The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) has agreed to invest in Oncode Scientific, a local deep-tech company specialising in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine.

The size of the funding remains undisclosed.

Established in 2015, Oncode has developed core expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics, and precision diagnostics–all critical pillars for personalised, data-driven healthcare.

Also Read: Malaysia’s digital economy surges with US$6.2B in Q2 investments

The MTDC investment will empower Oncode to pursue several key initiatives:

• Expand molecular diagnostics labs in Malaysian hospitals.
• Advance AI-powered biosensors for the early detection of cancer and immunological disorders.
• Launch new point-of-care diagnostic kits specifically tailored to Malaysia’s genetic diversity.

These initiatives are aligned with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (MOSTI) MyGenom Project, which aims to sequence 10,000 Malaysian genomes, and the NTIS Health Tech Hub, where five public hospitals are designated as testbeds for emerging medical technologies.

The investment also strategically positions Oncode for regional growth across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, with plans for joint ventures to deploy diagnostics labs and co-develop biosensing platforms for both regional and global markets.

This collaboration directly supports MOSTI’s ambition to position Malaysia as a regional healthtech innovation hub by 2030. It is also firmly aligned with several national frameworks, including:

• The National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTIN) 2021–2030, which targets raising Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) to 2.5 per cent of GDP, with 70 per cent originating from the private sector.
• The Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021–2030, aiming for the creation of 500 local startups by 2030.
• The National Biotechnology Policy (NBP) 2.0, which targets a biotechnology GDP contribution of 5 per cent and the creation of 80,000 high-income jobs.

Also Read: Malaysia and Singapore forge digital trade corridor to power ASEAN integration

Established in March 1992, MTDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, focussed on technology investments, capacity development, and advisory services for SMEs.

As of 2025, MTDC’s track record includes:

• Supporting over 850 tech companies.
• Generating RM8 billion in ecosystem revenue. (Note: Conversion of
• Malaysian Ringgit (RM) to US Dollars is not possible as exchange rates are not provided in the source material.)
• Achieving RM1 billion in exports from deep-tech firms.
• Facilitating 18 IPOs.
• More than 700 intellectual property filings by MTDC’s ecosystem companies.
• Approving 84 NTIS projects across medtech, robotics, and clean energy.
• Training 21,800 professionals through its Technopreneur Training Academy (TENTRA).

“Malaysia’s technology ambitions will fall short without qualified talent and trust in local capabilities. That’s why we’ve been deliberate in building deep-tech capacity, from lab to leadership. Our innovators must be equipped not just with technical skills, but with the confidence to solve complex national challenges,” said Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani Hj. Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer of MTDC.

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Global risk sentiment has taken a noticeable hit recently, and it’s not hard to see why. A weaker-than-expected US ISM services PMI report for July, dropping to 50.1 from 50.8 in June, has raised eyebrows. Any reading below 50 signals contraction, and while 50.1 is just above that line, it’s a close call that suggests the services sector, a massive chunk of the US economy, is losing steam.

Firms are cutting jobs too, with the employment index plunging to 46.4, one of the lowest levels since the pandemic shook things up. This points to tepid demand and rising costs squeezing businesses, and it’s a red flag for anyone watching the broader economic picture.

Then there’s the trade situation, which feels like throwing fuel on an already flickering fire. President Trump has put out word that he’s gearing up to slap tariffs on chips and pharmaceuticals, with the latter starting small but potentially ramping up to a jaw-dropping 250 per cent down the road.

He’s also planning to hike tariffs on Indian goods substantially, and he means to do it fast, within the next 24 hours. These moves could rattle global supply chains, jack up prices for everything from tech to medicine, and sour trade ties with a big player like India. Markets hate uncertainty, and this is a textbook case of it.

The US stock markets didn’t waste time reacting. The S&P 500 dropped 0.5 per cent, the Dow Jones edged down 0.1 per cent, and the Nasdaq took a 0.7 per cent hit. Investors are clearly jittery, pulling back from riskier bets as they digest the economic slowdown signals and the tariff threats. US Treasuries, meanwhile, had a mixed day after two sessions of gains.

The 10-year yield ticked up 1.8 basis points to 4.210 per cent, while the 30-year yield slipped 1.1 basis points to 4.780 per cent. That split tells a story of its own, hinting at confusion over where interest rates and inflation might head next, especially with talk of a Federal Reserve rate cut picking up steam.

Speaking of the Fed, the US Dollar Index, or DXY, is hanging out near recent lows, closing slightly down at 98.78 after last Friday’s non-farm payrolls report. A softer dollar could give US exports a boost, but it also means imports might get pricier, which could stoke inflation just when the economy looks shaky. Gold, always a go-to when things feel uncertain, climbed 0.2 per cent, riding the wave of that weaker dollar and bets on a Fed rate cut coming soon.

On the flip side, Brent crude took a 1.3 per cent dive to US$67 a barrel, thanks to news that the Kremlin might pause air strikes to dodge Trump’s threat of secondary sanctions. That’s a geopolitical chess move that could steady oil prices or shift the conversation with the US, depending on how it plays out.

Also Read: Crypto UX is evolving with intents and AI agents at the core

While the US markets nursed their wounds, Asian stock markets caught a second wind on Tuesday. Investors over there are feeling optimistic, pricing in a 90 per cent chance of a Fed rate cut at the September FOMC meeting. That kind of monetary easing could pump some life into global growth, and Asian markets opened higher this morning, shrugging off the gloom stateside. US equity index futures suggest a mixed open back home, so it’s clear the world’s not moving in lockstep on this one.

The crypto angle: Bitcoin, altcoins, and market mood

Now, let’s zoom in on the cryptocurrency market, where things are just as messy but with a twist of their own. Bitcoin recently slid to US$112,000, and normally, you’d expect altcoins to perk up when the big dog stumbles, maybe even kick off an altcoin season. That hasn’t happened this time. Solana’s down 9.45 per cent over the past week, XRP’s off 5.48 per cent, and Dogecoin’s taken a 10.80 per cent beating. The altcoin crowd isn’t catching a bid, and that’s got people wondering what’s up.

Over the last 30 days, Bitcoin’s dominance, its share of the total crypto market cap, has slipped by nearly 5.5 per cent. Meanwhile, Ether’s been on a tear, jumping 40 per cent. You’d think that might mean traders are diving into riskier assets, but the broader altcoin slump tells a different story. It looks more like folks are cashing out Ether’s gains rather than piling into the next big thing.

The OTHERS index, which tracks altcoins outside the top 10 by market cap, crashed 18.7 per cent in just 10 days before bouncing back a bit. That’s a clear sign of investors running from the high-risk, high-reward corners of the market, mirroring the cautious vibe globally.

Bitcoin itself is holding the spotlight, though, and not without reason. Its price just retested a key weekly uptrend line, a level that’s sparked big moves before. Back in early 2023, it broke out of a downtrend after a similar retest and shot up over 95 per cent. In 2024, it did it again, climbing 171 per cent past US$73,000.

Now, in August 2025, it’s bounced off that same ascending support, and analysts are eyeing a short-term target of US$123,300, with a longer-term goal of US$150,000. There’s even talk of an inverse head and shoulders pattern on a 2-day chart, a bullish setup that could push Bitcoin to US$170,000 if it plays out. Volume’s backing the breakout, moving averages are turning up, and the neckline at US$110,000 is holding as support. That’s a 40-50 per cent upside from where we sit, which is no small potatoes.

Adding fuel to the fire, a whale has placed a massive leveraged long bet on Bitcoin, and parabolic chart projections are floating around, hinting at another wild ride. Big bets like that can juice the market, but they also bring volatility, and a wrong move could spark liquidations. Still, the technicals are lining up for a potential rally, and history suggests this trendline retest could be the start of something big.

Piecing it together: What’s driving all this?

So, what’s the bigger picture here? The global risk retreat ties straight back to the US economy, showing cracks. The services sector slowdown and job cuts signal weaker growth ahead, and Trump’s tariff plans are stirring the pot, threatening to disrupt trade and hike costs. Stock markets in the US are feeling the heat, while Asia’s betting on a Fed lifeline to keep things humming. Gold’s up, oil’s down, and the dollar’s soft, all classic moves when uncertainty reigns.

Also Read: Laundering, layered: The strategy, psychology, and mistakes of crypto thieves

In crypto, the story’s a bit split. Altcoins are floundering, suggesting investors are playing it safe or pocketing gains rather than chasing the next moonshot. Bitcoin, though, looks poised for a breakout, backed by solid technicals and some heavy hitters betting big. It’s a tale of two markets, caution on one side, opportunity on the other.

My take: Risks and rewards in a shaky world

Here’s where I weigh in. The US data is worrisome, no doubt, and those tariffs could make a challenging situation worse, hitting consumers and businesses alike. But the Fed’s got room to step in, and if they cut rates, it could cushion the blow and give markets a lift, especially outside the US. Asia’s already banking on that, and they might be onto something.

Crypto’s trickier. Altcoins look stuck, and I wouldn’t hold my breath for a sudden rally there. Too many folks are sitting on the sidelines or cashing out. Bitcoin’s another story. The setup feels legit, and if it breaks out, US$150,000 or even US$170,000 isn’t crazy talk. That said, the macro risks, like a deeper US slowdown or a trade war flare-up, could derail it. Leverage in the mix makes me nervous, too. Volatility cuts both ways.

For anyone playing these markets, it’s about balance. Keep an eye on the Fed, watch how those tariffs land, and don’t sleep on Bitcoin’s next move. Diversifying’s smart, there’s too much up in the air to go all-in anywhere.

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Truelight Capital, a Singapore-based investment firm, today announced the launch of its new angel fund, dedicated to investing in early-stage media and media-tech companies poised to redefine the industry.

The firm is backed by a British businessman and media veteran, Michael de Waal-Montgomery, who will serve as its founder and Managing Partner.

The launch arrives at a pivotal moment for the media sector, which is undergoing significant changes driven by the decline of traditional business models and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI).

Also Read: Thriving in the age of AI: What the media industry must do next

Truelight Capital’s investment thesis is founded on the belief that this disruption provides fertile ground for developing entirely new models for content creation, distribution, and monetisation.

A new playbook for media investment

Michael de Waal-Montgomery said: “We are on the cusp of a paradigm shift where AI, decentralisation, and the creator economy aren’t just buzzwords—they are the foundational building blocks of the next generation of media enterprises.”

“Our mission is to find and empower the most ambitious founders who are building those new models. We believe the most successful media companies of the next decade will look nothing like those of the last,” he added.

Truelight Capital aims to provide patient, long-term capital, with an investment horizon typically spanning five to ten years. The firm will write cheques at the angel, pre-seed, and seed stages, offering capital, deep industry expertise, and strategic counsel to its portfolio companies.

Founder-first philosophy and strategic insight

A central tenet of Truelight Capital’s philosophy is a founder-first approach. Waal-Montgomery stated, “A brilliant concept can still fail under the wrong leadership. We are investing in people first and foremost.”

He further elaborated, “We’re looking for resilient, visionary founders who possess an unshakeable belief in their mission and the grit to execute on it. Our role is to be their trusted first partner on that journey.”

Waal-Montgomery brings extensive hands-on industry experience to the firm. He is a co-owner of Ellerton & Co. Public Relations, a Singapore-headquartered agency, a role he will continue to hold.

Also Read: The news wars: Will tech giants soon be coughing up big bucks for media content?

His investment philosophy has also been shaped by direct experience, including a family investment in Scoutbots, a Hong Kong-based ocean-cleaning hardware startup in 2015. Although that venture ultimately did not succeed, it provided a formative lesson. “That experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for business models that have a clear and rapid path to generating revenue and and positive cash flow,” he reflected.

Truelight Capital is actively seeking to connect with founders who are building the future of media.

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Disclaimer: De Waal-Montgomery is a former employee of e27.

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At Echelon Singapore 2025, this panel explored the future of urban mobility in Asia, emphasising the interplay between technology, regulation, and evolving consumer needs.

Speakers highlighted the potential of electric mobility as a lifestyle brand, underscoring how brand identity can drive adoption beyond functional benefits. They stressed the need for a forward-looking mindset that integrates diverse technologies into a unified, compelling narrative.

The discussion examined advances such as AI-powered dynamic routing algorithms and the strategic pivot from consumer-focused (B2C) to business-oriented (B2B) services.

Panelists also addressed the complexities of regulatory environments, noting the necessity of collaboration between innovators and policymakers to ensure both progress and public safety.

The conversation touched on the promise and challenges of autonomous vehicles, with calls for a balanced approach that prioritises innovation while safeguarding communities. Overall, the session offered a comprehensive view of the forces shaping mobility’s next chapter in Asia.

The post Echelon Singapore 2025 – Reimagining movement: The next wave of urban mobility in Asia appeared first on e27.

In a world of infinite content, it’s easy to believe the loudest person wins.

But after wrapping the second cast of my Speakers Society Accelerator, I’ve come to realise something else: It’s not about how much noise you make. It’s about how clearly your voice carries, and how smartly it scales.

Cast two: From pitch decks to presence

When I first designed the Accelerator, it was meant to balance both business and stage mastery. Cast one leaned more toward monetisation — how to pitch, position, and package your message into a scalable brand.

We focused on funnels, offers, and backend workflows — how to turn your story into revenue. And it worked. Participants from cast one went on to launch coaching programs, get booked for panels, and build lead magnets that brought in clients.

But cast two felt different. Smaller group. Different energy. The vibe wasn’t funnel-first – it was fear-first. People weren’t unsure of what to sell — they were unsure of how to speak.

So I adapted. I don’t teach like a robot. I read the room.

Same slides. Same framework. Completely different delivery.

What they needed wasn’t more strategy. They needed confidence. They needed space to experiment. They needed someone to tell them, “You’re not boring. You just need a better entry point.”

We spent more time on storytelling, vocal techniques, gestures, and even breathing. And the transformation wasn’t subtle. By the final three minute speeches, participants were commanding attention. No notes. No slides. No AI.

Just presence. It was the kind of change that stays with you, and yes, it was all caught on video.

AI is my co-founder, but I’m still the voice

I use AI every day. Seraphina AI, my digital twin, is part of nearly everything I build. My operations run on People’s Inc. 360 Unify, an integrated system that streamlines tasks like onboarding, follow-ups, feedback loops, and booking automation.

Let me break down how it works:

• Seraphina thinks. She replicates my tone, voice, responses, and structures. She’s not just a bot — she’s trained on how I think and speak.
• Unify does. All my workflows live here – onboarding forms, trigger-based emails, audience segmentation, calendar syncing.
• Pabbly connects. It pulls data from external platforms like WhatsApp, so everything talks to each other.

This setup lets me run a hybrid coaching and community program with real-time responsiveness, without being glued to a dashboard 24/7.

Also Read: Learn how this Echelon speaker got his startup acquired by Grab

But let me be clear: I’m not a GPT speaker-trainer.

I don’t recite scripts. I don’t run slide decks with pre-recorded templates.

I coach from lived experience — the mistakes I made, the pivots I took, the way my voice changed when I stopped hiding behind copywriting and started speaking.

AI can help scale a message. But it cannot replace the clarity or emotional intelligence of someone who has been there.

And it certainly cannot read the room.

You can’t automate what you don’t understand

One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve seen, especially from creators entering the speaker space, is the belief that automation is the shortcut to growth.

But here’s what I often remind people: You can’t automate what you don’t understand.

That’s why I encourage everyone to do it manually, at least once.

Write the welcome email yourself. Schedule the first few posts manually. Follow up with your first five leads personally.
Because once you feel the friction, you’ll know what to systemise. And more importantly, what not to.

This is the quiet power of automation: It gives you back time, but only if you know how to use it wisely.

Otherwise, you’re just automating overwhelm.

The myth of “attract, don’t chase”

Let’s address something that’s been floating around in the content-creator-turned-coach world: The idea that you should “only attract, never chase.”

I get where it comes from — positioning is powerful. But here’s the reality: Founders chase KPIs all the time. We do outreach. We build pipelines. We run ads. We follow up.

Also Read: As the creator economy matures, it’s time to build for speakers

There’s a Chinese proverb — 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù) — about a farmer who waits by a tree stump, hoping another rabbit will run into it like one did before. He waits and waits… and nothing comes.

The lesson? If you only wait, nothing happens.

So yes, attract — build your brand, create your content. But also: Offer. Pitch. Follow up. Speak.

Because the real secret is this: Speaking does both. It attracts and closes. A great talk turns passive listeners into active leads, especially when it’s followed up with structure and intention.

Structure meets confidence — that’s the unlock

Most people don’t lack value. They lack structure.

We’ve been taught how to write. We haven’t been taught how to speak, at least not in a way that moves people.

I use a simple structure: Hook, bridge, core, CTA. It’s flexible enough to work on panels, webinars, reels, even TikToks but powerful enough to keep your message grounded.

In cast two, we layered this with confidence drills. Mirror work. Vocal warm-ups. Reframing beliefs like “I’m not good at public speaking” into “I haven’t trained this skill… yet.”

By the end, students didn’t just sound better — they felt better.

Confidence isn’t loud. Confidence is grounded. Confidence knows the message, the moment, and the meaning.

What the new growth playbook really looks like

We’re seeing a shift in what “growth” means in 2025. It’s not just follower count or reel reach.

It’s:

• Knowing your signature message.
• Building a replicable structure for sharing.
• Using AI to free up energy, not replace effort.
• Creating assets that compound, like talks, not just threads.

You don’t need to go viral. You need to be valuable consistently.

That’s what voice gives you. That’s what speaking builds.

Also Read: Speaking before you scale: Your voice is your most powerful asset

What I’m exploring next

As I prepare for the next round, the focus is sharpening:

• How can we balance authenticity and automation?
• Can storytelling frameworks be taught and systemised?
• What happens when a founder learns to sell on stage, before they scale online?

These are the questions I’m exploring with every cohort, every iteration. And here’s what I’m learning: You don’t need a million followers. I don’t have a million followers. Neither does Kelly. Nor Ben.

But we’ve spoken. We’ve sold. We’ve scaled. You don’t need mass. You need momentum. You don’t need virality. You need a voice.

If you’re building something — a movement, a message, a business — and you feel your voice hasn’t caught up with your vision yet, that’s the space I’m exploring next.

Because your voice might just be your next growth lever.

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The post The automated speaker: Why voice, not volume, is the next growth lever appeared first on e27.