financial Gate infuses capital into Soft Space
This alliance, coming before Soft Space’s planned Series C funding round, aims to provide cashless payments across various industries in Japan, including transportation, hospitality, and the extensive F&B sector.

Ant Group pumps US$148M into SG digibank unit Anext Bank
This follows the US$188M that the digibank received from Ant in March last year; The bank focuses on local and regional MSMEs, especially those dealing with cross-border transactions.

Reddit co-founder’s VC firm eyes Japan for AI chip investments
Named ‘Seven Seven Six’, the VC firm will focus on startups designing and manufacturing processors centred around AI development; Seven Seven Six currently handles US$970M in assets under management.

Crowd Credit to pump US$50M into SEA via Helicap tie-up
Helicap will connect potential Southeast Asian borrowers with Crowd Credit and help nurture the latter’s relationship with financial institutions in the region; Crowd Credit will also link investment opportunities in Japan to Helicap.

A judge just killed Elon Musk’s lawsuit against anti-hate research org
X sued the CCDH last year, accusing the group of spreading misleading claims after it published a series of unflattering reports about hate and extremism on the platform; In the lawsuit, X claimed that it lost “tens of millions of dollars” as a direct result of the CCDH’s research.

Bankrupt FTX sells stake in hot AI startup Anthropic
The shares in Anthropic were considered plum assets in the remains of the FTX empire that collapsed in late 2022 when revelations showed occurrences of massive fraud by Bankman-Fried and his close associates.

Zomato CEO has a warning for startup founders on how businesses may disappear
Deepinder Goyal warns that startups will need to innovate to create long-lasting businesses as the rapid evolution of technology will make current business models irrelevant in the years to come.

FEATURES

The rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried: an unrepentant ex-mogul faces down decades in prison
Bankman-Fried, who founded the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, was found guilty on 2 November 2023 of seven counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money.

‘We want to treat our customers like educated LPs of a fund’: Michael Do of 1Long
‘We frequently update their portfolio holdings and our investment decisions while sharing resources that an investor relations department typically offers’, says 1Long CEO.

Building Tokocrypro taught me the power of community: Untukmu’s Pang Xue Kai
Operating in the crypto space taught me the importance of navigating regulatory landscapes adeptly, says the Untukmu.AI founder and CEO.

CONTRIBUTORY ARTICLES

Is Web3 just another ‘hype’ or will it unlock a multi-trillion dollar opportunity in fintech?
The blend of traditional finance and digital Web3 fintech presents a promising opportunity for a more efficient and connected financial ecosystem.

Rethinking DEI: A founder’s perspective
The current lack of trust is hindering our progress in DEI. DEI is not a zero-sum game; By unlocking the potential of women, minorities, and marginalised communities, we can create a better world for everyone.

What the post-cookie era means for programmatic marketing
After Google phases out third-party cookies, how can brands ensure consistent planning, activation, and measurement in their programmatic advertising campaigns?

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Women and AI: How startups can prevent gender bias and promote responsible use of the tech
Gender bias within AI is quite a complex topic in and of itself, but startups can play a more active role in preventing that.

Pitching 101: Questions that VCs will ask you during a pitch session
Even during the pandemic, opportunities to attend a pitching session with a potential investor remain abundant.

What metrics to monitor as a B2B SaaS company?
What are the key metrics you should be tracking to ensure the right understanding of your business and the sustained longevity of your company?

Pitching from home: How to get investors’ attention in a virtual world
Golden Gate’s Vinnie Lauria shares his quick advice on getting a “yes” to an investor meeting and making it a home run.

Bukalapak spills the secrets of building a high-performing mobile development team
A Bukalapak engineer should never hesitate to share his knowledge with fellow industry players, and help them achieve success.

5 legal mistakes startups make after inception and how you can avoid them
Yes, so much is said about law and lawyers that you may feel a bit intimidated by their presence or maybe even apprehensive; But as a startup, one of the grave mistakes you can make is not to have a lawyer you can consult from the initial stages of your business.

ECHELON

21 more industry leaders will be taking the Echelon X stage!
Get to know our second set of key innovators who will be speaking at Echelon X to discuss trends and insights on the latest!
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X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Enjoy 2 days of building connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, exploring innovation, and sharing insights with 8,000+ key decision-makers of Asia’s tech ecosystem. Get your tickets here.

Want more from your Echelon experience? Be an Echelon X sponsor or exhibitor. Send enquiry here.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Binance faces ban in Philippines | Akulaku secures US$100M from HSBC appeared first on e27.

Singapore’s tourism sector is showing signs of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2023 tourism receipts reaching approximately US$24.5 to US$26 billion, surpassing earlier forecasts.

However, this still represents only 88 per cent to 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. Despite the positive trajectory, socio-economic factors are expected to temper the pace of recovery. One such factor is the current process of GST refunds for tourists, where refunds are only processed upon their departure from Singapore, potentially resulting in revenue leaving the country.

Recognising the disconnect between the intended purpose of tax-free shopping and the tourist experience, utu, a Singapore-based company, seeks to revolutionise the tax-free shopping experience. By offering tourists the option to upsize their GST refunds instantly, utu aims to provide immediate value that can be used for additional purchases in-store. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional VAT refunds, allowing tourists to unlock the full potential of their refunds before leaving the country.

Partnering with retailers, travel rewards programmes, and exploring duty-free collaborations, utu aims to enhance tourists’ shopping experiences while benefiting local businesses and economies.

“We understand traditional VAT refunds can be limiting for tourists. That’s why we empower them to unlock the full potential of their refunds right away before leaving the country. We transform their VAT refunds into instant rewards – tourists still follow the regular tax-refunding procedures, but utu adds that extra layer of excitement,” says co-founder Ameer Jumabhoy in an email to e27.

Also Read: Zero-Error Systems: Safeguarding space travel from satellite collisions and debris

Transforming GST refund with utu

In recent years, utu has made several notable milestones, starting with its ability to weather through the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the travel and tourism industries significantly. It has partnered with brands such as Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Accor.

utu has also introduced utu Privileges, a programme that allows tourists shopping in Singapore to upsize their tax refunds by up to 110 per cent of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on their purchases. According to the company, this upsized refund can be used immediately to offset purchases at participating retailers, boosting sales and keeping tourist dollars circulating within Singapore’s economy.

“We’re still in the early stages, but utu Privileges has the potential to be game-changing. It’s designed to generate additional tourist spending, and retailers are seeing the value proposition. This product signifies a shift in how tax-free shopping can benefit everyone involved,” Jumabhoy explains.

“We built this model with a win-win mentality. I, like most people, am totally over subscription fatigue – my streaming bills alone are scary! With utu Privileges, we’re performance-based. We only earn a fee when our technology drives an additional sale for a merchant. No subscriptions, just a focus on boosting their bottom line.”

utu defines its primary users as everyday shoppers wanting to stretch their tax-free refunds further. “We focus on typical purchases – maybe a nice handbag, a wallet, or a pair of shoes – that represent the majority of tax-free spending,” explains Jumabhoy.

Also Read: Will climate change force us to re-imagine travel in the future?

The company has two main focuses for its user acquisition strategy: Collaborating with Travel Partners and Retail Partners to offer utu Privileges to their customers.

“We collaborate with major airlines such as Etihad, EVA Airways, and THAI, as well as hotel groups like Accor, to onboard their members onto the utu
platform. This lets them boost their refunds with miles or rewards points,” the CEO says. “Our retail partners such as La Martina and Coccinelle directly promote utu Privileges to tourists in their stores.”

Jumabhoy also stresses that while utu tracks its user acquisition, its true success measure is the transactions it drives. “That is when we know we have helped tourists get more from their shopping experience.”

Empowering travellers with AI

utu is currently run by a team of 50 from its offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Hyderabad, and Milan. According to Jumabhoy, the company’s global presence allows it to tap into unique perspectives and better understand the needs of its international partners.

It also counted SC Ventures as one of its key investors.

Also Read: RedDoorz: Post-pandemic, we observed a behaviour shift among Indonesia’s Gen-Z travellers

When asked about their major plan this year, Jumabhoy hints about introducing a new AI-based tool to support its Privileges programme.

“This year, we’re focused on revolutionising the way tourists experience tax-free shopping. We’re about to launch a cutting-edge AI tool that will transform how our utu Privileges programme is used, making it even more seamless and rewarding. While we’re not primarily an AI company, we recognise the power of this technology to drive exceptional user experiences,” Jumabhoy closes.

“Additionally, we have several major partnerships in the pipeline that will extend the benefits tourists can enjoy with utu. Our goal is to create a truly connected journey, from the moment they shop to the moment they depart. Keep a close eye on our announcements – exciting things are on the horizon!”

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Image Credit: utu

The post How utu aims to boost tourism by transforming the traditional VAT refunds system appeared first on e27.

Last month, Singapore-based global invoice financing marketplace Incomlend announced the acquisition of LC Lite, a specialised Web3-powered trade finance marketplace, for an undisclosed amount. The deal will empower Incomlend to operate through a new fintech platform, reaching crypto and fiat investors through trade finance.

In this interview, LC Lite co-founder Jean-Charles Devin discusses the acquisition and how digital currencies can improve financial inclusion.

Excerpts:

What synergies do you envision between the two companies?

The acquisition will benefit both companies. Firstly, Incomlend gains access to a new platform that reaches crypto and fiat investors in trade financing. This will help it to expand its customer base.

Similarly, LC Lite’s Web3 focus enables Incomlend to explore the expanding Web3 technology domain and potentially add capabilities such as stablecoin transactions in the future. It will also help Incomlend expedite its Middle Eastern expansion aspirations.

Also Read: Invoice financing marketplace Incomlend acquires LC Lite to reach crypto, fiat investors

Overall, the acquisition provides Incomlend with new technology, a larger investor base, and the possibility to enter a new market.

Could you elaborate on how the new fintech platform resulting from the acquisition will facilitate trade finance, particularly in the Middle East, and what advantages it brings to the table?

The new fintech platform will revolutionise trade finance, particularly in the Middle East, by leveraging advanced technologies to streamline processes and mitigate risks. The acquisition will allow Incomlend to offer a new strategy that combines the reliability of receivables financing with the growth potential of digital assets. This could be particularly attractive to investors in the Middle Eastern region.

By incorporating LC Lite’s fintech, Incomlend will also reach a wider pool of investors, including crypto and fiat investors interested in trade finance. This can increase the liquidity in the marketplace, which will also benefit the broader UAE economy.

LC Lite’s technology also paves the way for Incomlend to support future stablecoins transactions. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to real-world assets, reducing the price volatility often associated with other cryptocurrencies. This could make trade finance more appealing to a wider range of participants in the Middle East.

Overall, the acquisition is part of Incomlend’s plan to accelerate its growth in the Middle East. By offering a wider range of trade finance options, we will cater to the needs of a growing market.

With the integration of Web3 technology into Incomlend’s platform, how do LC Lite foresee this transforming the landscape of asset class creation within invoice financing?

Integrating Web3 technology into Incomlend’s platform will democratise asset class creation within invoice financing by introducing DeFi principles. It will increase accessibility by facilitating transactions and creating new avenues for liquidity provision and investment diversification.

Could you explain how the use of digital currencies could streamline and enhance the efficiency of invoice financing processes, both for businesses and investors?

Digital currencies can streamline and enhance the efficiency of invoice financing processes by eliminating intermediaries, reducing transaction costs, and enabling real-time settlement. Smart contracts can automate various aspects of the invoice financing process, such as invoice authenticity verification, payments and return distribution.

In what specific ways can fintech firms like Incomlend leverage digital currencies to improve financial inclusion, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure may be lacking?

Besides lowering transaction costs and enabling instant settlement, Web3 technology can streamline remittance services and cross-border payments in regions with high fees and limited access to banking services, consequently improving global liquidity.

As a blockchain expert, what challenges do you foresee in integrating digital currencies into invoice financing, and how do you plan to address them?

Not many businesses, particularly small ones, are familiar or comfortable with digital currencies yet. We might encounter some roadblocks on the adoption side. LC Lite will provide educational materials and clear communication about the benefits and procedures for adopting digital currencies in invoice financing. We will also collaborate with industry players to raise awareness and drive adoption.

Also Read: Incomlend raises US$20M Series A for Asia, Europe expansion

Another concern might be security. Digital currencies are subject to hacking and fraud, meaning businesses must ensure their cash is secure. We strive to implement strong cybersecurity measures and collaborate with trustworthy custodians of digital assets, prioritising safe storage and transaction mechanisms.

By addressing these issues, Incomlend and other stakeholders can pave the way for a more efficient and equitable invoice financing environment that fully realises the potential of digital currencies.

What are some potential risks associated with using digital currencies in invoice financing, and how does Incomlend mitigate these risks to ensure the security of transactions?

Besides the security risk, Incomlend must ensure that there is sufficient liquidity available to facilitate invoice financing, maintain adequate reserves of digital assets, and establish partnerships with liquidity providers to mitigate the liquidity risk. On the regulatory side, Incomlend has already implemented strong AML/KYC procedures.

—

X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Enjoy 2 days of building connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, exploring innovation, and sharing insights with 8,000+ key decision-makers of Asia’s tech ecosystem. Get your tickets here.

Want more from your Echelon experience? Be an Echelon X sponsor or exhibitor. Send enquiry here.

The post ‘Stablecoins could make trade finance more appealing’: says LC Lite co-founder appeared first on e27.

Today, the question of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) still looms large. But how well are we really doing, and why should founders take note?

Surprisingly, the social sector (which is my sector) scores lower than expected in DEI. According to Forbes, 3.7 per cent of US nonprofits are transparent about their diversity data. This lack of openness raises questions, especially since the DEI concept has been around since the 1960s. No one, it seems, can truly claim to be leading the way in DEI.

The consequences of getting DEI wrong can be severe

Google Gemini AI’s mistake resulted in a black George Washington and a US$90 billion loss in market value. 

And that is the entire GDP of Luxembourg!

This example highlights that DEI missteps are not only detrimental to company culture but can also have significant financial repercussions.

As founders, we should care about DEI for several reasons. It’s not just about doing the right thing; it’s also about building a successful business. I am an eternal optimist and believe that everyone wants to do the right thing. 

Change requires trust

And the current lack of trust is hindering our progress in DEI. DEI is not a zero-sum game. 

By unlocking the potential of women, minorities, and marginalised communities, we can create a better world for everyone. 

Also Read: Invest in women, accelerate progress: Why gender equality matters now more than ever

Here are three key steps to consider:

• Build trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful DEI initiative. As leaders, we must foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This means being transparent, open to feedback, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Embrace the truth: Acknowledging the hard truths about our biases and systemic inequalities is crucial. We must be honest about where we stand and where we need to go. This honesty will guide our actions and help us make meaningful progress.
• Catch our own biases: We all have biases, but recognising and addressing them is key. By being aware of our own biases, we can make more inclusive decisions and create a more equitable environment for everyone.

DEI is not about one group losing for another to win. It’s about creating a world where everyone can thrive together.

As founders, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example and make a lasting impact. Let’s embrace DEI not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic advantage for a better future.

—

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

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Since its inception in 1851 by Western Union, the finance industry has experienced significant transformations in its operational frameworks and methodologies. The evolution from the introduction of the first money telegraph service to the advent of the Internet and mobile banking has revolutionised the landscape of financial transactions, particularly in the realm of cross-border payments. 

Cross-border transactions have experienced significant growth, with B2B cross-border transactions representing a Total Addressable Market (TAM) of US$39.4 trillion in 2023. Projections indicate that this figure is expected to reach US$56.1 trillion by 2030, reflecting a substantial 43 per cent increase.

Cross-border transactions have become a fundamental component of international trade and commerce. However, the industry’s slow uptake in fully embracing and integrating innovative solutions while sticking to traditional finance (TradFi) approaches is why cross-border transactions remain expensive, slow and inefficient.  

In a study conducted by Oliver Wyman and J.P Morgan among multinational corporations (MNCs), for a transaction volume of US$23.5 trillion, the cross-border transaction costs amounted to US$120 billion, with a long settlement period of two to three days. As such, it is unsurprising that one of the key goals of G20 is prioritising enhancing cross-border payments with a keen focus on improving transaction speed, cost, access and transparency. 

The challenges experienced can be attributed to the existing deficiencies in traditional financial approaches. The absence of interoperability among correspondent banking systems in various countries has led to the engagement of multiple intermediaries from different regions, time zones, and operating procedures.

Consequently, the lack of transparency and consistency among correspondent banks has resulted in delays and increased costs. Moreover, the absence of a uniform legal and regulatory framework across nations complicates compliance with regulatory standards, further prolonging the processing time required for cross-border transactions.

This is where Web3 comes in as a game-changer. 

Preventing another SVB-like situation: Why the shift to Web3 is necessary for TradFi institutions 

One of the potential models for TradFi institutions to overcome challenges faced in cross-border transactions is by integrating the technological solutions offered by Web3 technologies, particularly tokenisation. In the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 2022 Global Financial Stability Report, the IMF has found that DeFi’s nuanced approach to financial markets results in outstanding cost savings as compared to TradFi systems due to its strong ability to increase security and transparency, which decreases costs and long transaction times. 

Also Read: Animoca Brands invests in Singaporean Web3 entertainment startup Imaginary Ones

By utilising smart contracts and blockchain technology brought forth by Web3, the process of tokenisation involves the substitution of “individuals” or “institutions” with “codes”. This approach enables trustless transactions, where there is no reliance on any single party, permissionless execution and verification of transactions by any participant, and immutability of records once finalised, preventing any single entity from altering the state of the transaction. 

The largest bank run of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) provides a strong testament to the importance of transparency. The failure of the bank can be attributed to several underlying issues, one of which pertains to the “liquidity gap.”

By tokenising both assets and liabilities, the bank would have been able to provide customers with immediate visibility into its reserves and capital, thereby assuring them that the bank was not insolvent and had not engaged in excessive leveraging. This, in turn, could have prevented the spread of panic through social media channels.

Beyond cross-border payments: Tokenisation also paves the way for greater access and inclusion

Tokenisation is set to reimagine the finance industry by shifting the way real-world assets are perceived and managed in the digital realm. Tokenisation essentially entails the conversion of entitlements to a valuable digital asset, whether tangible, such as real estate, or intangible, like intellectual property, into a digital token residing upon a blockchain.

These tokens, predominantly on decentralised platforms, symbolise ownership or a stake in the underlying asset, facilitating effortless transferability, divisibility, and ease of trade within Web3.  

The St. Regis Aspen Resort case offers a real-world example that showcases the untapped potential of tokenisation, especially in real estate investments. Real estate firm Elevated Returns took the unconventional approach of offering digital tokens representing equity (tokenising) to accredited investors. The low capital requirement, increased investor access, and high liquidity led to the resort’s price increase of 32 per cent with the investment growth.

Also Read: Financial models for Web3 startups: Guiding principles for success

Now, consider the potential for replicating the achievements seen in the real-estate sector to other real-world assets, including infrastructure, financial assets and even intellectual property — the opportunity is endless. 

Tokenisation is now a rapidly expanding frontier reshaping the finance industry

While the Web3 market is currently facing a bear market, with Global Web3 Market Sales Revenue dropping from US$3.34 billion in 2022 to US$0.45 billion in 2023, there is a positive outlook for the expansion of real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation. The tokenisation of real-world assets is anticipated to grow at a rapid pace due to the vast opportunities presented by Web3.

Particularly noteworthy is the multi-trillion-dollar potential, US$16 trillion by 2030, of tokenising real-world assets. This growth is further supported by the increasing interest from private entities and government bodies in Asia, who are embracing RWA tokenisation and implementing new regulations to safeguard investors. As a result, the industry is poised for exponential growth in the upcoming years. 

The benefits of RWA tokenisation have led to a substantial accumulation of assets in the off-chain TradFi realm awaiting tokenisation. It is anticipated to significantly expand the DeFi landscape by enabling off-chain assets to be acknowledged on-chain.

This convergence of traditional finance practices with digitalised Web3 fintech approaches presents a promising opportunity for the financial sector to leverage the best of both worlds, paving the way for a more efficient and interconnected financial ecosystem. 

Asia is well-positioned to be the next frontier for tokenisation and will take the lead

With its vast and diverse population, advanced technological infrastructure, and progressive regulatory environment, Asia is well-positioned to take the lead in adopting and implementing tokenisation. For greater widespread adoption of RWA tokenisation, it is crucial for both private entities that work on overcoming technical challenges and government bodies that work on improving the regulatory barriers to come together to improve the ecosystem 

For instance, the Monetary Authority of Singapore is supporting the rise of RWA tokenisation by evolving the traditional regulatory framework to accommodate the unique characteristics of Web3 and RWA tokenisation. The regulators are now working with 17 financial institutions (FIs) to test promising asset tokenisation use cases which would scale the tokenised market in the city-state. 

Also Read: How to launch collaborations that grow communities: A guide for Web3 founders

For private entities, apart from working on overcoming technical challenges such as bridging the decentralised on-chain (Web3) and centralised off-chain world seamlessly, increasing education and awareness through conferences, such as ONCHAIN 2024, is also vital in driving mainstream adoption and trust in the decentralised platform. Only through conferences that focus on advancing the exchange of knowledge and innovations on the intersection between TradFi and Web3 will we continue to see a boom in tokenisation and Web3. 

Web3 is the key to unlocking the multi-trillion industry of tokenisation 

The rise of Web3 in the Fintech industry cannot be dismissed as just another hype or cash grab. Its potential to unlock a multi-trillion dollar opportunity globally is evident in the increasing adoption and integration of decentralised technologies.

While there may be challenges and uncertainties in this new era of finance, it is clear that Web3 can revolutionise how we transact, invest, and manage our finances. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, businesses and individuals must stay informed and adapt to these new developments to thrive in the digital economy.

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1Long is an AI-powered wealth management platform that enables individuals in Vietnam to start investing with as little as 10,000 VND (approximately less than US$1). The platform allows daily transfers and withdrawals without fees, thus removing barriers to accessing funds.

Founded by a team of former investment banking and Y Combinator-backed veterans, 1Long last month bagged US$500,000 pre-seed funding from Iterative, Monk’s Hill Ventures, R2VP, and Orionis Capital.

In this interview, co-founder and CEO Michael Do discusses the product, the USP, and its new diversification plans.

Edited excerpts:

What specific gaps or challenges did 1Long see in the Vietnamese financial landscape that 1Long aims to address?

There is an urge to speculate on asset classes rather than hold long-term without realising that the more you trade, the more likely you are to lose because speculative assets have high bid-ask spreads before fees — meaning you’re at a loss the second you transact.

Furthermore, access to fixed-income assets like corporate bonds is reserved for professional investors yet offers great risk-adjusted returns. Vietnam and other countries in the region are growing comfortably into the middle class; it will be just as much about capital preservation as capital growth.

None of the current investment apps properly addresses this evolving customer demand.

With the rise of mobile trading apps, how does 1Long differentiate itself and promote a “relaxed, non-trading-centric approach” to wealth management?

We don’t offer trading. We focus on a subscription approach that incentivises long-term capital management over a transaction-value-based model that stimulates dopamine-charged decision-making.

Also Read: ‘Resistance to digital wealth management has almost disappeared in SEA’: Bambu CEO Ned Phillips

Money is a means to an end, and we prefer that our customers focus on the end rather than the means of accumulating it. We offer tools and value-added services that help customers achieve their goals most efficiently.

Furthermore, we’re labelling and segmenting customers to be fed into an AI-powered CRM that has omnichannel interactions. With tech, we can always be there for our customers.

What specific efforts are being made to democratise wealth building and make 1Long accessible to a broader range of Vietnamese individuals, especially those starting with minimal funds?

For our initial products, we allow regular retail customers to access corporate bond yields. To be able to buy bonds, retail investors must have a minimum of about ~US$50,000 in assets and apply for professional investor status.

Furthermore, we democratise access to these yields for as low as US$1 by aggregating and rationalising fractionalising the lot requirement.

Lastly, our philosophy is to treat our customers like educated limited fund partners. We frequently update their portfolio holdings and our investment decisions while sharing resources that an investor relations department typically offers.

Beyond savings products, what excites you most about expanding 1Long into investment products and value-added services?

We approached savings first because it’s the most ubiquitous customer need, and currently, Vietnam banks have over US$200 billion in inflexible termed deposits. At the same time, some of the largest mutual funds and ETFs here don’t surpass US$$50 million AUM.

There’s a big disconnect here as savings and mutual funds are passive investments, yet banks almost exclusively own the AUM.

We’re up for the challenge of figuring out why, and we’re excited about being able to support the financial products ecosystem with lead generation to build a more integrated solution set for all customers, no matter their age or wealth level.

Can you describe how 1Long plans to reinvest in charitable and green initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to social impact alongside financial success?

We want to be a force for good and believe that financial institutions should spend much time with the community to understand their needs.

Our first initiative was to work with Room to Read (a nonprofit for children’s literacy & girls’ education programmes at work) to donate to their efforts to promote literacy among children. We received great feedback and over 400 installs from the campaign.

Also Read: Shifting the global paradigm of wealth management with digital assets

Concurrently, we are discussing with universities and other organisations for collaborations we can do to promote responsible savings and investments. We are okay with losing some margin on our profit to support sustainability projects with preferential rates, and our customers would be okay with both.

How does 1Long plan to cater to both domestic and international investors interested in the Vietnamese market?

Currently, our focus is only on domestic investors. We believe the domestic market here is substantial and growing, so “rising tides will lift all boats.”

We plan to be fully regulated soon so we can properly serve domestic and international investors. Once that is the case, we see the story of Vietnam is not hard to sell to international investors, including the four million overseas Vietnamese. As a SEA turtle myself, I am confident 1Long can convince others to take the journey home for an opportunity.

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X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Enjoy 2 days of building connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, exploring innovation, and sharing insights with 8,000+ key decision-makers of Asia’s tech ecosystem. Get your tickets here.

Want more from your Echelon experience? Be an Echelon X sponsor or exhibitor. Send enquiry here.

The post ‘We want to treat our customers like educated LPs of a fund’: Michael Do of wealthtech startup 1Long appeared first on e27.

Malaysian fintech-as-a-service (FaaS) company Soft Space has announced an undisclosed investment from its long-standing partner and Japanese payment processing company GMO Financial Gate (GMO-FG).

This alliance, coming before Soft Space’s planned Series C funding round, aims to provide cashless payments across various industries in Japan, including transportation, hospitality, and the extensive food and beverage (F&B) sector.

Also Read: Malaysian fintech-as-a-service firm Soft Space closes US$31.5M Series B1 round

Japan has a US$650 billion cashless payment market.

Founded in 2012, Kuala Lumpur-headquartered Soft Space offers merchants and consumers solutions, such as contactless payment through mobile devices and white-label e-wallet services. It serves over 90 financial institutions and partners across 30 global markets.

Leveraging GMO-FG’s extensive client network, Soft Space looks to explore new opportunities in sectors traditionally reliant on cash transactions. With Japan being a prime destination for international tourists, this move towards cashless payments is anticipated to boost tourist spending.

Kentaro Sugiyama, CEO of GMO-FG, said, “Since our collaboration began in 2018, Soft Space and GMO-FG have cultivated a strong relationship by integrating Soft Space’s SoftPOS services with GMO-FG’s payment network, with an initial focus on the transit segment. This capital alliance is a step towards deepening our collaboration and expanding Japan’s face-to-face cashless payment market.”

Also Read: Japan’s JCB injects US$5M into Malaysian fintech firm Soft Space

In April last year, the Malaysian firm tannounced the completion of its Series B extension round at US$31.5 million, led by Southern Capital Group. Returning investor transcosmos, strategic investor JCB, and Hibiscus Fund (jointly managed by RHL Ventures and South Korea’s KB Investment) also participated.

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X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Enjoy 2 days of building connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, exploring innovation, and sharing insights with 8,000+ key decision-makers of Asia’s tech ecosystem. Get your tickets here.

Want more from your Echelon experience? Be an Echelon X sponsor or exhibitor. Send enquiry here.

The post Japan’s GMO Financial Gate infuses capital into Soft Space appeared first on e27.

Visit Echelon X to learn more about the program. Get your tickets here!

Echelon is back this year and it promises bigger and bolder things for all stakeholders from across the Southeast Asia tech startup ecosystem.

With a focus on fostering connections, facilitating knowledge exchange, and catalysing growth, Echelon X is a platform for startups to gain visibility, secure funding, and forge strategic partnerships. Attendees can expect insightful keynotes, panel discussions, startup pitches, networking sessions, and more, all aimed at driving forward the dynamic and vibrant tech ecosystem in Asia.

With this in mind, Echelon X will feature insights and learnings from some of the top industry leaders in the region. Meet the 21 voices in the Southeast Asia tech startup ecosystem who will be speaking at Echelon X!

21 industry leaders who will share their insights

Caela Tanjangco, Director for Endeavor Catalyst, Endeavor

Caela Tanjangco serves as the Director for Endeavor Catalyst at Endeavor, where she holds the role of Head of Asia, overseeing Endeavor’s first global support office outside the US. In this capacity, she collaborates closely with Limited Partners (LPs), co-investors, and deals within the region. Endeavor Catalyst, the co-investment fund of the nonprofit organisation Endeavor, focuses on investing in Endeavor Entrepreneurs across emerging and underserved markets, thereby contributing to the sustainability of Endeavor’s mission. With Endeavor being the leading community of High-Impact Entrepreneurs spanning over 40 markets and boasting more than 2500 founders, Caela plays a crucial role in nurturing the entrepreneurship ecosystem and fostering venture development in Southeast Asia. Beyond her daytime pursuits, she dedicates her nights to crafting projects aimed at improving societal well-being while also facilitating connections between impact startups and investors on the side.

Dr Ayesha Khanna, Co-Founder and CEO of Addo

Dr Ayesha Khanna, Co-Founder and CEO of Addo, is an AI and data advocate dedicated to empowering companies and individuals through innovative data usage. She advises CEOs and Boards on becoming globally competitive, data-driven organisations, while leading Addo’s team in building intelligent data platforms for major enterprises. Dr Khanna is also a passionate advocate for women in AI, founding the charity 21st Century Girls to teach coding and AI basics to young girls. She is also a huge believer in human-centred technology. Throughout her college years, she volunteered in human rights organisations and she strongly supports movements for data dignity, digital justice, and AI ethics.

Aaqib Alvi, Singapore Country Manager of Sustainable Living Lab

Providing global program management for Sustainable Living Lab’s client, Intel, Aaqib Alvi is on the frontlines of the AI revolution, deploying cutting-edge technology to national governments in over 35+ countries. His passion for using AI to bridge the technical gap and empower non-technical populations has driven him to work on sustainable development goals by providing sustainable innovation consultancies to MNCs and communities.

He is proud to be at the forefront of future thinking and foresight planning, helping to shape policy on a global scale.

Admond Lee, Founder of The Runway Ventures

Admond Lee is a physicist turned data scientist, now a founder, building The Runway Ventures — a weekly newsletter to help people learn from startup mistakes and become better founders. He spent the first 3 years of his career helping companies solve business problems as a data scientist. Meantime, he was also a corporate trainer, speaker, and writer in data science. After 3 years of building startups, Admond is convinced that mistakes are the best teachers to become a better founder.

For any startup, there are many ways to succeed, but only a few ways to die. This is why Admond Lee started The Runway Ventures.

Catherine Shu, Director of Media and Content for PR Group

Catherine Shu is the Director of Media and Content for PR Group, bringing over a decade of experience as a Taiwanese-American journalist based in Taipei. Notably, she spent twelve years at TechCrunch, where she extensively covered the technology industry across Asian markets, with a particular focus on Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Catherine’s expertise is contextualising these developments for international audiences while observing the interplay between culture, human behaviour, and the startup and venture capital ecosystems. This passion has shaped her journalistic approach. Fluent in Mandarin, she has a keen eye for cultural nuances and their impact on business landscapes. Before her tenure at TechCrunch, Catherine worked as a features reporter for the Taipei Times, delving into topics such as culture, entrepreneurship, and policy in Taiwan. Her insightful reporting has graced the pages of esteemed publications including the New York Times, the Economist Intelligence Unit, Barron’s, and the Village Voice, showcasing her versatility and depth as a journalist.

Ahmad Kashfi Alwi, Former Senior Vice President of Ecosystem Development at Cradle Fund

Ahmad Kashfi Alwi, former Senior Vice President of Ecosystem Development at Cradle Fund, is a visionary leader pioneering the future of startups. At Cradle Fund, he helped lead MYStartup, a groundbreaking capacity-building initiative supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). With a knack for regional development, strategic partnerships, and marketing, Ahmad drives growth in dynamic corporate environments. His expertise spans strategic and operational domains within microinsurance, FinTech, and advanced digital services. Holding an MBA with Distinction from the University of Nottingham, Ahmad is currently pursuing a PhD in Innovation Management. He is passionate about igniting innovation, shaping the startup landscape, and propelling the frontiers of entrepreneurship.

Albert Lucius, Group CEO & Founder of TipTip

Albert Lucius is an Indonesian entrepreneur with 10+ years of global experience at Fortune 100 companies. His career at three distinct industry leaders: Goldman Sachs, BCG, and Apple provided him with a unique blend of experiences in finance, consumer goods, and technology industries. His past professional work includes product development, user interface design, financial modelling, and corporate strategy. Albert earned his MS and BS degrees in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with the highest honours, specialising in user interface and data mining. Upon finishing his MBA from the Haas School of Business at Berkeley, Albert moved back to Indonesia to start Kudo. Kudo is Indonesia’s leading O2O acceptance network.

Evan Heng, Founder & CEO of Zenith Learning Group

Evan Heng is the CEO and founder of Zenith Learning Group (Zenith). He has scaled Zenith Education Studio (Zenith’s flagship brand) to become the largest pre-university-focused education company in Singapore, with over 15% of all Singaporean Junior College (high school) students attending lessons at Zenith in preparation for their university entrance exams. He also launched Zenith Education Technologies in 2022 with the mission of building the future of education and democratising quality education in Southeast Asia.

He aims to build an end-to-end education ecosystem for students to receive a world-class education, regardless of their financial background. To achieve this, he works with his team to develop education technology to transform the traditional education experience of students and impact millions of lives in the region, in a scalable and sustainable way.

Antonny Liem, Founding Partner at GDP Venture

Antonny Liem is a Founding Partner at GDP Venture, where his passion for people, technology, and marketing converges into a dynamic career trajectory. With a background in Finance and Management, Antonny initially delved into Enterprise IT before transitioning seamlessly into branding, advertising, and digital marketing. His journey eventually led him to the realm of technology investment, incubation, and venture building. Antonny boasts a deep understanding of the technology ecosystem, particularly the internet industry, and plays a pivotal role within GDP Venture, actively contributing to the development of the internet industry in Indonesia and the broader region. With extensive experience as a key member of management and senior executive teams, Antonny has co-founded companies, led incubation efforts, made strategic investments, managed portfolios, secured external funding from international investors, scaled companies, and orchestrated exit rounds through mergers and acquisitions.

Arvind Appavu, Deputy Managing Director for Pulse 63 Healthcare Ventures

Arvind Appavu is the Deputy Managing Director for Pulse 63 Healthcare Ventures, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a seasoned management executive. His expertise spans setting up successful programs and operations globally, executing business transformations, and cultivating high-performance teams. Arvind is renowned for his adeptness in building companies from inception, showcasing proficiency in ideation, direction setting, securing funding, and assembling talented teams. His strength lies in fostering connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds and facilitating opportunities within emerging technologies and business models.

Fatima Almubbad, Director for Singapore and Southeast Asia Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)

Fatima Almubbad serves as the Director for Singapore and Southeast Asia at the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), bringing over a decade of expertise in regional strategy and investment trade across the public and private sectors, with a focus on IMEA and East Asia. An eternal optimist, Fatima believes in overcoming challenges with determination, guided by the mantra “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Starting her career in consultancy, she now applies her extensive cross-cultural experience to drive business development, strategic planning, and operations. Specialising in inbound and outbound trade investment, problem-solving, networking, stakeholder management, and partnership building, Fatima is dedicated to fostering economic growth and collaboration in the region.

Harprem Doowa, Founder of Eazy Digital Co., Ltd.

Harprem Doowa, Founder of Eazy Digital Co., Ltd., is a seasoned entrepreneur with expertise in e-commerce management, business analysis, and project execution. Known for his drive and people-centric approach, Harprem successfully built Thailand’s top online pet store, petloft.com, before transitioning to CEO of Moxy, a leading women’s e-commerce platform.

Under his leadership, Moxy’s team grew from 2 to 65 members in two years, showcasing his ability to drive growth and optimize operations. Harprem excels in strategy, efficiency, and achieving targets.

Henry Motte de la Motte, CEO & Founder of EDGE Tutor

Henry Motte-Muñoz is the Filipino-French founder of Edge Tutor International, which provides high-quality, engaging and competitive English and Maths tutors from the Philippines to online tutoring companies in 20+ countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

He is also the founder of Edukasyon.ph, the leading EdTech platform in the Philippines, improving education outcomes for 8 million students a year through three pillars: K-12 academic support, 21st-century soft skills, and college & career guidance. He has been recognized as a WEF Young Global Leader, and an Asia Society Young Leader.

Dominic Schacher, Chief Executive Officer at Aument Capital Partners

Dominic Schacher serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Aument Capital Partners, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise as a finance professional. With a robust background in banking and investment, Dominic boasts a proven track record in navigating financial products and markets. His skill set encompasses strategic planning, risk management, and effective leadership, all of which contribute to his success in driving organisational growth and profitability. As a CFA charter holder and a graduate of the University of Bristol with a Master’s in Accounting, Finance & Management, Dominic brings both theoretical knowledge and practical insights to his role, ensuring the firm’s strategic objectives are met with precision and efficacy.

Jane Lee, VP of APAC GTM @ Remote

Jane Lee, Vice President of APAC GTM at Remote, champions a paradigm shift in the world of work, emphasising the freedom from traditional constraints like desks and offices. Remote’s mission aligns with this vision, facilitating global talent access for companies of all sizes by offering a comprehensive Global HR platform and expertise in legal, financial, and cultural matters across 150+ countries. Founded in 2019 by Job van der Voort and Marcelo Lebre, Remote has garnered support from esteemed investors like SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Accel. In her role, Jane is committed to delivering top-notch solutions to clients, building and scaling a premier sales and GTM organisation, and fostering individual career growth within the sales domain.

Fandy Cendrajaya, Founding Partner at Kopital Ventures

Fandy Cendrajaya is a Founding Partner at Kopital Ventures, a dynamic venture capital firm operating in Southeast Asia. At Kopital Ventures, Fandy plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the region. Specialising in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, Kopital Ventures is dedicated to supporting early-stage startups across various sectors, from technology to consumer goods and beyond. With a forward-thinking approach, Fandy and the team at Kopital Ventures strive to bridge the gap between today’s industry pioneers and the transformative leaders of tomorrow. Their commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering growth opportunities underscores their vision for a vibrant and thriving startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

Yanqing Hou, Head of Product Growth for APAC at AppsFlyer

Yanqing Hou, Head of Product Growth for APAC at AppsFlyer, is a seasoned digital analyst adept at distilling actionable insights from big data. With expertise in web analytics, social media analysis, and advanced Excel, Jane excels in generating reports and optimising campaigns for clients.

Her proficiency in SEO, PPC, and learning agility, honed through experiences at Rise Interactive and Weber Shandwick, underscores her success in the dynamic realm of digital analytics. Drawing from her experiences at Rise Interactive and Weber Shandwick, Yanqing emphasises the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving field of digital analytics.

Jingjing Zhong, Co-Founder of Superbench

Jingjing Zhong, Co-Founder of Superbench, brings a unique blend of experience as an ex-investment banker turned startup operator, driven by a passion for leveraging technology and talent to revolutionise traditional businesses such as cleaning and F&B. Believing in the power of integrating people, processes, and technology to effect meaningful change, Jingjing is committed to creating impactful solutions.

Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, she dedicates her free time to organising professional and social events for the Berkeley Club of Singapore, showcasing her commitment to community engagement and networking.

Lars Voedisch, Group CEO for PRecious Communications

Lars Voedisch is an experienced communications and business professional with 20 years of expertise in growing, managing and defending leading global brands’ reputations across industry sectors in traditional media and digital environments.

With his strong background in business development, integrated communications and team leadership, he drives impactful communications strategies that contribute to brands’ strategic objectives. His areas of expertise include advising leading global brands on strategic media, issue and reputation management across traditional and social media channels.

Kevin Fitzgerald, Managing Director for Asia at Employment Hero

Kevin Fitzgerald serves as the Managing Director for Asia at Employment Hero, driven by a passion for assisting SMEs in overcoming operational challenges through technology solutions. With a focus on alleviating the burdens of employment regulations for SMEs, Kevin believes in the transformative power of technology to streamline business processes. Armed with ACCA accreditation and over two decades of experience spanning accounting, recruitment consultancy, sales, and coaching, Kevin has been instrumental in guiding SMEs towards scalability and operational efficiency through innovative technological approaches.

Michael de Waal-Montgomery, Co-Owner of Ellerton & Co. Public Relations and Marketing

Michael is the Co-Owner of Ellerton & Co. Public Relations. His career has spanned both sides of the media industry from journalism to public relations — both in-house and in agency roles. Michael started his career as a journalist, writing for leading tech publications including VentureBeat and e27, where he reported on the nascent startup and technology scene in Southeast Asia. Michael covered some of Asia’s — and the world’s — leading startups, learning to discern a good story from a bad one and attracting millions of page views to his articles. Michael has also written for major newspapers in Asia including the front pages of Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post.

Get to know these industry leaders and more at Echelon X!

Get ready to mark your calendars for May 15th and 16th, 2024, as Echelon X gears up to take the Singapore EXPO by storm! Transforming into a vibrant epicentre of tech and innovation, these two days dedicated to tech, innovation, and business growth will unite industry giants, visionary entrepreneurs, and groundbreaking startups from across the region.

Whether you’re craving knowledge, eager to expand your network, or ready to unveil your game-changing ideas, Echelon X guarantees an unforgettable journey. Secure your spot now, whether as a participant or an official partner and prepare to be part of a transformative experience that reshapes the future and leaves a lasting impact. If you’re interested in becoming one of our speakers, feel free to check out the application form here. Learn more about Echelon X through our official website.

Join us at Echelon 2024, where innovation knows no bounds and the possibilities are endless!

The post 21 more industry leaders will be taking the Echelon X stage! appeared first on e27.