An estimated five per cent of the global adult population suffers from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a progressive form of fatty liver disease that often goes undetected until it’s too late. MASH (formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), is the advanced stage of what used to be known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), which is caused by fat buildup in the liver that leads to inflammation and scarring — and if left untreated, it can quietly progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even cancer.

Despite its severity, over 90 per cent of MASH cases are undiagnosed. Not because the condition is rare, but because it rarely causes symptoms early on. As a result, MASH has become one of the largest undetected health burdens, costing over US$125 billion in the United States alone annually, with that figure projected to double by 2040.

This is not just a clinical issue. It’s an infrastructure issue. We’ve lacked the tools to screen early, easily, and at scale. But that’s beginning to change.

You can’t treat what you can’t find

For years, the field of liver disease faced a frustrating paradox: growing prevalence, but limited treatment options. That’s no longer the case. After decades of stalled progress, the first FDA-approved drug for MASH arrived in 2024. Five more therapies are expected within the next three years.

This is a watershed moment — but it comes with a new challenge. Treatment is no longer the bottleneck. Diagnostics is.

You can’t prescribe these new therapies if you don’t know who needs them. Yet today, MASH is diagnosed through inaccurate tests, costly imaging, or worse, liver biopsies — invasive procedures that are painful, expensive, and inaccessible for routine use. More than 50 million Americans already meet the criteria for screening, yet there’s no scalable way to identify them.

To unlock the potential of these new treatments, we need to reimagine how — and where — diagnosis happens.

Also Read: Decoding digital preferences: A glimpse into the future of health tech ecosystem in SEA

The AI opportunity in diagnostics

Recent advances in AI and genomics are finally giving us the tools to tackle MASH detection at scale. One of the most promising approaches is liquid biopsy — analysing biomarkers in blood to identify early molecular signs of disease. When paired with machine learning models, this allows us to capture complex biological signals without relying on invasive or expensive procedures like liver biopsies or MR elastography.

This kind of AI-powered screening could fundamentally shift how we approach chronic liver disease — making detection earlier, more accurate, and more affordable. If we want to intervene before irreversible damage occurs, tools like these need to become part of routine clinical workflows.

Why teams matter in diagnostic innovation

Progress in diagnostics doesn’t happen in isolation. It builds on decades of work in genomics, clinical research, and computational biology. Some of the most meaningful advances in this space have come from cross-disciplinary teams — researchers, engineers, and clinicians working side by side to ensure new technologies serve real-world needs.

This collaboration is especially critical in liver disease, where the biology is nuanced and early signals are often subtle. Partnering closely with hepatologists and researchers ensures that emerging diagnostic tools are not just accurate in the lab, but useful in the clinic.

Why early-stage capital matters

Breakthroughs in diagnostics often come from new entrants — startups willing to take on high technical risk in exchange for meaningful clinical impact. But getting from concept to clinic requires more than science. It requires conviction from investors who understand the long timelines and regulatory hurdles in healthcare innovation.

Early-stage funds with a focus on deep tech and biotech can play a catalytic role here — helping young companies refine their direction, access expert networks, and stay focused on patient outcomes over short-term optics. In fields like liver disease, where diagnostic innovation is urgently needed, this kind of early backing isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.

From detection to full care pathway

While the current focus is on screening, the opportunity in diagnostics doesn’t stop there. The same technologies that flag patients early could also help tailor treatments — supporting therapy selection, monitoring disease progression, and eventually enabling companion diagnostics (CDx) that match the right patient to the right therapy.

Building high-quality, deeply annotated datasets will also be critical. With better data, we can accelerate drug development not only for MASH, but for other diseases with similar diagnostic challenges.

Also Read: The most-funded healthtech startups in Southeast Asia: A decade in review

It’s the same strategy we’ve seen transform oncology: precision diagnostics fuelling targeted therapies. Now, that same precision is coming to liver disease — deliberately, from day one.

A future where diagnostics are foundational

At its core, the mission is simple: make preventative diagnostics as routine and reliable as getting your blood pressure checked.

Because the truth is, the science is here. The therapies are here. But until we make early detection easy, accessible, and scalable, most patients won’t benefit.

AI won’t replace doctors. But it can help them find disease earlier and provide clinically actionable insights — and give patients a fighting chance before symptoms ever show up.

That’s not a moonshot. That’s just good medicine.

—

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.

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Unlimited paid time off (PTO) appeals to startup owners because it shows your team you trust them to manage their time responsibly. Instead of tracking hours, you focus on results and well-being, which helps build loyalty and drive performance.

More businesses across Asia are exploring this approach as they compete to attract and keep talented people in a dynamic market. Offering true flexibility sends a clear message that your company values its people, and that can set you apart.

Common challenges startups face with unlimited PTO

Unlimited PTO sounds like the perfect perk, but implementing it isn’t always easy. If you’re not careful, this well-meaning policy can create confusion, stress and operational headaches.

• Unclear expectations around usage

When you offer unlimited PTO, your organisation may struggle to determine what “reasonable” time off means. Without clear guidelines, some employees might take less leave than they need. Meanwhile, others could take more, leading to friction across teams. This is especially tricky in Southeast Asia, where workers are used to around 10 days off a year — much less than the 20 or more common in European countries. Setting expectations early makes unlimited leave work for everyone.

• Perceived inequity between team members

With unlimited PTO, your high-performance or junior staff might hesitate to take time off because they don’t want to seem less dedicated or ambitious. Some roles in your company naturally offer more flexibility than others, which can create tension if certain employees feel they can’t step away as easily. Without clear guidance and support, this can lead to burnout, frustration and a culture where people feel guilty about using the benefit you’re offering. Create a fair, open environment where everyone feels encouraged to take the necessary time.

• Operational and security gaps in remote setups

Unlimited PTO often comes hand in hand with a remote setup. However, it creates extra challenges for your IT team. It can be tough to maintain consistent security controls when key people are away, which opens the door to risks you don’t want. Your organisation may struggle to enforce protocols or respond quickly if something goes wrong. Strengthen your security processes and ensure you have backups before issues arise.

Also Read: Cracking the code: Key traction metrics early stage investors seek in startups

• Burnout from underutilisation

When you offer unlimited PTO, you might think your workers will feel free to take more breaks, but often the opposite happens. Without set entitlements, many employees actually take less leave because they worry about looking less committed or falling behind. This is a real risk in places like the Philippines, where burnout was the highest in the region at 70.71 per cent in 2022. Encourage your team to take the necessary time and show them that rest is part of doing great work.

Tips for a fair and effective unlimited PTO policy

Unlimited PTO can be a powerful way to support your organisation and build a high-trust culture, but it needs structure to work well. Here are some tips to help you create an ideal policy for your business.

• Create clear guidelines on notice periods and coverage

Clear guidelines protect flexibility and business needs. Ensure your leave request process helps your team plan time off without hurting collaboration on project deadlines. It’s smart to have your managers plan their own leave first so they can set a good example and plot blackout periods during critical times. This way, you keep operations running smoothly while allowing everyone to take the necessary time.

• Train managers on fair leave practices

Equip your leaders to support fair and responsible leave use. Train your managers to watch for signs that some members might be overworking or holding back from taking time off. When management encourages balance and models good habits, your employees will feel safer and more confident using their leave without guilt or worry. This helps build a healthier, more positive work culture that benefits everyone.

• Set a baseline minimum leave

With unlimited PTO, it’s practical to encourage your team to take at least a certain number of days off each year to support their well-being. This helps prevent burnout and keeps everyone feeling motivated and refreshed. You’ll also align your business with a growing trend across the region. In fact, 87 per cent of Asia Pacific organisations have at least one well-being initiative, and 83 per cent already have a formal strategy. When you promote rest as part of your culture, you show people that you value their health just as much as their performance.

Also Read: The taste of innovation: Southeast Asia’s emerging F&B tech startups to watch

• Communicate cultural alignment

It’s crucial to frame unlimited PTO to fit local values and work habits so your team feels comfortable using it. In many Asian workplaces, people are used to fixed entitlements. They may worry about looking irresponsible or selfish if they take too much leave. Linking unlimited PTO to shared values like teamwork, respect and long-term well-being can help your company see it as a way to support personal growth and business success.

Why unlimited PTO needs careful planning to succeed

Unlimited PTO can help you build loyalty, boost productivity and support your team’s well-being. However, to see these benefits, you need to roll it out thoughtfully and with a clear structure.

Treat it as part of creating a sustainable, high-trust culture that helps your business and your people thrive.

—

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.

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Global risk sentiment has cooled recently, and the reasons are pretty clear. Investors are getting nervous about an overheated market, a phrase that surfaces when asset prices surge quickly, sometimes too quickly, sparking fears of a looming correction. After a robust rally across multiple markets, many are opting to lock in gains rather than push their luck.

This shift is evident in the US stock markets, which ended mixed overnight. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1 per cent, the Dow Jones dropped 0.5 per cent, while the Nasdaq climbed 0.4 per cent. To me, this divergence paints a picture: tech enthusiasts are still betting big, but other sectors are retreating, hinting at wider unease. It feels like a party where some are still grooving, yet others are inching toward the door.

Meanwhile, the Bank of England made waves on Thursday, trimming interest rates by 25 basis points to four per cent. The decision squeaked through with a 5-to-4 vote, underscoring the economic tightrope they’re walking. Governor Bailey shed some light, suggesting borrowing costs could keep drifting down since inflation might not linger.

However, he tempered that with a warning, noting the next cut’s timing remains up in the air. I see this as the BOE’s balancing act, supporting growth without rekindling inflation. For markets, this blend of decisiveness and hesitation adds complexity. Investors crave certainty, and Bailey’s cautious tone likely didn’t soothe many jitters.

US treasuries and the dollar’s dance

In the bond world, US Treasuries stumbled on Thursday after a tepid 30-year auction. Lackluster demand drove yields higher across the curve: the 30-year yield edged up 0.6 basis points to 4.826 per cent, the 2-year yield rose 1.4 basis points to 3.728 per cent, and the 10-year yield increased 1.2 basis points to 4.250 per cent.

What’s triggering this sell-off? I’d argue it’s investors reassessing their positions. Weak demand for long-term bonds often signals worries about future inflation or doubts about growth. People want more yield to commit their cash, and that ripples outward. This ties into those overheated market concerns, suggesting some are gearing up for turbulence.

Also Read: Trump’s policy effect: From semiconductors to Bitcoin, how government moves are shaping markets

The US Dollar Index throws in a curveball. It held steady on Thursday but dipped again on Friday, marking six straight sessions of losses, the longest streak since March 2024. A softening dollar stands out because it cuts both ways. It can boost US exports and pad corporate profits, yet it also hints at waning global faith, perhaps a drift from dollar assets. Combined with the Treasury sell-off, I wonder if investors are hunting for safer or juicier returns elsewhere.

Gold, oil, and Asian markets

Commodities offer their own narrative. Gold rose 0.8 per cent to US$3,396 per ounce, capitalising on the dollar’s slide. It’s a textbook play, when the dollar weakens, gold steps up as a safe haven. I view this as investors playing defence amid the uncertainty clouding stocks and bonds.

On the flip side, Brent crude fell 0.7 per cent to US$66.43 per barrel. Traders appear to be on edge, awaiting a Trump-Putin meeting. Given Russia’s oil clout, any news there could jolt supply and prices. I’d bet this dip is more about anticipation than a demand shift.

Asian stock markets sparked some optimism, ticking up at Friday’s open. US equity futures also hinted at a firmer stateside start. After Wall Street’s mixed cues, this feels like a cautious bounce. It suggests some are wading back in, perhaps thinking the profit-taking has peaked or that moves, like the BOE’s cut, might stabilise things. Still, it’s too early to call it a turnaround, more like a breather.

Bitcoin’s moment in the spotlight

Now, let’s focus on Bitcoin, which surged 1.87 per cent to US$116,731 in the last 24 hours, outpacing the broader crypto market’s 3.27 per cent gain. That’s a notable leap, and I think three key factors are at play: US policy shifts, corporate strategies, and technical signals. Let’s unpack them.

• US policy tailwinds

US policy is shaking things up. Trump’s push to allow crypto in 401(k) accounts is ambitious. If it happens, it could tap into US$9 trillion in retirement funds for crypto. That’s massive, and it’s got institutions buzzing. Picture millions funnelling retirement savings into Bitcoin, and it’s a demand explosion. There’s also a draft executive order aiming to prevent banks from freezing out crypto firms.

Regulatory murkiness and banking woes have long hampered crypto’s mainstream rise, so this could open the floodgates for institutional cash. Plus, the GENIUS Act, targeting stablecoin rules, is on my radar. If it passes, it could bolster crypto stability. To me, these moves scream institutional green light, and Bitcoin’s price reflects that hope.

• Corporate Bitcoin strategies

Companies are diving in deep. Cipher Mining has launched new Texas facilities, achieving a 16.8 EH/s capacity and holding US$112 million in Bitcoin. That stash strengthens the network and shrinks supply. Less Bitcoin floating around with steady or rising demand typically lifts prices.

Also Read: What’s shaping the markets right now: AI hype, Bitcoin’s calm, and the Fed’s next move

Then there’s WiMi, a Nasdaq firm, pouring US$212 million into Bitcoin derivatives and short-term crypto bets. That’s not just hodling, it’s a calculated play, showing corporates are embracing crypto strategically. This is Bitcoin maturing from a fringe asset to a balance-sheet staple, a bullish sign.

• Technical breakout setup

The charts are buzzing too. Bitcoin’s been forming a bullish flag since peaking at US$123,000 in July, a sharp rise followed by a consolidation, hinting at another jump. Support is solid at the 50-day moving average of US$113,154, a level traders obsess over.

Breaking US$117,350 could target that US$123,000 high again. The RSI at 56.55 suggests room to climb, though the MACD at -444.94 flashes bearish caution. I think it’s a toss-up: a breakout could ignite a rally, but a drop below US$113,000 might spark a pullback. Traders are likely salivating over the possibilities.

My point of view

So, what’s my take? The global market’s in an odd place, edgy but not collapsing. Profit-taking and the Treasury sell-off signal hedging, not a mass exodus. The BOE’s cut and Bailey’s wariness fit a world where inflation lingers like a stubborn guest. Gold’s rise and the dollar’s dip are classic safe plays, while oil’s drop feels like geopolitical suspense. Asian markets and US futures show grit, but I’d need more to call it a trend.

Bitcoin’s the one I can’t shake. Those US policy shifts could rewrite the game, drawing in big money like never before. Corporate moves from Cipher and WiMi reinforce that heavyweights are buying in. The technicals are tantalising, poised for a move, but direction’s unclear.

I’m bullish long-term, the fundamentals are compelling, yet I’d urge traders to watch those levels closely. We’re at a junction where macro nerves collide with crypto’s breakout shot. My hunch is Bitcoin’s got staying power, but the broader market’s still sorting itself out. Stay sharp.

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Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) summoned Nadiem Makarim, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s evolving relationship with tech leadership and public accountability.

Once hailed as a reformist figure for modernising education through digital platforms during the COVID-19 crisis, Makarim now finds himself at the centre of a high-profile probe into the procurement of Google Cloud services under his watch as Education Minister.

While the investigation remains ongoing, its focus on top-level decision-making during a period of urgent digital transformation highlights a growing tension: how do governments balance speed and transparency in emergency tech deployments? The cloud services in question were instrumental during remote learning–a critical lifeline for millions of students. Yet, the integrity of the process behind their adoption must stand up to scrutiny.

Makarim’s appearance, accompanied by flamboyant lawyer Hotman Paris, underscores the case’s gravity and public interest. As the KPK deepens its inquiry, especially in parallel with the Attorney General’s investigation into Chromebook procurement, this episode raises pressing questions about oversight in public-private tech partnerships.

Accountability shouldn’t deter innovation, but it must guide it. The outcomes of these probes will set crucial precedents not just for Indonesia, but for any country navigating digital governance in crisis.

REGIONAL

Gojek founder summoned over Google Cloud procurement
Gojek and former Indonesian education minister Nadiem Makarim was summoned to provide information as part of an ongoing investigation into the procurement of Google Cloud services by the ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEA startup funding plunges to US$68M in July 2025, down over 75% YoY
The US$68M raised is remarkably lower than the funding secured in July 2024, registering a 76.71% decrease | When compared to the previous month (June 2025), the slowdown was 77.10%.

Indosat launches AI scam filter to combat fraud
The system operates automatically and in real time, filtering suspicious messages and calls, and alerting customers to potential scams | It is accessible to all users, regardless of device or location.

60 global startups to compete for US$2M prize at LKYGBPC grand finals
Finalists from 91 countries will showcase breakthrough innovations in sustainability, mobility, and deeptech during the week-long competition.

Airtree closes US$425M Fund V to back ANZ startups
Airetree’s Fund V has allocated US$165M to early-stage investing and US$260 million to growth-stage companies | It has a portfolio of 120+ companies, including Canva, Airwallex, and Employment Hero.

Truelight Capital launches angel fund to back early-stage media startups
The firm will write cheques at the angel, pre-seed, and seed stages | The launch arrives at a pivotal moment for the media sector, which is undergoing significant changes driven by the rapid emergence of AI.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

63% of Vietnam’s students use AI, but concerns linger over misinformation, ethics
The primary purpose for AI use among Vietnamese students is homework, accounting for 48% of usage, followed by language help (17%), searching or surfing (12%), and even creating videos or photos for fun (8%).

Using AI without misusing it: Indian students show strong ethics despite misinformation gaps
Only 13% of Indian students always fact-check AI-generated answers, while 42% do so sometimes, 20% rarely, and 25% never fact-check. This suggests a potential vulnerability to misinformation from AI tools.

nVentures finds early success backing overlooked founders in South Asia, SEA
It invests small cheques of US$100,000 to US$250,000 each in up to 15 startups | Focus ares are B2B fintech, SaaS for MSMEs, edutech, and digital health.

Closing the protection gap: LeapFrog’s insurance-first strategy for financial inclusion
Among the various services LeapFrog facilitates, insurance holds a special place. Rather than viewing insurance as a standalone product, Lima frames it as a foundational enabler especially when embedded at the point of sale.

Sebastian Tai Jian Haw on growth, reinvention, and showing up real
Sebastian Tai Jian Haw reflects on a career shaped by reinvention offering lessons in leadership, digital growth and purposeful transformation.

ECHELON SINGAPORE

The next chapter: Strengthening Indonesia’s startup ecosystem for long-term growth
The conversation traced key phases, from the B2C boom following 2011 to the disruptions of COVID-19 and ongoing challenges such as fraud.

Reimagining movement: The next wave of urban mobility in Asia
The conversation touched on the promise and challenges of autonomous vehicles, calls for a balanced approach that prioritises mobility innovation.

INTERNATIONAL

Google denies AI search is killing website traffic
The website traffic from its search engine has remained stable year-on-year, according to Liz Reid, Google’s VP and head of search | The average click quality has also seen a slight increase.

HK stablecoin bill raises concerns over client identity rules
The ordinance introduces mandatory KYC checks for every stablecoin holder, a requirement that some in the cryptocurrency sector say could deter adoption and impact the city’s position as a digital finance hub.

SoftBank swings to profit on Nvidia bet ahead of AI push
SoftBank saw profits from its Vision Fund reach US$3B, driven by gains in holdings such as Nvidia and Coupang | The Japanese firm increased its Nvidia stake to over US$3B as of end-March 2025, benefiting from a 46% rise in the chipmaker’s shares during the quarter.

GPT-5 arrives: faster, smarter, and with fewer hallucinations
ChatGPT’s reasoning, coding, and creative writing skills are all expected to see major improvements in GPT-5 | According to Sam Altman, while GPT-3 performed like a high school student and GPT-4 like a “smart college student,” GPT-5 is now at “Ph.D. level.”

China aims for brain-computer interface firms to rival Neuralink
China has announced policies to develop the brain-computer interface (BCI) sector and compete globally | The policy targets creating two to three globally competitive BCI companies by 2030, without naming specific firms.

Elon Musk says X plans to introduce ads in Grok’s responses
Musk told advertisers that X would allow marketers to pay to appear in suggestions from the AI chatbot | He also plans to use tech from xAI, his AI startup, to improve the targeting of ads on the social network.

Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper sues Perplexity for copyright violation
Yomiuri claims Perplexity accessed about 120,000 of its articles between February and June 2024 | The lawsuit seeks to stop Perplexity from using the content and requests over US$14.2M in damages.

Animoca, asset tokenisation firm Provenance to launch marketplace
Nuva, a marketplace for tokenised real-world assets, will offer investment products from various issuers, including institutional-grade vaults backed by Figure Technologies’ stablecoin and home equity loans.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Trump urges Intel CEO to resign over China ties
Lip-Bu Tan, who became Intel’s CEO in March 2025, has faced scrutiny for past investments in businesses linked to China’s military, concerns also raised in a letter from Republican Senator Tom Cotton to Intel’s board.

Nvidia defends AI chip security over Chinese cyber probe
Nvidia has denied allegations of security vulnerabilities in its AI processors following an inquiry by the Cyberspace Administration of China into its H20 GPUs | The firm said its chips do not contain back doors, kill switches, or spyware.

TSMC shares rise as Taiwan confirms tariff exemption
TSMC recently announced plans to invest an additional US$100B in US operations, including new facilities in Arizona, bringing its total US investment to US$165B.

US chipmaker Microchip Q1 hits US$1.1B, beats estimates
PC and smartphone makers accelerated shipments in H1 2025 amid widespread macroeconomic uncertainty spurred by the tariff war | This helped demand for Microchip’s products in the period.

AI

AI is reshaping digital infrastructure for a sustainable future, but disparity in adoption persists
By adopting strategic AI implementations, organisations can maximise AI’s potential while mitigating its associated challenges.

AI can’t replace doctors, but it can catch disease before they do
MASH remains widely undiagnosed despite new therapies, highlighting the urgent need for scalable, AI-powered diagnostic innovation.

AI meets IP: Why Singapore is the launchpad for AI-driven startups
Singapore offers AI startups a global edge with strong IP protection, strategic incentives, and infrastructure for scaling innovation.

AI infrastructure: The unsung hero of technological innovation
While people eagerly discuss AI applications and ethics, the infrastructure supporting AI development is often overlooked | In fact, without a solid infrastructure, even the most advanced AI technology cannot truly play its role.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Trump’s policy effect: From semiconductors to Bitcoin, how govt. moves are shaping markets
A US semiconductor levy boosts tech stocks while Bitcoin rebounds on ETF inflows, amid rate cuts, market volatility, and global shifts.

Vietnam’s unseen legal goldmine: Bridging the trust chasm for a billion-dollar opportunity
Vietnam’s foreign legal market reveals a trust gap, where small Korean-run firms outperform Tier-1 giants by bridging culture, not just law.

From perk to power: Rethinking ESOPs in the modern talent economy
Equity is emerging as the cornerstone of startup culture in Southeast Asia and India, with ESOPs reshaping talent alignment and trust | In 2025, the battle for talent is no longer just about salary; it’s about ownership.

From fear to freedom: Designing fintech products for the financially anxious customer
Fintech apps must overcome user anxiety in emerging markets by designing for clarity, cultural context, and emotional reassurance.

Building a better future: How sustainable architecture is leading the way for the built environment
The built environment sector is expected to focus increasingly on sustainable architecture as environmental concerns continue to grow.

From idea to reality: Why an MVP is essential before full-scale development
An MVP is a stripped-down version of a product that includes only its core functionalities | It helps identify opportunities and challenges, minimise risks, and ensure the final product meets your audience’s needs.

Powering Southeast Asia’s growth through impact capital
Social enterprises are often the best investment as they usually leverage technologies to enhance their operations and impact | Technologies can enable these mission-led organisations to solve problems at scale.

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Omni HR, a SaaS-based employee management platform based in Singapore, has acquired MajuHR, a local HR software company, for an undisclosed sum.

This strategic move marks Omni HR’s first acquisition.

The integration of MajuHR’s “chat-native DNA” with Omni HR’s multi-country capabilities is expected to deliver more intuitive HR experiences, specifically tailored to contemporary Asian teams’ operations.

Following the acquisition, MajuHR’s existing customer base will transition to Omni HR’s platform.

Also Read: How Remote is pioneering global talent management and the future of work

Founded in 2021, Omni HR provides cloud-based HR and payroll solutions across more than 15 Asian markets, offering automated workflows alongside essential local compliance capabilities. The company’s expansion, fuelled by a US$7.4 million funding round in 2024, laid the groundwork for this acquisition.

Omni HR has secured US$9.8 million in funding to date from leading investors, including Picus Capital and Alpha JWC Ventures.

Brian Ip, Founder and CEO of Omni HR, stated: “At Omni HR, our focus has always been on bringing automation and flexible workflows to modern teams operating across borders in Asia. The acquisition of MajuHR allows us to deepen our product capabilities and broaden our client portfolio.”

Founded by Charlie Angriawan and Roshan Ravishankar, MajuHR provides omnichannel-native HR software that enables employees to manage HR tasks, such as requesting time off or checking payslips, directly through simple WhatsApp messages – a common communication method for many Asian teams. The company said it has served thousands across Southeast Asia with its full-suite HR platform through consumer chat applications.

Also Read: Are you a human resource?

Omni HR has outlined plans to continue investing in deeper localisation efforts. The company is also actively exploring additional partnerships and product extensions better to serve the expanding mid-market and enterprise clients across Asia.

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