Singapore is a city built on precision, efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to progress. It’s a place where the skyline is shaped by meticulous planning, where industries thrive on cutting-edge technology, and where logic reigns supreme.

And yet, despite all of this structure, my journey in this city has proven to me that human thought and decision-making transcend pure physics.

I’ve spent years working at the intersection of technology, now finance, and space research too. I’be been building ecosystems, creating opportunities, and connecting people across industries that traditionally don’t intersect.

If thought were purely deterministic, every move I’ve made would have been mapped out by a formula. But my life, like the city I call home, is a testament to something far more profound: the power of uncertainty, intuition, and human will.

The gymnast who broke gravity

Before I was in venture capital, before I was in AR/VR, before I was in launching telematics apps, before I was navigating the space industry, before I was forging partnerships in biotech and AI, I was coaching gymnastics.

I worked with a young athlete who, against all odds, went on to qualify for the Olympics. If we break gymnastics down into physics, it’s just force, motion, and balance—muscles contracting at precise moments. But that’s not what makes an Olympian.

What made her great wasn’t just biomechanics.

It was her belief that she could push past her limits, her ability to overcome failures, and the way she rewired her mind beyond what her body initially allowed. Science could explain how she landed her flips, but it couldn’t explain why she refused to give up.

Singapore operates the same way. On paper, this country shouldn’t be the economic and technological powerhouse it is today. It had no natural resources, no safety net of historical wealth.

Also Read: From human to AI: Embracing change and thriving in the new world of work

But human will transformed it into one of the most innovative nations on Earth.

Quantum choices: The science of uncertainty

If success was a simple equation, then anyone could follow a formula and get the same result. But the biggest leaps happen when we embrace the unknown.

Quantum mechanics tells us that at the smallest levels, particles don’t behave predictably. They exist in a state of probability, only choosing a defined state when observed. If the fundamental building blocks of the universe operate on uncertainty, why would our choices be any different?

When I made my first investment in a female-led startup, there was no predetermined outcome. When I left a prestigious role at Meta to chart my own path, I wasn’t following a calculated blueprint. I was betting on intuition.

Physics can predict the trajectory of a rocket, but it can’t predict the gut feeling that tells you to take a risk. It can’t explain the instinct that tells you to walk away from a deal that looks good on paper but feels wrong. And it can’t predict the way Singapore continuously reinvents itself in the face of global uncertainty.

The AI that can’t think like us

I’ve spent years working with AI, but no matter how sophisticated it gets, it still lacks something fundamental: real decision-making.

AI can optimise, analyse, and simulate. But it doesn’t experience intuition. It doesn’t wake up one day and decide, “I’m going to do something completely unprecedented.”

It does what it’s darn told.

When I was breaking into industries where I didn’t fit the mould.

AI would have analysed the odds and told me to quit.

But I didn’t, because human thought isn’t just about logic—it’s about belief, adaptability, and creating new paths instead of following existing ones.

Also Read: The future of humanity: Can we build self-sustaining space colonies?

What this means for the future

If our choices were dictated solely by physics, then Singapore would have remained a fishing village. I would have taken the safe path. And every major innovation would have been predictable. But reality proves otherwise.

The biggest breakthroughs in history, whether in science, business, or personal growth, happen when someone chooses to act despite uncertainty.

I’ve built my career by making decisions that didn’t always make sense on paper. From launching The Outcomes Magazine to curating networks of researchers, investors, and visionaries, my life is a collection of paths that shouldn’t intersect, but they do.

Because the truth is, human thought isn’t just neurons firing. It’s an emergent force, one that bends reality instead of simply reacting to it.

So if you’re here, in Singapore or anywhere else, wondering whether to take that leap, whether to trust your instinct, whether to defy the odds, remember this: you are not a machine following a program.

You are something greater.

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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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Image credit: DALL-E

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I showed up with no makeup, a t-shirt, jeans, and a smile. Hair pulled back, ready to get down to Osunlade. Because if you know, you know.

But here’s where it gets interesting: I had my first drink surrounded by two astronauts.

One of them? A powerhouse on my team at Advanced SpaceLife Research Institute, someone I wasn’t even supposed to see because her schedule was packed to the minute. The other? The most compact, joyful Japanese space friend you could imagine. But also someone who looked like he could knock your face to the floor if you got in his way.

And yet, here we all were at RasaSpace in Raffles, vibing at my birthday party with Axiom Space in the mix like it was just another Tuesday.

The problem with phones and why I got in trouble

Now, here’s the thing. I tried to take a quick pic, just one. Just to prove this moment actually happened. And guess what? I got in trouble for it.

Sorry Lil.

Because even in 2025, we’re still in this weird place where capturing a moment pulls you out of it. One second, I’m fully immersed in the music, the conversation, the weight of space exploration colliding with nightlife, and the next? I’m staring at a screen, fumbling to turn off the dang flash. This could have been ignored and something that I could’ve just lived.

Also Read: Riding into the future with cowboy hats, AI and wearables

That’s where AI wearables come in.

No phones, no distractions. Just living the moment

The next era of tech isn’t about replacing experiences with digital content. It’s about getting the tech out of the way so you can actually be present.

Imagine this:

• You’re dancing, running, or deep in conversation with a literal astronaut.
• Your AI glasses are capturing the best moments without you even thinking about it.
• No phone to pull you out. No need to break the flow.

It’s not just about documenting your life. It’s about enhancing it without interruption.

This is why we’re building AI-powered wearables that let you experience life hands-free while still keeping the memories. Because honestly? The best moments happen when you’re not trying to frame them for social media.

Not trying to be cooler than everyone.

Or more important.

And if Axiom Space, a Japanese space warrior, and an underground house set at RasaSpace aren’t proof that the future is about living, not recording.

I don’t know what is.

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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.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image courtesy: DALL-E

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In a world where automation continues to reshape industries, 5.0 ROBOTICS aims to reimagine automation as an adaptive, collaborative system designed to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.

The Estonian deep tech startup develops advanced robotic automation systems integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). Built upon three key pillars—commercial CNC robots, dual-use defence robots, and the future-focused minifactory concept—the company is pushing boundaries in making manufacturing lighter, smarter, and more accessible.

In partnership with Singapore’s contract manufacturing veteran Giken Sakata, 5.0 ROBOTICS is bringing this vision to Southeast Asia (SEA). The collaboration, formalised in September 2024, focuses on embedding advanced manufacturing technologies within human-centred workflows.

During a visit to the company’s facility at Tallinn University of Technology, e27 observed the products that 5.0 ROBOTICS is building, including the mini factory. Compact, mobile, and versatile, the mini factory is designed to regionalise production, offering companies the ability to automate tasks without the need for sprawling factory floors.

Integrated with multi-axis robots, it allows for rapid reconfiguration based on production needs.

Also Read: Serving up the future: How robots are revolutionising the F&B industry

According to Carlo Lustrissimi, CEO of 5.0 ROBOTICS, the minifactory represents a shift in robotics from large-scale automation to human-centric design. “If we think about robotics, everybody imagines the big automotive assembly lines where humans have disappeared,” he explains.

“The fifth industrial revolution is bringing humans back. Robots should be functional to humans—to help people use their other values and not be stuck doing repetitive tasks.”

Lustrissimi adds that the future of robotics lies in cognitive capabilities, where machines can autonomously generate trajectories and adapt to production processes in real-time. “Today, traditional robotic technology requires pre-programmed trajectories. However, the future is for robots to think through the production process and react accordingly without human pre-configuration. The bottleneck is computing power, but AI is improving, and our estimate is that by 2025 or 2026, we will see affordable products capable of this level of autonomy.”

The minifactory is already positioned as a game-changer for Singapore’s manufacturing landscape, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to adopt advanced automation without prohibitive costs. Lustrissimi emphasises that the next phase of the partnership is to roll out units within Giken Sakata’s ecosystem before expanding into foreign markets.

More ambitiously, the collaboration includes plans to establish a Robotics Academy in Singapore. The academy aims to upskill traditional manufacturing workers and train new talent in 5.0 ROBOTICS technologies.

“It is not just a knowledge partnership but also an operational one,” Lustrissimi shares. “We are also looking to open production of this technology in Singapore.”

Also Read: The transformation of chatbots: From rule-based robots to conversational companions

Founded in 1979, Giken Sakata’s expertise spans plastic injection moulding, precision machining, and complete assembly, supported by operations in Singapore, Indonesia, and China. The company’s partnership with 5.0 ROBOTICS reflects Singapore’s broader push to future-proof its manufacturing sector through the adoption of Industry 5.0 principles of combining technological innovation with human-centric design.

As global supply chains grow increasingly complex, Singapore is strategically investing in advanced manufacturing technologies to maintain competitiveness while creating high-value jobs. 5.0 ROBOTICS’s concept fits neatly into this narrative. Empowering workers rather than replacing them offers a sustainable model for countries like Singapore that are seeking to balance productivity with workforce wellbeing.

A national vision of AI

At a recent presentation attended by e27, Rannar Park, Head of Business Engagement at e-Estonia, highlighted Estonia’s ambitious AI strategy.

“Since 2023, we have over 100 AI use cases in government, built in collaboration with both private and public sectors,” he says.

From AI-driven traffic monitoring systems that optimise emergency response to personalised digital government services, Estonia is showcasing how AI can simplify daily life.

Park shared an example close to home: “In Estonia when a child is born, a digital Estonian is created automatically. Their electronic identity is set up, parental benefits are processed, and employers are notified—all with just a few clicks. It is a beautiful example of using AI to make lives easier.”

As more countries explore AI’s potential, this approach reminds us that the true value of this technology lies not in replacing human workers but in enhancing operations and easing the burdens of everyday tasks. By designing AI systems that support people through process streamlining, we can build a future where technology works alongside humans, empowering them rather than sidelining them.

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Image Credit: Kristiina Tammik

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The AI revolution is no longer on the horizon. It’s here. But as organisations race to deploy AI across their operations, a new challenge has emerged: How do you fuel AI systems when traditional data sources are drying up?

The answer lies in a rising star — synthetic data.

Gartner predicts that by 2027, 75 per cent of AI training data will be synthetic, driven by mounting privacy regulations, cost barriers, and limited access to proprietary datasets. And at ExpertOps AI, we believe synthetic data isn’t just a workaround—it’s a strategic advantage.

Let’s explore how generative AI is changing the game in data synthesis and why enterprises must embrace this shift now.

The problem: AI needs more than just generic data

Most powerful AI models like GPT-4 or Gemini are trained on general-purpose data—Wikipedia articles, books, open web content. But when you deploy these models in specialised domains like healthcare, finance, aviation, or legal services, they often fall short.

Why? Because they lack context and deep domain knowledge.

Without domain-specific training, AI systems tend to guess rather than provide grounded responses—what researchers call “hallucinations.” In fact, studies show up to 20% error rates in AI-generated content without fine-tuning on specialised data.

That’s a big risk, especially in sectors where accuracy, compliance, and trust are non-negotiable.

Also Read: SEA’s startup funding rebounds slightly in March, but y-o-y dip remains steep

The data dilemma: Shrinking supply, rising costs

Fine-tuning AI models requires high-quality, relevant data. But acquiring that data is becoming increasingly difficult:

• Paywalls and restrictions: Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Stack Overflow now limit data access or charge premium API fees.
• Data ownership: Critical data is locked behind industry players like Bloomberg or Nasdaq.
• Regulatory barriers: Privacy laws such as GDPR and HIPAA restrict what data can be collected or used.

So how do you fine-tune AI models without massive proprietary datasets?

The post Why synthetic data is the future of AI’s fuel appeared first on e27.

The venture capital exit landscape is undergoing a fundamental reset, and nowhere is this more evident than in today’s M&A environment.

The latest State of Exits 2025 report makes one thing brutally clear: the age of outsized, effortless mega-exits is over. With 96 per cent of transactions valued below US$500 million — and 70 per cent under US$100 million — the market has shifted decisively towards smaller, tightly scrutinised acquisitions.

Yet even as deal volumes fall, values have risen 15 per cent, a contradiction that reveals the new truth of this cycle: buyers are willing to pay, but only for the very best. For Southeast Asian founders, this means the bar for being considered “acquirable” has never been higher. Flaky forecasts, patchy revenue quality, or volatile performance now kill deals instantly.

Compounding this shift is the dominance of structured deals. With 73 per cent of M&A transactions involving earnouts — and 42 per cent of consideration tied to future performance — the risk has moved squarely onto founders’ shoulders. The average earnout now stretches 3.2 years, binding leadership teams long after the cheque is signed.

Add collapsing SaaS valuations, stabilising at a sober 7x revenue, and a surge in early-stage acquisitions (60 per cent occurring before Series A) and the message is unmistakable: founders must plan exits earlier, execute flawlessly, and build relationships long before the data room opens. The new exit reality is unforgiving, but navigable for those who prepare with discipline rather than hope.

REGIONAL

NTT Group to launch its first startup investment vehicle in SEA: Synexia Ventures will target startups in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, with an emphasis on AI, IoT, smart cities, robotics, and drones. NTT Docomo Ventures and NTT Finance will jointly manage the Singapore-based vehicle.

SG VC firm GFTN, Japan’s SBI launch US$200M fintech fund: The fund will invest in growth-stage fintech companies globally, focusing on AI, digital assets, cybersecurity, and tokenisation. GFTN connects innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers across more than 130 countries.

Singapore leads ASEAN fintech with over US$725M funding: This represents 87% of the region’s total fintech investment, according to a report by UOB, PwC Singapore, and the Singapore FinTech Association. Across ASEAN’s six largest economies, fintech funding dropped 36% YoY to about US$835M, with the number of deals down 60%.

Canadia Group enters venture investing with new impact fund, backs Jalat Logistics: The group formalises its CVC arm, targeting high-growth Cambodian startups in logistics, education, healthtech, and renewable energy sectors.

Indonesia’s Superbank reportedly targets US$322M IPO by 2025-end: The IPO on the Indonesia Stock Exchange is expected to take place between mid-November and the end of this year. Superbank is a digital bank based in Indonesia backed by Grab, Singtel, and Kakao Bank.

Singapore regulator to trial tokenised bills in 2026: MAS is also developing a regulatory framework for stablecoins, focusing on reserve backing and redemption reliability. The bank is also supporting trials under the Bloom initiative, which tests tokenised bank liabilities and regulated stablecoins for settlements.

UK, Singapore, Thailand to test cross-border currency settlement: The project will use simulated real-time gross settlement systems and distributed ledger technology environments to examine how different central bank infrastructures can work together.

Anomaly Bio powers the future of ingredient manufacturing with US$2.6M in pre-seed funding: Backed by Pebblebed Ventures, Anomaly Bio aims to reprogram biology to transform global ingredient production and supply resilience.

The Librarian secures US$2M to redefine what an executive assistant can be: Investors include Golden Gate Ventures, Jeremy Stoppelman, and Twenty Five Ventures. Unlike Siri or Alexa, The Librarian mirrors real EA workflows, choosing the right tool and completing tasks autonomously.

Singapore greenlights expanded AV testing as WeRide and Grab prepare for public rollout in 2026: WeRide-Grab secure regulatory approval to quadruple AV test runs, accelerating Singapore’s first residential autonomous shuttle rollout.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Founders face a brutal new reality: Tiny exits, tougher buyers, endless earnouts: M&A exits shrink as buyers grow selective, with 96 per cent of deals under US$500M and structured earnouts dominating founder outcomes.

Sea Limited roars back to profit, yet credit loss provisions flash warning signs: Garena and Shopee drive Sea’s profitability rebound, while Monee’s lending surge triggers a sharp spike in credit loss provisions.

The new exit reality: How secondary deals became the lifeblood of venture capital: Secondaries hit US$152B in 2024, accounting for 71 per cent of exit dollars and redefining how venture-backed companies achieve liquidity.

Poni’s Cassandra Wee on why the most meaningful insurtech innovation will not come from operating in silo: Under her leadership, Poni has emerged a leading insurtech platform that aims to redefine how tech and advisory services converge to deliver smarter, more accessible solutions.

Spectral is breaking Nvidia’s monopoly — one line of CUDA code at a time: How a London startup is reprogramming the rules of accelerated computing, and giving developers freedom from the world’s most powerful moat.

Vincent Tan: The elevation architect designing intentional growth for leaders and teams: Tan, the Elevation Architect, blends architecture and coaching to help leaders design growth through curiosity and adaptability.

INTERNATIONAL

Pine Labs smashes expectations with surging market debut after US$439M IPO: Shares surge up to 28 per cent after Pine Labs’s listing, reflecting renewed investor confidence in its payments platform and Southeast Asia expansion plans.

Apple, OpenAI lose bid to dismiss Musk’s xAI lawsuit: xAI accuses the tech giants of working together to limit competition in the AI sector. The case claims Apple’s integration of OpenAI into the iPhone’s OS restricts consumer choice and stifles innovation.

Tencent Q3 revenue rises 15% on AI, cloud expansion: The Chinese tech giant reported US$27.1B in revenue in Q3 2025. Operating profit was US$9B. The company said AI improved its ad targeting and gaming performance during the quarter.

Blackstone, SoftBank said to eye investment in Indian AI startup: Neysa Networks provides cloud infrastructure for AI. Blackstone may take a majority stake, while SoftBank could take a minority position, but no decisions are finalised and other investors might join.

SoftBank shares plunge 10% after Nvidia stake sale: The Japanese tech investor made the sale to raise funds for further AI-related investments. The Nvidia sale comes as investors debate whether large-scale spending on AI by major tech firms will generate the expected returns.

ECHELON

Scaling with the state: Partnering with governments for growth: This panel underscored the value of understanding local contexts, leveraging government initiatives, and fostering regional collaboration.

The influence advantage: How creators and platforms are sharing the future of business visibility: The discussion also covered the growing influence of AI on content production, the need to balance virality with authenticity.

SEMICONDUCTOR

AMD shares jump 9% on CEO’s forecast for AI, data centre growth: CEO Lisa Su said that hyperscaler clients have increased spending as AI technology reaches a turning point, adding that companies are starting to see the benefits of these investments.

IBM unveils new quantum chips, targets 2029 fault tolerance: The company introduced the Quantum Nighthawk processor with 120 qubits and higher connectivity, set to be available by the end of 2025, and the Quantum Loon processor, which demonstrates components needed for fault-tolerant quantum computing.

ASML opens new chip equipment hub in South Korea: The Dutch firm is the largest producer of extreme ultraviolet lithography systems, which are essential for advanced chip production. The 16,000 sqm facility will function as a manufacturing and repair hub for equipment like EUV and deep ultraviolet systems.

Nvidia secures land for new campus in northern Israel: The chipmaker plans to build a campus in Kiryat Tivon that could eventually host 8,000 employees. The site is part of a larger employment zone called Campus Tivon, which currently allows for 120,000 square meters of construction.

AI

AI takes centre stage in Singapore’s push for Zero-SIF construction sites: Modern construction sites are complex ecosystems. From heavy machinery moving through congested zones to fall-from-height risks, dangers can emerge suddenly and silently. AI is transforming how EHS teams detect and prevent these risks.

When AI talks nonsense: Why it’s not the end of the story: 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.

How CCTV-based vision AI is transforming manufacturing: Traditionally, human inspectors check product quality one by one, which is slow and prone to errors. On the other hand, CCTV-based Vision AI watches the production line 24/7 and instantly spots tiny defects before they move forward.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Beyond resilience: A call to action for a climate-proof Philippines to the tech ecosystem: After Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the Philippines must move beyond resilience by investing in startups and innovation for sustainable growth.

No CPI, no confidence: How data paralysis is fueling crypto’s November slide: 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.

In finance, intelligence is human before it is artificial: Finance’s slower adoption of AI stems not from conservatism but from accountability. Every output, whether a risk score or a research summary, must be explainable, auditable, and defensible.

Homegrown AI: Mongolia’s blueprint for developing nations: Mongolia’s AI journey shows how developing nations can achieve digital sovereignty through local problem-solving and sustainable growth.

The future of startups: Where AI handles work and humans handle meaning: Automation in 2025 is redefining work by freeing time for creativity and connection, showing that true efficiency amplifies human presence.

Weathering the tariff turbulence: How AI and collaboration can lift SEA SMEs: Tariffs are reshaping trade in Southeast Asia, challenging SMEs while opening space for strategy, regional collaboration, and resilience.

Pakistan’s carbon market: A new opportunity for startups and SMEs: The country’s involvement in the world carbon market offers an opportunity for economic growth as well as an environmental one.

Building Indonesia’s green momentum: What comes after 2025’s lessons: The ecosystem gap between innovation and capital readiness held back Indonesia’s clean energy startups in 2025. If these gaps persist, Indonesia risks losing its competitive edge as the region’s emerging clean-energy hub.

What Southeast Asia can learn from Europe’s insurtech revolution: European insurtech startups have identified a critical gap in traditional insurance models: the one-size-fits-all approach often leaves consumers either over-insured for their actual needs or inadequately covered for specific risks.

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