Month: September 2025

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Former Ant Group exec’s Obita raises US$10M to bridge Web2 and Web3 payments

Obita, an enterprise-level cross-border payment and digital financial network based in Singapore, has closed an angel funding round, securing over US$10 million.

The funding round was co-led by Vision Plus Capital and Mirana Ventures, with additional participation from prominent investors such as Legend Capital, HashKey Capital, and Web3.com Ventures.

The significant investment aims to accelerate the deployment of its stablecoin-based cross-border payment network, with a particular focus on high-growth markets, including Southeast Asia.

Also Read: Blockchain technology: Revolutionising global payment solutions and cross-border remittance

The capital raised will also be used for:

  • System research and development (R&D).
  • Compliance infrastructure development.
  • Global market expansion.

Obita is constructing a blockchain-native payment network under its Obita Mesh framework, designed to offer global enterprises low-cost, real-time settlement solutions that are regulatory compliant. This initiative directly addresses prevalent industry challenges such as high foreign exchange costs, delayed settlements, and a lack of transparency in fund flows.

Dayong ZHANG, co-founder and CEO of Obita, stated: “Cross-border payments are at a tipping point driven by stablecoin innovation. We aim to integrate blockchain technology’s revolutionary potential into real-world global capital flows through our enterprise-grade, end-to-end, compliant, secure, and high-quality integrated services.”

Obita plans to redefine capital flows for cross-border trade, e-commerce, and supply chain platforms by integrating enterprise-grade compliance systems, cross-border clearing networks, and unified treasury management tools.

The company’s initial strategic focus will be on high-growth markets across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The leadership team at Obita comprises seasoned professionals from the fintech, cross-border payments, and digital asset industries, bringing deep technical expertise and a forward-looking vision.

Prior to Obita, ZHANG served as CCO of HashKey Group and CEO of HashKey Onchain BG, where he played a pivotal role in developing fiat products, leading HashKey Chain to become a preferred compliant blockchain for Real World Assets (RWA) projects in Hong Kong, and facilitating HKDR’s entry into the HKMA’s stablecoin issuer sandbox.

His tenure as Ant Group’s Regional Head for South Asia and Southeast Asia saw him lead the creation of multiple market-leading unicorn digital wallet products and significantly expand Ant’s global payment network..

David Toh, Managing Partner of Mirana Ventures, emphasised Obita’s catalytic role, saying, “By embedding compliant stablecoin settlement into global trade, Obita is catalysing industry-wide upgrades.”

Also Read: How blockchain is optimising payments, assets and workflows

Tony WANG, Managing Director of Legend Capital, noted the market opportunity, stating, “Bridging Web2 and Web3 worlds represents the biggest opportunity in today’s fintech landscape. Obita’s team, with deep expertise across both domains, is uniquely positioned to lead this trend.”

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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!

Southeast Asia is entering a new era of digital growth, where technology is no longer just a support function but the foundation of business success. From startups to established enterprises, leaders are under pressure to modernise operations and stay competitive in an increasingly digital-first marketplace. Yet many companies still struggle with legacy systems, fragmented solutions, and the challenge of scaling their IT infrastructure to meet rising demands. This creates an urgent need for technology partners who can offer not only the right products but also the strategic guidance to make transformation possible.

Lenovo has built its reputation as a global technology powerhouse by addressing exactly these challenges. With its mission of “smarter technology for all,” Lenovo provides businesses with the tools to enhance productivity, foster collaboration, and prepare for the future. For IT managers and company leaders, Lenovo’s solutions bring clarity and confidence, ensuring that organisations don’t just keep pace with digital change but thrive in it. By focusing on inclusivity and sustainability, Lenovo also ensures that the benefits of intelligent transformation extend across industries and markets, creating impact where it matters most.

Also read: How DITP is connecting Thai startups with Philippine investors

At Echelon Philippines 2025, these conversations about digital transformation take on fresh urgency. Lenovo offers an opportunity to understand how global expertise can be applied to local challenges, and how smarter technology can help businesses strengthen resilience while positioning themselves for long-term growth. Lenovo looks forward to connecting directly with decision-makers and supporting businesses in their IT needs, while also driving engagement through its business portal.

Lenovo Pro on lenovo.com Philippines: leading the way in IT innovation

Lenovo Pro’s vision is clear: to be the leader and enabler of intelligent transformation. In the Philippines and across key markets within most of the Asia Pacific region, the company has become a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complex journey of digitalisation. More than delivering devices, Lenovo Pro is about equipping organisations with smarter solutions tailored to their evolving needs, from scaling infrastructure to supporting dynamic workforces.

What makes Lenovo Pro unique is its ability to bridge innovation with practical business outcomes. Many organisations face the challenge of modernising their IT systems without disrupting daily operations, and Lenovo Pro offers pathways that are both accessible and sustainable. Whether for startups aiming to build scalable systems, SMEs seeking guidance to expand, or corporates looking to optimise global operations, Lenovo positions itself as a partner that delivers more than technology — it delivers transformation. Beyond providing solutions, Lenovo is also committed to fostering collaboration through webinars, business outreach, and strong visibility across e27’s collaterals, ensuring that it can engage audiences in meaningful ways long after the event.

Joining Lenovo Pro is completely FREE. Sign up here.

Also read: How Shell LiveWire is powering Filipino enterprise growth

Lenovo is joining the movement at Echelon Philippines 2025

Echelon Philippines 2025, e27’s flagship event organised by Brainsparks, will take place on 2–3 September 2025 at Hall 4, SMX Convention Center Manila. The two-day conference is set to bring together founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers from across the region for a powerful convergence of ideas and action. With dedicated stages, exhibitions, and panel discussions, the event is designed to give participants actionable insights and open new market pathways, making it the go-to platform for anyone invested in Southeast Asia’s growth story.

For businesses, Echelon Philippines offers more than networking. It is a space to discover new solutions, learn from industry leaders, and position themselves within the region’s fast-evolving ecosystem. To explore how Lenovo’s technologies and expertise can help future-proof your organisation, simply request a callback here. Whether you’re exploring scalable IT solutions as a startup, seeking new growth strategies as an SME, or optimising operations as a corporate leader, Lenovo’s team is ready to provide practical strategies and access to smarter technology that drives resilience and growth.

Also read: How inDrive is challenging social injustice through mobility

At Echelon Philippines 2025, Lenovo is not just joining the conversation, it is shaping the future of digital transformation in the Philippines and beyond. Secure your spot now and join us as a participant or an official partner. Together, we can shape the future and create a lasting impact.

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This article is produced by the e27 team

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Featured Image Credit: Lenovo Pro

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What a grassroots hackathon in Sarawak taught me about AI and community-driven innovation

It all started on July 2. I was at a press conference in Kuching, just after my keynote at the Sarawak Media Conference 2025. Sarawak’s Deputy State Secretary, Datuk Hii Chang Kee, was seated right beside me.

In front of eight reporters, I blurted out midway, “Hey, let’s do an AI hackathon together!” The idea was simple but a little audacious. We wanted a small, community-driven event, one that was about passion, not corporate directives.

Our goal? To spark a conversation by blending Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage with the cutting-edge possibilities of artificial intelligence. We called it the Sarawak-Singapore Friendship AI Vibe Design Hackathon, a project that began with nothing more than a shared love for creativity and a belief in local talent.

This wasn’t some top-down initiative. There were zero big budgets or glossy campaigns. In fact, as of today, we’re still looking for a sponsor to help us livestream the demo component of our hackathon, and still couldn’t find one. Which was, frankly, a little surprising given all the buzz!

Our team, made up entirely of dedicated volunteers, was driven by passion and a commitment to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem from the ground up. We were dedicated to making this hackathon a world-class experience for our participants, with no one on our team taking a profit. It’s a true grassroots movement, fuelled by the conviction that the most powerful innovation comes from the community itself.

The journey has been a whirlwind of unexpected growth. The media response has been phenomenal, generating over RM 122,000 (US$26,000) in earned media value before the hackathon has even begun. This has been a testament to the compelling narrative we’ve created: that true innovation can be found in the heart of Borneo. We’ve been featured in major international outlets like The Borneo Post, Sarawak Tribune, and also the Singapore Global Network portal. This overwhelming attention proves that our story—a story of local talent and global vision—is resonating far and wide.

Celebrating a truly diverse finalist pool

What we’re most proud of is the incredible diversity of our 40 finalists. They are a living embodiment of the global and local talent we aimed to attract.

  • Global vibes: A quarter of our finalists hail from beyond Sarawak’s borders, with participants from Belarus, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UK. This international flavour has brought fresh perspectives and a competitive edge to the event.
  • Sarawakian pride: The remaining 75 per cent are proud Sarawakians, representing a beautiful cultural mosaic. Our finalists include 40 per cent Malay, 40 per cent Chinese, 10 per cent Dayak, and 10 per cent from other indigenous groups. This rich blend of backgrounds is exactly what we hoped for, proving that the future of AI is deeply rooted in local identity.
  • Gender balance and age diversity: We’re thrilled to have a strong gender split of 40 per cent female and 60 per cent male finalists, showing that AI and design are for everyone. Our participants range from seasoned pros to young, restless minds, with 15 per cent of our talent being under 21 years old.
  • A melting pot of skills: Our finalists were chosen for their diverse expertise, which is the perfect recipe for innovative projects. The group is made up of 40 per cent Computer Science majors, 30 per cent from Design and Digital Media, and 30 per cent from other fascinating disciplines like business studies, project management, and even astrology! It’s a testament to our belief that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.

Some of these finalists are already seasoned pros, with impressive portfolios and awards from other hackathons. They bring a wealth of experience, but it’s their passion that truly sets them apart.

Also Read: Vibe coding: Why Singapore needs more tech built for joy, not just utility

Why a grassroots approach to AI is the future

Our decision to host this hackathon in Sarawak was no accident. We believe that design is in the DNA of all Sarawakians, and with the state government’s clear vision for AI in Borneo, we saw a unique opportunity.

Instead of a top-down approach, which can sometimes feel disconnected from the people it’s meant to serve, we’ve taken a grassroots, community-first strategy. We’re leveraging Sarawak’s true strengths—its heritage, its incredible design sense, and the raw talent of its people—to drive AI development. This bottom-up method to AI and vibe design is something no one has done in Borneo before, and it’s why we’ve been able to capture the attention of the entire region.

Our efforts have also created a powerful win-win for everyone involved. By shining a spotlight on these talented students and entrepreneurs, we are creating future champions for AI education. We’ve seen incredible interest from local universities, many of which are now considering educational licenses for Lovart AI and NewHero AI. This sets the stage for sustainable growth in AI education across the region, with local startups playing a leading role.

Also Read: Wan Wei Soh: Driving AI inclusivity and growth for innovators

Community first, always

This hackathon would not have been possible without the support of early partners and community organisations who believed in the vision when it was just an idea. Their commitment reminded us of the difference between simply sponsoring an event and truly investing in a community.

For us, this journey is a labor of love — 100 per cent driven by volunteers, built for the community, and powered by the belief that AI and design can be tools for social good. As we head toward the grand finale on September 6th, we’re excited to celebrate not just the winners, but the spirit of collaboration that has brought this project to life.

We truly believe that our hackathon will be a milestone event in the Sarawak AI roadmap, a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.

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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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