The humanoid robot sector is at a transformative juncture, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. This dynamic field is not only growing in size but also in complexity and influence across various industries.

Humanoid robots: A new era of industry integration

Humanoid robots, characterised by their human-like form and advanced capabilities, are becoming indispensable tools in industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. Their ability to perform tasks with high precision and autonomy is reshaping traditional workflows and opening new avenues for innovation.

This is particularly evident in sectors where human-like interaction and adaptability are crucial, such as healthcare and education. For instance, robots like PEPPER and NAO are enhancing patient care and educational outcomes by providing emotional support and interactive learning experiences.

Technological advancements driving the sector

The integration of AI into humanoid robots has been a game-changer, enabling these machines to perform complex tasks that require cognitive abilities and decision-making skills. The use of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Visual-Language Models (VLMs) has significantly enhanced the cognitive and interactive capabilities of these robots.

Also Read: How to revolutionise the banking and finance industry with Robotic Process Automation

Our research indicates that advancements in AI and sensor technology are pivotal in making humanoid robots more autonomous and versatile, allowing them to adapt to and learn from their environments.

Market dynamics and investment opportunities

From a venture capitalist’s perspective, the humanoid robot market presents a compelling investment opportunity. The sector is witnessing substantial growth, with Asia leading the way in adoption and development.

Significant investments from countries like Japan, South Korea, and China are driving innovation and setting the stage for global market leadership. According to our research, the humanoid robot market is estimated to be worth approximately US$3-5 billion as of 2024, with projections indicating even greater expansion in the coming years.

The humanoid robotics sector has already attracted significant investment, demonstrating strong confidence from both strategic and venture capital investors.

Notable funding highlights include:

• Figure: Raised US$675 million in a Series B round from prominent investors including OpenAI, Nvidia, Microsoft, Bezos Expeditions, and Samsung Ventures. This funding underscores the market’s potential and the confidence major tech players have in the sector’s growth.
• Sanctuary AI: Secured investment led by Accenture Ventures, contributing to its approximate valuation of US$300 million. Sanctuary AI’s focus on creating versatile, autonomous humanoid robots is driving significant interest.
• UBTECH: Achieved a valuation of US$10 billion following its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. UBTECH’s focus on integrating advanced AI and robotics for consumer and industrial applications is a key driver of its market valuation.
• 1X: Raised US$100 million in a Series B round led by EQT Ventures, highlighting the ongoing investment in innovative robotics companies aiming to enhance efficiency and safety in various environments.
• Boston Dynamics: Known for its advanced mobility and balance capabilities, Boston Dynamics was acquired by Hyundai for approximately US$1.1 billion, demonstrating the strategic importance of robotics in industrial applications.
• Agility Robotics: Raised US$170 million in a Series B round to further develop its Digit robot, which is designed for package delivery and logistics.

These investments highlight the strong momentum within the humanoid robotics sector and the substantial financial backing that key players are receiving to drive innovation and market growth.

Opportunities for startups and industries in Southeast Asia and Taiwan

The wave of humanoid robotics and the influx of investments present a unique and timely opportunity for startups and industries in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. These regions are rapidly becoming hotbeds for technological innovation and entrepreneurship, supported by strong governmental policies, a thriving startup ecosystem, and significant investments in tech infrastructure.

Also Read: AI revolution: Balancing human empathy and robotic efficiency in customer service

For Southeast Asia, the adoption of humanoid robots can drive productivity and efficiency across various industries, from manufacturing to service sectors. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are well-positioned to leverage these technologies to enhance their industrial capabilities and competitiveness on a global scale.

Additionally, the region’s young, tech-savvy population and growing consumer market make it an attractive ground for developing and deploying humanoid robotic solutions. Looking over to Taiwan, with its robust semiconductor industry and strong technological base, plays a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of advanced robotics components.

Synergies and collaborative potential

The collaborative potential between Southeast Asia and Taiwan is immense.

By combining Taiwan’s technological expertise with Southeast Asia’s diverse market needs and dynamic startup environment, there is a significant opportunity to drive innovation and create scalable solutions. Joint ventures, research partnerships, and cross-border investments can catalyse the development of humanoid robots, making the region a global leader in this transformative field.

At Hive Ventures, we are committed to supporting these synergies and fostering collaborations that leverage the strengths of both regions. By bridging the gap between technology and market application, we can accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots and unlock new opportunities for startups and industries across Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

Future outlook: A vision for 2035

Looking ahead, the next decade will be crucial for the humanoid robot industry. Achieving economies of scale and reducing prices to the US$20,000 – 150,000 level will be key to driving mass adoption.

At Hive Ventures, we believe that by 2035, the humanoid robot market could generate substantial revenue, with applications expanding into consumer markets and beyond.

The integration of generative AI technologies will further enhance the cognitive capabilities of these robots, making them indispensable companions and helpers in various settings.

Final thoughts

The humanoid robot sector holds immense promise, with the potential to revolutionise industries and enhance human-machine collaboration. As venture capitalists and industry observers, we are excited about the opportunities and advancements in this space.

Our research at Hive Ventures underscores the transformative potential of humanoid robots and the critical role they will play in shaping the future of technology and industry. We are committed to supporting and investing in this innovative sector, anticipating a future where humanoid robots become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives.

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Indonesia has emerged as a significant force in the global business scene in recent times, establishing itself as a prominent player not only within ASEAN but also on a broader scale, driven by a population exceeding 270 million and a rapidly expanding middle class. Supported by a government committed to fostering entrepreneurial endeavours, the region’s business environment is undergoing notable changes. Programmes like the 1000 Startup Digital Initiative and Indonesia Investment Fund demonstrate this commitment by setting ambitious goals to stimulate the establishment of new digital ventures.

Aligning with this growth trajectory witnessed by the regional tech startup landscape, Echelon X was recently held last May 15-16 at the Singapore EXPO, offering attendees access to a wide array of benefits. This includes access to valuable market insights, growth initiatives, a marketplace for digital solutions, programs facilitating market entry, enhanced brand reputation and visibility, and an opportunity for dynamic innovators from the region to come together, interact, and foster collaboration.

Also read: Uncovering the secret behind Fonos’s unprecedented growth

Joining the many up-and-coming and established companies from across the global tech ecosystem in Echelon X is Telkomsel Ventures. Most notably, Telkomsel Ventures spearheaded a roundtable discussion on “Collaborative Innovation Models: Strategies for Effective Corporate-Startup Partnerships” which was attended by over 100 companies and organisations including WeWork, Invest Hong Kong, Vinova, TAPPI Global, and ArmourZero, among many others. Additionally, Mia Melinda, Telkomsel Ventures’ CEO, delivered a talk entitled, “Driving Impact: Corporate Venture Capital and the Future of Tech Innovation in Indonesia,” during a fireside chat moderated by Devina Mardiputri of e27.

Being the corporate venture arm of Telkomsel, Telkomsel Ventures invests in promising startups, helping them grow by leveraging Telkomsel’s extensive ecosystem, resources, and expertise. Complimenting their forecast on future trends, Telkomsel Ventures relies on visionary founders to reveal what lies ahead. Through the productive discussions, Telkomsel shared key insights regarding the important emerging trends in the region.

Indonesia’s burgeoning venture capital landscape

The financing landscape in Indonesia is diverse, mirroring the country’s rich diversity. Venture capital plays a prominent role, offering not just financial support but also strategic guidance and access to valuable networks essential for business expansion.

Both global giants like Sequoia Capital and local players such as East Ventures have made significant investments in promising Indonesian startups, covering a wide range of sectors from fintech to eCommerce.

Despite facing recent challenges following a boom in global venture capital funding in 2021 – 2022, Indonesia remains a beacon of hope in the regional venture capital scene. Favourable market conditions helped sustain VC deal values in Indonesia in 2022, holding steady compared to global markets which experienced declines of 20% to 40%. Moreover, there was a notable increase in deal volumes, particularly in early-stage opportunities, indicating growing investor interest. Another positive aspect is the diverse mix of international and local investors participating in the Indonesian VC market, with locally focused investors gaining a stronger foothold in recent years.

Exciting innovations in and out of Indonesia that venture builders are looking to support

Venture builders, also known as venture studios, company builders, or startup studios, are specialised entities that transform disruptive ideas into groundbreaking startups with commercial potential. While the concept of a venture builder is relatively novel, the idea of corporate spin-offs and the commercialisation of industry intellectual properties has been practised for a long time. For young start-ups, venture builders are seen as having lower risk and requiring less commitment. They are more adaptable and willing to pivot and reallocate resources among various projects, attracting entrepreneurs who wish to gain broader exposure to entrepreneurship rather than dedicating themselves to a single venture.

Also read: Leveraging technology to create uniquely human experiences

Within Indonesia and the neighbouring regions, exciting opportunities have arisen from budding new ventures born out of new innovations. Southeast Asia’s technology startups are projected to achieve an impressive valuation of $1 trillion by 2025, a significant increase from $340 billion in 2020. Indonesia, the region’s largest e-commerce market, holds nearly half of the market share. 

Sharing about the hottest industry trends and development initiatives within Indonesia supported by Telkomsel Ventures, Mia Melinda emphasised, “For Telkomsel Ventures, we focus on aligning with our corporate needs through three pillars: digital lifestyles, digital enablement, and emerging technology. Although Telkomsel is a telecommunications company, we aim to provide more than just connectivity by offering additional value to our customers.”

Melinda added, “According to a global consultant’s recent survey, post-COVID, executives now prioritise building new businesses, with artificial intelligence being the top focus, followed by sustainability, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies. While D2C saw a peak during the pandemic due to the need to maintain customer connections, it now ranks third in priority after AI and sustainability.”

Upcoming opportunities and challenges for Indonesia’s tech ecosystem

Foreseeing a captivating outlook for the region and Indonesia’s tech ecosystem, global tech giants have flocked to the region in search of new business opportunities. For instance, Microsoft has recently unveiled plans to invest US$1.7 billion over the next four years to enhance cloud and AI infrastructure in Indonesia. This investment will also include AI training opportunities for 840,000 individuals and support for the expanding developer community in the country. Nevertheless, there are also challenges that should be considered further to develop the technology-driven industries and venture capital community.

Sharing her thoughts on these topics, Mia Melinda expressed, “In terms of challenges, investing in innovations comes with a high degree of uncertainty, requiring thorough risk assessments and mitigations. Traditional methods, which rely on predicting the probability of risks in various criteria, often fall short when dealing with the unpredictable nature of new ventures. We need to embrace plural scenarios and conditional situations, acknowledging our limited knowledge and the inherent uncertainty in investment decisions.

Also read: Fostering inclusion: AI’s role in SEA’s education sector

Furthermore, the governance process in corporate venture capital can be lengthy and complex. However, founders who seek strategic synergy with corporations are often willing to navigate this process, understanding the long-term benefits of having robust governance in place as their businesses grow and scale.  To help bolster our impacts in the tech landscape in the country, we also aim to foster better cultural integration between corporations and startups, promoting collaboration and positive cultural assimilation within the company.”

To learn more about Telkomsel Ventures and its projects, please visit its website: www.telkomsel.vc

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Telkomsel Ventures

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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Direct market access (DMA) is a highly effective tool for institutional investors because it removes areas of friction caused by using needless middlemen and brokers. Instead, embracing DMA means exchanges can be directly accessed and orders placed in a fraction of the time. 

The beauty of DMA is that the approach can facilitate trading for any stock exchange or security that’s tradeable on exchanges. This means that institutions can find efficiency across a number of equities, fixed-income securities, derivatives, or just about any other financial asset. 

Time is of the essence when it comes to frictionless trading, and it’s only through DMA that institutions can execute the right trades at the right time to capture opportunities ahead of their rivals.

So, how can institutional investors create an efficient and sustainable DMA strategy? Let’s take a deeper look at five essential steps to take in order to achieve direct market access success:

Uniting DMA with algorithmic trading

Because direct market access excels in removing the barriers to trading for institutional investors, it offers the best level of efficiency when coupled with high-quality, fast-paced algorithmic trading tools. 

This means that ambitious institutions should seek out a functional DMA portal provider that offers quick instrument requests, corporate action management, and downloadable configuration files to help optimise efficiency throughout trading strategies. 

In choosing prime services that feature globally positioned trading servers and locally connected pricing structures with data vendors for real-time quotes, it’s possible for institutions to unite their DMA with high-frequency trading (HFT) and functional algorithmic trading platforms to capitalise on opportunities faster without the threat of losing valuable time against competitors. 

Also Read: Southeast Asia’s marketing renaissance: How up-and-coming marketers are leading the charge

Lower latency pricing can be a great asset when connecting DMA and Expert Advisors (EA) without having to worry about slippage or other factors that could hinder the effectiveness of results.

Utilise the transparency of order books to shape decisions

Order books are invaluable tools when it comes to gaining insights into market dynamics. However, the analysis of data can often make it difficult for institutional investors to extract clear insights in a landscape where time is literally money. 

When using order books, institutional investors can learn an asset’s liquidity by exploring its bid-ask spread. It’s also possible to explore the depth of the order book to understand the level of buying and selling interest regarding a specific asset. 

Traders are capable of using the data within order books to identify trends and explore possible trading signals. For instance, if an asset is receiving a higher volume of bids at a specific price level, it’s reasonable to expect it to climb higher. Likewise, if the ask side is heavily populated at a price level, investors can interpret it as a sell signal. 

Order books are becoming more accessible through integrated trading platforms and even smartphone apps today, making it easier than ever for institutions to access essential market insights. 

Conforming to compliance

Direct market access poses its own set of compliance requirements for institutional investors, and their adherence will be essential in building a functional and efficient trading strategy. 

When using DMA, it’s important that supervisory controls and procedures are continually tested in order to obtain the necessary CEO certification from FINRA. This certification is audited annually and pertains directly to risk management and compliance with the safety of the markets. 

It’s the responsibility of broker-dealers to ensure that their DMA services are well-tested and possess the required certification. 

With this in mind, it’s essential that any DMA used is fully compliant at all times to keep on top of regulatory scrutiny from the likes of FINRA and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It’s with this in mind that choosing the right DMA requires necessary due diligence, and low-cost options can come with both regulatory risks and possible security threats.

Following the direct market access rule

Any institutions engaging in DMA should also be aware of the direct market access rule set out by the SEC. This rule requires broker-dealers to implement the necessary risk controls for market access. 

The Direct Market Access rule means that any broker or dealer that has market access or any entity that offers a customer or other party access to an exchange through the use of its MPID is required to comply with the rule. 

This rule applies to trading in all securities, exchanges, or ATS, including equities, options, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), debt securities, and security-based swaps. 

While much of the rule focuses on provisions made by broker-dealers to offer compliant market access, it also makes stipulations that can be vital for institutional investors and securing efficient market practices. 

For instance, the rule states that it’s entirely possible to incorporate risk management tools or technology provided by a third party that’s independent of the customer, provided that it has direct and exclusive control over those tools or technology and is fully compliant. 

Also Read: Unlocking email marketing success: 5 foolproof tips every startup must embrace

This means that it’s entirely possible for DMAs to vary from different broker-dealers, and their proposition can have different ramifications for efficiency and compliance. With this in mind, it’s worth researching the available DMA options to see whether one tool offers a greater range of compliant integrations to improve access and latency.

Learn the intricacies of DMA and OTC trades

No, direct market access isn’t like over-the-counter (OTC) trading. The intricacies of the two approaches are important for institutional investors to take on board. 

Crucially, DMA places trades directly on an exchange, while OTC trading occurs outside of exchanges and directly between the appropriate parties. 

Because it focuses on trading via exchanges, DMA offers considerably more transparency, liquidity, compliance, and more competitive pricing than OTC trading, but it’s worth taking the time to research the relevant perks of each approach. 

For instance, some institutions prefer OTC trades because commission is instantly factored in and it can be easier to track profit and loss due to operating through a single party. 

However, a major issue with OTC trading stems from counterparty risk and reliance on chosen parties to fulfil their commitments when trades are placed. 

Building a sustainable DMA strategy

As institutional trading becomes ever-competitive, more traders are looking to DMA as an option to secure frictionless market access in a low-latency environment that’s fully compliant with necessary regulatory requirements to leverage a sustainable strategy. 

With the technology entering the industry becoming increasingly effective, incorporating these innovations into DMA strategies without slowing execution times down will be essential. 

As the market continues to grow, the range of powerful options at the disposal of institutions will only grow, so it’s worth conducting the appropriate research and utilising prime services that can offer meaningful direct market access that meets the ambitions of the institutions looking to achieve their potential.

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

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

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Malaysia’s economy has witnessed steady growth in recent years, yet the challenge of stagnant unemployment rates persists, posing a critical concern for policymakers and businesses alike. As the country strives for economic prosperity and workforce stability, Malaysian companies play a pivotal role in addressing this issue.

Despite Malaysia’s unemployment rate remaining at 3.3 per cent, Malaysian companies and the government have taken the first steps to reduce the number of unemployed by introducing initiatives in the business and gig economy. Initiatives such as JaminKerja, are created to increase job opportunities for the unemployed, targeted towards local workers.

The gig economy has emerged as a prominent force and solution, offering both opportunities and challenges for companies and workers alike. Based on a study by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), it is estimated that gig workers will account for 40 per cent of employed workers in Malaysia within five years, twice the global average.

Additionally, the widespread use of smartphones and the availability of high-speed internet has made it easier for individuals to access gig platforms leading to a boom in the gig economy, with the local gig economy being valued at RM1.33 billion (approximately US$281.54 million).

The gig economy also offers flexibility during work, not normalising the usual business hours but providing workers with the ability to choose when, where, and how much they work, allowing them to balance work with personal commitments or to pursue multiple gigs simultaneously.

Also Read: Malaysian golf course booking platform Deemples nets US$2M from V Ventures

Despite the gig economy thriving, there are still several challenges that the gig economy poses that need to be addressed. In this article, we will delve into the current limitations of the gig economy and how Malaysian companies aim to solve these challenges.

The downsides of working in the gig economy

There are around 2.2 million documented migrant workers in Malaysia, with the majority of them being in the gig economy as it is difficult for unskilled workers of foreign nationality to obtain a full-time working job. Most migrant workers are satisfied with the minimum working conditions in Malaysia. In contrast to their country of origin, Malaysia is considered to be hospitable with a decent standard of living. 

Malaysia also relies heavily on foreign workers, with the labour industry having the highest demand for them. The reliance on foreign workers causes a lack of job opportunities for Malaysian workers as foreign workers are viewed as a cheaper option compared to their domestic counterparts. Therefore, companies in Malaysia prioritise hiring foreign workers for gig economy work.

The gig economy also has its limitations, affecting both foreign and domestic workers which include:

Lack of job security

Gig workers often face uncertainty and instability in terms of job security. They may experience periods of inconsistent income, limited access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and vulnerability to changes in demand or market conditions.

Gig workers are vulnerable to market changes, shifts in demand and economic downturns. Changes in consumer behaviour, technological advancements, or industry disruptions can directly impact gig workers’ ability to secure work opportunities and maintain a steady income.

Limited access to benefits

Gig workers often do not have access to the same benefits as traditional employees, such as health insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, and worker’s compensation. This lack of benefits can significantly impact gig workers’ financial security, well-being, and quality of life.

The absence of benefits and protections can contribute to income instability for gig workers. Without benefits such as unemployment insurance or worker’s compensation, gig workers may face financial challenges during periods of unemployment, injury, or unforeseen circumstances.

Skill underutilisation

Gig workers may not always have the opportunity to fully utilise their skills and expertise in gig assignments. They may be assigned to repetitive or low-skilled tasks, limiting their potential for career advancement and skill development.

Furthermore, the lack of proper certification for gig jobs in the plantation sector prevents workers from earning a higher pay rate. Without recognised certifications, gig workers in plantations struggle to demonstrate their skills and value, leading to lower compensation and fewer opportunities for professional growth.

Local workers who work in the gig economy will then miss out on the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to adapt to other gigs that may require different skills, limiting the workers to only work in gigs that require common skills.

The future of the gig economy leverages employment opportunities 

A crucial aspect of the gig economy’s growth is the correlation of supply and demand dynamics, streamlined by the advent of online platforms and digital recruitment agencies. These platforms diminish the barriers typically encountered in traditional job markets, facilitating efficient connections between gig workers and employers. 

Also Read: Can co-working spaces change Malaysia’s work habits?

The gig economy is reshaping the traditional business hiring model. Employers are increasingly drawn to gig workers for their ability to offer specialised skills not readily available in-house. In a job market increasingly shaped by technological advancements and global connectivity, soft skills have emerged as a critical differentiator for both job seekers and employers. The emphasis on soft skills has never been greater as it is an essential skill that sets candidates apart and contributes significantly to workplace goals. 

The Malaysian government themselves are also taking a proactive approach to nurturing the gig economy, exemplified through various initiatives, ranging from building digital skills and improving the regulatory framework to expanding social protection. For example, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s (MDEC) Global Online Workforce is to equip Malaysians with the necessary skills to excel in the digital freelance marketplace.

The gig economy can prove to be the solution to reduce the stagnant unemployment rate that the country has been plagued by. Through various channels such as job portals, digital recruitment agencies, and government initiatives, it is imperative that candidates are provided with upskilling aid by corporate bodies to boost the development of the country’s employment sector.

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

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

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The dating app industry, despite criticism from psychologists, generates billions of US dollars a year. This ‘love economy’ has changed our lives beyond recognition.

However, almost half of consumers say they feel frustrated when using such apps, and members of the so-called ‘Generation Z’ are increasingly turning to live communication in search of their other half.

What does the future hold for the dating app industry?

The internet has changed the way we date, and psychologists believe it is not for the better. The abundance of choice in terms of partners and spending time corresponding with people without any idea of who they really pose mental health risks. The ease of choice, or the illusion of choice offered by dating apps, reduces the chances of meeting someone who you really click with in real life.

This is confirmed by a Pew Research Center study in 2020, which found that 45 per cent of people were disappointed when using apps, and 60 per cent of young girls and women said they had received intrusive messages even after expressing disinterest in a candidate. In addition, more than half of people received unwanted photos of a sexual nature, and the same proportion said they thought apps were an unsafe way to meet.

While the use of apps was not declining before COVID-19, recent studies show that interest is waning. So-called millennials, those born between 1996 and 1981, have grown extremely tired of online dating, even though for this generation finding a mate used to be a natural process.

Younger Generation Z (27 years and younger) are even less likely to use Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and other apps, preferring to meet their other half through mutual acquaintances.

Surprisingly, it is this generation of young people, who spend over 8 hours in front of their phone screens, that miss live interaction the most. We might consider that the younger generation is more aware, having matured in a time of climate activists and quarantines that have forced them to turn inwards, but they are not the only ones who are choosing alternatives.

Also Read: To bumble or not to bumble: Does Asia need its own dating apps?

The 2024 D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) report shows that many members of Generation Z rank fear of rejection and feeling uncomfortable among their top concerns when using instant dating apps. Millennial daters may have more experience of rejection, but this does not mean that they are comfortable with this scenario.

In search of a genuine connection

Dating apps are losing their appeal among all age groups. The majority of users of the recently launched Joiner App, a matchmaking and leisure app, are millennials, three-quarters of them women aged 25-40. They are happy to stop feeling the tension of a targeted search for a mate and rather find their circle of people based on their interests.

Millennial women don’t have the time to waste corresponding with 30 different people and then being disappointed every time they meet in person. The sociability, the ability to share positive emotions with people with whom you have a lot in common, is something else.

When we talk to the Joiner App community, we hear although people are often looking for their other half, they prefer to be friends first. They are fed up with the brutal push by apps to build a relationship faster without a foundation because it’s just not real.

Every relationship psychologist will agree that to have a successful commitment, one needs to go out there, not spend time on apps, create a false image of oneself, and also see potential partners.

According to statistics, the majority of ‘Generation Z’ women delete dating apps within the first month of use. Old-fashioned? I don’t think so.

I believe that our future will be different because people’s minds are changing. We are finally recognising that each of us wants the natural, real connection that many of us have lost. The millennial generation has had enough of virtual communication and is seeing the consequences.

The market is changing, their desire to communicate in person is replacing virtual illusions. This is why the world is witnessing a boom in socialisation projects and community building. It is impossible to ignore these trends because people’s needs are very clear. What is old-fashioned to whom today? The answer is obvious.

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

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

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Vietnam boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem and is among the top 3 most attractive investment destinations in Southeast Asia. Fonos, a Vietnamese audio content startup, is one of the prominent players in this exciting landscape, enjoying an accelerated growth momentum since 2020. With subscription services covering 1500 pieces of original content, 200+ podcast channels, and 1200+ copyrighted audiobooks, it is the number one audiobook app on both Apple AppStore and Google Play Store in Vietnam.

The challenge of streamlined marketing and ongoing personalisation to engage busy users

Vietnamese users have high expectations from their audio apps — from supporting their upskilling, personal and spiritual growth, and to catching up on the news in various spheres and reading to their children.

Fonos offers all of this but found that more than two-thirds of its users are busy people. While the users come on to the app because they recognise it can meet their needs, Nguyen Hong Nhung, Head of Growth Marketing at Fonos and her team, saw that the users could stay longer and return more often. Fonos had the potential to become the go-to learning and content companion for customers round the clock. To achieve this, the Fonos team decided to use a powerful all-in-one solution that would help tailor personalised retention strategies and create new user behaviours.

Also read: Leveraging technology to create uniquely human experiences

Because of its real-time Recency, Frequency, and Monetary segmentation features that underpin omnichannel, lifecycle marketing, and automated and personalised communication, Fonos sought CleverTap’s services.

“Fonos, right from its early days, understood the importance of focussing on user lifetime value as a way to achieve its goal of being a ‘daily companion’ to its users. CleverTap serves as a robust, unified engagement platform, empowering us to engage users contextually in real time and use automation for enhanced efficiency,” shared Nhung.

A foundation for tailored, end-to-end lifecycle engagement

With CleverTap as the cornerstone, Nhung and her team set out to build a data-driven strategy to maximise customer lifetime value (CLTV). This would be done in two ways: Driving subscription sales throughout the customer lifecycle (install, trial, renewal), while simultaneously boosting customer retention.

Nhung’s team kicked things off by segmenting their user base. They used CleverTap’s live unified customer views updated with real-time user interaction data, as the ideal starting point to segment users based on user type (Free/Subscription/Churn) and the category of the product (Audiobook/Ebook/Podcast). For enabling lifecycle-based engagement, CleverTap’s sophisticated Recency, Frequency, and Monetary (RFM) behavioural segmentation algorithm was applied. This creates segments of users based on how recently and how often they were active, as well as the value of their transactions.

Also read: Fostering inclusion: AI’s role in SEA’s education sector

RFM segmentation offers multiple advantages. RFM takes the entire audience and maps them onto a recency and frequency grid, breaking them down into 10 distinct groups. It is fully automated and takes care of complex mathematical modelling with complete accuracy. Thus, the Fonos team saves hours of effort which would be spent on computing which users belong where. They also have access to the probability of a user transitioning from one segment to another, which can happen at any time during the lifecycle.

Equipped with this new, multidimensional, real-time overview of their users’ lifecycle stages, the Fonos team leveraged more of CleverTap to create laser-focused engagement.

Leveraging RFM-backed journeys and insights to personalise user experiences and maximise CLTV

From the moment the customers find and download the Fonos app, they engage with it in varied ways. Against this backdrop, Fonos’ main goal is to make personalised content suggestions in real-time, so customers can quickly discover what they need and maximise their usage of the app’s large library. Let us look at how the team used CleverTap to achieve this.

In the case of users who download the app and sign up, conversion-focused journeys auto-trigger campaigns to engage those who remain inactive post-sign-up with welcome onboarding emails. Similarly, tailored journeys win back users about to cancel their subscriptions by reminding them how much they will miss their most-used features. Users who forget or overlook spending their abundant credits are alerted with personalised messages on their preferred channels before the credits expire.

In this way, RFM segmentation ensures that along any tailored journey, the offers, and customised messaging reach the right user on the right channel, consistently improving the experience. CleverTap also enables the team to identify the ‘golden time’ of the day to engage users, further boosting effectiveness. The Fonos team is also able to streamline their efforts by tapping into deeper insights mined by CleverTap, such as by not focusing on users who use the app for less than 10 minutes a day in the first week as they are unlikely to turn into loyal customers.

With this integrated execution of tailored journeys and lifecycle messaging right from the onboarding stage to provide seamless personalisation, Fonos is seeing concrete gains. There is a significant conversion uplift between 5%-10% and an appreciable revenue boost of 10% for user groups where CleverTap segmentation and tools were applied.

“RFM segmentation has helped shape a far more effective strategy, supercharging our return on investment by boosting retention rates and maximising user lifetime value,” explained Nhung.

Nurturing customer loyalty through RFM-powered personalisation

The Fonos team also leverages RFM segmentation and valuable insights from CleverTap to engage loyal customers and persuade them to make referrals. Loyal users, for instance, are offered personalised content so they feel valued. Another approach that is currently working well is two-way conversations. Customers in the more loyal segments are asked for feedback, assured it will be implemented, and then engaged again to see if they are satisfied. High-value, at-risk customers are convinced to stay by offering them gainful, customised loyalty programs, while loyal customers are incentivised to provide referrals.

Also read: OceanBase INFINITY 2024: Pioneering Indonesia’s digital economy

“By leveraging RFM segmentation and stellar user database management, Fonos has transformed user engagement, increasing both app usage time and monthly active users. In today’s distracting digital landscape, user loyalty is the heartbeat of a thriving subscription business, fueling continuous growth and unwavering engagement,” added Nhung.

A data-driven success story

There is clear evidence that everything Fonos has done so far to increase user engagement is working. The email open rate of 20% is significantly higher than the industry benchmark. At 10%, the In-app message open rate is also at a great level. Crucially, since CleverTap, monthly active users month-on-month growth has seen a 25% jump with the absolute number increasing 6-fold over six months. Fonos accomplished this by intelligently harnessing data to engage the busy user in the right way at the right time.

“CleverTap’s CRM system, by providing personalised customer experiences, marketing performance optimisation, and measurable metrics to gauge the success of our efforts in real-time, has greatly aided our growth,” Nhung shared.

To learn more about how CleverTap can help your business create a tailored strategy for engaging users, visit them at https://clevertap.com/live-product-demo/.

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Photo by Christina Morillo via Pexels

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

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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When asked about the top cybersecurity concern that companies of all sizes and sectors face today, Zscaler Chief Security Officer Deepen Desai named phishing as one of them. We can even expect the number and level of threat to escalate as cybercriminals use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their attacks, starting from the use of deep fakes to the use of “cleverly crafted” phishing kits that can evade multi-factor authentication (MFA) steps.

Speaking to e27 at the sidelines of Zenith Live 2024 on June 13 in Las Vegas, he also warned against using phishing-as-a-service frameworks that make crimes easier.

“Two notable ones have been mentioned in the last few years. The first one was the Scattered Spider group … they make phone calls to your IT helpdesk, pretending to be the employee and convincing the IT helpdesk to reset the password, reset MFA, and get inside the environment,” he explained.

“The other variation that we have seen in the last six months is … they pretend to be the security team of that same company, telling the IT helpdesk that we have found some security issue with your computer, and we are calling to help fix it.”

To deal with this issue, as a principle, Desai recommended companies focus on two things: Training employees and performing inline TLS inspection.

“In the case of Scattered Spider, as soon as we started seeing that happening mid to late last year, we sent out an advisory to all our customers to follow this process in order to safeguard against these types of TTP. So, the basic process changes. If some employee called your IT helpdesk to reset MFA or credentials because they lost their phone, contact their manager and get approval from them … With the basic process changing, training the employees become very, very important,” he said.

Also Read: The ever-present threat: Why businesses need robust cybersecurity

“The technology piece is where you need to do inline TLS inspection. Because a lot of these phishing pages are hosted on Azure or AWS GCP. They are using these cloud storage service providers’ wildcard certificates.”

Focusing more on how AI is taking cyber attacks to the next level, Desai highlighted that cybercriminals today aim at a company’s enterprise AI application.

“Every organisation is adopting generative AI LLM; they are all trying to take advantage of the efficiency, the efficacy gains that the LLM is providing. But this [enterprise AI is now] a crown jewel for your organisation. Because you have all your data there that you are using to train these algorithms, you can now poison the application, steal the data, and do lots of different attacks against that LLM infrastructure.”

So, how can companies use AI to fight against AI? Desai first highlighted that AI will not work as a panacea; users have to “tactically” integrate the technology in places where it will excel.

“What we have done is that we implement AI-powered segmentation, where we are using these AI modules to look at your last three months of data. Then, it is able to tell you that ‘This group of users are accessing this group of applications; you should apply this segmentation policy’,” he began.

Another example is the use of AI co-pilots. “How can you make it easier for a relatively new guy on the customer side, who may not be very familiar with your platform, to use it to defend against attacks? So, again, AI is being used across different layers in the product to fight attacks that will be more sophisticated, automated, and dynamic in nature.”

Also Read: Demystify cybersecurity: EPP vs EDR vs MDR vs XDR

As a cybersecurity firm, Zscaler provides businesses with an in-line cloud security platform. Its Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications anywhere.

At the same event, e27 spoke to Kavitha Mariappan, EVP of Customer Experience & Transformation, on how the company works with businesses to help them grow, especially in their cybersecurity aspect.

“We help customers grow is by reducing IT and security overhead,” she said.

When asked about recent changes in the global market, Mariappan said that COVID-19 was an inflexion point for businesses as it created a new kind of workforce—one that had never been in a physical office before.

“I was with a customer yesterday who said, ‘I have 300,000 offices. Why? Because I have 300,000 employees, many of whom work from home for a percentage of the week.’ So, how do I build a workforce? How do I ensure the crown jewels of the organisation are protected?”

“The other thing that has happened is how AI has taken off … We are seeing the bad actors use AI to do very sophisticated nefarious acts. So, I think we have seen many things shift since the pandemic.”

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Image Credit: Zscaler

The post Phishing remains top cybersecurity concern, but AI will drive it to next level: Zscaler CSO Deepen Desai appeared first on e27.

Dear reader,

We saw a great variety of news happening this week.

From the funding side, we had companies such as Amartha announcing a US$17.5 million funding round, Buyandship securing US$16 million, and Homa2u getting US$1.5 million. These companies work in various verticals, from fintech to logistics to interior design. Even major names such as Carro secured a US$55 million loan from HSBC to support its fintech arm.

We also witnessed movements in human resources. Philippe Auberger, a former Lazada Logistics Indonesia CEO, joins SiCepat, while SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son is setting up his “next big move.”

For features, we published a special interview with Zscaler from our recent participation at Zenith Live 2024 and a profile of BuyMed and Transcelestial.

Anisa,
Editor.

====

NEWS

MSD launches IDEA Studios to fund healthcare innovation in Asia, Europe
MSD, through its Global Health Innovation Fund, plans to invest US$38 million across both regions over the next three years

Amartha secures US$17.5M from Accion to empower women-led MSMEs
Amartha uses tech and partnerships to support women-led micro and SMEs, merchants, institutional banking, retail investors, and startups in the grassroots economy

Hong Kong based Buyandship secures US$16M funding led by Altara Ventures
Buyandship plans to enhance the user journey, expand into Southeast Asian markets, and further automate operations

SEA’s tech M&A boom cools off, more corrections on the horizon
According to DealStreetAsia, following peak activity in 2022, SEA witnessed a notable decline in M&As of tech companies in 2023

Malaysian interior design marketplace builds Pre-Series A round up to US$1.5M
Homa2u has repurposed US$4.2 million worth of excess inventories in over 8,000 homes, Tech In Asia writes

Vietnamese unicorn VNG eyes listing on local exchange HoSE
This information was secured by DealStreetAsia from the company’s annual shareholders on Friday

US VC General Catalyst acquires Indian peer Venture Highway
This acquisition confirms a report that DealStreetAsia made in January

Former Lazada Logistics Indonesia CEO joins SiCepat
Philippe Auberger joins the Indonesian logistics firm as its COO, according to Tech In Asia.

Carro secures US$55M loan from HSBC to fund fintech arm
The loan was meant to support the company’s fintech arm Genie Financial Services, DealStreetAsia writes

SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son set for ‘next big move’: report
Amid a deeper focus on AI, SoftBank is aiming to boost its renewable energy ventures to power its AI initiatives, especially in the US, Son said.

Lightspeed leads US$10M round in South Korean fintech startup Travel Wallet
Travel Wallet’s flagship product is Travel Pay, a prepaid card that lets users exchange funds and make payments in 46 different currencies.

Lazada squashes rumors of Thailand exit
The comments come following a Bangkok Post report on Alibaba’s alleged talks with Charoen Pokphand and Central Group.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Phishing remains top cybersecurity concern, but AI will drive it to next level: Zscaler CSO Deepen Desai
To tackle this problem, Zscaler CSO Deepen Desai spoke about how to use AI to fight against AI

How these trio grew BuyMed into a B2B healthtech brand with a reach in 12K+ townships in Vietnam
BuyMed, which recently raised US$51.5M in Series B funding, says it processes over 5K orders daily and reaches 12K+ townships across Vietnam

Amidst funding slowdown, these 5 Vietnamese tech startups inspire hope for the rest of the year
Categories such as e-commerce, fintech, and related services remain the most popular verticals for investors in Vietnam

‘To beam high-speed internet from Space’: Transcelestial CEO on Axiom Space collaboration
Transcelestial and Axiom Space team up to use lasers to beam high-speed internet from space, creating orbiting data centers

FROM THE CONTRIBUTORS

The economy of love: Are dating apps doomed?
The ease of choice offered by dating apps, reduces the chances of meeting someone who you really click with in real life

Navigating the climate tech landscape in Germany: Opportunities and pathways
Germany’s climate tech landscape offers opportunities for innovation and growth, backed by strong government support and a thriving ecosystem

Skills for the gig age: Empowering workers in Malaysia for the future of work
The gig economy can prove to be the solution to reduce the stagnant unemployment rate that Malaysia has been plagued by

The unsung hero: Why every CEO needs a strong second-in-command
The second-in-command role is a strategic imperative for modern organisations in a complex, competitive business environment

Leveraging technology to create uniquely human experiences
Communication and marketing in the age of automation: Strategies for a seamless people-machine partnership

Can Singapore unlock Gen Z’s spending power with unified commerce?
Singapore’s retail sector can revitalise by adopting unified commerce, capitalising on Gen Z’s significant global spending power

AI, personalisation, and 5 marketing activities you should be doing
Here are five key marketing activities that businesses should be doing and the AI tools to get the most mileage

The metaverse in Asia: Opportunities for new entrepreneurs
The metaverse is set to redefine how we interact, work, and engage with digital content, and Asia is poised to lead this transformation

PR 101 for tech startups: Tips for guaranteed media coverage
Struggling to get the word out about your tech startup? Learn how to do your own PR and create buzz for your business on a budget

FROM THE ARCHIVES

‘Young, tech-savvy population contributes to cryptocurrency growth in Vietnam’
Cryptocurrencies have found more takers in Vietnam because nearly 70% of adults lack access to formal financial services, says Nicegram CPO

All hands on deck: How Iron Sail strengthens blockchain gaming ecosystem through collaboration
Launched in October 2021, Iron Sail results from a partnership between blockchain-based game hub Whydah and seven local gaming studios

Why is The Parentinc aggressively venturing into offline spaces?
The Parentinc doesn’t rule out an IPO within the next three years, but at this point, it brings the retail tech footprint into other markets in SEA

The journey of Alternō: A tale of innovation, sustainability, and friendship
Alternō envisions a world where sustainable energy is accessible and affordable for all, heralding a new era of eco-conscious living

How Vietnam’s e-commerce firm Tiki manages to keep employee churn rate healthy
Chief People Officer Sakshi Jawa discusses the various HR challenges faced by Tiki, which employs nearly 3,000 people across Vietnam

From Amazon to AI: How GenAI Fund fuels innovation in SEA through a unique model
GenAI Fund is a US$10M AI-focused fund based in Vietnam that aims to invest between US$50,000 and US$1M per startup

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

Starting with a clear culture in mind is vital for companies: Huy Nghiem of Finhay
‘Short-term financial stability is as important as long-term goals; If we cannot meet the former, we can’t meet the long-term goal either’, says the Finhay CEO

—

Image Credit: © rawpixel, 123RF Free Images

The post Ecosystem Roundup: MSD launches IDEA Studios | Amartha nabs US$17.5M | SEA’s tech M&A boom cools off appeared first on e27.

HOMA2u, a Malaysian startup specialising in renovation and interior design materials, has secured an additional US$625,000 in its pre-series A funding round from Asia Fund X, backed by MSW Ventures and Pavilion Capital.

The company plans to use the funds to support its carbon reduction tracking initiatives and expand beyond Malaysia and Singapore into high-growth regions such as Taiwan and Japan.

Founded in 2017, HOMA is a retail platform leading the initiative to reduce, reuse, and repurpose for home improvement. It offers building materials and home finishing products at bargain prices, focusing on sustainability.

HOMA2u collaborates with environmental consultants to measure the carbon footprint of repurposing overstock materials. Each sale of overstock tiles saves about 16.42 kg of CO2 per m², reducing waste and the need for new production. Using industry standards, HOMA2u ensures transparent carbon accounting, sets new benchmarks, and issues green certificates to partners.

Also Read: MSD launches IDEA Studios to fund healthcare innovation in Asia, Europe

The company has developed the Pro+ ecosystem, which includes over 1,000 industry stakeholders such as interior designers, architects, suppliers, and contractors. Pro+ provides a platform for the community to access curated perks and value-added services, enhancing the overall marketplace experience.

At the start of 2024, HOMA set a target to save 7.5 million kg of carbon by the end of the year. To date, HOMA2u claims to have repurposed over RM20 million (US$4.76 million) worth of overstock inventories for more than 8,000 homes.

Pennie Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of HOMA2u stated, “Our vision remains to redefine the business landscape for the built environment, but we are also cognizant of the sustainable impact we bring to the table. We are committed to expanding HOMA2u’s offerings outside of Malaysia and Singapore, specifically into high-growth regions such as Taiwan and Japan where attitudes towards ESG construction move in strikingly similar ways.”

This latest investment brings HOMA2u’s total pre-Series A funding to US$1.5 million. Existing investors include Quest Ventures Asia Fund II, Worldwide Management Solutions, and Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, the investment arm of the Sabah state government.

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

Image credit: HOMA2u

The post HOMA2u raises US$625K to expand sustainable renovation marketplace appeared first on e27.

The digital age continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and redefining how we interact with technology and each other. At the forefront of this evolution is the metaverse — a concept that blends augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the internet to create immersive virtual worlds. These virtual spaces offer unprecedented opportunities for interaction, commerce, entertainment, and education, and Asia is rapidly emerging as a leader in this innovative landscape.

With its strong technological infrastructure, vibrant digital economies, and a population that is both tech-savvy and eager to adopt new technologies, Asia is uniquely positioned to harness the potential of the metaverse. Additionally, Asia’s immense population, rich tapestry of languages, and diverse cultures present unique challenges that the metaverse is ideally suited to address.

By creating virtual spaces that transcend physical and cultural barriers, the metaverse can facilitate interactions and collaborations that cut across these diversity gaps, fostering a more interconnected and inclusive digital community.

For new entrepreneurs, this burgeoning digital frontier presents a wealth of opportunities to innovate, create, and thrive. This article explores the rise of the metaverse in Asia, its potential for entrepreneurs, and the trends, players, and innovations driving this transformative ecosystem.

Exploring the rise of the metaverse in Asia

The concept of the metaverse has been around for some time, but it has recently gained significant traction, particularly in Asia. This surge is driven by several factors, including advancements in technology, increased internet penetration, and a cultural inclination towards digital innovation.

Technological advancements

Asia is home to some of the world’s leading technology companies and innovators. Countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore are making substantial investments in the necessary infrastructure to support the metaverse. These investments include the development of high-speed 5G networks, which are essential for providing the low latency and high bandwidth required for seamless VR and AR experiences.

Internet penetration and digital culture

With one of the highest internet penetration rates globally, Asia’s digital culture is thriving. The region’s population is highly engaged with digital platforms, social media, online gaming, and e-commerce. This digital-first mindset makes the transition to more immersive metaverse experiences a natural progression.

Government support and investment

Governments across Asia recognise the potential of the metaverse and provide support through policies and investments. For instance, the Chinese government has included the metaverse in its five-year plan, highlighting its importance in the future digital economy.

Innovative ecosystem

The innovative spirit prevalent in Asia is fostering a robust ecosystem of startups and tech companies eager to explore and expand the possibilities of the metaverse. This includes developments in virtual real estate, digital fashion, educational tools, and social networking platforms.

Also Read: Understanding the difference between Web3 and metaverse

Understanding the potential of the metaverse for entrepreneurs

The metaverse represents a transformative opportunity for entrepreneurs, offering a new frontier for innovation across various sectors.

Here are some key areas where entrepreneurs can capitalise on the potential of the metaverse:

Virtual real estate

In the metaverse, virtual real estate is becoming a highly sought-after commodity. Entrepreneurs can purchase virtual land and develop it into commercial hubs, entertainment zones, or social spaces. Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox are pioneering this space, allowing users to buy, sell, and develop virtual properties.

Digital fashion and avatars

As users spend more time in virtual worlds, the demand for digital fashion and avatar customisation is on the rise. Entrepreneurs can create virtual clothing lines, accessories, and even entire fashion shows. This sector offers a unique blend of creativity and commerce, appealing to fashion enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers alike.

Gaming and entertainment

The gaming industry is a natural fit for the metaverse, providing immersive experiences that attract millions of users worldwide. Entrepreneurs can develop new games, create virtual events, and design interactive entertainment experiences. The integration of blockchain technology and NFTs adds another layer of opportunity, allowing creators to monetise their digital assets.

Education and training

The metaverse has the potential to revolutionise education and training by providing immersive, interactive learning environments. Entrepreneurs can develop virtual classrooms, training simulations, and educational games that offer engaging and effective learning experiences. This is particularly relevant in fields like medicine, engineering, and vocational training, where hands-on practice is crucial.

Social networking and community building

The metaverse offers new ways to connect and build communities. Entrepreneurs can create virtual social networks, online communities, and interactive experiences that bring people together. These platforms can cater to various interests and demographics, providing unique spaces for social interaction, collaboration, and entertainment.

E-commerce and virtual marketplaces

E-commerce in the metaverse extends beyond traditional online shopping. Virtual marketplaces can offer unique, immersive shopping experiences where users can browse and purchase digital and physical goods. Entrepreneurs can create virtual stores, develop innovative shopping platforms, and leverage VR and AR technologies to enhance the customer experience.

Also Read: What metaverse trends should you keep an eye on in 2024?

Navigating the tech landscape: Metaverse trends in Asia

Asia is witnessing several key trends that are shaping the metaverse landscape:

VR and AR advancements

Continuous improvements in VR and AR technologies are making virtual experiences more immersive and accessible. Countries like Japan and South Korea are leading in VR hardware and software innovations.

5G deployment

The rollout of 5G networks across Asia is enhancing the speed and reliability of internet connections, which is crucial for seamless metaverse experiences. China, in particular, is at the forefront of 5G deployment.

Blockchain integration

Blockchain technology is being integrated into metaverse platforms to ensure secure and transparent transactions. This is particularly important for virtual real estate, digital assets, and NFTs.

Cultural adoption

There is a strong cultural embrace of digital experiences in Asia, driven by the popularity of online gaming, e-sports, and virtual events. This cultural trend supports the rapid adoption and growth of metaverse platforms.

Key players shaping the metaverse industry in Asia

Several major companies and startups in Asia are driving the development of the metaverse:

• Tencent: A Chinese tech giant, Tencent is heavily investing in metaverse-related technologies, particularly in gaming and social networking.
• Alibaba: Known for its e-commerce dominance, Alibaba is exploring the integration of virtual reality into online shopping, creating immersive e-commerce experiences.
• Samsung: The South Korean conglomerate is a leader in VR technology, providing hardware and software solutions that are fundamental to metaverse applications.
• Sony: Japan’s Sony is making significant strides in VR gaming, with its PlayStation VR system paving the way for immersive gaming experiences.
• Grab: The Singapore-based company is venturing into the metaverse by developing virtual platforms that enhance urban mobility and e-commerce.
• ByteDance: The parent company of TikTok, ByteDance, is expanding its reach into the metaverse through investments in VR and gaming. ByteDance acquired Pico, a VR headset maker, signalling its intention to become a significant player in the VR space.

Monetising opportunities in the Asian metaverse market

Entrepreneurs can explore various monetisation strategies within the metaverse:

• Virtual real estate: Buying, developing, and selling virtual land is becoming a lucrative business. Entrepreneurs can create virtual malls, event spaces, and social hubs.
• Digital fashion: Designing and selling virtual clothing for avatars opens a new revenue stream. Collaborations with fashion brands can further enhance this opportunity.
• Gaming: Developing immersive games and integrating in-game purchases can attract a large user base. Blockchain-based games with NFTs offer additional revenue potential.
• Education and training: Virtual classrooms and training simulations provide innovative educational solutions. Entrepreneurs can create subscription-based models for continuous learning.
• Social platforms: Building social networks and community spaces within the metaverse can attract advertising and sponsorship deals.

Challenges and solutions for entrepreneurs in the metaverse space

While the metaverse offers vast opportunities, it also presents challenges:

• Technical barriers: Developing high-quality VR and AR experiences requires significant technical expertise and investment. Partnering with established tech firms can help mitigate this challenge.
• Regulatory issues: Navigating the regulatory landscape is complex, especially with varying laws across different countries. Entrepreneurs should stay informed and seek legal advice to ensure compliance.
• User adoption: Gaining user traction can be difficult in the early stages. Offering unique, value-driven experiences and leveraging marketing strategies can enhance adoption.
• Security concerns: Ensuring data privacy and security is crucial. Implementing robust security measures and transparent policies can build user trust.

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

Innovations driving growth in Asia’s metaverse ecosystem

Several innovations are propelling the growth of the metaverse in Asia:

• AI integration: AI is enhancing user experiences by providing personalised interactions and automating complex tasks within the metaverse.
• NFTs: Non-fungible tokens are revolutionising digital ownership, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade unique digital assets securely.
• IoT connectivity: The Internet of Things is connecting physical devices to the metaverse, enabling real-time data exchange and interaction between the virtual and physical worlds.
• Cross-platform interoperability: Developing platforms that can interact seamlessly with each other is crucial for a cohesive metaverse. Entrepreneurs are focusing on creating interoperable systems to enhance user experiences.

Future outlook: The evolution of entrepreneurship in the Asian metaverse

The future of entrepreneurship in the Asian metaverse looks promising. As technological advancements continue to accelerate, the metaverse will become more accessible and integrated into everyday life. Entrepreneurs who are able to innovate and adapt to this evolving landscape will find numerous opportunities to create impactful businesses.

The metaverse is set to redefine how we interact, work, and engage with digital content, and Asia is poised to lead this transformation. By embracing the metaverse, new entrepreneurs can not only achieve business success but also contribute to the broader digital economy, shaping the future of technology and human interaction.

In conclusion, the metaverse in Asia presents a dynamic and exciting frontier for new entrepreneurs. With a strategic approach, an understanding of the evolving tech landscape, and a commitment to innovation, entrepreneurs can capitalise on the vast opportunities the metaverse offers, driving growth and shaping the future of the digital world.

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