Asia-Pacific’s rise as a biotech powerhouse underscores a profound shift in global innovation dynamics. What once was the near-exclusive domain of the US and Europe is now being decentralised, as companies pivot eastward in search of fresh talent, cost efficiency, and regulatory agility.

Bain & Company’s report highlights not just a budgetary crunch in the US, but also the appeal of Asia’s scientific momentum and government-backed innovation ecosystems.

Multibillion-dollar commitments from Pfizer and AstraZeneca, coupled with Singapore’s proactive role through EDB partnerships and robust IP protections, signal that this is no fleeting trend but a recalibration of where the future of medicine will be shaped.

With next-generation therapies–from mRNA to AI-driven discovery–taking root in Asia-Pacific, the region is poised to drive breakthroughs that will define healthcare for decades. The narrative is no longer about catching up; it’s about leading.

Meanwhile, Jakarta faces unrest as mass protests erupt over rising economic pressures and political dissatisfaction. Demonstrators clashed with security forces, prompting disruptions across key districts.

Authorities introduced emergency measures, and Grab launched Gercep, a rapid-response safety feature for drivers, underscoring how urban instability is reshaping mobility and public safety.

REGIONAL

Sky Mavis regains its footing as crypto winds turn
The company’s revenue rose 51 per cent to US$35.2M for FY 2024, according to its latest audited financial statement | This is still just 3 per cent of the US$1.3B it drew at the height of Axie Infinity in 2021.

Former Ant Group exec’s Obita raises US$10M to bridge Web2 and Web3 payments
Investors include Vision Plus Capital, Mirana Ventures, Legend Capital, HashKey Capital, and Web3.com Ventures | Obita builds compliant stablecoin-powered cross-border payment network, targeting high-growth markets and global financial innovation.

Ula co-founder raises US$10M to reimagine the back office with AI
Nipun Mehra’s latest startup, Neoflo.ai, has launched with a US$10M seed round from Lightspeed India, Peak XV, and Alter Global | His B2B e-commerce startup Ula was shut down in late 2023.

Mekari acquires Desty to expand omnichannel commerce solutions in Indonesia
The deal aims to strengthen Mekari’s omnichannel commerce solutions and drive business growth across the archipelago | Omnichannel commerce is experiencing rapid transformation due to increasing digitalisation and evolving consumer behaviour.

91 percent of ASEAN enterprises expect GenAI disruption within 18 months: study
An IDC research paper showed APAC enterprises are realising that centralized cloud architecture alone is unable to meet the increased demands of scale, speed, and compliance | It is crucial that businesses rethink and enhance infrastructure strategies to include edge services to stay competitive and compliant, and be ready for real-world AI deployment.

AnyMind acquires Japan’s NADESIKO to supercharge social-driven beauty commerce
NADESIKO brings expertise in social marketing within the beauty sector, particularly excelling in Japan’s short-form video marketing landscape | This acquisition marks AnyMind’s 12th globally and its sixth in Japan.

SG data centre BDx inks deal with Taiwanese renewables firm
The agreement will see BDx indirectly import green energy from HEXA’s new projects in Malaysia to support sustainable data center infrastructure in Singapore | The partnership backs Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and helps address challenges in sourcing renewable energy locally.

Indonesia protests: Grab CEO visits killed driver’s family
Anthony Tan offered condolences to the family of Rusdamdiansyah, known as Dandi, who died on August 29, 2025 | Grab said it will provide immediate financial assistance, two years of health coverage, and business support for the late driver’s family.

Grab introduces Gercep to protect drivers during unrest in Indonesia
The feature aims to provide immediate legal and psychological assistance to Grab’s driver community, disproportionately affected by the unrest | This comes after the tragic deaths of a Gojek driver in Jakarta and a Grab driver in Makassar during riots in the two cities.

Bangkok gets a new innovation hub as ZenicHub opens co-working and accelerator facility
ZenicHub offers a modern workspace alongside essential resources and community support for sustainable growth | The facility aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and scaling for entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses across Southeast Asia.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Asia Pacific redefines biotech: Global pharma’s strategic shift from West to East
The region is making significant strides in next-generation modalities, including mRNA, cell and gene therapies (CGTs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and AI-led drug discovery | This momentum is making Asia-Pacific increasingly relevant in the global biotech landscape.

Turning the tide: Waterhub tackles Indonesia’s drinking water paradox
By eliminating the need for plastic packaging and reducing transportation requirements, Waterhub offers an environmentally and economically sustainable alternative to conventional bottled water.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea’s SME ministry sets US$12.3B budget for startups, AI
Venture investment funds will rise, with US$803M for the country’s main fund-of-funds, half allocated for AI and deeptech, and a US$949M “re-challenge fund” for failed founders, supported by US$584M in government funding.

Saudi Arabia unveils US$400M fund to boost startups, SMEs
The programme offers refunds on 10 government fees, such as expatriate fees, commercial registration, municipality licenses | Eligible applicants must be MSMEs, have started operating no earlier than January 1, 2024, and have been operating no more than three years.

Ola’s Krutrim cuts nearly 50 linguistics staff in third layoff
Krutrim is developing a LLM named Krutrim 3 and has seen over 200 departures so far, including layoffs and leadership exits | Key personnel from the text-to-speech project, including team leaders, were among those let go, leaving the linguistics team significantly reduced.

Japan Post Bank to launch blockchain-based digital yen
The bank, partly owned by the Japanese government and holding around US$1.3T in deposits, said it will introduce DCJPY, a blockchain-based deposit currency developed by DeCurret DCP | DCJPY will let customers convert yen into the digital currency for instant transactions involving digital securities and other blockchain assets.

Kakao subsidiaries down 30 per cent after business reshuffle
The South Korean IT company, known for operating the KakaoTalk messenger, now has 102 subsidiaries, down from 147 in May 2023 |
The drop follows Kakao’s efforts to restructure and focus more on AI, with the company streamlining operations outside its core business.

ECHELON

Lenovo powers Southeast Asia’s digital growth at Echelon Philippines 2025
Echelon Philippines 2025 on 2–3 September unites Lenovo and the nation’s top tech disruptors in Manila. Be part of the movement!

SEMICONDUCTOR

Court orders detention of 3 in alleged TSMC trade secret theft
The Intellectual Property and Commercial Court ruled on September 1, 2025 after prosecutors indicted Chen Li-ming, a former TSMC engineer now at Japan-based supplier Tokyo Electron, and TSMC engineers Wu Ping-chun and Ko Yi-ping.

Abu Dhabi-backed G42 seeks more chip suppliers for AI campus
The company is in talks with US tech firms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Elon Musk’s xAI to become tenants at the new data centre | G42 is also considering chipmakers AMD, Cerebras Systems, and Qualcomm to provide computing capacity for the campus.

Indian semiconductor firm Tessolve raises US$150M for acquisitions
TPG Growth is the investor | The semiconductor engineering services firm plans to use the funds to expand its global delivery centres, upgrade test labs, and pursue acquisitions.

AI

The new builders: AI startups reinventing how Southeast Asia’s enterprises innovate
AI startups across Southeast Asia are building platforms, data tools, and infrastructure that empower enterprises to scale, adapt, and innovate faster.

Indonesia’s AI momentum: Big investments, bigger questions
Investment in Indonesia’s AI sector is growing rapidly | The 141.5 per cent growth over five years shows strong confidence in the country’s tech potential | Yet traditional investment checks often overlook critical a question: “can the AI outputs from startups be trusted?”

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Scaling empathy with technology: Bridging the healthcare divide
By 2026, Singapore will be a “super-aged” society, with one in four residents aged 65 or older | Yet seniors remain among the slowest adopters of digital tools such as mobile health apps and telehealth platforms.

Gaming as the next social network: How Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining digital belonging
Unlike static posts, games allow experimentation with identity in fluid, immersive ways | Players can reinvent themselves daily, adopting new skins, personas, or affiliations | For young people navigating identity in real life—gender, sexuality, or self-image—games can provide a safe testing ground.

Markets plunge into September chaos: Tech titans tumble as global tensions ignite
Global markets opened September 2025 with tech sell-offs, inflation fears, and crypto declines, while gold surged as a safe haven | Asian markets, stepping in to kick off the week’s trading, have largely followed suit by opening lower, echoing the unease from Friday’s US session.

10x returns without the hype: The power of impact investing
What if your next investment gave you strong returns while making a lasting impact on one of the world’s biggest problems

Indonesia’s agritech landscape: Keys to building a scalable agriculture startup
The urgency of developing agriculture startups in Indonesia cannot be overstated | With approximately 40.75M people working in agriculture, accounting for 27.8 per cent of Indonesia’s 149.38M active workforce, this sector is vital to the nation’s economic wellbeing.

From village to cloud: Why public-private partnerships hold the key to inclusive tech in SEA
We love unicorns, but Southeast Asia’s true tech success will come from partnerships that lift the smallest boats, not just the fastest ships.

Web3 can absorb SEA’s talent glut, only if education evolves
Web3 is urgently seeking professionals who can execute and scale across functions | This makes it clear that the challenge we face is less about finding talent, and more about helping capable people learn how to lead in a decentralised, fast-moving environment.

More choices, less hassle: Unlocking retail magic with AI and tech
Offering consumers more choices come at a cost. Services like buy-online-return-in-store (BORIS), same-day locker pickups, and on-demand delivery have become essential offerings, but delivering these conveniences often complicates backend operations.

How companies can pursue tech-led sustainability in APAC
The region’s many low-lying coastal cities are exposed to flood and typhoon risks, and extreme weather events have become common | As the region grows and energy demand reaches unprecedented levels, finding alternative energy solutions has become an urgent necessity.

Scaling challenges in the Philippine startup ecosystem: What founders are up against
Access to capital is the most pressing concern for scaling founders | The report notes that since 2022, a global “funding winter” has chilled investment activity, with growth-stage startups in the Philippines finding it particularly difficult to secure financing.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Asia Pacific reshapes biotech | Sky Mavis rebounds | New AI builders in SEA | Grab’s Gercep safeguards drivers in Indonesia appeared first on e27.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword reserved for multinational corporations. Across Southeast Asia, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are beginning to view AI adoption as a real driver of growth and competitiveness. Yet, despite the hype, many business owners remain hesitant, unsure of where to begin and concerned about risks.

Alvin Toh, Co-Founder of Straits Interactive, has worked closely with SMEs to demystify AI and guide them towards responsible, sustainable adoption. In an interview with e27, he aims to shed light on both the opportunities and pitfalls awaiting SMEs in the region.

According to Toh, one of the biggest misconceptions among SMEs is that AI is an expensive luxury reserved for larger enterprises. “In reality, the rise of no-code and low-code tools, like Capabara, has levelled the playing field,” he explains.

These platforms allow SMEs to run pilots in days rather than months and at a fraction of the cost once thought necessary. However, many SMEs are still in a “watch-and-wait” mode, hoping to see measurable ROI from bigger players before committing resources.

Also Read: Global markets navigate political fault lines as technical rebound meets institutional crosscurrents

Toh and his team at Straits Interactive address this hesitation with a three-part approach:

Hands-on skills
Practical Gen AI workshops with SMU Academy train non-technical staff to apply AI tools directly in their daily tasks.

Small wins first
SMEs are encouraged to start with quick pilot projects that deliver measurable value, building confidence and internal momentum.

Governance confidence
By framing AI as a safeguarded business tool rather than a job threat, SMEs are empowered to innovate responsibly.

This structured approach helps businesses move from passive curiosity to confident AI adoption without stretching budgets or manpower.

The governance gap: why responsible AI matters

While SMEs are eager to experiment with AI, governance is often overlooked. Toh warns that rushing into adoption without safeguards can create more liabilities than benefits.

Also Read: Scaling empathy with technology: Bridging the healthcare divide

In order to prevent that, Straits Interactive recommends the framework of Value, Risk, and Constraints to help SMEs evaluate AI tools:

Value
Jumping on every free or low-cost tool often creates a “tool zoo,” with overlapping functions, poor scalability, and unclear ROI.

Risk
Many popular tools fail basic due diligence checks, with privacy policies that do not align with actual data handling practices. This exposes SMEs to potential data leaks, violations of PDPA/GDPR, and reputational harm.

Constraints
With smaller budgets and teams, SMEs cannot afford costly mistakes, making governance a strategic necessity.

To address these challenges, Straits Interactive builds a Digital Transformation Package, equipping SMEs to deploy AI safely, integrate tools within existing compliance frameworks, and strengthen customer trust.

“AI adoption without governance is not innovation — it’s a liability,” Toh emphasises.

In doing their work, Straits Interactive has guided SMEs across law, education, and marketing to balance innovation with compliance. There are different ways companies in these industries can adopt AI in their organisation’s experience:

Law firm
A generative AI knowledge engine was trained on more than 8,000 legal documents, only after personal and sensitive data was cleansed. Domain experts tested outputs extensively to correct hallucinations, cutting legal research times from two hours to minutes.

Private school
AI tutors powered by Capabara supported lesson planning. Teachers were trained to integrate materials without infringing copyright or breaching PDPA.

Marketing agency
AI assistants streamlined campaign ideation and client outreach, with teams learning privacy-safe prompting and workflows.

Also Read: Inclusion starts at the top: Why listening beats moving fast in Southeast Asia

From these cases, Toh highlights that the first step for SMEs is to conduct a thorough audit of their data before deploying AI tools, ensuring that sensitive or personal information is identified and removed. Equally important is embedding compliance considerations at the very start of the adoption journey, rather than treating governance as an afterthought. By weaving in privacy, copyright, and ethical safeguards early, SMEs can avoid regulatory pitfalls and build trust.

Toh also stresses the importance of rigorous testing to validate AI outputs for accuracy, bias, and safety before they are integrated into daily operations. This process helps uncover weaknesses and ensures the technology serves its intended purpose. Finally, staff training is essential. By equipping employees with the skills to use AI effectively and safely, SMEs can create a culture of confident, responsible adoption that supports both innovation and compliance.

For SMEs ready to begin, Toh recommends a two-step pathway:

Pilot with purpose
Start with a single, well-defined business challenge, such as improving customer response times or automating reports. Test a plug-and-play tool on a small scale and measure the results.

Build capabilities around responsible AI
Invest in training, governance, and the right technology. Upskill compliance staff in Gen AI risks, adopt secure no-code platforms, and redesign workflows to integrate AI responsibly.

By embedding these elements early, SMEs can avoid costly missteps while positioning themselves for long-term growth.

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Image Credit: Umar Al Farouq on Unsplash

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When Bloomberg aired its interview on Vietnam’s AI ambitions, with Hanoi’s streets buzzing in the background, it instantly pulled me back to my own trip there just this April for the Vietnam Improv Festival. I could still hear the hum of motorbikes, smell the smoky scent of grilled street food, and feel that quiet determination in people’s eyes.

“This looks so familiar,” I remember murmuring in my cab from the airport into Hanoi. Something in the architecture, the energy, even the colours reminded me of where I grew up. That sense of familiarity stayed with me.

Vietnam feels on the cusp of something transformative — not in a brash, Silicon Valley way, but in a grounded, quietly ambitious way. This is a place where progress is built on humility, patience, and a refusal to take shortcuts.

A grounded vision for AI

Vietnam’s AI story isn’t just about one company, though FPT is a standout example. It’s about a national ecosystem shaped by long-term vision and steady, disciplined execution.

The government’s National Strategy on AI to 2030 aims to place Vietnam among ASEAN’s top AI hubs. It’s not just about building algorithms, but making AI a productivity multiplier for the whole economy, from leaders to factory workers. FPT’s “AI for all” approach fits squarely into this plan, as does its AI Factory built with Nvidia, cutting the time to test and deploy ideas from months to days.

Also Read: How a team of women designed the perfect e-commerce tool for Vietnam’s rural sellers

In Vietnam, bold moves are rarely noisy. They’re deliberate, precise, and quietly relentless.

Education as a national advantage

Vietnam is betting that its greatest asset isn’t cheap labour — it’s young, well-trained talent. And it’s making generational investments to unlock that potential.

In July 2025, the National Assembly approved a sweeping resolution to provide free tuition for all public school students from preschool through high school. This move ensures that every child, regardless of background, gets access to foundational education — a powerful base for later technical skills.

“In Vietnam, education isn’t just a policy,  it’s part of the national fabric, woven with the belief that skill and knowledge come from dedication, not shortcuts.”

On the AI front, FPT has already trained 150,000 students and aims for half a million more, introducing AI concepts as early as age six. By Grade 5, students aren’t just using AI — they’re building with it.

They’re not alone. Phenikaa University launched AI-focused programs in 2023. Vingroup’s VinUni partners with Cornell and UPenn, blending global expertise with local drive. AI4VN — the country’s annual AI Day, backed by the Ministry of Science and Technology — connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to turn theory into real-world impact.

Not just tech hubs: Real-world applications

Vietnam’s AI growth isn’t limited to glossy campuses, it’s rooted in solving real problems with local insight.

• Trusting Social uses AI-powered credit scoring to bring financial access to the unbanked, now serving markets across Asia and the US.
• VNG Corporation, one of Vietnam’s tech titans, integrates AI into products from online games to its homegrown messaging app, Zalo.
• Cinnamon AI, founded in Japan by a Vietnamese entrepreneur, focuses on enterprise document-processing AI with a strong Vietnam base.
• Adayroi Health (formerly VinBrain) develops AI diagnostics for radiology, targeting rural healthcare gaps where doctors are scarce.

These companies reflect a national character: hard work over hype, practical solutions over vanity projects, and a deep appreciation for the impact technology can have on everyday life.

Values that shape innovation

For a country shaped by war, scarcity, and decades of rebuilding, Vietnam’s innovation mindset is quietly distinctive. It’s not about domination — it’s about uplift. Technology is applied with an eye to accessibility, utility, and sustainability.

I remember sitting at one of the railway cafés on a late morning, together with other tourists, waiting for the train to thunder through just inches away — a popular spot to watch the rails come alive. As we waited, I noticed something remarkable. Local shoe shiners weaved through the crowd, carrying all their tools by hand, ready to polish shoes for anyone who’d pay.

These weren’t café employees, they were independent solopreneurs, making a living on their own terms, wherever the moment allowed. It was a humble, resourceful hustle. That simple scene captured something essential about Vietnam, a culture defined by humility, hard work, and the ability to seize opportunity in the smallest moments. A spirit of self-reliance runs deep here, quietly shaping everything from street corners to tech labs.

Also Read: Vietnam’s unseen legal goldmine: Bridging the trust chasm for a billion-dollar opportunity

Humility keeps the ambition grounded. Dedication ensures the work is done thoroughly. Simplicity strips away waste, focusing only on what matters. Gratitude, for peace, for opportunity, for progress, keeps the drive human.

These aren’t just cultural values, they’re competitive advantages in a world often distracted by speed over substance.

What the world can learn

In a global AI race dominated by VC-fuelled land grabs, Vietnam offers a counterpoint: patience, practicality, and perseverance. It’s a model built on education for all, inclusive innovation, and technology that serves real needs.

For other emerging markets, Vietnam’s approach might just be the quiet playbook worth studying: pair long-term policy with grassroots talent-building, empower innovators to solve their own problems, and move forward with steady, unshowy resolve.

It may move softly, but Vietnam’s steady blend of patience, purpose, and perseverance shapes a future few can ignore.

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Singapore-headquartered BPaaS (business process as a service) company AnyMind Group has acquired NADESIKO, a Japan-based creator studio specialising in the beauty industry.

The Tokyo-based firm, known for its expertise in short-form beauty content and marketing, will see all its shares acquired by the group.

This strategic move will bolster AnyMind’s BPaaS capabilities for social-driven commerce by combining NADESIKO’s beauty-focused social marketing prowess with the former’s proprietary technology.

Also Read: AnyMind Group launches AI avatar livestreaming to power the future of creator commerce

Per a press release, NADESIKO brings significant expertise in social marketing within the beauty sector, particularly excelling in Japan’s short-form video marketing landscape.

This acquisition marks AnyMind’s 12th globally, which includes the pending acquisition of Vietnam’s Vibula (announced in April 2025) and its sixth in Japan (including the acquisition of e-gifting SaaS company AnyReach) in February this year.

The integration is expected to yield several key synergies:

• Enhanced social and e-commerce integration: AnyMind will provide end-to-end support for brands, spanning social marketing, sales, advertising, CRM, inventory management, and logistics.
• Expansion of beauty-focused creator networks: NADESIKO’s specialised knowledge will combine with the group’s existing influencer networks, including GROVE’s seju and MUNI labels, to further expand their reach.
• Global scaling of Japanese content: Leveraging AnyMind’s extensive international presence, the acquisition will facilitate the expansion of Japan-born brands, influencers, and content across Asia.

Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group, commented: “As consumer behaviour increasingly begins on social platforms, designing seamless journeys from discovery through purchase has never been more important. NADESIKO’s strengths in short-form content and creator marketing, combined with our AI-powered platforms in e-commerce, marketing and logistics, will enable us to deliver more integrated support for the beauty industry.”

Also Read: AnyMind co-founder Otohiko Kozutsumi on the third evolution of the creator economy

Established in April 2016, AnyMind provides two main offerings: 1) Brand Commerce, which offers platforms for manufacturing, e-commerce enablement, live commerce, marketing, logistics, and AI utilisation, and 2) Partner Growth,  which provides platforms for monetisation and optimisation to web and mobile app publishers, influencers, and content creators.

The company has over 1,900 employees across 24 offices in 15 markets throughout Asia and the Middle East.

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As the calendar flips to September 1, 2025, the global financial landscape reflects a cautious start to the month, with major US stock markets shuttered for the Labour Day holiday. This closure comes on the heels of a turbulent end to August, where Wall Street grappled with a tech-fuelled downturn that capped off the month on a sour note.

Asian markets, stepping in to kick off the week’s trading, have largely followed suit by opening lower, echoing the unease from Friday’s US session. Investors are navigating a complex web of influences, from persistent inflation pressures and tariff anxieties to the allure of artificial intelligence advancements and the anticipation of Federal Reserve policy shifts.

This mix signals a market at a crossroads, poised for potential rebounds driven by technological innovation but vulnerable to macroeconomic headwinds that could prolong volatility. The story here is not just about numbers on a screen but about how these forces interplay to shape investor confidence in an increasingly interconnected world.

US stocks stumble: Tech sell-off steals the spotlight

Turning first to the US markets, the recap from August 29, 2025, paints a picture of restrained optimism giving way to broader concerns. The S&P 500 closed down 0.64 per cent at 6,460.26, slipping from its recent record highs amid losses in key artificial intelligence-related stocks.

The Nasdaq Composite, heavily weighted toward technology, fared worse, declining 1.15 per cent to 21,455.55, underscoring the sector’s outsized influence on overall market performance. Even the Dow Jones Industrial Average, typically more insulated from tech swings, edged lower by 0.3 per cent.

This session marked the end of a fourth consecutive winning month for the S&P 500, which still managed a 1.4 per cent gain for August, but the Friday pullback highlighted emerging cracks in the rally. Tech giants bore the brunt of the selling pressure, with Nvidia shares tumbling over three per cent following reports of heightened competition from Chinese firm Alibaba’s advanced chip development.

Dell Technologies’ stock plummeted nearly nine per cent after the company’s third-quarter profit guidance disappointed analysts, despite robust demand for AI infrastructure. Marvell Technology’s shares cratered 19 per cent on a weak sales forecast, further amplifying the sector’s woes. On a brighter note, Affirm Holdings surged 11 per cent after reporting a quarterly profit, offering a rare counterpoint in an otherwise downbeat day for growth stocks.

Also Read: Markets on edge: One inflation report could trigger a stock market surge or collapse

Inflation fears and tariff turmoil: The hidden market killers

Beyond the tech sell-off, broader economic signals contributed to the muted sentiment. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index dipped in August, as respondents expressed growing fears over inflation. The core Personal Consumption Expenditures index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, held above the two per cent target in July, muddying the waters for a potential September rate cut. Tariff uncertainties loomed large, with Caterpillar’s comments on potential earnings impacts from higher duties weighing on industrial sentiment.

This tariff narrative is particularly under-appreciated. While they aim to protect domestic industries, they risk inflating costs across supply chains, potentially stifling the very growth they’ve helped foster in areas like manufacturing and tech hardware. The market’s reaction suggests investors are starting to price in these frictions, especially as global trade tensions simmer.

Despite these headwinds, the month’s overall gains, S&P up 1.4 per cent, Dow up two per cent, Nasdaq up 1.6 per cent, indicate resilience, buoyed by strong AI-driven earnings from select mega-caps. However, the divergence between winners like Affirm and losers like Marvell suggests a selective market, where only the strongest narratives prevail.

Asia awakens to red screens: Tech restrictions fuel the fire

Shifting focus to the Asia-Pacific region on this September 1 morning, markets have opened with declines, mirroring the weakness in US tech and broader global jitters. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.26 per cent to 42,718.47, dragged down by tech and export-oriented stocks amid ongoing concerns about trade data. South Korea’s Kospi index dropped around two per cent in early trading, hit hard by losses in memory chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which slid after the US Commerce Department revoked their authorisation to ship certain goods from China without licenses.

This move exacerbates US-China tech tensions, directly impacting supply chains for semiconductors critical to AI and consumer electronics. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index showed mixed results, leaning lower at around 24,858.82, influenced by regional volatility. A standout exception was Alibaba, whose shares surged 13 per cent on news of its more advanced AI chip, providing a rare boost in an otherwise subdued session.

In China, the CSI 300 index hovered flat, but auto makers faced headwinds, with BYD reporting its first quarterly profit drop in over three years due to aggressive domestic discounting. India’s Sensex and Nifty indices dipped slightly, pressured by foreign capital outflows and tariff concerns stemming from global trade dynamics.

Also Read: Jackson Hole looms: Can Powell save markets from a global risk meltdown?

From my perspective, Asia’s performance highlights the ripple effects of US policy; restrictions on tech exports not only harm specific companies but also erode broader market confidence, potentially slowing the region’s recovery from post-pandemic sluggishness. However, Alibaba’s gain hints at China’s push for self-reliance in AI, which could reshape the competitive landscape over time.

Gold’s golden surge: Safe havens shine amid the storm

Several other key drivers are at play, amplifying the market’s choppy mood. Gold prices have continued their ascent, touching new all-time highs in late August, fueled by expectations of a Fed rate cut and escalating geopolitical uncertainties.

This safe-haven rally reflects investor caution, as lower interest rates typically weaken the dollar and boost non-yielding assets, such as gold. Overall sentiment remains volatile, as it is influenced by the robust AI earnings of some firms, offset by disappointments from others, and further complicated by trade tensions. This duality captures the market’s current paradox: technological progress offers long-term promise, but near-term risks from inflation and tariffs could trigger sharper corrections if unresolved.

Bitcoin’s brutal breakdown: Crypto kings crumble under pressure

Diving deeper into cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin has extended its decline, falling 0.96 per cent to around US$108,253 over the past 24 hours, marking a 4.19 per cent weekly drop. Three primary factors are driving this: a macro risk-off sentiment, where simultaneous outflows from Bitcoin and gold ETFs signal broad investor caution amid Fed policy ambiguity; a technical breakdown below the critical US$118,000 support level, activating stop-loss orders and bearish indicators like a MACD of -1,931.67 and RSI at 32.47; and a liquidation cascade, with US$24.45 million in Bitcoin liquidations amplifying the downside momentum.

The Fear & Greed Index at 39 underscores prevailing fear, discouraging buy-the-dip activity. Looking ahead, upcoming data like August Non-Farm Payrolls and the Fed Beige Book could provide policy clues, but a close below US$107,000 might test lower Fibonacci levels around US$117,958.

In my view, Bitcoin’s sensitivity to macro shifts highlights its maturation as an asset class, once seen as uncorrelated, it’s now intertwined with traditional markets, offering hedge potential but also exposing it to the same uncertainties. While some forecasts eye US$125,000 by September or even US$221,000 by year-end, the risk of deeper pullbacks looms if institutional demand wanes.

Ethereum’s edge of collapse: Liquidations loom large

Ethereum, meanwhile, has underperformed the broader crypto market, dipping 0.77 per cent to US$4,407 in the last 24 hours. Key pressures include liquidation risks near US$4,400, where over US$1 billion in long positions could unravel if breached, following US$108 million in network-wide liquidations; a bearish technical setup, with ETH struggling below its seven-day simple moving average of US$4,444 and showing MACD divergence at -54.73; and macro caution ahead of US jobs data and Fed signals.

The RSI at 52.74 indicates neutral momentum, but failure to hold US$4,400 risks a drop to the 50 per cent Fibonacci retracement at US$4,155. On the upside, a rebound above US$4,550 could squeeze shorts and target US$4,550 resistance. Ethereum’s ecosystem remains vibrant, with upcoming upgrades like Fusaka enhancing scalability, but competition from faster blockchains like Solana poses threats.

Also Read: The intersection of tech and climate change: 5 key forces that will redefine the global market

Personally, I see Ethereum’s trajectory as more promising than Bitcoin’s in the medium term; its DeFi dominance and staking mechanisms provide utility beyond speculation, potentially driving it toward US$5,000-US$10,000 by year-end if rate cuts materialise and institutional inflows resume. However, liquidation clusters and technical weaknesses demand vigilance.

The volatile road ahead: Will markets rebound or crash further?

In wrapping up this analysis, the markets on September 1, 2025, embody a delicate balance of hope and hesitation. The US holiday pause offers a moment for reflection, but Asia’s early slides suggest the tech sell-off’s aftershocks persist. With gold shining as a refuge and cryptos navigating their own storms, investors must weigh AI’s transformative potential against inflation’s stubborn grip and tariff-induced frictions.

I believe the path forward favours adaptability; those who pivot toward resilient sectors like AI infrastructure while hedging against policy risks stand to thrive. However, if tariffs escalate or inflation reaccelerates, we could see prolonged turbulence, reminding us that in finance, as in life, equilibrium is fleeting. The coming weeks, with key data releases and Fed decisions, will likely dictate whether this is a mere dip or the onset of a deeper recalibration.

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

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

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

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

The capital raised will also be used for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joining Lenovo Pro is completely FREE. Sign up here.

Also read: How Shell LiveWire is powering Filipino enterprise growth

Lenovo is joining the movement at Echelon Philippines 2025

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

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

Also read: How inDrive is challenging social injustice through mobility

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

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We can share your story at e27 too! Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Reach out to us here to get started.

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

The post What a grassroots hackathon in Sarawak taught me about AI and community-driven innovation appeared first on e27.

My friend “S” is a tuition teacher. She deals with all the challenges of long hours, demanding parents, curriculum changes, different paces of learning for students, and these are often issues that aren’t pushed to the forefront of discussion and that she often discovers midway into teaching the student. As a human being, just like you and me, this is fuel for burnout.

In one of my earlier coffee chats with her, we were working on an app for her to bring across her expertise to larger groups and to have a more efficient way to work with parents and students. It’s definitely an interesting space to be in, and we were even down to brainstorming if we could use existing infrastructure, such as Google Classrooms, to complement the existing app and how to best match the syllabus to each student’s pace.

Education gaps in SEA

We thought of the problems we face with education in Singapore, which is finding affordable tuition for the lower to middle class and also an overly strong emphasis on memorisation, rote learning, content drilling and rigorous examinations and saw that all of these systems leave students unprepared for eventual technological disruptions in the world.

Also Read: The future of education is AI: Here’s how it will look

Nonetheless, this is still very different from that of our neighbours, be it due to geography or population size. There, on-demand learning resources, affordable course subscriptions, proper direction, and teaching “how to learn” become even more important.

If you were a student in rural Indonesia, the reality of your classroom would be worn wooden desks, a blackboard at the front with chalk dust clinging to its edges, and the hot sun streaming in through open windows. Distracting sounds of roosters crowing and motorbikes passing might bite at your thoughts. And maybe you’ve got to till the fields today, or go home and care for your siblings, and have no time (or limited energy) to flip a book.

One way these barriers are being addressed is through Indonesia’s fast-growing edutech sector. Platforms like Ruangguru, which began by targeting students outside the big cities, have shown what’s possible when design is tailored to local realities. They work on low-bandwidth connections, allow offline access, and blend live tutoring with gamified learning tools to make studying more engaging for first-time digital learners.

The results suggest that access paired with thoughtful design can move the needle. Independent evaluations found that students using Ruangguru improved test performance across core subjects like maths, Indonesian, and English. More importantly, over 70 per cent of its users came from outside urban centres—precisely the communities that traditional tuition rarely reached.

Also Read: AI: The secret ingredient for unlocking developer success in Asia

The promise of AI in education

To truly close education gaps in SouthEast Asia, these statements have to continue to be addressed. Teachers lack time to create strong syllabuses while public facilities and teaching standards are often not well maintained in the Philippines, at some ends a gender and religious divide causes differences in education level in Indonesia, and we are still dealing with a pandemic learning loss rate and high dropout rates in Malaysia.

The space calls for more tailored solutions to fit each student profile, which manual labor cannot fully replicate, and maybe this is where AI based learning solutions can step in to fill the gap. A solution that goes beyond a conventional chatbot could seamlessly blend AI to feel personable, supportive and guiding a student with the right principles, while being accountable to the educators’ needs, would be a perfect solution to see in this market. What would you fund to make edutech sustainable?

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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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Unemployment and underemployment remain pressing issues in the Philippines. The 2020 pandemic only intensified the need for stronger, more resilient livelihoods. Entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful driver of inclusive growth, creating opportunities for communities while sparking solutions that address social and environmental challenges. Enterprise development is now essential in building a sustainable future where innovation translates into jobs and long-term impact.

Shell LiveWire champions the growth of Filipino startups and community enterprises by providing more than just financial support — it offers mentorship, technical expertise, and access to markets. Through its participation in Echelon Philippines 2025, Shell LiveWire empowers its entrepreneurs with additional regional exposure, a platform to showcase their innovations, and valuable connections to help them scale and thrive.

Shell LiveWire: meeting challenges and leading enterprise development

Early-stage entrepreneurs often face limited market access, a lack of mentorship, and gaps in enterprise management that hold back promising ideas from reaching commercial viability. Shell LiveWire responds to these challenges through deep enterprise development, helping startups and community enterprises refine products, professionalise operations, and connect with wider markets.

Also read: How OneCFO is transforming startup finance in Southeast Asia

Established 42 years ago in Scotland and now active in 18 countries across six continents, Shell LiveWire is Shell’s flagship enterprise development programme dedicated to strengthening local economies by empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. Introduced to the Philippines in 2020 by Shell Pilipinas Corporation and its social arm, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), the programme combines global expertise with local insight.

This approach ensures that Filipino innovators are not only supported within their communities but are also equipped to compete and collaborate on a regional and global stage. At Echelon Philippines 2025, this vision comes to life as Shell LiveWire’s cohort of tech startups and community enterprises showcase how local entrepreneurship can thrive within global value chains.

Shell LiveWire is joining the movement at Echelon Philippines 2025

Echelon Philippines 2025, e27’s premier event organised by Brainsparks, will take place on 2–3 September 2025 at Hall 4, SMX Convention Center Manila. The two-day conference brings together leading founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers for a convergence of ideas and action that drives the country’s tech ecosystem forward.

Designed to empower startups, scale-ups, SMEs, government agencies, and ecosystem enablers, Echelon provides the insights, connections, and tools needed for sustainable growth. This year’s focus is on capital readiness, collaboration across the ecosystem, and actionable playbooks for high-growth sectors.

Also read: How inDrive is challenging social injustice through mobility

Participants can expect dedicated content stages, exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive knowledge-sharing activities that open new market pathways and increase brand visibility. Alongside these opportunities, the event offers access to growth and market access programmes, a curated digital solutions marketplace, and valuable peer-to-peer learning.

For Shell LiveWire, joining Echelon Philippines is a way to extend its support for Filipino entrepreneurs by connecting its startups and community enterprises to a wider regional audience. It is also an opportunity to explore new partnerships with investors, incubators, accelerators, and institutions that share its mission of building resilient, self-reliant communities.

Secure your spot now — join us as a participant, exhibitor, or official partner, and be part of the movement shaping the future of the Philippine tech ecosystem.

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This article is produced by the e27 team

We can share your story at e27 too! Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Reach out to us here to get started.

Featured Image Credit: Shell LiveWire

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