Vietnam’s e-commerce market reached US$16.3 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2025 across its four largest platforms (Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Tiki) up 34.8 per cent year-over-year, according to Metric.vn. That’s US$44.5 million transacted daily, with 3.9 million items sold, a 15.2 per cent increase.

The numbers paint a brutal picture of Southeast Asia’s e-commerce consolidation. Vietnam’s total eclipses Singapore’s estimated US$9.4 billion market by 73 per cent, while trailing Indonesia’s US$62 billion juggernaut by a factor of nearly four.

Also Read: As Vietnam’s e-commerce market surpasses US$25B, shoppers are no longer satisfied with low prices alone

Yet per capita, Vietnam’s spending punches above its weight: roughly US$162 per person versus Singapore’s US$1,550 and Indonesia’s US$220.

TikTok’s rampage, Lazada’s fade

Shopee retained dominance at 56 per cent market share, down from 64 per cent in 2024, while TikTok Shop exploded from 29 per cent to 41.3 per cent. Lazada and Tiki combined scraped by with just 3 per cent, halved from the prior year. This shift underscores TikTok’s live-streaming blitzkrieg, which has eroded Shopee’s lead and marginalised legacy players.

Vietnam’s seller base tells a Darwinian story: 601,800 active shops on these platforms, down 7.4 per cent from 2024’s end, despite revenue growth. A mid-year low of 537,900 sellers rebounded by 63,900 by December, but the net cull reflects ruthless platform algorithms weeding out underperformers. “Weaker sellers were filtered out,” Metric noted.

Compare that to Indonesia, where Shopee and TikTok Shop also lead (roughly 50 per cent and 25 per cent shares), but with a vastly larger seller ecosystem supporting 270 million consumers. Singapore, by contrast, hosts a more mature but stagnant market dominated by Shopee (45-50 per cent) and Lazada (20-25 per cent), with fewer high-velocity disruptions due to its smaller scale.

Category wars: Beauty reigns, health surges

Beauty led Vietnam’s categories at 29.5 per cent of sales (US$4.8 billion), followed by home and living (US$2.3 billion) and women’s fashion (US$2.2 billion). Mid-price items (US$4-8) captured 25 per cent of value, aligning with affordability trends across the region.

Fastest growers — health (up to 80 per cent), children’s fashion, and stationery — mirror Singapore and Indonesia, where post-pandemic wellness and family spending booms persist. Singapore’s beauty category similarly dominates (25-30 per cent), while Indonesia’s fashion and electronics lead, but Vietnam’s growth velocity outpaces both.

Also Read: Then vs now: A look back at Vietnam’s changing e-commerce battleground

Urban concentration is stark: 83 per cent of revenue from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, akin to Jakarta’s 60-70 per cent grip on Indonesia’s market and Singapore’s near-total urban focus.

Southeast Asia’s e-commerce reckoning

Vietnam’s 34.8 per cent growth crushes Singapore’s projected 8-10 per cent and Indonesia’s 15-20 per cent, driven by a young, mobile-first population of 100 million and aggressive social commerce. Yet scale gaps persist: Indonesia’s sheer volume (US$62 billion) makes it the undisputed king, while Singapore’s high-income consumers yield superior average order values (US$50-60 vs. Vietnam’s US$12-15).

The seller shakeout signals maturation. Platforms are prioritising quality over quantity, squeezing margins for small operators, a trend accelerating region-wide amid fee hikes and algorithm tweaks. TikTok’s ascent, now challenging Shopee everywhere from Hanoi to Jakarta, forces incumbents to double down on logistics and live commerce.

Also Read: Vietnam leads SEA in e-commerce optimism despite regulatory frictions

For startups eyeing Southeast Asia, Vietnam emerges as the high-growth wildcard: explosive upside, but cutthroat competition where only the algorithm-favoured survive. Singapore offers stability; Indonesia, scale. Vietnam? Raw velocity.

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In Southeast Asia’s digital frontier, where 400 million internet users fuel a booming economy projected to hit US$1 trillion in digital value by 2025, cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function; it’s the battleground for survival.

Cyberattacks surged 85 per cent year-over-year in 2024, according to Check Point Research, with ransomware claims increasing 300 per cent in Indonesia alone. Yet, amid this storm, the region’s cybersecurity market is exploding, valued at US$2.8 billion in 2024 and forecast to grow at a blistering 28.5 per cent CAGR through 2030, according to MarketsandMarkets. This isn’t hype; it’s a data-backed arms race.

Also Read: Singapore businesses face ‘laser-focused’ cyberattacks as AI lowers entry barriers

The top three titans leading the charge

Singapore, the undisputed hub, hosts the heavyweights. Darktrace, a UK-born AI pioneer with deep roots in SEA, dominates with its autonomous response platform. In 2024, it thwarted 1.2 million threats across APAC clients, boasting 99.8 per cent accuracy in anomaly detection — numbers that make legacy firewalls look prehistoric.

Claiming second is homegrown Senzing, a Singaporean entity resolution specialist. Its knowledge graph technology processed 500 petabytes of SEA data last year, slashing identity fraud by 40 per cent for banks like DBS—enabling real-time entity matching that outpaces competitors by five times in speed.

Rounding out the podium is CyberArk, the Israeli vault kingpin with a Singapore fortress. It secured 70 per cent of the Lion City’s financial sector in 2024, preventing US$500 million in potential privilege-escalation breaches. These three command 45 per cent market share, per IDC, blending AI muscle with regional nous.

Evolution over the past two to three years: From reactive to resilient

Rewind to 2023: SEA’s cyber scene was a patchwork of underfunded security operations centres (SOCs) reeling from the 2022 Medusa ransomware wave, which crippled over 200 Malaysian firms and cost US$100 million. Attacks totalled 12 billion in 2023, up 60 per cent from 2021 (CrowdStrike). Regulations lagged — Singapore’s Cybersecurity Act was toothless, Indonesia’s PDP law embryonic.

Also Read: Singapore hit by 6.4M cyberattacks in 2024 as AI supercharges threats

Fast-forward to 2026: Maturity has skyrocketed. Governments poured US$1.2 billion into national CERTs; Singapore’s matured to Tier 1 status, handling 50,000 incidents yearly. Private investment hit US$450 million in 2025 (Tracxn), birthing 150 startups. Evolution metrics? Average detection time plummeted from 21 days in 2023 to 47 minutes in 2025 (Mandiant). Cloud-native tools replaced VPNs, and zero-trust adoption soared 400 per cent region-wide.

Key trends: AI, Quantum, and supply chain mayhem

1. AI weaponisation. Generative AI fuelled 35 per cent of phishing in 2025 (Proofpoint), with deepfake scams netting US$200 million in Vietnam. Defenders counter with AI-driven tools; SEA firms deployed behavioural analytics, cutting false positives by 70 per cent.
2. Quantum threats Loom. With NIS2-like regs incoming, 60 per cent of Thai enterprises are quantum-proofing (Deloitte). Post-quantum crypto pilots in the Philippines aim to shield US$300 billion in blockchain assets.
3. Supply chain Carnage. The 2024 SolarWinds echo hit SEA hard—45 per cent of breaches stemmed from third parties (Palo Alto Networks). OT/IoT attacks in manufacturing spiked 250 per cent, demanding XDR platforms.

AI’s transformative grip on cybersecurity

AI isn’t a buzzword; it’s reshaping the battlefield. In SEA, machine learning models now predict 92 per cent of breaches 72 hours ahead (Darktrace data), versus 60 per cent globally. Singapore’s AI.gov.sg initiative integrated LLMs into 80 per cent of SOCs, automating 65 per cent of triage tasks. GenAI tools like custom threat hunters reduced analyst burnout by 50 per cent, per Gartner. But risks abound: AI red-teaming exposed 20 per cent of SEA models to prompt injection exploits in 2025. The verdict? AI amplifies defences 10x, but demands ethical guardrails—Indonesia’s new AI ethics board enforces this.

The future: A US$10B fortress by 2030

Also Read: Are cyber attacks more life-threatening than we think?

By 2030, SEA’s market is expected to reach US$10 billion, driven by the rollout of 5G/6G networks (resulting in 1 billion connections) and digital economy mandates. Singapore eyes “Cyber Bay” status, luring US$5 billion FDI. Challenges persist: talent shortages (300,000 gap, per World Bank) and nation-state actors from the neighbourhood. Yet, with ASEAN’s Cyber Cadets training 50,000 pros annually and blockchain-AI hybrids emerging, the region is fortifying.

The post Southeast Asia’s cyber boom is fuelled by fear—and AI appeared first on e27.

In Indonesia and many other developing nations, the conversation around technology is often focused on progress: smart cities, digital banking, and AI-powered industries. But beneath the excitement lies a quieter, more alarming shift—one that’s deepening inequality in ways we’re not ready for. This is the new digital divide: not just about access to the internet, but access to opportunity itself.

Technology, while a powerful enabler, is also a great disruptor. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digitisation are transforming industries at unprecedented speeds. And while white-collar workers adapt to new tools and platforms, low-skilled labourers, who form the backbone of Indonesia’s workforce, are being left behind.

A nation on the edge of displacement

Indonesia’s workforce heavily relies on low-skilled jobs, particularly in the informal sector. In many industrial and service-based jobs, machines and algorithms are now performing tasks once done by humans. In manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and even fisheries, I’ve noticed how digital tools are rapidly replacing human labour. What was once a stable job that put food on the table for millions has become increasingly uncertain.

This isn’t a distant future. It’s already happening. We see factory lines where humans are replaced by robots. Supermarkets where self-checkout counters reduce the need for cashiers. Farms and fisheries where apps manage feeding and irrigation more efficiently than seasonal labourers ever could. For people with limited education and digital access, this means fewer job openings and more competition for whatever is left.

Also Read: Unlocking business potential: Overcoming decision paralysis with technology transformation

The human cost

What troubles me the most is not the technology itself—it’s the pace and the imbalance of change. Those who have the means to adapt are doing fine. They find new opportunities, take online courses, and move up. But what about those who don’t? What about the father in rural Sulawesi who spent his life in logistics, now replaced by a conveyor belt? Or the mother in Lombok who sold fresh produce, now bypassed by digital grocery platforms?

When technology leaves people behind, poverty doesn’t just persist—it deepens. With limited access to digital infrastructure, education, or financial support, these individuals face an uphill battle. They end up in informal gig jobs with no protection or benefits. Many simply fall out of the workforce altogether. I worry that without thoughtful intervention, we’re not just losing jobs—we’re losing dignity, community, and purpose.

An overlooked generation

There’s another group we often ignore in this conversation: the elderly. They’re asked to adapt to apps and systems they never needed before. From accessing healthcare to banking, everything is now digital-first. And yet, many seniors struggle to use smartphones, let alone navigate government portals or e-wallets.

In my opinion, this is not only unfair—it’s inhumane. We shouldn’t expect our parents and grandparents to keep up with tech that wasn’t designed with them in mind.

Polarisation in the making

What concerns me deeply is the path this leads us to. We’re creating a society where two Indonesias exist: one, tech-savvy and upwardly mobile; the other, struggling and invisible. If we let this divide grow, it won’t just be an economic issue—it will become a social crisis.

Also Read: How immersive tech can boost your health and happiness

Rising unemployment, especially among the low-skilled and older populations, could lead to increased crime rates, mental health issues, and even unrest. When people feel abandoned, they turn to whatever means they can to survive. And in a system that values efficiency over empathy, the cost of that abandonment could be staggering.

My opinion

As I reflect on the rapid digital transformation happening in Indonesia, I can’t help but feel a deep concern for the many people who stand to be left behind. Technology is undoubtedly powerful—it can bring us into a new era of efficiency, innovation, and global connectivity. However, the speed with which it’s advancing is leaving behind the most vulnerable.

What truly troubles me is how silent this shift is. The people most affected—those with low education levels, informal jobs, and little digital exposure—don’t have the platform to voice their fears or seek help. They simply disappear from the workforce, replaced by machines or apps.

We often hear about the opportunities technology brings, but rarely do we hear about the human cost when those opportunities are out of reach. As someone who’s seen firsthand the challenges faced by underserved communities in Indonesia, it’s hard not to worry that we’re creating a society where only those with the right education, the right tools, and the right connections will succeed.

This isn’t just a technological issue—it’s a moral one. If we allow automation and digitalization to proceed unchecked without protecting the most vulnerable, we’re setting ourselves up for a future with deeper poverty, rising crime, and social fragmentation.

The question we must ask ourselves is this: can we truly call ourselves a modern society if we are not lifting everyone up with us as we advance? If we don’t take action now, I fear we’ll be looking back in a decade, facing a more divided, unstable, and impoverished nation. It’s time we made the future not just digital, but inclusive, humane, and equitable for all.

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For SMEs looking to grow across borders, volatility is a quiet tax. A single FX swing can erase margins. Unpredictable fees can complicate cash flow. Slow settlement can stall operations and strain supplier relationships.

While SMEs are most affected by the unpredictability due to hidden costs, many fintech innovations remain focused on consumers or larger enterprises. These challenges have long been accepted as the cost of participating in the global economy. However, new payment technologies are beginning to shift that balance.

Tranglo, a leading cross-border payment hub, has built its business around addressing these friction points. Its network spans 120 countries and comprises more than 2,500 payout partners. This includes over 80 digital wallets and 60 cash‑pickup providers, offering access to hundreds of thousands of touchpoints worldwide.

Tranglo processes payments for businesses ranging from academic institutions to e-commerce platforms. The company’s approach reflects a broader industry shift toward payment infrastructure that prioritizes speed, predictability, and value stability for SMEs competing in global markets. With its global payment infrastructure, Tranglo – originally built to simplify top-ups for migrant workers – have evolved to a full-scale payments hub that offers a backbone that can support stablecoin-enabled, predictable cross-border money flows.

Leverage Tranglo’s global payment network for broad reach and optimised cashflow

SMEs operate with tighter working capital than large enterprises. According to the World Bank, the average global remittance cost is 6.2% per transaction. Meanwhile, bank-to-bank transfers can cost twice as much as alternative solutions. When SMEs pay a supplier overseas or receive funds from a client in another market, they often pass through several intermediaries. Each conversion and each delay introduces uncertainty.

Traditional interbank networks typically take 1 to 5 business days to settle payments. This delay locks up much-needed liquidity at a critical time. Nearly two-thirds of SMEs cite late payments as a major obstacle to growth. Meanwhile the majority of large organizations admit to delaying supplier payments beyond agreed terms. For importers and exporters, this instability affects everything from order planning to negotiation power. For freelancers and service-based SMEs, it creates additional friction when trying to manage predictable income.

To really focus on nurturing relationships for growth, SMEs need a network that can ensure payout flexibility. This broad infrastructure must provide a foundation for a stable, layered and trusted payout system that can support compliance, liquidity and local fiat settlements. This is what modern payment rails are gearing towards as SMEs continue to drive global growth.

Stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to major fiat currencies like the US dollar—are gaining attention as a tool for cross-border payments. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, stablecoins maintain a consistent value, making them potentially useful for business transactions. 

Also read: Bridging global payment borders and remittances with Tranglo

Tranglo’s proprietary single-interface platform integrates payment instructions and automatically selects optimal local payment partners/methods for payout, reducing reliance on multiple intermediaries. By combining stablecoins (for value stability) and a single interface that hides backend complexity, SMEs can benefit from simpler, more predictable cross-border payments, thereby making cash-flow planning easier.

Recently, Tranglo rolled out an “enhanced payment solution” aimed to help SMEs overcome cash-flow challenges by offering fixed transaction rates, near real-time processing and a self-onboarding experience. With stablecoins pegged to major currencies and a fixed-fee payout, SMEs avoid hidden deductions or unpredictable currency conversion losses. In combination, this model allows more accurate budgeting, cost forecasting, and supplier/seller negotiations.

The reality: Adoption is still emerging through the benefits of modern payment rails 

Stablecoins show promise for cross-border payments, but adoption among SMEs is still uneven. Regulations differ across Southeast Asia; many suppliers still expect payouts in local currency; and managing digital wallets can be complex for lean teams.

For now, most SMEs experience the benefits of “stable-value” payments through modern fiat-based rails that offer faster settlement, clearer pricing, and more predictable costs. Small improvements here matter as many SMEs operate with tight margins and limited room for FX volatility.

Stablecoins can still serve as a value anchor, helping businesses protect against currency swings. Combined with Tranglo’s regulated payout infrastructure, its global network, compliance processes, and near real-time settlement, SMEs can access value stability while paying suppliers in the currencies they already use.

Modern rails already provide these advantages in familiar ways:

• Instant settlement: Tranglo processes cross-border transactions instantly and is able to process 24/7 reducing multi-day delays without changing how suppliers receive funds.
• Fixed fees: Solutions like Tranglo Business use fixed rates, helping SMEs more accurately forecast costs and avoid unexpected deductions.
• Transparent pricing with modern APIs: Upfront visibility into fees and FX rates removes the guesswork that often accompanies international payments. Volume discounts can reduce expenses with consistent payment schedules.
• Multi-currency support: SMEs can hold and convert between currencies in real time—delivering flexibility similar to stablecoins, but within regulated fiat systems.

Also read: How fiat and crypto are redefining cross-border payments

The evolution toward hybrid fiat-stablecoin systems

Tranglo’s current infrastructure delivers the benefits SMEs need today while building toward a hybrid future. Through Tranglo Business, the company provides instant incoming settlement to 60+ countries with transactions processed in real-time, 24/7. 

As stablecoin adoption matures and regulatory clarity improves, the company is positioned to incorporate these settlement mechanisms into its hybrid rails. The goal is to give SMEs optionality: the reliability of fiat when needed, and the agility of digital assets when appropriate.

Practical examples for SMEs can look like:

Importers and exporters can secure prices more confidently when payment settlement is predictable. A garment exporter in Bangladesh receiving payment from a European buyer can access funds within hours rather than days. This improves cash flow and enabling faster reorders of raw materials. Transparent fees mean they can quote prices accurately without padding for unknown transaction costs.

Freelancers and service providers working with international clients benefit from immediate access to earnings. A graphic designer in the Philippines completing work for a Singapore-based agency can receive payment the same day, without waiting for traditional bank transfers or paying high intermediary fees.

E-commerce businesses processing high volumes of small transactions need cost-efficient solutions. An online marketplace paying out to hundreds of sellers across Southeast Asia can use API integration to automate payments while maintaining low, predictable costs per transaction.

SMEs expanding into new markets need payment certainty during early operations. A Malaysian software company establishing clients in Indonesia can manage receivables and payables across borders without exposure to FX volatility during critical cash flow periods.

The road ahead for cross-border payments

Cross-border certainty is becoming a strategic advantage for SMEs. Stablecoins represent one promising tool in a broader evolution of payment infrastructure. While regulatory clarity and supplier acceptance are still developing, the core benefits—speed, transparency, and predictable costs—are already available through Tranglo.

For SMEs, the immediate opportunity is clear: moving from slow, expensive correspondent banking to optimized payment networks that settle instantly and charge fixed fees. As the industry evolves toward hybrid systems that incorporate both fiat and stablecoin settlements, businesses that have already adopted modern payment infrastructure will be positioned to take advantage of new options as they become viable.

Payment providers like Tranglo are building this future incrementally. They are delivering practical solutions today while preparing for the flexibility and choice that hybrid rails will offer tomorrow. For SMEs ready to move beyond traditional banking limitations, the time to act is now.

Want to see how modern payment rails can transform your cross-border operations? Explore Tranglo Business solutions at tranglo.com/tranglo-business or contact hello@tranglo.com to discuss your specific needs.

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The search for practical, outcome driven technology is rising across Southeast Asia. Cities are dealing with familiar pressures: buildings that need constant upkeep, rising energy use and the daily work of keeping people safe. Many teams on the ground look for solutions that make their jobs easier and deliver tangible benefits, whether that means fewer maintenance cycles, lower electricity bills, or safer inspection work. Especially in demand are tools that fit into existing routines without creating extra complexity.

Hong Kong teams are stepping into this space with technologies now being piloted and deployed in Singapore, including airDefender, Aurabeat and C3 Construction Robotics. Their entry was supported by HKSTP that helps Hong Kong innovators meet the right regional partners and test their ideas where they matter most: in live working environments. It is a practical model for cross border collaboration, giving companies the context and access they need to prove their solutions while offering Southeast Asian markets a steady stream of technology built to solve everyday challenges.

airDefender’s approach to long lasting surface protection

airDefender enters the Singapore market with a focus on one of the country’s most persistent building challenges: fast returning algae and mould. In a warm and humid climate, façades, glass and solar panels often need repeated cleaning, which creates higher labour costs and lost efficiency. Its nanostructure coating aims to slow this regrowth and keep surfaces cleaner for longer, offering a practical way to reduce maintenance cycles without changing existing workflows.

The company discovered its current formula through years of experimentation, eventually developing a water based coating designed to break down organic matter on contact. In early trials, it has shown the ability to increase solar panel output by six to seven per cent compared with untreated panels. According to founder Albert Wong, small improvements at this scale can translate into meaningful savings. “That number is big when you’re talking about a solar farm,” he said, noting that performance gains compound significantly when applied across large arrays.

Also read: How a 60-second pitch is turning Hong Kong into a global startup gateway

In Singapore, their structured pilot with The GEAR by Kajima is testing how the coating performs on façades, glass and solar panels. The GEAR were interested in trialling a solution that could reduce frequent cleaning and offer clear commercial returns in a climate where algae grows quickly. As Beth Henderson, Lead for Startup Programmes, explained, “We see potential for the technology’s ability to improve solar panel energy generation and reduce cleaning and maintenance costs.”

Cutting energy use through acoustic air filtration with Aurabeat

Aurabeat tackles a challenge faced by large buildings across Southeast Asia: as traditional air filters become clogged, ventilation systems consume more power to maintain airflow. Using acoustic vibration technology, Aurabeat’s filters allow air to pass more easily, reducing energy use without requiring changes to existing infrastructure. Each site undergoes a six-hour test installation to measure potential savings before commitment, with results showing an average thirty percent reduction in energy consumption.

The technology has been deployed at flagship commercial buildings sites including Marina Bay Financial Centre, One Raffles Quay, CDL Headquarters (Republic Plaza Tower 1 & 2), and City Square Mall, contributing to more than SGD 10 million in orders within a year. “Most clients come to us for sustainability and energy reduction, but we also provide equal or better indoor air quality,” says CEO Phil Yuen.

Its growth in Singapore is supported by First Choice, its local engineering and distribution partner. The partnership, facilitated by HKSTP, was driven by clear economics. “We see the facts of a ROI that is less than 2 years and no change in OPEX costs,” First Choice explains. “We believe and are confident that this is the product to meet the ESG requirements in Singapore.”

The partnership has found particularly strong traction among clients pursuing Singapore’s Green Mark Certification requirements, with demand concentrated in commercial offices, educational institutions, and hospitality sectors. First Choice notes that building operators using traditional filtration systems were experiencing higher energy consumption costs compared to Aurabeat’s technology. “By offering a lower OPEX cost and achieving a lower electricity bill, clients will be keen to explore,” they observe, adding that required indoor air quality standards are maintained or improved.

Also read: Hong Kong startups set their sights on SEA and beyond at GITEX Asia

Improving façade inspection safety with C3 Construction Robotics

Through partnerships with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Operva AI and Fong Consult Pte Ltd, C3 Construction Robotics trialed its autonomous RoBosun-Tapper on building façades in Singapore to make close-range inspections safer, eliminating the need to put workers at dangerous heights. The initiative represents part of Singapore’s broader drive for greater technology adoption in the construction sector, with robotic solutions offering the additional advantage of consistent performance without the human errors that can affect inspection accuracy and reliability.

Façade inspections are a routine but high-risk part of building maintenance in Singapore, often requiring workers to be suspended at height to physically tap external façades using tapping rods to identify hollowness in the concrete. This technology was tested under a trial run in Singapore, if it is proved to match the needs of the Singapore construction market, it could potentially benefit approximately 70% of concrete or plaster buildings in Singapore through significant cost savings and productivity improvements. C3 Construction Robotics, the robot technology company originated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, developed and designed the RoBosun-Tapper to make close contact with the façade and replicate the hammer tapping needed to detect hollow or damaged areas. As founder Professor Darwin Lau explained, “During the pilot, the robot was operating on the façade of the building without any human intervention. That alone demonstrates the benefits for worker safety.”

BCA assessed that RoBosun-Tapper has the potential to enhance both safety and productivity for the 10% close-up inspections as required under BCA’s Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) regime. Singapore’s Commissioner of Building Control and Group Director for Building Resilience of BCA, Er. Thanabal Kaliannan noted, “Close-up inspection of building façades does come with some safety considerations as workers have to work from height. Once we knew C3 Construction Robotics had a potential solution, BCA was keen to bring relevant stakeholders together to test it.” 

Concurrently, Operva AI was also keen to partner with C3 Construction Robotics to trial the RoBosun-Tapper, and they collaborated with Competent Persons (CPs) from Fong Consult Pte Ltd in the local trial. Additionally, Fong Consult Pte Ltd assessed how the robot could fit into existing inspection frameworks. Their involvement included verifying the data captured and understanding how robotic tapping could support long-term adoption. Collectively, the parties trialed C3’s hammer tapping technology for building façade inspection, setting the foundation for further discussions on sandboxing and broader industry use. 

Chief Technology Officer of BCA, Mr. Jonathan Cheng said, “In Singapore, we are open to testing and validating new construction technologies (ConTech). We welcome collaborations and partnerships with HKSTP and like-minded industry partners to drive the deployment of innovative technologies within the Built Environment.” 

Also read: How Hong Kong drives foreign startup success, student engagement, and international collaboration

Supporting cross border collaboration in the built environment

Behind these three projects is a wider shift in how technology moves across the region. Many companies in Southeast Asia want to adopt new tools, but finding solutions that are both practical and ready for deployment can be difficult. Likewise, innovators often need access to real sites to understand local conditions and prove what their products can do. Bringing the two sides together requires a mix of timing, market knowledge and trusted industry networks.

HKSTP helped create this bridge by introducing Hong Kong companies to counterparts in Singapore and supporting the early steps needed to line up pilots. For the companies involved, this meant being able to meet the right teams, understand specific market requirements and demonstrate their solutions in live environments. For the industry, it shows how structured collaboration can shorten the path from idea to implementation, helping cities adopt technology that addresses everyday challenges in maintenance, energy use and safety.

HKSTP Catalysing Tomorrow’s Innovation

Taken together, these examples reflect a broader momentum building across Southeast Asia. The region’s cities are facing similar pressures, and they are increasingly open to technology that can deliver measurable improvements where it matters most: in daily operations. The progress made by airDefender, Aurabeat, and C3 Construction Robotics in Singapore suggests that practical, well tested solutions can find a clear path into the market when the right partners are involved. 

HKSTP is home to 2,600 tech companies from more than 25 countries and regions, employing over 25,000 professionals. They are not only lining up partnership, but also building a thriving innovation and technology ecosystem, an engine that turn good ideas to market-ready solutions that benefit the community.

HKSTP provides comprehensive support from funding, infrastructure, partnerships opportunities and mentorship to park companies to support them from startup to IPO.

“Go global” is another initiative of HKSTP to support startups to expand overseas. Since April 2024, over 200 park companies joined world-class international exhibitions in over 10 countries, including IBEW and GITEX Asia in Singapore, CES in Las Vegas, VIVATECH in Paris. This enablers is connecting startups with resources, markets and opportunities, helping innovators to scale internationally.

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