This panel at Echelon Singapore 2025 examined how creators and digital platforms are reshaping business visibility across markets.

Speakers stressed the value of TikTok and Instagram for both B2B and B2C outreach, noting that engagement, click rates and conversion rates remain essential metrics. Influencer marketing stood out for its ability to build trust through authentic content, with micro-influencers seen as more cost-effective than celebrity endorsements.

The discussion also covered the growing influence of AI on content production, the need to balance virality with authenticity and the importance of adapting to shifting algorithms. Panellists highlighted regional differences in platform behaviour and the potential for AI to disrupt traditional marketing strategies.

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The macro landscape this week sits in a state of suspended animation, defined less by new developments than by their absence. At the heart of this inertia is the ongoing US government shutdown, which began on October 1 and has now stretched into its sixth week, becoming the longest in the nation’s history. This institutional paralysis has created a critical data void, most notably delaying the release of the October Consumer Price Index report that was originally scheduled for Thursday, November 13.

The White House has even conceded that this key inflation gauge for October may never be officially released, leaving a permanent blind spot in the economic record. This vacuum of information forces markets to anchor their expectations on whatever data trickles out, elevating the importance of tonight’s release of weekly initial jobless claims, which are expected to show a figure of 218,000 for the week ending November 8.

In this context of uncertainty, risk sentiment has turned cautious. US equities closed mixed on Wednesday, with the Dow showing modest strength while the tech-heavy Nasdaq declined, a divergence that speaks to a subtle but important rotation within the market. This caution was also evident in the Treasury market, where yields edged lower as investors welcomed tentative signs of progress in Congress toward a resolution that would reopen the government. The 10-year yield’s retreat to 4.06 per cent reflects this flight to safety and a renewed hope for a political compromise. The US Dollar Index, for its part, remained largely flat, closing at 99.47, signaling that traders are in a holding pattern, unwilling to make significant directional bets until the political fog lifts and the next concrete piece of economic data arrives.

Also Read: Crypto crashes 3.7 per cent despite US shutdown deal: US$260M liquidations and whale exodus trigger sell-off

The crypto market, however, has been unable to insulate itself from this broader macro malaise. It has fallen a further 0.56 per cent over the last 24 hours, a move that extends a more painful 11.7 per cent monthly decline. This persistent weakness is not a single-factor event but rather a perfect storm of three distinct, reinforcing pressures: a clear pattern of institutional profit-taking, a sharp contagion event in the derivatives market, and an uncomfortably tight correlation with the performance of US tech stocks.

The first of these bearish forces is institutional retrenchment. While spot Bitcoin ETFs have been a major structural support for the market since their launch, their influence has waned in recent weeks. Data from trackers shows a clear trend of capital flight, with the total assets under management for these funds dropping from a recent high of around US$140.7 billion to US$138.9 billion over a single week, a decline of 8.7 per cent. This outflow is more than a simple portfolio rebalance; it signals a deeper shift in sentiment among large, sophisticated players. As the 10x Research CEO warned, a sense of fatigue has set in, driven by Bitcoin’s notable underperformance in 2025 relative to both the soaring price of gold and the resilient gains in the tech-heavy Nasdaq. For institutions that bought the post-ETF approval rally, the current environment offers a compelling reason to trim their exposure and lock in what gains remain.

The second pressure point is a stark reminder of the fragility embedded in the crypto ecosystem’s leverage. The US$63 million liquidation cascade on the Popcat memecoin, centered on the Hyperliquid exchange, was not an isolated incident but a canary in the coal mine. This single event triggered a broader wave of deleveraging across the entire crypto market, evidenced by a 14.7 per cent drop in total open interest. This is the process of overextended, speculative positions, particularly in the volatile altcoin sector, being forcibly closed out, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of selling that spills over into the entire asset class. The subsequent cooling of perpetual funding rates, which fell by 41 per cent in just 24 hours, confirms a sharp and sudden reduction in speculative appetite. The market is in a defensive crouch.

The third and perhaps most inescapable headwind is crypto’s persistent and powerful link to traditional equities, specifically the Nasdaq-100. The market’s 24-hour price action has shown a correlation of 0.88 with the Nasdaq-100, its strongest link to the index since March 2025. This statistic is a powerful testament to the fact that, for all its claims of being a separate, uncorrelated asset, crypto remains a risk asset first and foremost. Its fate is now inextricably tied to the same macro forces that move the markets for Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Therefore, any pre-market weakness in the Nasdaq, such as the 1.2 per cent drop seen on Thursday, driven by fears over sticky inflation and a more hawkish Federal Reserve, will inevitably be mirrored in a retreat across the crypto board.

Also Read: Crypto rebounds as labour data calms markets but is the rally sustainable?

In conclusion, the market’s current malaise is a confluence of its own internal dynamics and the external macroeconomic environment. The derivatives market is in a state of recovery from its recent squeeze, with perpetual funding rates having turned slightly positive again at plus 0.0014 per cent. However, this technical stabilisation is overshadowed by a collapse in market confidence, as evidenced by the Fear and Greed Index plunging into the Extreme Fear territory at a reading of 25.

The path forward is clouded by the absence of the CPI data, but its eventual release or its continued absence will be a critical test. The key question on every trader’s mind is whether Bitcoin can hold the critical psychological and technical support level of US$100,000 if the October inflation data, when it finally emerges, shows a year-over-year increase that exceeds the 3.4 per cent threshold, which would likely cement a risk-off posture across all markets.

Until then, all assets remain chained to this unprecedented political and data-driven uncertainty.

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Image Credit: Traxer on Unsplash

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Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation, and financial technology provider, has added iris authentication features to its AR glasses-embedded payment solution, through partnerships with leading smart glasses producers.

Alipay+ GlassPay currently integrates multi-modal biometric verification measures including the AI-powered voice interface with intent recognition and voiceprint authentication technology. The feature has been successfully tested on AlipayHK, and enables merchants and service providers to create an even smoother, more secure, and more immersive consumer experience via augmented reality. The new functionalities rely on the latest innovations in AI and AR (augmented reality) technologies, developed in conjunction with leading smart glasses manufacturers Xiaomi and Meizu.

Pushing the future of seamless and secure smart-glasses commerce

According to Ant International’s Chief Executive Officer Peng Yang, the company remains “laser-focused on pushing the frontier of payment from all angles: hardware-embedded consumer services, card+QR interoperability, bank-to-wallet connectivity, AI merchant payment orchestration for agentic commerce”. He highlighted that seamless, real-time, around-the-clock secure global payment will continue to be a main engine for global resilience and growth.

Ant International also noted that smart glasses are emerging as a new gateway for interactive commerce by bridging physical and digital consumer experiences, thanks to advances in AI. The devices integrate instant try-ons, interactive shopping and simplified checkout. Iris authentication is considered an especially secure form of biometric verification, given its resistance to spoofing. The method relies on a larger number of distinguishing feature points compared with facial or fingerprint analysis.

Also read: AI-powered EPOS360 turns small shops into smart businesses

Advancing biometric security for next-generation smart-glasses payments

Alipay+ GlassPay’s iris authentication feature compares over 260 biometric feature points to verify and protect the identity of the user. It uses AI and advanced liveness detection technology to counter fraud attempts using photos, videos, or 3D masks. Using advanced imaging algorithms, the solution accurately verifies user identity in various lighting conditions, offering reliable, zero-contact security with a simple glance throughout the day.

The solution integrates an end-to-end security suite for e-wallets and apps, including a unique personal encryption key scheme to safeguard user data. In accordance with laws and regulations, device manufacturers, digital service providers and technology providers will work together to ensure compliance with security requirements in different markets.

The multi-modal security framework of Alipay+ GlassPay is powered by Ant’s gPass, the world’s first trusted connection technology framework for smart glasses, which enables glasses manufacturers and developers to build a secure AI digital services system, innovate new application scenarios for the device, and expand on its utility for consumers. As AI ​​and AR use cases continue to expand, gPass is committed to providing global users with a safer and more convenient experience with smart devices.

Building a more enriched consumer experience

Building on AR-embedded payment, Alipay+ GlassPay will support merchants and digital platforms to develop a more enriched and efficient consumer experience. For example, smart glasses may help consumers to hail a ride and move seamlessly from a satisfactory offline try-on to an instant online purchase, saving merchant warehousing and logistics costs and improving omni-channel management.

Ant International will introduce the enhanced Alipay+ GlassPay solution to manufacturers, service providers and developers in the Asia Pacific.

“Xiaomi smart glasses are a key component of Xiaomi’s AI terminal strategy. Leveraging Xiaomi’s leading advantages in smart personal devices and an ecosystem of diverse use scenarios, we will expand cooperation with partners worldwide to enrich AI-driven lifestyle experience for consumers worldwide,” said Zhang Lei, Vice President of Mobile Phone Department and General Manager of Wearable Devices, Xiaomi.

Also read: Ant International releases Falcon TST to boost global AI forecasting

“The ultimate goal of smart glasses is to seamlessly integrate technology into our lives,” said Guo Peng, Head of XR Business Unit of Xingji Meizu. “Iris payment solution is a critical step toward this vision — it makes the act of paying feel natural again. However, the more invisible the technology becomes, the more visible the safeguards need to be. In our collaboration with Ant, our focus is not only on achieving faster and more seamless recognition but also on building a comprehensive security framework — from encrypted storage to liveness detection — ensuring the complete protection of users’ biometric data. As for smart glasses payment solution, security is not just a feature; it is the very foundation.”

Expanding interoperability and AI-driven innovation across the Alipay+ ecosystem

Today, Alipay+ connects over 1.8 billion user accounts on 40 mobile payment providers to 100 million merchants across 100+ core markets. With one integration, mobile payment partners can access Alipay+’s expanding toolkits for customer engagement and business growth. Among these, Alipay+ now integrates QR-based and card payments via a global NFC solution. It also enables a full range of agentic AI features including MCP-based AI payments built on Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, an AI-as-a-Service platform for fintechs.

“We are excited to offer our advanced embedded payment solutions to smart hardware innovators and digital service providers to expand the exciting horizon of augmented-reality commerce. Ant International will continue to push payment innovations across the frontiers of interoperability, agentic AI, and new hardware solutions,” said Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer, Ant International. 

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Autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment in Singapore is poised for a dramatic acceleration following key regulatory approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) by global autonomous driving technology leader WeRide and Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, Grab.

The LTA has granted the partners approval to conduct expanded AV testing with their entire Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride) fleet within the Punggol district.

Also Read: Grab makes strategic bet on WeRide to drive autonomous mobility in SEA

This approval marks a significant step forward, enabling WeRide and Grab to scale up their AV testing program substantially. Having commenced Punggol’s first AV testing in mid-October 2025, the companies now plan to increase the total number of AV test runs on its shuttle service routes by up to four times by the end of the year.

The extensive testing is necessary preparation for the launch of the Ai.R public autonomous ride service. Ai.R is expected to begin carrying its first batch of public passengers by early 2026, establishing Punggol as Singapore’s first residential neighbourhood with an autonomous shuttle service.

Fleet and operational rigour

The Ai.R service, operated by Grab in partnership with WeRide, comprises an 11-vehicle fleet: ten GXRs (equipped with five passenger seats) and one Robobus (eight passenger seats).

The shuttle service will operate on two dedicated routes, connecting Punggol residents to key local amenities, including the Punggol Coast MRT station, the Punggol Coast Mall bus interchange, regional malls, and clinics.

During the AV test runs, the vehicles are engineered to gather and meticulously analyse real-world data to localise their AI driving models. This data accumulation focuses heavily on understanding road infrastructure, traffic flows, and the nuanced behaviours of local road users and pedestrians. To ensure reliability in Singapore’s tropical environment, the AVs are specifically trained to handle diverse weather conditions, including intense sun glare and sudden rain.

The technical calibration efforts are rigorous. The AVs continuously refine their precision driving capabilities, which include honing smooth acceleration and deceleration, executing precise turn timing, and maintaining optimal distance from obstacles. They are also trained to master complex urban scenarios, such as safely navigating tight turns on narrow residential roads and in carparks while maintaining required safety clearance from surrounding objects and pedestrians.

Equipped with an advanced sensor suite featuring LiDARs and cameras, the GXRs and Robobus possess 360-degree vision. This allows the vehicles to “see” up to 200 metres in every direction and detect objects even when conditions are challenging, such as during rainfall, ensuring prompt and dynamic responses to hazards.

Building local talent

Crucially, the partners are simultaneously building the necessary human support for the service. GrabAcademy, Grab’s training institution, and WeRide are training an initial cohort of more than 10 experienced Grab driver-partners to transition into specialised Safety Operator roles.

Also Read: Grab posts rare profit, but cash burn and incentive dependence tell a deeper story

Following theory lessons and closed-circuit practical training, this first cohort has now progressed to on-the-road training. Safety Operators will remain onboard the AVs at all times throughout the testing and initial phase of public rides, providing crucial real-time supervision.

WeRide, a leader in the autonomous driving industry, holds autonomous driving permits in seven markets. Grab, founded in 2012, operates across eight Southeast Asian countries, serving over 800 cities in the mobility, deliveries, and digital financial services sectors.

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Let’s be honest. Many people try AI once and walk away saying, “It talks nonsense. It’s not accurate. I can’t work with this.”

I’ve heard this especially from midlife friends. They imagine AI should give perfect answers every time. When it doesn’t, they feel frustrated, even tricked.

But here’s the thing: bad experiences don’t mean AI is broken. They usually mean we need to learn how to talk to it.

Why do we get stressed before we even start

Here’s something interesting. I’ve noticed that many friends type to AI as if they’re writing a letter to the Prime Minister. Long, stiff, over-polished sentences. Some even practise what they’re going to say before hitting the mic button! By the time they actually speak, they’re already stressed.

And what happens? The AI gives back an equally stiff answer. No wonder they feel it “talks nonsense.”

But AI isn’t your boss. It’s not judging you. You don’t need to impress it. In fact, the more natural and relaxed you are, the better the responses.

Start with clarity and humility

If you’re not clear, AI won’t be either. That’s why the first rule is simple: be humble and just ask. Treat it like a conversation, not a command.

And if the answer doesn’t feel right? Don’t give up. Ask again. Rephrase the question. Add details. Think of it like giving directions. If you tell someone “go straight” but forget to say “then turn left at the big tree,” of course they’ll get lost. AI works the same way.

Also Read: Are large Vietnamese tech enterprises ‘indifferent’ when competing with ChatGPT?

AI can even evaluate itself

Here’s a surprise. You can actually ask AI to check its own work. For example, you might say: “Evaluate this article and tell me what’s missing.” Often, it will critique itself more honestly than a human editor would.

That “nonsense” answer you didn’t like? Ask it why it gave that response, or how it can improve. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it learns to adjust.

Prompt engineering, demystified

When I first heard the term prompt engineering, I imagined scientists in white coats conducting experiments. It sounded intimidating. But really, it just means asking better questions.

Try it the old-school way. Instead of “write about art,” say, “write about art in a warm, emotional way for Facebook.” Instead of “explain AI,” say, “explain AI in simple terms, as if you’re talking to my 70-year-old aunt.”

Prompt engineering is not rocket science. It’s practice, patience, and curiosity. And unlike people, AI never gets tired of your questions.

Closing thought

Yes, sometimes AI talks nonsense. But that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. It means we need to guide it better.

So the next time you feel frustrated, remember: you’re not just using AI, you’re teaching it. And like any good student, it learns fastest when the teacher is clear, patient, and willing to try again.

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