Most regional indices closed lower, weighed down by anxieties over US technology earnings and the looming announcement of President Donald Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve chair. While Japan’s Nikkei 225 managed to stay slightly in positive territory amid choppy trading, Hong Kong and mainland Chinese benchmarks retreated, ending what had otherwise been a strong monthly rally. The divergence in performance underscored the growing sensitivity of global markets to both domestic policy signals and external shocks.

At the heart of the day’s market dynamics lay two dominant narratives:

• First, concerns mounted over whether the massive artificial intelligence investments made by US tech giants would translate into tangible returns. Mixed earnings reports from major firms failed to reassure investors, casting doubt on the sustainability of the AI-driven valuation surge that has powered equity markets in recent quarters.
• Second, anticipation built around the imminent nomination of the next Federal Reserve chair. With interest rate policy hanging in the balance, traders braced for potential shifts in monetary direction under a new leadership aligned with the Trump administration’s economic priorities. These dual uncertainties created a risk-averse backdrop across Asia.

This aversion to risk extended beyond equities into currencies and commodities. The US dollar strengthened as a traditional safe haven, while gold, typically a refuge during geopolitical stress, unexpectedly declined. This unusual move signalled that capital was not rotating into traditional hedges but instead retreating broadly from speculative exposure. Notably, Indian markets bucked the regional trend. The Sensex closed at 82,566.37 and the Nifty at 25,418.90, lifted by domestic optimism ahead of the Union Budget. India’s relative insulation highlighted how localised fiscal expectations can temporarily override global headwinds.

Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency market experienced a sharp contraction, shedding 6.82 per cent in 24 hours to settle at a $2.78 trillion valuation. This decline did not stem from internal protocol failures or regulatory crackdowns but from a cascading geopolitical risk-off event. Specifically, President Trump’s explicit threat of military strikes against Iran triggered a broad flight from all assets perceived as risky.

In this environment, crypto behaved not as a decentralised hedge but as a correlated risk asset, moving in near lockstep with equities and commodities. The correlation between crypto and gold reached an unusually high 88 per cent, confirming that macro forces, not blockchain fundamentals, were driving price action.

Also Read: Low liquidity, high stakes: Why this crypto pullback feels different

The primary catalyst was clear. Escalating US-Iran tensions injected acute uncertainty into financial markets. Investors, fearing broader conflict and potential oil supply disruptions, reduced exposure across the board. Crypto, despite its narrative as a non-sovereign store of value, proved vulnerable to the same macro fears affecting traditional markets. This moment laid bare a critical reality. In times of acute geopolitical stress, crypto still trades as part of the risk spectrum rather than outside it.

Compounding the sell-off was a violent unwinding of leverage. Over US$363 million in Bitcoin long positions were liquidated within 24 hours, a 175 per cent increase from baseline levels. This forced selling created a negative feedback loop. Falling prices triggered more margin calls, which accelerated the decline further.

Market sentiment deteriorated rapidly, with the Fear and Greed Index plunging to 28, deep into fear territory. Funding rates turned negative, averaging -0.00215 per cent, indicating that short sellers now dominated the derivatives market and were effectively being paid to maintain bearish positions. Open interest stood at US$608 billion, but its stability remained precarious as longs continued to exit.

Looking ahead, the market faces a pivotal juncture. Technically, the US$2.79 trillion level serves as a crucial support pivot. Holding this zone could allow for stabilisation if geopolitical tensions ease. A decisive break below opens the path toward the yearly low of US$2.42 trillion, particularly if institutional demand continues to wane. Bitcoin ETF flows on January 30 will offer a telling signal. Sustained outflows would confirm that even large players are adopting a defensive stance, reinforcing downward pressure.

This episode underscores a recurring theme in crypto’s maturation. Its increasing integration into the global macro framework means it no longer operates in a vacuum. Instead, it responds to the same geopolitical tremors, monetary policy shifts, and risk sentiment swings that govern equities and commodities. The notion of crypto as a crisis hedge remains aspirational unless it can decouple during true black-swan events, a test it has yet to pass convincingly.

Also Read: The great rotation: Why investors are balancing record gold with high risk crypto

Moreover, the role of leverage cannot be overstated. The US$363 million liquidation wave reveals how fragile market structure can amplify external shocks. While decentralisation promises resilience, the reality is that centralised exchanges, derivative platforms, and leveraged traders create systemic vulnerabilities that mirror traditional finance. Until these structural imbalances are addressed, crypto will remain susceptible to cascading sell-offs driven by macro panic.

In conclusion, January 30, 2026, marked another chapter in crypto’s evolution from fringe experiment to integrated financial asset, one that shares the burdens and behaviours of the broader market. The path forward hinges not on code or consensus alone, but on the unpredictable currents of global politics and investor psychology.

Whether this moment becomes a temporary dip or the start of a deeper correction depends on de-escalation, institutional resolve, and the market’s ability to hold its psychological and technical supports. Until then, crypto remains tethered to the world it once sought to transcend.

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New data from Angel Investment Network (AIN) is challenging long-held assumptions about who is driving Asia-Pacific’s startup boom, revealing that the region’s entrepreneurs are overwhelmingly older, more experienced, and still hungry for billion-dollar success.

According to the AIN Asia Pacific Founder Survey 2026, 70 per cent of founders in the region are over 45, overturning the popular image of the “young tech prodigy” leading the charge. Far from stepping back into retirement or pursuing quieter ventures, these mid-career entrepreneurs are doubling down on high-growth ambitions. The survey found that 39 per cent of startups still aim to reach “unicorn” status—a valuation of US$1 billion.

Conducted online with 83 startup founders in Hong Kong and Singapore in November and December 2025, data from the survey also suggests these entrepreneurs are more likely than their Western counterparts to commit fully to building their companies. While 50 per cent of founders in the US maintain a secondary job to support their ventures, 56 per cent of Asia-Pacific founders are working exclusively on their startups.

Only a minority split their time, with 21 per cent working full-time and 23 per cent working part-time elsewhere. The survey indicates that older founders may be drawing on personal savings, established networks, and years of professional experience to focus entirely on scaling their businesses.

Despite the intense pressure of pursuing hyper-growth, optimism remains high. The survey found that 59 per cent of founders feel optimistic about the year ahead, including 41 per cent who described themselves as very optimistic.

Also Read: Why adults are encouraged to use AI but students are not: Rethinking what learning really means

Still, the ambition comes with significant personal sacrifice. Mental health was cited by 22 per cent of respondents as their highest non-financial cost, followed by friendships (19 per cent), family (19 per cent), and sleep (18 per cent).

Due diligence gap

Funding trends are also evolving rapidly, with entrepreneurs in the region increasingly looking beyond domestic markets for investment. A striking 72 per cent of Asia-Pacific startups are now seeking a mix of local and international investors, while 27 per cent are targeting international backers exclusively.

Only one per cent of founders are relying solely on local fundraising.

The shift highlights how Asia-Pacific entrepreneurs are positioning their ventures for global growth from the outset, rather than building locally first.

The survey also revealed a key vulnerability in fundraising practices: a due diligence gap. While entrepreneurs are aggressively pursuing investors, 25 per cent admitted they perform no due diligence beyond a quick online search. Only 30 per cent conduct comprehensive checks such as legal verification or speaking with other founders.

The report warned that in an environment where cash flow is the top challenge for 78 per cent of startups, choosing the right investor can determine whether a company scales successfully or struggles.

On the back of the findings, AIN announced it is launching a new content series aimed at improving fundraising efficiency and helping entrepreneurs focus more time on building their businesses.

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The lead image in this article was generated by AI.

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Asia-Pacific’s startup ecosystem is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation, and it is not being led by the young entrepreneurs that popular culture often celebrates. Instead, a new founder profile is emerging: one defined by experience, maturity and a willingness to commit fully to the high-stakes pursuit of growth.

For years, the global startup narrative has been dominated by the idea of the youthful tech prodigy: the university dropout with a hoodie, an app idea and a billion-dollar valuation in sight. But new data from Angel Investment Network suggests that this stereotype is increasingly outdated in Asia-Pacific. With 70 per cent of founders now over 45, the region’s entrepreneurs are proving that innovation does not belong exclusively to the young.

This shift matters because it signals a maturing startup environment. Older founders often bring more than ambition; they bring industry expertise, operational discipline and professional networks built over decades. They have seen markets rise and fall, understand customer pain points more deeply, and are often better equipped to build sustainable businesses rather than chasing hype.

In many ways, this new generation of mid-career entrepreneurs represents a different kind of startup leader: one less focused on disruption for disruption’s sake, and more focused on execution. Their companies may be rooted in real-world problems they encountered throughout long careers, whether in finance, logistics, healthcare or manufacturing. This could lead to a stronger pipeline of startups solving practical challenges, rather than simply chasing the next trend.

Also Read: Fear and greed at 28: Why traders are fleeing crypto right now

The implications extend beyond the founders themselves. As the ecosystem evolves, investors, accelerators and policymakers may need to adjust their assumptions about who an entrepreneur is. Support structures that have traditionally targeted younger founders must expand to recognise entrepreneurship as a lifelong pursuit, not a phase confined to one’s twenties.

Alongside this new founder profile is another defining trend: a marked increase in full-time commitment. The survey found that 56 per cent of Asia-Pacific founders are working exclusively on their startups, a higher share than in the US, where many founders maintain secondary jobs.

This is significant. Building a company is rarely a part-time endeavour, especially when the goal is hyper-growth. Full-time commitment often translates into faster decision-making, stronger momentum and greater clarity of purpose. Entrepreneurs who dedicate themselves completely are better positioned to scale products, attract talent and compete globally.

At the same time, this level of commitment reflects both confidence and sacrifice. Older entrepreneurs may be leveraging personal savings or financial stability built over years of employment, enabling them to focus entirely on their ventures. But it also raises important questions about accessibility. If entrepreneurship increasingly requires the cushion of mid-career resources, will younger founders find it harder to enter the arena?

Ultimately, Asia Pacific’s startup story is becoming less about youthful mythology and more about seasoned ambition. The rise of experienced entrepreneurs and their willingness to commit full-time signals a new phase of ecosystem growth—one that could produce stronger, more globally competitive companies.

The Unicorn dream is still alive. But in Asia Pacific, it is being pursued not by the youngest founders in the room, but by those with the longest view of what it takes to build something lasting.

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The lead image in this article was generated by AI.

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Southeast Asia’s food delivery sector is entering its consolidation era, and 2025 has made that trajectory difficult to ignore. The persistent speculation around a Grab-GoTo merger reflects more than corporate gossip; it signals an industry reaching the limits of fragmented competition. With Grab controlling more than half of regional food delivery GMV, the market is no longer wide open terrain but a concentrated battlefield where scale determines survival.

Indonesia sits at the centre of this end-game. Growth remains strong, yet Gojek’s shift toward profitability has created openings for rivals to expand. Investor patience for endless subsidy-driven rivalry is thinning, and leadership changes at GoTo only intensify the sense that structural change is approaching.

Vietnam offers a clear lesson: in a high-cost, high-risk market, being the third player is often unsustainable. Gojek’s withdrawal underscores the brutal economics of food delivery, where ecosystem depth and market dominance matter more than early entry.

What makes Southeast Asia distinct, however, is the political overlay. The emergence of Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara as a stakeholder highlights that consolidation is not just a business decision but a national one.

Ultimately, the region is moving toward fewer, stronger platforms. The only question is whether consolidation arrives through merger headlines or quieter market exits.

REGIONAL

Southeast Asia startup funding hits US$5.4B in 2025: report: The total deal count (461) was among the lowest in over six years, with a slight increase in H2 2025 compared to H1, driven by a few large rounds. Singapore accounted for more than 60% of regional deals, while Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines saw drops.

Kopi Kenangan posts first profitable year as it expands to 1,324 stores across six countries: Kopi Kenangan posted its first profitable full year in FY2025, with US$184M revenue and US$17M profit. It expanded to 1,324 stores, strengthened governance, and prepared for a future IPO.

HeyMax’s US$11M raise signals a new era of programmable travel loyalty in Asia: Singapore-based travel loyalty startup HeyMax raised US$11 million Series A led by Peak XV, with strategic and angel backing, to expand its AI-driven cross-border rewards platform and universal travel wallet across Asia-Pacific.

Travel is back, and it’s more cutthroat than ever: With international arrivals projected to hit a staggering 1.58 billion this year, surpassing pre-pandemic peaks by 5 to 7 per cent, the industry has shifted into a high-stakes, hyper-competitive landscape where digital laggards face extinction.

Singapore orders Meta to expand anti-scam facial recognition on Facebook: This follows a 2025 directive requiring facial recognition and other steps to protect certain government officials. Reports show a decline in scams involving those officials, but scammers now target others not covered before.

Indonesia warns Grok AI could be blocked over compliance issues: Authorities say that non-compliance could lead to such action, following the launch of new biometric registration rules. The platform, owned by Elon Musk’s X, has already implemented regional restrictions, including geo-blocking for Indonesia.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

The subsidy wars are ending and only two will survive: The annual Food Delivery Platforms in Southeast Asia report by Momentum Works suggests that while regulatory and political complexities continue to stall a formal union, further market consolidation is not just a possibility—it is structurally unavoidable.

The China playbook comes to Southeast Asia’s food apps: As 2026 approaches, the success of a platform will no longer be measured by how much it can charge per order, but by how many millions of low-margin orders it can orchestrate through its ecosystem without breaking the unit economics of its delivery fleet.

The quiet layer keeping the chip boom alive: Singapore-based Global TechSolutions supports the semiconductor boom by refurbishing and upgrading critical fab tools to OEM-level reliability, reducing downtime, improving yields, and enabling near-site agility, audit-ready performance, and resilient supply chains.

The algorithm is the new head chef: In 2025, Southeast Asia’s food delivery platforms have evolved into demand orchestrators, shaping restaurant pricing, visibility, and customer flow through dine-out deals, advertising, and data asymmetry, increasing merchant dependency.

INTERNATIONAL

Microsoft loses US$357B in market cap after stock drop: The market cap dropped to US$3.2T after its stock declined about 10% on Jan 29, the largest daily fall since March 2020, following a disappointing earnings report. Its cloud growth for Azure and other services was reported at 39%, slightly below analysts’ expectations of 39.4%.

Amazon reportedly in talks to invest up to US$50B in OpenAI: The company has previously invested billions in OpenAI’s competitor, Anthropic. OpenAI is also engaging with other investors, with a potential total funding round nearing US$100B, including contributions from firms like SoftBank.

Why Antler is going all-in on Japan’s earliest-stage founders: Antler is doubling down on Japan’s startup ecosystem, investing US$1.55M across 10 startups in 2025 and increasing 2026 pre-seed cheques, signalling confidence in Japan’s rise as a global deeptech innovation hub.

Anthropic faces US$3B lawsuit over use of 20,000 music files: A group of music publishers, including Concord Music Group and Universal Music Group, allege the company illegally downloaded over 20,000 copyrighted songs, sheet music, and lyrics. The lawsuit claims the downloads involved piracy and were used to train Anthropic’s AI models.

Paytm reports US$270M Q3 net profit: In comparison, the Indian fintech company reported a loss of US$250M a year earlier. The profit in Q3 was driven by growth in its financial and payment services business.
The company noted that it maintained control over costs during the period.

Coupang’s interim CEO face police questioning over a data breach: Harold Rogers had previously defied two police summonses. The investigation follows Coupang’s announcement that the suspect behind the breach saved personal data of about 3,000 users, a figure criticised by the science ministry.

CYBERSECURITY

From fraud fighters to zero-trust builders: SEA’s cyber stars: From incident response and threat intelligence to fraud prevention, identity security, and zero-trust infrastructure, a new wave of startups is stepping up to address the region’s evolving security challenges.

Code, power, and chaos: The geopolitics of cybersecurity: Undersea fibre-optic cables are vital to global communication, trade, and security, yet rising geopolitical tensions and cyber threats make them vulnerable. Experts urge layered defenses, smarter regulation, and international cooperation to protect digital infrastructure.

How cybersecurity companies can build trust through digital PR: Public relations is essential for cybersecurity firms to build trust, communicate expertise, manage crises, and strengthen credibility. Strategic PR combines thought leadership, transparency, storytelling, and crisis preparedness to reinforce authority.

How cybersecurity crises are redefining corporate accountability: Cybersecurity is now a leadership and stakeholder trust issue, not just technical defence. Penta’s report shows incident response, transparency and executive accountability shape reputation, regulation and investor confidence more than breaches.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Microsoft CEO says company will keep buying Nvidia, AMD chips: Microsoft has begun deploying its first homegrown AI chips, named Maia 200, in its data centers, with plans to expand deployment soon. Despite this, CEO Satya Nadella said the company will continue purchasing chips from Nvidia and AMD due to ongoing supply challenges.

Tencent-backed AI chipmaker Axera plans US$379M Hong Kong IPO: Founded in 2019, Axera designs AI inference chips for on-device computing, edge inference, and smart vehicles, with its processors enabling real-time visual data processing. The company is offering 104.9 million shares at HK$28.20 (US$3.6) each.

Nvidia helps develop DeepSeek model: US lawmaker: Representative John Moolenaar said Nvidia helped DeepSeek optimise its R1 AI model using H800 processors through joint algorithm, framework, and hardware development. He argued this support allowed DeepSeek to achieve advanced performance, undermining US export restrictions on high-end chips.

AI

Why most founders misuse AI, and what breaks when you scale it: AI-first systems don’t fail first through technology, but through broken trust. In real communities, AI amplifies founder intent, boundaries, and accountability, accelerating clarity or quietly eroding relationships at scale.

Singapore’s AI adoption surges, but data complexity raises security risks: Report: Singapore enterprises are rapidly adopting AI, with strong early success, but Hitachi Vantara warns rising data complexity and cybersecurity risks could weaken governance, resilience and long-term ROI.

AI adoption is the easy part; scaling it safely is the real challenge: Singapore enterprises have widely adopted AI, but long-term ROI remains uncertain. Hitachi Vantara warns that data complexity and cybersecurity risks threaten scalability, pushing organisations toward stronger infrastructure, governance, and security-first strategies.

Why adults are encouraged to use AI but students are not: Rethinking what learning really means: Schools often ban AI as cheating, while adult learning celebrates it as empowerment. Seniors use AI for curiosity and growth. Education should teach responsible exploration, making learning safe, human, lifelong, and joyful.

The great stabilisation: Why 2026 will be the year AI “grows up”: AI is shifting from hype to practical impact by 2026. Competitive advantage will come from proprietary data, specialised smaller models, agentic workflows, ambient hardware, precise video tools, content quality safeguards, and ethical regulation.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

How eSIM can cut costs, boost CX, and simplify global operations for APAC startups: eSIM in APAC is shifting from a travel convenience to essential business infrastructure. Enterprises and OTAs can gain cost control, operational efficiency, scalable device management, and better customer experience by adopting eSIM beyond tourism.

The independent director’s mandate in Asia: Stewardship, strategy, and long-term value: Independent directors in Asia are vital stewards of resilience and long-term value, guiding strategy, innovation, risk oversight, ESG accountability, and human capital, while exercising independent judgment amid complex stakeholder expectations.

Low liquidity, high stakes: Why this crypto pullback feels different: Asian markets were mixed as tech stocks paused and geopolitical tensions lifted gold and oil. Japan and China slipped, Hong Kong fell, while Korea rose. Crypto weakened amid ETF outflows and regulatory uncertainty.

Digital banks win transactions, not loyalty: A missed opportunity in Indonesia: Indonesia’s digital banks show rapid growth in users and transactions, but most customers use them mainly for payments and promotions, not saving or wealth-building. Long-term trust, engagement, and habits remain key challenges.

Fractional investing: Turning spare change into market exposure: Fractional investing lets people buy small portions of shares or ETFs, making markets more accessible and affordable. It helps young investors diversify gradually, but requires discipline and planning to avoid risky, unstructured purchases.

The foundation of Southeast Asia’s tech future: Southeast Asia must treat AI as core infrastructure, not a feature, to unlock trillion-dollar GDP growth. Regional complexity fosters global-ready AI platforms, requiring AI-native operations, sovereign models, and sustainable physical infrastructure.

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In a bold cross-border power move, Singapore and Vietnam are bolstering their tech alliance with UniVentures, a startup accelerator programme run by BLOCK71 Vietnam and backed by Temasek Foundation.

The initiative cherry-picks the sharpest university-born startups from Vietnam, providing them with cash, mentorship, and a fast-track to regional domination.

Out of over 1,400 applications nationwide, 30 teams battled in a closed-door pitch fest for the Golden Gate Ventures (GGV) UniVentures Prize — a US$250,000 pot. The top 10 victors each snag US$25,000 and a three-month incubation grind at BLOCK71 Vietnam. The two standouts with real market muscle then jet to BLOCK71 Singapore for another three months, unlocking doors to Southeast Asia’s cutthroat markets.

Also Read: Why Vietnam is the next big thing for startups and corporate partnerships

The winners — hailing from Vietnamese universities, including students, alumni, and researchers — are tackling gritty regional headaches in healthcare access, environmental sustainability, productivity and skills development, and financial literacy. Standouts include BioWraps (nanotech biodegradable packaging from orange peels), EggVision (AI chick-sexing to slash poultry culling), and Volterra (AI-optimised EV charging with green energy).

A quick history of the Singapore-Vietnam tech partnership

Singapore and Vietnam have been deepening tech and startup ties since the early 2010s, kickstarting with the 2013 upgraded bilateral relationship that prioritised innovation. Key milestones: the 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which spawned joint funds like the US$200 million Vietnam-Singapore Connectivity Cooperation Fund for digital infra; NUS Enterprise’s BLOCK71 landing in Ho Chi Minh City in 2019; and a flurry of MOUs on AI, fintech, and green tech post-COVID-19. By 2025, Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre partnered with Singapore’s A*STAR on deep-tech R&D, paving the way for UniVentures as the latest salvo in this Southeast Asia powerhouse duo.

Turbocharging Vietnam’s startup scene

UniVentures isn’t just free money; it’s a rocket booster for Vietnam’s ecosystem. These university teams get BLOCK71’s battle-tested incubation: hands-on mentorship from heavyweights like Google Cloud, IBM, and the Tony Blair Institute; investor intros via GGV; and a pipeline to Singapore’s ultra-connected markets. The top-two Singapore stint means instant access to capital, talent pools, and expansion routes — think scaling from Hanoi streets to SEA-wide dominance.

For Vietnam, it’s injecting structure into a chaotic scene, bridging uni innovation to commercial firepower, and fast-tracking unicorns amid a maturing market hungry for regional plays.

Vietnam vs Singapore startups: Twins with edge

Both scenes share some similarities. They both explode with young, tech-savvy talent – Vietnam boasts 100,000+ startups, mirroring Singapore’s density per capita. AI, fintech, and sustainability dominate; government muscle (Vietnam’s NIC, Singapore’s NRF) fuels both; and unicorns like Vietnam’s VNG and Singapore’s Grab prove SEA scalability.

The key difference is that Singapore’s ecosystem is a polished machine — mature VCs (US$10 billion+ funding in 2025), English fluency, and ironclad IP laws make it a global hub, but sky-high costs and tiny domestic market force instant exports. Vietnam’s is raw hustle: dirt-cheap talent (devs at US$500/month vs Singapore’s US$5,000), a 100 million consumer boom, but hampered by red tape, weak IP enforcement, and funding gaps (US$2B total in 2025 vs Singapore’s heft). Vietnam breeds volume scrappers; Singapore forges precision scalers.

Vietnam’s hottest tech verticals on fire

Vietnam’s startup inferno rages in fintech (US$2 billion+ valuations, think Momo’s 30 million users), e-commerce/logistics (Scommerce, Tiki riding 20 per cent+ YoY growth), edutech (topping APAC with 500+ firms amid skills crunch), agritech (drones and AI feeding a farm-to-table revolution), and greentech/EV (battery swaps and solar exploding with net-zero mandates). AI weaves through all, with 2025 investments hitting US$1B as manufacturing pivots smart.

“All startups begin with a team of talented and passionate people… UniVentures provides a platform for such Vietnamese founders to meet and transform their ideas into practical, scalable solutions,” said Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise), NUS Enterprise.

“Vietnam’s startup ecosystem is entering a new phase of maturity… UniVentures provides a structured platform that brings together capital, mentorship and regional exposure,” said Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner, Golden Gate Ventures.

Also Read: The ultimate guide to succeeding in Vietnam’s startup ecosystem

The Gala, backed by The Business Times, drew top brass from both nations. Guest-of-honour Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation and former Deputy PM of Singapore, keynoted. A panel on “Catalysing Sustainable Innovation: The Next Frontier for Vietnam-Singapore Partnership” featured Ms Lim Hwee Hua (Chairwoman, Tembusu Partners), Ms Omi Dang (Chairlady, TTC AgriS), Mr Nguyen Dung Do (CEO and Co-founder, EnFarm), moderated by Ms Chen Huifen (The Business Times Editor).

The top 10 winners

1. BioWraps: Develops biodegradable packaging from polylactic acid and cellulose extracted from king orange peels using nanotechnology.
2. EggVision: AI-driven computer vision solution to identify chick gender at egg stage, reducing culling and costs.
3. LAWZY: AI-powered contract management platform simplifying contract creation, review and compliance.
4. MediPath: AI operating system for hospitals to reduce administrative burden and address overcapacity.
5. Rustech: Localised AI-powered UAV systems for agriculture, rescue, education and public-sector use.
6. Selformy: AI learning platform helping language centres attract students while reducing operational costs.
7. ShieldNet: Smart governance solutions for agencies and real-time scam protection for end-users.
8. Trazen: AI-powered technical training platform addressing Vietnam’s manufacturing talent shortage.
9. Volterra: AI-driven EV charging infrastructure optimisation with renewable energy integration.
10. Welgun BMS: Predictive safety and life-extension platform for energy storage systems and EV batteries.

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