SMEs form the backbone of every economy. In Singapore, according to the Department of Statistics’ 2024 data, they account for 99 per cent of all enterprises and more than two-thirds of employment. Yet for many SMEs, while they understand the need and importance of innovation, the practicalities of balancing cash flow and meeting customer deliveries often take up most of their attention, leaving innovation as something done “on the side”. Even as they embark on this journey, they are often faced with uncertainties and wish they could have someone experienced to exchange ideas with and to guide them through the process.

Having worked alongside SMEs for over a decade at IPI Singapore, we have seen this challenge firsthand. Our focus is on making innovation practical and on being the partner that SMEs can rely on as they navigate their journey. We call this bite-sized innovation: breaking transformation into smaller, achievable steps so that SMEs can see quick wins, build confidence, and maintain the momentum to move forward sustainably.

Innovation is a bite-sized journey

A Singapore-based SME in the packaging sector sought to strengthen its product development capabilities and prepare for regional expansion. To achieve these goals, the company joined IPI Singapore’s Innovation Advisory programme, which supports innovation-driven enterprises in addressing key business challenges.

Working with experienced advisors, the company began by establishing a clear product roadmap and enhancing its standard operating procedures. With these foundations in place, it scaled up production, improved quality assurance, strengthened R&D capabilities, and refined customer engagement strategies.

Having strengthened its core processes and organic capabilities, the company then focused on sharpening its go-to-market and supply chain management strategies. These progressive enhancements enabled it to conduct proof-of-concept trials in Indonesia and Thailand, while positioning itself for future expansion into other markets, including Vietnam, Malaysia, India, China, and Europe. With projected revenue growth expected to double, the company was well placed to embark on its next phase of growth. Through TechInnovation, we further connected the company with a technical expert to develop a new product, creating an additional revenue stream.

This example shows how practical, incremental steps can help SMEs build momentum, enhance capabilities, and achieve sustainable growth.

The power of partnerships

No SME scales alone. The Singapore market is small, and international growth is necessary, even though it comes with risk, especially if not managed well. This is where open innovation can make a difference. It allows companies to collaborate beyond their boundaries, drawing on the strengths and expertise of partners in other markets.

Over the years, we have seen how platforms and partnerships can facilitate meaningful collaboration. Through initiatives such as TechInnovation, KILSA Global, and the Japanese Corporate Technology Innovation (JCTI) Launchpad, local companies have co-created with Korean startups, explored Japanese patent libraries, and connected with European partners seeking entry into ASEAN markets.

Also Read: Celebrating innovation and growth from startups, SMEs, and investors in Asia

One key lesson we have learnt is that innovation is always relative. What feels cutting-edge for one company might already be standard for another. The key is relevance. Does the technology solve a real business problem, or open a tangible new opportunity?

Careful preparation and clear understanding are essential before partners meet. We first look at the problem statements and assess whether suitable technologies exist. Both sides are then guided so that, when they meet, discussions are relevant, focused, and productive, rapidly progressing to pilots or co-developed solutions. The goal is to identify common ground for actionable collaboration, whether testing a single solution or developing a pilot together.

Collaboration requires the right chemistry

Collaboration is often spoken of as a principle, but we see it more like chemistry. When the right people meet, sparks fly. And when it is done right, the outcome is transformative, creating new compounds for growth. Just as in chemistry, a compound combines the strengths of its constituent elements to achieve better performance. Similarly, in innovation through collaboration, both parties benefit by leveraging each other’s strengths.

A case in point: a multinational company with an AI anomaly detection software was matched with a Singapore SME serving data centres. Together, they trialled a robotic inspection solution that reduced energy costs. For the SME, it was a quick and low-risk way to test advanced technology without heavy R&D. When fully commercialised, the SME anticipated that this could generate a 30 per cent increase in revenue. For the MNC, it was a chance to see their solution in action within a real-world setting. A small step, but one that unlocked immediate improvements.

We also see legacy brands reinvent themselves through collaboration. Eu Yan Sang is reimagining tradition with modern innovation. Family-run companies like Kwong Cheong Thye and Scanteak are modernising to stay relevant across generations. Their stories show that no company is too old to collaborate for impact.

Also Read: How AI-ready devices are reshaping the way SMEs work with Lenovo Pro and AMD

Why bite-sized innovation matters

Bite-sized innovation is a reminder that growth does not always come from dramatic leaps. Often, it is about taking small wins in sequence, strengthening the business core, building trust within the team, then with partners and customers, and finally letting those steps compound over time.

Since 2011, we have partnered with more than 450 SMEs on their innovation journeys. From edtech trials for children with special learning needs to companies shifting from distribution to product ownership, the principle is the same: practical, actionable steps that lead to real impact.

Looking ahead, to SMEs and business founders alike, you are already taking meaningful steps forward. The real difference comes when you are supported with the right advisory, credible partners, and manageable pathways. Together, we can turn today’s small wins into tomorrow’s growth.

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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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Southeast Asia’s startup funding scene continued its recovery trajectory in October 2025, with total investments reaching US$287 million across 14 rounds, according to data from Tracxn. The figure marks a 24.46 per cent increase from September’s US$231 million, signalling sustained investor confidence and renewed optimism in the region’s tech ecosystem.

Although the funding volume remains 17.53 per cent lower than the same period last year, the back-to-back monthly gains underscore a strengthening sentiment after a challenging mid-year slowdown.

From August’s slump to October’s momentum

The current momentum follows a dramatic turnaround that began in September 2025, when Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem staged a robust rebound after a dismal August.

Also Read: SEA funding wiped out: Back to 2016 levels after historic slump

In August, startups in the region collectively raised just US$84 million across 22 rounds, a  65.1 per cent decline year-over-year and 76.4 per cent lower than July. That slump reflected investor caution amid macroeconomic uncertainty and slower deal cycles.

By contrast, September saw fewer but larger bets, with US$231 million secured across 10 rounds, representing a 125.6 per cent month-on-month surge and a 58.7 per cent year-on-year increase. The resurgence hinted at investors’ growing conviction in Southeast Asia’s long-term growth potential, particularly in resilient and scalable sectors such as fintech, mobility, and consumer tech.

October: Sustained recovery and steady investor activity

October built on this upward trajectory, with funding volumes climbing higher and investor participation remaining steady. Despite the region still operating below its 2024 highs, the US$287 million raised demonstrates a stabilising market environment.

Prominent venture capital (VC) firms continued to drive deal flow, led by Illuminate Financial, Alpha JWC Ventures, Mercia Ventures, and Peak XV Partners.

• Alpha JWC Ventures participated in a funding round for Endowus,
• Mercia Ventures backed Hangry, and
• Peak XV Partners supported Supabase.

These high-profile rounds indicate continued appetite for quality startups with robust fundamentals and scalable business models.

Shifting market sentiment: From caution to conviction

The sequential gains in September and October highlight a strategic recalibration in investor behaviour. Rather than a retreat, the earlier caution appears to have evolved into selective, conviction-driven funding, with capital flowing toward startups demonstrating sustainable growth and clear profitability pathways.

Also Read: Fintech funding in SEA falls 39 per cent as early-stage capital dries up

Analysts view the Q4 rebound as an encouraging sign that Southeast Asia’s innovation economy is emerging from a period of correction. The resurgence in investor activity–combined with larger ticket sizes and improved sentiment –suggests that the region may be on track to end 2025 on a note of measured recovery and renewed confidence.

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BLOCK71, the innovation arm of NUS Enterprise, has officially launched UniVentures, a new regional accelerator programme aimed at nurturing Vietnam’s next generation of university startup founders.

Developed in collaboration with Temasek Foundation and supported by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), the initiative has already drawn close to 1,500 applications, surpassing its initial target and signalling strong demand from the country’s early-stage ecosystem.

Designed as a “University to Unicorn” platform, UniVentures connects Vietnamese students, alumni, and researchers with regional networks in Singapore and beyond, offering mentorship, investment opportunities, and access to cross-border markets.

“We don’t just want to run a programme, we want to change the trajectory of these 1,500 young Vietnamese founders,” said Edward Lim, Vietnam Country Manager at BLOCK71 – NUS Enterprise, in a statement. “By linking them with the Singapore innovation ecosystem, we’re building more than startups. We’re building talent and lasting partnerships.”

The programme received a significant financial boost from Golden Gate Ventures, which has committed a US$250,000 fund under the newly established ‘GGV UniVentures Prize’. The funding will support up to 10 standout startups from the programme, providing crucial runway for follow-on growth.

Also Read: SEA startup investments rise for second month, totalling US$287M in Oct

“The next unicorn doesn’t come from capital alone. It comes from community, mentorship, and belief,” said Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures. “This prize is our way of accelerating Vietnam’s next wave of founders.”

NIC, a key national agency driving Vietnam’s innovation agenda, has been involved in the programme since inception. Director Vu Quoc Huy described UniVentures as “a platform for transformation—bringing together the public and private sectors to accelerate innovation for the next generation.”

The launch also reflects deeper strategic alignment between Singapore and Vietnam. In March 2025, both governments elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars. The initiative follows a 2023 MoU between NUS Enterprise and NIC aimed at expanding cross-border startup opportunities.

UniVentures has already engaged leading Vietnamese universities including VinUniversity, HCMC University of Technology, and Hanoi University of Industry, underscoring its intent to build grassroots innovation from academic institutions across the country.

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Image Credit: UniVentures

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Jojo Malolos, CEO of PayMongo, shared his deep background in fintech and venture capital through roles at Go Time, JG Dev Ventures, and Smart Money in this fireside chat at Echelon Singapore 2025. He discussed leading PayMongo’s turnaround after a leadership crisis, cutting the team from 245 to 120 while improving financial performance.

Strategic partnerships, notably with Stripe, have fueled innovation and new service launches. Malolos highlighted the Philippines’ growing FinTech landscape, supported by progressive regulation and pandemic-driven digital adoption.

With a stronger foundation and a focus on collaboration, PayMongo is positioning itself to expand regionally and become a leading player in Southeast Asia’s fintech ecosystem.

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In today’s rush toward automation, we talk a lot about efficiency — faster workflows, smarter systems, less friction.

But what if AI’s greatest lesson isn’t about efficiency at all, but adaptability?

Every week, I see founders and creators celebrated for moving faster, scaling bigger, and automating smarter. Platforms like e27 highlight the incredible innovation across AI and edutech, and rightfully so. Yet, beneath the headlines, something deeper is happening. AI isn’t just changing how we work; it’s changing how we learn.

The real shift: From execution to intention

AI gives us efficiency, but what it truly offers is time. Time to think, to create with intention, and to connect with others.

I remember when producing a short video used to take hours — scripting, filming, editing, and rendering. No matter how skilled you were, there was always a hard limit on what could be done in a day. Now, with AI tools, that same video might take minutes.

That shift doesn’t replace creativity; it frees it. You can spend less time executing and more time asking, “What message am I truly trying to deliver?”

But the principle remains timeless: Rubbish in, rubbish out. AI can speed up your process, but it can’t think for you. If you can’t guide it to success, it will simply amplify your confusion.

Quick tip: Treat AI like a co-worker you’re mentoring. Give it clear direction, context, and examples of what “great” looks like. The sharper your instructions, the stronger your results.

Continuous learning — From challenge to clarity

When I joined the 100 Customers Challenge, an initiative sparked within the Nas community, I wasn’t chasing numbers. I was chasing perspective.

Being part of the Nas ecosystem, from the Academy to Nas Summit, taught me the value of community as a classroom. It’s not just about networking; it’s about osmosis through shared ambition. You learn from others’ momentum. You absorb their mindset.

The challenge just began for me, but already it’s reshaping how I view learning. The goal isn’t just to “hit” 100 customers; it’s to learn from every interaction on the way there.

Also Read: Bite-sized innovation: A practical path for SMEs to sustain growth

I’ve always believed in open-source knowledge, sharing freely, and charging only for execution. And in that spirit, I’ve realised something: The joy is in the imperfection. Growth happens when you build in public, when your community sees your process, your pivots, your progress.

Challenges push people to act because deadlines create accountability. Without that pressure, we drift. It’s the same reason AI models improve: They iterate against constraints. Human learning is no different — just with more emotion, story, and nuance layered in.

Quick tip: Design small challenges for yourself or your team. A 30-day build, 10 new customers, five daily outreach attempts — anything that injects urgency and visibility into the process.

The power of self-learning systems

When people hear “e-learning”, they often picture long modules and static slides. But the future of education, the one I’m building across platforms like People’s Inc. 360 Unify and the Speakers Society, isn’t about rigidity; it’s about responsiveness.

My latest programme combines drip learning, AI prompts, and community reflection. It’s not an experiment — I’ve done this with Royal Launch School before. What’s different now is the audience behaviour. Each community learns differently, interacts differently, and therefore demands different systems.

That’s where no-code tools like Unify shine. They allow you to customise learning paths without writing a single line of code. When the audience shifts, I can adjust in real time — not through months of redevelopment, but through a few strategic tweaks.

Every audience base is unique. At scale, that adaptability becomes an advantage.

Quick tip: If you’re building educational content or funnels, pick tools that let you adapt easily — drag-and-drop editors, conditional logic, flexible automations. Control should live with the creator, not the coder.

Community as your dataset

In AI, data is everything. For humans, our “data” comes from the community — the people who test, challenge, and refine our ideas.

I treat community feedback the same way an AI model treats new data: Filter, analyse, and integrate what’s useful. Not every suggestion needs implementation, but every voice deserves acknowledgement. The key is finding what serves most, not just one.

Also Read: Exploring the game-changing role of AI in online courses

As a founder, I’ve learned that being reactive isn’t the same as being adaptive. We serve our communities, but we also guide them. Feedback isn’t a command; it’s collaboration.

That’s why I like to say: Being real helps me help you better, being collaborative helps us grow together, being performative helps us soar to greater heights — transactional pays the bills.

It’s all part of a holistic ecosystem where every interaction feeds improvement — human or machine alike.

Quick tip: Build lightweight feedback loops. Use polls, short surveys, or community check-ins. Don’t wait for quarterly reviews — micro-feedback drives macro-growth.

Traction over perfection

Someone once told me: The only constant is change. We chase perfection, but it’s an illusion — the forever holy grail.

So, why not just do your best and improve along the way? It makes for better stories and more authentic growth.

I often say, “I wouldn’t film a TikTok video without dressing up first.” Presentation matters, but what “dressing up” means to you may differ from what it means to me. Technology has made optimisation easy; individuality keeps it interesting.

The goal isn’t to be messy for the sake of authenticity, nor polished for the sake of perception. It’s to find the balance between done and distinct.

In AI terms, perfection is a static model; traction is continuous learning.

Quick tip: Ship early, iterate often. The first version’s job is to teach you what version two should be.

The paradox of tools

There’s always a shinier object — a newer model, a faster app, a “better” integration. But as I often remind my students and team: There’s no best tool — only the one that works for you.

Chasing every new feature drains focus. Stability, not novelty, sustains progress. And if something’s working, don’t fix it for the sake of keeping up with trends.

Learning a new API takes time; rebuilding a system costs energy. Awareness is what matters most.

Human intelligence: The final edge

AI learns logic; we learn logic and emotion. That’s what keeps us irreplaceable.

Emotion turns data into a story. Awareness turns information into wisdom. AI may simulate both, but it doesn’t feel them. Being more aware of yourself, your community, and your tools is the real intelligence of this era.

The founders who will thrive aren’t the ones who automate everything; they’re the ones who use automation to deepen humanity.

So, if there’s one takeaway from this age of rapid evolution, it’s this:

AI is not the destination — it’s the reflection. It learns as we do: Through feedback, imperfection, and community. The more adaptable we become, the more intelligent our systems and ourselves will be.

In summary:

• Treat AI as your mirror — guide it with clarity.
• Learn through challenges — urgency builds growth.
• Build systems that can flex — no-code if you can.
• Let community shape you — but filter with intention.
• Prioritise traction, not perfection — evolution beats illusion.

Because in the end, technology doesn’t make us smarter — learning does. And the smartest thing we can do right now, as founders, creators, and dreamers, is to keep learning how to learn.

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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.

Enjoyed this read? Don’t miss out on the next insight. Join our WhatsApp channel for real-time drops.

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Living Lab Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Sinar Mas Land, has announced a strategic investment in INCREASE Laboratorium Indonesia, a clinical research and laboratory company headquartered in BSD City.

The move is poised to strengthen Indonesia’s capacity for globally standardised clinical trials and bolster the country’s emerging role in the biomedical innovation space.

The funding will support INCREASE’s operational expansion, global partnership development, and pursuit of international certifications, as the company aims to capitalise on growing regional demand for high-quality research services.

INCREASE delivers comprehensive, end-to-end clinical research solutions, spanning study design and regulatory affairs, through to clinical and bioanalytical testing. According to a press statement by Living Lab Ventures, its infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and experienced talent pool position it as a strong candidate to serve global pharmaceutical and biotech firms looking for a Southeast Asian research base.

“Indonesia has the potential to become a regional powerhouse in health and biomedicine,” said Bayu Seto, Partner at Living Lab Ventures. “We see INCREASE as a strategic platform that can catalyse the national clinical research ecosystem, attract global partners, and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia’s healthcare sector.”

Also Read: Antler backs Malaysian AI startups M3TRIQ, NCSpeech driving innovation in biotech and fintech

As Southeast Asia’s healthcare landscape evolves, Indonesia’s clinical research sector is becoming increasingly vital. According to a report by 6Wresearch, the country’s Contract Research Organisation (CRO) market is projected to reach US$1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.6 per cent from 2024.

This surge is driven by the growing demand for efficient, scalable, and internationally compliant research infrastructure to support biopharmaceutical, medtech, and academic innovation.

The company’s current projects span clients from Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and China.

INCREASE has already formed research partnerships with China’s Tsinghua University and Japan’s University of Osaka. These collaborations aim to facilitate technology transfer, joint R&D, and local talent training.

In pursuit of international validation, INCREASE is working toward certifications including those from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17025:2017, and ISO 15189:2022.

For LLV and its parent, Sinar Mas Land, the investment aligns with a broader vision to transform BSD City into a global innovation district. “This investment reflects our belief that the convergence of science, technology, and infrastructure will be key to placing Indonesia on the global medical innovation map,” said Mulyawan Gani, CEO of Digital Business at Sinar Mas Land.

BSD City’s Biomedical Campus and D-HUB SEZ are central to this plan, offering a testbed for companies integrating IoT, AI, and other emerging technologies into healthcare solutions.

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Image Credit: Living Lab Ventures

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Rolo Robotics, a robotics startup headquartered in Bangkok and founded in Singapore, has announced the close of a US$3.45 million oversubscribed seed round led by A2D Ventures, with participation from BEENEXT, Seedstars, TIS Japan, Antler, Lotus One Investment, and Blueprint Ventures.

The capital will accelerate the rollout of Rolo Robotics’ fully autonomous hot food kiosks, a novel infrastructure-grade solution poised to disrupt the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space across Asia Pacific.

The company’s emergence comes at a critical juncture for the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Faced with rising labour costs and shifting consumer expectations, global QSR brands are increasingly experimenting with automation. Rolo Robotics’ modular micro-kitchens address these challenges head-on: offering hot, customisable meals via unmanned kiosks that operate round-the-clock with zero on-site staff.

These compact, plug-and-play systems are tailored for high-footfall environments such as university campuses, office lobbies, hospitals, and transport hubs, locations where traditional F&B formats often struggle due to space and labour constraints.

At the core of Rolo Robotics’ value proposition is its proprietary MAYA 3.0 system, an autonomous kitchen platform equipped with precision multi-nozzle dispensers, real-time heat control, crispiness sensors, and a four-stage air filtration system. These components are orchestrated remotely through a unified software platform, ensuring consistent quality and hygiene at scale.

Also Read: Secai Marche cultivates US$6M to build a fresher, smarter food ecosystem in SEA

“Food robotics is one of the hardest sectors to crack—there’s hardware reliability, food safety, operational complexity, and customer experience all rolled into one,” said Ankit Upadhyay, General Partner at A2D Ventures. “Rolo has solved the hard engineering problems most [stops at] prototypes. They are not just building kiosks; they are building food infrastructure.”

Following pilot deployments with universities, hospitals, and transit hubs, Rolo Robotics plans to launch 20–30 micro-kitchens in Singapore by 2026 and initiate rollouts in Australia starting Q1 2026.

The kiosks are already integrated with food delivery platforms, offering consumers seamless access to hot, made-to-order meals with minimal friction.

“The future of food service is human-robot collaboration. Food that is affordable, customisable and always fresh,” said Rolo Robotics CEO Ravi Nahappan. “This funding allows us to accelerate deployments in Singapore and Australia while strengthening the connective tissue between robotics, AI, and future humanoid collaboration.”

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Image Credits: Rolo Robotics

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In this session at Echelon Singapore 2025, Bhavik Vashi, Managing Director at Carta, shared insights on evolving hiring and ESOP trends across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

With Carta supporting over 45,000 companies, 7,000 funds, and 200,000 LPs globally, Vashi noted that the post-2021 funding correction has significantly reshaped startup dynamics. Following the 2021–2022 boom, fundraising cycles have doubled to over two years, resulting in a 400 per cent rise in employee departures compared to a 130 per cent increase in new hires.

Meanwhile, valuations have readjusted, with an estimated 60 per cent of startups expected to undergo down rounds by 2025. Vashi emphasised that in this new landscape, startups must rethink how they use equity to attract and retain talent, proposing larger equity stakes for early employees as a key strategy to balance tighter cash conditions with long-term team motivation and loyalty.

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Grab’s long-awaited return to profitability–US$17 million in Q3 2025--marks a symbolic milestone for Southeast Asia’s superapp. After 15 consecutive quarters of adjusted EBITDA growth, revenue climbing 22% YoY, and a raised full-year outlook, the company seems to be finally rewarding investors’ patience.

Yet beneath the celebratory tone lies a more complex story. Grab’s operating cash outflow of US$127 million–a sharp YoY deterioration–reveals that its growth engine is still heavily fuelled by incentives and financial leverage. The US$585 million in quarterly incentives, coupled with declining mobility fares, points to continued dependence on subsidised expansion rather than organic profitability.

Its digital banking arm tells a similar tale: deposits grew YoY but fell 15% quarter-over-quarter, hinting at sensitivity to interest rate shifts and the fragile nature of customer retention.

Grab’s leadership calls this a “vital step forward.” It is, but one that underlines the paradox of platform economics: profitability on paper, pressure beneath the surface. The challenge ahead will be transforming this headline profit into durable, cash-generating growth.

REGIONAL

Grab posts rare profit, but cash burn and incentive dependence tell a deeper story: Grab reports US$17M profit and 22% revenue growth, but faces mounting cash burn, heavy incentives, and digital banking volatility.

Vietnam’s D2C fashion leader Coolmate secures Series C to power global push: Investors include Vertex Growth, Vertex Ventures SEA & India, and Kairous Capital. Coolmate aims to scale its made-in-Vietnam sportswear brand globally through new stores and women-focused lines.

VENTENY raises US$5.5M from Women’s Livelihood Bond 7 to accelerate financial inclusion in Indonesia: VENTENY is a financing platform forSMEs. The startup specifically targets low income, rural communities with limited access to financial services.

Lazada to invest over US$25M for 11.11 Global Brands Festival: The campaign, which takes place across Southeast Asia from November 1 to 14, will feature discounts, partnerships with creators, and AI-powered shopping tools, ending with its largest sale from November 10 to 13.

Kairous Capital leads US$5M funding in Mantayay Global: The Malaysian firm manages digital media and creator-economy operations. It works with 4K+ TikTok creators, producing 1,000+ short-form videos each month, and generating 100M+ monthly views across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Doctor Anywhere exits Vietnam to focus on ‘core markets’: Backed by investors such as Square Peg and Asia Partners, Doctor Anywhere offers services including on-demand video consultations and medication deliveries. Besides Vietnam, it is also present in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Inside ASEAN’s blockchain map: Why the Philippines is a crypto powerhouse: The Philippines leads ASEAN in grassroots blockchain adoption, driven by crypto enthusiasm and play-to-earn gaming, distinguishing it from fintech-focused regional peers.

Institutionalising innovation: How Philippines is building the rules for its crypto future: The Philippines advances from crypto enthusiasm to regulatory sophistication, institutionalising digital assets through BSP and SEC frameworks promoting innovation and consumer protection.

INTERNATIONAL

Pine Labs targets US$2.9B valuation in upcoming IPO: The price band is set at US$2.37 to US$2.49 per share, aiming to raise about US$440M at the top end. This is lower than its earlier plan to raise US$1B at a US$6B valuation.

Animoca Brands set for Nasdaq listing via reverse merger deal: Singapore-based Currenc Group will acquire all shares of Animoca Brands through a proposed reverse merger. Nasdaq-listed Currenc said the combined entity would operate under the Animoca Brands name and be publicly traded in the US.

MENA startups funding drop 77% in October: report: Startup funding declined to US$785M in October from September’s US$3.5B. The UAE led with US$616M over 15 deals, driven by Property Finder’s US$525M debt round.

France reports Shein for selling ‘childlike sex dolls’ online: The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control said the online categorisation of these dolls “makes it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content,” according to French media.

Taiwan’s CloudMile secures US$20M to expand AI services in SEA: Investors include NEXUS CVC and TFB Capital. CloudMile operates dual headquarters in Singapore and Taiwan and provides AI, cybersecurity, and FinOps services to enterprises in the region.

UK regulator to probe Getty, Shutterstock merge: Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority said it received feedback from businesses, trade associations, and industry groups, including the News Media Association, about potential impacts on pricing and the quality of editorial and stock images.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Trump says Nvidia’s top AI chips only for US companies: The US President said he would not allow the sale of top-tier Blackwell chips to Chinese companies but did not rule out access to less capable versions. Nvidia plans to supply over 260K Blackwell chips to South Korea.

Microsoft to ship 60,000 Nvidia AI chips to UAE: The chips, including Nvidia’s advanced GB300 Grace Blackwell models, will be used in UAE data centres. The transaction is part of Microsoft’s planned US$15.2B tech investment in the UAE.

TSMC to begin building US$49B chip hub in Taiwan: The company plans to set up four new fabs, investing US$49B in the project, with the first fab expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2028. The development is expected to create 8,000-10,000 jobs.

AI

Singapore, Korea boost AI, tech ties in strategic partnership: The leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in AI, advanced technologies, digital innovation, green transition, and free trade. Singapore is South Korea’s fourth-largest investor.

South Korea’s president proposes US$7B AI investment in 2026 budget: The plan includes expanding AI use in sectors such as robotics, automobiles, semiconductors, logistics, biotech, public health, education, and taxation, as well as increasing computing capacity and advanced AI training.

The soul of Southeast Asia’s entrepreneurship: When AI is a tool, not a crutch: AI is reshaping the region’s startup scene, but true innovation lies in solving human problems, not just adding “AI-powered” labels.

Who really controls your AI?: This article explores how AI sovereignty is reshaping global power. It looks at the new techno-political blocs forming around control of digital infrastructure and the growing concentration of power across the AI value chain.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Is crypto entering a self-inflicted crisis? Inside the leverage and solvency spiral: Despite modest US equity gains, crypto markets face renewed pressure from altcoin selloffs, exchange fears, and structural fragility.

AI translation done right: Custom LLMs for full language access local voice: AI translation quality depends less on the model and more on clear rules, local style guides, and human feedback to preserve authentic voice.

The future of cybersecurity in a decentralised world: In a decentralised world, users own their identities, assets, and data. Transactions are transparent, immutable, and verified by consensus, not by a single server or admin. From a cybersecurity standpoint, this marks a fundamental shift in trust.

From runway to revenue: Building investor-grade B2B startups in Southeast Asia: The region’s B2B startups face rising pressure to prove operational discipline as investors favour resilient, execution-driven growth.

Beyond grades and growth: Building education systems that nurture empathy: A Singaporean founder’s journey shows how empathy, conviction, and accountability can redefine leadership and education across Asia.

Building a sustainable future, from Sierra Leone to Southeast Asia: Cross-regional collaboration between Africa and Asia is driving sustainable energy innovation, proving shared vision can power real change.

The silent poetry of space: Why architecture feels before it speaks: Architecture blends art, function, and empathy, shaping how people live, feel, and connect through sustainable and human-centred design.

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… We are living in a moment full of contradictions.

On one hand, AI tools have unlocked a staggering new era of possibilities. With just a laptop, you can design, write, edit, build, automate, analyse, and scale. Things that once required entire teams and million-dollar budgets are now free (or nearly so).

You can learn anything online. Build a business from your bedroom. Reach clients on the other side of the world.

Remote work connects teams across time zones and borders, creating a new kind of company: borderless, asynchronous, global by default.

And yet…

On the other hand, traditional paths are breaking down.

The job market, once the backbone of stability, is increasingly unstable. Degrees mean less. Experience often isn’t enough. Jobs are outsourced, salaries are under pressure, and more people than ever are juggling multiple roles just to stay afloat.

For every digital nomad posting beach selfies, there’s a graduate delivering food, wondering how their four years of education became irrelevant overnight.

This is the paradox of our time: Prosperity at your fingertips. Precarity under your feet.

In such a world, the question isn’t just “how do I survive?”
It’s: how do I adapt, thrive, and build something that lasts?

Because the rules have changed. The economy has changed. And the idea of security: of one job, one company, one retirement plan, no longer applies.

What matters now is your ability to create value, communicate it clearly, and deliver it globally.

This is the new skill set. You don’t need permission. You need a plan and act on it.

Borderless builders

The new global working class — connected, skilled, and mobile.

They are not defined by their geography but by their capability. These are freelancers, remote employees, digital specialists, and solopreneurs who have built careers across platforms, clients, and borders.

They learn fast, deliver value online, and shape their lives around autonomy and access — not traditional employment. They don’t wait for opportunities to appear locally. They plug into the global economy.

Also Read: Preparing for the unexpected: Succession planning and legal considerations for startup founders

From virtual assistants in the Philippines, to developers in Eastern Europe, to designers in Latin America — they are the backbone of the new digital economy.

They are not gig workers. They are career builders without borders.

Frontier founders

Entrepreneurs who launch across markets, build teams remotely, and create value in uncharted territory.

They are the startup builders, market expanders, and regional growth hackers. They launch without legacy baggage. They solve local problems with global tools. And they’re not afraid to test ideas in emerging markets.

These are the founders who see beyond saturated markets and overpriced hires. They build lean, test fast, and scale with purpose.

Borderless builders + frontier founders

They are building the infrastructure of the future economy.

This is your invitation. Whether you’re a skilled professional or a founder with a vision — you don’t need permission to build.

Join the ranks of Borderless Builders and Frontier Founders: Start small, think global, move fast.

The tools are here. The markets are open. The future is for those that grasp this opportunity.

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