In a fundraising climate defined by caution and shrinking liquidity, Southeast Asian founders are being forced to confront a truth the ecosystem has long avoided: exits don’t “happen” — they are engineered.

RETVRN Research’s State of Exits 2025 reinforces this shift, showing that most acquisitions occur far earlier than expected, often at or before Series A. That finding alone reframes how young companies must think about strategy. The path to a strong exit now begins at seed stage, not at scale.

The report’s emphasis on relationship-building is especially timely. With buyers highly selective, founders can no longer rely on last-minute interest or opportunistic outreach. The 18-24 month timeline for cultivating corporate relationships — and the need for five to seven active strategic conversations — highlights how exits are increasingly a process, not an event.

Perhaps the most revealing insight is how multidimensional “exit readiness” has become. Financial discipline, operational hygiene, timing awareness, and team alignment are now evaluated with near-institutional rigour. Weakness in any area can delay or depress outcomes.

Singapore’s growing infrastructure for structured exit preparation, including RETVRN’s local programme, signals a maturing ecosystem. In a market where capital scarcity demands discipline, founders who treat exits as core strategy rather than a distant milestone will define the region’s next cycle of innovation.

REGIONAL

Singapore’s surgical imaging firm Ultragreen.ai to raise US$400M IPO: The medical imaging company, which develops fluorescence-guided surgery technology and supplies indocyanine green dyes, aims to list on the Singapore Exchange Mainboard on December 3.

Temasek joins US$80m Series A in Singapore startup Amperesand: The funding will support the deployment of 30MW of its Medium Voltage Solid-State Transformer systems in 2026, aimed at AI data centers and critical power customers. Amperesand plans to expand engineering and manufacturing operations in the US and Singapore.

Vietnamese biotech startup Gene Solutions seeks US$100M pre-IPO: The company, which offers prenatal and cancer screenings using next-generation sequencing and AI, is considering listing in either Singapore or Hong Kong, according to CFO Keng Hsu.

Singapore’s e-commerce shift: Trust, not price, now drives loyalty: Milieu Insight reveals that the island nation’s online shoppers now prioritise trust, reliable service, and transparent value, signalling a shift from price-led loyalty to integrity-driven preferences.

Singapore crypto adoption hits new high as 61 per cent now hold digital assets: Singapore’s crypto market matures with rising long-term holders, modest portfolio allocations, and trust-driven platform choices despite persistent education and volatility concerns.

SGX, Nasdaq forge a global bridge for dual listings: The Global Listing Board will unify disclosure standards, cut costs, and enable large firms to raise capital efficiently across Singapore and the US.

Billease enters digital banking via rural bank buy: The acquisition of Rural Bank of Sta. Maria will enable the buy-now-pay-later company to introduce features including digital savings accounts, fund transfers, cash in, and cash out directly into the Billease app.

With US$6M in support, GenAI Fund aims to close the gap between AI innovation and corporate adoption: GenAI’s FastTrack programme connects innovators with corporates like Coca-Cola Vietnam, helping AI startups overcome cashflow hurdles, adoption delays, and product-market-fit challenges early.

Indonesia may block ChatGPT, Cloudflare over registration: Under regulations introduced in 2020, both foreign and local digital platforms must register before operating in Indonesia. Officials said that failing to register after receiving notification may lead to administrative sanctions, including access restrictions.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Exit or be left behind: The harsh new reality for SEA startups: SEA’s valuation premiums now depend on early relationship building, disciplined operations, and exit-focused execution that starts years before negotiations begin.

Why Cambodia is becoming Southeast Asia’s most underrated tech frontier: Cambodia’s young digital-native population, rising infrastructure, and impact-focused investment funds are accelerating the country’s transformation into a compelling regional tech frontier.

From agritech to AI ops: 15 startups driving Philippines’s innovation shift (Part 2): The next wave of Philippine startups demonstrates how technology is streamlining operations, empowering communities, and opening new economic opportunities.

How East Ventures adopts materiality-driven ESG strategy for its portfolio companies: Its investment strategy fosters positive impacts and mitigates ESG risks. Through its ‘Doing Good’ approach, it evaluates its investments’ potential positive environmental and societal outcomes using a Theory of Change framework.

Bridging the valley of death: How C3H is powering the next wave of climate, health tech startups: As the climate crisis intensifies, technologies that address the intersection of climate and health are becoming increasingly urgent.

INTERNATIONAL

ChatGPT introduces global group chat feature: The feature allows users to collaborate with others and the AI in a single conversation. Users can add up to 20 people to a group chat by sharing a link, and group chats are kept separate from private conversations.

Baidu founder Robin Li casts AI as the driver of China’s ‘new productive forces’: The company is a major participant in China’s broader “AI Plus” initiative, which aims to integrate AI across sectors, and is also promoting its Ernie large language model as a flagship technology.

SoftBank to invest US$3B for OpenAI data centres: SoftBank, which previously sold a US$5.8B stake in Nvidia to fund its AI efforts, is working with OpenAI and Oracle on five US data centres for the US$500B Stargate project.

SEMICONDUCTOR

US charges four people over Nvidia chip smuggling to China: The indictment alleges that two Chinese nationals and two US citizens used a fake real estate company in Tampa, Florida, to ship graphics processing units through Malaysia to China without required US Commerce Department licenses.

TSMC receives US$4.7B in subsidies to support global expansion: Financial data showed TSMC secured US$154M in subsidies in Q3 2025, bringing the total for the first three quarters of 2025 to roughly US$2.31B, in addition to US$2.42B received in 2024.

SoftBank, TSMC stock fall after Nvidia drops in US: The selloff hit both major and smaller Asian chip firms, after Nvidia’s 3% drop overnight in the US, despite beating Wall Street expectations for Q3 and offering stronger Q4 guidance.

Nvidia CEO dismisses AI bubble fears after strong Q3 results: Investors have questioned whether the rapid investment in AI data centres could sustain long-term returns, with Nvidia at the centre of this trend due to soaring demand for its GPUs.

AI

Malaysian SMEs grapple with a growing “confidence gap” in AI adoption: Companies are drawn to AI tools that “solve today’s problems before tomorrow’s ambitions.” Only 47% associate AI with driving innovation, while a mere 33 per cent see it as a means for competitive differentiation.

Why the AI revolution depends on reinventing energy infrastructure: The world’s most advanced computation networks are running on infrastructure built for another era. Without rapid innovation at the intersection of energy and intelligence, the very systems driving the AI revolution could face their own energy ceiling.

How founder misalignment quietly erodes companies in the age of AI: When something feels off but not urgent, founders tend to deprioritise the check-in. Work continues. Deliverables move. The business looks healthy. And yet, momentum begins to decline in ways that are not easily measurable.

AI in action: How governments are using technology to predict, prevent, and personalise: AI is reshaping public services by making government more proactive while raising critical questions about fairness, accountability, and privacy.

A prettier you: How AI avatars make storytelling easier for midlifers: It is not about faking who you are. It is about saving time, money, and energy. Why spend hundreds on new clothes for one video when AI can give you a polished look at the click of a button?

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Crypto’s fragile comeback: Oversold RSI, Solana ETFs, and the US$86K Bitcoin test: Digital assets rose 1.93% after a steep decline, supported by Solana ETF inflows, Binance liquidity strength, and oversold technicals, though broader macro risk-off sentiment keeps the rebound tentative and fragile.

How network aggregators can thrive in a disconnected world: As globalisation slows and regionalisation accelerates, the new competition isn’t between countries, it’s between networks: Whoever can connect supply chains, talent pools, and markets fastest will dominate the next decade of trade.

Fractional CFOs: The missing link for startups struggling with finance: A fractional CFO brings structure, forecasting, investor reporting, and discipline, but at a fraction of the cost. They step in to build financial clarity, strengthen controls, and create a foundation for scalability.

Optimising AI frameworks for a decentralised AI (DeAI) future: The foundation of DeAI lies in robust AI frameworks that enable AI agents to operate in a decentralised environment. However, existing frameworks are not yet optimised for this shift. Here’s a list of the key challenges that AI frameworks face along with their solutions.

Will climate change force us to re-imagine travel in the future?: As Catalonia grapples with a drought emergency, the glaring dissonance between political priorities and pressing environmental challenges underscores the pressing need for meaningful action and collective resolve in confronting the existential threat of climate disruption.

Why Cambodia’s startup ecosystem is the next big bet for investors: Cambodia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. According to a 2023 IMF Report, its 6.1% real GDP growth projection ranked it 14th globally. In Sept. 2024, the ADB upheld its economic growth forecasts for Cambodia of 5.8% in 2024 and 6% for 2025.

How to spot the hidden gems: A guide for savvy angel investors: Seek founders who can eloquently articulate their vision, showcasing a profound understanding of the problem they intend to solve. It’s often these fervent founders who weather storms and inspire their teams to do the same.

Beyond unicorns: Building successful startup starts and ends with impact: With how fast the landscape is changing, it’s important for startups to be agile and resilient to be able to pivot when necessary but still keep impact at the core of every decision.

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Cove has announced the acquisition of Casa Mia Coliving for an undisclosed sum, adding around 500 fully furnished rooms to its Singapore network and strengthening its position in the city-state’s co-living market.

The deal brings Cove’s total to more than 2,000 rooms in Singapore and over 8,000 across Asia Pacific. The additional Casa Mia units, which are mainly located in central areas such as River Valley and Orchard, will expand the Cove Classics co-living range.

Cove said the purchase will also enhance its operational capacity through Casa Mia’s BCA-certified facility management team, which will join the company after the transaction closes.

Once the integration is complete, the combined business will operate under the Cove brand.

Cove expects the enlarged group to generate more than US$50 million in annualised rental income in 2025. The company stated that this represents approximately 50 per cent year-over-year growth in revenue and inventory, driven by both new openings and acquisitions.

Also Read: Ecosystem Roundup: SEA startups face shakeout; Ultragreen.ai eyes US$400M IPO; Trust drives SG e-commerce; Crypto adoption surges

Cove also said the acquisition will bring the business closer to being free cash flow positive. The company reported a profitable second half of 2025, despite significant spending to support its launches in Japan and South Korea.

Management said these results, combined with the Casa Mia deal, strengthen its financial position as it enters 2026.

Luca Bregoli, Co-Founder of Cove, said the acquisition aligns with the company’s focus on scale and efficiency. “This acquisition reinforces our leadership and commitment to the Singapore market … Integrating Casa Mia’s properties and team into our platform will drive significant operational synergies, while also enhancing our service delivery. This deal also unlocks additional resources to accelerate our expansion across the Asia Pacific.”

Casa Mia, founded in 2019, offers move-in-ready accommodation for young professionals. The company has reported strong margins and steady expansion during the past several years.

Co-Founder Eugenio Ferrante said the deal will support Casa Mia’s original goals. “We believe Cove offers the best possible home for our Casa Mia members and for us as a team, to continue our original mission of making it easy for young professionals to move to Singapore and find quality accommodation.”

Also Read: Why Cambodia’s startup ecosystem is the next big bet for investors

For current tenants and property partners of both brands, Cove said it expects a smooth transition with no changes to existing arrangements or service delivery.

Founded in 2018 by Guillaume Castagne and Bregoli, Cove is a flexible-stay platform offering long-, medium- and short-term rental options across Asia Pacific.

It operates in Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan, providing serviced accommodation aimed at residents seeking convenience and stability. Cove is backed by investors including Keppel, Eurazeo, Picus Capital, Venturra, Xander and Antler.

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Image Credit: Cove

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Ronin, the blockchain developed by Sky Mavis, is preparing to bring stablecoin payments into the Philippine mainstream through an integration that will allow PHPC (the peso-backed stablecoin launched by Ronin) to be used across the country’s QR payment network (QRPH).

The move, enabled through a deepened partnership with local crypto platform Coins.ph, would make the stablecoin spendable at more than 600,000 QRPH-enabled merchants, pending regulatory approval.

Also Read: QR payments: Southeast Asia’s digital lifeline or just a stepping stone?

The plan was announced at the YGG Play Summit and represents Ronin’s broader push to expand beyond gaming into digital payments, savings, and remittances across Asia Pacific.

QRPH is the backbone of the Philippines’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shows that digital payments now account for 57.4 per cent of all retail transactions, while 66.4 per cent of person-to-merchant payments have already shifted online.

The Philippines also remains one of the world’s largest remittance destinations, receiving more than US$40.2 billion in 2024. Ronin and Coins.ph believe that this combination of high digital adoption and large capital inflows presents strong potential for on-chain payment rails.

“Once we secure the necessary permits, the integration of PHPC into the QRPH network by 2026 would be a game-changer. Soon, anyone will be able to pay with PHPC simply by scanning a QR code through Ronin Wallet, just like with other leading mobile wallets, but with the unprecedented speed and security of on-chain value,” said Wei Zhou, CEO of Coins.ph.

PHPC, launched in July 2024 under the BSP sandbox, is a Philippine peso-backed stablecoin with reserves managed by Coins.ph, a regulated virtual asset service provider.

Ronin previously outlined plans to support payments and remittances across Asia Pacific, positioning the Philippines — a long-standing hub of Web3 gaming — as a proving ground for real-world blockchain utility.

“This integration completes the loop that was foreshadowed back when merchants began accepting SLP and AXS for goods during the 2021 pandemic. Millions of Ronin Wallet users in the Philippines will soon have a seamless way to transmute in-game items and tokens into food, transportation costs, and the necessities of daily life,” said Jeffrey Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis.

Also Read: Asia’s payment evolution: 5 trends shaping the 2025 landscape

Ronin Wallet, which today serves millions of users within the Axie Infinity ecosystem, is expected to broaden into payments, savings, and other financial use cases once PHPC becomes interoperable with QRPH. All deployment timelines remain subject to regulatory clearance.

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The current economic and technological climate is making employees uneasy about their professional future. Giants like Morgan Stanley, Shopify, Gap and Amazon have already announced layoffs in 2023, and the emergence of automation technology like ChatGPT is causing palpable apprehension about job security. 

AI and automation are increasingly replacing roles that were once considered the exclusive domain of human expertise. According to McKinsey, an estimated 400-800 million workers worldwide could be displaced due to automation by 2030. Another analysis suggests that two-thirds of current jobs are exposed to some degree of AI automation. 

Alongside automation, the pandemic-induced remote-working revolution has also widened the talent pool, increasing competition in the job market. According to Upwork, 94 per cent of managers already, to some degree, prefer hiring offshore talent, further intensifying job insecurity concerns.

Work-from-anywhere provides employees with flexibility and reduced commute time, but it also exposes them to the risk of reduced visibility and communication. This makes it challenging for employees to showcase their talents and maintain their professional network. Already, close to 50 per cent of professionals are troubled by perceived job insecurity due to their absence from the office environment.

What lies at the end of the tunnel?

The rise of automation has caused employees to question how to stay competitive in the workforce frantically. The truth is they should start focusing on developing the skills to work with—rather than against— artificial intelligence, namely creative thinking, decision-making and adaptability. 

No-code platforms serve as an interesting example of a symbiotic relationship with automation technology. It gives professionals the opportunity to create their own applications without programming knowledge. Employees can use automated features to create a custom platform with a variety of functions, such as smart databases and workflow trackers.

Also Read: The secret sauce of getting started with ‘no-code’

Through no-code, teams and individual workers are able to create the tools they need to work more efficiently. All the time saved on inputting and searching for information can instead be focused on more value-driven tasks. 

No-code platforms also help improve the remote work experience. When communication is centralised and shared on a single platform, all employees know exactly what’s going on and can stay in the loop, regardless of where and when they’re working. In addition, the organisation’s communication history and decision-making processes are preserved, making it much easier to onboard new employees, collaborate across departments, and launch cross-functional projects. 

No-code offers a preview of what working with more automated technology will look like fewer repetitive tasks, more time for strategic planning, and more room to brainstorm new ideas. Employees feel a greater sense of autonomy and control over their workflows. When used well, automation technologies offer greater efficiency and purpose, not job loss. 

Automation is here to stay

Gartner predicts that 70 per cent of organisations will be using some form of structured automation by 2025. Leaps in efficiency have happened before, with every invention from Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone to ChatGPT. Each time we’ve seen challenges and changes but also opportunities and an increase in overall quality of life. 

Although the impact of AI on the labour market has proven to be significant, Goldman Sachs has also reported that ‘most jobs and industries are only partially exposed to automation and are more likely to be complemented rather than completely substituted by AI’.

In fact, the adoption of AI and automation will likely direct employees toward a more productive use of their time. If used correctly, automation can help us all focus on the aspects of our work we find the most rewarding.

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In the ever-evolving professional landscape, it’s not uncommon to observe that some large organisations manage to coast on mediocrity. This may be due to the challenges of closely scrutinising performance within expansive teams.

In today’s unpredictable world, with frequent stories of layoffs in prominent corporations, it becomes increasingly critical to keep a watchful eye on both your company’s performance and your individual contributions.

Failing to do so could place you at risk of becoming the next employee laid off, or witnessing your entire company being acquired or merged, leading to inevitable challenges and adjustments.

To stay relevant and proactive in such a dynamic environment, consider adopting these strategies to enhance your adaptability and resilience.

Keep your skills updated

Regularly invest in professional development, whether by attending workshops, enrolling in courses, or obtaining certifications. Staying current in your field and learning new skills will make you more marketable and better prepared for potential career changes.

Maintain a robust professional network

Cultivate relationships with colleagues, industry peers, and advisors both within and outside of your organisation. A strong professional network can be a valuable resource for identifying job opportunities, gathering insights, and receiving support during times of transition.

Also Read: A tech worker’s 2023 recession game plan

Actively seeking a job when not in dire need

I personally recommend this as one of the best strategies. It fosters a proactive mindset, enabling personal and professional growth. This approach promotes skill development, expands networking opportunities, strengthens negotiation power, encourages career exploration, boosts confidence, and future-proofs your career. Ultimately, it enhances adaptability and resilience, preparing you for success in an ever-changing job market.

Update your personal brand

Ensure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional materials are up to date and effectively communicate your unique value proposition. Regularly share your accomplishments, engage with your network, and showcase your expertise to increase your visibility in the job market.

Stay informed about industry trends and opportunities

Keep a pulse on the market and be aware of potential job openings or industry shifts. Monitor job boards, attend industry events, and engage in online communities relevant to your field to stay ahead of the curve.

Develop a financial safety net

In case of job loss or transition, having a financial buffer can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on finding the right opportunity rather than settling for the first job that comes along. Aim to have a reserve of 6 months’ worth of living expenses saved up.

I hope these strategies will prepare you for success in a dynamic job market.

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The World Health Organisation defines burnout as “A syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic stress that has not been successfully managed.”  Improving employee well-being has also become a central focus for many workplace leaders, as the issue of burnout negatively affects productivity, engagement and talent retention.

Harvard Business Review has estimated that burnout-related healthcare spending “cost an estimated US$125 billion to US$190 billion a year in healthcare spending in the US”. Gallup has also projected a US$47.6 billion per year from the dip in productivity due to missed workdays in the US workforce alone.

People’s ability to deal with pressure seems to be variable across generations. For instance, baby boomers seem to be dealing with it better, with only 31 per cent reporting burnout compared to 59 per cent of Millennials, 58 per cent of Generation Z and 54 per cent of Gen X, according to the Business Health Institute.

While the reasons why each generation responds differently to pressure vary, one thing is clear. For the majority of the working class today, burnout is a severe threat that needs to be addressed. Everyone in the ecosystem, leaders, employers and individuals, can do something about it together.

The reality is burnout does not happen overnight, so picking up the signs early and examining your habits and mindset will go a long way to help you become anti-burnout.

Watching out for early signs of burnout

One of the issues I have observed among working professionals is their tendency to ignore or overlook their emotions. Conditioned to suppress emotions, especially negative ones, for they believe these are either temporary or unprofessional, prevents people from paying attention to the signals and doing something about them. 

This becomes an issue as the earliest signs of burnout are often emotional, like feeling negative, pessimistic and irritable constantly. Some major symptoms might include fatigue, isolation, and declining performance. When chronic stress is left unchecked, it could escalate into severe cases of burnout, leading to depression and anxiety, according to research.

Also Read: 5 signs of burnout you might be missing

Ignoring emotions is ineffective. So is the second category of leaders who grow to accept that undesirable reality as the norm. To thrive under pressure and become anti-burnout, there are strategies all leaders can take to improve the situation, making challenging work both meaningful and energising.

Developing an anti-burnout mindset and skillset

While it’s easy to point the finger at external factors like bad managers, hostile cultures, and overwhelming workload, in my opinion, it is far more productive and constructive to focus on matters within our locus of control.

This is aligned with one of the habits in Stephen Covey’s book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Focusing on matters within your locus of control will help you achieve better results over time. 

Although you have no control over the external variables, growing a mindset that is resilient and agile will determine how you respond to pressure and keep burnout at bay.

Here are four strategies to help you become anti-burnout:

Pause for high performance 

A cluttered mind cannot think strategically. When people are stressed, they tend to catastrophise—compounded over time, performance and total well-being dip. 

To encourage strategic thinking and thrive under pressure, you need small pockets of space and time to decompress. Think of these as pit stops to refuel and reevaluate. While the idea of a pause is simple, it is anything but simple. This might have to do with one of the self-limiting beliefs I have seen among leaders: associating activity with productivity. By trapping themselves in activity, they often fail to realise they have gone off track, resulting in even greater levels of stress as they desperately attempt to correct the course.

So, invest your time wisely instead of filling all your time with activity. 

Build a high-performance habit or routine that is repeatable and sustainable, whether it is taking a five-minute break in between meetings, walking, adequate rest, eating well, maintaining mental quality, or timeboxing your week’s involvements. Pressure is always present, and the more you catch the stressors, the more you can respond to and manage them successfully.

Be honest about your preferences and strengths

Develop wisdom and better allocate your time, energy, and effort to endeavours that are truly meaningful and energising to you. This can be done by observing what drains you, so you will be able to tap on existing resources, find complementary partners, or delegate appropriately.

Also Read: How Noodle Factory addresses educator burnout with its AI-powered teaching assistants

As you allocate most of your effort to projects that are meaningful and energising, you will naturally fill your inner resource of energy and positivity, keeping burnout at bay.

To start off, you can explore taking the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment and discover your greatest talents.

Fail Forward

Many people I support have high self-expectations. But we all know that resources are finite while our targets always rise.

It is easy to beat yourself up or feel deflated when you constantly hold yourself against unrealistic yardsticks. While many people regard work as highly important, overdoing can result in unnecessary stress. 

So, adopt a “learning for the future” approach to assessing your results and learnings when things go wrong. Some questions that could help:

• Which matters are within your control? Which ones are out of your control?
• What lessons can you learn and do better next time?
• What issues can you address immediately? What can be addressed later?

Develop resilience

The idea about preventing burnout is not to take away pressure but how to thrive and increase joy.

Increasing your resilience is then your best insurance in the fast-paced environment. When facing difficult situations, you want to develop the ability to be calm and thoughtful, evaluate your options, and then formulate the way forward.

Achieving a state of high resilience ensures you are not overwhelmed by unexpected circumstances, as you are mentally prepared for uncertainties and equipped with skills that will support you through challenges. The process, however, is not overnight and takes discipline and dedication. The good news is you can start building the skills and mindset that lead to resilience starting today.

Some areas you can consider:

• Develop an understanding of emerging trends in your field
• Pick some areas to go deep and learn about based on your interest and future career plans
• Set yourself up for success by regularly aligning your actions with your future goals
• Build a network of allies to expand perspectives, overcome challenges and find solutions

As we will constantly experience pressure in the hectic world, it is important to develop the mindset and skillset needed to continuously find joy in our work and lives. Everyone is susceptible to burnout at the end of the day; nobody is exempted.

The good news is there is something each one of us can start doing. These small steps, whether in the form of high-performance habits, learning something new, or being more in touch with our emotions, would go a long way in making you anti-burnout and constantly high-performing.

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Technology is reshaping Malaysia’s job market. Some roles are being automated while new ones are emerging. It’s the great wheel of progress turning once again. These changes have greatly affected the job market — for both job seekers and employers. 

According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance (MOF), the downward trend of the unemployment rate in Malaysia will continue. As competition for talent increases, employers need more than competitive pay to acquire and retain talent.

That’s where people analytics comes in. By collecting and analysing employee data — surveys, reviews, exit interviews, and performance records — you can uncover insights to improve hiring, retention, development, and the employee experience. 

Challenges of staying afloat in a competitive market

The pandemic has surely catalysed the drastic changes in talent expectations. These include increasing expectations for skills development amid evolving job demands, the growing importance of diversity, equity and inclusivity, as well as demands for more flexible work arrangements.

Randstad Malaysia found that 60 per cent of Malaysian employees claimed better work-life balance when working remotely. Hence, there needs to be a way for managers to better understand their workforce.

Think of people analytics like a treasure hunt. You sift through all the HR data collecting dust across your systems to find the golden nuggets — the root causes of turnover, skills gaps separated by department, and the company’s demographic trends.

The human data that statistical models overlook but are often needed for managers to make better decisions — to take targeted actions, develop skills that matter, and craft an environment where people thrive. Without it, it remains difficult for companies to take action due to gaps in internal data collection. 

However, there remains a significant challenge: not all companies are gathering high-quality, usable data that can be analysed into cohesive insights. Data quality issues impact the potential of analytics, causing an inability to make decisions and take further action.

Also Read: 15 times the Malaysian startup ecosystem catches our eyes in 2023

Additionally, as most available data sits in silos — often caused by disconnected systems across departments — issues as the people impact gap can occur, causing a further rift between the HR department and leaders of other departments. 

In order to improve on both ends, organisations need to improve their data architecture and close the gap between their HR metrics and their business metrics.

Surveys have shown that high-performing organisations are able to accomplish more when they practise a data-driven culture with a more robust and modern data architecture that can organise and consolidate information for and relate them to their business decision-makers.

People analytics are one of the tools that can help bridge departmental gaps and integrate HR data to improve internal processes, encouraging collaboration and more data-driven decisions. 

The role of people analytics in modern HR 

With the abundance of data in the 21st century, making guesses in workforce management without statistical evidence is ineffective. While traditional strategies may be tempting, 40 per cent of workers globally are still planning to leave their jobs in the near future despite the looming threats of a poor economic outlook. In addition to this, generalising theories will also risk expenditure. People analytics can help employers understand employees’ needs to take targeted retention actions.

People analytics have become an essential tool to help companies show empathy and understanding of what their employees need. It operates by helping employers identify what their organisation needs by first asking the right questions to pinpoint the right data required and provide insights to tailor an effective solution.

These analytics solutions measure productivity and workforce impact. On top of that, they provide insights and foresight into workforce and job market trends to equip the HR department for drastic changes. People analytics enables data-driven decisions that enhance employee experience, engagement and performance. It fosters a culture of learning, innovation and agility for continuous improvement.

Also Read: Are you a human resource?

A great example of the application of people analytics is the LEGO Group. In its recent digital transformation effort, the company has adopted Visier’s people analytics solution to equip its HR functions.

This step has enabled its People Analytics and Insights Team to identify priority skills gaps and align its learning and development investments with the company’s core business needs. As a result, the LEGO Group was able to accelerate the acquisition of critical skills to drive the company’s growth and innovation.

The future of Malaysia’s job market

The future is data-driven but also distinctly human. People analytics, when applied with care and vision, can guide organisations to smarter decisions and targeted people solutions. But unlocking the potential of people’s data takes work.

You have to know which questions to ask and be open to what the analysis reveals, even if it upends assumptions. With the right analytical tools and curious mindset, you can extract genuine workforce insights from the data exhaust that organisations generate. 

Visier strives to help companies see their people clearly — across all their complexities. When you understand what makes your people tick, it opens up new vistas for insight-led, empathy-driven people management.

Visier looks forward to establishing an R&D centre in Singapore to serve the APAC market and give companies the localised data they need to take aim and continuously develop their workforce that’s good for business, great for employees, and even better for Malaysia.

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In an era of economic, political, and social uncertainty, a new generation of CEOs is reshaping the way leadership and personal wellbeing intersect.

A recent study by One Strategy Group reveals that pre-IPO founders are placing a strong emphasis on sleep, mental health, and exercise—challenging the long-held notion that relentless work is the only path to success. This shift may signal a broader transformation in how leadership is approached in today’s fast-paced world.

Ultimately, the next generation of CEOs is redefining leadership by prioritising physical and mental health, signalling a potential shift towards healthier corporate cultures.

Sleep as a leadership strategy

Historically, CEOs have worn sleep deprivation as a badge of honour. However, the report found that 72 per cent of next-gen CEOs now get at least seven hours of sleep per night—a stark contrast to past norms.

Experts like Dr. Scott Kutscher emphasise that prioritising sleep isn’t just good for individuals; it’s a step toward dismantling the toxic “always-on” culture. Yet, the question remains: Are these CEOs extending their wellness priorities to their teams?

A growing focus on mental health

Leading a startup comes with immense pressure, and while stress can be a motivator, unchecked levels lead to burnout. Kathy Pike, CEO of One Mind, warns that an overabundance of stimulation and pressure can quickly push leaders into unhealthy stress levels.

The report highlights the importance of setting a “North Star” to focus on priorities, helping CEOs avoid constant reactive decision-making that drains long-term energy and focus.

Also Read: Work-life balance in the startup world: Myth or achievable goal?

Fitness as the new work-life balance

Another striking trend is how CEOs are integrating exercise into their lives. Nearly two-thirds of next-gen CEOs exercise at least three times per week, treating fitness as a tool for improving focus, mood, and resilience.

Former Crescent Health founder Josh Collin sees this as a sign that successful founders recognise the long-term value of fitness—not just for physical health but also for sustaining high performance in demanding roles.

A culture shift in the making?

This movement toward health-conscious leadership presents an important question: Are these changes limited to CEOs, or will they inspire broader shifts in workplace culture?

If the habits of next-gen founders become embedded in company structures, we could see a future where wellbeing is prioritised at all levels of an organisation—not just at the top.

Read the full report here.

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Despite a wave of optimism in mainstream financial markets following Nvidia’s robust earnings report and bullish forward guidance, the cryptocurrency market has charted a markedly different course. While the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Dow Jones posted modest but clear gains, crypto traders navigated a landscape of institutional retreat, forced deleveraging, and growing scepticism around altcoin fundamentals.

The disconnect between AI-driven equity euphoria and crypto caution underscores a critical juncture. As traditional markets celebrate the next phase of artificial intelligence integration, digital asset markets confront a confluence of macro headwinds and structural vulnerabilities.

Crypto’s recent underperformance lies in a record-breaking institutional outflow. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust recorded a single-day withdrawal of US$523 million, the largest since its January 2024 debut. This outflow did not occur in isolation. US spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively shed US$1.3 billion in assets under management over the past week, a direct response to diminishing hopes for a December Federal Reserve rate cut.

Also Read: Celebrating innovation and momentum across Asia’s startup and SME ecosystem

Market participants now assign only a 27 per cent probability to such a move, a sharp reversal from the more dovish expectations held just weeks prior. For a market increasingly tethered to traditional financial sentiment, with crypto-equity correlations hovering near 0.65, the withdrawal of institutional capital has stripped away a critical support layer. When institutions step back, retail traders rarely fill the void with sufficient conviction, especially in volatile environments.

Compounding this institutional caution is a cascade of leveraged liquidations. Over US$127 million in Bitcoin long positions were forcibly closed in a short window, intensifying downward price pressure as Bitcoin dipped below the psychologically significant US$90,000 mark. This deleveraging occurred against a backdrop of rising open interest in crypto derivatives, which climbed 10.4 per cent to US$889 billion, suggesting that many new positions were opened on borrowed capital.

When volatility spikes or sentiment shifts, such positions become vulnerable. The result is a feedback loop. Price drops trigger margin calls, which force more selling, which pushes prices lower still. The market’s emotional state reflects this stress. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index plummeted to 15, entering the Extreme Fear zone, the lowest reading since March 2025. Technical indicators like the RSI14 at 37.95 signal oversold conditions, but they provide no clear reversal signal, leaving traders in a state of anxious limbo.

Altcoins have fared even worse, revealing the fragility of speculative narratives when liquidity dries up. Solana, once heralded as a high-throughput alternative to Ethereum, plunged 11.47 per cent over the week after Forward Industries, its largest corporate holder, transferred US$201 million worth of SOL to Coinbase Prime. Such large movements of tokens to exchange wallets are often interpreted as preludes to selling, igniting panic among retail holders. BNB and XRP mirrored these losses, declining 4.81 per cent and 12.14 per cent, respectively.

The Altcoin Season Index now stands at 27, well below the 75 threshold that typically signals a broad-based rally in alternative cryptocurrencies. This metric confirms what price action already suggests. It is firmly Bitcoin’s market, and even Bitcoin is struggling to hold ground.

Meanwhile, the macroeconomic backdrop offers little comfort. US Treasury yields remain elevated, with the 10-year at 4.14 per cent and the 2-year at 3.59 per cent. Fed officials have openly pushed back against rate-cut expectations, and the delay in key US jobs data further clouds the policy outlook.

Also Read: Crypto crashes 13 per cent as Fed rate cut hopes fade, S&P 500 correlation hits 0.95

In foreign exchange markets, the US dollar remains firm, while the Japanese yen hovers near 157.2, perilously close to levels that could trigger government intervention. Gold, often a refuge in uncertain times, holds just above US$4,000, reflecting a mixed risk environment where some investors hedge while others chase AI-linked equities.

The divergence between traditional tech and crypto markets raises a fundamental question. Is AI optimism truly a rising tide that lifts all boats, or does it primarily benefit assets with deep institutional integration and clear cash flow narratives? Nvidia’s forecast, projecting US$203 billion in annual revenue, speaks to tangible, near-term AI infrastructure demand.

Its chips power the data centres that train large language models and run inference workloads. Bitcoin and Solana, by contrast, offer no earnings, no dividends, and uncertain regulatory pathways. In a regime of higher-for-longer rates, such assets become less attractive relative to yield-bearing instruments or equities with demonstrable growth.

For investors, the path forward demands discipline. In equities, tech exposure remains compelling but warrants selectivity. In crypto, the current environment favours caution. Traders should monitor Bitcoin ETF flows closely. A reversal from outflows to inflows could signal renewed institutional appetite, especially if softer jobs data revives rate-cut hopes.

Similarly, sustained negative funding rates in perpetual futures markets might indicate capitulation and a potential short-term bottom. Until then, the market’s Extreme Fear reading is not just a metric. It is a warning. The AI boom may be real, but its benefits are not yet flowing into digital asset markets. Instead, crypto finds itself caught in a perfect storm of macro uncertainty, institutional hesitation, and speculative excess unwinding. The rally elsewhere is a reminder of what crypto could be, but not what it is today.

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Beyond the headlines and hype cycles, a quieter kind of innovation is shaping the Philippines—one anchored in workflow automation, supply-chain transparency, inclusive commerce, and AI-enabled services. In Part 2 of our series, we highlight 15 more startups whose products reflect that shift: grounded, operational, and built for the everyday realities of Filipino consumers and businesses.

Here is the second set of 15 Philippine startups that are redefining local innovation. Generate a headline and intro to tie the listicle together:

Expedock

Expedock provides AI-driven automation for freight forwarders, digitising manual paperwork with high accuracy to speed up global cargo processing. Its system processes logistics documents for container movements and integrates data across platforms to reduce operational bottlenecks. The company is built by a team with AI and logistics backgrounds and works with international supply chain players.

Expedock is backed by investors, including Insight Partners, Neo and Pear, and Ali Partovi, who had previously backed notable startups including Airbnb, Dropbox and Facebook.

, an Artificial Intelligence startup working with supply chain companies, has secured US$13.5 million in Series A funding led by

The round also saw participation from existing investors

Also Read: Beyond the buzz: 15 ground-level startups solving real problems in the Philippines (Part 1)

SariSuki

SariSuki operates a community group buying model that lets neighbourhood “Ka-Sari” leaders sell fresh groceries at accessible prices. Launched during the pandemic, it enables local sellers to consolidate orders and distribute goods within their communities, offering a lower-cost alternative to traditional retail channels.

The social commerce startup counts among its investors, including Openspace Ventures, SIG, Global Founders Capital, Saison Capital, JG Digital Equity Ventures, and Foxmont Capital Partners.

ZipMatch

ZipMatch is a real estate platform designed to help homebuyers make informed decisions through curated listings, educational content, and access to homebuying consultants. Beyond property search, it offers guides, tips, and financing support to streamline the complex home acquisition process in the Philippines.

Monk’s Hill Ventures and 500 Startups are among ZipMatch’s investors.

MedGrocer

MedGrocer offers online medicine ordering and doorstep delivery through its FDA-licensed pharmacy, WellBridge Health. Simplifying the purchase process and reducing overhead provides a more efficient alternative to traditional drugstores while ensuring access to trusted medications.

Agro-DigitalPH

Agro-DigitalPH works to increase farmers’ incomes by digitising agricultural value chains. Its platform emphasises transparency and collaboration across stakeholders to address systemic inequities and improve food security. The company aims to integrate hundreds of thousands of small producers into more efficient, tech-enabled markets.

EDGE Tutor International

EDGE Tutor supplies global education companies with trained Filipino educators through its online tutoring outsourcing model. Operating across multiple regions, it offers scalable, white-labeled K–12 and adult English and math tutoring. A selective hiring process ensures consistent instructional quality.

MedCheck

MedCheck provides real-world clinical data and maintains disease registries for conditions like cancer and diabetes. With access to over a million medical records, it supports decentralised clinical research and helps position the Philippines as a competitive site for global trials.

Also Read: Beyond resilience: A call to action for a climate-proof Philippines to the tech ecosystem

Parlon

Parlon is a beauty services platform that aggregates salon and wellness deals, allowing users to book and pay across its large partner network. It also equips merchants with booking, payments, and operations tools, including its BSP-licensed Parlon Pay system. The platform is expanding regionally.

Parlon is funded by WIP Global Ventures and A2D Ventures, among other investors.

Tenext.ai

Tenext.ai develops an AI customer experience platform that unifies voice, chat, email agents, and an agent copilot. It provides context-aware support across channels for sectors such as finance, logistics, and government, with a focus on multilingual capabilities and enterprise compliance.

Serbiz

Serbiz is an AI-enabled gig marketplace where users can either earn from micro-jobs or outsource tasks. The platform recommends work opportunities based on local demand and uses dual AI models to match users, support skills discovery, and enable income progression.

Britana

Britana offers a customisable ERP system designed to be affordable and quickly deployable. Its no-code configuration tools let businesses adapt workflows without heavy development work, enabling faster implementations compared to traditional enterprise software.

ChatGenie

ChatGenie offers an AI-powered customer support platform designed around a multi-agent framework, aiming to minimise errors and ensure safe, accurate responses. Its specialised agents handle intent detection, content filtering, response generation, and oversight to deliver more reliable automated support.

Sprout Solutions

Sprout Solutions delivers HR and payroll software tailored for Philippine companies. Its platform automates timekeeping, attendance, payroll processing, and compliance—replacing manual systems with biometrics and data-driven workflows to reduce administrative load.

Sprout Solutions is backed by VC Kickstart Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, and Beenext.

MAYANI

MAYANI runs a B2B agriculture supply chain platform that links smallholder farmers and fisherfolk to institutional buyers. It supports producers by providing access to markets, farm inputs, and financing, with a focus on enhancing rural livelihoods and climate resilience.

In July this year, Mayani secured a philanthropic grant from HSBC Philippines.

Also Read: What Echelon Philippines taught me about building real moats in 2025

1Export

1Export helps Philippine MSMEs enter global markets by assisting with compliance, documentation, labelling, logistics, and order facilitation. It matches local products with international demand and supports businesses in meeting export standards across key markets, including the US, the Middle East, and Asia.

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