In the vast digital landscape, where attention is scarce, and authenticity is paramount, brands have found a powerful tool to captivate and unite their audiences: video content.

This medium, akin to a modern-day canvas, has become the artistic conduit through which brands paint narratives that resonate, inspire, and forge communities. The symphony of visual storytelling has ushered in a renaissance of community building, and its notes are reverberating across the digital canvas.

The rise of the visual vernacular

Just as art has historically transcended language barriers, video content has become the universal vernacular in the digital age. It’s the Glossier commercial that doesn’t just promote skincare; it evokes a lifestyle that speaks to a global community of beauty enthusiasts. Video’s ability to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries lays the foundation for building communities that stretch across borders.

Empathy in every frame

The heart of community building lies in empathy—the ability to connect on a human level. Video, with its emotive prowess, infuses every frame with the raw essence of storytelling. Patagonia, for instance, doesn’t just showcase outdoor gear; its videos are a narrative of environmental stewardship, appealing to a community that rallies around sustainable living.

Unfolding tales: Narrative evolution

In an era where brand loyalty is cultivated through shared values, the video unfolds tales that align with these beliefs. Airbnb, through its “Experiences” series, paints narratives of authentic travel, weaving tales of exploration and cultural immersion. These narratives mirror the experiences of their community members, fostering a sense of belonging.

The collaborative canvas: UGC and co-creation

Just as art galleries celebrate local artists, brands celebrate their communities through user-generated content (UGC). Starbucks’ White Cup Contest invited customers to showcase their doodles on the iconic white cup. The result was a collaborative masterpiece, where the brand’s canvas became a testament to the creativity of its community.

Also Read: Tried-and-tested marketing strategies for startups across all stages in Singapore

Live streaming: The new performance art

Live streaming has emerged as the digital equivalent of performance art—a captivating display that unfolds in real-time. Brands like Sephora have harnessed live streaming to engage their beauty communities, offering tutorials, Q&A sessions, and product unveilings. This interactive spectacle creates an intimate space for real-time connections, transcending the confines of screens.

Empowerment through participation

Much like an art workshop, video content invites participation. The viral sensation #IceBucketChallenge not only raised awareness about ALS but also invited countless individuals to become part of a global movement. This sense of empowerment through participation is a hallmark of community building in the digital age.

Inclusive visuals: Diverse representations

Just as art galleries celebrate diversity, video content is a canvas for inclusive storytelling. Brands like Nike have ignited conversations around representation, crafting videos that spotlight athletes from all walks of life. This not only resonates with diverse communities but also fosters a sense of unity through shared values.

Data-driven artistry: Insights and iterations

Every brushstroke matters in visual art, just as every frame counts in video content. Data, the artist’s palette, guides brands to create resonant narratives. Platforms like Instagram Insights and YouTube Analytics provide brands with insights into audience behaviour, enabling iterative refinement of their storytelling craft.

Augmented realities: The digital gallery of the future

As art evolves with technology, video content embraces augmented reality (AR), creating immersive digital galleries. Imagine trying on virtual clothing or experiencing products before purchase. IKEA’s AR app allows customers to visualise furniture in their spaces — a glimpse into the future of visual storytelling and community engagement.

The tapestry of tomorrow: AI-infused narratives

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to interweave itself into the fabric of video storytelling. AI-powered algorithms can analyse audience preferences, crafting narratives that resonate with individual tastes. Just as music streaming services curate personalised playlists, AI will curate visual narratives that uniquely resonate with each viewer.

In this renaissance of visual storytelling, brands wield the brush of video content to craft masterpieces that transcend mere promotion. These digital canvases evoke emotions, spark conversations, and cultivate connections.

As technology continues to shape this evolving canvas, the symphony of visual storytelling will echo with ever-deepening harmonies, crafting communities that stand the test of time. It’s a renaissance where brands are not just marketers; they are modern-day artists, painting narratives that unite and inspire the digital world.

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Image credit: Canva Pro

This article was first published on September 5, 2023

The post How brands are crafting communities through the art of visual storytelling appeared first on e27.

Dear reader,

The startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia is undergoing a significant transformation, as highlighted in Jungle Ventures’ The First Cheque Report 2024. While Singapore and Indonesia have long dominated the region’s seed investment landscape, Vietnam and the Philippines are emerging as dynamic new players. This shift is a testament to the evolving priorities of investors and the growing maturity of these markets.

Singapore retains its lead, accounting for over half of Southeast Asia’s seed deals, thanks to its business-friendly policies and strategic positioning as a gateway for regional expansion. Meanwhile, Indonesia, the region’s largest economy, holds second place but now faces stiff competition.

Vietnam and the Philippines, fueled by economic growth, young and tech-savvy populations, and supportive government initiatives, collectively surpassed Indonesia in capital deployed during the first half of 2024. Their rise reflects broader trends in Southeast Asia, including increasing local investor activity and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

As Vietnam and the Philippines continue attracting investments and fostering innovation, they signal a new era for the region’s startup ecosystem—one defined by diversity, resilience, and untapped potential.

Sainul,
Editor.

—–

NEWS & VIEWS

Vietnam and Philippines challenge Singapore and Indonesia in startup investment
In H1 2024, Vietnam and the Philippines, along with other emerging Southeast Asian markets, collectively surpassed Indonesia in capital deployed for the first time.

Atome Financial secures access to US$200M credit facility to drive SEA expansion
HSBC led this round through its ASEAN Growth Fund; The funding will primarily be used to expand Atome’s existing profitable portfolio and products, with a focus on lending and the pay-later-anywhere card.

Singapore’s Podium raises US$15.2M in Series A-1 round led by Autodesk
The cloud-based digital platform will use the money to accelerate growth in key markets, including Singapore and Australia, where it’s in advanced discussions with property developers, design consultants, supply chain partners and government agencies.

Zepto raises another US$350M amid retail upheaval in India
Indian family offices, wealthy individuals, and asset manager Motilal Oswal invested in the round, which maintains Zepto’s US$5B valuation; Quick-commerce sales in India are set to surpass US$6B this year.

FTX CTO Gary Wang avoids prison time
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan today. Judge Kaplan praised Wang’s cooperation with federal authorities; Wang testified against former FTX founder and CEO Sam Bankman-Fried at his trial last fall; Wang pleaded guilty to four felony counts of fraud and conspiracy.

India’s Arzooo, once valued at US$310M, sells in distressed deal
The deal comes after Arzooo engaged with several startups exploring potential merger opportunities; Arzooo provided a digital bridge to India’s small electronics retailers so they could compete with e-commerce giants and large retail chains.

SEA’s BNPL boom: Gen Z, digital payments drive a US$53B market by 2027
Indonesia is projected to lead the market with US$16.8 billion in BNPL transactions by 2027, a 209 per cent increase from 2024.

Smaller in numbers, bigger in impact: Female founders secure larger seed rounds
While female-founded firms in SEA raised only 1.3% more on average than the overall average, their median round size is significantly higher.

Locad scores US$9M funding to scale AI-driven logistics and expand to Middle East
Lead investors are Global Ventures and Reefknot Investments; Locad enables e-commerce brands to grow their omnichannel business and automatically store, pack, ship, and track orders across their distribution channels.

Alibaba merges domestic, global e-commerce units
The new e-commerce group will integrate existing Alibaba operations such as Taobao and Tmall Group, Alibaba International Digital Commerce, 1688 Marketplace, and Idle Fish.

GXS Bank set to launch business banking services in 2025
The launch will begin in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with progressive expansion planned throughout the year; GXS announced that its growth rate from January to September 2024 has doubled compared to the same period last year.

Oneteam nets US$2.6M funding to revolutionise SME succession planning in Singapore
Wavemaker Ventures led the round; Oneteam’s solution involves acquiring businesses from retiring owners and gradually transitioning them into employee-owned entities.

LINE Thailand launches scale-up programme to support local, global startups
The LINE SCALE UP programme will provide startups with resources and tools from the messaging giant’s ecosystem, valued at up to US$115,000 per team.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Driving semiconductor innovation: AMD’s vision for AI and sustainability in Singapore
‘We’re driving open-source innovation for AI ecosystems because we feel that is the best path forward for the industry,’ says AMD’s Peter Chambers.

TRIREC Founder Melvyn Yeo: Bifurcation of investments will continue to happen in 2025
TRIREC has achieved the first close of a new fund targeting energy access for underserved rural communities in Africa, India, and SEA.

Echelon Philippines 2024: How Angkas is changing the urban mobility landscape
The Echelon Philippines session explored how Angkas is transforming urban mobility and empowering motorcycle riders in the Philippines.

How intlife is helping Malaysia combat energy wastage at home
Initially focused on developing small home ecosystems, intlife-equipped properties with IoT sensors and mobile app controls.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Beyond the union: Understanding the complexities and impacts of M&As
More often than not, M&A between organisations involves more stakeholders and impacts more people than a marriage between two families.

A guide on the go-to-market models that startups use
It’s important to remember that when you do have a go-to-market strategy, it will need to evolve with your startup.

Streaming the dream: How live streaming technology can increase access to brands
Live streaming is a valuable technology because it has the capacity to offer immediate feedback to questions posed by a consumer.

Pre-launch marketing is a tease that works, how to get it right?
Here’s how pre-launch marketing for alternative proteins during the R&D phase helped create a massive demand for the product.

Data-driven financial services, a bigger imperative in a post-pandemic world
Becoming data-driven is imperative for any business of today and proves to be especially so for financial firms in the post-pandemic world.

To Voice AI or not – The changing face of customer experience
To remain competitive and relevant in an increasingly digital world, it is necessary for brands to stay open to the immense potential of voice technology.

Fundraising with a purpose: Why bootstrappers’ mindset matters
The bootstrappers’ mindset consistently proves its value, integrating profitability, resource optimisation, and fiscal responsibility.

Financial literacy in Southeast Asia is set to match industry growth
Financial literacy in the region hardly corresponds to the development of the industry, however, there is a good chance to balance the situation.

What businesses should take note of before taking the M&A leap
Prior to entering into M&A negotiations, it is critical that you are clear on your objectives and the key terms of the deal.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Indonesia’s economic struggle and resurgence: A nation poised for sustainable growth
Despite challenges, Indonesia’s growth remains strong, aiming to be a top 10 economy by 2045 with investment and digital focus.

Unlocking Malaysia’s data centre potential: The critical role of ecosystem partnerships
Malaysia’s data centre expansion can help to spearhead its ICT growth and attract more companies to setup their offices locally.

5 essential strategies for AI-powered hyper-personalisation in marketing to drive business growth
Deep market understanding and leveraging AI to create personalised experiences will drive business growth in the future.

Decoding B2B buyer intent: The 3 questions every tech startup marketer needs to address
Understanding buyers’ true needs, their purchasing journey, and the signals of their readiness to engage is essential.

Bridging the digital divide: Addressing Malaysia’s skills gap
Uncover the digital skills gap in Malaysia and its impact on the country’s technological and economic growth.

Financial models for Web3 startups: Guiding principles for success
By comprehending the dynamics of the Web3 landscape, startups can leverage the power of decentralised technologies in their financial models.

Temu takes on Vietnam: The impact on domestic manufacturing and marketing
Explore Temu’s global expansion and its impact on Vietnam, highlighting opportunities and challenges for the local industry.

How local payments are unlocking digital commerce’s potential in Latin America, Africa, and India
Payments are no longer a passive component of commerce; they are now active agents in societal transformation.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Vietnam, Philippines lead SEA’s next growth wave | Atome secures US$200M credit facility | FTX CTO Gary Wang avoids prison time appeared first on e27.

Seed capital deployment in India and Southeast Asia (SEA) has stabilised at around US$1.5 billion per year, reveals a Jungle Ventures report released on Thursday.

This follows a period of significant growth, with deployment reaching US$1.9 billion per year previously and a peak of US$3.2B in 2022.

This stabilisation is occurring despite a drop in deal count to 1,200 annually. This is down from 1,700 deals in the previous year and a peak of 2,600 in 2021.

Also Read: Smaller in numbers, bigger in impact: Female founders secure larger seed rounds

Jungle Ventures’s First Cheque Report 2024 further reveals that seed investment amounts and deal counts in India have been decreasing since 2022 but are showing early signs of stabilising. The decline in both deal count and funding amount has slowed considerably in the first half of 2024 compared to previous years.

Notably, deal counts continue to decrease while investment amounts are nearing stabilisation. Median round sizes have increased significantly, reaching US$0.78 million in 2024 year to date, surpassing 2021 and 2022 levels. The median round size has seen a 56 per cent increase from 2023 to 2024 YTD.

In Southeast Asia, the overall deal count is stabilising at levels similar to 2020. Invested capital remains high, with 2023 levels significantly exceeding pre-exponential growth periods.

Funding decline is slowing, with a considerable reduction in the rate of decline between H1 2023 and H1 2024. The decline in funding amount slowed from 60 per cent between H1 2022 and H1 2023 to just 6 per cent between H1 2023 and H1 2024. This suggests that Seed investment deployment is stabilising, though deal counts may continue to decrease.

Median round sizes have reached a new high of US$2.2 million in 2024, exceeding the levels of 2021 and 2022.

Capital flowing to new markets:

In India, the deal count remains highly concentrated in Tier 1 cities. However, there is a slight decrease in the concentration since 2023, as more deals flow into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

In SEA, Singapore continues to dominate, accounting for 54.4 per cent of seed deals. Indonesia holds the second largest share but is being challenged by other SEA markets, particularly Vietnam.

Also Read: Shifting tides: Vietnam and Philippines challenge Singapore and Indonesia in startup investment

H1 2024 has been especially exciting, with other SEA countries collectively surpassing Indonesia in capital deployed for the first time. This is attributed to ongoing efforts to support Seed funding in a traditionally underserved ecosystem.

Rishab Malik, Partner at Jungle Ventures, attributes the increase in median round sizes to investors deploying capital more selectively, choosing to “double down” on strong business models.

The report suggests a maturing seed investment landscape in India and Southeast Asia. While overall investment levels are stabilising, capital is increasingly spreading to new markets, which broadens opportunities for startups across the region.

—

Image Credit: 123RF.

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Singapore has positioned itself as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), fostering innovation across sectors through ambitious policies and strategic partnerships. Yet, as the global AI race accelerates, the city-state faces a critical challenge that could undermine its status as a regional hub: a persistent talent shortage.

Rachel Chng, Director of The Ignition AI Accelerator and Head of Accelerator & Partnerships at Tribe, sees Singapore’s potential but emphasises that success hinges on developing and retaining talent.

“While Singapore has made significant progress in establishing itself as a global AI hub, the talent gap is an issue we cannot ignore. Attracting and nurturing skilled AI practitioners will be key to sustaining our growth,” she says in an email interview with e27.

Singapore’s National AI Strategy (NAIS 2.0) aims to triple the number of AI practitioners to 15,000 by 2030. However, demand for AI expertise is outpacing supply, and competition for talent remains fierce globally. The shortage of AI practitioners is particularly acute for roles requiring deep technical expertise, such as data scientists and machine learning engineers.

“Upskilling and reskilling programmes are crucial to address this gap,” says Chng.

While Singapore has implemented initiatives to bolster its workforce, such as partnerships with educational institutions and AI-focused training courses, Chng argues that these efforts must scale up significantly. “We also need to create more opportunities for international talent to contribute to Singapore’s AI ecosystem.”

Rapid advancements in AI technologies further compound the talent issue. Emerging fields such as generative AI and AI ethics require new skill sets, so staying ahead in the talent game demands constant adaptation.

Also Read: How to scale talent in Southeast Asia during unprecedented times

Attracting global talent is a delicate balancing act for Singapore. While the city-state offers a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, competing hubs such as the US and China boast larger markets and deeper talent pools.

Singapore must differentiate itself through its reputation for ethical AI development, advanced infrastructure, and quality of life.

“Public-private collaboration is essential,” Chng notes.

Industry leaders and startups must work together to create a thriving environment that appeals to top talent. Initiatives such as AI Singapore’s SEA-LION project, which focuses on models tailored to Southeast Asian (SEA) contexts, showcase Singapore’s ability to pioneer unique solutions.

These projects also demonstrate the value of working with diverse talent to address regional challenges.

Beyond talent: Addressing structural challenges in AI industries

While talent remains the focal issue, other barriers could hinder Singapore’s ambitions. Scaling AI innovations beyond research to real-world applications requires stronger partnerships between academia, startups, and enterprises.

“Singapore has proven itself as an excellent testbed for AI technologies, but we need to move beyond pilots,” Chng explains. Commercialising innovations and encouraging adoption across industries will solidify the nation’s reputation as a global AI hub.

Another challenge is Singapore’s limited domestic data pool. Effective development often relies on vast datasets, and Singapore’s smaller population size can restrict data diversity.

Also Read: Managing talent in an economic downturn

Regional collaboration, particularly within SEA, is a promising solution. By forming data-sharing alliances, Singapore can access broader datasets while fostering collective AI adoption in the region.

Despite these challenges, Singapore’s efforts to position itself as a global AI hub are noteworthy. Robust infrastructure, including advanced data centres and high-performance computing, underpins its ambitions. Policies such as the Model AI Governance Framework provide clear ethical guidelines, bolstering Singapore’s reputation as a trusted leader in responsible AI development.

But Chng believes talent is the linchpin for long-term success in AI development. “Infrastructure and policies are essential, but without the right people, it’s impossible to translate these into meaningful outcomes,” she asserts.

To address this, Singapore must focus on technical skills and cultivate expertise in adjacent areas such as ethics, policy, and deployment. Chng highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that research translates into practical applications.

The private sector also has a pivotal role to play. By investing in research, development, and training, companies can contribute to the growth of Singapore’s AI ecosystem. Global partnerships with organisations such as NVIDIA and OpenAI further reinforce Singapore’s position as a hub for innovation.

Singapore’s aspirations to lead in AI hinge on its ability to bridge the talent gap. This requires bold action: expanding education and training initiatives, creating pathways for global talent, and ensuring that careers in the industry are appealing and sustainable for the local workforce.

Also Read: Report: New fintech talents emerge as GenAI becomes increasingly popular in Singapore

Chng remains optimistic. “Singapore has a strong foundation in place. By prioritising talent development and embracing regional collaboration, we can not only maintain our leadership but redefine what it means to be a global AI hub.”

As the global race heats up, Singapore’s success will depend on how effectively it addresses its talent challenges. With the right strategies, the city-state can secure its future as a leader in one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

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Image Credit: Tribe

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Singapore-based digital healthcare provider WhiteCoat Global recently announced its expansion into Indonesia by acquiring telemedicine company Good Doctor Indonesia. According to WhiteCoat founder and CEO Bryan Koh, this union will enable the firm to serve as the first and single touchpoint for all regional health needs.

In an interview with e27, Koh shares more insights into the deal and Southeast Asia’s healthtech sector.

Excerpts:

Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia. What specific challenges and opportunities do you anticipate in expanding WhiteCoat’s operations in such a dynamic and diverse market?

Indonesia is a vast and complex market, offering tremendous opportunities for growth alongside significant challenges. The country’s large and young population is increasingly tech-savvy, which aligns well with WhiteCoat’s digital healthcare services.

However, Indonesia’s geography presents obstacles to accessing healthcare in remote and rural areas. This creates opportunities for platforms like ours to bridge the gap, providing medical consultations and medication fulfilment to underserved regions.

WhiteCoat has a strong omnichannel healthcare model. How do you plan to balance the expansion of both digital and in-person services as part of your regional growth strategy?

Our strategy revolves around seamless and borderless access to care, both digitally and in person.

Telemedicine offers unparalleled accessibility and convenience. However, certain cases require in-person visits and physical examinations. To address this, our digital platform serves as the first point of contact, with conditions managed remotely online. Cases requiring in-person care are triaged to our network of physical providers, such as clinics and hospitals.

Also Read: One doctor for every family: Good Doctor wants to make healthcare accessible for all Indonesians

In markets like Indonesia, where healthcare access is a challenge, we are expanding our physical network through partnerships with brick-and-mortar providers. This approach allows us to scale rapidly and meet the health and wellness needs of our users more effectively.

You’ve highlighted WhiteCoat’s commitment to technology-driven care. How do you see advancements in AI, data analytics, and telemedicine shaping the future of your healthcare offerings?

AI and data analytics are poised to revolutionise healthcare delivery, enabling a more personalised and proactive approach to patient care.

At WhiteCoat:

• AI-driven diagnostics and decision-support tools will integrate care models across digital and in-person channels, providing practitioners with real-time insights to inform clinical decisions.
• Data analytics allows us to harness patient data (with strict privacy controls), identify healthcare trends, and tailor our services to meet the specific needs of various populations.

These technologies will enable us to address current healthcare demands and anticipate future ones, ensuring we remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Now that you’re working with over 130 insurers and 7,500 corporate partners, how do you plan to leverage these partnerships to scale WhiteCoat’s services and improve accessibility?

Our partnerships provide direct access to a diverse population base across Southeast Asia. We leverage these relationships by:

• Developing targeted healthcare plans for underserved communities.
• Offering affordable telemedicine services as part of corporate wellness programs, reducing costs for employers while improving access for employees.
• Introducing microinsurance policies to make preventive and medical care more affordable.

Additionally, we work with insurers to encourage regular health screenings, followed by virtual consultations that empower users to manage their health proactively and efficiently.

The recent funding round led by Raffles Family Office and participation from MDI Ventures and The SoftBank Vision Fund is a significant boost. How do you plan to allocate these funds to strengthen WhiteCoat’s regional presence?

Also Read: WhiteCoat closes a tranche of Series B round, poised to break even in Singapore

The funds will be used to:

• Accelerate growth in existing markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
• Enter at least two additional markets through partnerships and selective M&A opportunities.
• Invest in technology, including GenAI for preventive diagnostics and treatment, upgrading digital health infrastructure, and expanding data analytics capabilities.

What initiatives are you planning to increase access to affordable healthcare for uninsured communities in Southeast Asia?

We’re focusing on:

• Creating low-cost telemedicine plans with our payer partners.
• Collaborating with NGOs and local governments to provide subsidised telemedicine consultations.
• Working with insurers to pass on cost savings to the broader public, making healthcare services more affordable and accessible.

WhiteCoat’s partnerships with insurers and corporates have been key to your success. How do you plan to evolve your B2B strategy post-acquisition?

Our B2B strategy focuses on:

• Deepening relationships with partners by offering customised wellness solutions and value-added services.
• Expanding into new care verticals to drive user volume efficiently.
• Using AI and data analytics to enhance our Think Well mental wellness program and other insurance products, ensuring partners and members derive maximum value.

As the healthcare industry undergoes rapid transformation post-pandemic, what trends do you see emerging in Southeast Asia’s healthcare landscape, and how is WhiteCoat positioning itself?

Key trends include:

• Increased adoption of digital health solutions for primary care, specialist care, and wellness.
• A growing emphasis on preventive care and mental wellness.
• Demand for integrated healthcare ecosystems, providing a seamless experience across digital and physical touchpoints.

WhiteCoat is capitalising on these trends by expanding our digital-first platform, incorporating mental wellness solutions, and ensuring comprehensive care across both digital and physical channels.

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