The US-China trade war and its ripple effects across markets, currencies, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are the key highlights. Today, on April 9, 2025, the world is holding its breath as the clock ticks toward a midnight deadline (ET) when the United States could impose a staggering 50 per cent hike in tariffs on Chinese goods, pushing levies to an unprecedented 104 per cent.

China’s Commerce Ministry has fired back with a resolute declaration: “If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.” This escalating tit-for-tat has plunged global risk sentiment into a tailspin, and from my vantage point, it’s clear that the fallout is reshaping the financial landscape in ways that are both profound and unpredictable.

Looking at the equity markets, where volatility has become the name of the game. The S&P 500, a bellwether of US economic health, experienced a rollercoaster session yesterday. It surged over four per cent in early trading, buoyed perhaps by fleeting optimism or speculative positioning, only to surrender those gains and close 1.6 per cent lower. This left it teetering on the edge of bear market territory—defined as a 20 per cent drop from its recent peak. The NASDAQ, heavily weighted with tech stocks sensitive to global trade dynamics, fared even worse, shedding 2.15 per cent after a similar wild swing from a four per cent gain.

Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 349 points, a decline that, while less dramatic in percentage terms, underscores the broad-based anxiety gripping Wall Street. The CBOE Volatility Index, often dubbed the “fear index,” spiked another 11.4 per cent to 52.33—a level that screams panic and reflects a market bracing for more turbulence. From my perspective, these gyrations aren’t just noise; they’re a visceral response to the uncertainty of a trade war that threatens to upend global supply chains and corporate earnings.

The bond market tells a complementary story. US Treasury yields presented a mixed picture yesterday, with the two-year yield retreating as investors sought short-term safety, while longer-term yields—like those on the 10-year note—climbed higher. This steepening of the yield curve followed a lacklustre auction of 3-year notes, which triggered a selloff in longer-dated bonds. To me, this suggests a market grappling with conflicting signals: fear of an economic slowdown driving demand for safe-haven assets, yet persistent inflationary pressures tied to tariffs keeping longer-term yields elevated.

The US Dollar Index weakened by 0.3%, a modest dip that nonetheless handed gains to safe-haven currencies like the Swiss franc and Japanese yen. Gold, often a barometer of global unease, held steady at US$2,983.27 per ounce—not a dramatic move, but a sign of its role as a quiet anchor amid the storm. Brent crude oil, however, slid 2.2 per cent to US$62.82 per barrel, reflecting fears that a trade war could sap global demand. As I see it, these asset movements paint a picture of a world economy on edge, with investors hedging bets and seeking shelter wherever they can find it.

Also Read: US-China trade war escalates: Bitcoin falls below US$78K amid market chaos

Now, to Bitcoin, which has been a fascinating subplot in this saga. Just days ago, the cryptocurrency briefly breached the US$80,000 mark—a rally that sparked hope among bulls that it could defy the gathering storm. But that optimism has evaporated. As of April 8, Bitcoin had slipped below its US$76,000 support level, trading at US$76,193—a drop that erased much of the “Trump pump” gains from late last year. Technical analysts are pointing to a “death cross” forming on the charts, where the 50-day moving average crosses below the 200-day moving average, a bearish signal that often heralds prolonged declines.

From my vantage point, this reversal isn’t surprising. Bitcoin’s recent bounce felt more like a panic rally—fuelled by speculative fervor rather than fundamentals—than a sustainable trend. The harsh reality is that Trump’s tariffs, combined with China’s retaliatory measures, are creating a global financial crisis that even crypto can’t escape. The notion that Bitcoin is a decoupled asset, immune to traditional market forces, is being tested and, frankly, debunked in real time.

The cryptocurrency market’s woes extend beyond Bitcoin itself. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which had gained traction as a bridge between crypto and mainstream finance, are hemorrhaging capital. Data from Farside Investors shows US$256.6 million in outflows from these funds in April alone, with only one day of positive inflows so far. April 1 marked the largest single-day exodus at US$157 million, while BlackRock’s IBIT ETF, a heavyweight in the space, saw a US$65 million inflow on April 2 but also suffered the biggest intra-day loss.

This flight of capital reflects a broader investor unease, amplified by Trump’s tariff policies and the spectre of a US recession. Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister, recently weighed in, warning that these tariffs heighten the odds of an economic downturn south of the border—a view that aligns with growing chatter among economists and market watchers. For me, Carney’s comments underscore a critical point: the interconnectedness of global economies means that no asset class, not even crypto, can fully insulate itself from macroeconomic shocks.

The interplay between tariffs and Bitcoin is particularly intriguing. Some, like former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes, had argued that cryptocurrencies might weather tariff-induced turbulence better than traditional assets, given their decentralised nature. But the data tells a different story. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index, a sentiment gauge, has plunged into “fear” territory, mirroring the VIX’s climb in traditional markets. Bitcoin’s correlation with equities, while not absolute, has tightened in recent weeks, suggesting it’s behaving more like a risk asset than a safe haven.

Also Read: Trump tariffs shake markets: Why gold soars as Bitcoin stumbles in 2025

China’s “revenge” tariffs—reportedly an additional 34 per cent on US goods—have only deepened the gloom, raising the stakes in this trade war and threatening to disrupt everything from manufacturing to consumer prices. As I see it, the hope that crypto could serve as a hedge against such chaos is fading fast, replaced by a stark realisation that it’s caught in the same web of uncertainty as stocks and bonds.

Looking beyond the US, the global ramifications are equally stark. Asian equity indices opened lower today, tracking Wall Street’s losses and bracing for the tariff deadline. Japan and South Korea, key US allies, are reportedly in “highly tailored” deal talks with the White House, as President Trump’s economic adviser Kevin Hassett hinted at a broader tariff strategy still taking shape. Hassett told reporters that a plan is being prepared for Trump to decide “who and when” for these talks, but the situation remains fluid.

For me, this ambiguity is a double-edged sword: it keeps markets on tenterhooks, but it also opens the door to potential de-escalation if cooler heads prevail. Fed fund futures, meanwhile, are now pricing in four interest rate cuts for 2025—a dovish shift that signals growing recession fears, even as inflation risks from tariffs loom large. It’s a tightrope walk for the Federal Reserve, and one that could dictate the trajectory of both traditional and crypto markets in the months ahead.

So, what’s my take on all this? I see this as a pivotal moment—one where the hubris of protectionism is colliding with the fragility of a globalised economy. Trump’s tariffs, while rooted in a desire to bolster US manufacturing, risk igniting a wildfire of retaliation and economic contraction. The markets, from the S&P 500 to Bitcoin, are screaming for clarity, but none is forthcoming.

China’s resolve to “fight to the end” only heightens the stakes, promising a protracted battle that could drag down growth worldwide. For Bitcoin, the dream of it being a “digital gold” untethered from earthly woes feels increasingly distant; it’s a speculative asset caught in the crossfire, not a sanctuary. The US$256.6 million in ETF outflows this month is a testament to that reality—investors are spooked, and they’re voting with their wallets.

In the end, we’re left with a market wrap that’s less a conclusion and more a cliffhanger. Tonight’s tariff deadline could mark a turning point—or just another chapter in a saga of volatility.

My gut tells me we’re in for more rough seas, with the potential for a US recession casting a long shadow over 2025. Whether it’s the VIX at 52.33, Bitcoin at US$76,193, or the S&P 500 flirting with a bear market, the numbers don’t lie: fear is in the driver’s seat.

As I pen this on April 9, 2025, at 12:23 PM +08, the world watches and waits—and so do I, ready to chronicle whatever 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.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: DALL-E

The post US-China trade war escalates: Markets and Bitcoin plummet appeared first on e27.

From tariffs on Chinese tech to US export restrictions and retaliatory measures from Beijing, the new era of global trade fragmentation is reshaping the investment playbook for Southeast Asia’s venture capitalists. Once a peripheral concern, geopolitics is now front and centre—redefining how, where, and why capital is deployed across the region.

While many Southeast Asian startups remain shielded from the immediate impacts of the global tariff wars—particularly those in software and services—the reverberations are impossible to ignore. Slower exit timelines, investor caution, and a cooling appetite for cross-border M&As are testing VC patience and portfolio resilience.

Yet amid the volatility, a new investment thesis is crystallising: one that prizes adaptability, regionalisation, and geopolitical fluency.

In this feature, some of the region’s prominent venture capitalists discuss how they and their portfolio companies are navigating the new trade war terrain and adapting to a new era of global trade tensions.

Eddie Thai, co-founder and General Partner of Ascend Vietnam Ventures (AVV)

The tariffs focus on goods, meaning software-only and service companies are not yet directly affected. Many startups will be affected; up to 10 of our 80 active portfolio companies are directly adversely affected. Plus, those serving one or several countries targeted by the tariffs are also likely to be affected, at least indirectly (by depressed growth, higher near-term unemployment, etc.)

Further, the global trade war seems likely to extend exit timelines and/or depress exit values worldwide, particularly for companies with direct and concentrated exposure to the US and/or targeted countries.

Also Read: Trump tariffs shake markets: Why gold soars as Bitcoin stumbles in 2025

Southeast Asian VCs, as a category, were already seeing headwinds in raising capital given the extended time horizons on liquidity compared to their counterparts in the US and certain other markets. The trade war will make it worse in the near term. More generally, capital allocators worldwide will likely be “risk off” as they wait to see how things shake out. There should be more clarity about the macro picture within the next 12 months.

In addition, VC and PE funds in the region have dry powder. Those willing and able to invest in great founders in this tough time can unlock big wins five to ten years from now. AVV has roughly 50 per cent of its investable capital ready to deploy.

Carman Chan, founder and Principal at Click Ventures (Family Office)

Global trade wars are reshaping VC strategy in Southeast Asia; it is creating both challenges and opportunities. On the liquidity front, slower M&A and IPO activity may delay exits, making fundraising more difficult for VCs.

However, this environment also opens doors for alternative solutions like secondary funds and continuation vehicles, which can provide interim liquidity to LPs and VCs while allowing patient investors to benefit from discounted assets. These structures help mitigate exit bottlenecks and keep capital flowing in uncertain markets.

Another notable shift is the influx of startups relocating to selected countries in SEA, leveraging the region as a neutral base while maintaining access to key resources from the original countries. Founders with experience scaling in more mature markets bring valuable expertise, such as Gen AI applications, e-commerce, fintech, and EVs.

For VCs, this presents an opportunity to back teams with proven execution capabilities. Geopolitical considerations require careful due diligence to avoid overexposure to regulatory risks, but this trend will bring more tenants and knowledge into the region.

Trade wars also accelerate supply chain diversification, with certain SEA countries emerging as preferred manufacturing and logistics hubs. Startups facilitating this transition—whether through logistics optimisation, trade finance, or compliance solutions—are well-positioned for growth. Meanwhile, sectors dependent on disrupted supply chains may face challenges, increasing the appeal of localised alternatives in areas like agriculture.

In summary, VCs must adapt by exploring innovative liquidity solutions, selectively capitalising on cross-border founders and talents, and exploring startups that solve the pain points from uncertainty. While trade wars introduce volatility, SEA’s long-term growth trajectory remains compelling, provided investors navigate geopolitical risks with a balanced and opportunistic approach.

Steve Melhuish, Founder Partner at Wavemaker Impact

The recent “Liberation Day” tariff announcements by the US underscore a period of change and uncertainty for the global economy. Yet, while the US adopts a more protectionist approach in its global affairs, this is an opportunity for both Southeast Asia and the broader Asia Pacific region to step up, not only in strengthening trade relationships with like-minded peers but also in continuing its commitment to innovation, particularly around areas like greentech and AI.

From Wavemaker Impact’s perspective, we continue to see new opportunities revealing themselves across various climate-tech sectors. The proliferation of cost-effective electric two-wheelers within the transportation space and the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps by smallholder farmers are but two of many recent examples.

So whilst the markets will be volatile in the short term, the opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to create and invest in the next wave of climate-tech unicorns in Asia over the coming decade remains exciting.

Jussi Salovaara, Managing Partner and co-founder at Antler

Global trade fragmentation is forcing a strategic reordering of how startups scale, and in Southeast Asia, that shift is creating structural advantages for those who can navigate complexity. VCs should now be doubling down on startups building for ASEAN’s regional market, where trade wars are accelerating intra-regional flows and reducing overdependence on the US or China.

Agreements like RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) are laying the groundwork for a more unified economic zone, enabling startups to scale across borders with far less friction. Digital payment networks, cross-border trade platforms, and localised compliance tools catalyse new fintech infrastructure plays.

Singapore increasingly asserts itself as a neutral, strategic hub for companies serving both Chinese and Western markets. Startups in manufacturing that go beyond low-cost assembly and into higher-value components are also positioned to win as global supply chains increasingly localise and diversify within the region.

Also Read: Why sustainability will be the biggest competitive advantage for startups in 2025

At the same time, global fragmentation is turning interoperability into a competitive moat. As tech standards diverge and regulatory environments become more complex across blocs like the US, China, and the EU, startups that can enable seamless multi-market compliance, integration, and data localisation are becoming indispensable. This shift strengthens the case for vertical SaaS and API-first infrastructure companies that help businesses operate across regulatory lines without losing speed or flexibility.

VCs can no longer afford to bet purely on product-led growth—we never did. In this new reality, go-to-market adaptability and regulatory fluency are no longer “nice to have “; they are core pillars of defensibility, particularly in fintech, logistics, and digital health. The winners in this new order will be those who build for scale and resilience across fragmented markets.

Vinnie Lauria, Managing Partner at Golden Gate Ventures

Our portfolio has little to no direct exposure to the latest round of US-China tariffs as they don’t rely on China for inbound supply chains or exports to the US. That’s not an accident. We’ve long known the US market is tough for international startups; it is incredibly competitive and has high barriers. That’s why we’ve focused on exporting Silicon Valley business models to emerging markets, not importing solutions back into the US.

While the trade war may not directly impact our portfolio, it does reinforce a growing regional trend. We’re seeing deeper trade and innovation ties across Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea, and increasingly into the Gulf. Startups like Coda Payments and Multiplier have already expanded successfully into the MENA region, and we see tremendous opportunity for more founders to follow this route. The future of global scaling isn’t US-centric; it’s multipolar.

As an American living in Asia for over 15 years, my playbook has been consistent: take what works in Silicon Valley, adapt it locally, and scale across Asia and adjacent regions. Startups in Vietnam, Indonesia, or Singapore can now scale into each other’s markets, into Australia, or into the Middle East, without needing to “pass through” the US. That’s a structural shift, and Southeast Asia is becoming a base for regional, not just local, growth.

We’re not seeing immediate disruptions that require operational shifts, but we’re staying close to our founders. Strategic conversations around regional expansion, supply resilience, and cost adaptation are ongoing. These trade tensions remind us how critical it is to build agility and optionality into company strategy early on, especially in a world that’s becoming more fragmented, not less.

Rei Murakami Frenzel, Founding Partner at Kadan Capital

Donald Trump’s tariffs are detrimental to the global economy. Whether it’s the US, Southeast Asia, public equity, or private equity, the impact is broadly negative—and public markets have already priced in that uncertainty.

Venture capital tends to lag behind public markets by about three to six months, but we’re starting to see the effects. Since VC is a higher-risk asset class, LPs are likely to become more cautious with new commitments, making the fundraising environment significantly tougher this year.

Additionally, Trump’s tariffs have disrupted the IPO market, with several companies in the US already postponing their listing plans. This delay heightens concerns around Distributions to Paid-In Capital (DPI) for Southeast Asian VCs, making it even more challenging to raise the next fund.

While VCs may face greater difficulty fundraising, startups in Southeast Asia may not be as directly affected. Many SEA countries – due to their trade surpluses with the US – have been hit with higher tariffs, according to Trump’s logic, which could slow overall economic growth.

However, most VCs-backed startups in the region are not heavily exposed to global trade. They tend to offer software products and services that rely on domestic consumption rather than exports.

That said, even if their business fundamentals remain sound, these startups will still face a tighter capital environment. As a result, VCs in the region will need to stay disciplined—focusing on capital-efficient companies that can weather ongoing market volatility.

Qin En Looi, Partner at Saison Capital

As a VC that invests in India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, we see trade wars pushing emerging markets to reduce reliance on traditional financial rails dominated by a few global players. This shift opens the door for blockchain-based alternatives—such as stablecoin settlements, decentralised credit scoring, and tokenised trade finance—that are faster, cheaper, and more resilient in politically fragmented environments.

Additionally, fragmented trade flows heighten the need for interoperable fintech solutions across markets. Southeast Asia and Latin America are not singular markets—they are each a patchwork of currencies, regulations, and financial institutions. Trade disruptions make it even more critical for startups to build regionally adaptive infrastructure. We see strategic value in startups that abstract complexity across borders, whether in payments, lending, or compliance.

Furthermore, trade instability increases the cost of capital and slows down macroeconomic growth in the short term. But as an early-stage investor with a long time horizon, Saison Capital sees this as a moment to double down on founders building across cycles. The companies that emerge strongest from periods of economic uncertainty are those that localise deeply, partner wisely and spend conservatively.

Herston Elton Powers, Managing Partner and co-founder of 1982 Ventures

The projected global trade war is creating uncertainty. This crushes public market investor confidence and we expect to see more pain and volatility in the public markets. While we are watching the reactions from public markets and governments on new tariff policies, venture capital is fundamentally a long-term game.

A global trade war does not directly impact our investment strategy, as we invest in early-stage tech, such as fintech, enterprise AI, and software infrastructure. Our sector focus is more resilient compared to consumer or export-led business models.

Fintech and enterprise tech founders should focus on resilient markets and strategically position themselves within shifting capital flows; they can thrive amid uncertainty while driving long-term growth.

Elvin Zhang, Director (Venture Funds and Direct Investments of Financial Services and Energy) at Sinarmas

The trade wars will accelerate the ⁠China+1 strategy. It will lead to industrial-tech opportunities, as well as manufacturing execution system tech and construction in the region, creating new industrial hubs in Vietnam and Indonesia. Most investment deals, however, will deviate from traditional VC with more private equity elements (e.g., cash flow-oriented semiconductor joint ventures, etc.).

Also Read: US-China trade war escalates: Bitcoin falls below US$78K amid market chaos

The tariff wars also mean deeptech hubs veering back towards the two Bay Areas of China and the US, with unfair geopolitical support compared to SEA’s deep-tech scene, forcing surviving regional startups to move there.

Another impact will be valuation depression across startups as liquidity dries up. Capital flight to safe havens will take place, expedited by multiple SEA startup frauds exposed during this liquidity deleveraging process. Brand name VCs with dry powder pedigree (large per cent of endowment and SWF LPs) can take the chance to pull ahead of the pack.

⁠On the topic of liquidity distribution, expect M&A exits to drastically overpower IPOs, which have demonstrated dismal liquidity sinks for early-stage investors, especially during the last two years.

Bit Santos, Partner, Portfolio Operations at Kickstart Ventures

The escalating trade disputes are major market disruptions in the making. Even if global market movements that originate in the West take some time for their effects to be fully felt here, startups are particularly vulnerable to market events. What makes the current situation different is that it may directly affect commercial pipelines in addition to access to capital.

Startups involved in the production, sale, and distribution of physical goods will be most impacted. For some of our portfolio companies that deal with physical goods, the US market has been an increasing point of focus over the past few years. But like the rest of the world, we’re closely monitoring developments.

As part of our strategy to guide our portfolio companies beyond survivability, we aim to help them navigate the diversification of their supply chains and customer bases to mitigate their dependence on any single market. Getting onto a path to profitability and getting to default-alive once again becomes critical as the tech fog may return to a full winter.

Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner and CEO of 1337 Ventures

Global trade wars push companies to rethink supply chains and regional dependencies. For VCs in Southeast Asia, this means more opportunities in sectors like manufacturing tech, logistics, and cross-border fintech — especially as the region becomes a key alternative to China.

Chalinda Abeykoon, Managing Partner at nVentures

There will be new opportunities for VCs in domains such as logistics tech, supply chain platforms, cross-border trade platforms, B2B infrastructure, etc., and I’m excited to see how entrepreneurs look to solve problems and take advantage of them. At the end of the day, entrepreneurs/founders are problem solvers, and VCs are enablers. There is no point in wasting time or suffering from analysis paralysis.

The post Venture capital in a fragmented world: How trade wars are redrawing SEA’s startup map appeared first on e27.

Gaming tech company Lita Global announced that it has officially opened its regional headquarters in Singapore.

Founded on the concept of “Teammate-on-Demand,” Lita Global connects gamers through a platform that integrates skill-based matchmaking with social engagement features.

With over 30 million registered users and 1.5 million monthly active users across the region, the platform aims to meet rising demand for monetisation opportunities and meaningful gameplay experiences.

According to Founder and CEO Yihao (Daniel) Zhang, the choice of Singapore as a base was a strategic one. “Singapore plays a crucial role as our operational HQ. Its connectivity to the rest of Southeast Asia allows us to manage cross-border operations efficiently,” Zhang said in an email interview with e27. “Being based in a tech-forward environment gives us direct access to a world-class talent pool, investors, and government-led innovation initiatives that support startups like ours.”

Singapore’s advanced digital infrastructure, regulatory support, and highly skilled workforce have made it an attractive destination for tech firms. For Lita, the city-state is not only a logistics hub but also a gateway to key Southeast Asian (SEA) markets.

“Singapore is a strategic node for forming partnerships with regional gaming companies, universities, and e-sports organisations,” said Zhang. “Through Singapore, we have been able to forge strong collaborations that support everything from product development to talent pipeline building across the region.”

Also Read: For gamers by gamers: How Razer incorporates its understanding of user behaviour into product development

To support local growth, Lita is rolling out initiatives aimed at strengthening community ties and enhancing user experience. These include partnerships with e-sports organisations, university collaborations to cultivate talent, and support for local gaming events and tournaments.

The company’s expansion is aligned with broader regional trends. SEA’s young, mobile-first population and strong gaming culture provide fertile ground for platforms that blend entertainment with income opportunities.

“SEA offers immense opportunities, especially given its young, mobile-first population and rapidly growing digital economy,” Zhang explained. “Games are not just entertainment here; they’re a core part of social life. This aligns perfectly with Lita’s mission to turn gaming into a social and income-generating experience.”

Yet, operating across such a diverse region is not without challenges. “User behaviours, platform preferences, and perceptions of paid gaming services vary widely between countries,” Zhang noted. “We have had to build a highly localised approach—everything from payment systems and marketing content to onboarding processes—to ensure strong market fit and adoption.”

One of the insights Lita has gleaned from its user base is the desire for structure and connection within gaming communities. Many users previously relied on platforms such as Facebook groups and Discord to find teammates but found the experience inconsistent and time-consuming.

“This clearly indicated a gap in the market for a structured, seamless teammate-matching platform—exactly what Lita offers,” said Zhang.

The company has also tapped into another growing trend: the aspiration among Gen Z gamers to monetise their skills. Through its Lita Player programme, the platform allows users to earn by participating in matches, creating content, or building communities.

Also Read: The future of gaming: How AI technologies are shaping a new era of immersion

“To seize these opportunities, we have invested heavily in influencer marketing on platforms such as TikTok, developed community-centric features, and rolled out programmes such as Mabar Lita Girls to incubate gaming talent within our ecosystem,” Zhang added.

Over the next year, Lita Global has ambitious plans. These include expanding its player network in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia; launching AI-powered matchmaking features; and deepening partnerships within the e-sports ecosystem.

Among its upcoming milestones is a partnership with Riot Games’ official Korea E-sports Team, T1. The company also aims to grow its Multi-Channel Network (MCN) initiative, Mabar Lita Girls, transforming more gamers into influencers within the Lita ecosystem. Flagship tournaments are also scheduled across Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.

—

Image Credit: Lita Global

The post Launching in Singapore, Lita Global eyes deeper partnership in SEA e-sports ecosystem appeared first on e27.

For over three decades, patients have been using search engines to look up health-related information, often with humorous or concerning results. While this accessibility of information has empowered many, it has also led to unintended consequences such as patients misinterpreting symptoms, developing heightened anxieties, and approaching doctors with preconceived diagnoses that may not be medically sound.

A common example is a patient experiencing a mild tension headache who turns to the internet for answers. A simple Google search might list a brain tumour as a potential cause. While no doctor would dismiss their concern outright, we must ask: how often does a bilateral tension-type headache actually indicate a brain tumour? How many of these patients ultimately require an MRI scan? While patient concerns should always be addressed with care, over-investigation of benign symptoms contributes to unnecessary healthcare spending, increased patient anxiety, and an overburdened system.

This challenge is not new, but the increasing volume of health misinformation online has only worsened it. The rise of “Dr. Google” has placed immense pressure on both patients and doctors, leading to mismanaged expectations, defensive medicine (a critical and growing issue), and inefficient resource utilisation.

The need for evolution: AI as an enabler, not a disruptor  

This need to change is not hinged on the suitability of available technology. Healthcare has always needed to evolve. However, until now, we lacked the mature technology to facilitate this evolution in a way that integrates seamlessly into clinical workflows.

Modern transformer-based language models present an opportunity to bridge this gap. Unlike traditional search engines that return a flood of unverified, context-free results, AI models can contextualise information, provide explanations tailored to a patient’s needs, and align with evidence-based guidelines.

As a medical doctor, I see AI not as a force replacing human expertise, but as a tool to enhance decision-making, reduce uncertainty, and optimise patient care.

Also Read: Singapore’s war on obesity: Can hybrid healthcare turn the tide?

The traditional doctor-patient relationship is built on trust, and this must remain intact. AI should not disrupt this relationship but rather support both parties:

• For patients, AI provides accurate, structured, and digestible medical knowledge, reducing misinformation and anxiety.
• For doctors, AI assists in triage, clinical decision support, and patient education, saving time and improving efficiency.

The rise of shared decision-making (SDM) in healthcare  

One of the most important shifts in modern medicine is the move toward shared decision-making (SDM). Patients are no longer passive recipients of medical advice — they are partners in their care. The internet has already empowered them with information, but AI can refine, structure, and personalise this knowledge so that it aligns with medical guidelines.

This shift is particularly significant because:

• Patients are more informed than ever before and expect transparency in their healthcare.
• Guidelines are always evolving, and AI can help synthesise and deliver the latest evidence in real time.
• Many patients are more technologically adept than their doctors, meaning that healthcare must adapt to how information is consumed today.

By putting the right knowledge in the hands of patients, AI can facilitate meaningful discussions between doctors and patients, making medical decisions more collaborative, data-driven, and patient-centred.

Introducing AI health agents: HELF buddy as a game changer  

This is where AI health agents come in. They can act as digital companions, guiding patients through their health journeys while ensuring they receive accurate, trustworthy, and structured medical insights.

Also Read: From chatbots to therapists: How AI breaks ground in bridging the mental health care divide

At HELF, we have built HELF Buddy, an AI-powered health assistant designed to:

• Enhance patient education by providing evidence-based insights tailored to individual conditions.
• Reduce unnecessary healthcare visits by addressing non-urgent concerns with reliable, structured guidance.
• Support doctors by improving efficiency, streamlining triage, and reducing administrative burdens.
• Strengthen the doctor-patient relationship by ensuring that patients come to consultations informed, with realistic expectations and a better understanding of their health.

Clinical validation: Partnering with SingHealth for AI trials  

To ensure that AI truly adds value in healthcare, it must undergo rigorous clinical validation. That’s why HELF has partnered with SingHealth to conduct clinical trials evaluating:

• Accuracy: Does AI provide medically sound and evidence-based guidance?
• Helpfulness: Does AI improve patient understanding and decision-making?
• Usability: How well do both patients and healthcare professionals integrate AI into their workflows?

This partnership marks a significant step toward integrating AI into mainstream healthcare safely, responsibly, and effectively.

The time to act is now  

Healthcare is at a turning point. The rise of AI presents an unprecedented opportunity to reshape how medical knowledge is delivered and how healthcare professionals interact with patients.

With AI, we can reduce misinformation, empower patients, and optimise clinical workflows, while preserving the human touch that makes medicine an art as well as a science.

The time is ripe to embrace this transformation. By working together, doctors, patients, and AI, we can redefine the future of healthcare.

—

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.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image courtesy: Canva Pro

The post The evolution of healthcare delivery: AI as a partner in collaborative care appeared first on e27.

Southeast Asia’s e-commerce landscape is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by a growing digital economy, increased internet penetration, and a shift in consumer behaviour. Online retail sales in the region have more than doubled from US$54.2 billion in 2020 to US$114.6 billion in 2023. Significantly, today’s consumers no longer rely on a single platform. Instead, they move seamlessly between marketplaces like Shopee, direct brand websites, and even social commerce platforms. This omnichannel behaviour means that businesses that limit themselves to one sales channel risk falling behind.

Among these platforms, Shopee remains the dominant player in Southeast Asia. Shopee Singapore held a 28% market share in 2022, outpacing competitors like Lazada and Amazon. Shopee Malaysia continues to lead as the preferred marketplace for online shoppers. The platform’s stronghold, coupled with its 48% market share across the region, demonstrates its role as a key driver of e-commerce growth.

This presents both opportunities and challenges for sellers—while Shopee offers access to millions of potential customers, managing sales across multiple platforms introduces operational complexities. Keeping inventory in sync, processing orders efficiently, and managing shipping logistics across various channels can quickly become overwhelming, making it crucial for businesses to find smarter solutions.

The biggest eCommerce challenge: Managing multiple platforms

Selling on multiple platforms may seem like a great way to reach more customers. However, for many businesses, it quickly becomes a logistical nightmare. For example, imagine a beauty brand that sells skincare products through Shopee Seller Centre, its own e-commerce website, and a brick-and-mortar store. If a best-selling moisturiser runs out in the physical store, but the inventory system hasn’t been updated, customers might still be able to place an order online—only for the business to later realise they can’t fulfil it. This kind of stock mismatch leads to cancelled orders and negative reviews that could harm the brand’s reputation.

Live selling—where sellers showcase products in real-time through Shopee Live or other social media platforms—adds another layer of complexity. Many sellers have gone viral overnight, with thousands of customers placing orders within minutes. While this is great for sales, it becomes a huge problem if inventory isn’t updated instantly across all platforms. Managing all of this manually is time-consuming and prone to errors. This is why businesses need smarter solutions to streamline their operations and ensure they can scale without these growing pains.

How smart sellers are using Odoo’s Shopee API to simplify growth

Odoo’s Shopee API eliminates the biggest challenges of multi-channel selling by seamlessly integrating Shopee with Odoo, enabling businesses to manage inventory, process orders, and handle shipping from a single platform. Without this integration, sellers often struggle with manual inventory updates, leading to stock mismatches and overselling. With real-time synchronisation, the Shopee API ensures that when an item sells on one platform, stock levels update automatically everywhere, preventing costly errors and streamlining operations.

Order processing and shipping are also simplified, saving sellers valuable time.Shopee app  orders flow directly into Odoo without manual data entry, reducing mistakes and speeding up fulfilment. As a result, even a home-based entrepreneur selling handmade candles can rely on automation instead of juggling spreadsheets. Shopee tracking and shipping is equally effortless—rather than logging into Shopee separately, businesses can generate shipping labels within Odoo in one click. For high-volume sellers like electronics retailers, this means fewer steps, fewer errors, and a much faster shipping process. By eliminating tedious tasks, Shopee API allows businesses to scale efficiently and focus on sales and customer engagement.

Scaling sustainably—one app at a time

Growing an e-commerce business isn’t just about increasing sales—it requires a system that scales efficiently without adding complexity. Existing Shopee app sellers can streamline operations with Odoo’s suite of tools, from inventory management that prevents stock discrepancies to CRM features that enhance customer engagement. Likewise, for businesses already using Odoo, expanding to Shopee is seamless, with instant connection with the Shopee Seller Centre. This allows them to reach millions of shoppers without disrupting existing workflows. With Odoo, sellers can effortlessly add Shopee as a revenue stream while maintaining centralised control over sales and inventory.

For those who already use both Odoo and Shopee, the Shopee API offers a seamless and cost-free transition. They can quickly consolidate their sales, inventory, and Shopee tracking and shipping processes. As a result, sellers can track stock levels in real time, automate order processing, and generate shipping labels effortlessly. By managing everything from a single Odoo dashboard, businesses can make multi-channel selling more manageable and cost-effective.

The bottom line: Can retailers afford not to go omnichannel?

With Southeast Asia’s e-commerce sector growing rapidly, Shopee Singapore and Shopee Malaysia remain dominant players, making it essential for sellers to adopt an omnichannel approach. Consumers today expect a seamless shopping experience across multiple platforms. Centralising sales, inventory, and fulfilment isn’t just a convenience—it’s a competitive necessity. The Shopee API offers a straightforward solution by automating key processes, reducing manual workload, and ensuring businesses can scale efficiently without operational bottlenecks.

For existing Shopee and Odoo users, the real question is no longer whether they should optimise their multi-channel strategy, but whether they can afford not to. As e-commerce continues to evolve, agility is crucial. Sellers who streamline their operations now will be better positioned to capture new opportunities and respond to market demands. Those who delay adaptation risk falling behind as more efficient competitors take the lead. By leveraging the Shopee API, businesses can future-proof their operations and thrive in Southeast Asia’s fast-paced digital marketplace.

Want to make multi-channel selling effortless? Learn how businesses in Singapore and Malaysia are using Odoo’s Shopee API  to simplify operations and scale seamlessly. Learn how here.

—

This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Odoo

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Reach out to us here to get started.

Featured Image Credit: Odoo

The post Why Southeast Asian sellers are going omnichannel with Odoo’s Shopee API appeared first on e27.