Have you ever thought about a smart assistant dedicated to keeping your workplace safe and compliant? Imagine AI stepping in as your high-tech safety officer, analysing real-time data and spotting potential issues before they become non-compliant. It’s not science fiction — it’s happening now.

But the questions arise: Is AI genuinely changing how we manage safety and compliance, or is it just a shiny new gadget?

However, with advanced algorithms, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics, AI is transforming regulatory requirements by changing the way safety protocols are handled in workplaces. Thus, AI cannot be stated merely as a shiny new gadget; rather, it’s a powerful tool that actively improves risk management, streamlines compliance processes, and creates safer work environments. The integration of AI into existing EHS monitoring systems is proving to be a game-changer, making a tangible impact on how safety and compliance are managed today.

A safety showdown

In the industrial landscape of contemporary times, the idea of operating safely without AI seems increasingly unrealistic. Modern environments are too complex and fast which demands a level of vigilance and precision that traditional methods struggle to provide.

AI technologies, with their advanced data analysis and real-time monitoring capabilities, offer an unprecedented edge in tracking compliances allowing EHS teams to respond swiftly to emerging issues, reducing the likelihood of accidents, and improving overall workplace safety.

Gary Ng, CEO of viAct, an AI company from Hong Kong aptly says “As industries evolve and the stakes rise, AI’s role in safeguarding operations especially in critical risk-prone workplaces becomes not just beneficial but essential, highlighting a critical shift from conventional safety practices to a more dynamic, AI-driven approach.” He further adds it by stating “92 per cent faster Risk Assessments & Safety Audits was observed in automotive manufacturing units that otherwise had a lot of non-compliance due to Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs)”.

Also Read: How to use Gen AI enabled chatbots for workplace safety?

Traditional manual checks to manage safety by EHS teams through periodic inspections may cause “a safety shutdown” as these methods struggle to keep up with the rapid pace and complexity of modern operation lines. IoT sensors and cameras throughout modern facilities allow AI to continuously monitor equipment and worker behaviour in real time.

This approach is termed a proactive approach which prevents accidents by enhancing compliance with safety standards. It underscores how AI has become essential in high-stakes industrial environments like manufacturing, construction, oil & gas, mining, and logistics as it serves as not just a luxury but a vital component for maintaining a safe and efficient operation.

New face of industry-specific safety

In today’s industrial ecosystem, another revolution in the field of AI for workplace safety is brought by Generative AI. Think of a workplace where AI doesn’t just observe safety compliances through video analytics but actively participates in it by answering— that’s where generative AI is stepping in, transforming the way safety and compliance are managed.

This can be explained by the safety chatbot of viAct named “viGent” which is so powerful that has changed how the EHS team works. Instead of relying on manual checks or waiting for reports, viGent provides real-time assistance helping EHS teams in mapping issues for 85 per cent quicker safety resolutions, ensuring 90 per cent amendments in best safety practices, and contributing to 70 per cent long-term safety improvement. Thus, Generative AI is an upgrade that’s reshaping the entire approach to workplace safety, turning reactive measures into proactive, intelligent systems.

What makes generative AI solutions like viGent even more impressive is how they tap into a vast data pool, providing insights and predictions not just by reacting to incidents but by helping prevent them from happening by identifying patterns and risks early on.The chatbot seamlessly integrates data from multiple sources, such as video analytics and IoT sensors for compliance monitoring and assistance.

For EHS teams, this means a complete shift towards a focused strategy in compliance tracking. Beyond simple alerts, generative AI helps to foster a culture of safety. By integrating directly into the daily routines of workers and aligning with real-time operations, these generative AI applications anticipate, communicate, and drive compliance with a level of intelligence that traditional CCTV-based monitoring cannot guarantee.

Also Read: Why AI will be critical to brand strategy

Finding the sweet spot

As AI continues to revolutionise workplace safety, the balance between innovation and regulation becomes crucial. AI-powered tools like safety chatbots, integrate cutting-edge video analytics and IoT data which comes with regulatory responsibilities.

AI’s ability to monitor and guide workers in real time must align with existing safety standards and laws. Ensuring that AI solutions comply with local and international safety regulations is key to their widespread adoption.

viAct’s Responsible AI Approach is a very good example in this context which finds “the sweet spot” amid the regulatory bedlam. The approach helps viAct by ensuring that their AI technologies are not simply meant to enhance workplace safety but also uphold ethical and legal standards by incorporating transparent data handling practices and designing AI systems that align with regulatory frameworks at its core.

Such approaches enable industries to confidently adopt AI-driven solutions, knowing that the technology supports both operational efficiency and compliance with stringent safety regulations.

Thus, the intersection of AI innovation and safety regulation, driven by responsible AI practices, is the future of workplace safety—one that embraces progress while ensuring worker protection and regulatory alignment.

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e27 has been nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights.

As part of our ‘Contributor Spotlight’ series, we shine a spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.

This episode features Kailash Madan, Global Head of Sales at Primer, with over 10 years in payments and financial services, including roles at Stripe and Citi. Kailash leads Primer’s team in APAC, helping enterprises automate and optimise e-commerce workflows with unified global payments infrastructure.

Thoughts, goals, and journey

Madan shared that around a decade ago, he entered traditional payments while working at Citi as a Management Associate. His role in commercial and consumer banking introduced him to cross-border commerce and the broader impact of payments on the global economy. He then moved into digital payments, helping grow the internet’s GDP at Stripe before joining Primer to help merchants and partners rethink payment management.

Madan remarked, “Having been at the forefront of what you’d today call traditional payments, including export and import finance, and now igniting growth for global businesses through digital payments, I’ve learned that providing businesses with the right infrastructure to offer a best-in-class customer experience is key. I intend to continue doing so while driving greater advocacy for payments within large organisations.”

He added, “There’s a monumental shift taking place in the payments industry towards greater optionality, flexibility, and freedom in how businesses build and manage payments. Until recently, many leaders were comfortable with one Payment Service Provider (PSP) driving their business, but it’s becoming clear that this model can’t meet the needs of modern businesses operating across multiple markets. Earlier this year, Stripe made a major move by decoupling payments from the rest of its financial services, moving towards a more open and inclusive system where businesses can design their payments strategy around their needs, not the other way around. Primer has been driving this shift for some time, and our model is the catalyst for it, making it an exciting time to be working here.”

Also Read: Camellia Chan: Transforming cybersecurity with hardware-based solutions and and building a global brand

The driving force

Madan joined the e27 Contributor Programme in 2022 and has since been an active member, regularly sharing his insights on the payments industry.

Madan said, “e27 is one of the most impactful platforms for entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses in Southeast Asia’s tech scene, offering a wealth of thought leadership content and knowledge exchange between leaders and experts. Through this platform, I’ve been exposed to new industries and ideas, and I hope to add as much value as I’ve gained from the Contributor Programme. The payments industry continues to be somewhat of a ‘black box’ for those outside the sector, which Primer is working to change. By contributing thought leadership, I aim to show how we’re simplifying payments and how any business can use digital payments as a growth lever.”

Advice for budding thought leaders

Juggling too many things?

Madan said, “I’m fully committed to the remote work model at Primer. While it’s not for everyone, it gives me the flexibility to pursue personal goals and routines that matter to me, while also succeeding at work. For me and my team, it’s not about presenteeism, but the quality of our output, and once you focus on that, achieving work-life balance becomes a bit easier.”

He added, “Working at a fast-growing startup isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to put in the hard yards, it’s an opportunity to advance quickly. With my global role based in Singapore, managing time zones can be tough, so I make sure to block certain times to recharge.”

Also Read: Jackie Tan: Navigating the startup journey and paying it forward

Staying in the loop

Madan says he learns the most from daily conversations with business leaders and his team, who are attuned to global market shifts. Primer’s remote model, with teams in over 35 countries, enables seamless collaboration, allowing him to connect with leaders worldwide for insights and on-ground perspectives. He also highlights that staying updated through news outlets and platforms like LinkedIn remains essential.

Madan recommends subscribing to newsletters like TechCrunch, Tech In Asia, Benedict Evans, The Ken, e27, and Sifted to stay updated on industry trends. He also follows LinkedIn authors like Linas Beliunas and Dwayne Jefferie, whose posts offer valuable insights into current discussions in the space.

“Although digital payments seem complicated and mature, we’re only at 10 per cent of global commerce today. The runway to grow is massive and with it are the opportunities to innovate, evolve and re-invent existing processes. Learning every day is something I live with and I’d encourage everyone to consider,” he concluded.

Take a look at his articles here for more information and perspectives on his expertise.

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Are you ready to join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry experts? Do you have insights, experiences, and knowledge to share?

Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem.

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Dear reader,

Temasek’s recent commitment of SGD100 million (US$78 million) in concessional capital through its Climate Action (CCCA) initiative marks a significant step in addressing climate change financing gaps, particularly in developing economies.

By providing patient, flexible capital, the CCCA aims to unlock opportunities in marginally bankable projects, such as clean infrastructure, that would otherwise struggle to secure funding. This approach aligns with the global push to meet the 1.5-degree climate goal and reflects Temasek’s broader strategy of integrating sustainability with its philanthropic efforts.

As the world grapples with the urgency of climate action, particularly in Asia where structural barriers hinder progress, Temasek’s approach of using blended finance to mobilise commercial, concessional, and philanthropic capital offers a pathway for impactful change.

The initiative is designed not only to promote environmental sustainability but also to catalyse further investments by demonstrating the viability of green projects in challenging markets.

This move reflects Temasek’s commitment to sustainability, complementing its existing portfolio of climate and sustainability-focused investments.

By advancing concessional capital as an asset class, Temasek is positioning itself as a leader in the global effort to combat climate change while driving intergenerational impact for a sustainable future.

Sainul,
Editor.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Temasek sets aside US$78M Concessional Capital for Climate Action (CCCA)
CCCA seeks to support climate action initiatives by providing more flexible, patient, and favourable financing, which will address these market barriers.

MAS directs Singapore e-commerce platform Qoo10 to suspend payment services
The market regulator will review the suspension when Qoo10 is able to satisfy MAS of its ability to resolve the payment delays and safeguard the interest of its customers in Singapore on an ongoing basis.

Peak XV has reaped US$1.2B in the year since it split from Sequoia
The investor has sold stakes in nearly a dozen portfolio companies that went public in the past year, including food delivery group Zomato, cosmetics retailer Mamaearth, and spam protection firm Truecaller.

OpenAI CTO Mira Murati says she’s leaving the company
“There’s never an ideal time to step away from a place one cherishes, yet this moment feels right … My six-and-a-half years with the OpenAI team have been an extraordinary privilege,” she said.

Cybersecurity startup Blackpanda raises US$6.7M for Asia expansion
The investors are Singtel Innov8, Gaw Capital Partners, and WI Harper Group; Blackpanda’s IR-1 solution integrates proactive attack surface management, incident response services, and automated access to insurance.

Qarbotech secures US$1.5M funding to boost farm yields by 60%
The investors are 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, ID Capital, EQT Foundation, and Epic Angels; The capital will enable Qarbotech to scale its operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

South Asia, SEA rank high in potential for fintech lending in Asia: Study shows
South Asia stands out with 43 incubators for alternative lending firms and 118 funding rounds in the industry, making it the leading region in fintech investments and startup activity.

Gobi Partners joins Pakistani BNPL startup Qist Bazaar’s US$3.2M round
Since its inception in 2021, Qist Bazaar claims to have disbursed over 55,000 product-based loans amounting to US$12 million; Qist Bazaar’s customers include domestic workers, rickshaw drivers, students, and micro-entrepreneurs.

Echelon Singapore 2025 gears up for its first time at Suntec
The move represents a major leap forward for Echelon Singapore, providing a larger, more dynamic space for exhibitions and sessions.

WeRide partners Uber to launch robotaxis in UAE
The partnership is expected to launch first in Abu Dhabi later this year; After launch, when a rider requests a qualifying ride on the Uber app, they may be presented with the option to have their trip fulfilled by a WeRide autonomous vehicle.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

YGG’s Future of Work: Empowering gamers for the AI age
YGG launches Future of Work, a programme aiming to equip participants with in-demand skills for the future workforce.

Revolutionising urban safety: AI-driven WaveScan in non-destructive testing of infrastructure
A spin-off from A*STAR, WaveScan harnesses electromagnetics-based sensor technology and AI to offer NDT solutions for urban infrastructure.

Operva AI elevates facade inspections with autonomous drone, collaborative cloud platform
Operva AI streamlines the process of building inspection by using AI to detect and label defects and observations.

AI will spur growth in data centres, potentially leading to semiconductor shortage: Bain & Co
The rise of generative AI has also pressured software developers to improve efficiency in their operations.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The rise of M&A in Vietnam: Strategies and trends in the tech sector
Vietnam’s M&A market is seeing new buyers emerge, including regional firms, big tech, and domestic corporations.

How is fintech different in Asia
The faster fintech develops in Asia, richer the local digital landscape becomes leading further spread of digital financial services.

Unlocking green fintech prosperity in Asia: Navigating the top 4 challenges
Despite the ongoing ‘funding winter’ faced by global startups, the trajectory of development for green fintech has shown strong momentum.

Pitching prep: Anticipating key questions VCs pose in pitch sessions
Even during the pandemic, opportunities to attend a pitching session with a potential investor remain abundant.

Some lessons on how to fulfil the climate tech promise
When it comes to promoting climate tech investment, there is a need for investors to play the long-term game.

Propelling SG businesses towards sustainable future: How to inspire emissions plan creation
There are several steps to encourage businesses to develop emission plan, starting with involving CFOs and finance teams.

Unlocking green fintech prosperity in Asia: Navigating the top 4 challenges
Despite the ongoing ‘funding winter’ faced by global startups, the trajectory of development for green fintech has shown strong momentum.

The climate change and gender equality connection: How to support underfunded women-owned business
While there is a distinct relationship between gender inequality and climate change, investment mandates rarely combine both of these lenses.

Pitching prep: Anticipating key questions VCs pose in pitch sessions
Even during the pandemic, opportunities to attend a pitching session with a potential investor remain abundant.

The rise of M&A in Vietnam: Strategies and trends in the tech sector
Vietnam’s M&A market is seeing new buyers emerge, including regional firms, big tech, and domestic corporations.

Seizing the e-commerce wave: Unveiling opportunities in Southeast Asia
The time is ripe for local e-commerce sellers in SEA to look beyond their borders, supercharged by recent cultural and technological changes.

Unveiling the eco gender gap: Essential insights for a sustainable future
Eco gender gap is when solutions to tackle climate change seem to be geared only toward women. How should businesses deal with this?

Seizing the e-commerce wave: Unveiling opportunities in Southeast Asia
The time is ripe for local e-commerce sellers in SEA to look beyond their borders, supercharged by recent cultural and technological changes.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Navigating shareholders’ disputes in startups: Different exit strategies and mechanisms explained
Disputes are usually managed effectively when the parties involved have agreed at the outset with the right legal mechanisms in place.

How to maximise marketing efforts on a shoe-string budget
A robust growth strategy prioritises revenue and relies on data-driven decisions over guesswork to evaluate marketing efforts.

Workplace safety getting a tech makeover with AI
AI-powered tools, like safety chatbots, integrate cutting-edge video analytics and IoT data, which comes with regulatory responsibilities.

The secret sauce to happy customers
Tracking Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) is your golden ticket to understanding what’s working, what’s not, and where you can sprinkle a little more magic.

8 ways to utilise customer data to retain loyalty during economic challenges
Leveraging shopper data helps businesses refine loyalty strategies, build stronger connections, and anticipate future behaviours.

How El Salvador’s bitcoin experiment serves as a blueprint for Southeast Asia’s fintech ecosystem
Southeast Asia’s startups can use El Salvador’s lessons to bring unbanked individuals and businesses into the global digital economy.

The digital classroom: How edutech is sculpting the minds of tomorrow
As education systems embrace technology, edutech holds immense potential to transform learning for future generations.

Challenging traditional rental markets with innovative tech: The story behind Livingo
With co-living on the rise, Livingo is well-positioned to lead this shift toward a more flexibleent and community-cred way of life.

‘Step Zero Before the Hustle’: The psychology of entrepreneurial success
The book explores the psychology of entrepreneurial success, offering insights to build confidence, resilience, and essential startup skills.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Temasek sets aside US$78M for climate fund | Qoo10 ordered to suspend payment services in Singapore appeared first on e27.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that workplace safety risks result in economic losses of up to 5.4 per cent of global GDP annually. In response, businesses have implemented over one billion CCTV cameras and employed hundreds of thousands of security personnel and risk managers to monitor footage and mitigate risks.

However, this process is slow, labour-intensive, costly, and prone to inaccuracies.

“Video is the richest data source, but existing solutions are too rigid, fragmented, impossible to customise, and challenging to scale. This makes it difficult for business owners to maximise the video data and manpower they have on hand to make effective decisions. We see a much better way,” says Natalie Doran, CEO and Co-Founder of Lytehouse, in an email interview with e27.

Lytehouse offers real-time video intelligence that automates risk management by transforming any CCTV camera feed into virtual co-workers, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Its AI-powered solution applies advanced computer vision (CV) models, machine learning (ML) algorithms, and generative AI (GenAI) agents to existing cameras, enabling businesses to capture key data points, gain real-time insights, and automate manual tasks for improved decision-making.

Using Large Language Models (LLM), Lytehouse makes video insights easily queryable in natural language. Business owners can request specific actions, such as notifying managers if workers use mobile phones near machinery, to detect risk events and generate reports.

The scalable system tailors GenAI agents to specific industries and tasks, allowing companies to address safety and security risks without replacing their existing camera infrastructure.

Also Read: Gen AI in banking: How to ensure a successful transformation for an age-old industry

“Our approach of effectively giving business owners a fleet of digital workers that can be deployed directly onto their cameras is the biggest difference compared to the alternatives, as it provides enormous flexibility in what these agents should be looking for within various video streams without locking our customers into configuration hell,” Doran says.

The launch of Lytehouse’s security agent marked a significant milestone for the company. Additionally, Lytehouse secured a major partnership with one of Africa’s largest CCTV distributors, providing access to hundreds of thousands of cameras across the region.

Lytehouse’s journey began as a personal mission for security, driven by real-life experiences. Jean-Vicente De Carvalho, CTO and Co-Founder of Lytehouse, comes from a family of small business owners in South Africa who endured 37 instances of armed robberies, kidnappings, and bombings.

In 2018, after his father was held at gunpoint despite the presence of extensive security measures, De Carvalho realised the urgent need for a more effective solution.

“I met Jean in the Entrepreneur First programme in Singapore, and we did a deep dive into security and risk management. We realised there was a huge opportunity to give existing manpower the superpowers to respond effectively to risk, and beyond this, we could empower businesses with the right data to be more proactive and preventative. And so, Lytehouse was born,” Doran explains.

Also Read: Singapore surpasses US in AI investment: Study

“We have evolved a lot since then, and so have the technology capabilities to address these global pain points. We’re proud to say we have assembled a rockstar team driven by the passion to make a tangible difference and have the backing of incredible investors, government departments, and tech giants.”

Lytehouse is part of the inaugural cohort of AI startups graduating from the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First Singapore, which ran from April to August 2024.

According to Doran, collaborating with Google Cloud has been a transformative experience for the company. The announcement of Gemini 1.5 Pro and Flash models at Google I/O, with their extended context windows and multimodal support, marked a pivotal moment for the company.

By working closely with Google Cloud on the Vertex AI platform, Lytehouse accelerated the development of new product lines. Beyond technical support, Google Cloud offered significant business opportunities, such as featuring Lytehouse on the Google Cloud Marketplace and connecting them with customers across Southeast Asia.

“We’re crafting a future where technology expands human potential, replacing tasks, not jobs, for more meaningful work experiences. To achieve this, we are building the world’s most performant, cost-effective, secure, and extensible intelligence engine to annotate the world’s video data and make it useful,” Doran closes.

“We believe that by the end of 2025, thanks to our powerful intelligence engine, there will be a use case for Lytehouse for every camera in the world – and by leveraging our strategic partners, we will have the reach to attain a large proportion of them.”

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Image Credit: Lytehouse

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