The global food industry faces an urgent dilemma: how to meet the growing demand for oils and fats while minimising environmental harm. According to the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report (2022), food production has contributed to a 70 per cent loss of biodiversity on land and a 50 per cent loss in freshwater ecosystems.

At the centre of this challenge is palm oil, a widely used but environmentally destructive ingredient.

ÄIO Technologies, a biotech startup spun out from Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia, is pioneering a sustainable alternative. Founded in 2022 by Dr Nemailla Bonturi (CEO) and Dr Petri-Jaan Lahtvee (COO), the company is developing microbial lipid products that intend to replace palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats.

By leveraging proprietary yeast strains to upcycle industrial side streams into value-added ingredients, ÄIO Technologies is setting a new standard for circular economy practices in the oleochemical sector.

Palm oil dominates global supply chains, with over 80 per cent of production concentrated in Malaysia and Indonesia. This monoculture farming practice leads to deforestation, carbon emissions, and biodiversity loss. ÄIO Technologies’s innovative solution offers an alternative that requires 100 per cent less land, uses ten times less water, and is ten times faster to produce than traditional plant or animal-derived oils.

Also Read: Agros lands US$4.25M Series A to scale climate-resilient farming in Indonesia

The startup’s microbial lipids can be used across multiple industries, including food, cosmetics, biofuels, and household chemicals. Unlike traditional methods, which depend on resource-intensive plantations, ÄIO’s technology converts agricultural and industrial by-products into high-value oils.

This reduces dependency on land-intensive crops and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial factor given the industry’s current environmental footprint.

Scaling up and market readiness

Despite its technological breakthrough, ÄIO Technologies remains pre-revenue and is navigating regulatory approval processes to commercialise its ingredients. The company is actively seeking permits in key markets, including Singapore, to introduce its novel food products.

“We are still discussing how to upscale production,” said Dr Mary-Liis Kütt, CIO at ÄIO Technologies, in a presentation that e27 attended at the university. “Singapore is one possible site, and we are looking for strong partners to enable continuous production and apply different novel food applications.”

ÄIO has secured investor funding to sustain operations and is currently evaluating potential collaboration opportunities with institutions such as A*STAR, CPIP, and ScaleUp Bio in Singapore. The company is also in discussions with the Singapore Food Agency to ensure regulatory compliance.

At the heart of ÄIO Technologies’s model is a commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. The company works with partners to identify industrial side streams that can be converted into microbial lipids. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides businesses with sustainable ingredients for testing and development.

Also Read: The future of farming in the Asia Pacific is here to empower farmers

“If we could utilise just seven per cent of Brazil’s annual agricultural waste, we could replace 30 per cent of the palm oil used in the country and mitigate 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions,” Dr Kütt explained. “At an industrial scale, our process can compete with conventional palm oil production costs.”

ÄIO Technologies’s ability to repurpose waste streams into valuable products underscores its potential to disrupt the market. By demonstrating viable alternatives, the company is challenging long-standing supply chains while aligning with global sustainability goals.

The palm oil industry, projected to reach a market value of US$98 billion by 2030, has long been criticised for its environmental impact. Yet replacing it on a global scale is no small feat.

“Even if we capture just one per cent to two per cent of the palm oil market, we would be in a very strong position,” Dr Kütt noted. “Our technology proves that sustainable alternatives can be produced efficiently without harming biodiversity.”

The oleochemical industry, which encompasses a broad range of applications beyond food, is expected to be worth over US$36 billion by 2027. With its ability to provide tailored lipid solutions, ÄIO Technologies is positioning itself as a major player in this space.

While initial plans for demo-scale production are centred in Estonia, ÄIO Technologies is exploring global expansion opportunities. Singapore, with its robust research ecosystem and food innovation initiatives, is a key consideration for future operations.

“We are actively looking for a location to build our demo-scale production and are in discussions with several partners to establish full-scale production globally,” Dr Kütt said.

ÄIO’s recognition as one of the Top 50 Global Startups at SLINGSHOT 2023 in Singapore further validates its potential. Securing strategic partnerships will be critical to scaling operations and market adoption as the company advances towards commercialisation.

Also Read: HiFeed aims to revolutionise cattle farming with pre-seed funding

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, ÄIO Technologies presents a compelling case for sustainable innovation. By replacing conventional oils with eco-friendly microbial lipids, the company offers a tangible solution to reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, and promote responsible production.

With regulatory approvals on the horizon and expansion plans underway, ÄIO Technologies is poised to become a key disruptor in the global oil and fats industry. The transition to sustainable alternatives is no longer a vision for the future—companies like ÄIO are making it a reality today.

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Image Credit: Kristiina Tammik, Trade Estonia

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Revenue-based financing (RBF) and growth platform Choco Up has formed a strategic alliance with investment management firm Wonder Capital Group to launch a series of private credit funds, projected to raise US$50 million.

The collaboration seeks to unlock the untapped potential of asset-light businesses in Asia Pacific by combining Choco Up’s financing platform with Wonder Capital’s financial expertise.

Together, they aim to support the region’s SMEs and “deliver a compelling investment proposition” for institutional players seeking high-growth opportunities.

Also Read: Choco Up, Set Sail AI forge partnership to help businesses grow through Gen AI adoption

The partnership has commenced with the closing of a US$10 million private credit funding round financed by the CMAG Private Credit Fund under the guidance of Wonder Capital. The fund, spearheaded by Wonder Capital, will catalyse growth for e-commerce, SaaS, and technology businesses.

SMEs constitute 98 per cent of all businesses in Asia yet contribute only 38 per cent to the region’s GDP, highlighting a substantial US$2 trillion funding gap that hinders their growth and expansion. Singapore- and Hong Kong-based Choco Up aims to bridge this gap through innovative financing solutions, offering flexible, non-dilutive, revenue-based financing and tailored growth strategies.

Choco Up’s adaptable financing solutions help businesses increase revenues, introduce new products, expand their user bases, grow their teams, and achieve acquisitions. It has so far financed over US$1 billion in gross merchandise value across APAC.

Gigi Chan, founder and CEO of Wonder Capital, noted that the partnership with Choco Up allows them to tap into the “blue ocean” of asset-light businesses across APAC.

Percy Hung, founder and CEO of Choco Up, added that the partnership extends beyond funding, leveraging Wonder Capital’s network and resources to help businesses overcome growth barriers and realise their expansion plans.

Also Read: Choco Up, Atlas Growth Fund to provide US$15M capital to F&B firms in Singapore

Last year, Choco Up partnered with restaurant tech company Atlas to provide F&B firms with Atlas’s restaurant Operating System and up to SGD20 million (~US$15 million) in capital from Choco Up. Three months later, it joined hands with Set Sail AI, an intelligent contact centre solution provider, to promote the adoption of generative AI solutions among businesses and merchants.

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In a move set to strengthen AI-driven consumer insights within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, UK-based GlobalData Plc has acquired Singapore-headquartered AI Palette for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition aligns with GlobalData’s strategy to enhance its AI capabilities and expand its reach in the CPG industry. It will allow AI Palette to utilise GlobalData’s extensive resources, advanced analytics, and global reach.

By combining AI Palette’s AI and machine learning capabilities with GlobalData’s robust data infrastructure, the companies aim to deliver deeper, more actionable insights to their clients.

According to Mike Danson, CEO of GlobalData Plc, integrating AI Palette will significantly enhance their ability to assist CPG brands in innovating more efficiently.

Also Read: How AI Palette wants to help CPG companies develop products faster and easier with AI

Founded in 2018 by Somsubhra GanChoudhuri and Himanshu Upreti, AI Palette provides a multimodal AI-powered platform for the CPG industry, including F&B, beauty and personal care, and nutraceutical products.

The platform enables real-time identification of emerging consumer trends with contextual understanding and generates and screens product ideas within minutes. This improves the costs and efficiency of developing new product category entries, product line expansion, identification of new demand spaces, portfolio optimisation and product repositioning.

The company serves global food and beverage (F&B) and personal care companies, helping them maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic market.

AI Palette’s platform uses patented AI technology and a CPG data lake of 61 billion data points, offering consumer insights in 18 languages across six continents.

Last year, the Singaporean startup raised US$4 million in equity financing from Tin Men Capital.

GlobalData provides data analytics, market intelligence and industry insights. With a presence in over 25 countries, a market value exceeding £1.4 billion (US$1.8 billion), and a global workforce of over 3,600, GlobalData equips businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

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Intellect, a global mental health benefits company, has released the second edition of its highly anticipated Workplace Wellbeing 360 Report 2025: Benchmarking 10 Industries Across the World. This data-driven report provides a comprehensive analysis of workplace wellbeing across industries, offering valuable insights into how mental health influences employee productivity and organisational performance.

Drawing from 50,000 employees in 182 countries, the study utilises Intellect’s proprietary 26-question Dimensions measurement framework to assess four core components: employee wellbeing, organisational support, work engagement, and productivity.

The latest report marks a significant expansion from its 2024 edition, which primarily focused on the Asia Pacific region. By broadening its reach, the 2025 edition reflects the increasing globalisation of today’s workforce and the universal challenges organisations face in promoting mental well-being.

This expansion allows companies to benchmark their well-being efforts against both local and international peers, providing a clearer understanding of industry trends and best practices.

One of the report’s most critical findings is the strong correlation between mental well-being and employee productivity (r = 0.67). Mental well-being surpasses traditionally prioritised traits such as a growth mindset and goal orientation, underscoring the importance of fostering a supportive work environment. Businesses that invest in employee mental health not only enhance well-being but also drive meaningful performance outcomes.

Also Read: Moving mental health out of Freud’s era and beyond the couch with big data

The paradox of well-being and declining productivity

Despite improvements in employee well-being worldwide, productivity levels have declined, with presenteeism–employees being physically present but disengaged–on the rise. This trend suggests that while employees may report feeling “fine,” they may still struggle with focus and motivation, ultimately affecting performance.

Addressing this paradox requires a holistic approach that prioritises both well-being and work engagement.

The report highlights that presenteeism occurs five times more frequently than absenteeism and carries a significantly higher financial burden. While absenteeism costs an average of US$318 per employee per month, presenteeism results in a staggering US$990 per employee per month.

This underscores the necessity for companies to implement effective well-being initiatives that mitigate the hidden costs of disengagement and reduced productivity.

The study identifies a widespread lack of stress management and self-awareness skills among employees, contributing to passive coping behaviours such as procrastination and disengagement. Furthermore, a limited growth mindset is preventing employees from seeking development opportunities, leading to stagnation.

Stress management has declined across nearly every industry worldwide, making it a pressing concern for businesses. Despite positive trends in areas such as self-efficacy, purpose, and optimism, unresolved stress remains a major barrier to workplace well-being. Employers must prioritise comprehensive stress management strategies to sustain both employee satisfaction and productivity.

Also Read: Data driven healing: The potential of analytics and AI in advancing mental health

The report advocates for a dual approach to workplace well-being: top-down initiatives driven by leadership and HR alongside bottom-up interventions that empower employees. Strategies such as coaching, webinars, and structured support systems can bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that well-being initiatives lead to measurable improvements in workplace culture and engagement.

Singapore as a leader in workplace wellbeing

Singapore ranks among the top-performing countries in four workplace well-being pillars: Organisational Support, Employee Well-Being, Employee Productivity, and Work Engagement.

The strong rankings highlight Singapore’s commitment to fostering supportive workplaces, with many organisations investing in structured well-being programmes.

The report showcases several Singapore-based companies that have successfully implemented workplace wellbeing programmes:

McDonald’s Singapore

The fast-food giant introduced Intellect’s mental wellness initiatives, resulting in a 28 per cent adoption rate of the Intellect app. Of those who signed up, 99 per cent utilised self-care sessions, and overall satisfaction with the programmes was high. McDonald’s Managing Director Benjamin Boh emphasised the company’s commitment to listening to and supporting employees.

MSD

The global biopharmaceutical firm saw a 48 per cent adoption rate of Intellect’s services within three months of rollout in Singapore. Following implementation, 84 per cent of employees reported that leadership prioritised their well-being, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured mental health support.

Global Logistics Company

A major logistics firm in Singapore and Malaysia reduced resignations due to stress and burnout by 16 per cent after implementing Intellect’s wellbeing solutions. The company’s HR Director noted a “tremendous” improvement in employee retention linked to mental health support initiatives.

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Image Credit: Redd Francisco on Unsplash

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The broad sell-off we’re witnessing today, March 11, 2025, is no small blip—it’s a visceral reaction to mounting recessionary fears that have investors on edge. The numbers tell a stark story: the S&P 500 has shed 2.7 per cent in a single session, while the Nasdaq has plummeted 4 per cent, marking its steepest drop since September 2022.

These declines have dragged the S&P 500 8.7 per cent below its all-time high set on February 19, with the Nasdaq a staggering 14 per cent off its recent peak. What’s fuelling this fire? A weekend interview with US President Donald Trump, where he candidly refused to rule out a recession and framed the current moment as a “period of transition.” Those words have hit the markets like a sledgehammer, amplifying uncertainty at a time when clarity is desperately needed.

Let’s unpack this. Trump’s comments come against a backdrop of escalating tariff war tensions and a flurry of government firings, both of which are stoking fears that the US—the world’s economic powerhouse—could be teetering on the brink of a downturn. Investors, ever sensitive to shifts in sentiment, have responded by fleeing risk assets en masse.

The bond market reflects this flight to safety: the 10-year US Treasury yield dropped 8.8 basis points to 4.213 per cent, while the 2-year yield fell even more sharply, declining 11.6 basis points to 3.883 per cent. Falling yields signal that investors are piling into Treasuries, betting on a slowing economy where safer assets reign supreme.

Meanwhile, the VIX index—the so-called “fear gauge”—surged 19.2 per cent to 27.86, its highest level since the Federal Reserve’s rate cut in December. That spike underscores the palpable anxiety coursing through Wall Street.

Also Read: Global markets in flux: Trump’s tariff pause and bitcoin reserve shake sentiment

The ripple effects aren’t confined to the US Across the Atlantic, Europe’s STOXX 600 slipped 1.3 per cent, and Germany’s DAX fell 1.7 per cent, mirroring the dour mood. In Asia, the picture is equally grim: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index tumbled 1.8 per cent, while China’s Shanghai Composite edged down a more modest 0.2 per cent.

Asian markets, which often take their cues from overnight US performance, opened lower today, tracking Wall Street’s rout. This synchronised sell-off speaks to a broader retreat in global risk sentiment, a collective exhale as investors brace for what might come next.

Commodities and currencies are feeling the heat too. Brent crude oil slid 1.5 per cent to US$69.28 per barrel, weighed down by a planned supply increase from OPEC+ in April and softening US economic activity. Gold, typically a haven in times of turmoil, bucked the risk-off trend and dipped 0.7 per cent, perhaps reflecting profit-taking after recent gains.

The US Dollar Index, a measure of the greenback’s strength against a basket of currencies, nudged down 0.2 per cent, suggesting that even the dollar’s safe-haven status isn’t immune to the broader uncertainty.

Then there’s the cryptocurrency market, which has taken a beating amid this storm. Bitcoin, the bellwether of digital assets, fell more than three per cent on Tuesday morning in Asia, dipping to its lowest level since November. Ether, the second-ranked token, saw an even sharper decline, dropping as much as six per cent to US$1,756—an intraday low not seen since October 2023—before paring some losses.

These moves came hot on the heels of a tech-led sell-off in US equities, with the Nasdaq 100 Index plunging 3.8 per cent in its worst day since October 2022. Crypto, often seen as a barometer of risk appetite, is buckling under the same pressures battering stocks—namely, fears that Trump’s tariff policies and chaotic governance could kneecap economic growth.

What’s driving this pervasive unease? Data offers some clues. The New York Fed’s latest survey of consumer expectations, released for February, paints a worrisome picture. One-year inflation expectations ticked up to 3.13 per cent, above forecasts, signalling that Americans anticipate stickier prices ahead.

More troubling, the survey revealed growing public concern about credit conditions and the job market, alongside expectations of steeper price hikes for essentials like gas, rent, and food. This erosion of consumer confidence is a red flag—households are the backbone of US economic activity, and their pessimism could presage a self-fulfilling slowdown.

Across the globe, the data is a mixed bag. In the Eurozone, the Sentix investor confidence survey for March climbed to -2.9, a sign of cautious optimism among investors. Germany, the region’s economic engine, posted a split result: industrial production rose, but exports declined, hinting at uneven recovery.

Also Read: Breaking down geography-based salary for your global teams

In Japan, the February Eco Watchers survey—which gauges sentiment among small and medium enterprises—came in weaker than expected, suggesting that grassroots confidence is faltering. These disparate signals underscore the uneven terrain global economies are navigating as they grapple with US-centric risks.

Trump’s rhetoric isn’t helping. His warning of a “little disturbance” from trade wars with Canada, Mexico, and China has Wall Street buzzing with concern. Strategists and economists are revising their outlooks, with many now assigning higher odds to a US economic downturn.

Posts on X reflect this jittery sentiment: one user noted the Nasdaq’s US$520 billion market cap wipeout in a single day, likening it to twice the value of top altcoins, while another pointed to Trump’s unpredictable decision-making as a deterrent to both domestic and foreign investors.

A Reuters dispatch highlighted pushback from Trump’s economic adviser Kevin Hassett, who dismissed recession talk tied to tariff uncertainty, but the damage seems done—stocks keep sliding, and consumer pessimism is deepening.

From my vantage point, this feels like a pivotal moment. The markets are signaling something more than a routine correction; they’re grappling with a confluence of risks that could tip the scales. Trump’s tariff threats, if enacted, could disrupt global supply chains and inflate costs, hitting US consumers and businesses alike. His government firings add another layer of instability, undermining confidence in policy continuity.

Couple that with a public increasingly anxious about jobs and credit, and you’ve got a recipe for stagnation—or worse. The bond rally and VIX spike suggest investors are battening down the hatches, preparing for a storm that may or may not materialise.

Yet, there’s a flip side. Transitions, as Trump calls them, can be messy but necessary. If his administration navigates this period deftly—say, by tempering tariff rhetoric with targeted stimulus or stabilising governance—the US might emerge stronger.

The New York Fed’s inflation uptick could even prod the Fed to hold rates steady, providing a buffer against a hard landing. Europe’s improving investor confidence and Germany’s industrial resilience offer glimmers of hope that the global economy isn’t entirely hostage to US whims.

Still, the data and market moves I’ve pored over lean bearish. The S&P and Nasdaq’s sharp drops, the VIX’s leap, and crypto’s stumble all point to a risk-off mindset that’s hard to shake. Asia’s early trading losses and Brent crude’s slide reinforce the narrative of softening demand.

For now, I’d wager we’re in for more volatility—Wall Street’s jitters won’t subside until Trump’s next move becomes clearer. I’ll keep digging into the numbers and sentiment, but one thing’s certain: the world’s eyes are on Washington, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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