My friend “S” is a tuition teacher. She deals with all the challenges of long hours, demanding parents, curriculum changes, different paces of learning for students, and these are often issues that aren’t pushed to the forefront of discussion and that she often discovers midway into teaching the student. As a human being, just like you and me, this is fuel for burnout.

In one of my earlier coffee chats with her, we were working on an app for her to bring across her expertise to larger groups and to have a more efficient way to work with parents and students. It’s definitely an interesting space to be in, and we were even down to brainstorming if we could use existing infrastructure, such as Google Classrooms, to complement the existing app and how to best match the syllabus to each student’s pace.

Education gaps in SEA

We thought of the problems we face with education in Singapore, which is finding affordable tuition for the lower to middle class and also an overly strong emphasis on memorisation, rote learning, content drilling and rigorous examinations and saw that all of these systems leave students unprepared for eventual technological disruptions in the world.

Also Read: The future of education is AI: Here’s how it will look

Nonetheless, this is still very different from that of our neighbours, be it due to geography or population size. There, on-demand learning resources, affordable course subscriptions, proper direction, and teaching “how to learn” become even more important.

If you were a student in rural Indonesia, the reality of your classroom would be worn wooden desks, a blackboard at the front with chalk dust clinging to its edges, and the hot sun streaming in through open windows. Distracting sounds of roosters crowing and motorbikes passing might bite at your thoughts. And maybe you’ve got to till the fields today, or go home and care for your siblings, and have no time (or limited energy) to flip a book.

One way these barriers are being addressed is through Indonesia’s fast-growing edutech sector. Platforms like Ruangguru, which began by targeting students outside the big cities, have shown what’s possible when design is tailored to local realities. They work on low-bandwidth connections, allow offline access, and blend live tutoring with gamified learning tools to make studying more engaging for first-time digital learners.

The results suggest that access paired with thoughtful design can move the needle. Independent evaluations found that students using Ruangguru improved test performance across core subjects like maths, Indonesian, and English. More importantly, over 70 per cent of its users came from outside urban centres—precisely the communities that traditional tuition rarely reached.

Also Read: AI: The secret ingredient for unlocking developer success in Asia

The promise of AI in education

To truly close education gaps in SouthEast Asia, these statements have to continue to be addressed. Teachers lack time to create strong syllabuses while public facilities and teaching standards are often not well maintained in the Philippines, at some ends a gender and religious divide causes differences in education level in Indonesia, and we are still dealing with a pandemic learning loss rate and high dropout rates in Malaysia.

The space calls for more tailored solutions to fit each student profile, which manual labor cannot fully replicate, and maybe this is where AI based learning solutions can step in to fill the gap. A solution that goes beyond a conventional chatbot could seamlessly blend AI to feel personable, supportive and guiding a student with the right principles, while being accountable to the educators’ needs, would be a perfect solution to see in this market. What would you fund to make edutech sustainable?

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Unemployment and underemployment remain pressing issues in the Philippines. The 2020 pandemic only intensified the need for stronger, more resilient livelihoods. Entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful driver of inclusive growth, creating opportunities for communities while sparking solutions that address social and environmental challenges. Enterprise development is now essential in building a sustainable future where innovation translates into jobs and long-term impact.

Shell LiveWire champions the growth of Filipino startups and community enterprises by providing more than just financial support — it offers mentorship, technical expertise, and access to markets. Through its participation in Echelon Philippines 2025, Shell LiveWire empowers its entrepreneurs with additional regional exposure, a platform to showcase their innovations, and valuable connections to help them scale and thrive.

Shell LiveWire: meeting challenges and leading enterprise development

Early-stage entrepreneurs often face limited market access, a lack of mentorship, and gaps in enterprise management that hold back promising ideas from reaching commercial viability. Shell LiveWire responds to these challenges through deep enterprise development, helping startups and community enterprises refine products, professionalise operations, and connect with wider markets.

Also read: How OneCFO is transforming startup finance in Southeast Asia

Established 42 years ago in Scotland and now active in 18 countries across six continents, Shell LiveWire is Shell’s flagship enterprise development programme dedicated to strengthening local economies by empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. Introduced to the Philippines in 2020 by Shell Pilipinas Corporation and its social arm, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), the programme combines global expertise with local insight.

This approach ensures that Filipino innovators are not only supported within their communities but are also equipped to compete and collaborate on a regional and global stage. At Echelon Philippines 2025, this vision comes to life as Shell LiveWire’s cohort of tech startups and community enterprises showcase how local entrepreneurship can thrive within global value chains.

Shell LiveWire is joining the movement at Echelon Philippines 2025

Echelon Philippines 2025, e27’s premier event organised by Brainsparks, will take place on 2–3 September 2025 at Hall 4, SMX Convention Center Manila. The two-day conference brings together leading founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers for a convergence of ideas and action that drives the country’s tech ecosystem forward.

Designed to empower startups, scale-ups, SMEs, government agencies, and ecosystem enablers, Echelon provides the insights, connections, and tools needed for sustainable growth. This year’s focus is on capital readiness, collaboration across the ecosystem, and actionable playbooks for high-growth sectors.

Also read: How inDrive is challenging social injustice through mobility

Participants can expect dedicated content stages, exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive knowledge-sharing activities that open new market pathways and increase brand visibility. Alongside these opportunities, the event offers access to growth and market access programmes, a curated digital solutions marketplace, and valuable peer-to-peer learning.

For Shell LiveWire, joining Echelon Philippines is a way to extend its support for Filipino entrepreneurs by connecting its startups and community enterprises to a wider regional audience. It is also an opportunity to explore new partnerships with investors, incubators, accelerators, and institutions that share its mission of building resilient, self-reliant communities.

Secure your spot now — join us as a participant, exhibitor, or official partner, and be part of the movement shaping the future of the Philippine tech ecosystem.

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Global markets tread carefully today as traders hold back from bold positions ahead of the upcoming inflation report, which many expect to shape the Federal Reserve’s approach to interest rate reductions. Investors digest a mix of signals from recent economic indicators, with the overall mood reflecting caution rather than panic. The United States economy shows resilience, yet uncertainties linger about how quickly the Fed might ease policy to support growth without reigniting price pressures.

This delicate balance keeps risk appetite in check, as participants weigh the potential for softer inflation numbers against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and domestic fiscal debates. Traders around the world monitor these developments closely, knowing that a single data point can swing sentiment dramatically, influencing everything from stock allocations to currency hedges.

In Europe, similar hesitancy prevails, with major indices like the FTSE and DAX showing minimal movement as they await ripples from United States data. Emerging markets, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, feel the pinch more acutely, where local currencies fluctuate in tandem with the dollar’s strength, amplifying the global interconnectedness of these economic threads.

US equities performance

United States equities managed modest gains on Thursday, pushing the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 to fresh all-time highs. The S&P 500 rose 0.32 per cent, the Nasdaq climbed 0.53 per cent, and the Dow added 0.16 per cent. A key driver behind this advance came from the upward revision to second-quarter gross domestic product data, which revealed stronger growth than initially estimated at 3.3 per cent annually.

Consumer spending and business investments, particularly in artificial intelligence and related sectors, fuelled this surprise upside, according to economic reports. Such revisions often bolster investor confidence by signalling underlying economic strength, even as tariffs and trade frictions pose headwinds. Improvements in intellectual property investments, light trucks, and commercial structures helped offset earlier concerns about a slowdown.

Businesses ramped up spending on AI technologies, contributing to the revised figures and lifting market spirits. This positive data countered some of the gloom from prior quarters, where trade disputes had hindered expansion, reminding everyone that the economy rebounds when core drivers like consumption and innovation take hold.

Also Read: The US$18.7B ghost market: Why Asia’s femtech revolution starts with listening

Tech-heavy sectors led the charge, with companies involved in cloud computing and semiconductors posting notable gains, while traditional industries, such as manufacturing, showed steadier but less spectacular progress. Overall, the session highlighted a market that rewards resilience, even in the face of looming policy decisions.

Bond yields and currency movements

Bond markets reacted with nuance to the same data. The yield on the 10-year United States Treasury note fell three basis points to close at 4.21 per cent, indicating that investors seek safety in longer-term bonds amid expectations of Fed easing. In contrast, the two-year yield edged up two basis points to 3.63 per cent, reflecting bets on near-term policy adjustments. Yields typically move inversely to bond prices, and this divergence suggests the market anticipates a measured pace of rate cuts rather than aggressive action.

With inflation data on the horizon, traders position for outcomes that could either confirm cooling prices or reveal stubborn pressures, influencing the yield curve further. The curve itself has flattened somewhat in recent weeks, a sign that long-term growth expectations temper amid short-term rate volatility. Investors in fixed income parse these shifts meticulously, as they impact everything from mortgage rates to corporate borrowing costs, rippling through the broader economy.

The United States Dollar Index slipped 0.4 per cent to 97.81, extending its recent weakness as the greenback loses ground against major peers. A softer dollar often emerges when economic data points to potential rate reductions, as lower interest rates diminish the currency’s appeal to yield-seeking investors.

Currency traders adjust positions accordingly, with the euro and yen gaining modestly against the dollar in response. This movement also affects international trade, making United States exports more competitive while imports become pricier, potentially influencing inflation dynamics down the line. Emerging market currencies, often pegged informally to the dollar, experience their own volatility, with some appreciating as capital flows shift toward higher-yield opportunities elsewhere.

Commodities update

Gold prices advanced 0.6 per cent to US$3,416.69 per ounce, benefiting from the dollar’s retreat and its status as a haven asset during uncertain times. Precious metals like gold tend to shine when currencies weaken, and this move aligns with historical patterns where economic surprises drive safe-haven flows.

Central banks continue to accumulate gold reserves as a diversification strategy, adding to the metal’s upward pressure. Silver, often moving in tandem, saw similar gains, though industrial demand tempers its trajectory compared to gold’s purer safe-haven role. Investors turn to these assets when equities waver, providing a buffer against potential downturns.

Brent crude oil settled 0.8 per cent higher at US$68.62 per barrel, buoyed by hopes of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine that could stabilise supply chains. Oil prices react sensitively to geopolitical developments, and any de-escalation reduces risk premiums baked into futures contracts.

Also Read: September’s market curse: Are you ready for the volatility storm?

Yet, broader economic data influences commodities too, with stronger growth potentially boosting demand for energy while a weaker dollar makes oil cheaper for foreign buyers. Supply-side factors, including OPEC decisions and United States shale production, play into this equation, creating a complex web of influences. Natural gas and other energy commodities follow suit, with prices edging up on seasonal demand expectations heading into cooler months.

Asian markets and futures

Asian equity markets opened with mixed results in the early session today, mirroring the cautious global tone. Some indices gained modestly on hopes of local stimulus, while others dipped amid concerns over the United States-China trade dynamics. For instance, Japan’s Nikkei rose slightly on the strength of the tech sector, while China’s Shanghai Composite edged lower due to regulatory news weighing on sentiment. The South Korean and Australian markets exhibited varied performances, with mining stocks benefiting from the uptick in commodity prices.

Futures for US stocks indicate a lower open, suggesting that the optimism from Thursday’s GDP report fades as attention shifts to the inflation print. Markets often pause before major releases like the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, which the Fed favours as its key inflation gauge.

If the data indicate that inflation is easing toward the two per cent target, risk sentiment could brighten, encouraging more inflows into equities and commodities. However, hotter-than-expected figures might spark fears of delayed cuts, pressuring stocks and strengthening the dollar. Traders in Asia, operating in earlier time zones, often set the tone for global sessions, making their reactions a bellwether for the day ahead.

Bitcoin’s recent movements

Bitcoin faces turbulence, halting its advance at around US$112,000 after a gradual loss of momentum last week. The cryptocurrency dropped to a multi-week low under that level on Friday, only to surge more than US$5,000 following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech, which hinted at possible rate cuts.

Yet, selling pressure emerged quickly above US$117,000, pulling the price back to US$115,000 over the weekend. Bears intensified their push on Sunday evening, driving Bitcoin below US$111,000 and liquidating millions in long positions. A brief bounce occurred Monday morning, but the asset shed value again, tumbling to a seven-week low just under US$109,000 by Tuesday.

This volatility highlights Bitcoin’s sensitivity to Fed signals and broader economic cues, as lower rates typically boost risk assets like cryptocurrency by making borrowing cheaper and encouraging speculation. Traders note consolidation in the US$112,000 to US$117,000 range, with potential tests of higher resistance at US$118,000 to US$120,000 if support holds.

Others warn of further drops to US$106,000 if key zones are breached, emphasising the need for caution amid the current downtrend. Institutional interest remains high, with exchange-traded funds continuing to attract inflows, but retail traders bear the brunt of these sharp swings, often amplified by leverage.

Ethereum price analysis

Ethereum mirrors this bearish tilt, initiating a fresh decline from the US$4,700 area and displaying signs of weakening momentum. The token struggles to establish a footing above US$4,630, trading below US$4,550 and the 100-hourly simple moving average. A break below a bullish trend line at US$4,550 on the hourly chart exacerbates the downside, with the price now eyeing support at US$4,400.

Also Read: Markets at a crossroads: Trump’s Fed clash, Powell’s pivot, and global ripple effects

After testing US$4,320, Ethereum recovered above US$4,400 and US$4,450, surpassing the 23.6 per cent Fibonacci retracement of the drop from US$4,955 to US$4,310. However, bears defend the US$4,630 resistance fiercely, rejecting two attempts and enforcing a pullback below US$4,600. The 50 per cent Fibonacci level acts as a stubborn barrier, aligning with broader technical indicators flashing red. The hourly MACD gains pace in the bearish zone, while the RSI dips below 50, signalling oversold conditions but persistent seller control.

If Ethereum closes below US$4,400, losses could extend to US$4,320 or even US$4,250, with US$4,150 as the next major floor. Upside resistance looms at US$4,550 and US$4,600, but a clear break above US$4,630 might propel it toward US$4,720 or higher. Network activity, including decentralised finance transactions and non-fungible token sales, influences Ethereum’s price, with upgrades like sharding potentially offering long-term boosts but short-term volatility persisting.

Bottom line

The current setup strikes me as a classic inflection point where macro forces collide with asset-specific dynamics. The subdued global risk sentiment ahead of inflation data appears justified, given the pivotal role these releases play in steering Fed policy.

Lower-than-expected inflation could trigger a wave of relief rallies across equities and cryptocurrencies, as rate cuts would boost liquidity and embolden risk-taking. I view the GDP revision as a genuine bright spot, demonstrating that investments in technology, such as AI, can propel growth even amid challenges, and this could sustain stock highs if policy cooperation is maintained. However, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum appear particularly vulnerable in this regard.

Bitcoin’s wild swings around Powell’s speeches reveal its role as a high-beta play on monetary easing, jumping on cut signals but retreating on profit-taking or macro jitters. Ethereum’s bearish technicals, with diverging momentum and oversold RSI, suggest exhaustion after its run-up, potentially dragging altcoins lower if Bitcoin falters further.

In my view, investors should approach with prudence, favouring diversified portfolios that include gold as a hedge against dollar weakness or oil for geopolitical plays. While the bull case for crypto in a low-rate world excites me, the risk of hotter inflation delaying cuts could extend this choppy phase, testing even the most steadfast holders.

Looking ahead, if the Fed delivers on expectations with a September cut at over an 88 per cent probability, we might witness a broader risk-on surge; however, persistent tariff threats and labor market softening add layers of complexity.

Ultimately, data will dictate the narrative, and I advise closely watching the PCE, as it holds the key to unlocking or constraining market momentum in the coming weeks. This environment rewards patience and informed decision-making, where jumping on every headline can lead to costly mistakes, but staying attuned to fundamentals often pays off in the long run.

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Multicultural societies involve complex daily conversations. In vibrant, multicultural hubs like Hong Kong, daily conversations wave effortlessly between Cantonese, English and Mandarin. A business meeting might shift languages in a heartbeat. Similarly, in Malaysia, English often dominates commerce, but side conversations might flow in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin or Tamil. This dynamic code-switching, a hallmark of diverse metropolises, fosters connection and accommodates varied linguistic backgrounds, shaped by immigration, regional influences and global pop culture. Yet, it can also create confusion, as non-professional interpreters struggle to convey nuances, risking miscommunications and lost trust.  

Fano, a provider of AI-based speech recognition services, aims to address this issue. Despite operating in a competitive space, Fano distinguishes itself through its extensive research, which underpins its solutions, its ability to handle the granularity of mixed language scenarios, and its capacity for insight generation based on the content it processes. Its solutions are domain-specific catering to the clients’ industries, with a focus on helping organisations understand customer intent, identify opportunity and guard against risk.

Tackling low-resource languages and diverse accents

Based in Hong Kong, the 10-year-old company is the product of real-world challenges that its founders — former researchers and professors at Hong Kong University — saw around them every day. It bills its solutions as globally applicable but Asia-focused, with support for 15-20 languages and emphasis on “low resource” ones like Cantonese. Despite being spoken by approximately 85 million people across Hong Kong, Macau, China’s Canton region, and overseas Chinese nationals, transcription data for Cantonese remains limited. 

This scarcity is compounded by the wide range of accents and intonations found in multicultural hubs like Hong Kong. As an international financial centre and a premier innovation and technology centre, the city attracts professionals from around the world. While their accents vary, many embrace the local language as part of their immersion in the community. Fano’s strategy involves gathering extensive data from all regions where the language is spoken to enable a robust model that recognises a wide range of intonations.

From Hong Kong roots to compliance-driven growth

Fano claims to process mixed language interactions that involve frequent switching with over 90% accuracy and can cut through and decipher thickly accented English in a way that others may not be able to.

“The language environment in Hong Kong is very complicated — too intricate for traditional AI to handle,” explains Dr Albert Lam, Fano’s Chief Technology Officer and Chief Scientist. “We can’t control how people speak, so we saw the need for technology to address these mixed language scenarios, not just identify what was being said, but truly understand the details.”

Having completed a Series B funding round in May 2024, Fano is in expansion mode, with its eyes on Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In every market it operates in, finance and the public sector are core segments. Within those, as well as customer service applications, supporting compliance and risk management has become an important area. Its emergence was partly driven by the pandemic. Unable to pursue international growth plans under lockdown, Fano started to explore new ways to provide assistance to organisations in Hong Kong. 

“We thought, why don’t we explore how conversations evolve in banks? That led us to step into compliance, especially sales compliance,” says Dr Lam. One example of this is analysing conversations for omissions such as disclaimers and risk disclosures to avoid penalties from regulators. As non-banking financial organisations come under greater scrutiny, the breadth of companies it helps stay compliant looks likely to widen.

Fighting fraud and deepfakes with voice technology

Another potential application involves detecting fraudulent intent through voice screening of natural conversational speech using deep neural networks (DNN) as opposed to a pre-determined phrase. The process involves verifying someone’s identity using voice biometrics technology and it is content-independent, meaning the verification process can be completed while the conversation goes on. There are multiple benefits to this versatile approach, including the prevention of so-called replay attacks, where a bad actor gains access to a system by using recorded speech.

The need for technology to recognise the fine details of an individual’s voice is becoming pronounced as AI becomes more sophisticated in its ability to mimic the voices of others. Dr Lam says Fano has developed an “audio-defect model” to distinguish AI-generated voice content. He notes that this kind of defence technology exists in a constant state of evolution akin to antivirus software given the pace at which AI, and with it, deepfake capabilities, are advancing.

Moving towards agentic AI in customer service

Fano’s customer service support is evolving too. “We are moving to the agentic world,” Dr Lam says. Where AI is currently used to reduce the demands on human agents by performing relatively simple tasks, Fano envisages “AI agents” with far greater capacity for logic, decision making and overall autonomy. Key to this is the ability to reason — the interstitial between input in the form of data from a multitude of past conversations, and the ultimate output. 

Dr Lam sees this as the basis for “a group of AI agents working together” with different functions, some high-level and some lower, much like a human team. He underscores that while this would potentially save manpower and reduce costs, the focus would be on “helping customers achieve breakthroughs” rather than downsize their staff.

Fano’s ambitious future is closely entwined with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). The organisation has been instrumental in helping Fano engage with customers in sectors and markets outside its immediate sphere, including those in the public service sector. Fano is currently working with HKSTP to explore the potential of its solutions for healthcare, as well as raising its profile in markets such as the UAE, Singapore, the UK and Europe.

As technology’s role in society expands, human and linguistic complexity remain a fact of life. Fano both celebrates this reality and offers practical tools to navigate it.

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The story of Web3 gaming is beginning to resemble the broader cycles of technological disruption: hype, collapse, and eventual rebirth.

Jonathan Huang of Bitkraft Ventures highlights a crucial truth often missed in the first wave of play-to-earn experiments: games succeed only when they are fun. By treating blockchain as infrastructure rather than a selling point, the new generation of studios is shifting focus back to design, creativity, and long-term player engagement.

Huang’s dismissal of flashy but shallow narratives, like interoperable swords, reflects a welcome maturity. Instead, his emphasis on portable reputation and identity across games points to a far more meaningful use case for blockchain—one that addresses real gaps left by Web2 platforms. This pivot from gimmick to utility mirrors other industry resets, from the dot-com bust to the collapse of social gaming, which ultimately cleared the path for enduring innovations.

Southeast Asia’s evolving role is particularly noteworthy. Once the stage for speculative frenzy, the region fosters patient builders with multi-year visions. With its mobile-first gamers and openness to experimentation, it may again become the crucible for the next big wave. If history is any guide, sceptics should brace themselves: the real Web3 games are just getting started.

REGIONAL

ViSenze acquired by Nasdaq-listed Rezolve AI to power APAC expansion
ViSenze develops “breakthrough” visual search capabilities for retail and introducing multimodal AI search to revolutionise online and in-store product discovery | The move will transform ViSenze’s Singapore base into Rezolve’s regional headquarters for APAC expansion.

Temasek revamps into three entities in big shake-up
The three entities are Temasek Global Investments (TGI), Temasek Singapore (TSG), and Temasek Partnership Solutions (TPS) | It is in one of the biggest overhauls in the state-owned investor’s 51-year history, as it prepares for a new generation of leaders.

Atome defies market headwinds with 63 per cent income surge, US$4B GMV run rate
Net revenue surpassed US$500Min Q2 2025, driven by an over US$4B annualised GMV | The Atome PayLater Anywhere Card in the Philippines saw accelerated adoption, with the total number of cards issued exceeding 1.5M as of June 2025.

Tether, Binance, OKX join forces with police to halt US$50M crypto scam in SEA
This follows a similar high-profile case in November 2023, where Tether and OKX collaborated with the US to freeze ~US$225M in USDT | These funds were tied to an international human trafficking syndicate in SEA, which was also responsible for romance scams.

Atlas Consolidated scores US$18.1M to help banks escape legacy core systems
Investors are Getz, Inc. and Woodside Holdings | Atlas Consolidated will use the funds to accelerate the global expansion of its flagship platform, HugoHub, enabling financial institutions worldwide to embrace digital transformation.

Indonesian SaaS firm Mekari buys social commerce platform Desty
The deal will allow Mekari to integrate Desty’s inventory, order, and customer management tools with its existing financial, HR, and operational software | Mekari serves over 35,000 businesses and offers products for HR, payroll, accounting, CRM, and expense management.

Singapore’s Origgin Ventures debuts Japan arm for deeptech growth
The new initiative aims to connect research and startups between Japan and Southeast Asia by supporting commercialisation of university and corporate technologies | Origgin signed two MoUs with Japanese partners to support joint projects and strengthen the ecosystem.

Indonesian Web3 platform Hypr launches NFT-based F&B investments
The platform’s first portfolio company is DORÉ by LeTAO, a Japanese dessert brand known for its cheesecakes, which operates in Indonesia | Hypr uses NFT-backed smart contracts to secure investor profit rights and distributes monthly profits.

ZUZU Hospitality nets US$5.9M to scale AI-powered revenue platform for hotels
Investors include Wavemaker Growth, Velocity Ventures, Vulpes Ventures, and Latin Leap | The capital will accelerate the deployment and scaling of ZUZU’s AI-powered revenue management platform RevMate, expand data capabilities, and scale its go-to-market efforts.

Indonesia’s Bang Jamin secures US$4M pre-Series A to scale digital insurance
Investors include Braxton Capital, SBI Ven Capital, BNI Ventures, and BRI Ventures | Bang will use the capital to expand products, enhance technology, and penetrate underserved Indonesian markets through strategic B2B partnerships.

Bluente lands US$1.5M to scale AI-driven document translation worldwide
Lead investor is Informed Ventures | Singapore-based Bluente offers an AI-powered document translation platform that preserves exact formatting while delivering contextually accurate translations |Bluente’s AI preserves formatting across 120+ languages.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Who uses AI-powered mobile apps? A closer look at audience and usage patterns
AI is no longer confined to experimental chatbots or specialist tools | It has spread across verticals, powering everything from calorie counters and editing software to lifestyle guidance platforms.

AI remains a travel underdog, but satisfaction soars among early adopters: Kaspersky
Only 28 per cent of travellers currently use the tech to plan their journeys, but a staggering 96 per cent of those who do report high satisfaction | 84 per cent of travellers plan to use it again.

Web3 gaming isn’t dead; it’s about to get good: Bitkraft’s Jonathan Huang
He says blockchain should be the infrastructure, not the value proposition | The design space only becomes interesting once you ask: are you solving a real problem in Web2 gaming, or unlocking a new kind of use case?

Asia leads global surge in AI-powered mobile apps, SensorTower finds
Beyond chatbots, AI has made significant inroads into categories such as health and wellness, jobs and education, financial services, and lifestyle | Over 200 apps in these sectors added AI references to their descriptions in just six months, signalling that developers are not only embracing the tech but also keen to highlight it to consumers.

Nakul Kothari on building, scaling, and the future of fintech
Nakul Kothari, Head of APAC & Middle East at Juspay, a global payments infrastructure platform, shares fintech insights from scaling payments across regions, urging startups to ground AI in real operational challenges.

INTERNATIONAL

SK Telecom fined US$97M over data breach affecting 23M users
The Personal Information Protection Commission imposed the penalty for inadequate protection of customer data and delayed breach reporting, and ordered SK Telecom to strengthen its data oversight | The Ministry of Science and ICT also recommended in July that the company waive penalties for customers leaving the network after the incident.

Alibaba in talks to refinance US$6.5B loan in 2026
The company is proposing a new five-year revolving credit facility, offering a rate of less than 80 basis points above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate to current lenders | Negotiations are ongoing, and terms may still change.

ByteDance said to eye US$330B valuation, plans share buyback
The repurchase, expected in autumn, will offer employees US$200.4 per share, up from US$189.9 about six months ago | ByteDance’s Q2 revenue reached around US$48B, up 25% year-on-year | In Q1, its revenue topped Meta’s US$42.3B, making it the largest social media company by sales.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Intel says it gets US$5.7B from US government for 10% stake
The government’s stake is intended as an incentive for Intel to retain control of its contract manufacturing business, known as its foundry | The White House said the deal is still being finalized by the Department of Commerce and remains under discussion.

Investors fear Trump’s Intel deal may affect private companies
Some investors and analysts warn that such deals could blur the lines between government and business interests, citing risks around insider trading, decision-making conflicts, and broader market implications.

US government has no plans to acquire Nvidia after Intel deal
Analysts and investors have expressed concern over the government’s growing influence in publicly traded firms, with some warning that such moves set a precedent for direct state intervention | Government stakes in strategic industries are more common in Europe and Asia, notably in China’s SMIC.

White House talks on China chip sales will take time: Nvidia CEO
Jensen Huang said talks had begun about selling a scaled-down chip that would be 30-50 per cent less capable than the original | Nvidia is seeking approval to access China’s estimated US$50B AI market.

Malaysian chip firm SkyeChip unveils first local edge AI processor
Edge AI processors are less powerful than advanced chips from companies like Nvidia, but the launch marks a significant step for Malaysia as it seeks to expand its role in the global AI sector | Malaysia already has a foothold in chip manufacturing and has recently increased its investments in AI.

Taiwan charges 3 in TSMC tech theft case
One of those charged is a former TSMC employee who later worked at Japanese chip equipment maker Tokyo Electron, and prosecutors are seeking a 14-year sentence for this person | Prosecutors allege the former employee persuaded ex-TSMC colleagues to share confidential technology, leading to indictments for two others.

GlobalFoundries says CHIPS Act does not involve equity
The announcement comes days after the US government converted CHIPS Act grants into equity at Intel, and made separate agreements with Nvidia and AMD to receive a share of their China sales revenue from advanced chips.

AI

Embracing AI evolution: The crucial role of data management and cybersecurity in AI success
In today’s hyper-connected digital landscape, the symbiotic relationship between data management, cybersecurity, and the success of AI cannot be overstated | As organisations increasingly rely on AI to drive business, the importance of robust data management practices and stringent cybersecurity measures becomes even more critical.

Glance AI wants to bring joy back to shopping with Generative AI
For years, online shopping has prioritised efficiency. Consumers search, browse, compare and, eventually, purchase. While effective, the process has often “lacked joy”| According to Mansi Jain, Senior Vice President of Glance AI, the company saw an opportunity to introduce creativity, fun and personalisation into the commerce experience.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Eric Trump is headlining a Bitcoin conference and China just silenced its top officials
While political pressures threaten to stifle innovation in hubs like Hong Kong, the inexorable march of corporate adoption of Bitcoin suggests that decentralised finance may ultimately transcend national rivalries, offering a hedge against traditional economic uncertainties.

The US$18.7B ghost market: Why Asia’s femtech revolution starts with listening
Asia Pacific’s femtech market is projected to reach US$18.7B by 2030, yet remains starved of funding and attention | While fertility apps dominate headlines, our region’s real pain points- menopause-driven talent attritionare where transformational change begins. Yet its true potential hides in “ghost markets” where stigma silences suffering.

How a team of women designed the perfect e-commerce tool for Vietnam’s rural sellers
Across rural Vietnam, thousands of women entrepreneurs were adapting mainstream social platforms to create micro-businesses | They were selling everything from handmade crafts to fresh produce, often during live sessions where they could build personal connections with customers.

Rails of fortune: How China’s US$124B BRI boom is creating new startup arteries in SEA
State-backed giants China Galaxy Securities and China International Capital Corp are rolling out over US$1B in new private equity funds targeting Southeast Asia—focused on healthcare, AI, advanced manufacturing, renewables, consumer products, and even a US$100M fund for Malaysia’s gaming sector.

Joanna Wong’s second act: Reinvention as a founder strategy
For over two decades, Wong was a brand builder | She started in agencies, then spent 16 years at Eu Yan Sang, where she rose to become Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management | It was there that she shaped campaigns across Asia.

How digital banking is driving financial inclusion in SEA
As digital natives, digital banks can leverage technology to lower the cost of funding and provide a better customer experience | For instance, using AI for customer service reduces labour dependency, turnaround times and customer waiting times, resulting in better efficiency and higher customer satisfaction.

Why tomorrow’s data scientists need storytelling skills to succeed?
The ability to communicate the analysis of data with precise acuity and brevity will become one of the most valuable skill sets moving forward, as Singapore accelerates its Smart Nation efforts, and as more companies turn to data to inform business recovery and future growth.

How blockchain is optimising payments, assets and workflows
The technology opens doors to progressive audiences (millennials and Gen Z) who demand instant digital services, international partners from regions with limited banking infrastructure, and B2B clients from industries with elevated transparency requirements (pharmaceuticals, food production).

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Bitkraft’s Jonathan Huang on Web3 gaming revival | ViSenze joins Rezolve AI for APAC push | Investors wary of Trump-Intel deal impact appeared first on e27.

Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with the Philippines emerging as a hotspot for innovation, investment, and digital adoption. Thai companies, known for their ingenuity in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and transport, are increasingly looking abroad for opportunities to scale. Yet while the demand for cross-border collaboration grows, many startups still struggle with the challenge of finding the right partners and investors to accelerate their international expansion.

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce through Thai Trade Center Manila, recognises this gap and has stepped forward to support Thai startups in bridging it. By connecting young companies with investors and ecosystem leaders in the Philippines, DITP is not only helping individual firms thrive but also strengthening regional trade and innovation ties. Get to know them at Echelon Philippines 2025!

Addressing common challenges in startup growth

For many early-stage and growth-stage startups, exposure is often limited to their home markets. Without access to international networks, scaling efforts can stall. In Thailand, this has meant that many promising businesses have seen strong success locally but have lacked meaningful opportunities to break into neighbouring markets.

As our Innovation Showcase Partner, DITP’s participation at Echelon Philippines 2025 directly responds to this challenge. By curating a delegation of 14 Thai startups under the Thailand Pavilion, the agency is providing a platform for these companies to showcase their products and services to Philippine investors, corporates, and government agencies. This first-time participation also marks an important step for DITP as it explores new ways to promote and support Thailand’s startup ecosystem internationally.

Meeting DITP at Echelon Philippines 2025 offers attendees the chance to engage directly with these startups, discover innovative solutions, and explore collaborative opportunities that extend beyond borders.

Also read: Innovators shaping the future at Echelon Philippines 2025

Thai startups at the Echelon Philippines 2025 Pavilion

• 3DS (PAM) provides real time marketing automation. It turns customer data into meaningful journeys, simplifies complex processes, and helps brands connect with customers.
• Ample Work researches, develops, and manufactures biodegradable plastics from Thai farm-sourced starch to replace single-use packaging.
• Appointment Anywhere (AApoint) is an online appointment booking platform for service SMEs such as restaurants and clinics, integrated with Reserve with Google to allow customers to book directly through Google Search and Maps.
• Awakern (HarJod) provides crowdsourced parking intelligence. They gather and share real-time parking information to make finding parking easier.
• Buzzebees helps brands collect and unify customer data from online and offline channels, using AI for analytics, loyalty programs, receipt uploads, surveys, and e-commerce.
• Daywork is an on-demand staffing platform that connects employers with nearby job seekers. It uses AI to create shortlists quickly and a two-way scoring system to improve worker and job quality.
• Horganice is a property management platform that combines smart management tools, IoT devices, payment systems, and services.
• Megenius (AIYA) provides AI-powered location-based marketing tools and AI chatbots, Messenger broadcasting, and live-stream sales management. AiBeacon detects nearby customers and sends promotions via the LINE app.

Also read: How inDrive is challenging social injustice through mobility

• Prain Fintech (ChillPay) provides a payment gateway that connects merchants to over 30 payment channels on one platform. It is the only provider in Thailand offering next-business-day settlements for all payment methods.
• QueueQ is a mobile app that lets customers book a queue spot from up to 2 kilometres away, with real-time updates and alerts when their turn is near.
• Student Care is a school management platform that helps schools manage academics, student well-being, communication, and administration. Features include AI insights, instant parent communication, cashless payments, and digital document and dormitory management.
• System Stone (Factorium) is a maintenance management app and contractor management system. Supports preventive and corrective maintenance, spare part tracking, and warehouse management.
• Thai Marine Protection makes construction materials like anodes, special coatings, and epoxies for corrosion protection in steel and concrete structures.
• Via Group provides a Mobility-as-a-Service platform for fixed-route transport. Products include a real-time transit app, smart stop signage, and a transit management system for operators and regulators.

DITP: leading the way in trade promotion and startup support

The DITP has long played a pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s global trade presence. Tasked with providing information to foreign buyers and facilitating international trade relations, DITP is represented globally by Thai Trade Centres, including the Thai Trade Center Manila.

With its mission to connect Thai startups to Philippine investors, DITP is going beyond traditional export promotion. Its involvement in Echelon Philippines is not only about showcasing products but also about fostering long-term partnerships that contribute to the growth of Thai businesses in international markets. The Thailand Pavilion’s participation highlights DITP’s proactive approach to aligning with emerging industries and creating meaningful exposure for startups.

Also read: How OneCFO is transforming startup finance in Southeast Asia

DITP is joining the movement at Echelon Philippines 2025

Echelon Philippines 2025, e27’s premier event, organised by Brainsparks, is a two-day conference on 2–3 September 2025 at Hall 4, SMX Convention Center Manila. It brings together the region’s leading founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers for a powerful convergence of ideas and action.

Echelon is a platform designed to empower startups, scale-ups, SMEs, government agencies, and ecosystem enablers with the insights, connections, and tools needed to drive sustainable growth. As the Philippines moves beyond early-stage momentum, Echelon Philippines 2025 focuses on capital readiness, ecosystem-wide collaboration, and actionable playbooks for high-growth sectors.

Expect dedicated content stages, exhibitions, panel discussions, and dynamic knowledge-sharing activities — all crafted to equip you with practical strategies, open new market pathways, and elevate your brand’s visibility. Participants will also gain access to growth and market access programmes, a curated digital solution marketplace, and invaluable peer-to-peer learning.

Whether you’re looking to scale your company, tap into emerging opportunities, or present your innovations to a global audience, Echelon Philippines 2025 offers an unmatched experience to connect, innovate, and grow.

Secure your spot now — join us as a participant, exhibitor, or official partner, and be part of the movement shaping the future of the Philippine tech ecosystem.

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This article is produced by the e27 team

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: DITP

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Mekari, an integrated software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform in Indonesia, has acquired omnichannel commerce platform Desty for an undisclosed sum.

The deal aims to strengthen Mekari’s omnichannel commerce solutions and drive business growth across the archipelago. Omnichannel commerce is experiencing rapid transformation due to increasing digitalisation and evolving consumer behaviour.

Also Read: Mekari acquires Qontak to strengthen its end-to-end offering for SMEs in Indonesia

With Desty’s integration, businesses can manage inventory, orders, products, warehouses, and customer conversations across various marketplaces within a single system, connected to Mekari’s existing financial, HR, and operational software.

“The integration of Desty into the Mekari ecosystem will help businesses reduce operational complexity. From inventory and finance to customer communications– everything can now be managed in one platform. The goal is simple: to make businesses more efficient so they can focus on growth,” stated Suwandi Soh, CEO of Mekari.

“With Desty, we are expanding Mekari’s ecosystem from back office to commerce. Our vision is for every business in Indonesia, from SMEs to enterprises, to access technologies that were once only available to large players,” he added.

Mekari claims it serves over 35,000 businesses and one million professionals with a comprehensive suite of cloud-based products, including HR and payroll, accounting and operations, and CRM and omnichannel engagement.

Founded in 2021, Desty empowers retailers and brands to effectively manage both their online and offline sales channels from one centralised system.

Dennis Harsono, CEO of Desty, said. “For Desty users, nothing changes except more opportunities. With Mekari’s ecosystem, our services will be stronger, more integrated, and provide access to new capabilities that were previously unavailable.”

Also Read: EV-DCI 2025: Indonesia’s digital economy gains momentum but faces fierce regional and global competition

“Omnichannel is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. With Mekari’s support, we want to ensure that every merchant, from small businesses to large brands, can grow faster and smarter,” he added.

Both companies are backed by East Ventures.

The post Mekari acquires Desty to expand omnichannel commerce solutions in Indonesia appeared first on e27.

ZenicHub, a Thailand-based co-working space and tech-driven accelerator, has announced the opening of its new facility in Bangkok.

Located in the heart of the capital city, the facility is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and scaling for entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses across Southeast Asia.

Also Read: How to hack product growth and user acquisition in Thailand

Alex Chih, co-founder of ZenicHub, stated, “Bangkok is full of potential, and our goal is to provide the infrastructure, services, and networks that empower entrepreneurs to focus on creating great products and scaling their companies.”

ZenicHub offers a modern workspace alongside essential resources and community support for sustainable growth. The offerings include:

• Flexible workspace solutions: Co-working areas, private offices, and event spaces are available, tailored for productivity and collaborative efforts.
• Comprehensive business services: Support spans business registration and compliance, legal advisory, accounting and financial management, HR administration, digital infrastructure, and technology integration.
• Acceleration programmes: These programmes provide tools for business planning, marketing support, investment readiness training, and market-entry strategies.
• Funding access: Startups can connect to seed funding, early-stage investment, and growth capital through ZenicHub’s extensive network of venture capitalists, angel investors, and funding organisations.
• Mentorship & networking: The hub offers guidance from industry leaders, organises curated networking events, and provides ongoing business development support.

ZenicHub has established several strategic partnerships to support startups:

• Laconic Technology: This partnership aims to accelerate software and technology development, enabling startups to bring their digital solutions to market more quickly.
• Jobonic: Specialised services from Jobonic will support business growth, particularly in accelerating expansion within service-oriented market sectors.

Also Read: Thailand’s tech renaissance: Building bridges to global success

• Yiqing Lawyer Firm, China: This firm will serve as the trusted legal advisory partner, ensuring compliance and providing seamless legal support to clients.
• THJ International: This partner will offer expert tax and accounting advisory services, facilitating smooth business operations and financial planning for companies.

The post Bangkok gets a new innovation hub as ZenicHub opens co-working and accelerator facility appeared first on e27.

Early-stage founders need visibility, traction, and investor connections, but traditional trade shows are expensive and resource-heavy. The Echelon Start Up Booth is built as a smart alternative: affordable, simple, and designed to deliver outcomes.

Why book a Start Up Booth?

Grow revenue and traction

Your booth is more than just space. It’s a conversion funnel that attracts investors, buyers, and collaborators who are ready to engage. With walk-in pitches, on-site demos, and inbound leads, founders leave with more than just visibility.

Also read: e27 recognised among Financial Times’ fastest-growing companies in APAC

Optimised for lean budgets

Starting at SGD 599, each booth includes:

• 1x Counter, 2x Chairs, 1x Power Socket
• Backdrop branding (1m x 1m)
• 2x Echelon Start Passes with full conference access
• Location in the high-traffic Start Up Zone

Optional upgrades such as AI matchmaking and lead scanners allow you to scale outreach without unnecessary costs.

Visibility that matters

Echelon is Southeast Asia’s most founder-centric tech festival, where startups meet investors, partners, and customers face-to-face. e27 built the Start Up Zone to drive footfall directly to your booth and put you in the middle of high-value conversations that create real opportunities.

Also read: Why your story on e27 matters in shaping Southeast Asia’s tech future

Who qualifies

Start Up Booths are built for early-stage companies that are:

• Incorporated within the last 5 years
• Pre-seed to Series B
• Tech-focused (AI, SaaS, fintech, etc.)
• With a live or demo-ready product and early traction

If your company is more mature, explore Marketplace Booths for larger branding and engagement options.

Also read: Meet the mentors powering Asia’s startup ecosystem

Launch offer: Limited early bird pricing

For early-stage founders, every dollar matters. That’s why the Start Up Booth is designed to deliver maximum return on minimal spend. With high-traffic placement, investor access, and built-in visibility, exhibiting at Echelon 2026 is a strategic growth investment.

Secure your booth at SGD 599 (50% off) while slots last. Once sold out, standard pricing applies.

Don’t just attend Echelon 2026. Be seen, sell, and scale: lock in your Echelon 2026 Start Up Booth today!

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Enjoyed this read? Don’t miss out on the next insight. Join our WhatsApp channel for real-time drops.

This article is produced by the e27 team

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: e27

The post Exhibit smart, spend lean: Your Start Up Booth at Echelon 2026 appeared first on e27.

The Philippine startup ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, buoyed by a dynamic mix of technology adoption, entrepreneurial drive and government initiatives. Yet despite this progress, scaling remains an uphill task for many founders.

A recent report from Endeavor Insight highlights the barriers that continue to hold back startups across different stages of growth. These hurdles span funding limitations, talent shortages, and policy challenges, painting a complex picture of an ecosystem striving to mature.

Access to capital is the most pressing concern for scaling founders. The report notes that since 2022, a global “funding winter” has chilled investment activity, with growth-stage startups in the Philippines finding it particularly difficult to secure financing. Founders attribute this not only to shifts in global markets but also to a lack of prominent local success stories or exits that could encourage reinvestment into the ecosystem. Without these reference points, investors remain cautious, leaving many young companies to bootstrap their way forward.

For smaller startups, the absence of early-stage capital flows has created additional pressure. While angel investors and venture capital remain present, the limited availability of funds means competition is fierce. This funding gap has forced some founders to be resourceful, leaning on revenue-first models or exploring partnerships abroad.

The shortage of specialised technical talent

Talent challenges weigh heavily on the Philippine startup ecosystem. The country has long been recognised as a hub for IT outsourcing, yet founders say the skills required to scale high-growth startups differ significantly from those used in service-based industries.

Also Read: Beyond vibe coding: How AI can build true tech talent

Specialised engineers—particularly in areas such as product development, data science and artificial intelligence—remain in short supply.

The rise of remote work has complicated the situation further. Multinational companies are increasingly tapping into the Philippine workforce, offering competitive salaries that startups struggle to match. As a result, many local firms resort to training fresh graduates on the job, or seeking talent from regional markets such as Singapore, Vietnam and India.

While this strategy offers short-term relief, it also highlights the urgent need for a deeper domestic pipeline of technical expertise.

Scarcity of managerial talent

Scaling is not solely a technical challenge; it requires strong leadership across all aspects of business. Yet another recurring theme from the report is the scarcity of qualified managerial talent. Positions in B2B sales and C-suite functions, particularly in marketing and finance, are among the hardest to fill.

Companies often attempt to groom young professionals into leadership roles through management-track programmes, but this process is lengthy and uncertain. Others look abroad, competing with multinational firms to attract experienced managers. To stand out, startups emphasise employer branding and highlight the opportunity to take on significant responsibilities early.

Still, the talent pool remains shallow compared to more developed ecosystems.

Policy and regulatory hurdles

For smaller businesses, government policies and compliance requirements pose some of the toughest obstacles. Founders describe monthly reporting obligations, complex processes for starting or winding down a company, and gaps in the legal frameworks that underpin competitive global markets.

In response, many outsource accounting and legal services to manage the burden, while some register their headquarters abroad to take advantage of more business-friendly regulations.

Also Read: How DITP is connecting Thai startups with Philippine investors

Despite these frustrations, there is cautious optimism. Entrepreneurs point to ongoing legislative efforts and advocacy work as signs that a more enabling environment may emerge. The government’s role in shaping the future trajectory of the Philippine startup ecosystem cannot be overstated.

Emerging solutions and support initiatives

Recent developments suggest momentum towards addressing these challenges, according to Alea Ladaga in a contributed post to e27. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the National Development Company (NDC), has launched the Philippine Innovation Hub – Marikina Enterprise Center (iHub-MEC). Positioned outside Metro Manila, this initiative aims to decentralise innovation and provide startups, small businesses and the creative sector with access to mentoring, financing links and market opportunities.

She explained that the hub complements existing programmes such as the Startup Venture Fund (SVF), which co-invests in high-growth companies across gaming, multimedia and creative industries. These initiatives build on the foundations of the Innovative Startup Act and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, signalling a broader government push to strengthen the ecosystem.

Further, the reorganisation of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) reflects a structural shift in economic planning. DepDev’s mandate includes coordinating policies across agencies, aligning national and local development priorities, and ensuring efficient use of resources. With consultation mechanisms involving the private sector, civil society and academia, it may provide startups with a stronger voice in shaping policy.

Towards a more resilient ecosystem

The Philippine startup ecosystem stands at a crossroads. On one side are persistent hurdles that risk slowing progress. On the other are promising signs of institutional support and a maturing entrepreneurial base eager to scale.

Overcoming these challenges will require coordinated efforts from both government and industry. Continuous policy reforms, targeted talent development and sustained funding opportunities are critical. If these elements align, the Philippines could not only address today’s hurdles but also position itself as a competitive hub for innovation in Southeast Asia.

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Image Credit: tommao wang on Unsplash

The post Scaling challenges in the Philippine startup ecosystem: What founders are up against appeared first on e27.