TeamCXO has launched a new platform focused on Asia that connects startups with fractional C-suite executives.

The programme offers part-time and project-based senior leadership to founders in Southeast Asia. It aims to provide startups with seasoned operational experience to help with fundraising, go-to-market strategy, and product development without the overhead of a full-time senior hire.

A fractional executive is a seasoned operator, such as a CFO or CTO, who takes ownership of outcomes, roadmaps, and budgets on a part-time basis or for a fixed duration. This model provides embedded leadership and accountability without the permanent financial commitment.

Also Read: Fractional helps startups figure out marketing leadership with its fractional CMO service

While the trend began in Western markets like Silicon Valley, it is seeing increased adoption in Southeast Asia, where a deepening pool of experienced talent exists. The current downturn in regional investment may also drive founders to seek high-quality input on a more reasonable budget, a scenario where fractional leadership can be highly beneficial.

TeamCXO’s executives are “co-pilots” who assist founders in specific areas. “We’re co-pilots, not the stars,” said Shannon Kalayanamitr, founder of TeamCXO. “Think of us as your sparring partner on strategy, your door-opener when you need one, your interim CXO until traction justifies a full-time hire, your advisor, and even a pre-launch test bed for things like tokenisation–so you move faster with fewer unforced errors.”

Founders can use these co-pilots to manage fundraising processes, rebuild customer relationship management (CRM) systems, accelerate product delivery, establish AI and automation, or explore new business lines.

The platform’s advisory bench is curated and features an array of senior talent. It includes former operators from major regional companies like Lazada, Grab, aCommerce, Ampverse, and Animoca Brands, as well as global firms such as Vice Media, Netflix, and Uber.

The roster also includes exited founders, a “Shark” from Shark Tank Thailand, a former TechCrunch editor, and specialists in areas like actuarial risk and pricing. Access is provided only through a guided matching process to ensure each pairing is individually tailored.

The service is also designed to address the needs of investors and large corporations. Venture capital and private equity firms can utilise the platform to accelerate value creation and enhance governance across their portfolio companies.

Similarly, corporates can gain execution speed for digital, AI, and market expansion projects without expanding their permanent headcount.

For founders navigating a challenging funding environment, the platform aims to provide the necessary traction and added credibility to close investment rounds successfully.

TeamCXO offers support across eight executive functions, including:

• Finance (CFO/strategy): For fundraising narratives, financial models, and business-model proofing.
• Technology & digital (CTO/CDO): Covering architecture modernisation, AI pilots, and Web3 go-to-market advisory.
• Growth & brand (CMO): Focused on CRM rebuilds for lifetime value (LTV), performance marketing, and public relations.
• Product & delivery (CPO): To improve development cadences, define roadmaps, and increase velocity.
• Data & AI: Providing dashboards, forecasting, risk scoring, and actuarial-grade pricing models.
• People & Talent (HR): Assisting with organisational design, compensation, and hiring for hard-to-fill roles.
• Board & Advisory: Supplying independent advisors for governance and regional expansion.

Also Read: The future of work: Navigating the shift to flexible talent models

Startups can engage with TeamCXO through several flexible formats. These include short-term Sprints (2-6 weeks) for tightly scoped projects like a CRM rebuild; a Part-time CXO (1–3 days per week) for 3-6 months to manage a function during a growth phase; On-demand blocks of hours for reviews and decision support; and integrated Pods that combine multiple roles, such as a CFO and CMO.

The engagement process begins with an email or by filling out a short intake form, after which TeamCXO provides a “concierge match” with one to three best-fit operators or pods to align on scope and begin work.

Visit TeamCXO for more details.

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IdeaSpace Foundation, the accelerator backed by the MVP Group of Companies, has officially announced the six startups joining the 13th cohort of its flagship accelerator programme. Themed “Startups for the Future,” this year’s cohort champions early-stage ventures that tackle complex local challenges with scalable, tech-driven solutions.

Spanning proptech, fintech, AI-enabled content, and digital commerce, the chosen startups reflect a growing maturity in the Philippine startup scene where founders are anticipating the next wave of user needs.

“This cohort perfectly embodies our mission to help startups that can scale and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” said Alwyn Rosel, Executive Director of IdeaSpace. “We are excited to partner with them on their journey to build scalable and sustainable businesses”.

The IdeaSpace Accelerator Program goes beyond funding, offering mentorship, network access, and support on operations, fundraising, and marketing. This hands-on approach has made the program a consistent pillar of the Philippine startup ecosystem since its launch in 2012.

Backed by some of the country’s largest conglomerates including PLDT-Smart, Meralco, and Maynilad, IdeaSpace aims to play a unique role in marrying corporate strength with entrepreneurial agility.

Also Read: China, US, Japan to drive 40 per cent of global mobile gaming by 2030

The following is a list of the startups:

Soolok Properties Inc.
Offers a digital platform that aggregates foreclosed property listings from major banks, streamlining the discovery process using a proprietary pricing model to identify high-value deals.

KaHero
A cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system that empowers small businesses to manage sales, inventory, and operations from anywhere.

Xure
A mobile platform for collectors to buy, sell, and trade collectibles, with built-in appraisal and certification features through a decentralized clearinghouse.

DashoContent
Combines AI with human editorial oversight to streamline content operations—an increasingly critical task for digital-first businesses.

Cloverly
Targets the real estate space with an internal onboarding tool that makes property sales smoother for developers and brokers.

Polka Motors
A loan facilitation platform for motor vehicles, simplifying credit access for aspiring vehicle owners.

“These startups are not just tech-driven; they are purpose-driven,” noted Butch Meily, President of IdeaSpace. “The strength of our network—connecting founders, mentors, investors, and the broader MVP Group—will undoubtedly drive these ventures to new heights”.

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Image Credit: IdeaSpace

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“Just let them try it first.”

That was the common advice when I first started building digital products. In my earlier ventures, from a media-tech startup to a social commerce platform, we defaulted to freemium. The logic was simple: remove the barrier, increase sign-ups, convert later.

It made sense — until it didn’t.

Free users signed up out of curiosity. Many never returned. Others used the free tier indefinitely. Meanwhile, we were burning resources: Backend space, team bandwidth, mental energy. Eventually, we realised we weren’t scaling a product. We were scaling load — without commitment.

When free isn’t really free

Founders often overlook the hidden costs of free trials:

• Support queries from users who may never convert.
• Infrastructure load from inactive accounts.
• Distorted product feedback from non-serious users.
• And most critically: Diluted focus and energy across the team.

If you’re bootstrapped or running lean, this can burn you out before real growth even begins.

I ran the experiments — so you don’t have to

Across multiple ventures, including software, community platforms, and AI tools, I’ve tested different user onboarding and pricing models. Here’s what I’ve learned.

• Freemium

In one of my early platforms under People’s Inc., we offered a freemium model for our social commerce product. While we saw a surge in sign-ups, many accounts remained inactive. And without external funding, the overhead created by these dormant users became unsustainable.

• Time-limited free trials

Later, we tested free trials for our software-as-a-service with a fixed timeframe. After a period, users had to upgrade or lose access. This helped reduce long-term bloat, but the lack of initial commitment meant usage remained inconsistent.

Also Read: Joanna Wong’s second act: Reinvention as a founder strategy

• Paid upfront

In another project, we switched to upfront payments. Fewer sign-ups, but more serious ones. However, the friction was high, and many potential customers hesitated without first seeing the value.

• Free setup + paid commitment

Eventually, we settled on a hybrid approach: Offering free setup or onboarding, while requiring upfront payment for full access. This created trust and reduced friction, while still ensuring the user was invested. The difference in activation and retention was immediate.

This didn’t just apply to SaaS

The commitment-first approach also proved effective in other models. For example, in one community-driven programme, we structured upfront payments for enrolment and bundled access for the first six months. Only later did we open the community as a standalone paid membership.

When launching a new AI tool, Seraphina AI, we ran a paid beta model from the beginning. Users weren’t just testing a tool — they were invested in helping shape it. That focus improved feedback quality and helped us iterate faster with fewer distractions.

In all these cases, asking for commitment upfront helped us build more intentional relationships, and sustainable businesses.

What AI helped (and what it didn’t)

Today, much of our backend and customer engagement is supported by automation and AI. In these ventures, systems we developed in-house help:

• Qualify leads faster.
• Maintain engagement through automated follow-ups.
• Track readiness to buy.
• Reduce repetitive work for the team.

Also Read: The quiet ambition: How Vietnam is winning AI without the noise

But AI didn’t eliminate the need for clear pricing and onboarding design. It simply made the results of each decision more visible — fast.

The commitment-first growth framework

Here’s the approach I now use when designing digital products and programmes:

• Lead with clarity: Be specific about what users will get, and what’s expected in return.
• Charge early (but offer support): Free setup or onboarding creates trust. Full access should require investment.
• Automate the heavy lifting: Use tools to streamline lead management, without losing the human connection.
• Invest in the engaged: Once commitment is clear, prioritise users who are serious about growth.
• Let it compound: Sustainable growth often starts slower, but builds stronger over time.

If you’re building a startup in Southeast Asia, especially with a lean team or limited runway, it’s worth rethinking free trials. What feels like a growth strategy might be delaying your path to product-market fit — or worse, burning out your team in the process.

Upfront commitment isn’t just about revenue. It’s a filter. It helps you focus on people who are ready, and let go of those who aren’t. And in my experience, that’s what makes all the difference.

—

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Grab Indonesia has rolled out a new support feature, Grab Quick Response (Gercep), in the wake of violent protests that have left two ride-hailing drivers dead and several others injured.

The feature, launched on Tuesday, aims to provide immediate legal and psychological assistance to Grab’s driver community, disproportionately affected by the unrest.

The Gercep feature introduces a set of dedicated channels and a help centre explicitly designed for driver partners. Through these channels, drivers can access legal support services and counselling sessions to cope with the trauma of recent events.

Grab is also equipping its partners with real-time notifications about high-risk locations, helping them avoid areas where demonstrations and violence are ongoing.

Neneng Goenadi, CEO of Grab Indonesia, emphasised the company’s commitment to protecting its workforce. “Every driver partner and employee of Grab Indonesia must receive fair treatment and their rights, including security guarantees, when conveying their aspirations to the government. Seeing a crisis situation like this, we feel the need to provide comprehensive support,” she said at a press conference.

Also Read: Driving change: How women are redefining ride-hailing

The feature’s launch comes after the tragic deaths of a Gojek driver in Jakarta and a Grab driver in Makassar during riots in the two cities. The company confirmed that three other drivers remain in intensive care in both cities after sustaining serious injuries.

Goenadi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, underscoring the urgency behind the introduction of Gercep.

Riots escalated by fatal incidents

The unrest was sparked by the death of Affan Kurniawan, a Gojek driver who was struck and killed by a tactical vehicle belonging to the Indonesian National Police Mobile Brigade on August 28 in Jakarta, as reported by Tempo English.

On the following day, another casualty was recorded when Rusmadiansyah died during clashes near the University of Muslim Indonesia (UMI) campus in Makassar.

These incidents have escalated tensions in several cities nationwide, with driver groups demanding accountability and stronger protections.

On September 1, hundreds of students met across various cities in Indonesia after deadly riots on the weekend. The riots left eight dead in the worst violence witnessed in the country in more than two decades; the number of casualties has grown to 10 people across Indonesia by September 2.

The series of protests began on Monday, August 25, in response to the government’s move to enhance lawmakers’ perks.

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Image Credit: Grab

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While US markets observed the Labour Day holiday, the quiet trading session masked underlying tensions simmering across multiple continents.

Europe on edge: France’s political turmoil spreads to bonds

European bond markets experienced broad-based weakness, particularly in France, where the spectre of a confidence vote threatening the stability of the government sent ripples through sovereign debt markets. The spread between French and German 10-year yields, a critical gauge of perceived risk within the Eurozone’s core, stabilised at 79 basis points. This figure, while slightly below the August 27 peak of 82 basis points, the highest level since January, remains deeply concerning.

Historically, such widening indicates heightened investor anxiety about fiscal sustainability and political cohesion. The French situation is not merely a domestic issue; it directly impacts the broader European project. A collapse of the current government could derail crucial budget negotiations and reignite fears about the Eurozone’s structural fragility, potentially forcing the European Central Bank into an uncomfortable position between managing inflation and preventing a sovereign debt flare-up.

The market’s nervousness reflects a very real possibility that political paralysis could lead to delayed fiscal adjustments, increasing the risk of a ratings downgrade and further capital flight from French assets.

Indonesia’s market shock: Politics trigger capital flight

Turning eastward, Indonesia emerged as a focal point of volatility. Its main stock index, the Jakarta Composite Index, plummeted 3.6 per cent on Monday, marking the steepest single-day decline in nearly five months. This sharp selloff was directly attributable to escalating political tensions following the recent presidential election.

The specific nature of these tensions involves contested results and legal challenges that have cast doubt on the smooth transition of power, a critical factor for emerging market stability. Investors reacted swiftly and severely, withdrawing capital perceived as exposed to potential policy uncertainty or social unrest.

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

The immediate consequence extended beyond equities; yields on Indonesia’s 10-year government bonds surged to their highest level in almost three weeks. Rising bond yields signal increased borrowing costs for the government and corporations, tightening financial conditions within the economy.

This dual pressure on stocks and bonds creates a challenging environment for the Bank of Indonesia, which must now weigh the need to potentially support the rupiah and contain inflation against the risk of further stifling economic growth. Indonesia’s vulnerability highlights a recurring theme in emerging markets where political instability can rapidly translate into significant financial market stress, deterring foreign investment and increasing the cost of capital across the board.

Commodities react to sanctions and safe-haven demand

Commodity markets displayed a more mixed picture. The US Dollar Index held relatively steady at 97.81, reflecting a temporary pause in the greenback’s recent trajectory as traders awaited key US economic data. Gold, however, saw a modest increase of 0.8 per cent, climbing to US$3476 per ounce.

This movement suggests a slight shift towards safe-haven assets, possibly driven by the European political anxieties and broader global uncertainties, even if the US market holiday limited overall activity. Brent crude oil futures rose 1.0 per cent to settle at US$68 per barrel.

This gain stemmed from a specific supply disruption: Saudi Arabia and Iraq halted crude oil shipments to a refinery in western India following European Union sanctions. While the immediate impact on global supply appears contained, it underscores the persistent vulnerability of energy markets to geopolitical friction and the complex interplay of international sanctions.

The incident serves as a reminder that regional political conflicts can quickly constrict supply chains, creating localised price spikes even amidst generally stable global oil fundamentals. Early Tuesday trading saw Asian equity indices open higher, potentially reflecting a degree of relief or positioning ahead of anticipated US economic data releases later in the week, though this initial move requires confirmation as trading volumes increase.

Crypto divergence: Bitcoin finds support, Ethereum stumbles

The cryptocurrency sector presented a stark contrast between Bitcoin and Ethereum, revealing divergent market dynamics.

Bitcoin edged up 0.81 per cent over the past 24 hours to US$109,151, slightly outperforming the broader crypto market which saw only a negligible 0.03 per cent gain. This minor recovery, while modest, carries significance as it occurred against a backdrop of a 3.5 per cent monthly decline.

The technical structure provided the immediate catalyst. Bitcoin stabilised just above a critical pivot point at US$108,804 after its Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicated oversold conditions, climbing from 38.59 to 40.56. This technical rebound suggests short-term traders actively bought the dip near this psychological and technical support level, anticipating a bounce.

Also Read: A guide on the go-to-market models that startups use

Simultaneously, institutional activity offered a glimmer of positive sentiment. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded substantial inflows totalling US$550 million during the week, a notable figure given the prevailing market uncertainty. This institutional accumulation, even amidst volatility, signals continued long-term conviction from major players, providing a structural underpinning for the asset. However, the broader technical picture remains cautious.

Bitcoin continues to trade below all key moving averages, including the 7-day Simple Moving Average at US$110,039, indicating that the dominant momentum trend is still bearish. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram, while showing slowing selling pressure at -625, remains firmly in negative territory.

The critical juncture now lies at the US$110,000 psychological and technical resistance level. A sustained break above this mark could trigger significant short-covering and attract fresh buying, potentially altering the near-term trajectory. Conversely, failure to hold above US$108,804 risks a retest of the June swing low near US$107,271, deepening the correction.

Ethereum told a markedly different story, falling 2.26 per cent to US$4,307.74 and significantly underperforming the broader market. Two primary forces drove this weakness. First, a decisive technical breakdown occurred as Ethereum breached the critical support zone at US$4,350 and the 100-hour Simple Moving Average around US$4,342. Such breaks often trigger automated stop-loss orders from algorithmic trading systems, accelerating the downward move.

The technical indicators confirmed the bearish shift. The RSI dipped to 42.24, showing weakening momentum, while the MACD histogram at -60.16 exhibited bearish divergence, meaning the price made a lower low but the momentum indicator did not confirm it strongly, often a sign of exhaustion before a potential reversal, though currently reinforcing the downtrend.

The immediate path of least resistance points lower, with the next significant support identified at the 38.2 per cent Fibonacci retracement level near US$4,344. A decisive close below this level could propel the price towards the stronger 50 per cent Fibonacci support at US$4,155. The second major factor was a substantial outflow from Ethereum ETFs.

On August 18, a significant US$196.6 million was withdrawn from these newly launched products, effectively reversing the positive momentum generated by earlier institutional interest. This outflow directly increased sell-side pressure in the spot market.

Compounding this, large holders, often termed whales, reduced their Ethereum holdings by approximately 1.2 million ETH, representing a value of roughly US$5 billion over the preceding 30 days. Such movements by major players historically erode market confidence and can trigger follow-on selling.

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

However, a nuanced detail offers a potential counterbalance. Smaller addresses, holding between 10 and 100 ETH often categorised as “sharks” representing active retail or smaller institutional players, accumulated a substantial 4.4 million ETH during the same period.

This suggests that while large entities retreated, a different segment of the market saw value at lower prices, potentially establishing a floor. The long-term picture retains a stabilising element, as approximately US$6.3 billion worth of Ethereum remains locked within the ETF structures, providing a foundational level of institutional support even during periods of outflow volatility.

A fragile global balance ahead

The convergence of these disparate market movements paints a picture of a global financial system operating under significant strain but not yet in crisis.

Political risks in Europe and Asia are actively pricing in potential instability, forcing investors to demand higher compensation for perceived sovereign and emerging market risks. Commodity markets react to both geopolitical friction and the underlying strength or weakness of the US dollar.

Within the volatile cryptocurrency sector, the divergent paths of Bitcoin and Ethereum underscore the maturation of the market. Bitcoin increasingly demonstrates characteristics of a macro asset, reacting to broader risk sentiment and attracting institutional capital flows even during downturns, while Ethereum remains more susceptible to technical breakdowns and specific product dynamics like ETF flows.

Traders globally are now intensely focused on upcoming US economic data, particularly the non-farm payrolls report. This data will be pivotal in shaping expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates. A stronger-than-expected report could delay anticipated rate cuts, strengthening the dollar and increasing pressure on risk assets including equities and cryptocurrencies.

Conversely, weaker data could accelerate expectations for monetary easing, potentially providing relief across risk markets. The current environment demands constant vigilance. Thin holiday trading can amplify moves, political risks can escalate rapidly, and technical levels can trigger significant momentum shifts.

The stability observed in some areas, like the US Dollar Index, feels provisional, dependent on the next data point or political development. Investors must navigate a landscape where traditional correlations can fracture under stress, and localised political events can have outsized global financial repercussions.

The coming weeks will test whether the current market structure can absorb these pressures or if the underlying tensions will coalesce into a broader reassessment of risk across multiple asset classes. The path forward hinges on the interplay between political resolution, central bank communication, and the resilience of technical support levels holding firm against waves of selling pressure.

—

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Asia-Pacific’s rise as a biotech powerhouse underscores a profound shift in global innovation dynamics. What once was the near-exclusive domain of the US and Europe is now being decentralised, as companies pivot eastward in search of fresh talent, cost efficiency, and regulatory agility.

Bain & Company’s report highlights not just a budgetary crunch in the US, but also the appeal of Asia’s scientific momentum and government-backed innovation ecosystems.

Multibillion-dollar commitments from Pfizer and AstraZeneca, coupled with Singapore’s proactive role through EDB partnerships and robust IP protections, signal that this is no fleeting trend but a recalibration of where the future of medicine will be shaped.

With next-generation therapies–from mRNA to AI-driven discovery–taking root in Asia-Pacific, the region is poised to drive breakthroughs that will define healthcare for decades. The narrative is no longer about catching up; it’s about leading.

Meanwhile, Jakarta faces unrest as mass protests erupt over rising economic pressures and political dissatisfaction. Demonstrators clashed with security forces, prompting disruptions across key districts.

Authorities introduced emergency measures, and Grab launched Gercep, a rapid-response safety feature for drivers, underscoring how urban instability is reshaping mobility and public safety.

REGIONAL

Sky Mavis regains its footing as crypto winds turn
The company’s revenue rose 51 per cent to US$35.2M for FY 2024, according to its latest audited financial statement | This is still just 3 per cent of the US$1.3B it drew at the height of Axie Infinity in 2021.

Former Ant Group exec’s Obita raises US$10M to bridge Web2 and Web3 payments
Investors include Vision Plus Capital, Mirana Ventures, Legend Capital, HashKey Capital, and Web3.com Ventures | Obita builds compliant stablecoin-powered cross-border payment network, targeting high-growth markets and global financial innovation.

Ula co-founder raises US$10M to reimagine the back office with AI
Nipun Mehra’s latest startup, Neoflo.ai, has launched with a US$10M seed round from Lightspeed India, Peak XV, and Alter Global | His B2B e-commerce startup Ula was shut down in late 2023.

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

91 percent of ASEAN enterprises expect GenAI disruption within 18 months: study
An IDC research paper showed APAC enterprises are realising that centralized cloud architecture alone is unable to meet the increased demands of scale, speed, and compliance | It is crucial that businesses rethink and enhance infrastructure strategies to include edge services to stay competitive and compliant, and be ready for real-world AI deployment.

AnyMind acquires Japan’s NADESIKO to supercharge social-driven beauty commerce
NADESIKO brings expertise in social marketing within the beauty sector, particularly excelling in Japan’s short-form video marketing landscape | This acquisition marks AnyMind’s 12th globally and its sixth in Japan.

SG data centre BDx inks deal with Taiwanese renewables firm
The agreement will see BDx indirectly import green energy from HEXA’s new projects in Malaysia to support sustainable data center infrastructure in Singapore | The partnership backs Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and helps address challenges in sourcing renewable energy locally.

Indonesia protests: Grab CEO visits killed driver’s family
Anthony Tan offered condolences to the family of Rusdamdiansyah, known as Dandi, who died on August 29, 2025 | Grab said it will provide immediate financial assistance, two years of health coverage, and business support for the late driver’s family.

Grab introduces Gercep to protect drivers during unrest in Indonesia
The feature aims to provide immediate legal and psychological assistance to Grab’s driver community, disproportionately affected by the unrest | This comes after the tragic deaths of a Gojek driver in Jakarta and a Grab driver in Makassar during riots in the two cities.

Bangkok gets a new innovation hub as ZenicHub opens co-working and accelerator facility
ZenicHub offers a modern workspace alongside essential resources and community support for sustainable growth | The facility aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and scaling for entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses across Southeast Asia.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Asia Pacific redefines biotech: Global pharma’s strategic shift from West to East
The region is making significant strides in next-generation modalities, including mRNA, cell and gene therapies (CGTs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and AI-led drug discovery | This momentum is making Asia-Pacific increasingly relevant in the global biotech landscape.

Turning the tide: Waterhub tackles Indonesia’s drinking water paradox
By eliminating the need for plastic packaging and reducing transportation requirements, Waterhub offers an environmentally and economically sustainable alternative to conventional bottled water.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea’s SME ministry sets US$12.3B budget for startups, AI
Venture investment funds will rise, with US$803M for the country’s main fund-of-funds, half allocated for AI and deeptech, and a US$949M “re-challenge fund” for failed founders, supported by US$584M in government funding.

Saudi Arabia unveils US$400M fund to boost startups, SMEs
The programme offers refunds on 10 government fees, such as expatriate fees, commercial registration, municipality licenses | Eligible applicants must be MSMEs, have started operating no earlier than January 1, 2024, and have been operating no more than three years.

Ola’s Krutrim cuts nearly 50 linguistics staff in third layoff
Krutrim is developing a LLM named Krutrim 3 and has seen over 200 departures so far, including layoffs and leadership exits | Key personnel from the text-to-speech project, including team leaders, were among those let go, leaving the linguistics team significantly reduced.

Japan Post Bank to launch blockchain-based digital yen
The bank, partly owned by the Japanese government and holding around US$1.3T in deposits, said it will introduce DCJPY, a blockchain-based deposit currency developed by DeCurret DCP | DCJPY will let customers convert yen into the digital currency for instant transactions involving digital securities and other blockchain assets.

Kakao subsidiaries down 30 per cent after business reshuffle
The South Korean IT company, known for operating the KakaoTalk messenger, now has 102 subsidiaries, down from 147 in May 2023 |
The drop follows Kakao’s efforts to restructure and focus more on AI, with the company streamlining operations outside its core business.

ECHELON

Lenovo powers Southeast Asia’s digital growth at Echelon Philippines 2025
Echelon Philippines 2025 on 2–3 September unites Lenovo and the nation’s top tech disruptors in Manila. Be part of the movement!

SEMICONDUCTOR

Court orders detention of 3 in alleged TSMC trade secret theft
The Intellectual Property and Commercial Court ruled on September 1, 2025 after prosecutors indicted Chen Li-ming, a former TSMC engineer now at Japan-based supplier Tokyo Electron, and TSMC engineers Wu Ping-chun and Ko Yi-ping.

Abu Dhabi-backed G42 seeks more chip suppliers for AI campus
The company is in talks with US tech firms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Elon Musk’s xAI to become tenants at the new data centre | G42 is also considering chipmakers AMD, Cerebras Systems, and Qualcomm to provide computing capacity for the campus.

Indian semiconductor firm Tessolve raises US$150M for acquisitions
TPG Growth is the investor | The semiconductor engineering services firm plans to use the funds to expand its global delivery centres, upgrade test labs, and pursue acquisitions.

AI

The new builders: AI startups reinventing how Southeast Asia’s enterprises innovate
AI startups across Southeast Asia are building platforms, data tools, and infrastructure that empower enterprises to scale, adapt, and innovate faster.

Indonesia’s AI momentum: Big investments, bigger questions
Investment in Indonesia’s AI sector is growing rapidly | The 141.5 per cent growth over five years shows strong confidence in the country’s tech potential | Yet traditional investment checks often overlook critical a question: “can the AI outputs from startups be trusted?”

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Scaling empathy with technology: Bridging the healthcare divide
By 2026, Singapore will be a “super-aged” society, with one in four residents aged 65 or older | Yet seniors remain among the slowest adopters of digital tools such as mobile health apps and telehealth platforms.

Gaming as the next social network: How Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining digital belonging
Unlike static posts, games allow experimentation with identity in fluid, immersive ways | Players can reinvent themselves daily, adopting new skins, personas, or affiliations | For young people navigating identity in real life—gender, sexuality, or self-image—games can provide a safe testing ground.

Markets plunge into September chaos: Tech titans tumble as global tensions ignite
Global markets opened September 2025 with tech sell-offs, inflation fears, and crypto declines, while gold surged as a safe haven | Asian markets, stepping in to kick off the week’s trading, have largely followed suit by opening lower, echoing the unease from Friday’s US session.

10x returns without the hype: The power of impact investing
What if your next investment gave you strong returns while making a lasting impact on one of the world’s biggest problems

Indonesia’s agritech landscape: Keys to building a scalable agriculture startup
The urgency of developing agriculture startups in Indonesia cannot be overstated | With approximately 40.75M people working in agriculture, accounting for 27.8 per cent of Indonesia’s 149.38M active workforce, this sector is vital to the nation’s economic wellbeing.

From village to cloud: Why public-private partnerships hold the key to inclusive tech in SEA
We love unicorns, but Southeast Asia’s true tech success will come from partnerships that lift the smallest boats, not just the fastest ships.

Web3 can absorb SEA’s talent glut, only if education evolves
Web3 is urgently seeking professionals who can execute and scale across functions | This makes it clear that the challenge we face is less about finding talent, and more about helping capable people learn how to lead in a decentralised, fast-moving environment.

More choices, less hassle: Unlocking retail magic with AI and tech
Offering consumers more choices come at a cost. Services like buy-online-return-in-store (BORIS), same-day locker pickups, and on-demand delivery have become essential offerings, but delivering these conveniences often complicates backend operations.

How companies can pursue tech-led sustainability in APAC
The region’s many low-lying coastal cities are exposed to flood and typhoon risks, and extreme weather events have become common | As the region grows and energy demand reaches unprecedented levels, finding alternative energy solutions has become an urgent necessity.

Scaling challenges in the Philippine startup ecosystem: What founders are up against
Access to capital is the most pressing concern for scaling founders | The report notes that since 2022, a global “funding winter” has chilled investment activity, with growth-stage startups in the Philippines finding it particularly difficult to secure financing.

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Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword reserved for multinational corporations. Across Southeast Asia, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are beginning to view AI adoption as a real driver of growth and competitiveness. Yet, despite the hype, many business owners remain hesitant, unsure of where to begin and concerned about risks.

Alvin Toh, Co-Founder of Straits Interactive, has worked closely with SMEs to demystify AI and guide them towards responsible, sustainable adoption. In an interview with e27, he aims to shed light on both the opportunities and pitfalls awaiting SMEs in the region.

According to Toh, one of the biggest misconceptions among SMEs is that AI is an expensive luxury reserved for larger enterprises. “In reality, the rise of no-code and low-code tools, like Capabara, has levelled the playing field,” he explains.

These platforms allow SMEs to run pilots in days rather than months and at a fraction of the cost once thought necessary. However, many SMEs are still in a “watch-and-wait” mode, hoping to see measurable ROI from bigger players before committing resources.

Also Read: Global markets navigate political fault lines as technical rebound meets institutional crosscurrents

Toh and his team at Straits Interactive address this hesitation with a three-part approach:

Hands-on skills
Practical Gen AI workshops with SMU Academy train non-technical staff to apply AI tools directly in their daily tasks.

Small wins first
SMEs are encouraged to start with quick pilot projects that deliver measurable value, building confidence and internal momentum.

Governance confidence
By framing AI as a safeguarded business tool rather than a job threat, SMEs are empowered to innovate responsibly.

This structured approach helps businesses move from passive curiosity to confident AI adoption without stretching budgets or manpower.

The governance gap: why responsible AI matters

While SMEs are eager to experiment with AI, governance is often overlooked. Toh warns that rushing into adoption without safeguards can create more liabilities than benefits.

Also Read: Scaling empathy with technology: Bridging the healthcare divide

In order to prevent that, Straits Interactive recommends the framework of Value, Risk, and Constraints to help SMEs evaluate AI tools:

Value
Jumping on every free or low-cost tool often creates a “tool zoo,” with overlapping functions, poor scalability, and unclear ROI.

Risk
Many popular tools fail basic due diligence checks, with privacy policies that do not align with actual data handling practices. This exposes SMEs to potential data leaks, violations of PDPA/GDPR, and reputational harm.

Constraints
With smaller budgets and teams, SMEs cannot afford costly mistakes, making governance a strategic necessity.

To address these challenges, Straits Interactive builds a Digital Transformation Package, equipping SMEs to deploy AI safely, integrate tools within existing compliance frameworks, and strengthen customer trust.

“AI adoption without governance is not innovation — it’s a liability,” Toh emphasises.

In doing their work, Straits Interactive has guided SMEs across law, education, and marketing to balance innovation with compliance. There are different ways companies in these industries can adopt AI in their organisation’s experience:

Law firm
A generative AI knowledge engine was trained on more than 8,000 legal documents, only after personal and sensitive data was cleansed. Domain experts tested outputs extensively to correct hallucinations, cutting legal research times from two hours to minutes.

Private school
AI tutors powered by Capabara supported lesson planning. Teachers were trained to integrate materials without infringing copyright or breaching PDPA.

Marketing agency
AI assistants streamlined campaign ideation and client outreach, with teams learning privacy-safe prompting and workflows.

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

From these cases, Toh highlights that the first step for SMEs is to conduct a thorough audit of their data before deploying AI tools, ensuring that sensitive or personal information is identified and removed. Equally important is embedding compliance considerations at the very start of the adoption journey, rather than treating governance as an afterthought. By weaving in privacy, copyright, and ethical safeguards early, SMEs can avoid regulatory pitfalls and build trust.

Toh also stresses the importance of rigorous testing to validate AI outputs for accuracy, bias, and safety before they are integrated into daily operations. This process helps uncover weaknesses and ensures the technology serves its intended purpose. Finally, staff training is essential. By equipping employees with the skills to use AI effectively and safely, SMEs can create a culture of confident, responsible adoption that supports both innovation and compliance.

For SMEs ready to begin, Toh recommends a two-step pathway:

Pilot with purpose
Start with a single, well-defined business challenge, such as improving customer response times or automating reports. Test a plug-and-play tool on a small scale and measure the results.

Build capabilities around responsible AI
Invest in training, governance, and the right technology. Upskill compliance staff in Gen AI risks, adopt secure no-code platforms, and redesign workflows to integrate AI responsibly.

By embedding these elements early, SMEs can avoid costly missteps while positioning themselves for long-term growth.

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Image Credit: Umar Al Farouq on Unsplash

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When Bloomberg aired its interview on Vietnam’s AI ambitions, with Hanoi’s streets buzzing in the background, it instantly pulled me back to my own trip there just this April for the Vietnam Improv Festival. I could still hear the hum of motorbikes, smell the smoky scent of grilled street food, and feel that quiet determination in people’s eyes.

“This looks so familiar,” I remember murmuring in my cab from the airport into Hanoi. Something in the architecture, the energy, even the colours reminded me of where I grew up. That sense of familiarity stayed with me.

Vietnam feels on the cusp of something transformative — not in a brash, Silicon Valley way, but in a grounded, quietly ambitious way. This is a place where progress is built on humility, patience, and a refusal to take shortcuts.

A grounded vision for AI

Vietnam’s AI story isn’t just about one company, though FPT is a standout example. It’s about a national ecosystem shaped by long-term vision and steady, disciplined execution.

The government’s National Strategy on AI to 2030 aims to place Vietnam among ASEAN’s top AI hubs. It’s not just about building algorithms, but making AI a productivity multiplier for the whole economy, from leaders to factory workers. FPT’s “AI for all” approach fits squarely into this plan, as does its AI Factory built with Nvidia, cutting the time to test and deploy ideas from months to days.

Also Read: How a team of women designed the perfect e-commerce tool for Vietnam’s rural sellers

In Vietnam, bold moves are rarely noisy. They’re deliberate, precise, and quietly relentless.

Education as a national advantage

Vietnam is betting that its greatest asset isn’t cheap labour — it’s young, well-trained talent. And it’s making generational investments to unlock that potential.

In July 2025, the National Assembly approved a sweeping resolution to provide free tuition for all public school students from preschool through high school. This move ensures that every child, regardless of background, gets access to foundational education — a powerful base for later technical skills.

“In Vietnam, education isn’t just a policy,  it’s part of the national fabric, woven with the belief that skill and knowledge come from dedication, not shortcuts.”

On the AI front, FPT has already trained 150,000 students and aims for half a million more, introducing AI concepts as early as age six. By Grade 5, students aren’t just using AI — they’re building with it.

They’re not alone. Phenikaa University launched AI-focused programs in 2023. Vingroup’s VinUni partners with Cornell and UPenn, blending global expertise with local drive. AI4VN — the country’s annual AI Day, backed by the Ministry of Science and Technology — connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to turn theory into real-world impact.

Not just tech hubs: Real-world applications

Vietnam’s AI growth isn’t limited to glossy campuses, it’s rooted in solving real problems with local insight.

• Trusting Social uses AI-powered credit scoring to bring financial access to the unbanked, now serving markets across Asia and the US.
• VNG Corporation, one of Vietnam’s tech titans, integrates AI into products from online games to its homegrown messaging app, Zalo.
• Cinnamon AI, founded in Japan by a Vietnamese entrepreneur, focuses on enterprise document-processing AI with a strong Vietnam base.
• Adayroi Health (formerly VinBrain) develops AI diagnostics for radiology, targeting rural healthcare gaps where doctors are scarce.

These companies reflect a national character: hard work over hype, practical solutions over vanity projects, and a deep appreciation for the impact technology can have on everyday life.

Values that shape innovation

For a country shaped by war, scarcity, and decades of rebuilding, Vietnam’s innovation mindset is quietly distinctive. It’s not about domination — it’s about uplift. Technology is applied with an eye to accessibility, utility, and sustainability.

I remember sitting at one of the railway cafés on a late morning, together with other tourists, waiting for the train to thunder through just inches away — a popular spot to watch the rails come alive. As we waited, I noticed something remarkable. Local shoe shiners weaved through the crowd, carrying all their tools by hand, ready to polish shoes for anyone who’d pay.

These weren’t café employees, they were independent solopreneurs, making a living on their own terms, wherever the moment allowed. It was a humble, resourceful hustle. That simple scene captured something essential about Vietnam, a culture defined by humility, hard work, and the ability to seize opportunity in the smallest moments. A spirit of self-reliance runs deep here, quietly shaping everything from street corners to tech labs.

Also Read: Vietnam’s unseen legal goldmine: Bridging the trust chasm for a billion-dollar opportunity

Humility keeps the ambition grounded. Dedication ensures the work is done thoroughly. Simplicity strips away waste, focusing only on what matters. Gratitude, for peace, for opportunity, for progress, keeps the drive human.

These aren’t just cultural values, they’re competitive advantages in a world often distracted by speed over substance.

What the world can learn

In a global AI race dominated by VC-fuelled land grabs, Vietnam offers a counterpoint: patience, practicality, and perseverance. It’s a model built on education for all, inclusive innovation, and technology that serves real needs.

For other emerging markets, Vietnam’s approach might just be the quiet playbook worth studying: pair long-term policy with grassroots talent-building, empower innovators to solve their own problems, and move forward with steady, unshowy resolve.

It may move softly, but Vietnam’s steady blend of patience, purpose, and perseverance shapes a future few can ignore.

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Singapore-headquartered BPaaS (business process as a service) company AnyMind Group has acquired NADESIKO, a Japan-based creator studio specialising in the beauty industry.

The Tokyo-based firm, known for its expertise in short-form beauty content and marketing, will see all its shares acquired by the group.

This strategic move will bolster AnyMind’s BPaaS capabilities for social-driven commerce by combining NADESIKO’s beauty-focused social marketing prowess with the former’s proprietary technology.

Also Read: AnyMind Group launches AI avatar livestreaming to power the future of creator commerce

Per a press release, NADESIKO brings significant expertise in social marketing within the beauty sector, particularly excelling in Japan’s short-form video marketing landscape.

This acquisition marks AnyMind’s 12th globally, which includes the pending acquisition of Vietnam’s Vibula (announced in April 2025) and its sixth in Japan (including the acquisition of e-gifting SaaS company AnyReach) in February this year.

The integration is expected to yield several key synergies:

• Enhanced social and e-commerce integration: AnyMind will provide end-to-end support for brands, spanning social marketing, sales, advertising, CRM, inventory management, and logistics.
• Expansion of beauty-focused creator networks: NADESIKO’s specialised knowledge will combine with the group’s existing influencer networks, including GROVE’s seju and MUNI labels, to further expand their reach.
• Global scaling of Japanese content: Leveraging AnyMind’s extensive international presence, the acquisition will facilitate the expansion of Japan-born brands, influencers, and content across Asia.

Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group, commented: “As consumer behaviour increasingly begins on social platforms, designing seamless journeys from discovery through purchase has never been more important. NADESIKO’s strengths in short-form content and creator marketing, combined with our AI-powered platforms in e-commerce, marketing and logistics, will enable us to deliver more integrated support for the beauty industry.”

Also Read: AnyMind co-founder Otohiko Kozutsumi on the third evolution of the creator economy

Established in April 2016, AnyMind provides two main offerings: 1) Brand Commerce, which offers platforms for manufacturing, e-commerce enablement, live commerce, marketing, logistics, and AI utilisation, and 2) Partner Growth,  which provides platforms for monetisation and optimisation to web and mobile app publishers, influencers, and content creators.

The company has over 1,900 employees across 24 offices in 15 markets throughout Asia and the Middle East.

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As the calendar flips to September 1, 2025, the global financial landscape reflects a cautious start to the month, with major US stock markets shuttered for the Labour Day holiday. This closure comes on the heels of a turbulent end to August, where Wall Street grappled with a tech-fuelled downturn that capped off the month on a sour note.

Asian markets, stepping in to kick off the week’s trading, have largely followed suit by opening lower, echoing the unease from Friday’s US session. Investors are navigating a complex web of influences, from persistent inflation pressures and tariff anxieties to the allure of artificial intelligence advancements and the anticipation of Federal Reserve policy shifts.

This mix signals a market at a crossroads, poised for potential rebounds driven by technological innovation but vulnerable to macroeconomic headwinds that could prolong volatility. The story here is not just about numbers on a screen but about how these forces interplay to shape investor confidence in an increasingly interconnected world.

US stocks stumble: Tech sell-off steals the spotlight

Turning first to the US markets, the recap from August 29, 2025, paints a picture of restrained optimism giving way to broader concerns. The S&P 500 closed down 0.64 per cent at 6,460.26, slipping from its recent record highs amid losses in key artificial intelligence-related stocks.

The Nasdaq Composite, heavily weighted toward technology, fared worse, declining 1.15 per cent to 21,455.55, underscoring the sector’s outsized influence on overall market performance. Even the Dow Jones Industrial Average, typically more insulated from tech swings, edged lower by 0.3 per cent.

This session marked the end of a fourth consecutive winning month for the S&P 500, which still managed a 1.4 per cent gain for August, but the Friday pullback highlighted emerging cracks in the rally. Tech giants bore the brunt of the selling pressure, with Nvidia shares tumbling over three per cent following reports of heightened competition from Chinese firm Alibaba’s advanced chip development.

Dell Technologies’ stock plummeted nearly nine per cent after the company’s third-quarter profit guidance disappointed analysts, despite robust demand for AI infrastructure. Marvell Technology’s shares cratered 19 per cent on a weak sales forecast, further amplifying the sector’s woes. On a brighter note, Affirm Holdings surged 11 per cent after reporting a quarterly profit, offering a rare counterpoint in an otherwise downbeat day for growth stocks.

Also Read: Markets on edge: One inflation report could trigger a stock market surge or collapse

Inflation fears and tariff turmoil: The hidden market killers

Beyond the tech sell-off, broader economic signals contributed to the muted sentiment. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index dipped in August, as respondents expressed growing fears over inflation. The core Personal Consumption Expenditures index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, held above the two per cent target in July, muddying the waters for a potential September rate cut. Tariff uncertainties loomed large, with Caterpillar’s comments on potential earnings impacts from higher duties weighing on industrial sentiment.

This tariff narrative is particularly under-appreciated. While they aim to protect domestic industries, they risk inflating costs across supply chains, potentially stifling the very growth they’ve helped foster in areas like manufacturing and tech hardware. The market’s reaction suggests investors are starting to price in these frictions, especially as global trade tensions simmer.

Despite these headwinds, the month’s overall gains, S&P up 1.4 per cent, Dow up two per cent, Nasdaq up 1.6 per cent, indicate resilience, buoyed by strong AI-driven earnings from select mega-caps. However, the divergence between winners like Affirm and losers like Marvell suggests a selective market, where only the strongest narratives prevail.

Asia awakens to red screens: Tech restrictions fuel the fire

Shifting focus to the Asia-Pacific region on this September 1 morning, markets have opened with declines, mirroring the weakness in US tech and broader global jitters. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.26 per cent to 42,718.47, dragged down by tech and export-oriented stocks amid ongoing concerns about trade data. South Korea’s Kospi index dropped around two per cent in early trading, hit hard by losses in memory chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which slid after the US Commerce Department revoked their authorisation to ship certain goods from China without licenses.

This move exacerbates US-China tech tensions, directly impacting supply chains for semiconductors critical to AI and consumer electronics. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index showed mixed results, leaning lower at around 24,858.82, influenced by regional volatility. A standout exception was Alibaba, whose shares surged 13 per cent on news of its more advanced AI chip, providing a rare boost in an otherwise subdued session.

In China, the CSI 300 index hovered flat, but auto makers faced headwinds, with BYD reporting its first quarterly profit drop in over three years due to aggressive domestic discounting. India’s Sensex and Nifty indices dipped slightly, pressured by foreign capital outflows and tariff concerns stemming from global trade dynamics.

Also Read: Jackson Hole looms: Can Powell save markets from a global risk meltdown?

From my perspective, Asia’s performance highlights the ripple effects of US policy; restrictions on tech exports not only harm specific companies but also erode broader market confidence, potentially slowing the region’s recovery from post-pandemic sluggishness. However, Alibaba’s gain hints at China’s push for self-reliance in AI, which could reshape the competitive landscape over time.

Gold’s golden surge: Safe havens shine amid the storm

Several other key drivers are at play, amplifying the market’s choppy mood. Gold prices have continued their ascent, touching new all-time highs in late August, fueled by expectations of a Fed rate cut and escalating geopolitical uncertainties.

This safe-haven rally reflects investor caution, as lower interest rates typically weaken the dollar and boost non-yielding assets, such as gold. Overall sentiment remains volatile, as it is influenced by the robust AI earnings of some firms, offset by disappointments from others, and further complicated by trade tensions. This duality captures the market’s current paradox: technological progress offers long-term promise, but near-term risks from inflation and tariffs could trigger sharper corrections if unresolved.

Bitcoin’s brutal breakdown: Crypto kings crumble under pressure

Diving deeper into cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin has extended its decline, falling 0.96 per cent to around US$108,253 over the past 24 hours, marking a 4.19 per cent weekly drop. Three primary factors are driving this: a macro risk-off sentiment, where simultaneous outflows from Bitcoin and gold ETFs signal broad investor caution amid Fed policy ambiguity; a technical breakdown below the critical US$118,000 support level, activating stop-loss orders and bearish indicators like a MACD of -1,931.67 and RSI at 32.47; and a liquidation cascade, with US$24.45 million in Bitcoin liquidations amplifying the downside momentum.

The Fear & Greed Index at 39 underscores prevailing fear, discouraging buy-the-dip activity. Looking ahead, upcoming data like August Non-Farm Payrolls and the Fed Beige Book could provide policy clues, but a close below US$107,000 might test lower Fibonacci levels around US$117,958.

In my view, Bitcoin’s sensitivity to macro shifts highlights its maturation as an asset class, once seen as uncorrelated, it’s now intertwined with traditional markets, offering hedge potential but also exposing it to the same uncertainties. While some forecasts eye US$125,000 by September or even US$221,000 by year-end, the risk of deeper pullbacks looms if institutional demand wanes.

Ethereum’s edge of collapse: Liquidations loom large

Ethereum, meanwhile, has underperformed the broader crypto market, dipping 0.77 per cent to US$4,407 in the last 24 hours. Key pressures include liquidation risks near US$4,400, where over US$1 billion in long positions could unravel if breached, following US$108 million in network-wide liquidations; a bearish technical setup, with ETH struggling below its seven-day simple moving average of US$4,444 and showing MACD divergence at -54.73; and macro caution ahead of US jobs data and Fed signals.

The RSI at 52.74 indicates neutral momentum, but failure to hold US$4,400 risks a drop to the 50 per cent Fibonacci retracement at US$4,155. On the upside, a rebound above US$4,550 could squeeze shorts and target US$4,550 resistance. Ethereum’s ecosystem remains vibrant, with upcoming upgrades like Fusaka enhancing scalability, but competition from faster blockchains like Solana poses threats.

Also Read: The intersection of tech and climate change: 5 key forces that will redefine the global market

Personally, I see Ethereum’s trajectory as more promising than Bitcoin’s in the medium term; its DeFi dominance and staking mechanisms provide utility beyond speculation, potentially driving it toward US$5,000-US$10,000 by year-end if rate cuts materialise and institutional inflows resume. However, liquidation clusters and technical weaknesses demand vigilance.

The volatile road ahead: Will markets rebound or crash further?

In wrapping up this analysis, the markets on September 1, 2025, embody a delicate balance of hope and hesitation. The US holiday pause offers a moment for reflection, but Asia’s early slides suggest the tech sell-off’s aftershocks persist. With gold shining as a refuge and cryptos navigating their own storms, investors must weigh AI’s transformative potential against inflation’s stubborn grip and tariff-induced frictions.

I believe the path forward favours adaptability; those who pivot toward resilient sectors like AI infrastructure while hedging against policy risks stand to thrive. However, if tariffs escalate or inflation reaccelerates, we could see prolonged turbulence, reminding us that in finance, as in life, equilibrium is fleeting. The coming weeks, with key data releases and Fed decisions, will likely dictate whether this is a mere dip or the onset of a deeper recalibration.

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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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