Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping creative industries, offering powerful tools that enhance artistic expression, streamline workflows, and make creative pursuits more accessible. Platforms like MidJourney and other AI-driven tools allow individuals with no formal artistic training to generate stunning visuals, music, and even literature.

While this democratisation of creativity presents exciting opportunities, it also raises serious concerns about originality, authorship, and the future of human artists, especially fresh graduates entering the field.

The bright side: Accessibility and efficiency

One of AI’s most significant contributions to creativity is accessibility. AI-powered tools lower the barriers to entry for people who may lack technical skills but have strong creative ideas. Someone with no experience in digital illustration can now generate professional-grade artwork in minutes, and writers can use AI-assisted tools to refine and generate ideas more efficiently.

For businesses, AI is a game-changer. It speeds up content creation, helps automate repetitive design tasks, and enables rapid prototyping. Companies can produce high-quality marketing materials, concept art, and branding assets with minimal human input, reducing costs and increasing output. The efficiency AI offers is undeniable, allowing creatives to focus on strategy and high-level conceptual work rather than manual execution.

The dark side: Originality, copyright, and job displacement

However, the integration of AI into creative work comes with serious challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is originality. AI generates work based on pre-existing data, often pulling from millions of images, texts, and sounds without truly “creating” in the human sense.

This leads to questions of authorship—if an AI creates an image based on thousands of existing works, who owns the final product? The artist who input the prompt? The developers of the AI? Or the countless creators whose works were used to train the model?

Also Read: Is AI the end of originality or a new dawn for creativity?

Copyright issues are already causing legal battles. Many artists and photographers have accused AI companies of using their works without consent to train models. The lack of clear legal frameworks means AI-generated content exists in a grey area, making it difficult for human creators to protect their intellectual property.

Beyond legal concerns, there’s also the issue of job displacement. Fresh graduates in art, design, music, and other creative disciplines now face an increasingly competitive market where companies might prefer AI-generated content over hiring human artists. Why pay for a designer when an AI tool can generate 10 different versions of a logo in seconds? This shift threatens the traditional paths that many creatives rely on to build their careers.

AI and the myth of the “non-creative”

Another interesting consequence of AI’s rise is the potential for non-creatives to produce high-quality work. Someone with no artistic background can now generate a gallery-worthy digital painting, raising philosophical questions about what it means to be an artist.

Is creativity about the final product, or is it about the process? If a person uses AI to generate an idea but refines it manually, are they still an artist? These questions challenge the traditional definitions of creativity and talent.

My opinion: Adapt or be left behind

AI is not an existential threat to human creativity, but it is a force that cannot be ignored. Trying to resist AI’s advancement is futile—technology will continue to evolve whether we like it or not. The most successful creatives will be those who learn to integrate AI into their workflow rather than seeing it as competition.

Fresh graduates and emerging artists should focus on what AI cannot replicate—deep human emotion, originality, and personal storytelling. AI can generate content, but it lacks the human experience that gives art its soul. Those who embrace AI as a tool, rather than a replacement, will find themselves at an advantage in an industry that is constantly evolving.

At the same time, ethical concerns around copyright and fair compensation for artists must be addressed. Governments and industry leaders must develop clear regulations to protect human creators while allowing innovation to flourish. Without proper oversight, we risk devaluing human artistry in favour of machine-generated convenience.

Ultimately, creativity is not about how art is made but about the ideas, emotions, and narratives it conveys. AI is just another tool—how we use it will determine whether it enhances or undermines human creativity.

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The latest OpenAI’s version of ChatGPT, an AI-enabled chatbot allows users to generate images of themselves, their pets, films or memes in the distinct “Ghibli” style of Studio Ghibli, the acclaimed Japanese animation studio. Notably, not all users are on board with the “Ghiblification” of images by OpenAI’s new tool. This post looks at the legal issues surrounding this new ChatGPT feature.

Blurring the line between homage and outright infringement

Legally speaking, artistic styles per se may not be protected under copyright law. However, specific characters or scenes like Totoro or a frame from Princess Mononoke are legally protected.

However, when ChatGPT allows a user to generate an image in an ‘Ghibli-style,’ OpenAI may likely be considered as trading off the goodwill of Ghibli’s trademarks (i.e. using Ghibli’s identifiable style) which may lead to a likelihood of confusion among consumers that such a function is indeed endorsed or licensed by Studio Ghibli.

Therefore, if ChatGPT produces a “Ghibli”-fied image that may be too close to the originals, such image may be subject to a potential lawsuit.

Walking on the thin line of copyright law

To date, there isn’t any legal precedent to determine if OpenAI contravenes the copyright law.

AI companies like OpenAI for training data for its models have used the “fair use doctrine” under copyright law as a legal protection. The “fair use doctrine” is a legal grey zone. The doctrine allows limited access to copyrighted materials without prior permission (e.g. quotations, research, teaching, news reporting, and other non-infringing uses).

However, OpenAI is already facing several lawsuits over its approach to scrapping the internet for training data for its models, including plenty of copyrighted material. In 2023, The New York Times, a news company sued OpenAI that the AI company infringed its copyright by using its material without permission to train its AI models.

To summarise, it may be likely that OpenAI’s model was trained on Studio Ghibli’s work. That in turn may raise the question if OpenAI has obtained a license or permission to do such training or not? Therefore, if we may look at the output of generative AI and see identical elements or substantially similar elements in that output, and such type of use was  happening without consent and compensation, it may be problematic.

Also Read: With AI comes huge reputational risks: How businesses can navigate the ChatGPT era

Time to rewrite the rulebook?

Copyright laws, developed centuries for a pre-AI world will need an overhaul. Instead of relying on the courts to interpret the existing copyright law, lawmakers worldwide must act quickly to discuss with a view to modernise copyright law for the age of AI. Should AI creation be copyrighted? What counts as fair use when machines exploit such original work?

A potential compromised scenario may include where artists agree to a system where the AI developers will compensate them as the copyright holders, and credit them where their content is used (in producing AI output).

AI developers should be transparent on data sources such as disclosing how they source their data (e.g. public domain, licensed content, or under fair use). Or they may likely face further legal challenges from copyright owners.

Final thoughts

When Studio Ghibli Co-Founder Hayao Miyazaki saw an AI demo in 2016, he was ‘utterly disgusted’ by it, as captured in documentary footage. He had warned in the past that AI could become ‘an insult to life itself’ if it loses sight of the human soul.

Can we prove him wrong? “Ghiblification” may be just the beginning, as we foresee future clashes between copyright law and AI. The challenge lies in whether we can strike a balance between rewarding innovation and upholding artistic integrity. Lawmakers need to act swiftly to provide regulatory clarity on the fair use of AI for the benefit of all.

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AI is actively changing everything from how founders code software to how governments deliver public services. But while innovation moves fast, regulations often don’t. Across Southeast Asia, we now face a pivotal moment: How can we design an AI playbook that not only protects the public but also empowers local innovation?

As a technology lawyer who regularly deals with emerging companies, I have witnessed firsthand how policymakers usually struggle to strike a balance between enabling growth and mitigating risks. If we want AI regulation to be both relevant and effective for Southeast Asia, we need to get a few key principles right.

Use “soft law” before “hard law”

Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystems are still evolving. Imposing punitive AI laws too early may drive innovation underground or offshore. Instead, governments can first adopt soft law tools. 

The approaches taken by Singapore and Malaysia are notable as they include national AI principles, voluntary codes of conduct, and model governance toolkits serve as examples of how countries can use soft law tools to encourage AI adoption.

These approaches create legal clarity without immediately introducing penalties. They also allow startups to adopt “ethical by design” practices which is especially important for founders looking to expand into more regulated jurisdictions later.

Build institutions that can keep up with AI

Even the best written law may be meaningless without capable institutions to monitor, enforce, and evolve with the emerging technologies. Governments must invest in up-skilling regulators, judges, and public servants in AI literacy.

In Malaysia, the government has formed The National AI Office (NAIO) to drive Malaysia’s AI agenda, and assist with other agencies and relevant stakeholders in establishing a path towards making Malaysia an AI driven economy. 

Also Read: AI, GenAI, and beyond: Navigating the next wave of tech investments in SEA

Start with high risk AI use cases

Not all AI is the same. A chatbot that suggests playlists has a different risk profile different from an algorithm that decides whether a person gets a loan approved or a longer prison sentence. Governments may wish to prioritise regulating high risk use cases affecting fundamental rights like privacy, employment, or access to justice as areas that may require guardrails to prevent misuse.

Focusing early regulatory energy on these sensitive domains prevents overreach. It also avoids drowning founders in compliance burdens when they’re building low risk applications. AI regulations should be proportionate, risk based, and scalable

Don’t copy paste Western models

The temptation to adopt existing laws from other continents such as the EU style AI Act laws may be understandable, but may not always be wise. Southeast Asian countries are diverse. 

What may likely work in Singapore might not even be suitable for Indonesia or even Vietnam. A blanket regulatory framework risks stifling innovation, especially in smaller digital economies.

In the past few years, the approach by policymakers has been to build principle-based guidelines that are adaptable to their country’s regulatory maturity and digital readiness. In Malaysia, The Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics Guidelines (AIGE) was launched in 2024 that sets out seven key principles of AI to voluntary adopt responsible and ethical AI practices.

Additionally, the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics also serves as a useful reference for entities in the ASEAN region seeking to adopt AI in commercial applications. The document sets out proposed governance framework, national and regional recommendations, real life use cases, and AI risk impact assessment template. The Expanded ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics – Generative AI looks at risks of Generative AI and recommends a range of policy recommendations for its responsible adoption.

Align with core national values and constitution

In Malaysia, in addition to the Federal Constitution, we also have the Rukunegara, a set of national principles that underpin the country’s values. In Malaysia, NAIO (of which I am a member under the AI Governance and Ethics Working Group) is examining the local context that may be relevant to operationalising the country’s AI governance models and exploring practical, meaningful ways to implement AI ethically.

Also Read: Navigating market trends and risks: Leveraging GenAI in banking treasury functions in APAC

In other Southeast Asian countries, a constitution may likely be the supreme law of the land that uphold values around dignity, equality, and community. In other words, AI regulations shouldn’t exist in a vacuum but be grounded in local values and culture. 

Engage startups and local innovators early

Usually, laws are drafted by government agencies, lawyers, and academics with little inputs from those actually building the technologies. This may be a missed opportunity. 

Startups are usually first movers in deploying AI and can offer real world insights on where guardrails are needed, and what’s practically enforceable. Therefore, policymakers should seek to involve founders, ecosystem enablers like accelerators, and investors early in the consultation process. For instance, investors’ involvement in drafting the AI playbook may ensure regulatory frameworks align with innovation pathways and long-term value creation.

Regulatory co-design models, including AI focused hackathons, regulatory roundtables, and structured sandbox environments are activities that both sides can learn from each other and in real time. These collaborative platforms allow rules to be tested and iterated before becoming law, ensuring they are both practical and innovation friendly.

Final thoughts

The AI journey should be co-created by all of us, policymakers, ecosystem enablers, investors, and founders alike.

With the right regulatory support by the policymakers, I am confident that Southeast Asia may perhaps even move beyond merely as AI consumers. Our local founders have the tools and talent to build the next generation of AI native solutions. We may even emerge as a serious hub for AI innovation.

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When Aunty Good Good first started talking to AI, she did not expect to make anyone laugh. She just wanted to help people, especially those who did not grow up with technology, understand what all the fuss was about.

Aunty Good Good is my light-hearted social media character, a curious, outspoken aunty who loves food, travel, and cheeky conversations with technology. She was born from a simple idea. If midlifers like me could laugh while learning about AI, we would stop fearing it and start exploring it.

So one day, she looked at ChatGPT and said, “Eh, you can talk Singlish anot?”

The internet replied with a big collective “lah”.

Those videos filled with playful Singlish banter between Aunty Good Good and AI began showing that technology does not always have to be atas, or fancy. It can be shiok, friendly, and even a bit kaypoh.

That moment when AI replied in Singlish revealed something powerful. The fastest way to make technology human is to make it laugh with us.

When AI feels too serious for ordinary people

Many older adults, especially in Asia, find AI intimidating. It talks too perfectly. It answers too fast. And most of the time, it does not sound like us.

When something feels foreign, people hesitate. They fear pressing the wrong button, saying the wrong thing, or breaking the AI.

That is where humour and culture become important. They remind us that technology does not have to be perfect. It just has to connect.

When Aunty Good Good speaks Singlish to AI, she is not mocking technology. She is translating comfort, showing that you do not need to be a tech expert to start learning. You can be yourself, accent and all.

Also Read: A prettier you: How AI avatars make storytelling easier for midlifers

Why local voices matter in a digital world

In a world filled with machine voices, local language becomes an anchor of identity. Whether it is Singlish, Taglish, or Manglish, these cultural quirks reflect who we are and how we connect.

When AI learns from these voices, it becomes more inclusive, not just smarter. It learns how we feel, not just what we say.

Imagine AI that understands when “can lah” means yes, but “can meh” means doubt. That is not just language processing. That is empathy in code.

And that is what the next phase of AI should be about. Helping machines understand people, not just prompts.

The power of play in digital learning

Behind the humour, there is also a serious insight. Play builds confidence. When adults joke with AI, they stop fearing it.

It is the same reason we teach children through play. Laughter opens the brain for learning. Curiosity keeps the door open for growth.

Aunty Good Good’s Singlish lessons are not just funny videos. They are digital inclusion tools. They help midlife learners step into AI’s world one lah at a time.

Also Read: Stop comparing AIs: How faithfulness builds clarity

From language to legacy

There is a quiet message in all this fun. AI can be a bridge between generations.

Younger people teach the tools. Older ones teach the culture. Together they create something both timeless and new.

If AI can speak Singlish, it can speak the language of belonging. And maybe that is what we need most, not just smarter machines but warmer conversations.

Closing thought

So next time you hear Aunty Good Good chatting with AI, do not laugh at her. Laugh with her. Because that is how learning begins, with curiosity, comfort, and a touch of chaos.

And maybe the real question is not whether AI can speak Singlish, but whether it can listen with heart.

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One of the most memorable moments in my 2025 happened just a few weeks ago, when I got hired as a writer by (signed an NDA not to reveal the company’s name, so let’s just call it an e-commerce agency) and got kicked out three days after signing my contract. If you’re familiar with how badly Erik Ten Hag performed at Leverkusen, well, at least he survived until day ten, a privilege I didn’t have.

They called me one day in September and told me it would begin with a three-month probation period, followed by a performance evaluation. Three days later, I was called into HR and told we had to part ways. I repeat, after three days in.

I’m not sure if this start and finish in the same week approach is becoming common in workplaces today, but no organisation should feel ethically justified in terminating someone after only three days without any warning or chance to improve. According to Seek, firing an employee without providing a reasonable opportunity to address concerns violates basic fairness expectations, making such actions appear arbitrary and irrational.

However, being someone raised with Asian values, I tend to look for positives in every situation. After hours (or days) of reflecting, here’s what I discovered.

Adaptability in modern workplaces

One of the most immediate things I learned was how adaptability has become an integral norm in modern workplaces, as it ensures that employees have what it takes to engage in challenges and meet the expectations set at their organisations. The increasing demand and flow of modern workplaces lead to an increase in employers’ expectations of what their employees can and should do.

Also Read: How your HR team can help with crisis management

In my case, I realised I didn’t hit the ground running fast enough, which likely contributed to the decision. Data from Morton Fraser MacRoberts shows that 20 per cent of new employees fail probation, and 30 per cent leave within the first 90 days. Not quite three days, but I suppose mine was a special case. Either way, the numbers show that adaptability is critical for survival.

Being proactive and taking initiative matters

Adaptability helps you survive. Proactivity helps you thrive.

Today’s focus on work-life balance sometimes discourages employees from going the extra mile, but the reality is that initiative remains one of the few things that clearly differentiates us from AI. If machines are catching up on execution, then human judgment, intent, and initiative become more valuable than ever.

Going the extra mile also applies beyond workplaces. In relationships, effort strengthens connection. In marketing, it separates brands from the rest. The same applies professionally. Taking initiative signals commitment and helps build trust early on.

The whole experience taught me something simple: no one is responsible for our growth except us. If we want to stand out, especially when we are still new and have little influence over culture or processes, we have to do more than what is asked. And with AI always advancing, determination may be what keeps us ahead.

Do you agree that human determination will always take us ahead in the race against AI?

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Granite Asia has achieved the first close of its pan-Asia private credit strategy, Libra Hybrid, securing more than US$350 million in commitments as investor appetite for non-dilutive financing accelerates across the region.

Anchored by Temasek, via its private credit platform Aranda Principal Strategies, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), the strategy targets a total fund size of US$500 million.

Additional capital commitments came from global institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, Granite Asia’s general partners, and the firm’s 25-year network of founders and entrepreneurs.

Also Read: Granite Asia launches US$250M Libra Fund to power Asia’s mid-market growth

Granite Asia has already deployed and committed roughly 30 per cent of the fund across six transactions, with more deals currently in execution. The strategy expands the firm’s long-standing track record in tech investing, which spans over 500 companies and 63 IPOs globally, into the fast-growing private credit arena.

Meeting rising demand for flexible, non-dilutive financing

Private credit has emerged as a key financing alternative for Asian businesses navigating supply-chain redesigns, market expansions, and technology-driven modernisation. Granite Asia aims to provide structured, non-dilutive capital to profitable enterprises undergoing such transitions.

“We’re seeing strong demand for private credit from companies undergoing transformative growth, redesigning supply chains, expanding into new markets, or modernising through technology,” said Ming Eng, Managing Partner at Granite Asia, who leads the firm’s private credit strategy.

“These businesses require not just financing solutions beyond traditional equity or debt, but a trusted partner with specialised expertise and a deep regional track record. This dynamic creates a compelling opportunity for our investors: access to Asia’s growth through a capital-preserving credit strategy that delivers stable yields, augmented by structured upside through value-add, such as revenue sharing, designed to pursue equity-like returns without taking on equity-like risk,” Eng added.

Jenny Lee, Senior Managing Partner at Granite Asia, added: “Private credit is a natural extension of our platform and reflects the evolving capital needs of the visionary founders and businesses we back. It strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive financing solutions –from equity to credit — built on the same discipline, insight, and long-term partnership that define Granite Asia. It reflects our proven ability to leverage our unique strengths and ecosystem to innovate and unlock value – partnering up with the region’s leading investors to drive growth across Asia.”

Growing team and pan-Asia coverage

To support its expanding private credit footprint, Granite Asia has doubled the size of its credit team this year, with Eng leading regional efforts. Momentum across the broader platform—which now spans venture, growth, and credit strategies with over US$6 billion in assets under management—continues to build amid rising demand for flexible capital solutions.

The Libra Hybrid strategy integrates credit investing with the firm’s deep tech expertise and operational value-creation capabilities. Its pan-Asia presence and proprietary sourcing channels, which include relationships with founders, corporates, financial institutions, and broader ecosystem partners, further strengthen deal flow and regional coverage.

Why private credit matters for Asia’s scaling companies

Private credit, typically structured as secured loans or mezzanine debt, offers an alternative to both equity and traditional bank financing. With more predictable income through interest and fees, it generally carries lower risk and provides moderate liquidity compared with private equity.

For Southeast Asia’s startup and mid-market ecosystem, Granite Asia’s first close marks a meaningful injection of capital at a time when bank lending remains constrained and scaling companies increasingly seek flexible, non-dilutive funding to support growth and digital transformation.

Also Read: Granite Asia, Integral form US$100M JV to drive Japan-global tech expansion

Asia’s private credit market has expanded rapidly over the past three to four years, with the sector projected to grow from US$59 billion in 2024 to US$92 billion by 2027. Growth drivers include a rising middle class, urbanisation, infrastructure demand, and the retrenchment of traditional SME lending. Direct lending IRRs have hovered around 13–14 per cent, offering a yield premium compared with public markets.

A portfolio spanning Southeast Asia’s digital economy

Granite Asia’s portfolio includes many of the region’s most prominent tech and digital leaders, such as Sea Group, Grab, Gojek, Tokopedia, Bukalapak, OYO Rooms, Zalora, Carousell, Razer, PatSnap, ShopBack, RedDoorz, Klook, Lazada, Traveloka, Gogoro, Ninja Van, Carro, Kata.ai, and VGI Global Media — companies that collectively represent Southeast Asia’s rapid expansion in e-commerce, fintech, logistics, and digital media.

As the firm doubles down on its integrated venture, growth, and credit platform, the Libra Hybrid strategy positions Granite Asia at the forefront of a private credit wave reshaping how Asian businesses finance modernisation and scale.

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The global financial markets entered a holding pattern this week, caught between resilient labour market data and the looming Federal Reserve decision. Investors showed restraint, refraining from aggressive positioning as they awaited clarity on interest rate policy, but beneath the surface of this apparent calm, a subtle recalibration of risk sentiment was already underway.

In traditional markets, mixed equity performance, rising Treasury yields, and a firmer dollar reflected persistent uncertainty. In a parallel universe, the crypto market surged more than two per cent in just 24 hours, driven by a confluence of technical, institutional, and regulatory forces that suggest a growing divergence in how macro signals are interpreted between legacy finance and digital assets.

The US labour market continues to defy expectations of softening. The latest JOLTS report revealed job openings rose to US$7.67 million in the September to October period, well above the US$7.15 million forecast. This data point reinforces the narrative of underlying economic strength, which in turn complicates the Federal Reserve’s path toward easing.

Despite this, many strategists still anticipate a 25 basis point rate cut at the December FOMC meeting. Such an expectation hinges on the assumption that recent softness in inflation readings and subtle shifts in labour dynamics will ultimately outweigh the headline strength in job openings.

Treasury yields responded accordingly, with the 10-year yield climbing to 4.184 per cent and the two-year jumping to 3.611 per cent, signalling that markets remain sceptical about the durability of any dovish pivot. Meanwhile, the dollar edged higher, pushing USD JPY to 156.88, though expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike in December could reverse that trend through narrowing yield differentials.

Also Read: Fed decision looms: Crypto cracks under US$3.07T as ETFs bleed US$3.47B in one month

Within this traditional macro framework, equities exhibited fatigue. The S&P 500 dipped 0.1 per cent, the Dow Jones fell 0.38 per cent, and only the Nasdaq managed a modest gain of 0.13 per cent. This divergence within US indices underscores the market’s preference for growth-oriented tech exposure amid macro ambiguity.

Regional Asian equities mirrored this cautious tone, closing mixed as traders braced for the Fed’s verdict. The prevailing strategy calls for consolidation in portfolios, with a tilt toward non-US value and mid-cap plays to generate alpha, suggesting that global diversification remains a prudent hedge against US-centric policy risk.

But while traditional markets tread water, crypto roared back with conviction. Bitcoin rose 2.96 per cent, and Ethereum surged 9.02 per cent, lifting the broader market by 2.49 per cent. This move was not speculative froth but rather a technically driven rally with institutional fingerprints and regulatory validation.

At the heart of the action was a classic short squeeze. Over US$163 million in BTC shorts were liquidated in 24 hours, the largest such event since November 25, after prices vaulted above the 94,400 resistance level. This created a self-reinforcing cycle.

As shorts were forcibly closed, their covering purchases pushed prices higher, triggering even more margin calls. Perpetual futures funding rates, which had been negative for nearly 10 days, flipped positive to 0.00218 per cent, confirming a shift in trader sentiment from defensive to optimistic.

Crucially, this rally was not just retail-driven momentum. Institutional demand re-emerged with tangible force. US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded US$1.55 billion in net inflows this week alone, reversing a period of outflows and pushing total assets under management to US$124.24 billion. This re-engagement suggests that institutional players view current levels as attractive entry points, especially if they anticipate a dovish tilt from the Fed.

Further evidence came from on-chain data showing a single entity, likely Bitmain, acquiring US$432 million worth of Ethereum, highlighting strategic accumulation at a time of macro uncertainty. Notably, crypto’s 24-hour correlation with the Nasdaq 100 spiked to 0.72, its highest since October. This strong linkage implies that both markets are responding to the same macro catalysts, namely softening Fed rhetoric and the potential for declining real yields, which historically serve as tailwinds for risk assets.

Perhaps most significant was the regulatory development from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. In Letter 1188, the OCC clarified that federally chartered banks can act as intermediaries for crypto transactions without holding the underlying digital assets on their balance sheets. This guidance removes a longstanding legal grey area and provides banks with a clear pathway to participate in the crypto ecosystem as service providers.

Coupled with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s launch of a tokenised collateral pilot, the regulatory landscape is shifting from adversarial to enabling, at least for institutions. The impact is twofold. On one hand, it reduces operational and compliance risk for traditional finance players looking to enter crypto markets.

On the other hand, it could inadvertently raise barriers for retail participants if compliance overhead increases. Still, the net effect is bullish, as institutional capital requires regulatory certainty before deploying at scale.

Also Read: Markets rally on Fed easing bets: Here’s why Crypto’s move is different

From a strategic standpoint, these developments align with a broader thesis. Crypto is evolving from a speculative asset class into a component of diversified institutional portfolios. The recent rally reflects not just a technical rebound but a recalibration of market structure. Leverage is being shed and rebuilt more sustainably, institutional inflows are stabilising spot prices, and regulatory clarity is lowering systemic friction. Even so, caution remains warranted.

The Fear and Greed Index sits at just 30 out of 100, signalling that market participants are still operating from a defensive posture. Much now hinges on the Fed’s tone in its upcoming statement. A dovish signal, perhaps acknowledging progress on inflation or hinting at a December cut, could catalyse a broader risk-on rotation, extending gains across both equities and crypto.

One key question lingers. If Bitcoin dominance continues to wane, will altcoins like Ethereum and Solana sustain their momentum? Ethereum’s nearly 9 per cent surge suggests strong conviction in its post-merge fundamentals and institutional utility, especially as layer two adoption accelerates. Solana, though not mentioned in the data provided, often benefits from spillover demand during ETH rallies due to its high throughput architecture and growing DeFi activity. If the macro backdrop turns favourable, capital rotation into these higher beta assets could intensify.

In sum, while traditional markets remain in a holding pattern dictated by central bank uncertainty, crypto markets are exhibiting signs of structural maturation. The rally is not merely a reaction to price action but the result of deeper forces. Deleveraging, renewed institutional interest, and regulatory progress form the pillars of a healthier, more resilient market, one that may still be volatile but is increasingly influenced by fundamentals rather than pure sentiment.

As the Fed prepares to speak, all eyes will be on whether its message validates the growing optimism in risk assets or reins it in with a reminder of persistent inflationary pressures. Either way, crypto is no longer an isolated sideshow. It is now a barometer of institutional confidence and macro adaptation in a rapidly shifting financial landscape.

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Southeast Asia is emerging as a critical hub for innovative financial asset products, driven by digitally savvy youth consumers who exhibit a strong appetite for self-directed finance and risk. While local digital wealth platforms gain scale, foreign investing apps are seizing opportunities, focusing keenly on the affluent segment.

Digital wealth platforms in the region are starting to reach scale, with multiple platforms surpassing US$1 billion in assets under management (AUM). According to the e-Conomy SEA 2025 report prepared by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, AUM for digital wealth in ASEAN-10 is forecast to reach US$90 billion in 2025, representing a strong 21 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the SEA-6 markets from 2023 to 2025.

Also Read: e-Conomy SEA 2025: Digital lending hits US$91B, QR networks go regional

The digital wealth value proposition

Digital wealth startups attract customers primarily through a compelling value proposition centred on price and convenience. Key factors driving adoption include:

• Lower fees compared to traditional instruments.
• A fully digital, seamless onboarding experience.
• Simple and clearly articulated financial products.

A common strategy employed by these platforms is customer acquisition through high-yield cash management products, followed by upselling consumers to higher-risk investment portfolios as their account balances mature.

Foreign investment apps outpace local peers

The investment, budgeting, and crypto categories show intensified competition between local and foreign entities. Foreign finance and crypto firms are accelerating their expansion into Southeast Asia, viewing the favourable market conditions — especially the young, risk-tolerant demographic — as ideal for scaling digital asset products.

While Southeast Asian (SEA) apps and foreign apps have an almost equal count in the top app rankings (108 SEA apps vs 107 foreign apps), the difference in user growth is striking:

• Foreign apps: Showed 10 per cent year-on-year (YoY) active user growth.
• SEA apps: Grew at a comparatively modest 3 per cent YoY.

This disparity, where foreign apps are achieving 3.2X the active user growth of local apps in this category, suggests that foreign players are successfully targeting the more affluent, self-directed investors.

Digital insurance and micro-lending

Digital insurance, although starting from a smaller base, is also poised for accelerated growth, with annual premium equivalent (APE) and gross written premium (GWP) forecast to reach US$2.7 billion in ASEAN-10 by 2025. This market is projected to reach approximately US$6.2 billion by 2030, showing steady maturation.

Also Read: SEA e-commerce surges to US$185B as video commerce becomes the new growth engine

In the digital lending space, small-scale micro-lenders continue to chase the underbanked population, aiming to provide financial access to underserved segments. The ability of digital banks to leverage ecosystem data for better risk underwriting ensures that they can continue to target niche segments, reinforcing the broader digital financial services (DFS) ecosystem.

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Asia Pacific has emerged as the world’s most dynamic crypto region, with Singapore overtaking the US to become the top-ranked country in Bybit’s newly released World Crypto Rankings (WCR) 2025.

Developed with DL Research, the data-driven index evaluates crypto readiness across 79 markets using 28 metrics and 92 data points — offering one of the most comprehensive assessments of global adoption to date.

Also Read: Why institutional money is flowing into crypto, even as fear grips retail

Vietnam and Hong Kong also landed in the global top ten, underscoring the region’s accelerating leadership in digital assets. Six Asia Pacific markets ranked among the world’s top twenty, signalling a powerful mix of regulatory clarity, institutional participation and grassroots-driven use cases.

Singapore: Regulatory clarity and institutional maturity secure global leadership

Singapore’s rise to No. 1 reflects its robust licensing regime, strong cultural engagement and clear regulatory frameworks. More than 11 per cent of Singaporeans hold crypto, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s progressive structures — including the Payment Services Act, enhanced AML/CFT rules and expanding regulatory sandboxes — have attracted global exchanges and Web3 innovators.

The next phase, according to industry observers, will be scaling retail usage and expanding transactional applications such as stablecoin payments and on-chain payroll.

Vietnam and Hong Kong showcase contrasting paths to adoption

Vietnam, ranked ninth globally, stands out as the highest-performing emerging market. Nearly 20 per cent of its population owns crypto, driven by remittances, savings and inflation hedging. It ranks first worldwide in transactional use and DePIN device adoption, illustrating how necessity continues to drive innovation.

Also Read: How stablecoins are disrupting traditional financial systems

Hong Kong, at No. 10, has fuelled a comeback through regulatory restructuring and institutional re-engagement. Its user penetration ranks eighth globally, while its progress in tokenisation and stablecoin frameworks positions it as a bridge between Western finance and China’s capital-controlled environment. The next challenge: deepening retail adoption.

Broader regional momentum: The Philippines, Australia and South Korea

The Philippines ranks 17th, supported by strong institutional readiness and a mobile-first base of crypto users. Australia, in eleventh place, benefits from deep research capabilities and a thriving innovation culture. South Korea, despite high retail enthusiasm and large domestic exchanges, remains constrained by regulatory bottlenecks that limit its global influence.

“Asia Pacific’s ascent in the crypto space is redefining what’s possible for global finance,” said Helen Liu, Co-CEO of Bybit. “The World Crypto Rankings highlight how this region is setting the pace for the industry — whether through Singapore’s regulatory leadership, Vietnam’s grassroots momentum, or the Philippines’ drive for financial inclusion.”

Stablecoins and new use cases accelerate across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s crypto evolution is also being propelled by rapid stablecoin adoption. USDC and USDT are increasingly used for cross-border payroll, particularly among fintech startups employing distributed teams. On-chain payroll reduces costs and settlement times while mitigating volatility risk.

Across the region, crypto uptake is reinforced by several converging drivers: financial inclusion for underserved populations, youthful digital-native demographics, gaming and play-to-earn ecosystems, rising institutional involvement and proactive government support.

Also Read: How stablecoins are quietly reinventing the global dollar system

Singapore’s regulatory leadership and its vibrant ecosystem — including players such as AuroBlocks, INVINCIX Solutions and numerous Web3, DeFi and identity-focused startups — continue to position the city-state as the region’s anchor for innovation.

A region shaping the global future of crypto

The WCR 2025 findings make one point clear: Asia-Pacific is not just catching up, but setting the pace for global crypto adoption. From institutional infrastructure to grassroots innovation, the region’s diverse strengths are reshaping the future of digital finance, and industry players worldwide are taking notice.

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When I stepped into the centre of the red dot, the literal heart of the TEDx stage, something unexpected happened.

I stopped thinking.

Not in a panic, not in fear, but in a moment of absolute clarity.

For someone who still identifies as a “technical speaker”, this should have been the point where structure kicked in: the rehearsed script, the memorised transitions, the carefully timed punchlines.

Except… I didn’t rehearse.

I didn’t memorise a script.

I had pointers, and a story I had never actually spoken out loud in full — not even once — before the moment I took that step under the lights. I chose not to attend rehearsal because I wanted the first time I delivered my TEDx talk to be the real first time. Whatever came out would be the truth in its rawest, most human form.

And strangely, that felt right.

Because this wasn’t just about giving a talk. It was about redefining myself.

In that moment, standing inside that bright, perfectly circular symbol of “ideas worth spreading”, I realised: I’m not just a technical speaker anymore.

The future was already on stage, we just didn’t notice

TEDx Forbes Park gathered speakers across three thematic batches — identity, reinvention, and innovation. In Batch 3, I was slotted alongside founders and leaders shaping the next wave: AI systems, blockchain, reinvention narratives, and human resilience.

Grace Yeo, whom I’ve had the privilege of mentoring as part of Cast 3 of the Speakers Society Accelerator, delivered a talk titled “The Skill Everyone Forgot – And Why It’s Costing Us Everything.” Her message was a reminder that in a world full of noise, intentional expression is becoming a rare and valuable currency.

Next to her was my talk: “How AI Gave Me Back My Time – And My Freedom.”

Two very different lenses. Two very different stories. One shared truth: The world of speaking is shifting — and fast.

TEDx didn’t make this shift happen. But standing on that stage made the change impossible to ignore.

The red dot is iconic, but it is no longer the full story

TEDx will always carry meaning. The legacy, the brand, the red circle beneath your feet — it is a milestone thousands aspire to.

But here’s the reality, the industry doesn’t like to talk about: In 2025, the speaking landscape has expanded far beyond institutional stages.

Authority no longer comes from a single talk. It comes from:

• Democratisation of stages: Anyone with a message and consistency can build an audience.
• AI-enhanced speaker workflows: Ideation, scripting, research, and content distribution can now be done at scale.
• Personal branding > credentials:  Your voice, style, and story outweigh traditional badges.
• Community-driven authority: Where you belong matters as much as where you speak.
• The rise of niche thought leadership: Specificity now outperforms general expertise.
• The shift from talks to ecosystems: A single speech is a moment. An ecosystem is a movement.
• Stages are becoming marketing, not mastery: Talks create awareness. Your systems create impact.

TEDx is still powerful — absolutely. But it is no longer the defining moment. It is one moment in a much larger architecture of influence. And that’s what hit me when I stepped into the light.

Also Read: Speaking before you scale: Your voice is your most powerful asset

The industry’s real problem isn’t visibility, it’s infrastructure

Most founders, creators, and aspiring speakers don’t struggle with ideas. They struggle with clarity.

They don’t know how to:

• Package their voice,
• Build consistent visibility,
• Construct a long-term authority pathway,
• Leverage AI without losing authenticity,
• Turn speaking from performance into opportunity.

The speaking industry, as we know it, still operates like the past:

• Fragmented
• Gatekept
• Prestige-driven
• Lacking data
• Lacking technology
• Lacking support systems

Yet the demand for voices — real, relatable, trustworthy voices– has never been higher.

This disconnect is exactly what TEDx made visible. When everyone on stage has something to say… why do only a few continue to grow after the event? Because the modern speaking economy requires what traditional structures don’t provide: An ecosystem.

What excites me: The future of speaking is already being built

Here’s where everything changes, and honestly, why the red dot meant more to me than I expected.

We’re entering a decade where:

• Every speaker will have an AI agent. Not just for prep but for content creation, distribution, audience engagement, and insights.
• Speaking becomes data-backed. Imagine knowing which themes resonate, which lines land, and which platforms amplify your impact.
• Visibility becomes automated. A world where your best ideas are repurposed into articles, videos, carousels, micro-talks, and more – without you burning out.
• Community-led stages will rival institutional ones. TEDx will stand, but so will movements powered by peers, creators, and niche communities.
• Expertise + storytelling becomes the new hybrid authority. Not one or the other — both.
• Your voice becomes your identity. Not your resume. Not your accolades. Your voice.

This is the direction of the industry. This is the direction of the next era of thought leadership. And this is why the red dot felt less like a destination and more like a doorway.

Also Read: The automated speaker: Why voice, not volume, is the next growth lever

What TEDx actually taught me about freedom

My talk was about how AI gave me back my time and my freedom. But TEDx gave me something else: a reminder that freedom is the ability to define yourself, rather than having someone else do it for you.

I used to think of myself as “technical”. Structured. Process-driven. Analytical.

And yet, on that stage, I told a story I had never rehearsed. I spoke from instinct, not structure. I trusted memory, not memorisation. I let the moment carry me instead of controlling it.

And it worked. Because freedom isn’t the absence of structure — it’s the confidence to deviate from it.

The new generation of speakers

Watching Yeo deliver her talk, I felt something shift. Not in her — she has always had fire in her message. But in how I understood the landscape.

We weren’t two speakers checking items off a professional bucket list. We were two women stepping into an industry that is no longer defined by who lets you speak… but by what you choose to do with your voice after.

TEDx was the stage. But the next chapter comes from everything that follows. For both of us. For anyone stepping into thought leadership in this era. For a global speaking economy that’s ready for reinvention.

The red dot isn’t the end — it’s the beginning

Standing on that circle taught me that we’re moving into an era where:

• Influence is built, not bestowed,
• Communities amplify faster than institutions,
• AI elevates human stories rather than replacing them,
• And the freedom to define your identity is the ultimate advantage.

TEDx was a milestone. But the future — the real one — starts after you step off the stage.

Because speaking is no longer about the moment. It is about the movement you build from it.

And for the first time, standing there in the light, I realised: I’m not just a technical speaker. I am part of shaping the future of how voices travel.

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