Athanasius Pang’s career trajectory is anything but conventional.

Once a police officer in Singapore’s elite force, Pang was part of exclusive security teams safeguarding dignitaries, including the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. But at 31, he made a life-altering decision—leaving behind his established career to pursue entrepreneurship. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring startup founders.

“Working in Singapore’s elite police force was a transformative experience that taught me resilience,” Pang tells e27. “The high-pressure situations and constant need for quick decision-making honed my ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt to unexpected circumstances. I call it ‘finding peace among chaos’.”

This philosophy would later become his guiding principle—one he now instils in the children he teaches at his entrepreneurial venture, Dip Swim.

The struggles of building a business from scratch

While Dip Swim has gained recognition in Singapore, Pang’s transition from a structured career to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship was anything but smooth.

“Despite my professional success, I made the bold decision to leave everything behind at 31 to launch Trivox Global Security Group,” he shares. “But building credibility and securing clients from scratch was far more challenging than I had expected. I thought my achievements in service would set me apart—but in business, ‘wow’ doesn’t always convert to dollars and cents. That’s when you truly realise—you’ve been high only when you hit rock bottom.”

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With scarce resources, stiff competition, and global scrutiny on this “little company from the little red dot,” Pang found inspiration in Lee Kuan Yew’s approach to nation-building—staying flexible, adaptable, and maintaining a relentless ‘never-say-die’ attitude.

To keep up with the digital era, he pivoted into security technology within two months, attending events like the China Public Security Association to share insights on international security. This adaptability helped Trivox Global Security Group gain a foothold in multiple markets.

The COVID-19 crisis: A breaking point

Then came COVID-19—a crisis that severely impacted businesses across Singapore. The closure of facilities and restrictions on gatherings devastated Trivox Global’s operations. Unlike other companies that could transition online, a security firm had no such luxury.

Revenue dried up, financial strain mounted, and Pang’s mental health suffered. He found himself at his lowest point, struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Personal hardships compounded the situation. At 37, he went through a divorce, and his two children grew distant, harbouring resentment. His ex-wife’s demands for financial support added to his stress. Forced to move back in with his parents, Pang faced one of the darkest periods of his life.

Hitting rock bottom and rising again

Years passed. At 44, he faced another devastating low—unable to secure a job due to being deemed “overqualified,” burdened by mounting debts, and once again contemplating ending his life.

But this time, he chose to fight.

Drawing strength from his past experiences, Pang channelled his skills, resilience, and leadership into a new venture—Dip Swim.

Dip Swim: A vision beyond swimming

Founded in Singapore, Dip Swim is more than just a swimming school—it’s a holistic development platform that fosters mental resilience, emotional strength, and character-building in children.

• Offering a turn-key swim programme, Dip Swim provides:
• On-site swim camps
• Personalised swimwear, apparel, gifts, and accessories
• Pool party organisation and boat rentals
• Catering for swimming-related events

The agency specialises in water survival training for infants and toddlers, equipping them with life-saving skills while nurturing their confidence both in and out of the water.

A unique training philosophy

Unlike conventional swimming schools, Dip Swim follows an innovative and personalised approach, tailoring its training to each aspirant’s:

• Physique and stamina
• Water confidence and past experiences
• Emotional reliance and mental resilience
• Behavioural traits and character development
• The startup also offers professional swim coaching courses for those looking to become certified instructors.

“I wanted to create a nurturing environment where children feel valued, cared for, and emotionally secure,” Pang explains. “Our swim training methodology prioritises character, behaviour, and emotional well-being alongside swimming skills.”

Beyond swimming: Building resilience for life

Dip Swim goes beyond just teaching children how to swim—it incorporates resilience and emotional strength training, fostering self-belief and perseverance.

Also Read: Retrenched and dejected, this entrepreneur proved that a lot can happen over coffee

“One core philosophy at Dip Swim is teaching water survival skills without relying on floaties or artificial aids,” Pang shares. “This realism-based training encourages children to engage with water naturally, fostering problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.”

Looking ahead: Expanding the vision

Pang envisions a future where Dip Swim continues to integrate social and emotional learning into its programmes. He plans to expand offerings to include:

• Aquatic programmes for pre-natal and post-natal mothers
• Specialised training for older adults
• A mobile app for tracking progress and providing personalised feedback

To create a truly holistic approach to child development, Dip Swim also seeks collaborations with experts in child psychology, nutrition, and physical fitness.

A legacy of resilience and giving back

Athanasius Pang’s journey—from a Singapore elite police officer to an entrepreneur shaping young lives—is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers?

“Focus on giving, not taking, and always prioritise doing the right thing.”

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The situation today feels like a high-stakes chess game, with each move—whether it’s a tariff imposition or a central bank decision—shifting the balance of power and sentiment. The escalation of trade tensions, sparked by the US’s imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports effective March 12, 2025, has sent shockwaves through global risk sentiment, and it’s a story worth unpacking in detail.

Let me offer my perspective on what’s happening, grounded in the facts and data at hand, and explore what this means for markets, economies, and even the average person watching from the sidelines.

The US tariffs, which hit the ground running yesterday, mark a bold escalation in President Donald Trump’s trade agenda. This isn’t a new playbook—during his first term, Trump levied similar duties on steel and aluminium in 2018, only to later exempt Canada and Mexico in 2019 after negotiations.

This time, though, the scope feels broader and the rhetoric sharper. The immediate retaliation from the European Union, with plans for tariffs on €26 billion (US$28.3 billion) of American goods, and Canada’s counterpunch of US$21 billion in tariffs on US exports, signal that trading partners aren’t backing down.

This tit-for-tat dynamic is classic trade war territory, and it’s injecting a heavy dose of uncertainty into an already fragile global risk sentiment. From my vantage point, it’s clear that markets are wrestling with two competing forces: the fear of economic disruption and the hope that cooler heads—or at least softer data—might prevail.

Take the US February CPI data released yesterday, for instance. It came in at +0.2 per cent month-on-month and 3.1 per cent year-on-year, undercutting expectations of 0.3 per cent and 3.2 per cent, respectively. The softer print, driven largely by weaker services inflation, was a sigh of relief for investors who’ve been jittery about stagflation—a toxic mix of stagnant growth and rising prices.

In a world where Trump’s tariffs could easily stoke inflation by driving up the cost of imported goods, this data offered a counter-narrative: maybe price pressures aren’t as relentless as feared. The market reaction was telling. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5 per cent, buoyed by mega-cap tech stocks that have become the darlings of this volatile era, while the Nasdaq jumped 1.2 per cent.

The VIX, often dubbed Wall Street’s “fear index,” slid to 24.23 from 26.92, marking its second day of easing. It’s not a full-on celebration—24.23 is still elevated compared to calmer times—but it’s a sign that the CPI data gave risk sentiment a much-needed lift.

Yet, beneath the surface, the bond market told a slightly different story. The 10-year US Treasury yield ticked up 3.3 basis points to 4.312 per cent, while the 2-year yield rose more sharply by 4.3 basis points to 3.987 per cent. This narrowed the yield spread between the two to 32.6 basis points, a subtle shift that hints at shifting expectations about growth and inflation.

Also Read: Looking for the next Shou Zi Chew: Moulding Singaporeans into global firm CEOs

Typically, a narrower spread can signal concerns about economic slowdown, but in this case, it might also reflect a market pricing in the Fed’s likely pause on rate cuts. The softer CPI didn’t dismantle the narrative of a patient Federal Reserve, which has been signaling it’s in no rush to ease policy further unless growth takes a serious hit. For now, the Fed seems content to let the data guide its hand, and investors are hanging on every number.

Across the Atlantic, Europe’s response to the tariff saga has been a mix of resilience and defiance. The DAX surged 1.6 per cent, leading a broader recovery in European indices that had been battered by tariff fears earlier this week. It’s a fascinating contrast: while the EU is gearing up to hit back at the US, its markets are finding some footing, perhaps buoyed by the US inflation reprieve and a sense that trade fragmentation, while disruptive, isn’t an immediate death knell.

ECB President Christine Lagarde’s comments yesterday added another layer to this narrative. She warned that large shocks—like these tariffs—could amplify inflationary risks and lead to “more disruptive relative price changes.” It’s a sober reminder that Europe isn’t just a bystander in this trade war; it’s a player with its own vulnerabilities, especially given its export-driven economies like Germany.

Meanwhile, in Canada, the Bank of Canada (BoC) made its move, trimming its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent, right on cue with market expectations. But the tone from the BoC was anything but routine. Governor Tiff Macklem didn’t mince words, cautioning about “a new crisis” as the central bank braces for the fallout from US tariffs. Canada, which sends about 75 per cent of its exports to the US, is uniquely exposed here.

Steel and aluminium tariffs could hammer its industrial sector, and the ripple effects—think weaker growth, a softer loonie, and higher import costs—could test the BoC’s resolve. From my perspective, this rate cut feels like a preemptive strike, a way to cushion the economy against what’s coming. But Macklem’s crisis talk suggests the bank knows it might need to do more if the trade war digs in.

Also Read: GlobalData acquires AI Palette to strengthen AI-driven consumer insights in CPG

Then there’s the crypto angle, which adds a wild card to this already complex picture. Bitcoin climbed 1.8 per cent to US$83,511.6 early today, catching a tailwind from Wall Street’s overnight rebound. It’s a modest recovery from its weakest levels this year, but the bigger story is what’s holding it back: recession fears and trade war jitters. Trump’s tariffs, now in effect, and his promise of reciprocal duties by April 2—potentially targeting Europe with even higher rates—keep markets on edge.

The idea that these policies could choke global trade, juice US inflation, and tip the economy into recession isn’t just theoretical; it’s a scenario traders are pricing in. Trump and his team have brushed off these concerns, framing any turbulence as a necessary growing pain for their agenda. But their flip-flopping—like granting Canada and Mexico a temporary reprieve on some tariffs—only fuels the uncertainty.

Ethereum’s story is even bleaker. The ETH/BTC pair, which measures Ether’s strength against Bitcoin, slumped over 1.5 per cent to 0.022, its lowest since May 2020. That’s part of a brutal multi-year slide—down more than 85 per cent from its 2017 peak of 0.156. The two-week ETH/BTC chart shows the relative strength index (RSI) at a record low of 23.32, deep in oversold territory.

Normally, an RSI below 30 hints at a potential bounce, but Ether’s relentless decline suggests the downtrend has legs. As a journalist, I see this as a microcosm of broader market dynamics: risk assets, even speculative ones like crypto, are struggling to find solid ground amid all this noise.

Stepping back, what strikes me most is the interplay between fear and hope in these markets. The US tariffs are a tangible threat—steel and aluminium prices could spike 10-20 per cent based on 2018 precedent, jacking up costs for everything from cars to construction. Jobs might tick up in those sectors, but downstream industries could bleed positions as costs rise.

Canada’s retaliation, targeting US$21 billion in US goods, and the EU’s US$28.3 billion counterstrike, amplify the stakes. Yet, the softer US CPI and the Fed’s steady hand offer a counterweight, a glimmer that maybe this won’t spiral into chaos. Gold’s 0.6 per cent uptick reflects safe-haven buying, but Brent crude’s 2 per cent jump on gasoline demand shows there’s still some economic pulse out there.

We’re in a precarious moment. Global risk sentiment is fragile because it’s caught between real economic risks and the faint hope of stabilisation. Trump’s tariffs could be a negotiating tactic—he’s hinted at flexibility before—but if they stick, the damage could be profound. Central banks like the BoC and ECB are on high alert, ready to adapt, but their tools might not be enough if trade fragmentation deepens. For investors, it’s a tightrope walk: chase the rallies in tech or hunker down with gold and bonds.

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The artificial intelligence (AI) startup landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Founders must contend with the challenge of securing essential resources—such as GPUs and cloud infrastructure—while simultaneously navigating complex funding cycles. In response, Antler has launched AI Disrupt, a programme designed to provide startups with capital, resources, and mentorship in a fast-moving AI market.

“The difference between being first and being late isn’t measured in years—it’s months, sometimes even weeks,” said Ryan Thoo, Vice President of Marketing (SEA) at Antler, in an email interview with e27. “Traditional venture funding cycles don’t move fast enough for AI startups that need to ship, scale, and secure capital in parallel.”

AI Disrupt is structured as a four-week sprint that aims to remove barriers for AI founders. Startups receive US$400,000 in pre-seed funding, along with AI perks valued at over US$650,000 from OpenAI, Nvidia, Nebius, and others. The programme also includes deep technical and commercial mentorship, enabling founders to accelerate development and gain a competitive edge.

Startups accepted into AI Disrupt gain access to a suite of AI resources, including GPU, compute, and cloud credits. Partners such as Nvidia, OpenAI, Google’s Gemini, AWS, and GitHub provide infrastructure support to help founders train models, optimise performance, and deploy AI-driven solutions at scale.

“These perks ensure that founders can move faster, iterate efficiently, and focus on achieving product-market fit,” Thoo explained.

Impact in four weeks

Despite its short duration, AI Disrupt is structured to deliver a substantial impact. “It’s a high-intensity, execution-focused sprint,” said Thoo. The programme integrates hands-on mentorship with AI pioneers, strategic investor access, and tactical execution sessions.

Also Read: Elevarm nets US$4.25M to boost smallholder horticulture farmers with AI, sustainable agri-inputs

Founders receive real-time feedback on their product and business model, ensuring they can iterate rapidly. Moreover, peer collaboration within a highly selective cohort fosters innovation and problem-solving. Even after the programme ends, Antler supports invested teams with mentoring, fundraising guidance, and access to its global network.

While AI experience is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for AI Disrupt applicants. “What matters most is deep technical capability, sharp commercial instincts, and an obsession with solving hard problems using AI,” Thoo noted.

Antler evaluates applicants based on four key qualities:
– Market insight and problem-solving approach
– Technical product execution ability
– Speed and relentless execution
– Ambition and industry-reshaping potential

To qualify, startups must have a working minimum viable product (MVP) and user validation.

Staying ahead in a fast-changing industry

Given AI’s rapid evolution, staying ahead of trends and regulations is crucial. AI Disrupt connects founders with industry experts to provide real-time insights into model optimisation, compute efficiency, and AI commercialisation.

The programme also embeds founders within a network of investors, enterprise partners, and policymakers who offer guidance on compliance, data privacy, and governance frameworks. “The AI regulatory landscape is still evolving, and startups that fail to anticipate changes risk being blocked from major markets,” said Thoo.

Among its portfolio companies, Lovable stands out as an AI-powered full-stack engineer who achieved US$4 million in annual recurring revenue within four weeks of launch.

Also Read: Shoppable bags US$1.16M to tackle supply chain inefficiencies in Philippines using AI

FileAI, another Antler-backed startup, specialises in AI-driven financial data automation. The company leverages AI to streamline financial data processing for businesses across Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Xailient has developed ultra-efficient AI vision models for real-time edge computing, enabling low-latency, privacy-first applications across industries such as security and retail.

Antler’s portfolio also includes Trust AI, JigsawStack, Persona Studios, Clout Kitchen, and Bootloader.

“While we anticipate supporting a decent number of exceptional founders, our focus is on providing tailored mentorship, substantial funding, and access to a robust AI ecosystem,” Thoo said.

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Image Credit: Antler

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Meta is proud to partner with the Singapore Government to launch the Llama Incubator Program – a first for Meta in APAC – designed to build capabilities and drive innovation on open-source AI among startups, local SMEs, and public sector agencies in Singapore.

Collaborating with the Ministry of Digital Development & Information (MDDI), InfoComm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech), Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), AI Singapore, and SGInnovate, along with programme and technical partners e27 and Deloitte, Meta is adopting an ecosystem approach for this programme. By leveraging Meta’s cutting-edge open-source model, Llama, 100 participating organisations will receive multi-faceted support to develop innovative solutions, and 40 will be incubated to address real-world challenges and enhance efficiencies for both businesses and the public sector.

To mark the launch of the programme, Meta hosted a Foundational Workshop on the potential of Llama, Meta’s open-source AI, and its built-in trust and safety tools. The workshop, which drew over 100 attendees, featured a special keynote address from the Guest-of-Honour, Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information & Health.

Speaking at the launch, Simon Milner, Meta’s VP of Public Policy for APAC, said, “The Llama Incubator Program will play an important role in driving AI and innovation among business and the public sector in Singapore. It strategically aligns with the Singapore government’s AI vision under Smart Nation 2.0, which also aims to empower local small businesses and attract innovative startups to build and innovate.”

The Llama Incubator Program is designed to build capabilities and drive innovation on open-source AI among startups, enterprises and public sector agencies in Singapore. Over the course of six months, each participant will receive dedicated technical and business mentorship from industry experts, providing tailored advice and feedback. Participants will also gain access to technical resources, enabling them to further develop and refine their Llama use cases.

Speaking about the program, Philbert Gomez, Executive Director of DISG said: “Meta’s Llama Incubator Program empowers startups and Singapore-based corporates to leverage LLaMa models and expert mentorship to build Al solutions for real-world impact. Along with Meta’s product engineering presence based here, programmes like this continue to drive AI talent and capability development in Singapore, reinforcing Singapore’s ambition to be a leading hub for Al Innovation in the region.”

Also Read: Navigating the evolving landscape of blockchain regulation in the metaverse era

AI safety will be a key thrust of the programme, and participants will learn about Llama trust and safety tools as well as IMDA’s safety testing framework and AI Verify’s open-source testing toolkit, Project Moonshot.

“The Llama Incubator Program is an excellent platform for the Public Service to customise AI solutions for its specific needs. The government track provides public officers with the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners in developing innovative AI-driven solutions. GovTech looks forward to collaborating with Meta on this initiative,” said Goh Wei Boon, Chief Executive of Government Technology Agency.

Meta has been supporting AI innovation globally through various initiatives. The Llama Incubator Program exemplifies the transformative power of open-source AI in uniting diverse stakeholders to address complex strategic challenges across multiple sectors. By developing meaningful AI use cases, this program aims to create a significant impact in Singapore and inspire the broader region and beyond.

“By democratising access to open-source AI, we’re unlocking a brighter future where powerful tools are within reach of everyone, empowering innovators to create solutions that serve humanity and drive meaningful progress. This approach not only fosters transparency, safety, and accountability but also levels the playing field for underrepresented groups, startups, and researchers, ensuring that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed and its potential is fully realised,” added Simon.

The Llama Incubator Program, a part of our Upskill with Meta initiative in Singapore, will culminate in a Demo Day in October 2025. On this day, participants will showcase their Llama solutions and demonstrate how they can effectively address real-world challenges and drive efficiencies for business and the public sector.

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Image Credit: Meta

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Singapore has been at the forefront of digital transformation since the launch of its visionary Smart Nation initiative in 2014. A decade later, in 2024, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled Smart Nation 2.0, a refreshed vision that builds upon the successes of the first phase while adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This commitment was further reinforced in the latest Budget 2025, which introduced new measures such as the SG$150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative to accelerate digital adoption and strengthen Singapore’s position as a tech hub.

Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 is built on a vision of trust, growth, and community. It aims to address emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence adoption, online safety, and the need for a more resilient digital infrastructure while fostering a healthy and collaborative technological environment for citizens.

Yet, at its core, a successful Smart Nation is not solely about digital transformation. The heart of it is to deliver seamless, citizen-centric experiences that anticipate and meet individual needs. 

A truly smart and efficient government should not merely offer online services. It should provide intuitive, accessible, and personalised experiences that empower citizens at every touchpoint. This means removing friction, making information discoverable, and ensuring inclusivity for all segments of society. Adobe’s latest Digital Government Index (DGI) for Singapore reveals that while the nation continues to lead in digital innovation, there are opportunities to bridge existing gaps — especially in personalisation, accessibility, and performance optimisation.

Setting the benchmark: Singapore’s digital government strengths

Singapore’s commitment to digital excellence is evident. With 99 per cent of public services online and customer experience (CX) scoring highest at 70.4 on the Index, the country remains at the forefront of citizen-first digital service delivery. Platforms like Singpass and LifeSG streamline access to essential services, offering an integrated and convenient user experience.

This year’s 11 per cent increase in digital equity to a score of 62.2 also reflects strong government efforts to enhance inclusivity, particularly through initiatives like the Digital for Life Movement and Co-Creation Labs, which focus on empowering seniors and persons with disabilities. These efforts demonstrate that Singapore is heading towards the right direction, with an understanding that a successful digital government is also about ensuring that no one is left behind.

The next frontier: Personalisation as a pillar of citizen engagement

A government that truly serves its people must recognise and respond to individual needs. Today, citizens expect interactions that are not just digital, but also personalised. Whether it’s pre-filled forms, proactive service recommendations, or tailored content based on life stages, having customised touchpoints has become an increasing priority for citizens.

Also Read: Adobe’s APJ Digital Trends Report 2024: The rise of generative AI

While some agencies, like the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB), have successfully deployed personalised citizen dashboards and predictive tools with Adobe Experience Cloud, there is always room for greater consistency in personalisation across government services. As Singapore advances its Smart Nation 2.0 vision, enhancing digital experiences to be more tailored and user-centric will further strengthen citizen engagement and service adoption.

Governments that fail to deliver tailored experiences risk creating inefficiencies, increasing citizen frustration, and diminishing trust in public digital services.

Bridging the gaps: Leveraging AI for an inclusive digital future

Another area for improvement is in site performance, which declined by 8 per cent. Mobile experiences are still 40 per cent slower than desktop, and readability registered as a score of 48 on the Flesch-Kincaid scale, indicating a text that is considered fairly difficult to read. These issues could potentially undermine accessibility and digital inclusion, and addressing them will help ensure that all users, including lower-literacy individuals and non-English speakers, can fully engage with digital services in Singapore’s diverse, multiracial context. 

This is where emerging technologies like AI can be game changers. By embedding AI-powered content personalisation, multilingual translation, and smart automation, Singapore can deliver hyper-personalised citizen experiences at scale. These can manifest in the form of AI-driven chatbots, voice assistants, and predictive service recommendations that can proactively guide citizens through their digital interactions, reducing friction and improving service efficiency.

Furthermore, enhancing site health and authority through AI-driven search optimisation and content verification will ensure accurate, trusted, and easily discoverable government information. This is an essential step in a search ecosystem that is becoming increasingly AI-driven with the advent of ChatGPT, DeepSeek and other AI search tools.

The hallmarks of a smart and efficient digital government

Digital transformation isn’t just about lines of code; it’s about the lines of connection between government and citizen. The success of Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 hinges on ensuring every citizen’s journey is uniquely tailored, making services accessible to all, and leveraging AI to scale services and anticipate needs. It anticipates, it personalises, it builds trust.

As digital expectations evolve, it is incredible to note Singapore’s approach on elevating its game. With strategic investments like the SG$150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative, going into supporting data-driven, citizen-centric public service delivery, and the right strategies in place, Singapore is well-positioned to usher in the Smart Nation 2.0 era.

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