Across Asia, the twin pressures of land scarcity and climate change are threatening the stability of our food systems. The lessons of the recent COVID-19 pandemic made it clear to many countries that food security needs to be addressed at multiple levels.

Unpredictable weather patterns, floods, and droughts are already putting pressure on fragile harvests. Rising input costs and supply chain disruptions make life even harder for farmers, many of whom operate at subsistence levels.

Food security, once treated as a distant policy matter, is now a pressing economic challenge. Without innovation to help farmers produce more with less, yields will drop, produce will become scarcer, and the costs of living will spiral. The stakes are high not just for farmers but for everyone who relies on affordable, stable access to food.

The role of agritech startups

Agritech startups are at the forefront of reshaping agriculture to meet these challenges. They are combining financing, technology, and market access to empower smallholder farmers. These aren’t just productivity tools, they’re interventions addressing deep structural weaknesses in the agricultural value chain.

By introducing precision agriculture, alternative financing models, and fairer market linkages, agritech ventures are helping farmers adapt to modern realities while building resilience against shocks. Technologies that were once the preserve of the global north are now being developed domestically to meet local needs, and that’s exactly the kind of tech I like.

I grew up hearing stories of overpaid consultants in the West creating “solutions” farmers couldn’t afford, which sometimes left them worse off. The founders I’ve met and worked with are flipping that story on its head.

Also Read: Indonesia’s agritech landscape: Keys to building a scalable agriculture startup

Agritech companies to watch out for

I’ve always believed that entrepreneurs are the greatest catalysts for positive change, and that would be one of the main reasons I’ve been so actively involved with Accelerating Asia Ventures. Through them I’ve had the privilege of working with founders who are reimagining farming across diverse markets:

• iFarmer: Transforming farming in Bangladesh by providing access to financing, affordable inputs, and reliable buyers, reducing the uncertainty that discourages small-scale farming investment.
• WeGro: Connecting investors with rural farmers in Bangladesh, enabling capital to flow into agricultural projects that generate both financial returns and social impact.
• Aunker (iPAGE): Offering tech-driven advisory services and precision agriculture tools to help farmers make informed decisions that boost productivity and profitability.
• EasyRice: Using AI-powered image recognition to improve rice grading, helping Thai farmers get fairer prices and reducing post-harvest losses.
• Godaam: Expanding into input financing so farmers can access seeds, fertilisers, and equipment when they need them most.
• Farmdar: (Not an AAV portfolio company, but amazing founders and tech) – Leveraging satellite imagery and AI to provide insights on irrigation, fertilisation, and crop health, enabling higher yields with fewer resources.

Fintech takes a twist

You might not immediately think fintech has a role here, but WeGro, iFarmer,in particular are performing fintech functions and could become significant fintech players in their markets without even pitching to anyone as a fintech.  One of these founders has an ex-banking and finance executive as a CFO after realising this was something he needed to build trust and credibility as an agritech founder.

Too often we think of fintech as remittance, banking, or other “first-world” solutions. But the agricultural fintech market is huge, overlooked, and underdeveloped. Financing farmers and enabling seamless transactions in rural economies could unlock enormous value.

Insuretech too

Beyond boosting yields, protecting farmer livelihoods is critical. Livestock and crop failures can wipe out an entire year’s income. In Bangladesh, two innovators are stepping up:

• InsureCow (introduced to me at Tenity’s demo-day): Bringing accessible livestock insurance to rural farmers, protecting incomes against cattle loss from illness or accidents.
• Chhaya: An emerging insurer looking to expand into agricultural insurance, protecting farmers from unpredictable events that threaten their harvests.

Why agritech matters for everyone

It’s easy to think of agritech as benefiting only rural communities. The truth is it underpins the resilience of our entire food system. In many Asian countries, smallholder farmers produce a large share of the domestic food supply.

If these farmers can’t access affordable financing, modern tools, or insurance, they face lower yields and higher risks. This reduces supply, pushes up food prices, and increases inflationary pressures in urban areas, thus impacting everyone from market vendors to city residents.

Also Read: How Southeast Asia’s agritech startups are turning smallholder farms into high-tech powerhouses

Technology as a multiplier

The solutions being built today aren’t just incremental improvements, they’re exponential multipliers. Precision agriculture reduces wasted inputs, digital marketplaces improve price discovery, and agricultural insurance empowers farmers to take calculated risks on higher-yield crops without fear of financial ruin.

For investors, agritech offers high-impact opportunities that can scale regionally while tackling urgent sustainability challenges. For policymakers, it’s proof that private-sector innovation can complement public efforts on food security.

The road ahead

The next decade will be decisive for agriculture in Asia. We’ll need to produce more food for a growing population, with less land and more volatile climate conditions. Meeting this challenge requires collaboration between governments, development agencies, investors, and the startups driving innovation.

At Accelerating Asia Ventures, I’ve seen determined founders reshape entire industries. The agritech entrepreneurs we work with aren’t just building profitable companies but they’re laying the foundation for a food-secure future. Supporting them isn’t just good business; it’s a necessity for economic stability and social wellbeing.

The future of farming will be digital, data-driven, and inclusive. Thanks to these innovators, that future is already taking root (pun totally intended!).

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The narrative of a year-end rally persists but faces headwinds from softening labour data and geopolitical shifts. In my view, this moment represents a healthy pause in an otherwise robust bull market that began surging after the dramatic events of April 2025. That month marked what President Trump dubbed Liberation Day on April 2, when he unveiled sweeping tariffs across nearly all sectors of the US economy.

The announcement sparked immediate panic and a sharp sell-off, but markets quickly rebounded as companies announced massive onshore investments to sidestep the trade barriers. This rally propelled the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to impressive heights over the summer. Still, now signs of fatigue emerge in both the US and China, the two economic powerhouses driving global growth.

Market exhaustion and sector pressures

The United States stock market showed clear exhaustion last Friday, with major indices closing lower amid broader concerns about the pace of economic expansion. The S&P 500 declined by 0.32 per cent, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.03 per cent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.48 per cent. Energy and financial sectors led the downturn, as traders reacted to softer-than-expected labour figures and anticipation of Federal Reserve actions.

Nvidia, the bellwether of the technology sector, dipped below its 50-day moving average for the first time in weeks, trading around US$172 per share, while the average hovered at US$172.32 per share. This technical breach signals potential volatility in tech-heavy indices, where Nvidia’s performance often sets the tone.

The AI hype meets reality

Investors poured billions into artificial intelligence plays earlier this year, fuelled by the post-Liberation Day optimism, but now they demand tangible results rather than vague promises. Companies must demonstrate how AI translates into revenue and efficiency gains, or risk sharp corrections.

Salesforce exemplified this shift last week when its shares faced pressure amid fierce competition in the AI arena. The company rolled out new AI products under its Agentforce platform, aiming to empower small and medium-sized businesses with autonomous agents for tasks like customer service and data analysis.

However, rivals like Microsoft and Google intensified their offerings, with integrations that challenge Salesforce’s dominance in customer relationship management. Salesforce executives highlighted predictions that AI agents will transform industries by 2025, enabling smaller firms to compete with giants through more intelligent automation. Yet, market reaction turned skeptical as earnings reports revealed slower adoption rates than anticipated.

Also Read: Unleashing AI’s potential: The vital role of human guidance in AI’s growth and learning

In my opinion, Salesforce remains well-positioned for the long term because its ecosystem seamlessly integrates AI across sales, marketing, and service tools. However, short-term hurdles from competition could cap the upside until proof of widespread deployment materialises. This evolving AI theme underscores a broader market maturation, where hype gives way to fundamentals.

Currency markets and the dollar debate

On the currency front, bets against the US dollar appear overly aggressive at this juncture. The Dollar Index closed 0.6 per cent lower last Friday at around 97.93, reflecting heightened expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. A steadier US economy, combined with persistent inflation above the Fed’s target, suggests fewer cuts than the market currently prices in, anticipating about five 25-basis-point reductions through September 2026.

The August non-farm payrolls report added fuel to this fire, showing only 22,000 jobs added, far below the forecasted 75,000, while June figures were revised to an outright loss. Unemployment climbed to 4.3 per cent, the highest in nearly four years, prompting traders to bake in a 25 basis point cut for the September 17 meeting and even 12 per cent odds of a 50 basis point move.

Yet, I believe the dollar’s downside remains limited. President Trump’s administration has secured over US$5 trillion in new onshore investments from companies and countries alike, including a US$1 trillion commitment from Japan and US$600 billion from Saudi Arabia over the next four years.

These inflows, aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing amid the trade war, will sustain demand for the greenback. If the Dollar Index surges past 100, it could pressure US equities, particularly megacap stocks like those in the Magnificent Seven, which derive significant revenue from overseas operations.

Seasonal corrections and buying opportunities

A pullback of five to seven per cent in the S&P 500 seems likely, and perhaps steeper for the Nasdaq given its outsized gains since the Liberation Day rebound. The index wiped out all 2025 losses by mid-May, climbing from April lows around 6,000 to current levels near 6,450. No major negative catalysts loom on the horizon, such as earnings disappointments or policy shocks, so any correction should prove shallow and short-lived.

Strong buy orders cluster at key support levels, like the 200-day moving average for the S&P around 6,200, which could absorb selling pressure and preserve constructive sentiment heading into the traditional post-September rally. Historically, markets often experience the “September blues” but rebound strongly into year-end, especially when central banks ease their policy. With the Fed poised for cuts and global liquidity ample, I see this dip as a buying opportunity for long-term investors focused on AI and infrastructure themes.

Global macro landscape

Turning to the macro landscape, global risk appetite found some relief after US indices trimmed losses from recent peaks. Traders parsed the soft labor data, which highlighted a cooling job market without tipping into recession territory. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that average hourly earnings rose 0.3 per cent to US$36.53, indicating that wage pressures persist and could keep inflation sticky.

Also Read: Gold slumps, oil tanks, Bitcoin hangs by a thread: The global market meltdown no one saw coming

US Treasuries extended their rally, with the two-year yield dropping 7.9 basis points to 3.51 per cent and the ten-year yield falling 8.7 basis points to 4.07 per cent. This flight to safety reflects bets on aggressive Fed easing, but longer-term yields remain elevated due to fiscal expansion under the current administration. Gold prices climbed 1.2 per cent to hold above US$3,500 per ounce, reaching US$3,590 on Monday as a hedge against uncertainty.

Brent crude oil retreated 2.2 per cent toward US$65 per barrel, with OPEC+ signalling plans to increase production amid ample supply and softening demand forecasts. S&P Global analysts predict dated Brent could slide to US$55 by year-end, pressured by trade tensions and slower global growth.

Asia’s market resilience

Asian equity markets opened stronger on Monday, buoyed by political developments in Japan. The Nikkei 225 advanced 1.62 per cent to 43,714, leading gains after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation over the weekend. Ishiba stepped down following his Liberal Democratic Party’s historic election losses in July, which eroded his support and raised questions about fiscal policy continuity.

The yen weakened against the dollar on fears that political instability would delay Bank of Japan rate hikes, trading near 150 yen per chat. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.24 per cent to 3,212, while Australia’s ASX 200 dipped 0.45 per cent.

Investors now await China’s August trade data, released later today, to assess the trade war’s toll. Exports grew at the slowest pace in six months, missing forecasts as shipments to the US declined sharply despite a brief truce in tariffs. Imports fell even more, signaling weak domestic demand. The US imposed tariffs up to 145 per cent on Chinese goods this year, escalating the conflict and prompting Beijing to retaliate with measures on American agriculture and tech.

In my assessment, China’s economy faces headwinds from this standoff, but stimulus measures, such as fee cuts in its US$4.9 trillion mutual fund industry, could provide a buffer. Overall, Asian markets demonstrate resilience, with tech and value stocks trading below their estimated worth, offering attractive entry points.

Crypto markets: Signs of recovery

The cryptocurrency market mirrored broader risk assets, with Bitcoin staging a modest recovery after three weeks of declines from its all-time high of US$124,474. The leading digital asset steadied at around US$110,900 on Monday, up nearly three per cent for the week. Technical indicators support further upside if momentum builds. The Relative Strength Index on the daily chart rose to 46, indicating a shift toward the neutral 50 level as bearish pressure subsides.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence flashed a bullish crossover on Saturday, signalling improving sentiment and potential buy opportunities. Should Bitcoin push past its daily resistance at US$116,000, it could extend the rally toward US$120,000, driven by institutional inflows and halving cycle dynamics. However, a breakdown below US$105,573 in support might trigger a deeper correction toward US$100,000, especially if equity markets wobble.

Also Read: Markets plunge into September chaos: Tech titans tumble as global tensions ignite

Ethereum, meanwhile, consolidated between US$4,232 and US$4,488 for nine straight days, trading around US$4,300 after bouncing from the lower boundary. The RSI hovered near 50, reflecting trader indecision. A close above US$4,488 could propel Ethereum toward its record high of US$4,956, bolstered by network upgrades and ETF approvals.

Conversely, a drop below US$4,232 risks testing the 50-day exponential moving average at US$4,077. In the crypto realm, I remain bullish on both assets as adoption accelerates, but volatility tied to macro events like Fed decisions warrants caution. Bitcoin’s role as digital gold strengthens amid dollar strength debates, while Ethereum’s utility in decentralised finance positions it for outsized gains if AI integrations proliferate.

Closing thoughts: A balanced outlook

In reflecting on this market snapshot, I advocate a balanced yet optimistic stance. The post-Liberation Day rally transformed the economic landscape, channeling trillions into US onshore projects that promise job creation and supply chain resilience. Sure, trade wars with China inflict pain, curbing export growth and inflating costs, but they also spur innovation and domestic investment.

The weak jobs report underscores the need for Fed easing, which should lubricate markets without igniting inflation spirals. Political turbulence in Japan adds uncertainty, but history shows such transitions often lead to pro-growth policies.

For investors, focus on quality names in AI, renewables, and infrastructure to navigate the pullback. A five to seven per cent dip offers a chance to accumulate, as year-end tailwinds from holiday spending and tax strategies loom large.

Crypto enthusiasts should view Bitcoin’s technical rebound as a sign of resilience, while Ethereum’s consolidation suggests a breakout if global liquidity flows in. Overall, markets are taking a breather now, but the underlying momentum remains upward. Prudent positioning today sets the stage for substantial rewards by 2026.

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Malaysia is standing at a pivotal moment in its pursuit of a cleaner, more resilient economy. With the government pledging carbon neutrality by 2050, the country is accelerating its adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage solutions.

At the heart of this transformation lies the battery, the linchpin technology shaping the pace and direction of the nation’s low-carbon future.

Despite growing enthusiasm, Malaysia’s battery sector remains young. According to Dr. Rezal Khairi Bin Ahmad, CEO of NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), “The lithium-ion based battery industry in Malaysia is still at its infancy stage and primarily driven by foreign direct investments and technologies from abroad, leaving little room for local intellectual equity.”

The government’s decision to grant tax exemptions on completely built-up (CBU) battery electric vehicles (BEVs) until 2025 has spurred consumer uptake. Yet Dr. Rezal cautions this is only a short-term measure: “While it is a great catalytical start, it is not sustainable. With global supply chain uncertainty due to current geopolitical situation, the country requires a long-term game plan to ensure local technology and commercial ownership.”

Also Read: Soil, smoke, and solutions: Farming meets climate action

Recognising these vulnerabilities, NMB has led the launch of the NanoMalaysia Energy Storage Technology Initiative (NESTI) in 2022, part of the 12th Malaysia Plan.

“A key result manifested in the form of a commercially viable lithium-ion battery technology with 60 per cent energy density advantage over current market offerings,” Dr. Rezal says.

This breakthrough supports plans for a Gigafactory Malaysia, an industrial-scale production hub that could anchor the nation’s role in EV and battery supply chains. Beyond cars, the opportunity is even broader.

“The growth in low carbon mobility market and push for the national grid and renewable energy sector to adopt battery energy storage system (BESS) present demand for locally produced batteries,” he adds.

Circular economy as a resource strategy

Malaysia’s limited natural reserves of lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt present a fundamental challenge. To address this, NMB is turning to sustainability-driven innovation.

“In the absence of naturally resourced battery materials, circular economy approach is adopted to extract lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt and upcycle graphite from biomass. The relevant process technologies are all developed in-house,” Dr. Rezal explains.

Such an approach reduces dependency on imports while aligning with global climate goals. Still, scaling up requires significant capital. “The next crucial step would be securing investments to fund the scale-up activities,” he notes.

Also Read: Why agritech is the key to Asia’s food security

A potential pitfall lies in repeating past mistakes. “Having observed the way how the solar panel industry had developed in Malaysia, unchecked market entry of foreign players and technologies in the domestic battery market may stifle the deployment of local innovations,” Dr. Rezal warns.

He believes the solution is a careful mix of incentives: “There is a need to strike a balance between FDI-centric industrial development and incentivising and activating domestic direct investments to support the commercialisation of home-grown batteries.”

His preferred approach, dubbed the “Build Some, Buy Some” philosophy, emphasises parity between imported and local energy storage components.

Looking ahead to 2026

The future of Malaysia’s battery industry may not revolve around lithium alone. “We are looking ahead in developing new battery chemistries based on aluminium and sodium ions to reduce dependency on global lithium supply chain,” Dr. Rezal says.

Other promising avenues include solid-state electrolytes and nanomaterials that could boost energy density, reliability, and safety. Meanwhile, government-backed initiatives such as EMERGE (Enabling Mobility Electrification for Green Economy) and the approval of the ICE-to-EV conversion white paper in 2024 underscore Malaysia’s commitment to developing critical EV technologies.

By 2026, Dr. Rezal expects several industry-shaping shifts.

“Further drop in battery prices in terms of USD/kWh due to over-supply of LFP batteries in the market, greater deployment of batteries (BESS) for renewables, an increase in localisation of manufacturing and re-emergence of interest in NMC battery chemistry with improved energy density, capacity retention, reliability and safety.”

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Image Credit: Dr. Rezal Khairi Bin Ahmad

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In mid-2025, Indonesia’s agritech unicorn eFishery seemed untouchable. Its founders had positioned the company as the darling of Southeast Asia’s aquaculture sector, serving thousands of fish farmers, attracting global investors, and reporting financial results that appeared flawless: US$750 million in revenue and a US$16 million profit.

An audit revealed the reality. Actual revenue was closer to US$150 million, and the company had recorded a US$35 million loss. More than 75 per cent of reported sales were fabricated. Within weeks, credibility was gone, investors withdrew, and the story that had fuelled eFishery’s rise became the instrument of its collapse.

For founders across Southeast Asia, the lesson is clear. In a region where competition is intense and trust is fragile, communication determines both growth and survival.

A market where voice is currency

The numbers suggest a strong future. Google’s e-Conomy SEA 2024 report estimates that the region’s digital economy will triple to US$230 billion by 2026, growing at 22 per cent annually. As of mid-2024, Southeast Asia’s tech startups had a combined market valuation of US$454 billion, with 55 unicorns operating.

Funding patterns are shifting. Scandals such as eFishery’s have made investors more selective. Consumer-facing companies without a clear path to profitability are losing access to capital, and competition for investment now depends heavily on credibility.

Messaging as a strategic asset

In this climate, a disciplined communication strategy is essential. Regional consultancy Precious Communications states that messaging is now considered a strategic asset rather than an optional tool. Consistent and credible communication can align teams, attract investment, and reassure customers.

Also Read: How eFishery lost control of its narrative

Southeast Asia’s diversity adds complexity. In Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, more than half of e-commerce transactions still use cash or cash-on-delivery. In Malaysia, halal certification can determine market entry. In Thailand and Vietnam, visual storytelling often has more impact than direct sales pitches. One product can require several distinct narratives, and the most successful companies adapt their message while keeping the brand coherent.

Founder voices: Stories that stick

Korawad Chearavanont, founder of Bangkok-based enterprise messaging platform Amity, recalls a pivotal line from his investor pitch: “I could only quit college if I raised US$5 million.” The statement conveyed urgency, risk, and determination, and it helped him secure the capital.

By contrast, eFishery’s numbers told a story that investors wanted to believe, but when the truth emerged, trust collapsed. Authentic narratives can create lasting relationships, while false ones destroy them quickly.

Lessons from politics

Singapore’s 2025 general election showed the power of direct and authentic communication. Candidates used podcasts, livestreams, and open Q&A sessions to connect with voters, which built trust rapidly. Startups can learn from this example, because engaging directly and responding openly can create stronger connections than controlled corporate announcements.

Trust as the growth multiplier

Startups that maintain a clear, culturally informed voice across investor updates, marketing, and internal communication project reliability. In markets with low trust in digital services, that reliability can lead to higher adoption, better retention, and greater investor patience. The “3Cs” framework—clarity, consistency, and cultural context—has become a standard for companies in the region, and it builds a reputation that extends beyond products.

The final word

Southeast Asia’s startup sector is still expanding, but it is less forgiving than before. Capital is cautious, consumers are selective, and competition is constant. The eFishery case is a warning that a compelling narrative can raise a company’s profile faster than any marketing campaign, but if that narrative rests on false foundations it can also dictate the speed and scale of the collapse.

A communication strategy functions as the structure that supports the business, and for founders in Southeast Asia, the way they tell their story can be the most valuable asset they own.

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