With the IMF recently forecasting the next decade to have the lowest global growth in 40 years, or major corporates cutting resources and stating the need for “a year of efficiency” (Facebook’s Zuckerberg for example) and venture capital drying up, its clearly a time when productivity and efficiency are at the top on the management agenda.

It’s a time where lean efficiencies are key to not only surviving but to out-positioning the competition. It’s also a critical time when you and your leadership team need to understand the deep efficiencies that Category Design delivers across the organisation.

What is Category Design?

The methodology and discipline of Category Design enable you to define the market and category to your advantage. This not only out-positions your competition but also unleashes completely new revenue and economic upside.

Category Design begins with the deep exploration of “the problem” your organisation can solve.  What is this unique problem that has never been adequately described?  Perhaps it’s an evolution of the current state and problem, or perhaps it’s a problem we didn’t even know we had.

Internal impact

This deep exploration and thinking drive a powerful internal alignment across your team.  Once you land on the new problem and its articulation, it becomes a key inflection point for your own personal leadership and the team.

It’s a deeper clarity on what we are solving today and into the future.   It’s either a fine-tuning of your overall strategy or a complete epiphany and makeover of it.   It’s an entirely new category that is being defined, with the strategic intent of your company to be the de-facto leader as the “Category King”.

Those who tell stories, rule the world

Imagine now the power of an invigorated story and point of view around the problem that the company is solving.  Internal Comms sees not only a major boost and clarity around the united objective and strategy of the company, but this story becomes incredibly viral and consistent across the team and any internal communications.

Vision, Mission and Brand Values are all still there (but may see some modification) but it is the laser-like focus on the problem that people and teams rally around.  What are we solving and why does it make a difference?

Now apply this to recruiting.  As a candidate considers your company as a team and employer the team’s passion is abundantly clear, with clarity around “the problem” that is core to the company and its ambitions.  It sets you apart from other companies, who have washed-out, unclear messages around what the team is collectively working towards.   It makes you and your team incredibly viral with your message and Point of View.

Also Read: You’re destined to fail if you don’t do this 1 thing when building international teams

Don’t just design your future, build it

In this journey to describe and solve the problem (and to be the Category King), how does your overall solution and product roadmap need to evolve?  This is the Blueprint stage of the Category Design Methodology.   This one-page visualisation shows what successive waves of innovation and product availability will be catalysed by the problem focus.  It brings together product, engineering, sales, marketing, channels, and leadership to understand and clarify as a team “what” will be delivered and “when”.

External impact

With a clear problem, Category and internal Blueprint defined, the key realisation is that you cannot be a Category and be only one company.  The Category is a new Ecosystem, that needs to be visualised and described.   What companies/technologies/APIs/services/consumers/channel partners/government agencies / NGOs /analysts/media (and the list can go on) are part of this Ecosystem?

How can we visualise this Ecosystem? What shape/diagram/flow/layers; does it have? How does it enhance and tell the story around the Category?

This is a major result and “asset” from the Category Design process: not only a visualisation of the Ecosystem but a catalysation of strategy around it.

Consistently we see clients going through this step of design-thinking and having a set of epiphanies on not only the components of the Ecosystem but key targets and players who have been overlooked up to this point.

The ecosystem also drives deep thinking and efficiencies for accountability (who owns what “slice” for example?).  And how will we track and measure our engagement and outcomes with members of our ecosystem?

One particular slice of the ecosystem is key media.  Which journalists and media organisations do we need to focus on and develop deeper relationships with? This is especially effective as it is armed with a much clearer, compelling Point of View as part of your regular engagement and pitching to media.  More effective and productive PR/Media Relations is a significant impact and outcome (such as earned media) from Category Design (and can be measured).

Similarly, Analyst Relations receive a major efficiency boost.  Which analysts are you targeting and why?  How do we prioritise? And Analysts, like media, are tired of product and company-centric presentations.  What is the bigger idea and Category that you are presenting?  How does your Blueprint and Ecosystem Map reinforce your story and illustrate the clarity of your strategy?

Having a compelling and differentiated Point of View, a clear Blueprint and Ecosystem Strategy are incredible accelerants for your go-to-market capability. Further fuelling this however is the Lightning Strike methodology.  This proven GTM efficiency and outcomes-driver is based on a concentrated burst of GTM activities.

In most cases, this intense concentration occurs over a two to three-week period and involves all members of the company to participate and support.  Marketing of course is a central player and coordinator, but a “strike” enables the senior leadership to engage the entire company for teamwork and a clear set of metrics and targets.

Every Lightning Strike (likely every six months) that you run will be unique, but will have your Point of View at the heart of your content, and will have clarity of what parts of your Blueprint you are announcing and need to be market-ready; along with your Ecosystem targets and KPIs.

Your strike will have creative aspects, tactical components, key marketing investments, target customer engagement and many other components, but this intense burst will move the needle for awareness as well as pipeline impact.  And because it is so defined in terms of timing, duration and metrics, you will be able to measure the impact and ROI very clearly.

Also Read: How to balance rapid growth and sustainability as a startup founder

The whole is greater than its parts

Taken in total, these eight forces across internal and external impact are thus direct outcomes from Category Design and create an ongoing efficiency-flywheel effect:

Internal	External
Alignment and strategy	Ecosystem
Internal communications	PR/media relations
Virality and recruiting	Analyst relations
Blueprint	GTM/lightning strike

But it is, as per Aristotle’s quote, greater than just the sum of the above parts.  Category Design challenges you and your team to not only think bigger, but differently. It’s your opportunity to lead, not follow.

And think about this:  You will always be in a Category.

The question then is: Do you want to position, or be positioned?

If you don’t define the problem and Category, then someone else will.

Carpe diem! Define and dominate your Category!

–

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This article was first published on May 9, 2023

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Recently, in Jan 16, I hosted a panel discussion, 2025 GenAI Trends in the Workplace: Implications for SMEs, at the AI Festival Asia, organised by the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises.

I was joined for a lively discussion on the state of AI for 2025 and its implications for SMEs by Ang Yuit, President of ASME, Ms Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Digital Development and Information, Rajesh Sreenivasan, Partner and Head of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Practice at Rajah and Tann Singapore LLP and Dr Simon See, Global Head of Nvidia AI Technology Centre.

I shared about “What” are the future trends to watch out for and framed them as 6Cs:

• Collection of data
• Compute power
• Context window
• Chain of thought
• Customisation
• Control

I introduced the “6 Cs” that described the upcoming impacts of generative AI in the workplace for the year ahead. These are opportunities that SMEs should position themselves to take advantage of if they are aiming to leverage AI adoption for value-creation. At the same time, people in Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) roles would benefit from these learnings to inform AI management programs in their organisations.

Here’s a condensed run-down of the six Cs that I presented.

Collection of data

The price of more contextualised outputs is more proprietary data. As organisations start leveraging internal knowledge repositories to build AI models that reflect their unique expertise, accompanying measures in Data Governance and bias mitigation are to follow. Small Language Models (SLMs) are now a rising alternative to Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques for deriving insights from internal data using AI models, allowing companies to do this with greater computation efficiency and enhanced privacy.

Compute power

Advances in NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, Amazon’s Ultracluster Supercomputer and Trainium Chips and cloud-based AI platforms are making cutting-edge AI accessible and scalable, particularly for SMEs. These innovations align with sustainability goals of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) nature, and democratise AI for smaller enterprises to tap on without prohibitive costs.

Context window

The introduction of million-token long context windows in Google’s Gemini 1.5 models spells the start of AI’s ability to remember multi-session conversational histories with an expanded — potentially infinite — memory. This will enhance workplace collaboration by maintaining project continuity between team members and delivering more contextually aware solutions. Advances in multimodal processing also means we can expect better synthesis and summary of complex documents to smooth out info-intensive communication.

Also Read: The smarter way to fundraise: How Marquee Equity helps startups secure investment

Chain-of-thought reasoning

The emergence of strategic reasoning capabilities in AI through its ability to reason step-by-step is enabling it to tackle complex, multi-step challenges and decision-making with greater transparency and explainability in its outputs. First implemented in OpenAI’s o1 model and now its o3 successor, Chain-of-Thought prompt techniques are projected to be a critical workplace skill that improves trust in AI-generated outputs.

Customisation

From the advent of no-code platforms to autonomous AI agents, businesses are beginning to leverage tailored solutions that cater to specific industries, departments and workflows. We may see more employee-driven innovation of AI tools to automate menial tasks and deliver personalised support. The surfacing of the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) role also signals the growing need for leadership in AI strategy and governance to keep developments in line with organisational objectives.

Control

As AI becomes more autonomous and agentic in nature, there will be a demand for robust governance frameworks and real-time systems monitoring to mitigate risks and maintain ethical AI usage. The CAIO will have to drive interdepartmental collaboration to ensure accountable AI deployment that is in-sync with local and international regulations like the EU AI Act. This is important for maintaining user and stakeholder trust as we navigate new technologies.

Three Cs join the mix: Community, cajoling and collaboration

Expanding upon the foundational 6 Cs, our panelists chimed in with additional Cs that are just as crucial in successful AI adoption for 2025: Community, Cajoling, and Collaboration.

Community

Ms Tin championed the importance of community in cultivating a supportive ecosystem for SMEs. This includes attracting global talent, fostering cross-industry collaboration, and availing shared resources to empower SMEs. Talents come because they see opportunities in projects and real-life problems to solve. “And it’s not just about the people coming together to try to cross-fertilise ideas, but also to pull resources (to support SMEs)”, she pointed out, citing existing initiatives like CTO-as-a-Service that help resource-constrained SMEs get off the ground with digital-readiness.

Also Read: Second order effects in AI from DeepSeek AI

Cajoling

For Sreenivasan, Singapore’s approach to governance is one of cajoling rather than controlling. It encourages businesses to experiment while staying ethical and compliant. “Singapore’s regulatory framework is about amplifying, clarifying, and enabling,” he explained. “Instead of legislating AI prematurely, we focus on engaging the community to understand what is going on.”

He also advocates for collaboration with global counterparts and cross-talk between industries, stating, “Something like AI, which will not just impact a country in isolation but globally, requires collaboration. Through understanding the technology and building deep relationships with other parts of the world, we build bridges and systems that allow a degree of harmonisation.”

Collaboration

Ang called for a shift in the competitive mindset among SMEs to thrive in a market squeezed by global disruption. “Singapore, as a local market, is now a red ocean. We face intense competition not just from local players but also from international entrants bringing their own supply chains and software,” he commented.

“It is more important, now than ever, to look beyond Singapore and collaborate.” Collaboration, Ang explained, is not just about working with peers but also about pooling resources across industries and nations. “How do we bring SMEs together to collectively solve challenges, open up new opportunities, and create value together?” he posed.

In the face of disruption, companies need to be adaptable too, says Ang. He advises SMEs to “be prepared to relook your processes and find new ways to serve your business and audience better.” To this end, Dr See encouraged companies to capitalise on agentic AI to improve existing ways of working and client services. Especially when its combination with generative AI offers a more seamless path to crafting bespoke solutions.

My final thoughts

GRC professionals and DPOs play a critical role in aligning generative AI with ethical, regulatory, and data privacy goals. By prioritising robust governance, transparency, and compliance, organisations can ensure generative AI becomes a responsible and transformative force in 2025.

I highly encourage business professionals to attend our joint Generative AI courses with the Singapore Management University Academy to gain deeper insights into these emerging trends. In 2025, we look forward to aligning our Capabara Generative AI platform with the 6 Cs to empower our clients with enhanced generative AI capabilities.

—

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The internet has undergone significant transformations since its inception, evolving from a static information-sharing network (Web1) to a highly interactive and centralised platform dominated by tech giants (Web2). The next phase, Web3, promises a decentralised internet powered by blockchain and cryptographic principles, giving users more control over their data, digital identity, and transactions.

At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, transforming everything from automation to decision-making across industries. The convergence of Web3 and AI has the potential to unlock a truly autonomous decentralised internet, where smart contracts, decentralised applications (dApps), and AI-driven decision-making enable self-regulating ecosystems that operate with minimal human intervention.

The intersection of Web3 and AI, how they complement each other, could determine the future of the internet.

The evolution of Web3 and AI: A perfect symbiosis

For decades, the internet has evolved in ways that have increased accessibility but also deepened centralisation. The transition from Web1 to Web2 placed immense power in the hands of a few tech giants. While these platforms enabled seamless user experiences, they also turned the internet into a walled garden where data became the most valuable asset—one controlled not by individuals but by corporations.

Web3 emerged as a response to this imbalance. Built on blockchain technology, it promised decentralisation, transparency, and user sovereignty. No longer would people need to rely on intermediaries to verify transactions or manage digital identities. However, Web3 in its current form lacks adaptability. Smart contracts, for instance, are powerful in automating transactions, but they are rigid and incapable of responding to dynamic, real-world conditions without human intervention.

This is where AI enters the picture. Unlike traditional software, AI can process vast amounts of data, recognise patterns, and make decisions autonomously. It introduces intelligence to Web3, allowing decentralised applications to evolve in real time, predict changes, and optimise themselves without external input. Instead of static smart contracts, AI-powered contracts can adjust based on real-world events, improving efficiency and reliability.

Together, Web3 and AI create an ecosystem that is not just decentralised but also intelligent—capable of running itself with minimal human oversight. This symbiotic relationship marks the beginning of a new era where digital systems become truly autonomous.

A self-sustaining internet: AI-powered decentralisation

One of the most significant limitations of decentralised networks today is their reliance on predefined logic. Blockchain systems, while secure and transparent, struggle with adaptability. The rigid nature of smart contracts means that they can only execute specific, pre-coded actions. If conditions change or unforeseen events occur, human intervention is required. This limits the efficiency of Web3 applications and creates bottlenecks that slow innovation.

Also Read: 9 ways to use generative AI for PR

By integrating AI, decentralised networks can become self-sustaining. AI can process real-time data, adjust smart contracts dynamically, and automate governance processes within decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs). Instead of waiting for human-driven proposals and votes, an AI-enhanced DAO could analyse trends, predict future challenges, and adjust its decision-making frameworks accordingly.

This fusion allows decentralised applications to operate more efficiently. AI-driven predictive models can optimise blockchain networks by adjusting gas fees based on demand, preventing congestion, and improving transaction speeds. DeFi (decentralised finance) platforms can use AI to assess risk dynamically, ensuring that lending and borrowing rates adjust in response to market conditions. Even decentralised identity systems can be enhanced with AI-powered verification, reducing fraud while preserving privacy.

An autonomous internet is not just about removing intermediaries—it’s about creating a system that learns, adapts, and improves over time. The combination of Web3 and AI makes this possible, enabling a decentralised digital world that can govern itself intelligently.

Decentralised AI: The end of data monopolies

Today, AI development is controlled by a handful of powerful corporations. These entities not only own the data that fuels AI models but also determine how these models are used. This creates an imbalance where innovation is concentrated in the hands of a few, limiting access to AI capabilities for smaller businesses and individuals.

Web3 disrupts this model by introducing decentralised AI marketplaces, where AI models and datasets are no longer the exclusive property of tech giants. Instead, developers can tokenise AI services, making them accessible to anyone willing to contribute to or utilise them. Today, emerging platforms are already pioneering this shift, allowing AI models to be trained on decentralised networks while ensuring that contributors are fairly compensated.

This approach has profound implications. Instead of relying on centralised cloud providers, businesses and individuals can access decentralised AI services, ensuring greater privacy and reducing dependency on corporate-controlled AI systems. Training AI on decentralised data pools also mitigates the risks of bias and manipulation, as no single entity controls the training data.

Decentralised AI not only democratises access to intelligence but also aligns with the principles of Web3—user ownership, transparency, and fairness. In this new paradigm, AI becomes a shared resource rather than a proprietary tool wielded by a select few.

Security and governance: AI as a decentralised watchdog

As Web3 grows, so do its vulnerabilities. Decentralised systems, while secure by design, are still susceptible to attacks, fraud, and governance manipulation. Without centralised oversight, how can a truly decentralised internet maintain security and fairness?

AI provides the answer. By integrating AI-driven security mechanisms, blockchain networks can detect anomalies in real time, preventing hacks, phishing scams, and other malicious activities before they cause harm. AI-powered fraud detection systems can analyse transaction patterns, flagging suspicious activity and protecting users without the need for centralised enforcement.

Also Read: Startup survival: Smart marketing moves for economic uncertainty

Governance also benefits from AI’s predictive capabilities. DAOs often struggle with voter apathy and manipulation, leading to inefficiencies in decision-making. AI-enhanced governance models can ensure that proposals are prioritised based on real community needs, preventing spam or malicious takeovers. AI-powered moderation can also help decentralised social platforms filter out misinformation and harmful content without relying on traditional content moderation structures.

An autonomous decentralised internet must be both self-governing and self-protecting. By leveraging AI as a decentralised watchdog, Web3 can achieve a level of security and governance previously thought impossible in trustless environments.

The road ahead: Challenges and opportunities

Despite its potential, the integration of Web3 and AI is not without challenges. Scalability remains a critical issue—blockchain networks still struggle with transaction speeds, and adding AI computations increases the demand for resources. Privacy concerns must also be addressed, as AI requires data to learn, but Web3 prioritses user-controlled data sovereignty. Solutions such as federated learning and zero-knowledge proofs are being explored to balance these needs.

Regulatory uncertainty is another hurdle. Governments are only beginning to understand blockchain, and AI regulations are still in their infancy. As these technologies converge, a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting users must be established.

Yet, the opportunities outweigh the challenges. Businesses that embrace the Web3-AI convergence early will gain a competitive edge, tapping into new models of decentralised intelligence, automation, and security. Entrepreneurs and developers who contribute to this ecosystem will shape the future of an internet that is no longer controlled but truly self-sustaining.

In conclusion: The birth of an autonomous internet

We are at the threshold of a digital revolution. The combination of Web3 and AI is not just about decentralisation or automation—it’s about creating an internet that is alive, one that learns, evolves, and operates independently of centralised control.

For the first time, we have the tools to build a self-sustaining digital world—where AI processes information without monopolies, where smart contracts adapt without human oversight, and where governance is decentralised yet intelligent. This is the dawn of a new era. The question is not whether this transformation will happen, but how quickly businesses and individuals will embrace it.

Are you ready for what comes next?

—

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

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Dear reader,

The latest food delivery numbers from Southeast Asia tell a fascinating story of market evolution. Beyond the headline-grabbing US$19.3B figure lies a tale of mature players finding their second wind through shrewd market segmentation and operational finesse.
What’s particularly intriguing is how the competitive landscape has shifted.

ShopeeFood’s rise to become the region’s third-largest player, overtaking the veteran Gojek, signals that the market remains dynamic despite its maturity. The platforms’ pivot towards mass-market customers through value meals and reduced delivery fees shows a deep understanding that the next phase of growth lies in accessibility rather than premium positioning.

But the real story might be yet to unfold. TikTok’s entry into local services could be the wildcard that reshapes the entire ecosystem. With its massive user base and social commerce prowess, TikTok could potentially disrupt the current duopoly-dominated market structure. Add to this the swirling speculation about a Grab-Gojek merger, and 2025 could herald the most significant transformation in Southeast Asia’s food delivery landscape since its inception.

For investors and industry watchers, the message is clear: this market may be maturing, but it’s far from settled.

Sainul,
Editor.

—

NEWS & VIEWS

SEA’s food delivery wars heat up: Market hits US$19.3B as TikTok enters arena
The Vietnamese food delivery market has evolved into an effective duopoly between Grab and ShopeeFood, highlighting the increasing market consolidation in the region.

PropertyGuru axes 174 employees, shuts 3 business units
This decision follows its acquisition by EQT Capital and aims to streamline operations | The layoffs will affect employees across the company, with three business units – Sendhelper, data and software solutions, and PropertyGuru Finance – being shut down.

Gushcloud, Azure Capital launch fund to support digital creators
Azure-Gushcloud Entertainment Finance Fund will support high-potential creators, helping them transition from influencers to sustainable businesses | Analyst projections indicate the creator industry is expected to reach US$500B by 2030.

Grab’s on-demand services in Malaysia add almost US$2.23B to local economy
Malaysian economic consultancy EconWorks said that for every MYR 1 (US$0.23) in value-added directly generated by Grab and its partners, an additional MYR 1.50 (US$0.34) was generated for the broader economy via multiplier effects.

South Korea blocks downloads of DeepSeek from local app stores
Following DeepSeek’s release in South Korea in late January, the government reached out to the firm to inquire how it collects and processes personal data and, in its evaluation, found issues with DeepSeek’s third-party service and privacy policies.

Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, said to be in talks to raise US$10B
xAI is canvassing existing investors, including Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Valor Equity Partners for the round, which would bring xAI’s total raised to US$22.4B.

Phishing attempt strikes FTX creditors on the brink of repayments
On Feb. 16, FTX creditor Sunil Kavuri sounded the alarm on X about a potential data leak, warning that scammers are now sending phishing emails to creditors | Earlier this month, FTX confirmed that distributions for small creditors will commence on Feb 18.

Nexmedis raises funding to advance AI-powered medical diagnostics in Indonesia
East Ventures and Forge Ventures are the lead investors | Nexmedis’s Clinical Decision Support solution aids healthcare professionals by offering diagnostic recommendations using ICD-10 codes.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Serving the unbanked: How Hometown is changing the narrative for migrant workers
Hometown is a platform dedicated to empowering this underserved community by providing them with accessible travel and financial services.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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.

Embracing AI’s promise: Navigating the future of marketing
In an era where AI is reshaping the marketing industry, we explore how marketers, particularly in Singapore, can unlock AI’s potential.

Influencer marketing strategies: Driving engagement and reach in Indonesia
Influencer marketing has evolved beyond its initial purpose of engaging and raising awareness among target audiences.

Rising trend in Vietnam: Young professionals embracing social media content creation
According to the ‘Monetise the Creative Economy’ report by Adobe, 33 per cent of those surveyed engaged in part-time content development.

Peanut butter vs lightning strike: What’s your GTM strategy?
Considering the Lightning Strike strategy and execution, it becomes clear it is also about commitment and courage.

How to transform public relations with blockchain technology
Blockchain technology is transforming public relations by offering transparency, trust, and content control.

Why bootstrapping remains the key to survival in Asia’s funding winter
Bootstrapping gives startups the opportunity to focus on sustainable and organic growth, ensuring they remain profitable.

Are you ready for Asia Pacific’s first AI-driven mega sales season?
AI aids businesses in automating campaigns, analyzing performance, and optimizing resource allocation at scale for greater efficiency.

Startups don’t need PR agencies, sirius-ly?
While the founder Focuses on the business aspect of it, the little elves of the PR agency can work simultaneously to increase the visibility of your company, manage any crises that may arise, increase the rate of positive perception towards your brand.

Unlocking growth and retention: Harnessing the power of omnichannel communication strategies
Communications strategies are not one-channel-fits-all, and brands must step up and leverage every productive channel to grow their brand’s voice.

How Category Design drives productivity and efficiency
Category Design challenges you and your team to not only think bigger, but differently; it’s your opportunity to lead, not follow.

Unlocking your creativity and productivity with AI content tools
With the use of AI, there is a new cutting-edge technology suite of content creation tools that transform spoken words into structured, written text, thereby addressing the shortcomings of conventional techniques.

How business leaders can utilise generative AI in employee communications
There are some incredible use cases where generative AI can increase efficiency and help you focus on the stuff that matters.

Keeping up with advertising: How brands can make the most out of change
By combining new technology with industry expertise, brands can stay ahead of the curve, reaping the benefits of their advancements.

Rising above the noise: Why startups shouldn’t chase every news cycle
In such a dynamic environment, how can startups avoid being swayed by every headline? Should founders participate in these discussions?

Effective marketing strategies to win over Gen Z for your startup
Some consider Gen Z a challenging demographic to market to, yet they’ll be your most crucial buyer age bracket for a successful business.

Look outside, grow upside: The advantage of cross-industry hiring
Hiring based on transferable skills rather than work history creates a level playing field and helps companies build diverse talent pools.

Soft skills: The secret weapon for entrepreneurial success, a roadmap to turn dreamers into doers
The next time you’re captivated by a brilliant idea, remember this: your soft skills will determine whether that idea takes flight or remains grounded.

B2B growth strategies every startup should know: Your checklist
The B2B space is increasingly crowded, and with many startups catering to diverse customer needs, a strategic advantage is essential.

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

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Second-order effects in AI from DeepSeek AI
DeepSeek doesn’t just maintain the pace of AI development; it accelerates it | By making AI more accessible, it helps reach a broader audience faster | This increased accessibility means more problems can be solved using AI.

The hardest industries to disrupt and start in Asia: A focus on healthcare
Exploring why healthcare is tough to crack, the hidden opportunities, and why startups should still see it as a game-changing frontier.

Decentralised, intelligent, unstoppable: The future of the internet with Web3 and AI
Web3 and AI together create a dynamic, evolving internet that learns and operates independently, beyond just decentralisation or automation.

Generative AI in the workplace: 6 trends every organisation should take note of in 2025
Strong governance, transparency, and compliance will ensure generative AI drives responsible and transformative impact in 2025.

Crypto and global finance: A dance of optimism, politics, and market volatility
The global financial market is shaped by economic data, political events, and the volatile yet intriguing world of cryptocurrencies.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: ShopeeFood surpasses Gojek in SEA food delivery | PropertyGuru lays off 174, closes 3 units appeared first on e27.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving a paradigm shift in the telecommunications (telecom) industry, ushering in a new era of innovation and efficiency. With its ability to automate processes, personalise customer interactions, and optimise network operations, AI is setting new standards for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Telecom companies can now deliver more responsive, intuitive, and customised services that meet the high expectations of today’s consumers.

An NVIDIA report shows that 48 per cent of telecom professionals prioritise enhancing customer experiences as the top AI opportunity for the industry. Yet, despite the excitement around AI’s potential, companies struggle with effective adoption due to a disconnect between AI’s potential and practical adoption.

As AI rapidly becomes essential to delivering seamless, efficient support, what’s holding the telecom industry back from fully integrating it across their operations?

Why are telecoms disconnected from AI?

Many telecom companies struggle with AI adoption due to challenges integrating AI into legacy infrastructures which were never designed to accommodate it. Successful AI integration requires significant investments to modernise outdated systems, but they are often not aligned with top-level management priorities and face limited technical talent and immature technology.

A McKinsey survey found that 85 per cent of executives hesitate to attribute more than 20 per cent of revenue or cost savings to developing AI. While telecoms generate vast amounts of data from customer interactions, network metrics, and IoT devices, much of this data is siloed across different islands of knowledge.

Some promising AI solutions may work in theory but in reality, fail to access relevant information or meet standards for enterprise use. To unlock AI’s full potential, telecoms must rethink their approach to data, allowing AI to provide real-time, actionable insights.

Amplifying AI’s potential in telecom through the context mesh

At its core, AI is driven by connected data. This connected data forms the knowledge foundation for AI systems, and powers use cases such as optimising network operations or enhancing customer interactions. As such, the real-time flow of precisely targeted information across the organisation network is critical. For most telcos, this is where a “context mesh” comes in – providing AI with the real-world context needed to maximise its full potential.

A context mesh operates through an event-driven architecture (EDA) which enables hyper-connected systems to respond instantly to real-time events. With EDA, data flows smoothly across the network, so that events – such as a customer nearing their data usage limit or a network disruption – are immediately communicated and lets telecom companies respond quickly and effectively.

Also Read: Transforming customer service: AI ‘artificial empathy’ holds the key

The context mesh relies on an event mesh, a network of interconnected event brokers designed to seamlessly route event-driven data in real-time across various systems, clouds, or protocols involved. The event mesh captures and routes these signals, and when combined with AI, it evolves into a context mesh, adding the situational context that AI needs to operate more effectively.

For example, when a customer reaches 90 per cent of their data usage, the context mesh allows the system to draw on additional information – like the customer’s data usage trends or location. The telecom provider can then send personalised notifications, such as top-up offers or a custom data package that fits the customer’s needs.

This enables instant responses to shifting conditions, triggering actions to improve customer experience and, by extension, loyalty. By maintaining real-time data flow across all connected systems a context mesh keeps telecoms agile, responsive, and better equipped to meet customer needs.

Speeding up decision-making signals

A context mesh provides real-time context data to both human decision-makers and AI agents, improving decision-making quality and speed. For telecom companies, the flood of information can hinder timely responses, but AI-driven insights help leaders quickly act on critical changes, and minimise risks associated with outdated data. This enables more agile, strategic decisions that swiftly address customer needs, network performance, and market shifts, ultimately improving operational efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.

For instance, when a customer call is unexpectedly dropped, the network monitoring system detects the issue and triggers automated responses. The premium subscriber system initiatives a compensation program, while loyalty and provisioning systems take appropriate actions. This rapid response, facilitated by the context mesh, allows telecom leaders to swiftly resolve customer concerns, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty while minimising the impact of network issues.

Boosting customer experiences

By enabling AI applications to access comprehensive and up-to-date customer data, a context mesh facilitates the delivery of highly personalised telecom subscribers. For example, a customer streaming video on a busy network could receive a bandwidth-optimised experience or even an upgrade offer to a higher-speed plan that matches their needs. By delivering personalised and timely solutions, telecoms can create a smoother, more valuable experience that resonates with customers, fostering loyalty and enhancing brand reputation.

Also Read: Will China lead the Artificial Intelligence game by 2030?

Looking to agentic AI

As telecom companies evolve their AI investments, embracing agentic AI means tapping into  greater cognitive intelligence. Capable of being highly adaptable and able to continuously adjust to their surroundings, these AI systems can help telecom providers streamline their operations and enhance customer experiences.

By navigating complex IT landscapes, agentic AI delivers self-serve capabilities that boost operational efficiency across multiple channels. When combined with a context mesh, which acts as the real-time pulse of the organisation, agentic AI can process disparate signals from thousands of interconnected systems, turning them into actionable insights and immediate responses. This is especially critical as traditional data warehouses often fall short due to outdated information and inaccuracies.

Ultimately, agentic AI and a context mesh, when paired together, enable telecom providers to transition from reactive to proactive service models, fostering a more responsive, intuitive approach that boosts both operational performance and customer satisfaction.

Tuning into customer needs

Today’s customers expect fast, efficient, and personalised service from their telecom providers, from first interaction through to post-purchase support. Meeting these expectations is critical to driving business growth and fostering customer loyalty.

With the advent of AI, this vast reservoir of previously untapped data transforms into fertile ground for opportunities to cultivate new services, improve existing ones, and elevate customer experiences while streamlining operations. However, the road to successful adoption comes with its challenges. By strategically implementing a context mesh, telecom companies can deliver real-time data and context to AI agents and models, propelling their organisations forward in the AI era.

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The intertwining of technology with traditional markets has brought both innovation and complexity. As we witnessed in recent market activities, the holiday lull in the US did not stop the wheels of commerce from turning elsewhere.

Futures markets traded in the green, with the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq futures showing marginal gains, signalling perhaps a cautious optimism or at least a stable pause in a year filled with volatility. However, beneath this surface calm, significant shifts are occurring in regulatory practices and market behaviours, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrencies.

The US financial scene was somewhat muted due to the holiday, but Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman’s comments provided insight into the central bank’s ongoing thought processes. She highlighted a nuanced view of the US economy, acknowledging that while inflation might decline, the risks of an uptick remain, and she needs more assurance before advocating for rate cuts.

This perspective is crucial as it affects not just domestic markets but global ones, with the US dollar index showing a slight decline and gold prices rising, possibly reflecting bets on inflation or a softening dollar.

However, the real intrigue lies in the developments in Asia and Latin America, where the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream finance is taking bold steps forward but also encountering significant hurdles.

Thailand’s leap into tokenised securities

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced its embrace of crypto, setting the stage for trading in tokenised securities. This move is a testament to the country’s forward-thinking approach to finance, aiming to leverage blockchain technology’s security and transparency to modernise its market infrastructure.

Tokenisation, the process of representing physical or traditional securities in digital form on a blockchain, promises to enhance market liquidity, reduce costs, and increase accessibility. However, this step also comes with its challenges, including ensuring investor protection, navigating regulatory compliance, and managing the inherent volatility of crypto-assets.

The Thai SEC’s initiative could set a precedent for other nations contemplating similar moves, providing a model for how regulatory bodies can balance innovation with oversight.

Also Read: Embracing AI’s promise: Navigating the future of marketing

South Korea’s Upbit in the regulatory crosshairs

In contrast, South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Upbit, finds itself under scrutiny. The Financial Services Commission has uncovered over 700,000 violations concerning customer verification, a cornerstone of anti-money laundering efforts. This revelation not only questions Upbit’s operational integrity but also highlights the broader issue of regulatory compliance within the crypto industry.

The swift response from Kim Byoung-hwan, promising a quick conclusion to the case, underscores the urgency with which regulators worldwide are tackling these issues. The outcome of this case could influence how other countries approach similar regulatory challenges, potentially setting stricter standards or leading to more robust compliance frameworks across the industry.

The Argentine scandal: A cautionary tale

The situation in Argentina involving President Javier Milei adds another layer to this narrative. Milei’s promotion of the cryptocurrency $LIBRA on social media, followed by its rapid collapse, underscores the risks of high-profile endorsements in the crypto world. Here, we see not just a market fluctuation but potential market abuse where regulatory oversight might be lacking.

The allegations of fraud filed against Milei highlight the precarious balance between advocating for innovation and ensuring market integrity. The $LIBRA incident, where investors lost millions following the president’s post and subsequent retraction, serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and potential for manipulation in cryptocurrency markets.

This case brings to light several critical points.

Firstly, the power of social media in influencing market behaviour cannot be underestimated. When leaders with significant followings endorse financial products, especially those as volatile as cryptocurrencies, they wield immense influence over market dynamics.

Secondly, it calls for a reevaluation of how public figures interact with financial markets. Should there be clearer guidelines or outright bans on such endorsements to prevent similar occurrences?

Lastly, it emphasises the need for robust regulatory mechanisms that can adapt to the speed and anonymity that blockchains offer, ensuring that the enthusiasm for crypto does not lead to platforms for fraud.

Also Read: Crypto and global finance: A dance of optimism, politics, and market volatility

Looking forward

As we stand at this juncture, the crypto landscape is clearly at a crossroads. On one hand, there’s a push towards integration into traditional finance systems with initiatives like tokenised securities in Thailand. On the other, there’s the cautionary tale of regulatory lapses and potential malfeasance in South Korea and Argentina.

The path forward involves a delicate balance. Regulators must foster innovation without stifling it, providing clear guidelines that protect investors while allowing the market to explore new financial instruments. The industry needs to mature, adopting best practices in compliance and transparency. Investors, too, must become more discerning, understanding the risks associated with these new asset classes.

In conclusion, while the integration of cryptocurrencies into global financial systems offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and democratisation of finance, it also presents significant risks. The cases of Thailand, South Korea, and Argentina illuminate the spectrum of possibilities and pitfalls.

As we navigate this new financial frontier, the lessons learned from these scenarios will be invaluable. They remind us that with great innovation comes the responsibility of great oversight, ensuring that the future of finance is not just innovative but also secure and equitable for all participants.

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

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A newly established parking infrastructure company, Parkwise Inc., has secured an investment of up to US$250 million to develop modern parking facilities across the Philippines.

The funding comes from PATRIZIA and Mitsui through their APAC Sustainable Infrastructure Fund (A-SIF).

The venture aims to address the critical parking shortage in Philippine cities, particularly in Manila, which ranks among the world’s most congested urban centres. Parkwise plans to construct state-of-the-art parking facilities near healthcare institutions, educational establishments, and transport hubs.

In partnership with established local parking sector leaders overseeing over 80 facilities, Parkwise will incorporate sustainable features into its developments, including electric vehicle charging points and rooftop solar installations. This approach aligns with the growing trend of private vehicle ownership and the transition towards electric vehicles in the region.

Also Read: Soul Parking raises Series A+ funding to expand and explore opportunities in EV space

“The Philippine market presents a significant opportunity for climate-friendly mobility solutions, which are essential for achieving net-zero targets,” explained Saji Anantakrishnan, PATRIZIA’s Head of Infrastructure for Australia and Asia. “Our collaborative approach combines comprehensive expertise to enhance mobility and social infrastructure in this rapidly growing market.”

Parkwise has already launched its first operational facility and has identified several prime locations for upcoming greenfield projects, particularly near hospitals, universities, and airports. These developments are in the advanced planning stages.

Alf Wilson, Director at Parkwise, outlined the company’s strategic vision: “We’re building a comprehensive network of premium parking facilities that addresses both immediate requirements and future demands. Our integrated approach will play a crucial role in advancing sustainable mobility throughout the Philippines.”

The investment represents a convergence of infrastructure and real estate opportunities, according to Phoebe Smith, PATRIZIA’s Head of Fund Management RE-Infra. She notes that this project contributes to PATRIZIA’s ambitious target of achieving at least $4.18 billion in RE-Infra investments by 2030.

This marks A-SIF’s second major investment in the Philippines, following their recent backing of a leading solar energy provider in September 2024. The fund represents the latest collaboration between PATRIZIA and Mitsui, building upon their successful Emerging Market Infrastructure Fund launched in 2008.

PATRIZIA, which currently manages approximately US$60 billion in global assets, brings substantial expertise in parking infrastructure investment. The firm maintains a long-standing investment in International Parking Group, Australia’s largest dedicated parking infrastructure organisation, and aims to expand its total assets under management to US$104.57 billion by 2030.

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Visual content development is one of the key components that aid in the growth of a business, especially for startups. With the high competition in the industry, startups have to make sure they are always aligned with the recent trends and technologies. The startup ecosystem is bound to change rapidly with the future advancements of technology, changing consumer preferences, and the need for increased reliance on digital platforms.

This article intends to analyse the current trends in visual marketing and content creation, particularly how these changes can help startups bolster their brands.

Personal visual experience

Out of the many existing paradigms in visual content creation, one of the most important is personalisation. Customers do not want simple content anymore. They look for experiences that meet their individual preferences, interests, and requirements. Customers have a wide latitude when it comes to personalisation; it can include anything from regular visual advertisements changing to suit the user’s data, to product videos and images tailor-made to suit certain segments of audiences.

For example, advanced tech tools enabled by AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning allow businesses to capture user data, understand their behaviour, and create graphics that resonate with their preferences. In this regard, email marketing along with social media advertising can help to achieve closer connections with the desired audience. As a result, startup companies get a stronger bond with their customers and are able to increase customer loyalty and grow conversion rates.

The rise of video content

Video content is regarded as one of the strongest visual forms of communication, and it looks like this will not change any time soon. Startups need video integrated into their marketing strategies like never before since it’s predicted that by the year 2026, more than 82 per cent of all consumer internet traffic will be online videos. Therefore, it is imperative to grab attention by using innovative strategies with videos.

The boom of short-form video content is unprecedented. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Youtube Shorts changed the standards of content consumption. They have opened doors for startups to accelerate their growth with viral content in the form of shareable, short videos. Live streams are also becoming more popular which gives brands a chance to interact with the audience in real time, showcase products, give tutorials, and conduct Q&A sessions.

Utilising video for marketing allows startups to tell their brand story, demonstrate their products or services, and establish a deeper connection with their customers.

Also Read: The secret sauce of how brands and creators use video for growth and success

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR are no longer limited to games and entertainment. These immersive technologies are becoming increasingly important for marketing and visual content creation. Startups have the ability to use AR and VR to create truly unique and captivating customer experiences.

For instance, furniture startups are already using AR so potential customers can see how pieces would look in their actual environment prior to purchase. Fashion retailers allow consumers to try on clothing or makeup virtually. Startups are able to increase customer engagement and satisfaction through virtual product trials or immersive brand experiences while gaining a competitive edge.

The use of AR and VR in visual content is sure to transform the landscape for startups across various industries like retail, real estate, education, and many more. Startups will look to harness the growing usability of AR and VR technologies as they become more affordable and accessible.

User Generated Content (UGC)

In this era of social media, user-generated content (UGC) has proven to be the best in terms of authentic brand building. Startups can gain massively by getting customers to capture and share their own content. Be it through reviews, social media posts, or pictures of products, UGC offers startups active free promotions and serves as social proof.

To harness the power of UGC, startups need to build a community around their brand and make efforts to engage and encourage them to share experiences. Customers can be incentivised through contests, discounts, or featuring their content on the company’s social media or website, and in turn, they become brand advocates which enhances trust and loyalty.

Interactive visual content

Interactive content has emerged as a leading trend that is predicted to change the way In which startups outreach their audiences. From polls, quizzes, and infographics to gamified versions of content, it allows users to take part actively and not just be passive consumers.

This trend corresponds well with customers’ eagerness to manage their experiences more. Startups can increase user interaction, and website retention time, and glean important information about customers’ tastes by developing functional graphics. Furthermore, customer feedback, leads, or even sales through product visualisers can be captured by interactive content.

Also Read: How video production can boost your brand’s reach

How modern digital tools improve image performance

To satisfy the need for speedy and quality visuals, startups have to automate image performance enhancement processes through sophisticated digital tools. Image-focused businesses stand to greatly benefit from platforms and applications that automate image optimisation, compression, and file conversion. Such automation helps ensure visual content retains quality during optimisation for various devices and platforms while becoming much easier to use and more appealing to users.

The influence of visual storytelling

In the end, brand building within the startup ecosystem will always depend on compelling visuals. Most consumers will interact with a brand that gives a genuinely compelling story told using visuals. Startups can leverage images, videos, or even a combination of both to enact visual storytelling that gives a human touch to their brands to communicate their values better.

Startups should create compelling narratives for their audiences through customer success stories, behind-the-scenes videos, or brand mission graphics. Visual storytelling grabs attention and enables brands to form deeper connections with their customers.

Conclusion

The upcoming years are nothing short of amazing for the startup ecosystem considering the trends of personalisation, video, AR/VR, interactive visuals, user-generated content, and more. These advances pave the way for fresh opportunities for startups to engage their audience creatively and meaningfully.

As digital tools continue to enhance content performance and streamline processes, startups will have more options to easily create visually stunning and impactful pieces of content. Adapting to these changes will be essential to remain relevant in a drastically changing visually oriented and competitive economy.

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

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