When I started working on HeroX, my goal was simple: use technology to reach people who are often left behind. Not just to digitise an experience or make something “smarter,” but to ensure those at the margins, especially the elderly, the disabled, and those without consistent access to care, will have their needs seen, heard, and met. What I’ve learned early on is this: if your tech isn’t built for the most vulnerable, it isn’t built to last.

Building for those left behind

One of the first communities we tried to serve was a group of elderly residents in a public housing estate in Singapore. Many of them lived alone. Some had mobility issues, others were struggling with loneliness or health conditions. Their children often lived far away, and access to regular care was inconsistent. We thought, at the time, that a mobile-first approach could work like simple check-in tools, appointment reminders, wellness prompts. We imagined sleek user flows and smart backend systems.

What we didn’t account for was this. Most of them didn’t use smartphones. They had phones but had never opened an app store. Our idea, though well-intentioned, was built for convenience, not context. And that mistake taught us more than any user survey ever could.

The shift to a hybrid model

So we went back. We spent time on the ground. We walked the corridors. We listened. We learned that many of them trusted the people who delivered food or medicine more than they trusted tech. That human interaction, even brief, was a lifeline. That’s when the idea for a hybrid tech-human model began to take shape. HeroX evolved to focus on a last-mile service and wellness platform that used real community-based agents, powered by tech, not replaced by it.

Also Read: Inclusion starts at the top: Why listening beats moving fast in Southeast Asia

We used a decentralised logistics system where delivery partners second as wellness checkers. These weren’t just gig workers. They were neighbours, caregivers, and volunteers. The app they used had to be simple, localised, and intuitive, but the service they provided had to feel deeply personal. That’s what worked. And not because it was technically advanced, but because it was emotionally attuned.

Why inclusive design matters

This is why inclusive design matters not as a buzzword, but as a non-negotiable starting point. The real challenge in health, education, and agriculture isn’t just infrastructure. It’s accessibility. It’s cultural fit. It’s trust. If we build in a silo designing for what’s fast, scalable, or VC-friendly, we risk creating beautifully engineered systems that don’t land where they’re needed most.

In Southeast Asia, where socio-economic divides are vast and digital literacy varies widely, tech must do more than perform. It must translate. This means design choices can’t be made in boardrooms alone. They have to be shaped by fieldwork, community dialogue, and, sometimes, failure.

Inclusive design isn’t a feature, it’s a philosophy. It asks, who’s being left out? What assumptions are we making? And are we building solutions for real needs or for ideal users who only exist on pitch decks?

Redefining inclusion as a process

For HeroX, inclusion meant slowing down. It meant building trust before features. It meant asking residents if they preferred reminders via phone call, text, or a knock on the door. It meant testing interfaces with caregivers who only had one hand free. It meant letting community delivery agents co-design their onboarding experience. And it meant being okay with the reality that not all tech has to look cutting-edge to be life-changing.

Also Read: Why diversity and inclusion are key for startups to succeed in the Philippines

Sometimes the most “transformative” thing isn’t what you build, it’s how you choose to build it, and with whom.

The true test of tech for good

I still don’t think we’ve gotten it perfectly right. But I know we’re closer to the mark because we’ve made inclusion not just a value, but a process. It shapes how we recruit, how we test, how we scale. It’s not always efficient. But it’s effective.

So here’s what I’m still holding onto as we continue to build in this space. Great tech doesn’t just serve users, it respects them. And respect looks like asking, listening, adapting, and co-creating.

If you’re building something, ask yourself this. Are you designing for the person with the newest iPhone and fastest Wi-Fi? Or are you designing for the mother of three with one prepaid phone and an unstable signal? One will give you early traction. The other will give you a lasting impact.

Because at the end of the day, the true test of tech for good isn’t just how advanced it is but how far it reaches, and who it brings along with it.

—

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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A new survey reveals that Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are grappling with significant operational inefficiencies, with a staggering three-quarters (75 per cent) identifying financial reconciliation as a major pain point.

This challenge is a direct result of a fragmented digital ecosystem, which is pushing most businesses to seek new software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions and driving demand for integrated platforms with robust reporting capabilities.

Also Read: From hesitation to action: How SMEs in Southeast Asia can start AI adoption

The report, commissioned by Adyen (an end-to-end payments, data, and financial management platform), shows that while digitalisation is now a business baseline, many SMEs struggle to manage it efficiently. Although 64 per cent of SMEs rely on SaaS platforms, many use a patchwork of different tools, leading to data silos and complex workflows.

Nearly half (49 per cent) of platform users rely on more than one SaaS platform for reconciliation alone, with 24 per cent using two platforms and 15 per cent using three.

Reconciliation woes cost time and efficiency

The burden of reconciling payments is not felt equally. The problem escalates significantly with business size, affecting 87.5 per cent of medium-sized businesses (20-199 employees) compared to 67 per cent of small businesses (1-19 employees). The issue is most acute in the retail sector, where 81 per cent of SMEs report it as a major challenge, followed by hospitality and tourism at 73 per cent.

This operational friction translates into lost time. Singaporean SMEs spend an average of six hours weekly on accounting and payment reconciliation. This time commitment increases with company size, as medium-sized businesses dedicate seven hours weekly to accounting, two hours more than the five hours spent by small businesses.

Dissatisfaction fuels search for new platforms

This widespread inefficiency is causing high levels of dissatisfaction. The survey found that only 23 per cent of SME decision-makers are happy with their current SaaS platform and are not considering a change. The primary motivation for the majority who are open to switching is a desire for better tools to manage financial complexity.

The top reason for switching platforms, cited by 36 per cent of SMEs, is the need for better consolidated reporting. This feature is particularly crucial for medium-sized businesses, with 67 per cent ranking it as a key reason to switch, compared to 50 per cent of small businesses. Other significant drivers for switching include:

• More payment method options (15 per cent), crucial for meeting customer preferences.
• Better business lending options (14 per cent), which help manage cash flow and fund growth.
• Improved risk management tools (12 per cent) to protect against fraud and ensure compliance.

Industry needs shape tech priorities

Different sectors prioritise different platform features based on their unique operational demands. While consolidated reporting is the most important feature for 60 per cent of health, beauty, and wellness businesses, the retail sector places a higher value on adding new payment methods (39 per cent).

Also Read: AI adoption is an area of maturity for SMEs, but they have advantage over big corporations: Aicadium’s Robert Young

Meanwhile, the hospitality and tourism industry, exposed to risks like ticket scalping, prioritises risk management more than other sectors, with 33 per cent citing it as most important.

Investment in integrated solutions on the rise

Looking ahead, a vast majority of SMEs recognise the value of investing in better technology. About 72 per cent of local SMEs plan to invest in more SaaS solutions over the next 12 months to optimise their performance. Again, medium-sized businesses are leading this trend, with 88 per cent planning to increase their investment compared to 61 per cent of small businesses.

 

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A2D Ventures backs US AI startup LineWise’s US$1.1M funding
LineWise, a US-based artificial intelligence firm creating a “virtual engineer” for manufacturers, has raised US$1.1 million in pre-seed funding.

The round saw participation from renowned accelerator Y Combinator, Southeast Asia’s angel syndicate A2D Ventures, Exitfund, REMUS Capital, SBXi Fund, and Team Ignite Ventures.

With the new capital, LineWise plans to expand its operations across North America and Asia, scale its AI engineering team, and enhance its platform’s capabilities for defect prevention and troubleshooting, with an initial focus on can-making and packaging lines.

Also Read: Empowering early-stage startups with A2D Ventures

LineWise was founded by CEO Tanachart (James) Kujareevanich, an MIT MBA and former McKinsey consultant; CTO Zhichu Ren, an MIT PhD who developed autonomous robotics for materials research; and CPO Wenbo Zhang, an MSE in AI & Robotics from the University of Pennsylvania’s GRASP Lab.

The startup’s mission is to tackle two of the most significant and costly challenges in the manufacturing sector: unplanned factory downtime and yield loss resulting from product defects.

Factory stoppages cost manufacturers upwards of US$100,000 per hour, creating significant ripple effects throughout production and supply chains. Simultaneously, defects on high-speed lines–such as wrinkles, leakers, or false seams in canning and packaging–lead to wasted materials, downstream process strain, and expensive rework.

LineWise addresses these issues with a multi-agent AI system designed to operate as a 24/7 engineer. The platform is trained to think like experienced process and maintenance engineers by ingesting vast amounts of data, including sensor readings, event logs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manuals, and records of past fixes.

This enables it to provide rapid root-cause analysis and step-by-step troubleshooting instructions, reducing the need to wait for senior engineers to manually analyse problems.

“Every minute of uptime and every defect-free unit matters,” said James Kujareevanich, CEO of LineWise. “With this funding, we’re scaling our platform so every factory has a 24/7 AI engineer–cutting losses, protecting yields, and freeing teams to focus on innovation instead of firefighting.”

Also Read: Beyond the buzz: How AI and sustainability are reshaping design, manufacturing, and construction in APAC

LineWise has secured five paid pilot programmes with large manufacturers, including NASDAQ-listed industry leaders in packaging, food and beverage, and consumer electronics. It claims that early deployments have demonstrated measurable reductions in downtime and defect-related yield loss, proving a return on investment within weeks.

The startup’s long-term vision is to become the core industrial AI backbone for manufacturers adapting to Industry 4.0.

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Economists projected a modest addition of 75,000 jobs, barely edging out the 73,000 from July, with whispers of a downward revision to the prior month’s figures adding an extra layer of uncertainty. This report carried significant weight, as it could sway the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates later in the month, especially amid signs of a cooling labour market.

Initial jobless claims surged to 237,000 for the week ending August 30, marking the highest level since June and underscoring a gradual softening in employment trends. Traders positioned themselves defensively, knowing that a weak print might fuel expectations for aggressive rate cuts. At the same time, a stronger-than-expected number could dampen hopes for monetary easing and pressure risk assets.

US equities managed a solid rebound on September 4, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.8 per cent to close at a fresh record high of around 6,506 points, buoyed by robust July services activity data that exceeded forecasts. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.0 per cent, reflecting renewed enthusiasm in technology stocks, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average matched the S&P’s gain at 0.8 per cent.

This rally provided a brief respite from recent volatility, as market participants digested the implications of a resilient services sector amid broader economic slowdown signals. Investors appeared to interpret the data as supportive of a soft landing scenario, where growth moderates without tipping into recession, though the looming payrolls report tempered any excessive exuberance.

Bond markets also drew attention, with Treasuries attracting bids that pushed yields lower. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield dropped six basis points to 4.161 per cent, flirting with levels not seen in over a year and signalling investor flight to safety ahead of key data. Shorter-dated two-year yields hovered near one-year lows, highlighting expectations for Federal Reserve action. This movement in yields reflected broader concerns about economic momentum, as lower rates typically encourage borrowing but also hint at underlying weaknesses in growth prospects.

Currency and commodity markets offered mixed signals. The US Dollar Index strengthened by 0.2 per cent to settle at 98.35, benefiting from the relative stability in US data compared to global counterparts. Gold, often viewed as a haven during uncertain times, slipped 0.4 per cent after an eight-day winning streak, trading around US$3,552 per ounce as some profit-taking emerged amid the dollar’s firmness.

Brent crude oil declined 1.0 per cent to US$68 per barrel, pressured by ongoing demand worries and ample supply, though OPEC’s potential output decisions loomed as a wildcard. These shifts underscored a market grappling with inflation fears receding but growth risks mounting.

Also Read: How the global growth of fintech defies age and gender

In Asia, equity benchmarks largely trended lower on September 5, dragged by underperformance in major hubs. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 1.1 per cent, while the Shanghai Composite dropped nearly two per cent, reflecting investor unease over domestic economic stimulus measures and lingering trade tensions. Other markets like Tokyo and Seoul bucked the trend with modest gains, but the overall tone remained subdued, influenced by the anticipation of US data that could ripple through global trade and capital flows.

Amid this backdrop, the debut of American Bitcoin Corp on the Nasdaq captured headlines, intertwining politics, family business, and cryptocurrency in a way that raised eyebrows across Wall Street. The Bitcoin mining company, partially owned by Donald Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr., saw its shares surge as high as US$14.52 before closing up 16.5 per cent at US$8.04, valuing the firm at billions and the brothers’ 20 per cent stake at over US$1.5 billion.

Eric Trump, serving as executive vice president of the Trump Organisation, appeared at Bitcoin Asia 2025 in Hong Kong, further spotlighting the family’s pivot from real estate to digital assets. This move expanded the Trump empire into cryptocurrency, with the company planning to mine and hold Bitcoin while raising funds for growth, including partnerships such as one with Hut 8.

From my perspective, this development strikes me as a potent mix of opportunity and peril. The Trump family’s foray into Bitcoin aligns with a broader trend where influential figures leverage their platforms to enter high-growth sectors, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption. It also invites scrutiny over conflicts of interest, especially given the administration’s crypto-friendly policies that could directly benefit such ventures.

Critics point to the risk of blurred lines between public office and private gain, a concern amplified by the family’s history in real estate and now extended to volatile digital assets. While supporters hail it as innovative entrepreneurship, I see it as emblematic of how political dynasties adapt to new economic frontiers, often at the expense of transparency. The stock’s volatile debut, doubling in value before pulling back, mirrors the crypto market’s own unpredictability, and it will be fascinating to watch if this boosts or burdens Bitcoin’s legitimacy in traditional finance circles.

Turning to Bitcoin itself, the cryptocurrency traded near US$110,700 on September 5, clinging just above the short-term holder realised price of US$107,600. This critical support level gauges the average entry point for newer investors. A rare signal emerged on Binance, where the Bitcoin-to-stablecoin ratio approached parity at 1, a threshold that historically signaled major cycle bottoms, as seen in March 2025 when it preceded a rally from US$78,000 to US$123,000.

However, the current consolidation phase lacks the deep capitulation of past bottoms, raising doubts about whether this indicates a genuine rebound or merely turbulence ahead. Stablecoin reserves on Binance hit a record US$37.8 billion, suggesting ample liquidity is sidelined and ready to deploy, which could fuel a surge if sentiment shifts.

Longer-term metrics painted a bullish picture despite short-term jitters. The overall realised price stood at US$52,800, with long-term holders’ realised price at US$35,600, indicating firm conviction among seasoned investors. The net unrealised profit/loss ratio hovered at 0.53, firmly in profit territory but below euphoric peaks, implying room for growth without immediate overheating.

A key risk loomed: Bitcoin’s 50-week simple moving average, a reliable trend indicator since 2018, sat near US$95,000. A drop below this level could trigger the cycle’s first bearish signal, potentially leading to prolonged declines akin to the 63 per cent drop in 2018 or the 67 per cent decline in 2022. Bitcoin has held above this average since March 2023; however, its current positioning places it perilously close.

In my view, these signals highlight Bitcoin’s maturation as an asset class, blending technical rigor with on-chain insights that traditional markets envy. The Binance ratio’s reappearance excites me because it underscores crypto’s unique data-driven edge, where exchange flows offer real-time glimpses into capital movements. That said, the absence of capitulation worries me; markets often need pain to purge excess before true bottoms form. If Bitcoin slips below US$95,000, it might test investor resolve.

Still, I suspect that sidelined stablecoins and improving macroeconomic conditions, such as potential Fed cuts, could cap the downside and propel a fourth-quarter rally. September has historically been Bitcoin’s weakest month, averaging negative returns, but 2025’s cycle dynamics, including ETF inflows and political tailwinds, might defy the pattern. Analysts eye US$150,000 by year-end if supports hold, a target that feels ambitious but plausible given the asset’s resilience.

Also Read: Looking at the global market dynamics: Cryptocurrencies, regulatory challenges, and the potential for market abuse

To expand on the labor market dynamics, the August nonfarm payrolls report arrives at a time when other indicators already suggest a deceleration in the economy. For instance, the JOLTS report from earlier in the week showed job openings dipping to their lowest since early 2021, with hires and quits also moderating, signalling reduced churn in the workforce.

Economists attribute this to a normalisation after the post-pandemic hiring frenzy, but persistent weakness could prompt the Fed to accelerate its pivot toward easing. Chair Jerome Powell has emphasised the importance of data dependence, and a subpar jobs number might solidify bets for a 50-basis-point cut at the September meeting, rather than the standard 25-basis-point cut. Markets currently price in about a 40 per cent chance of the larger move, up from negligible levels a month ago, reflecting how quickly sentiment can shift.

Equities’ Thursday rally built on gains in sectors such as technology and consumer discretionary, with companies like Nvidia and Amazon leading the charge after positive analyst notes on AI demand. The services PMI from ISM came in at 55.7, well above the 52.5 consensus, indicating expansion and alleviating fears of a broader slowdown spilling over from manufacturing.

This divergence between goods and services has characterised the current cycle, with services proving more resilient due to steady consumer spending. However, with personal consumption expenditures showing signs of fatigue amid high interest rates, the sustainability of this strength remains in question.

In the Treasury space, the yield curve’s subtle steepening warrants attention, as the spread between two-year and 10-year notes has widened slightly to around 15 basis points. Historically, an inverted curve precedes recessions, and its gradual normalisation could signal the end of that inversion phase, potentially heralding better growth prospects ahead. Traders also monitored auction results for new debt issuances, which absorbed smoothly despite elevated supply, thanks to foreign demand and domestic institutions seeking duration.

The dollar’s modest uptick occurred against a basket where the euro and yen weakened, the former due to uncertainty over ECB policy and the latter amid the Bank of Japan’s cautious tightening path. Gold’s pullback interrupted a rally driven by central bank purchases and geopolitical tensions, but fundamentals like real yields remaining low support its medium-term appeal. Oil’s slide extended a multi-week downtrend, with inventories building unexpectedly and global demand forecasts revised lower by agencies like the EIA, though Middle East risks provide a floor.

Asian markets’ weakness stemmed partly from China’s ongoing property woes and export slowdown, with recent stimulus announcements falling short of investor hopes for aggressive fiscal support. Hong Kong’s drop amplified regional contagion, as property developers faced renewed selling pressure. In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei edged higher on exporter gains from a weaker yen, illustrating how currency dynamics can offset broader pessimism.

The Trump sons’ Bitcoin venture adds a layer of intrigue to an already politicised crypto landscape. American Bitcoin Corp aims to capitalise on the mining boom, leveraging cheap energy sources and advanced hardware to build a substantial hash rate. Their stake’s valuation surge on debut day highlights the froth in crypto-related stocks, reminiscent of the 2021 bull run when similar firms commanded premium multiples. Eric Trump’s public engagements, including speeches at industry conferences, position the family as advocates for deregulation, aligning with the president’s pro-crypto stance that has included proposals for a national Bitcoin reserve.

This familial involvement raises ethical concerns, as policy decisions regarding digital assets could impact personal holdings. Observers note parallels to past Trump Organisation dealings, where real estate projects benefited from zoning changes or tax incentives.

Also Read: Eric Trump is headlining a Bitcoin conference and China just silenced its top officials

In the crypto industry, the push for clearer regulations may expedite approvals for mining operations or ETF expansions, indirectly boosting the company’s prospects. Supporters argue it democratises access to Bitcoin wealth, but skeptics see it as another avenue for influence peddling in a lightly regulated space.

Bitcoin’s price action around US$110,700 reflects a tug-of-war between bulls holding the line and bears testing supports. The short-term holder realised price acts as a psychological barrier, where breaches often lead to cascading liquidations. On-chain data from Glassnode shows exchange inflows rising modestly, but not to panic levels, suggesting sellers are tactical rather than capitulatory. The Binance ratio nearing 1 implies balanced reserves, historically a precursor to volatility resolution upward.

The stablecoin buildup on exchanges like Binance indicates a significant amount of “dry powder,” with USDT and USDC accounting for over 90 per cent of holdings. This liquidity could spark a rally if macroeconomic catalysts align, such as a dovish Fed or election outcomes that favour crypto. Long-term holders continue to accumulate, with their cohort’s realised price far below current levels, underscoring the diamond-handed conviction forged through multiple cycles.

The 50-week SMA’s proximity adds technical gravity, as crosses below it have heralded regime shifts. In 2018, the breach preceded a crypto winter amid regulatory crackdowns and macro headwinds. 2022’s drop coincided with FTX’s collapse and rising rates. Today’s environment differs, with institutional adoption via spot ETFs providing a buffer, having absorbed billions in inflows since January. A close below US$95,000 would invalidate the uptrend, but dip buyers might emerge, viewing it as a generational entry point.

My take is that Bitcoin’s narrative has evolved from fringe experiment to portfolio staple, and signals like these reinforce its cyclical nature. The lack of deep fear, as measured by the Fear & Greed Index at neutral 50, suggests more downside potential before a sustainable bottom.

But with halving effects still unfolding and supply growth halved, upward pressure builds organically. Political developments, including the Trump connection, could catalyse sentiment, especially if pro-crypto policies gain traction post-election. I anticipate choppy trading through September, but a breakout above US$120,000 remains feasible by Q4, driven by seasonal patterns and improving fundamentals.

Pulling it all together, today’s market wrap reveals a world on edge, with US strength contrasting Asian weakness and crypto injecting fresh drama via the Trump connection. The payroll data will likely dictate the near-term narrative, but broader trends like softening jobs and yield compression point to a pivotal moment for risk assets.

As someone who has tracked these cycles, I believe the current caution masks underlying opportunities, particularly in Bitcoin, where structural bullishness persists amid tactical risks. Investors should closely watch the US$107,600 level; its defence could spark the next leg up, while a failure might invite a healthy reset.

Regardless, the fusion of politics and markets, as seen in American Bitcoin’s splashy entry, reminds us that finance evolves not in isolation but through bold, sometimes controversial, human endeavours. This interplay will shape portfolios for months to come, demanding vigilance and adaptability from all participants.

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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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Thailand is positioning itself as a key player in Southeast Asia’s battery and electric vehicle (EV) industries. Yet the path forward is complex, with opportunities tied closely to the challenges of supply chain resilience, green credentials, and global competition.

Dr Pimpa Limthongkul, President of the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association, says the country’s next steps will determine whether it can capture long-term value from the global transition to new energy.

“The most pressing issue related to battery and EV in Thailand is balancing the rapid EV uptake with healthy local manufacturing,” Dr Limthongkul explains in an email interview with e27.

Imported vehicles have accelerated adoption, but long-term success, she argues, requires a domestic supply chain that is not only robust but also sustainable. That means securing reliable sources of raw materials, building capacity for recycling, and ensuring safety in handling end-of-life products.

Equally important, Dr Limthongkul stresses, is the need to make EVs genuinely green. “How do we make the battery and EV truly low carbon?” she asks.

While shifting from combustion engines reduces tailpipe emissions, Thailand must also tackle the carbon footprint of battery production and electricity generation. With fossil fuels still a mainstay of the national grid, greening the electricity supply is vital to realising the climate benefits of mass EV adoption.

Also Read: Can AI make clean energy pay off? CynLing Software thinks so.

Opportunities for local industry and innovation

Thailand has already made significant progress with incentive packages such as EV3.0 in 2022 and EV3.5 in 2024, which introduced subsidies and tax exemptions to make EV ownership more appealing. These schemes also linked incentives to local production, catalysing investment in domestic battery and component manufacturing.

“We need to lock in and promote local manufacturing, and at the same time secure volume for export of both EV and batteries produced in Thailand,” Dr Limthongkul says.

She also highlights the role of regulation in shaping a competitive yet safe industry. “Improving and ensuring safety by putting in proper regulations and standards will be critical,” she notes.

Beyond manufacturing, Dr Limthongkul emphasises that Thailand must also accelerate its transition to renewable energy: “We need to increase the percentage of green electricity in the grid at a faster pace.” Alongside this, energy storage systems can serve as a backbone for renewable integration, supporting both grid resilience and the growth of the EV ecosystem.

Human capital development is another pillar. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is expanding training programmes to reskill and upskill the workforce in battery technologies. Multi-year R&D initiatives are underway to improve recycling and materials recovery, reducing reliance on imports while fostering a circular economy.

Threats on the horizon

Still, Dr Limthongkul is candid about the risks. “Oversupply and price wars are potential threats,” she warns.

Excess inventory can lead to aggressive pricing that undermines supplier profitability while discouraging consumers from buying immediately, expecting even lower prices ahead.

Also Read: The shifting geopolitics of sustainability, energy, and climate

Cost competitiveness is another concern. “High production costs for local manufacturing, especially compared with mass-produced units from China, are a real challenge,” Dr Limthongkul observes. The lack of reliable after-sales services—from limited parts availability to long repair times—also risks undermining consumer trust.

Macroeconomic conditions and political instability only add to the uncertainty. “An overall economic slowdown can lead to hesitation in new EV purchases and investment from foreign and local players,” Dr Limthongkul says. Global and local unrest, she adds, can slow the pace of critical investments, including those needed for green grid transformation.

Despite these risks, Pimpa is optimistic about the role of innovation in creating a safer, greener industry. “I am looking forward to battery technologies that lead to higher safety and sustainability—those innovations that can bring us closer to the net zero goal,” she says.

For transportation, she points to next-generation chemistries that deliver high energy density and affordability. She sees promise for the grid in low-cost, safe energy storage systems that enable large-scale renewable integration.

Equally important, Pimpa notes, are technologies that extend batteries’ lifespans: “What has been invested in producing the batteries should be utilised most effectively.” She cites better sensing, predictive tools, and modular designs that make batteries easier to disassemble, repair, and repurpose.

Recycling is another frontier. “We need technologies that make battery recycling more efficient and green, from identification through digital battery passports to low-carbon recycling processes,” Dr Limthongkul says. Advances in fault detection, fire protection and storage safety also form part of this innovation landscape.

Milestones achieved

Since the launch of the EV30@30 initiative in 2021, which set the target that 30 per cent of vehicles produced in Thailand would be zero-emission by 2030, the country has achieved remarkable progress. EV registrations are on track to exceed 20 per cent of passenger car sales by 2025, reflecting both growing consumer appetite and the success of incentive programmes.

Also Read: A2D Ventures backs LineWise to put a 24/7 AI engineer on every factory floor

Global manufacturers have responded by committing to building battery plants in Thailand, reinforcing the country’s reputation as an emerging hub. The education and R&D ecosystem is also advancing, with initiatives focused on recycling and materials recovery to reduce import dependence.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry is working on a comprehensive battery recycling framework that could close the loop in Thailand’s battery lifecycle.

Looking ahead to 2026

Dr Limthongkul predicts that by 2026, Thailand will see EV prices becoming competitive with internal combustion vehicles, driving broader adoption. Industrial sectors will increasingly turn to battery-powered mobility, while the commercial and industrial energy storage market will expand on the back of cheap solar power and falling storage costs. Local supply chains will deepen, not just in manufacturing but also in after-sales and repair services.

“By then, we will see more focus on end-of-life battery management and safety,” Dr Limthongkul says.

She believes this will ensure that the industry matures in a way that balances rapid growth with sustainability.

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Image Credit: Michael Fousert on Unsplash

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