Shifting away from the conventional DEMO DAY format, BEYOND Expo 2024 proudly introduces the new “Fund at First Pitch” session, also known as “Extreme Speed Pitch”. This innovative pitching session injects heightened excitement and competitiveness into the realm of investment, akin to a high-stakes poker game featuring esteemed investment institutions.

Since its launch, “Fund at First Pitch” has connected technology innovators with investors, offering a five-minute stage to showcase innovation. Past events have attracted top global investment institutions such as Temasek, Hillhouse Capital, IDG Capital, and Lightspeed China, facilitating hundreds of connections and driving business growth.

At BEYOND Expo, we challenge norms to confront future business challenges, and this year, we push boundaries further. Expanding the exhibition area, BEYOND Expo promotes the integration of technology and industries. We’re overhauling the investment and financing sector with improved services and faster interactions, bridging the gap between innovators and investors. We’re inviting 150 renowned investment institutions and investors to establish a communication bridge between innovators and capital.

In collaboration with CICC Capital, BEYOND invites elite investment institutions worldwide to this grand event, shaping the future of business. Top investors* from China, Brazil, the Philippines, and beyond will collectively shape the future of business.

“Extreme Speed Pitch” isn’t just a showcase – it’s a platform for multidirectional communication, introducing leading investors in consumer technology, climate tech, and healthcare fields. Startups get 180 seconds to make a strong statement about their technology and business model, with successful ones receiving exclusive exposure to a global audience and media.

Also Read: Embracing global entrepreneurship: Redefining startup success beyond Silicon Valley

This is an opportunity to transform innovation and passion into tangible results.

Rules

1. When each entrepreneur steps onto the stage, they’ll have the attention of dozens of investors.
2. Spin the roulette to decide speaking time, between 60 to 180 seconds.
3. After the speech, investors will place their “Poker Chips”. Each chip shows the investment institution’s interest in the project.
4. The top 10 entrepreneurs with the most Poker Chips get to showcase their projects on the world stage.
5. At the BEYOND Expo 2024 closing ceremony, you’ll present your project to numerous investors, with a global audience and media coverage.

Additional Info:

1. There are separate investment tables for three sub-brands. The event runs on May 23 and May 24, 2024. Entrepreneurs can speak once per day, for a total of two opportunities.

2. Investors change daily. Each entrepreneur can receive one chip per day from the same investor.

Event Information

Dates:

ConsumerTech: May 23-24, 10.00 AM-12.00 PM, 2.00-4.00 PM
ClimateTech: May 23-24, 10.00 AM-12.00 PM, 2.00-4.00 PM
Healthcare: May 23-24, 10.00 AM-12.00 PM, 2.00-4.00 PM

* Collaborator list (in random order): Sequoia Capital, Hillhouse Investment, Matrix Partners, IDG Capital, GGV Capital, CMC Capital, Sinovation Ventures, Fosun RZ Capital, Everbright Limited, Lightspeed China Partners, SBCVC, SCGC, Shenzhen Angel FOF, Bits x Bites, 5Y Capital, InnoAngel Fund, Yunqi Partners, Creation Venture, LQ Pacific, Dingxin Capital, Jinding Capital, SHEN Impact Venture, 500 Global, AC Ventures, Accelerating Asia, Antler, Appworks, Aurelia Ventures, ATM Capital, BEENEXT, Cocoon Capital, CodeBase, Disrupt Technology Venture, Do Ventures, East Ventures, Farquhar Venture Capital, Forge Ventures, Fusion Fund, Global Brain, Gobi Partners, Good Startup, GP Investments, InnoVen Capital, Headline, Insignia Ventures Partners, Kaizenvest, Kairous Capital, Kickstart Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Monashees, MDI Ventures, Monk’s Hill Ventures, NLVC (Northern Light Venture Capital), Orbit, Openspace Ventures, ParticleX, Pipeline Capital, Plug and Play APAC, Quest Ventures, Sparklabs Taiwan, True Global Ventures, Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, Alpha JWC Venture, etc.

Entrepreneur participation guide

Qualification for participation

1. Participants must be exhibitors or attendees of BEYOND Expo.
2. Participants are required to register. Scan the QR code below or click here to fill out and submit the Entrepreneur Registration Form on the official website:

Scan the QR code or click here to submit the Entrepreneur Registration Form

3. Participation priority: BEYOND Standard Booth Exhibitors > BEYOND Startup Kiosk Exhibitors > Pre-registered attendees
4. The BEYOND Organising will give priority to Standard Booth Exhibitors for participation in the event.
5. Special Note: Entrepreneurs should prepare their pitch (maximum duration of 180 seconds) in advance.

Also Read: Beyond buzzwords: How climate tech startups can create an impact in green recovery

Participation process

1. Entrepreneurs will get a confirmation email and further instructions from the BEYOND Organizing Committee before the event.
2. On the event day, arrive at the designated location, check-in, and follow staff instructions to enter.
3. Use the “Wheel of Time” game to know your speaking duration.
4. Set up equipment with staff help, then start your pitch.
5. Staff will time your presentation and collect Poker Chips.
6. After each pitch session, entrepreneurs can talk more with investors who gave them Poker Chips.

Pitching rules

The top three to five companies in each sector with the most Poker Chips will win. They’ll get the chance to present at the closing ceremony.

1. Winners must join a rehearsal on the May 24 evening. If they miss it, they might lose their pitching chance.
2. Prepare a presentation deck under five minutes.
3. Winners can prepare backstage for 30 minutes before the closing ceremony on May 25, 2024.

Investor participation guide

Participation Process:

1. Investors must register on the official website.
2. Organisers will inform investors when the investment tables open. Arrive early to get 20 Poker Chips per session.
3. Investors must know the rules, participate actively, and vote for entrepreneurs. They are not allowed to give chips to the same entrepreneur multiple times.

How to Register

Scan the QR code below or click here to access the official registration channel, and submit the Investor/Entrepreneur Registration Form to complete registration.

Scan the QR code or click here to submit the Investor/Entrepreneur Registration Form

About BEYOND Expo

The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia’s leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions. BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia’s Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry.

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

Financial literacy and inclusion have been gaining major traction in the recent decade. Digitalisation is playing a major role, and plenty of platforms have come up over the years to help facilitate and create a more comprehensible investing experience. Individual users often require insightful perspectives in investing and wealth building, and expert tools are often judged based on their accessibility, product offerings, and features. 

Introducing the super app for investing in global financial markets, a tool that could streamline access and provide a unified platform for diverse investment opportunities worldwide. This technology offers unparalleled convenience, allowing users to manage portfolios, execute trades, and access market insights seamlessly, putting the power of global investing in the palm of your hand. 

The goal is to democratise investing by offering educational resources and tools for novice and experienced investors. Ultimately, a super app grants more straightforward access to global markets, fosters financial literacy, and empowers individuals worldwide to participate in wealth creation opportunities.

Investing in financial inclusion and technology innovation

Modern innovation has allowed for the emergence of a professional, reliable, and innovative digitalised investment experience with Moomoo, a leading global investment and trading platform dedicated to empowering investors with user-friendly tools, data, and insights. As of 5 April 2024, every 1 out of 3 adults between 20 to 70 in Singapore is a user of Moomoo.

Moomoo Singapore is an advanced fintech firm transforming the investing experience through its digitalised brokerage and wealth management platform. Their platform is designed to provide essential information and technology, enabling users to make well-informed investment decisions. With advanced charting tools and pro-level analytical features, Moomoo evolves alongside users, fostering a dynamic community where investors can share, learn, and grow together.

Also read: Transforming the creative economy and entertainment industry with TipTip

In recent months, Moomoo SG launched the RSP (Regular Savings Plan) and US Treasuries which enable investors to invest for the long term with relatively stable returns and fight market volatility. Investors may choose between RSP or US Treasuries and trade with peace of mind with potential stable returns.

Moomoo’s features include being able to trade on the go and access a world of asset classes across stocks, ETFs, options, and funds within the super app. Investors are given easy access through one unified account, where they can deposit and trade away in a few easy steps. The super app allows for one-tap access to comprehensive professional-grade tools, real-time quotes, level 2 market data, and a robust investment community of over 21 million users globally managing their D-I-Y Investment Portfolio in real-time.

Moomoo operates globally serving investors in the US, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada and Malaysia. Users can trade globally in the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Japan markets.

As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed company, they take pride in their role as a global strategic partner of the Nasdaq, earning numerous international accolades from renowned industry leaders such as Benzinga and Fintech Breakthrough. Moomoo has also received multiple awards in the US, Singapore, and Australia for its cutting-edge, inclusive approach to investing.

Being at the forefront of the financial markets

Moomoo’s platform is tailored to transform the way people invest and empower global investors with the tools and resources they need not only to participate but also to succeed in the financial markets. Their mission allows individuals to capture a world of opportunities and own a piece of their favourite companies from other parts of the world. Starting from US$5 (or 0.0001/ order), Moomoo SG users may now invest with small capital amounts in US fractional shares without having to burst their wallets.

To explore this further, Erika Chiang, Chief Marketing Officer for SEA, will join Echelon X’s panel on “How Fintech Companies Can Lean into the Fintech Landscape in SEA to Create Opportunities”. The panel will explore how fintech companies can leverage Southeast Asia’s dynamic landscape to create new opportunities and drive growth. With its diverse markets, rapidly evolving regulatory environment, and innovative technologies, Southeast Asia presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for fintech companies.

Also read: What is Remote? Meet this top global HR platform at Echelon X!

Moomoo’s goal in participating in Echelon X is to empower attendees with advanced tools and data such as heat maps, high-dividend yield, institutional trackers, and more to trade like smarter investors. Technology that was once difficult to use and expensive, is now accessible to all. Exclusive promotions will also be available for users who visit Moomoo’s booth located at T47 & T48!

If you are unable to visit Moomoo’s booth in Echelon, fret not. Check out their online new user promotion by clicking on the “Get Started” button and sign up for your free account to claim your S$970* worth of rewards!

Moomoo Singapore is one of the many exciting industry leaders from across the Southeast Asian region who will be joining us for Echelon X. Joining them are other key leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and groundbreaking startups from all corners of the region who will be gathering together for two packed days. Echelon X will feature dedicated content stages, exhibitions, panel discussions, and more — all to support and empower the tech startup ecosystem with actionable insights through a series of knowledge-sharing activities.

Whether you’re eager to expand your knowledge, network with key players from the tech startup scene, or showcase your innovative ideas, Echelon X offers an unparalleled experience. Join us as a participant or an official partner by securing your spot now on our official page. Together, let’s embark on a journey to shape the future and create a lasting impact.

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

The post Empowering financial resilience with Moomoo Singapore appeared first on e27.

In the Southeast Asian nations of Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines, where agriculture remains a vital source of income and employment, addressing challenges like climate change and sustainable food production is paramount. The region, home to nearly 100 million of the world’s 500 million smallholder farmers, finds itself at the heart of this multifaceted challenge.

Across the globe, a remarkable 1,400 digital agricultural technology (D4Ag) solutions have emerged to address these needs. Southeast Asia accounts for a mere seven per cent of this supply while seeing its own surge from just 59 digital agritech solutions in 2018 to 92 by 2022.

However, the active adoption of digital tools among the region’s farmers remains concerningly low at merely six per cent — on par with sub-Saharan Africa and just a third of Latin America’s rate. Compounding this, not a single solution has reached the one million registered users mark, hinting at a vast untapped potential.

The shifting landscape toward digital commerce

The focus of these D4Ag solutions is shifting, increasingly leaning towards providing market linkage services for farmers. This mirrors a global pivot away from pure farmer advisory offerings that proved to be challenging to monetise for the startups, catalysed further by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet obstacles like users’ digital literacy gaps, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to capital persist, tempering the pace of digital adoption in the region.

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

Empowering women, fostering inclusion

Crucially, D4Ag promises to reconfigure long-standing gender dynamics within agriculture. While gender-disaggregated data on usage patterns remains lacking, a growing body of evidence supports claims that D4Ag positively impacts women’s economic empowerment. Digital tools enhance productivity and income by improving access to knowledge, resources, financing, and professional skill development.

In Southeast Asia, this potential is palpable – women constitute over 46 per cent of farmers in the region. However, only 30 per cent of digital agritech users are female. The current 54 per cent gender gap in D4Ag adoption underscores significant growth opportunities. With concerted efforts, this divide could halve to 26 per cent within a decade, onboarding an additional 8 million women into digital agriculture.

The climate action catalyst

As the fight against climate change intensifies, digital agritech is rapidly aligning with climate tech — empowering farmers to adapt and mitigate environmental impacts. Digital agricultural tools enable sustainable practices like reducing input use (water, fertilizer, and pesticides), optimising production practices to decrease waste, and reducing emissions. Besides, they often allow farmers to rapidly identify and respond to emerging climate threats.

Despite progress, daunting hurdles remain in unlocking climate-smart D4Ag’s full potential. Adoption of affordable, digitally-enabled insurance lags, with only around three per cent of farmers in Asia outside China and India covered (GIZ, 2021). The lack of adequate and affordable products, as well as limited farmers’ understanding and trust, create barriers to unlocking the potential of digitally enabled agricultural insurance.

Also Read: Can agritech solve the world’s growing food security problem?

The scope of digital monitoring, reporting, and evaluation (d-MRV) products also remains narrow. Granular, reliable local baseline emissions data is scarce, while high costs, technical complexity, and shortages of critical skills like data analytics and environmental science expertise further hinder implementation.

Lastly, ‘climate-smart’ digital advisory services are often challenged by a lack of access to high-quality, granular, and context-specific data, as well as farmers’ limited abilities to act on the provided recommendations. Monetising such services also proved to be difficult, with most startups still struggling to find a viable business model.

An immense opportunity

Yet the promise is transformative — digital agritech could reduce up to 78 megatons of CO2 equivalent annually over the next decade for Southeast Asia under optimal conditions. This highlights the sector’s capacity to drastically cut emissions while underscoring the urgent need to overcome persistent barriers.

As Southeast Asia stands at the crossroads of innovation and tradition, the role of D4Ag in forging a sustainable agricultural future has never been more vital. Realising digital’s full potential demands coordinated efforts between technology providers, governments, and farming communities. Overcoming current obstacles will not only propel climate action but secure an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector.

In an era where agriculture both drives and bears the brunt of climate change, digital technologies offer a path to empowerment — helping farmers adapt, mitigate impacts, and thrive amid adversity. By embracing D4Ag’s transformative capabilities, Southeast Asia can unlock a future where gender equity, social inclusion, and climate resilience are woven into the fabric of its agricultural practices and rural landscapes.

To read the full report, please download here.

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Asia’s tech industry is booming, but so is the competition for top tech talent. One of the critical challenges facing startups in this region is the skills gap—where the demand for certain technical skills far exceeds the supply. How do we close this gap?

The answer might just lie in innovative, tailored Learning and Development (L&D) programs designed around the latest insights from neuroscience.

Let’s dive into how we can develop these initiatives to not only meet the current demands but also anticipate future needs.

Understanding the skills gap in Asia’s tech industry

The Asian tech sector is diverse, spanning advanced economies like Japan and emerging tech hubs like Vietnam and Indonesia. Despite this diversity, many of these markets face common challenges, such as shortages in data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing expertise.

A report by AWS found that by 2025, there will be a demand for several million cloud computing jobs in Asia that the current talent pool is unprepared to fill.

These gaps can cripple growth and innovation, leaving many startups scrambling to find or develop talent that can drive their technological ambitions forward.

Neuroscience and learning: Tailoring L&D for tech

Modern neuroscience offers fascinating insights that can drastically improve how we approach L&D in tech. Understanding the brain’s learning processes helps in designing programs that are not only more effective but also more engaging for tech professionals.

Neuroplasticity and continuous learning

Tech fields evolve rapidly, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Neuroscience tells us that adult brains are still very capable of forming new neural connections—neuroplasticity—which can be enhanced by the right learning conditions.

Also Read: Rewiring our world: How neuroscience unlocks the secret to sustainable tech

Neuro fact: Engaging the brain’s reward system through gamified learning experiences can significantly boost motivation and retention in technical subjects.

Personalised learning environments

Tailoring learning experiences to individual needs can increase effectiveness, particularly in diverse environments like Asia. Customised pathways can cater to varied educational backgrounds and professional experiences, which are common in rapidly developing tech sectors.

L&D strategies you can try now

Peer learning and tech mentorship programs

Create a peer learning environment where more experienced tech professionals mentor newcomers or less experienced team members. This not only helps in transferring tacit knowledge but also strengthens team cohesion and communication.

Example: Establish a “Tech Guru” program where senior developers host weekly coding sessions and challenges, fostering a culture of learning and curiosity.

Role rotation and cross-functional training

Rotate employees through different roles or departments to broaden their understanding of the business and develop new skills. This exposure can enhance adaptability and cross-functional understanding.

Example: Implement a six-month rotation program for tech staff to spend time in different areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and user experience to gain a holistic view of the tech operations.

Reflection and metacognition

Reflecting on what one has learned and how one has learned it (metacognition) solidifies knowledge and enhances learning capacity. Encouraging learners to think about their learning strategies can improve their ability to acquire new skills independently.

Also Read: Sana Ross: Elevating performance coaching and neuroscience in business

Implementation: Use regular reflection sessions where employees can discuss what techniques worked best for them, share insights, and plan how they can apply what they’ve learned to their current projects.

Using the power of emotional learning

Emotional experiences can enhance memory retention. Incorporating storytelling and real-world scenarios that evoke emotions can make learning more memorable and impactful.

Implementation: Develop case studies that relate to common challenges faced in the workplace or remarkable tech breakthroughs that emotionally resonate with learners. Use these narratives as a base for problem-solving exercises and group discussions.

Leveraging dopaminergic learning paths

Dopamine plays a crucial role in motivation and the reinforcement of learning. By designing L&D programs that release dopamine through gamification, achievable milestones, and rewarding challenges, you can enhance engagement and retention of information.

Implementation: Create a gamified learning platform where tech employees earn points, badges, and levels for completing training modules. Introduce a leaderboard and real rewards, such as bonuses or extra vacation days, to maintain high levels of motivation and competition.

By bridging the skills gap through tailored L&D programs informed by neuroscience, startups in Asia can cultivate a workforce capable of propelling them to new heights of innovation and success.

Staying ahead doesn’t just require the latest tools, but also the most innovative approaches to learning and development. By tapping into the power of neuroscience, startups, and scaleups can craft L&D programs that not only fill the skills gap but do so in a way that maximises retention, motivates engagement, and harnesses the full potential of their teams.

Imagine the possibilities when every training session is fine-tuned to how the brain works best. Isn’t it time your organisation took advantage of these cutting-edge strategies to turn learning into your competitive edge?

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

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In global commerce, the traditional notion of distance has long been a formidable barrier to cross-border payments. The inefficiencies of legacy systems often translate into slow processing times, exorbitant fees, and limited accessibility, posing significant challenges to businesses and individuals alike.

However, the tide is turning as the advent of financial technology (fintech) is dismantling these distance-related hurdles, heralding a new era of seamless international transactions.

How fintech is revolutionising cross-border payments

Fintech has emerged as a powerful force reshaping the landscape of cross-border payments through various means. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), fintech companies are enabling faster and more secure transactions. With its decentralised ledger system, blockchain ensures immutable and transparent transactions, while AI streamlines processes and enhances fraud detection.

Moreover, the rise of neo-banks and peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms has democratised cross-border payments, making them more convenient and user-friendly. Services provided by companies like Revolut and TransferWise offer competitive exchange rates and minimal fees, disrupting the dominance of traditional banking institutions.

Also Read: How fintech infra firm Decentro leverages collaborations to capture SEA market

Transparency and reduced fees are hallmarks of fintech-powered cross-border payments. Unlike traditional methods, fintech platforms prioritise transparency in fees and exchange rates, empowering users with complete visibility and control over their transactions.

Benefits of tech-powered cross-border payments

The benefits of fintech-powered cross-border payments are manifold. Perhaps most notable is the dramatic reduction in processing times, transforming what once seemed like lengthy transactions into near-instantaneous transfers. This acceleration has redefined the user experience, making international payments feel as seamless as domestic ones.

Furthermore, fintech solutions have significantly lowered costs associated with cross-border transactions. By cutting out intermediaries and leveraging digital infrastructure, fintech companies pass on savings to consumers, democratising access to affordable international finance.

Accessibility is another area where fintech shines. By leveraging innovative technologies and embracing financial inclusion, fintech platforms are expanding access to cross-border payments, particularly in underserved regions. This inclusivity not only benefits individuals but also fosters economic growth and development on a global scale.

Decentralisation using blockchain technology, particularly within cryptocurrencies, holds promise for further enhancing security and speed in cross-border payments. Blockchain-based systems offer unprecedented trust and efficiency by removing centralised authorities and enabling peer-to-peer transactions.

Also Read: Southeast Asia’s fintech funding plunges by 44 per cent in Q1 2024 amid dynamic ecosystem

The future of cross-border payments

Looking ahead, the future of cross-border payments is undeniably intertwined with the continued evolution of fintech. However, regulatory compliance and interoperability must be addressed to widespread adoption. Yet, these challenges also represent opportunities for innovation and collaboration as stakeholders work towards creating a more interconnected and efficient global financial ecosystem.

We are also empowering a few large global customers with their cross-border payments across Asia and the West using our payments stack from Singapore. One of these is Walcy Bank, a payments and business expense management solution for SMEs based in Asia.

The advent of fintech has ushered in a paradigm shift in cross-border payments, rendering the concept of distance obsolete. Through emerging technologies, streamlined processes, and enhanced accessibility, fintech is making international transactions faster, cheaper, and more convenient than ever before. This transformation benefits businesses and individuals and contributes to the broader goals of financial inclusion and global economic growth.

As we embrace innovation, the world becomes increasingly interconnected, paving the way for a future where borders are no longer barriers but opportunities for collaboration and prosperity.

The future is here, and we couldn’t be more excited about this. 

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

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Image courtesy of the author.

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