When e27 met Steven Su, CEO of Ubestream, at the Taiwan Innotech Expo 2025 in Taipei, we encountered an unexpected challenge: language. Our editor’s limited Mandarin and Su’s limited English could have made for a difficult interview. Instead, it became the perfect demonstration of what Ubestream stands for.

As Su spoke into a microphone, the platform seamlessly translated our questions and his responses in real time. There was no setup, calibration, or need for specific hardware. Within seconds, communication barriers vanished. This was not just a demo; it was a moment that proved how AI innovation can make human interaction more effortless and inclusive.

Ubestream’s technology automatically detects and translates a speaker’s language, making multilingual conversations possible for anyone, anywhere. It is a glimpse into how AI can potentially reshape how people connect—and at Taiwan Innotech Expo 2025, it was just the beginning.

Another powerful example of AI innovation came from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), one of Taiwan’s leading R&D organisations. The team is developing a vest that allows deaf individuals to experience live music through vibration.

Every beat, rhythm, and tone is translated into a series of tactile sensations ripple across the vest, allowing users to “feel” the music. During our conversation, Ko Hui Ching, Deputy Project Manager at ITRI, shared a video of a professional deaf dancer using the vest. Through the vest, the dancer sensed the melody and emotion of a song, translating them into choreography—a moving illustration of technology empowering artistic expression.

Also Read: AI and the human touch: How leadership paves the way

ITRI’s goal is not commercial profit but to promote cultural inclusion. The institute aims to make these vests available at performance venues, enabling cultural institutions to provide them for deaf patrons. It is an example of AI and sensory technology coming together to expand access to the arts for everyone, not only those with hearing impairments.

AI for care safety

Other areas that exhibitors at the event look at are safety and caregiving. From concert halls to the driver’s seat, AI at the expo showed its versatility.

One of the exhibitors, Steadybeat, is enhancing safety in AI cockpits and unmanned vehicles. Its system fuses data from images, sound, and other sensors to reduce low-frequency noise and create a calmer driving environment.

The same technology can even extend beyond the road. SteadyBeat’s team highlighted how the platform can monitor structural health in bridges, tunnels, and pipelines or aid in UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) communication with ground control. Such cross-domain applications underline the flexibility of Taiwan’s AI innovation ecosystem—one that thinks well beyond a single use case.

Meanwhile, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University researchers are turning vehicles into intelligent co-pilots. Their AI-powered platform monitors a driver’s behaviour to detect risky activities such as drowsiness or phone use. The system issues alerts before danger strikes, demonstrating how machine learning can augment human awareness and prevent accidents before they happen.

Also Read: AI for the rest of us: What it really looks like in a scrappy SME

Another standout exhibit, Ant CareSpot, tackled one of society’s most pressing challenges: eldercare. Roughly the size of a small rice cooker, the device uses AI to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and wellbeing without requiring the elderly to use any form of wearables.

But beyond health tracking, it can also serve as a conversation partner for elderly users, reducing isolation and fostering emotional connection. Each unit is deployed in care homes across Taiwan, assigned individually to residents. The blend of functionality and empathy makes Ant CareSpot a symbol of how AI innovation can address efficiency and humanity’s deeper needs.

A showcase of cross-domain collaboration

Held from October 16-18 at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, the Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) is jointly organised by 11 government departments and implemented by TAITRA and ITRI. This year’s theme, “AI-Driven Cross-Domain Innovation: Empowering the Smart Future,” captures the spirit of an event where research institutes, startups, and public agencies come together to redefine what tech can achieve.

With 439 exhibitors from 19 countries and over 1,100 innovations, TIE 2025 offers a panoramic view of how Taiwan aims to lead in science and technology. Nearly 70 of this year’s invention entries integrate AI, from sensory vests and cockpit safety systems to conversational care devices.

 

The post Inside Taiwan Innotech Expo 2025: Where AI innovation meets real-world inclusion appeared first on e27.

Innovation rarely happens in isolation. Some of the most transformative breakthroughs emerge when different ecosystems intersect. This is when they bring together diverse strengths, perspectives, and priorities. This is exactly what we witnessed at the X-Hub Tokyo Singapore Demo Day 2025, an online event co-hosted by Deloitte that showcased the power of collaboration between Japan and Southeast Asia’s innovation communities.

The Demo Day was an ecosystem dialogue, a structured meeting point for startups, corporates, and investors from two dynamic regions. The result was a glimpse into how cross-border innovation is evolving beyond market entry strategies to genuine co-creation.

A convergence of complementary strengths

Japan and Southeast Asia bring distinct but complementary assets to the table. Japan offers deep R&D capabilities, world-class technical expertise, and corporate precision. Southeast Asia, meanwhile, contributes speed, agility, and access to fast-growing markets with a young, tech-savvy population.

This convergence was visible throughout the Demo Day. Japanese corporates are increasingly looking to Southeast Asia to accelerate innovation cycles and tap into emerging sectors, while Southeast Asian startups are looking to Japan for technological depth, global credibility, and structured partnerships.

The event brought together startups working in fields such as deep tech, healthcare, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing—areas where collaboration between these two ecosystems can generate disproportionate impact.

Also read: Scaling smarter: How Hong Kong founders are redefining growth

From pitching to co-creating

One of the most significant shifts on display was in the nature of startup–corporate interactions. Rather than startups simply pitching solutions to corporates, we saw a growing emphasis on co-creation—startups and corporates jointly identifying challenges, designing pilots, and building scalable solutions together.

This change reflects broader market trends. Corporate innovation teams in Japan are no longer just scanning for interesting technologies—they’re actively shaping collaborative programs that integrate startups into their R&D and market expansion strategies. On the other side, Southeast Asian startups are moving beyond transactional partnerships to build long-term, strategic collaborations.

Some clear themes emerged during the event:

1. Cross-border partnerships are shortening innovation cycles. By combining Japanese R&D depth with Southeast Asian speed, pilots and go-to-market strategies are being executed faster than traditional corporate timelines.
2. Deep tech and sustainability are rising as core collaboration themes. Whether in climate tech, healthtech, or manufacturing, startups are finding fertile ground for co-innovation with corporates that bring decades of expertise.
3. CVCs and accelerators play a crucial role as bridges. Corporate venture capital arms and accelerator programs are increasingly acting as translators and facilitators, aligning incentives and helping both sides navigate cultural and operational differences.

The power of ecosystem overlap

What’s happening between Japan and Southeast Asia goes beyond bilateral business development—it’s ecosystem overlap. Each side brings something the other needs, and together they create value that neither could achieve alone.

For Japan, Southeast Asia represents not just a market, but a living laboratory for rapid iteration and scaling. For Southeast Asia, Japan provides a gateway to advanced technologies and disciplined innovation processes that can accelerate global competitiveness.

This dynamic is particularly relevant in deep tech sectors, where the path to commercialization is often long and capital-intensive. By partnering with Japanese corporates, Southeast Asian startups can access advanced infrastructure and expertise. Conversely, Japanese firms gain a foothold in agile, high-growth markets that can help validate and scale their innovations.

Also read: Meta accelerates AI innovation in Singapore with Llama Incubator program demo day

A model for future cross-border innovation

The X-Hub Tokyo–Singapore Demo Day 2025 illustrated a powerful model for future cross-border innovation programs. It’s not about startups trying to “fit into” foreign ecosystems—it’s about designing shared innovation journeys. The most successful collaborations are those that combine the strengths of both ecosystems from the start.

As global challenges become increasingly complex, no single ecosystem can tackle them alone. Cross-border co-creation allows us to pool capabilities, accelerate learning cycles, and unlock new market opportunities in ways that siloed innovation simply can’t.

Collaboration is the new engine of growth

As we reflect on the outcomes of the Demo Day, it’s clear that the partnership between Japan and Southeast Asia is entering a more mature, strategic phase. The days of one-way technology transfer are giving way to mutual innovation ecosystems, where both sides contribute, learn, and grow together.

This is a blueprint for how innovation will increasingly happen in a connected world. Ecosystems that collaborate across borders will be better positioned to create transformative impact.

For founders, corporates, and ecosystem builders, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who innovate together.

Interested in creating impact with us? Contact Innovate here.

—

Want updates like this delivered directly? Join our WhatsApp channel and stay in the loop.

The e27 team produced this article

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

Featured Image Credit: Canva Images

The post What Japan and Southeast Asia teach us about co-creating innovation appeared first on e27.

A new study by healthcare AI startup Ubie has revealed that Singapore ranks top globally with an AI Hub Score of 95 out of 100.

The research analysed AI job openings on LinkedIn, company density on Crunchbase, average salaries, research institutions, government funding, and cost of living affordability.

These metrics were combined into an AI Hub Score to identify which cities offer the strongest ecosystems for AI development and innovation.

Also Read: Why Dubai’s AI and smart city strategy is attracting Southeast Asian startups

Key stats for Singapore:

• AI jobs listed: 1,100
• AI Hub Score: 95
• AI companies on Crunchbase: 666
• Average AI salary: US$123,000 per year
• AI research institutions: 3

 

According to the data, Singapore leads with 1,100 AI job openings on LinkedIn, the highest among all ranked cities. The city also hosts 666 AI companies listed on Crunchbase and offers an average annual salary of US$123,000 for AI specialists.

Singapore is home to three major AI institutions, including the Centre for Frontier AI Research and the NUS AI Lab. The combination of job availability, company density, and research infrastructure gave Singapore the highest overall score.

Top 10 AI hubs

• Boston, the US, claims second place with an AI Hub Score of 93. The city matches Singapore’s company density, with 626 AI firms listed on Crunchbase, and offers a higher average salary of US$134,000.
• Berlin, Germany, ranks third with a score of 90. The city has nine AI research institutions, the most of any ranked city, more than triple the number of Singapore and Boston combined. Despite having 526 AI companies and 465 job openings, Berlin offers the lowest salaries among top-ranked hubs at US$74,000 annually.
• Austin, the US, secures fourth place with an AI Hub Score of 88. The Texas capital leads in company density, with 892 AI firms listed on Crunchbase, yet has only one dedicated research institution: the University of Texas. Average salaries here reach US$135,000, making it one of the highest-paying markets for AI talent. The city lists 555 active job openings.

Also Read: A brief history of AI: Is winter coming?

• Paris, France, rounds out the top five with a score of 85. The French capital hosts the highest number of AI companies in the ranking at 1,100 firms, nearly double Berlin’s count. AI specialists earn an average of US$80,000 annually, while benefiting from a cost of living that’s three times lower than in Singapore. The city has 339 job openings and three research institutions.

As per a recent Salesforce study, Singapore ranks second globally—and first in Asia Pacific—for overall AI readiness. The recognition reinforces Singapore’s longstanding leadership in AI and underscores its national strategy’s effectiveness in laying the groundwork for the next phase of AI transformation: agentic AI.

The post Singapore outsmarts the world in AI–ranked No.1 global hub appeared first on e27.

Southeast Asia’s fintech startups collectively raised US$839 million during the first nine months of 2025 (9M 2025), reflecting a continued cooling trend in regional investment.

The total capital inflow marks a 39 per cent decline compared to the US$1.4 billion raised in 9M 2024 and a 56 per cent drop compared to the US$1.9 billion recorded in 9M 2023, according to the Southeast Asia FinTech Report by Tracxn.

Also Read: Fintech rebound: Singapore bags US$1.04B, outpaces global peers

Despite the overall contraction in funding activity, Singapore solidified its position as the central hub for fintech investments, capturing 84 per cent of the total funding raised across the region. Jakarta followed distantly, contributing 4 per cent of the region’s fintech funding.

The massive decline in overall funding was primarily driven by steep drops in investments across the seed and early stages. Seed-stage funding stood at US$62.3 million in 9M 2025, a reduction of 63 per cent from 9M 2024 and 64 per cent lower than 9M 2023. Early-stage investments fared similarly, totalling US$219 million, which represents a 66 per cent drop compared to 9M 2024 and 70 per cent less than 9M 2023.

However, late-stage funding showed stability. Late-stage investments held steady at US$558 million, matching the level seen in 9M 2024. This figure was still 45 per cent below the US$1.0 billion recorded in 9M 2023.

Mega rounds stabilise late stage

The stability in late-stage funding was supported by three significant US$100 million-plus funding rounds, up from two such rounds in 9M 2024. The notable mega-rounds recorded during the period included Thunes (US$150 million, Series D), Airwallex (US$150 million, Series F), and bolttech (US$147 million, Series C). These deals underscore strong investor backing for select growth-stage fintech players.

Investor participation remained active across all stages. DST Global Partners and Unbound were identified as the top late-stage investors, while Iterative, 500 Global, and 1337 Ventures were the most prominent investors at the seed stage. Peak XV Partners, OSK Ventures International Berhad, and Citi Ventures played leading roles in early-stage growth investments.

Acquisitions and public markets

The region recorded two initial public offerings (IPOs) in 9M 2025–Antalpha and TCBS–marking a 100 per cent increase compared to the single IPO seen in 9M 2024. The number of IPOs matched the two recorded in 9M 2023. Additionally, the fintech ecosystem saw the creation of one new unicorn in 9M 2025, consistent with the number created in 9M 2024.

Also Read: Is fintech in SEA changing its focus for further development?

Acquisition momentum, however, slowed down. Fintech companies in Southeast Asia recorded 13 acquisitions in 9M 2025, a 43 per cent drop compared to 23 acquisitions in 9M 2024. Strategic consolidation within the sector continued, with the highest-valued acquisition being KFin Technologies’s acquisition of ASCENT for US$34.7 million. This was followed by Titanlab’s acquisition of Coinseeker for US$30.0 million.

The post Fintech funding in SEA falls 39 per cent as early-stage capital dries up appeared first on e27.

In today’s linked world, people and businesses can’t succeed alone; they need to form partnerships and collaborate in order to accomplish shared objectives. Partners can promote innovation, solve challenging challenges, and generate positive change by combining their networks, resources, and skills. Partnerships of all kinds—between businesses, nonprofits, and the government—need open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a shared goal for the future in order to be effective.

Collaboration not only makes things easier to accomplish, but it also brings people closer together and fosters understanding and empathy. Cooperative efforts allow for the exchange of varied viewpoints and ideas, which in turn generates novel and original solutions. As an added bonus, when people pull together, it builds a support system of people and groups that can help each other out when times go tough. Collaboration is crucial because it allows individuals and organisations to create a greater impact when they work together.

This includes things like being able to make better use of resources, communicating more effectively, and increasing efficiency. By bringing together complementary perspectives, strong partnerships facilitate improved decision-making and problem-solving. In order to accomplish shared objectives and effect positive change in any setting, it is crucial to establish solid partnerships.

Benefits of partnerships

Facilitates thorough and fast resolution of complex issues that can be shared by project partners. Partners can have a bigger effect by pooling their resources. Partnerships also allow firms to share information and skills to solve problems more creatively. Partners’ resources and knowledge can lead to innovative solutions and long-term benefits.

Partnerships can help address social, environmental, and economic issues more sustainably and effectively. Collaboration allows businesses to build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses, resulting in a more complete and effective problem-solving approach. This collaboration helps the partners and the communities and people they serve, creating a beneficial ripple effect. Partnerships can alter the world by sharing knowledge and experience.

Partnerships allow organisations to reach more stakeholders and have more influence, making it more feasible. Sharing resources and abilities can sometimes lead to innovative solutions that were previously impossible. These ties allow companies to work together to achieve goals and make a difference. If they collaborate, they can solve tough issues and create a more sustainable future.

Also Read: Grab supports digital currencies top-ups under partnership with Triple-A

This allows for more investments in research, development, and worldwide problem-solving solutions. Organisations can use their combined expertise and resources to have a big impact on society and the environment by working together. Partnerships allow companies to do more together than they could alone, creating a more successful and sustainable future for all.

Improved innovation and creativity

When organisations collaborate in partnerships, they are able to pool their expertise and knowledge, leading to increased innovation and creativity. By working together, different perspectives and ideas can be shared, sparking new approaches and solutions to complex problems.

This collaborative environment fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, driving organisations to push boundaries and think outside the box. Ultimately, improved innovation and creativity within partnerships can lead to groundbreaking advancements and breakthroughs that benefit society as a whole.

Things have the potential to bring about a revolution in various industries and to enhance the quality of life for people all over the world. We can move society toward a brighter and more sustainable future by embracing variety and supporting collaboration among partners. This can result in exponential growth and advancement on the part of society.

In the context of the global landscape, the opportunities for effective change become endless as firms promote diversity and teamwork. This presents the opportunity for a new era of invention and creativity to emerge. When brought together, different points of view have the potential to make a significant contribution to the creation of a better tomorrow for everyone.

Enhanced impact and reach

When organisations collaborate, they are able to harness their combined resources and experience to have a greater effect on a broader scale, thereby benefiting a greater number of individuals and communities who are in need. Because of this enhanced reach, it is possible to implement solutions in a more effective and efficient manner, which will ultimately result in a future that is more viable and equal for everyone. The potential for positive change is limitless, and it will inspire optimism and progress for decades to come if efforts to improve impact and reach are increased.

Working together, various organisations can reach more people with important topics and raise more awareness about them. It is possible to increase the impact of messages and the momentum of projects by pooling resources and working together.

In addition to bringing more attention to pressing problems, this has the dual benefit of inspiring more people to take action and build a better world for everybody. Teamwork has the potential to make a bigger difference than what any one person could achieve on their own, leading to long-term improvements for everyone.

Tips for building strong partnerships

Enhancing the visibility of a partnership through the utilisation of networks can serve to amplify the message and reach of the collaboration, thereby bringing more supporters and resources to the cause.

It is possible to have a greater impact and mobilise a larger group towards a common goal if one is able to reach a wider audience with shared objectives.

Also Read: Why partnerships are key to reduce environmental crisis impact in Asia

Partnerships have the potential to generate more support and engagement, which in turn can lead to more participation, funding, and overall success in the accomplishment of shared goals. By emphasising case studies of successful partnerships, businesses have the opportunity to gain knowledge from the methods and practices that have resulted in successful collaborations in the past.

Additionally, providing advice on how to form effective relationships, such as having open lines of communication, having values that are equal to one another, and respecting one another, can assist in guiding future attempts toward success.

In conclusion

Therefore, in order for companies to promote innovation, attain sustainability, and create an influence that will last, it is vital for them to cultivate solid partnerships. Organisations are able to construct partnerships that are founded on trust and mutual benefit if they adhere to best practices and get knowledge from many successful case studies.

A partnership has the potential to flourish and contribute to better success in the accomplishment of shared objectives if there is clear communication, a commitment to collaboration, and shared values.

—

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.

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page.

Image credit: Canva

 

The post Stronger together: How partnerships drive innovation, impact, and success appeared first on e27.

In Malaysia, the culture of overworking has become a widespread issue. Several reasons drive overworking: long working hours, the pressure to “always be available”, or the increased cost of living, which is taking a toll on the workforce. Malaysians find themselves sacrificing their time for work with little time to rest, often struggling with stress and burnout. This is evident as Malaysia is ranked the second most overworked country in Asia by 2023.

Some industries promote excessive work cultures, believing that pushing employees to their limits will yield better results and productivity. This remains one of the most common mistakes that managers make because while employees are always appreciated for putting in hard work, they do not draw a line between hard work and working extremely hard. This leads to decreased productivity, burnout, mental health issues, and strained family relationships.

As remote work has gained popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, many have found it difficult to draw a line between work and personal life, and they always feel like they’re on the clock. A 2023 report indicates that remote job listings have risen by 8% in the previous year. Although remote work comes with its benefits, employees may have to be “always available”, which pressures them to respond to emails and calls at all times.

The problem with overworking in Malaysia

High living costs in areas like Kuala Lumpur force many workers to push themselves to make ends meet. Meanwhile, employees have to put in extra hours to secure promotions or to just keep their jobs in the competitive job market. Managers often see working overtime as increased productivity. Although research shows that overworking leads to reduced productivity and is prone to more mistakes, many companies are still promoting the overtime culture.

The solution lies in rethinking how and where we work. This is where co-working space comes in but how exactly can it help alleviate overwork in offices?

Flexibility and control over work schedules

Co-working spaces provide an alternative to both traditional and fully virtual office environments. They offer flexible work settings where individuals can rent desks or private offices, meeting rooms, and other amenities on a short-term or long-term basis. Co-working spaces are not just shared offices, they can offer a sense of community and collaboration which can directly address overworking.

Also Read: Can co-working spaces change Malaysia’s work habits?

Co-working spaces are built on the idea of flexibility, giving employees the freedom to choose when and how they work, effectively managing their time to reduce overworking. Employees can choose to work during their most productive hours, whether early in the morning or later in the day, without the constraints of a rigid 9-to-5 schedule.

WORQ offers solutions that can be customised and designed to suit companies’ frameworks and policies. For example, MNCs can utilise the hub-and-spoke model allowing employees to work from any WORQ outlet depending on their locations. This helps to reduce the pressure to conform to rigid office hours and encourages more sustainable and efficient use of time, leading to improved productivity at work.

It also fosters a community where businesses can connect and collaborate, opening the door to potential business growth. This support network gives businesses the resources they need to work smarter by leveraging one another’s strengths.

Work-life boundaries are clearer

One of the hardest parts of remote work is the blurring lines between professional and personal time. When your living room or bedroom acts as your office too, it can be hard to switch off from work, potentially leading to extended hours. Co-working spaces provide a clear physical boundary between home and work. Employees can mentally separate their work from their personal space when working in a dedicated office space.

This physical separation establishes a healthy work-life balance. When they leave the space at the end of the day, they can truly “clock out” and focus on personal or family time. This simple act creates a sense of routine and structure that are lacking in remote work.

Encouraging a result-oriented culture

In many traditional office environments, employees are judged by the hours they spend on their tasks rather than the quality of work they produce. This culture contributes to overworking, as employees feel the need to stay late or arrive early just to be seen as
dedicated. The goal is to work smarter, not harder and this shift helps employees manage their time effectively, reducing the need for excessive hours.

WORQ aims to break away from the “factory mindset” that equates physical attendance to productivity. They provide an environment where results matter more than the hours clocked in, allowing employees to deliver their best work without being confined to rigid schedules. Employees can choose to work at their preferred working schedule to maximise productivity,
in the morning or evening, as co-working spaces can operate 24/7 to accommodate business needs.

Also Read: How companies can manage data privacy in hybrid and multi-cloud work environments

Supporting creativity and comfort

Unlike traditional office spaces, co-working environments are designed to foster creativity and flexibility. Instead of sitting in a cubicle all day, employees have the freedom to move around and work in different areas of the space, choosing the environment that suits their mood or task.

At WORQ, we offer a range of professional amenities, including coffee and snacks, a printing station, telephone booths, and meeting rooms. For moments of relaxation, there are leisure facilities such as game rooms, sleeping pods, gym rooms, and a pantry. These amenities make it easier for workers to strike a balance between productivity and relaxation, reducing stress and preventing burnout.

The role of co-working in reducing overworking

By creating an environment that promotes work-life balance, encourages breaks, and focuses on productivity over hours, co-working spaces can play a crucial role in reducing the culture of overwork. As more Malaysians embrace this flexible way of working, there’s potential for a shift toward healthier work habits and a more sustainable approach to professional life.

Co-working spaces are not just an alternative office solution—they are a way to rethink how work is done. For individuals looking to break free from the pressures of overworking, co-working spaces provide a supportive, flexible environment that could lead to a healthier and more balanced future for Malaysia’s workforce.

—

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.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: Canva Pro

 

The post Breaking free: How coworking spaces can shift Malaysia away from overwork appeared first on e27.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in our daily lives, I find myself focusing more and more on trust. For me, trust is now just as crucial as innovation, especially when AI ventures into deeply personal domains like faith, wellness, and mental health. These are not merely technical fields; they are emotional, spiritual, and profoundly human.

Where AI meets the soul: Wellness, faith, and spirituality

I have watched and personally experienced how AI is intruding into areas once thought to be exclusively human. Whether it is mental health support or spiritual guidance, the technology is being tasked with empathy, nuance, and moral sensitivity.

• Mental health and wellness: AI tools now provide 24/7 counselling support, offering personalised meditation guidance, and even detecting early signs of mental health issues. For friends in remote areas who cannot easily access a therapist, these tools have been a lifeline. Some are getting daily emotional check-ins, or, as a caregiver, using guided AI breathing exercises to manage stress; these experiences are increasingly real.
• Faith and spiritual exploration: In my faith community, people are turning to AI for scriptural guidance, tailored prayer support, and spiritual reflection in safe, non-judgmental environments. For those far from traditional religious centres or hesitant to approach clergy, these tools provide new avenues for spiritual growth and exploration.
• Personalised wellness: I have also tried wellness apps that build custom fitness routines and nutrition plans, adapting to my evolving needs.  Although convenient and personalised, I am acutely aware they raise serious ethical as well as emotional questions.

The risks: When AI oversteps

Despite the appeal of personalisation and convenience, I am keenly aware of the risks that come when AI edges into life’s most intimate spaces. I can think of a few pitfalls:

• Harmful or inaccurate advice: AI often lacks human judgment, sometimes oversimplifying or misreading complex emotional or spiritual problems.
• Commodifying the Sacred: I worry about reducing spiritual growth or mental wellness to just algorithms. These journeys usually need real human connection, discernment, and community.
• Privacy and data sensitivity: Some AI tools gather deeply personal beliefs and struggles, raising pressing fears about data misuse or surveillance.
• Conflicting guidance: AI can unintentionally reinforce harmful ideas or contradict doctrine and best practices. Because it “feels” authoritative, this can be dangerous.
• Replacing human roles: Will AI gradually edge out therapists, spiritual leaders, or wellness professionals? The loss of human presence concerns me, especially where healing and personal growth are concerned.

Also Read: The real story behind AI project implementation: Why it’s not (just) about technology

My case study: Magisterium AI and the catholic church

I have extensively used Magisterium AI, a Vatican-endorsed tool to answer questions and learn about Catholic doctrine, Canon law, and Church teachings. Unlike generic chatbots, it is unique: every answer draws from a curated library of over 23,000 official Church documents, encyclicals, and scriptural references.

I trust Magisterium.com because:

• Its expert curation delivers doctrinal accuracy I can rely on.
• Every answer is transparently sourced; I can trace anything it says straight to an authoritative document.
• It has already been widely adopted by clergy, scholars, and lay people in over 125 countries and multiple languages.

The level of transparency and traceability are exactly what I now see as non-negotiable in faith-based AI. It has become my personal benchmark for responsible spiritual technology.

However, when I first tried it, I did wonder; can any AI truly grasp the nuance of spiritual life? I have heard similar feedback from others: sometimes the tone is too mechanical, or the answers feel detached from the lived experience of faith. Users often ask for more empathy and practical connection.

The Vatican, for its part, has put strong guardrails in place:

• All AI-generated Church content must be clearly labelled. In the Church’s case, this is “IA” (intelligensa artificiale).
• A dedicated AI ethics commission oversees both development and compliance.
• All AI use is held to principles of human dignity, peace, and responsible oversight.

Also Read: Operational AI: The silent, yet, strategic revolution shaping modern business

Southeast Asia: A unique landscape of faith and AI

Here in Southeast Asia, I noticed that religious and administrative bodies are taking a proactive, hands-on role in the spiritual uses of AI. Malaysia’s JAKIM and Singapore’s MUIS are prime examples; these organisations curate AI development closely, using locally-relevant texts and ensuring doctrinal fidelity and cultural fit for Shariah-compliant AI.

In multi-racial,-cultural and -religious heterogenous Southeast Asia, these features stand out:

• Increasing digital literacy and rapid adoption blend with deep religious diversity and unique doctrinal standards.
• Religious and government bodies are not spectators; they regulate and guide AI development directly.
• Radical transparency and contextual sensitivity are essential.

Final thoughts: Building trust in the age of AI

AI’s impact on faith, wellness, and mental health has enormous potential, but one must be highly cognisant of the risks. The way forward demands:

• Absolute transparency about how AI tools are built and what data they use.
• Real human oversight to guarantee empathy and ethical alignment.
• Deep cultural and doctrinal sensitivity, especially in pluralistic places like Southeast Asia.

Ultimately, we need to keep asking: not just what AI can do, but how it should do and, above all, who it should truly serve.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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

Image courtesy: DALL-E

The post AI, trust, and the sacred: My journey at the intersection of technology and spirituality appeared first on e27.

The development of smarter algorithms and higher processing power to drive deeper artificial intelligence (AI) adoption must be accompanied by efforts to capture, analyse, and optimise data more efficiently. Cities that position themselves as testbeds for innovation are experimenting with ways to combine infrastructure, policy, and talent to make this possible.

Dubai is one example. Its pragmatic approach to business has attracted interest from Singapore for years, with Singapore ranking among the top 10 sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the city. According to the Dubai FDI Results & Rankings – Highlights Report 2024, 22 per cent of all project announcements from Singapore fall in the software and IT services segment.

This dovetails with the trajectory of Southeast Asia’s tech start-up ecosystem, which reached a combined market valuation of US$454 billion in H1 2024, according to the Destination Southeast Asia Report 2024 published by Founders Forum Group in partnership with EDB Singapore.

The report underscores the growing potential for Southeast Asian enterprises to expand their footprint globally, including into Middle Eastern markets. Dubai’s role as a growing technology hub highlights one pathway for such collaborations, particularly in AI, smart cities, and fintech.

Shared ambition and vision

For mature and late-stage Southeast Asian startups exploring international expansion, Dubai offers a case study in how supportive ecosystems are structured.

The city combines legislation designed to streamline business operations with infrastructure and amenities that support socioeconomic development. Its geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa strengthens this appeal by connecting global experts who are focused on improving data curation, accessibility, and application.

Policy instruments such as long-term visas, including Golden and Remote Working Visas, illustrate how talent mobility is being addressed, while strategies such as the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and UAE Digital Economy Strategy frame the city’s broader innovation goals. Together, these measures highlight the role of policy frameworks in creating environments conducive to research, development, and international collaboration.

Also Read: B Capital General Partner Yanda Erlich on the red flags he notices when investing in AI space

An evolving ecosystem

Over the past 25 years, Dubai Internet City has become a focal point for this shift. It has served as a base for global firms as well as start-ups and scale-ups, and today hosts more than 4,000 companies and 31,000 professionals, along with innovation and R&D centres. Singaporean companies such as Wego, an online travel marketplace, are among those that have established a presence there.

The district’s initiatives — including mentorship programmes, co-working spaces, incubators like in5 Tech, and flexible platforms such as D/Quarters — offer a glimpse into how ecosystems can be structured to support entrepreneurs. According to publicly available figures, companies within Dubai Internet City’s ecosystem have collectively raised around AED 8 billion in investment to date.

Looking ahead

These developments connect with broader regional conversations. At events such as the debut edition of GITEX Asia in Singapore in April, the emphasis on fostering talent and data-driven innovation resonated with Southeast Asia’s own ambitions. Both Singapore and Dubai are prioritising ecosystems that enable experimentation, scaling, and cross-border collaboration.

Efficient data management will be central to accelerating AI adoption. As Southeast Asian start-ups look to new markets, examining how ecosystems such as Dubai’s are structured provides lessons on what it takes to integrate infrastructure, policy, and global talent into meaningful innovation pathways.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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

Image courtesy: DALL-E

The post Why Dubai’s AI and smart city strategy is attracting Southeast Asian startups appeared first on e27.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries across the world. For small and medium enterprises in South Asia, the question is no longer whether AI will matter but how it will transform the way these businesses operate.

SMEs in India and Sri Lanka stand at an important juncture. They face challenges of limited budgets, lean teams, and rising competition. Yet they also hold the potential to become more agile and competitive by adopting AI in ways that are practical, affordable, and aligned with local realities.

Why AI matters for SMEs

SMEs are the backbone of South Asia’s economies. India is home to more than 73 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that contribute nearly a third of its GDP. In Sri Lanka, an estimated 1.3 million MSMEs are active, representing more than 75 per cent of all businesses. They account for around 45 per cent of employment and contribute 52 per cent to GDP. These enterprises are the backbone of the economy, supporting employment, innovation, and regional development.

Despite this importance, SMEs in Sri Lanka and India often operate with structural bottlenecks in finance, operations, and market access. Many, particularly in Sri Lanka, function informally, which limits access to credit and technology. AI presents an opportunity to change this landscape by offering a set of adaptable tools that address these constraints directly.

The most important shift is accessibility. In the past, advanced technologies required heavy investments and were available only to large corporations. Today, cloud platforms, no-code applications, and software-as-a-service make AI affordable even for smaller firms.

The future of AI for SMEs will not rely on building expensive in-house systems. Instead, it will depend on adopting lightweight, cost-effective solutions that solve specific business problems.

Where AI will shape the future of SMEs

• Customer engagement and sales

In the coming years, AI-driven personalisation will be essential. A retailer in Colombo could recommend products based on past purchases, while a travel agency in Chennai could create tailored itineraries through an AI assistant. Vernacular AI will grow in importance, given South Asia’s vast linguistic diversity.

Systems that understand Sinhala, Tamil, Hindi, or Bengali will enable businesses to connect with customers more effectively. Predictive analytics will also help businesses forecast demand, reduce stock imbalances, and capture sales opportunities.

• Financial management and access to credit

Cash flow is one of the toughest challenges for SMEs. AI will help by predicting payment delays, assisting with working capital planning, and automating bookkeeping. Another important use is AI-driven credit scoring.

Many SMEs, particularly those in informal sectors, lack long credit histories. AI can help financial institutions evaluate them more accurately, enabling faster and fairer access to loans. In the future, SME owners will rely on real-time dashboards that replace guesswork with data-driven insights.

Also Read: Ecosystem Roundup: Asia’s climate-health crisis deepens as funding lags | SEA tech VC hits US$1.4B | Qapita raises US$26.5M Series B

• AI for fintech in the region

Fintech is emerging as one of the most powerful enablers of SME growth in South Asia. AI is at the core of this transformation.

AI-driven credit risk models allow lenders to extend financing to small businesses that were previously excluded due to lack of formal credit history. By analysing transaction data, utility payments, and digital footprints, AI expands access to working capital.

AI-powered fraud detection systems are also strengthening trust in digital payments. With the rapid rise of mobile wallets and online transactions in both India and Sri Lanka, SMEs can now adopt digital payment platforms with greater confidence.

Customer-facing AI chatbots in fintech apps are improving financial literacy by explaining loan terms, repayment schedules, and investment options in local languages. This democratises access to financial services and builds trust among first-time users.

For SMEs, the fusion of fintech and AI will reduce dependency on informal lenders, lower transaction risks, and provide the tools to integrate into formal financial ecosystems. Over time, this will boost both resilience and competitiveness.

• Operations and supply chains

Volatility in supply chains has become a constant reality. AI can support SMEs by anticipating disruptions, forecasting material needs, and identifying alternative suppliers. Route optimisation will lower logistics costs, while computer vision will improve quality control in production.

For Sri Lankan apparel exporters or Indian auto-component suppliers, these capabilities will be critical for maintaining competitiveness in international markets.

• Talent and workforce productivity

AI will not eliminate SME jobs but will reshape the way employees work. Routine tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, and report drafting will be automated. This will free employees to focus on relationship management, product design, and strategy. SMEs that invest in up-skilling will be better positioned to attract and retain talent. In the future, even small teams will achieve the efficiency of much larger organisations.

• Sustainability and ESG compliance

Sustainability is moving from optional to mandatory in global trade. AI will help SMEs track energy use, improve waste management, and generate automated sustainability reports. This will simplify compliance for export-oriented SMEs and open new opportunities with global buyers who demand responsible sourcing.

Challenges SMEs must overcome

The opportunities are significant, but the path forward is not without obstacles.

• The first challenge is data readiness. Most SMEs lack clean and structured data, which limits the effectiveness of AI tools. Data collection and standardisation will be the foundation of successful adoption.
• The second challenge is cultural resistance. Many business owners rely on instincts built over decades. Building trust in AI will require patience and small, visible successes.
• The third challenge is infrastructure. In rural areas, poor connectivity and unstable power supply make cloud-based AI tools difficult to use. Offline-first designs will be necessary.
• The fourth challenge is cost. Even as AI becomes more affordable, SMEs will hesitate unless the return on investment is clear. Flexible pricing models such as pay-per-use AI will be crucial.
• The fifth challenge is the skills gap. Many SME employees have little exposure to AI systems. Up-skilling programs delivered through industry associations, government initiatives, and training providers will be vital.

Also Read: AI for SMEs in Southeast Asia: From everyday experiments to emerging frontiers

The role of policy and ecosystem support

For SMEs to benefit fully, supportive policies and ecosystems are essential. India’s National AI Mission emphasises inclusion and SME-focused applications, while Sri Lanka has introduced programs promoting smart manufacturing. Both countries recognise that SMEs must be AI-ready to remain globally competitive.

In Sri Lanka, the SME sector has struggled in the context of recent economic challenges. Surviving amidst a financial crisis has made resilience a priority. Policymakers are now considering future directions that combine access to finance, digitalisation, and AI adoption to strengthen the sector.

Industry associations, chambers of commerce, and accelerators will also be critical. Their role is to demystify AI, offer training, and encourage pilot projects that allow SMEs to adopt AI at a manageable scale.

A practical path for SME leaders

For SME leaders in South Asia, the path forward is best taken step by step.

The first step is to identify a clear business problem. This could be customer service delays, cash flow challenges, or high defect rates in production.

The second step is to test affordable AI tools that address that specific issue. A chatbot, a predictive sales dashboard, or an automated invoicing system can provide immediate value.

The third step is to iterate and scale. If the pilot succeeds, resources can be directed toward expanding AI use. If it does not, lessons can be applied to the next experiment. Flexibility is the greatest advantage that SMEs hold over larger competitors.

Also Read: Balancing growth and security: How AI is transforming business and cyber threats

A vision for 2030

By 2030, AI will be deeply embedded in the daily operations of SMEs across South Asia. Local retailers will use voice assistants in regional languages to serve customers. Exporters will employ AI-powered quality checks to meet international standards. Farmers’ cooperatives will benefit from AI-driven climate forecasts to protect yields.

Professional firms will deliver services faster and more efficiently with AI copilots. Fintech platforms will integrate seamlessly with AI systems to offer SMEs tailored credit, secure payments, and real-time financial insights.

This transformation will not involve SMEs imitating large corporations. It will involve SMEs using AI to compete on their own terms, staying lean, responsive, and resilient.

Conclusion

The future of AI for SMEs in South Asia is not about dramatic overnight change. It is about small, focused applications that address everyday challenges. AI will steadily improve customer interactions, enhance financial access, lower costs, and unlock new avenues for growth.

For SMEs willing to experiment, the next decade presents extraordinary opportunities. The lesson is clear. Do not wait for the perfect solution. Start with one problem, adopt a practical tool, and learn from the experience. In this way, AI will become not just a trend but an everyday partner in the success of South Asia’s SMEs.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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

Image courtesy: Canva

The post The future of AI for SMEs in South Asia appeared first on e27.

Verta Bioenergy, a Singapore-headquartered climate-tech startup, has closed SGD 1.1 million (US$845,000) in seed funding from investors, including ENGIE Factory, Wright Partners, AlphaGen VC, and Auravia Capital.

Jun Umali from the Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN) also participated.

The fresh capital will fuel the launch of Verta’s first commercial-scale manufacturing plant.

Also Read: EcoSfera helps turn your household waste into energy in the comfort of your home

Per a press statement, the funding injection arrives just one year after the company’s inception, during which Verta claims it has secured more than US$10 million in Letters of Intent (LOIs) with multinational corporations.

Co-created with ENGIE Factory, Wright Partners, and Ming Labs, Verta Bioenergy was incubated under the Singapore Economic Development Board’s (EDB) Corporate Venture Launchpad (CVL) programme.

The startup focuses on transforming agricultural waste into high-quality biomass pellets that are positioned as a cost-competitive, drop-in replacement for industrial coal usage.

With current operations established in the Philippines and plans for broader expansion across Southeast Asia, Verta Bioenergy is preparing to launch a commercial-scale manufacturing plant with an initial production capacity of 12,000 tonnes per year. The company is also developing a solar-powered dryer to enhance the overall sustainability of its process.

Verta’s leadership is bullish on its immediate financial outlook, expecting to achieve positive cash flow within the next 12 months.

Also Read: Turning trash into treasure: How Blue Planet tackles Southeast Asia’s waste crisis

Jeremy Tan, CEO of Verta Bioenergy, confirmed the strategic direction the funding will enable: “Our mission is clear: to replace coal with a cheaper, cleaner, drop-in alternative.” He added: “With the support of ENGIE Factory and our investors, we’re on track to achieve commercial-scale production and expect to generate positive cash flow within the next 12 months.”

 

The post Verta Bioenergy nets funding to turn farm waste into coal-ready fuel appeared first on e27.