The global trade landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. The imposition of substantial tariffs, such as the US’s 145 per cent levy on Chinese imports, has led to a significant decline in US-China trade volumes, with container shipments plunging by up to 40 per cent in April 2025.

This disruption has accelerated the diversification of supply chains, positioning Southeast Asia (SEA) as a pivotal player in global logistics.

Trade: From complexity to clarity

The acronym TRADE today feels heavy. It could easily stand for:

• Tariffs
• Retaliation
• America-first policies
• Deficits
• Export controls

This version of Trade reflects a zero-sum mindset. It’s transactional, reactive, and often exclusionary. But what if we could reframe Trade to represent a more hopeful, collaborative, and future-ready paradigm?

Let’s consider a new framing:

• Trust: Confidence in secure and fair trade
• Resilience/RCEP: Shock-proof supply chains and regional unity
• Agility: Rapid response to change and disruption
• Digitisation: Seamless, data-driven, paperless trade
• Empowerment: Using trade as a lever for economic inclusion and growth

This new interpretation underscores how the ASEAN region can lead global efforts in rebuilding the fractured scaffolding of trade—from fragmentation to federation, from defensiveness to design.

Also Read: How is the UK-US trade deal shaping cryptocurrency and stock market trends?

The six flows of supply chains, a new operating system

To effectively rethink trade, we must move beyond viewing it solely through the lens of physical goods. Today’s global supply chains are governed by six interrelated flows:

• Product/cargo flow: the traditional movement of goods.
• Data flow: critical for real-time visibility, regulatory compliance, and automation.
• Money flow: financing, payments, and risk mitigation.
• Value flow: tracking where value is created and captured across the chain.
• Risk flow: mapping geopolitical, cyber, and climate-related disruptions.
• Carbon flow: understanding the emissions footprint of each logistical leg.

Any attempt to strengthen ASEAN’s trade posture must acknowledge these six flows. Digitalisation, especially, underpins them all—without interoperable data systems, secure cross-border documentation, and smart contracts, trade slows and trust erodes.

This is where Southeast Asia must distinguish itself—not just with competitive pricing and infrastructure, but with digitally harmonised, data-driven, and climate-conscious logistics ecosystems.

Technology: The enabler of agility and resilience

In navigating this complex trade environment, technology has become the single most important enabler of supply chain agility and resilience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and cloud-based platforms are empowering companies to rewire their operations, increasing visibility and responsiveness across global networks. Predictive analytics allow businesses to anticipate disruptions, optimise routing, and manage inventory dynamically.

IoT enables real-time tracking of goods, enhancing control and quality assurance. Meanwhile, blockchain provides a secure and immutable digital ledger, which helps build transparency and trust across suppliers, logistics providers, and regulators.

Importantly, digital tools are not just about optimisation—they’re about resilience. They allow Southeast Asian economies to manage complex interdependencies, improve compliance, and reduce manual friction in customs, trade documentation, and multi-party coordination.

The China+1 strategy and Southeast Asia’s critical role

The China+1 strategy is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a survival tactic. In a world defined by trade unpredictability and geopolitical rivalry, multinational companies have accelerated efforts to diversify their supply chains beyond China, creating multiple production and sourcing bases to hedge against concentration risks.

Southeast Asia has risen to the top of the list. Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia offer competitive labor costs, improving infrastructure, and a growing base of skilled workers. In addition, many of these countries are part of trade-friendly frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), offering broader market access and policy stability.

Also Read: Navigating market volatility: Bitcoin Hits US$99K, US stocks rally amid trade talks and fed decisions

Yet diversification comes with its own complexities. Take Vietnam, for example. While it has been a top beneficiary of diverted investment flows, the country is also vulnerable to tariff fallout as its own exports come under scrutiny for Chinese-origin components.

Recent studies have warned of potential GDP impacts of up to six per cent for some ASEAN economies, underscoring that supply chain relocation is not a zero-sum game—it requires deeper structural readiness.

The opportunity for Southeast Asia lies not just in being a substitute manufacturing base, but in positioning itself as a regional value-added hub, deeply integrated and digitally enabled.

ASEAN’s path forward: From buffer zone to builder zone

The solution doesn’t lie in isolation or duplication, but in regional coordination. ASEAN economies must strengthen their collective response—not just at the diplomatic level but through aligned investment in trade tech infrastructure, logistics corridors, and digital trust ecosystems.

Public-private partnerships should be encouraged, particularly in building digital ports, trusted e-commerce zones, bonded warehouses, and intelligent trade corridors. The ASEAN Smart Logistics Network, already in motion, could benefit from integrating a digital trust overlay—making goods traceable not just physically but across ownership and compliance checkpoints.

Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) can play a catalytic role here, funding not just infrastructure but the digital public goods needed for smart, secure, and inclusive trade ecosystems.

Singapore: A trusted trade and supply chain hub

Singapore stands as a case study of how small economies can punch above their weight by combining physical logistics excellence with digital trust infrastructure. Ranked first in the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index, Singapore leads in infrastructure, customs efficiency, and international shipments.

But it’s the integration of digital trade enablers—like AI-driven port systems, just-in-time customs clearances, and partnerships with industry on traceability platforms—that has turned Singapore from a transshipment giant into a trusted trade & supply chain hub.

Rather than merely promoting pilot solutions, Singapore scales innovation through collaborations. The Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), for instance, accelerates industry R&D and commercialisation in supply chain solutions. At the same time, national initiatives like SBF’s COFTI (Center of Future Trade & Investment) exemplify Singapore’s push to shape the future of digitally enabled, rules-based trade.

Singapore is increasingly functioning as a “control tower”—orchestrating flows of data, money, value, risks, and carbon remotely—while physical goods may bypass Singapore entirely. This positions the country as a leading offshore and wholesale trade node, anchoring trust and governance in global trade networks.

Increasingly, regional players like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are also looking to such digital models, adapting them to local contexts while striving to create more trustworthy and connected ecosystems.

Also Read: Book Excerpt: Why successful fundraising begins with understanding your company’s needs

TTTT: Trade, transport, technology, and trust – A new framework for the region

To thrive in today’s volatile trade environment, Southeast Asia must adopt a new paradigm—TTTT: Trade, transport, technology, and trust.

• Trade: Southeast Asia must go beyond traditional FTAs and focus on digital trade enablement. Simplifying origin rules, integrating regulatory tech (RegTech), and enabling real-time compliance checks will be critical to stay competitive.

• Transport: Multimodal logistics corridors—from dry ports in Vietnam to high-speed cross-border rail between Laos and China—need better integration. Investment in inland connectivity, last-mile digitisation, and cross-border logistics data exchange will ensure that physical goods keep flowing seamlessly.

• Technology: Smart warehousing, AI-based forecasting, and end-to-end supply chain digitisation must become the norm. Governments should facilitate SME onboarding onto digital platforms and fund sandboxing and cross-border pilots for logistics tech and supply chain visibility tools.

• Trust: This is the newest and arguably most important dimension. Whether it’s trust in origin, compliance, data integrity, or contractual execution, digital trust is the currency of modern trade.

Platforms that ensure tamper-proof documentation, trade authentication, and traceability—such as digital certificate exchanges or secure interoperability frameworks—will be essential.

While early-stage efforts like the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s TradeTrust have laid a foundation, the region now needs interoperable frameworks that allow for shared, verifiable, and cross-certified trade data between countries and across private sector systems.

Conclusion: From shock to strategy

The US tariffs are not just a policy shock—they are a wake-up call. Southeast Asia must now take strategic ownership of its position in the global supply chain map.

By embracing the TTTT framework—Trade, transport, technology, and trust, recognising the six flows of supply chains, and reframing Trade as a tool for inclusion and empowerment, the region can shift from a reactive to a resilient trade powerhouse.

More than just a manufacturing alternative to China, Southeast Asia can emerge as a trusted, technologically empowered, and interconnected supply chain hub—a cornerstone of tomorrow’s global trade system.

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The world’s bracing for a slowdown.

US tariffs on Chinese imports have surged to historic highs — the average rate now sits at 22.5 per cent, the highest in over a century. New levies of up to 145 per cent are hitting everything from electronics to everyday consumer goods.

The result? Panic.

US$6.6 trillion in global market value was wiped out in just two days. Bloomberg called it a “market meltdown.” The Straits Times put it bluntly: “a tariff nightmare.”

Economists now warn of a possible U.S. recession, with up to 2 million jobs at risk. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers estimates average household income could fall by as much as US$5,000 if escalation continues.

And yet, in the thick of all this chaos, a Singapore startup is quietly thriving.

Not because it’s chasing hype. But because it’s doing the exact opposite.

The startup that chose the road less scalable

While the rest of the tech ecosystem is busy spinning up AI agents, launching crypto loyalty tokens, or building the next vertical SaaS for pets — NNIO decided to make… fans.

Not smart fans. Not WiFi-enabled fans. Just really good ones.

Fans. Vacuum cleaners. Shower heaters. Air fryers. That’s the NNIO playbook.

It’s not the kind of business you’d expect to see in a pitch deck. But that’s precisely what makes it work.

Also Read: Bitcoin, S&P 500, Nasdaq surge amid strong manufacturing data and trade hopes

Designing for real life, not demo day

NNIO was co-founded by Beng Kwee (BK) Tan, an industry veteran with over three decades in the appliance sector. He’s seen all the waves: smart homes, IoT, app-integrated everything.

But here’s what stuck:

“Most people don’t want to download an app to turn on their fan,” BK says. “They just want something reliable, affordable, and decent looking in their home.”

That insight is at the heart of NNIO’s product philosophy: strip away the fluff, double down on what matters. No bloated feature sets. No app-for-the-sake-of-an-app integrations. Just minimal, essential functionality – built to work, and built to last.

It’s product line reflects that approach. Branded under four categories:

• Air circulators and fans (A-Cool+)
• Cordless vacuum cleaners ( V-Clean+)
• Cooking appliances (C-Tasty+)
• Shower heaters (S-Refresh+)

Also Read: Advanced safety solutions: Supporting, not replacing, human oversight in manufacturing

Designed for performance and priced for accessibility, these products have seen strong traction across Singapore, particularly among value-conscious consumers seeking practical innovation over flash.

Betting on what doesn’t break

Unlike the blitzscale-at-all-costs playbook, NNIO took a different route.

With a strong anchor, a focus on operational discipline, and smart distribution through both modern retail and e-commerce, the company stayed lean. There’s no sky-high valuation to defend, no PR hype cycle to chase.

Just real customers. Buying real products. Month after month.

Here’s the thing about home appliances: they don’t go viral. But they do get bought, especially when budgets tighten.

The global household appliance market is massive, projected to hit US$1.11 trillion by 2032. But beyond size, its resilience is what stands out. People still need to cook, clean, and stay cool — regardless of funding slowdowns or inflation.

In downturns, essentials outperform. And that’s where NNIO quietly wins.

“Boring sells — especially when the economy doesn’t.”

The moat you didn’t see coming

While hype-driven startups are burning cash to justify sky-high growth, NNIO is building something harder to replicate: a defensible niche grounded in habit and necessity.

It’s not trying to “disrupt” your home. It’s just trying to make it more liveable: affordably, reliably, and without friction.

In an era where tech is increasingly defined by noise, simplicity might just be the sharpest edge.

And in a time of economic uncertainty, that kind of boring might just be brilliant.

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Artificial Intelligence has quickly become part of our daily routines. Whether it’s asking ChatGPT for travel recommendations, using AI to polish an email, or letting GitHub Copilot suggest lines of code, we’ve reached the point where AI feels almost invisible; it’s just there, helping us get things done faster.

But here’s the catch: in all the excitement, many people are overlooking a serious issue. Is the AI we rely on actually secure?

When convenience meets risk

Let’s take a common example. A developer runs into a tricky bug and pastes part of the company’s source code into ChatGPT or Copilot for help. Within seconds, the AI proposes a neat fix. Problem solved, right?

Not so fast.

• What happens to that code once it’s pasted into an AI tool?
• Is it stored somewhere outside the company’s control?
• Could it resurface in another response for a completely different user?
• And most importantly: how do we know the “fixed” code doesn’t contain hidden security flaws?

That single copy-paste could become a doorway for data leaks or application vulnerabilities, risks that are often invisible until it’s too late.

Companies are already waking up

This isn’t just theory. Some organisations have already moved to block risky AI use. For example, Skyhigh introduced policies to stop employees from pasting sensitive information into ChatGPT. Why? Because they recognised that what feels like an innocent productivity hack could lead to intellectual property leaks, compliance violations, or even open the door to cyberattacks.

The message is clear: AI tools are powerful, but they’re not risk-free.

Also Read: Cybersecurity in the AI age: How startups can stay ahead

The security blind spot

AI is incredibly good at giving quick answers. But it doesn’t guarantee those answers are safe. In fact, AI-generated code might:

• Introduce insecure patterns that developers don’t notice.
• Reuse snippets that contain outdated or vulnerable logic.
• Skip context-specific security checks that your team would normally apply.

This is the “blind spot”: people trust AI’s speed and convenience but rarely question its security implications.

Security for AI, security with AI

So, what’s the way forward? It’s not about avoiding AI altogether. That’s unrealistic, AI is here to stay. The real answer is building guardrails:

• Set clear policies: Define what data employees can and cannot share with AI tools.
• Educate teams: Make sure developers understand the risks of pasting code into public platforms.
• Double-check AI output: Treat AI suggestions as drafts, not production-ready fixes.
• Use AI securely: When possible, adopt enterprise AI solutions that offer stronger data privacy and security controls.

Think of it like this: AI can be your co-pilot, but you still need a seatbelt and traffic rules.

Final thoughts

AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are transforming how we work, but they also introduce a new category of risks that organisations can’t afford to ignore. The next time you’re about to paste something into an AI tool, pause and ask:

Would I be comfortable if this information appeared outside my company?
Do I trust this code is not just functional but secure?

AI is smart, but staying secure requires us to be smarter.

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In the face of unprecedented challenges, neighbourhood merchants have proven themselves to be the backbone of our economy. These small but mighty businesses have consistently ensured that we have access to food, daily needs, and essential supplies, even when the world around us came to a standstill.

During times of unrest, such as the current situation in Bangladesh, the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other crisis, these retail heroes have remained active, stepping up to support our daily lives.

The retail sector in Bangladesh, particularly the retailer and small shop ecosystem, holds immense societal and economic significance. According to reports, a staggering 97 per cent of consumption in Bangladesh occurs through small retailers, marking the highest consumption in South Asia through this channel.

These small shops are not just points of transaction; they embody trust and familiarity, often providing credit options and accommodating the preferences of their customers. They are deeply intertwined with the community, driving local employment and economic growth. Supporting and enhancing the operations of these small retailers is not just an economic imperative; it’s a recognition of their vital role in shaping both livelihoods and communities.

With an estimated market size of US$200 billion, the retail sector is a substantial contributor to our growing economy. In fact, Bangladesh boasts one of the fastest-growing economies globally, heavily driven by consumption, with over 70 per cent of GDP attributed to this sector and 47 per cent specifically tied to retail.

However, more than 95 per cent of the retail market remains fragmented. This substantial fragmentation creates inefficiencies, hampering the distribution chain and presenting a significant opportunity for tech-enabled players to effect notable disruptions. Addressing these inefficiencies and streamlining the value chain could result in a remarkable increase, projecting a market worth approximately US$280 billion by 2025.

During the recent unrest, when the government allowed a few hours for people to purchase essentials, we at PriyoShop worked tirelessly to maintain a seamless supply chain for these vital shops. Our efforts were centred around ensuring the availability of essential items like rice, lentils, flour, salt, sugar, and cooking oil, always prioritising safety measures to protect both our team and the community. It was a monumental task, but one that was crucial for the well-being of our neighbourhoods.

Also Read: How PriyoShop is revolutionising the B2B procurement process

Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t make it all happen digitally in areas with disconnected internet connectivity. However, the team at PriyoShop worked diligently to ensure the smooth functioning of the supply chain as much as we could.

Being part of this effort during such times has been incredibly humbling. It has highlighted the resilience and dedication of our neighbourhood merchants and reinforced the importance of a strong and reliable supply chain in maintaining community stability. Our team at PriyoShop has always been committed to empowering these micro-merchants, and this period truly tested and proved our mission.

We didn’t just see this as a responsibility; we saw it as a vital contribution to our communities. By ensuring that essential supplies reached every corner, we helped maintain a sense of normalcy and security for countless families. It was a powerful reminder of how interconnected we all are and how critical these small businesses are to the fabric of our society.

However, the retail ecosystem in Bangladesh faces critical challenges, notably in sourcing, logistics, and financing. Small retailers struggle with sourcing quality products at reasonable prices, efficient logistics to reach customers, and adequate financing to sustain and expand their businesses.

Also Read: Accelerating Asia, Iterative back B2B retail marketplace PriyoShop’s US$5M round

Our nation’s strategic focus on Vision 2021 to attain middle-income status has spurred economic growth, with expectations of reaching a trillion-dollar economy by 2041. To realise this vision, addressing these challenges is essential.

I am incredibly proud to have been part of this contribution during such critical times. It’s moments like these that underscore the importance of our work and the profound impact it has on our community. As we move forward, PriyoShop remains dedicated to supporting and empowering neighbourhood merchants, ensuring that they continue to thrive and serve their communities.

Neighbourhood merchants are not just businesses; they are the lifeblood of our communities. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment during times of crisis deserve our deepest gratitude and continued support. Let us celebrate these unsung heroes and recognise the invaluable role they play in our lives every day.

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A recent report shared that investing in proper waste management and recycling solutions in Southeast Asia and India could cut emissions by 229 million metric tonnes by 2030. That is the equivalent of shutting down 61 coal-fired power plants.

Waste management and recycling are critical in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy – especially in this region. As per another report, back in in 2021 Asia was the largest waste-producing continent on Earth. By 2025, it is estimated that 1.8 billion tonnes will be generated by urban cities alone in Asia.

In today’s world of relentless innovation, technology providers have a pivotal role to play in leading the charge toward sustainability, both in their scale and as a catalyst for industry-wide transformation toward a more sustainable future.

A circular approach

As the World Economic Forum once shared, it is challenging for companies alone to change the whole of society. The main reason stems from how many products are not being designed to be recycled. The solution is material innovation, which involves finding novel ways to consciously select and integrate sustainable materials into products and packaging.

This is a fundamental aspect of any sustainability strategy. Circularity in materials is essential, and so is “responsible chemistry” in using sustainable materials, meaning the evaluation of materials that don’t create a burden at the recycling stage. By embracing circular materials, we not only reduce a product’s environmental footprint, but when we scale up the use of those materials, we also cultivate new markets for sustainable alternatives.

Recycling ‘ocean-bound plastics’ (OBPs) — defined as “plastic waste at risk of ending up in the ocean” — is one way we can address the waste challenge. By using it as a key material in creating products and packaging, we can incorporate circularity into the lifecycles wherever possible. For example, products such as the Latitude 5000 series feature 28 per cent ocean-bound plastic in the fan housing and packaging, such as EcoLoop carrying cases, to name a few.

Partnering for purpose

But change cannot happen in silos — that is why the ecosystem approach to sustainability is crucial. Partnerships form the backbone of a thriving ecosystem, and this holds true especially when triggering a “change” reaction that ripples through the entire supply chain to ultimately foster economic growth and support communities.

Also Read: The circular economy as the next frontier for Asia’s innovators

An example of how the ecosystem kickstarts a cycle is Dell’s Asset Recovery Services — Dell’s partners from South Asia and emerging markets are making active efforts to utilise their abilities to resell, recycle or return to lease excess hardware in a responsible, secure and environmentally conscious manner.

The network has also allowed us to spearhead local initiatives in certain markets, such as a nationwide ongoing e-waste collection campaign in Singapore. The initiative utilises a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) van to facilitate easy recycling or retirement of computer technology and IT equipment for all stakeholders — employees, customers, partners, etc.

When it came to incorporating recycled OBPs into products and packaging, Dell saw an opportunity to spearhead a supply chain. Plastics break down in water, and the material must be intercepted before it enters the ocean. Embarking on this journey meant starting at the beginning — prioritising building a commercially viable and scalable supply chain to intercept OBPs.

This is especially meaningful in Asia, where the plastics pollution problem is dire due to a discrepancy between recycling capacity, waste imports and generation. Collaborating with suppliers like Polindo Utama in Indonesia helps us understand the recycled ocean-bound plastics supply chain at the market level.

Additionally, this partnership acts as a model for expanding the NextWave Plastics consortium into other critical markets and growing the collective reach and impact as a community of concerned companies. The consortium now spans 21 countries, including Indonesia, Haiti and the Philippines. As of the end of 2022, the consortium diverted the equivalent of over 2.27 billion water bottles from entering oceans and waterways.

Creating a ripple effect on material innovation

Forward-thinking companies are wielding material innovation as a scalpel, meticulously dissecting the traditional, linear product lifecycle and crafting a circular one. The ocean-bound plastics movement serves as a potent case study, not just for its environmental impact but for its ability to ignite a chain reaction of positive change throughout the supply chain.

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A scene familiar to many Singaporeans: you have at least three browser tabs open on your computer. One is on the Housing & Development Board (HDB) website, another is on the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) website, and the third is on a property portal. You’re juggling data points, cross-referencing floor plans, and trying to make sense of conflicting information, all in an attempt to figure out what a home is really worth.

In a country that prides itself on the Smart Nation initiative, which aims to leverage technology to improve the lives of its citizens, this manual, fragmented process for buying or renting a home, feels jarringly out of place. Why hasn’t real estate kept up?

The property portal problem: A decade behind

Singapore’s major property portals were built for a different time. A time when the internet was primarily a place for classified ads. Their design reflects this legacy, focusing on listing advertisements rather than empowering users to complete a transaction. The core assumption behind this model is that buyers are passive browsers and sellers require a paid listing to gain visibility.

This “pay-to-play” model creates a system where visibility is tied to ad spend, not the quality or relevance of the listing. As a result, agents are often disempowered, forced to compete in a crowded, expensive digital space, while consumers struggle with information asymmetry and a lack of transparency.

This outdated approach leaves both buyers and renters in a state of confusion. They are forced to rely on agents for information that is often publicly available from sources like HDB or URA, but difficult to piece together. This reliance can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary fees. Duplicate listings are common, and the process of booking viewings, making offers, or negotiating is often handled offline, creating a frustrating and opaque experience.

Also Read: Smart nation, smart homes: How Singapore’s proptech ecosystem is redefining urban living

A smarter, simpler alternative

A new wave of property technology, or “proptech,” startups is changing this paradigm. Instead of building another listing site, they are creating platforms that bring every step of the real estate journey into one unified digital space. These services act as a “copilot,” not just for buyers and sellers, but for agents as well. Kucing, for example, is a key player in this new space.

These platforms are built on the principle of active decision-making. They don’t just show you a list of properties; they provide integrated tools that empower you to act on insights. For example, a platform might offer interactive price maps that instantly show transaction data from sources like HDB and URA, in-app viewing bookings that sync with both the buyer’s and seller’s calendars, and a direct chat feature for secure negotiations.

Key to this approach is the integration with government services like IRAS, SLA, SingPass and CPF. By using Singpass to verify identity, these platforms build a layer of trust and security that is currently missing from the market. This integration also allows for a seamless experience, where users can see exactly how much of their CPF they can use for a property purchase or calculate their monthly mortgage payments based on real-time data. This public-private partnership creates a user experience that meets the high expectations Singaporeans have for digital services.

While a platform like Kucing is a prime example of this evolution, it’s part of a broader trend where technology is enabling smarter tools and greater transparency in property transactions. The successful facilitation of a S$2.1 million resale transaction on its app demonstrates that this integrated approach is not just a concept, but a viable and effective model for modernizing the property market.

The future of property tech: A call to action

Modernising Singapore’s property market isn’t about radical disruption; it’s about reimagining the digital infrastructure. Proptechs and regulators have a unique opportunity to collaborate and treat property technology as essential digital infrastructure, not just a platform for classifieds. This means moving beyond a simple list of homes for sale and creating an ecosystem where all the necessary pieces are connected.

The pieces to solve the Property Portal Problem already exist. The data is available, the technology is mature, and the demand for a better experience is clear. It’s simply a matter of connecting them in a smarter, more cohesive way. The question is, are we ready to build that future?

Also Read: Vietnam’s proptech startup WeSale bags seed capital from Hitseries Capital

Building the future of real estate, together

Singapore has all the ingredients to lead the next chapter of property innovation: rich data, a digitally literate population, and a government committed to technological advancement. But our property market is still operating on outdated assumptions and fragmented systems. The opportunity before us is not just to make buying or renting a home more convenient, but to redefine the entire real estate experience—simpler, smarter, and more transparent for everyone.

Proptech platforms like to show that this future isn’t hypothetical but it’s already here. What’s needed now is bold collaboration: between startups and regulators, data holders and developers, agents and end-users. If we treat property technology as critical infrastructure rather than just another marketplace, we can finally close the gap between aspiration and reality.

It’s time to move beyond listings. Let’s build a real estate ecosystem that actually works, for the people who live in it.

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AI adoption among consumers is evolving, moving towards more sophisticated and knowledge-intensive applications, per a new analysis from the Anthropic Economic Index. Over eight months leading up to August 2025, usage patterns on Claude.ai have shown notable changes accompanying improvements in underlying model capabilities.

While computer and mathematical tasks still dominate overall usage at 36 per cent, there is sustained growth in knowledge-intensive fields. Educational instruction and library tasks surged from 9 per cent to 12 per cent of sampled conversations. Similarly, life, physical, and social science tasks increased from 6 per cent to 7 per cent.

Also Read: Anthropic index shows AI boom risks widening global inequality

This divergence suggests that AI usage is diffusing especially quickly among tasks involving knowledge synthesis and explanation, potentially because these tasks benefit more from Claude’s reasoning capabilities.

Programme creation overtakes debugging

A key insight into the growing reliability of AI models is seen within the dominant coding category. Tasks related to creating new code more than doubled, increasing by 4.5 percentage points (from 4.1 per cent to 8.6 per cent).

Concurrently, debugging and error correction tasks fell by 2.8 percentage points (from 16.1 per cent to 13.3 per cent). This net shift towards creation over fixing code suggests that models have become increasingly reliable, enabling users to accomplish more of their goals in a single exchange and spend less time fixing problems.

User confidence drives directive automation

The collaboration style between users and Claude is also shifting dramatically. The share of “directive” conversations, where users delegate complete tasks to Claude with minimal back-and-forth, jumped from 27 per cent to 39 per cent.

Also Read: Anthropic data shows businesses use AI to automate, not collaborate

This surge came primarily at the expense of “task iteration” and “learning” interactions. In this report iteration (V3), automation usage (now 49 per cent) has surpassed augmentation usage (45 per cent) for the first time. This shift signals growing user confidence in the AI’s ability to complete high-quality outputs on the first attempt, a form of learning-by-doing.

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Not long ago, I was speaking with an entrepreneur and the founder of a promising startup. She had about US$200,000 sitting in her bank, earning 0.1 per cent a year – and was contemplating taking on expensive debt to fund crucial hires and keep the lights on. This is a common refrain I’ve heard too often — founders taking on costly debt while their own capital sits idle, when better treasury tools could have made it work harder.

Today’s entrepreneurs are some of the sharpest people I know: obsessive about burn rates and relentless in negotiating contracts and payment terms down to the last cent. Yet when it comes to idle cash, they are often left with outdated solutions that quietly eat away at their runway.

The contradiction is alarming. We celebrate entrepreneurship as the engine of growth, but the financial system penalises the very people driving it. Having faced the same impossible financial trade-offs, I know first-hand that traditional investment solutions from financial institutions aren’t designed for early-stage startups that need both growth and flexibility.

Professional money market funds demand million-dollar minimums. Meanwhile, Investment platforms require capital lockups that entirely overlook the volatility of small business cash flow, especially in sectors where seasonal fluctuations can make or break a business. Onboarding often presumes a dedicated finance team that can wade through complex documentation. For early-stage companies, where cash needs can swing overnight, none of this fits.

And the costs are real. Research suggests SMEs in Singapore alone lose SG$800 million (US$584 million) annually in foregone interest — capital that could support hiring, marketing or keeping businesses alive long enough to scale. Aspire’s own data shows that 55 per cent of funds sit idle in low-yield accounts, generating negligible returns.

Also Read: How technology has revolutionised operational efficiency in consumer finance

The good news is that we are starting to see a mindset shift. Financial technology — from automated cash management to sophisticated treasury tools designed specifically for smaller businesses — is beginning to address some of these long-standing pain points. Progressive financial institutions, too, are recognising the opportunity and are increasingly partnering with fintechs to serve small businesses and startups.

But tools alone are not enough. Founders must demand more: research alternatives, challenge traditional banking relationships, and adopt solutions that turn cash from a static asset into a legitimate growth engine. Every month delayed is money left on the table.

Through my own experience, and hundreds of conversations with successful business owners, I’ve found that what early-stage companies really need is often very different to what’s assumed. Here are the themes that emerge most consistently:

• Liquidity: Given a choice, founders will always choose flexibility over a slightly higher return. Earning 3–4 per cent with next-day access is far more valuable than six per cent locked up for months. When a crucial hire appears or a competitor is suddenly in play, capital needs to be available immediately.
• Simplicity: Startups don’t have treasury departments — they have founders splitting time between customer meetings and product sprints. Managing money across multiple accounts is tedious and distracting – so find the most useful solution that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows to free up your time.
• Transparency: In the fast-moving startup world, businesses need real-time insights into their cash position so they can pivot quickly when conditions change. Solutions that create administrative overhead or obscure risks do more harm than good.
• Risk management: Founders can’t afford to gamble with working capital, neither can they let inflation quietly drain resources. What they need is risk management that protects capital without the institutional-scale complexity that weighs down legacy businesses.

Also Read: Why embedded finance is critical to Southeast Asia’s digital future

The past seven years as a founder have been the most rewarding and nerve-wracking time of my life. If there’s one personal lesson I can leave you with, it’s this: cash management will never be as exciting as raising a new round, but it is often the more decisive factor in whether a business survives long enough to raise the next one.

The founders who recognise this — and demand better tools to put their capital to work — will give themselves a longer runway, greater resilience, and more freedom to seize the opportunities that matter.

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

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We took a hit from recent economic data that stirred up doubts about the timing of interest rate cuts. Investors faced a mix of signals from the US economy, which showed strength in some areas but left questions about inflation and labour trends. The Labour Department noted that initial jobless claims fell by 14,000 to 218,000 for the week ending September 20, beating what analysts expected.

At the same time, revised figures indicated the economy expanded at a 3.8 per cent pace in the second quarter, up from the earlier estimate of 3.3 per cent, thanks to robust consumer spending and business investments. These numbers painted a picture of resilience, yet they prompted traders to dial back bets on quick rate reductions.

The odds of a cut in December dropped by 20 per cent, and for January 2026, they fell by 30 per cent. Attention now turns to the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index set for release on Friday, which investors see as a key gauge for the Federal Reserve’s next moves on rates.

Wall Street pulls back as yields climb

Wall Street extended its slide for a third day on Thursday, with the Dow Jones dipping 0.38 per cent, the S&P 500 losing 0.50 per cent, and the Nasdaq also down 0.50 per cent. Fading hopes for imminent rate cuts fuelled the pullback, as participants adjusted portfolios amid the uncertainty.

Treasury yields climbed, reflecting expectations of rates staying higher for longer. The 10-year yield added 2.3 basis points to close at 4.170 per cent, while the two-year yield jumped 5.1 basis points to 3.655 per cent. The dollar strengthened, with its index rising 0.69 per cent to 98.553, bolstered by the solid economic readings.

Gold edged up 0.4 per cent to US$3,749.44 per ounce, drawing support from increased physical demand despite the dollar’s gain. Brent crude oil ticked higher by 0.2 per cent to US$69.42 per barrel, holding steady amid global energy flows.

Asian stocks closed mixed on Thursday due to some profit-taking, and they showed varied performance in early Friday trading. Futures pointed to a lower open for US equities, suggesting the cautious mood would carry over.

Crypto market hit by liquidations

The cryptocurrency market endured a sharp 3.01 per cent drop over the past 24 hours, building on a 7.22 per cent decline over the last week. Several factors converged to drive this downturn, including wavering Federal Reserve signals, massive liquidations totalling US$1.5 billion, and breakdowns in key technical levels.

The Fed’s initial rate cut on September 17 sparked a brief rally, but Chair Powell’s comments on September 24 about potential labour risks and persistent inflation flipped the script, leading to risk-averse behaviour across assets. Traders currently assign a 91.9 per cent probability to another cut in October, according to Bitget News, but the crypto sector’s growing tie to traditional markets amplified the fallout.

Its correlation with the Nasdaq-100 reached +0.65 over the last day, making digital assets particularly exposed to broader economic jitters. This setup left crypto in a vulnerable spot, as participants weighed whether monetary easing could counter slowdown fears.

Also Read: Professionalised crypto crime: 2025 becomes third-worst year on record

Leverage and technical weakness amplify the sell-off

Liquidations added fuel to the fire, with US$1.5 billion wiped out between September 22 and 24, marking the biggest such event since December 2024. Assets like Solana, down 6.2 per cent, NEAR, off 8.5 per cent, and memecoins such as Aster, plunging 23 per cent, bore the brunt as long positions unraveled.

Open interest climbed 9.05 per cent in the last 24 hours, hinting at excessive leverage that backfired. In thinner markets for altcoins, these forced sales created a vicious cycle, pushing prices lower and triggering more exits. Technically, the overall crypto market capitalisation slipped below its seven-day simple moving average of US$3.89 trillion and the pivotal US$3.76 trillion mark.

The 14-day relative strength index hit 26.5, indicating oversold territory, though without signs of bullish divergence to suggest a turnaround yet. Algorithmic trading and institutional players likely sped up the sell-off once supports gave way, hitting high-volatility coins hardest.

The bigger picture: Macro links and market fragility

From my personal view, this episode highlights how tightly intertwined crypto has become with macroeconomic forces, a shift that brings both opportunities and pitfalls. A strong US economy, as evidenced by the jobless claims and GDP revisions, should theoretically support risk assets over time, but the immediate reaction underscores a market fixated on short-term Fed cues.

Crypto’s evolution from a niche alternative to a correlated play on tech and growth means it amplifies Nasdaq moves, which works well in bull runs but exposes it during pullbacks. The liquidations reveal ongoing issues with leverage in derivatives, where euphoria builds positions that crumble under pressure, often dragging spot prices down.

Technically, the oversold readings offer a glimmer of hope for a rebound, especially if Bitcoin holds its ground above US$97,000 to US$104,000, aligning with its 200-day and 365-day moving averages. Bitcoin dominance at 58.16 per cent suggests it could lead any recovery, potentially allowing altcoins to catch up if macro fears ease.

Also Read: The great divergence: How US inflation, jobless claims, and crypto charts are clashing ahead of the Fed’s big decision

What comes next: Data to watch

Looking ahead, the Personal Consumption Expenditures data on Friday could pivot sentiment if it shows cooling inflation, reopening the door for cuts. Upcoming PMI figures and further jobless claims will test whether the labor market’s strength persists or softens, influencing risk appetite.

In crypto, eyes remain on Bitcoin’s US$100,000 threshold and Ethereum’s US$3,400 level, as breaks lower might spark another liquidation spiral. If altcoins manage to break from Bitcoin’s lead, it could signal a maturing market less dependent on the flagship asset.

Overall, the current fragility stems from this confluence of doubts, deleveraging, and chart failures, but history shows such dips often precede bounces when fundamentals align. Investors would do well to stay vigilant on Fed communications and monitor for stabilisation signs, as the path forward depends on balancing economic vigour with policy support.

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

The post Dow, Nasdaq, and crypto all slip as treasury yields climb on delayed cut bets appeared first on e27.

Artificial Intelligence has entered the workforce at a pace unseen in past technological shifts. However, the latest findings from the Anthropic Economic Index make clear that its benefits are not equally distributed.

Singapore, long a leader in tech adoption, stands out with an AI Usage Index of 4.57, reflecting its skilled workforce, strong digital infrastructure, and supportive policy landscape. This puts it ahead of many advanced economies, underscoring its role as a global AI hub.

Yet, the same data highlights a troubling imbalance. Despite their demographic weight and entrepreneurial energy, emerging economies such as Indonesia, India, and Nigeria are far behind on a per capita basis.

The correlation with income and infrastructure is unsurprising, but the implications are significant. The divide between rich and developing nations may widen if AI-powered productivity gains accrue disproportionately to high-adoption economies.

The narrative of technology as a great equaliser is under threat. Instead, AI risks accelerating divergence, locking structural disadvantages for lower-income economies.

For Southeast Asia, the challenge is clear: to expand digital infrastructure, invest in human capital, and create regulatory clarity that enables broader participation. Without this, AI’s promise of inclusive progress could give way to a new era of inequality.

REGIONAL

Singapore tops global AI hiring charts: One in six jobs now reference AI
The distribution of AI references highlights intense focus areas within the Singaporean economy | Roles in data & analytics led the adoption charge, featuring AI mentions in 57 per cent of postings | This was closely followed by roles in software development (39 per cent), scientific research (35 per cent), and industrial engineering (33 per cent).

Ayoconnect denies US$5M in alleged dubious transactions amid audit
The Jakarta-based fintech firm is undergoing an audit initiated by one of its investors, Mandiri Capital Indonesia (MCI) | Co-founder Chiragh Kirpalani says that the alleged dubious transactions are a “misunderstanding” and will be clarified once the audit is completed.

Professionalised crypto crime: 2025 becomes third-worst year on record
CryptoPresales.com reports that the number of crypto scams and thefts halved in 2025, yet total losses climbed to US$2.34B | This unprecedented loss figure is 35 per cent higher than the total recorded in 2024.

Stablecoins could unlock US$6.2T for ASEAN SMEs: Metacomp study
MetaComp’s whitepaper identifies five key inefficiencies, pointing out that daily global FX trading volumes exceed US$7.5T, yet blockchain-based settlements account for less than five per cent annually.

Coinbase, StraitsX set to launch XSGD stablecoin
This will allow users in Singapore and globally to access the Singapore dollar-pegged digital asset | StraitsX issues stablecoins including XSGD and XUSD | Coinbase said XSGD complies with the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s upcoming regulations for single-currency stablecoins.

Thunes’s sister company acquires eSIM platform operator
The company DT One has acquired Dent Telecom (now Tunz), an embedded telecom company with an eSIM platform | DT One is a Singapore-based provider of cross-border digital transfer services for businesses | Tunz enables users in over 140 countries to purchase mobile data and install eSIMs via an app.

SG’s Antares Ventures joins German startup’s US$7.55M funding round
enaDyne develops non-thermal plasma catalysis reactors that convert greenhouse gases into chemicals | The company aims to offer its technology to industries such as semiconductors, petrochemicals, and biogas, which face pressure to decarbonise.

TikTok Shop launches US$4.74M stimulus package to boost digital economy in Malaysia
Through its new #JomLokal Booster Stimulus Package, TikTok Shop will provide enhanced support for local MSMEs and homegrown products |
Participating MSMEs can utilise any of the TikTok Shop LIVE Hubs across Malaysia free-of-charge for up to ten sessions each (two hours per session).

Singapore Fashion Council backs Loom Carbon to tackle textile waste
Loom Carbon utilises a proprietary, science-led approach that adapts proven pyrolysis technology | Its modular pyrolysis system converts mixed discarded textiles into high-value circular materials | These resultant materials include bio black and renewable oil, which can then be utilised as low-carbon fuels or precursors for new textile production.

US payment firm Yuno opens SG hub, expands to China
The New York-headquartered company aims to simplify cross-border payments for merchants | The firm has also introduced NOVA, an AI-powered tool designed to help merchants recover failed payments via customer outreach on phone and WhatsApp.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Anthropic index shows AI boom risks widening global inequality
The stark disparity in AI adoption raises critical questions about global economic convergence | If the productivity gains afforded by AI concentrate in high-adoption economies like Singapore, current patterns suggest the benefits may accrue primarily to already-rich regions.

Anthropic data shows businesses use AI to automate, not collaborate
The data shows that 77 per cent of business API usage involves automation usage patterns, primarily full task delegation, where the AI completes a task with minimal back-and-forth | This is significantly higher than on the consumer-facing Claude.ai platform, where the split between automation and augmentation is nearly even, at approximately 50 per cent automation.

AI adoption evolves: Knowledge, confidence, and code creation soar
While computer and mathematical tasks still dominate overall usage at 36 per cent, there is sustained growth in knowledge-intensive fields | Educational instruction and library tasks surged from 9 per cent to 12 per cent of sampled conversations | Similarly, life, physical, and social science tasks increased from 6 per cent to 7 per cent.

EV adoption in the Philippines gains momentum, but challenges in financing and technicalities remain
Opportunities are emerging to accelerate the sector’s growth | One key measure is battery leasing, which lowers operators’ upfront costs | Battery leasing services should significantly reduce the upfront cost of vehicles, greatly pushing their market attractiveness.

INTERNATIONAL

Trump said to sign TikTok US deal on September 25
The agreement involves the divestment of TikTok’s US operations from ByteDance, its China-based parent company | Oracle and PE firm Silver Lake are among the investors in the deal | The White House previously said the arrangement will fulfil requirements set by a 2024 law concerning TikTok’s US ownership.

Australia plans crypto fines under new rules
A draft legislation recommends to impose penalties of up to 10 per cent of annual turnover on digital asset platform operators that breach new proposed rules | Cryptocurrency exchanges and other platforms will be required to obtain an Australian Financial Services License.

China warns ByteDance, Alibaba over trending content violations
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said Toutiao promoted “unhealthy content” in hot searches, while UCWeb spread “sensitive and malicious topics” about cyberbullying and children’s privacy | CAC summoned company representatives, issued official warnings, and ordered staff discipline with deadlines for compliance.

Temasek joins US$136M Series C for blockchain payment firm Fnality
Fnality operates wholesale payment systems using distributed ledger technology and is regulated by central banks | The company launched its Sterling Fnality Payment System in the UK in December 2023 and is working to expand its network to support more currencies and new payment solutions.

Kakao Pay, Japan’s PayPay partner on offline payments in Korea
The partnership allows PayPay users in Japan to make offline payments at over 2 million merchants in South Korea | PayPay is one of Japan’s largest cashless payment providers, with more than 70 million registered users | This marks PayPay’s first time enabling cross-border payments outside Japan.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Nvidia, Nokia join US$1.1B Series B for UK AI firm Nscale
Spun out from Australian cryptocurrency mining firm Arkon Energy in 2023, Nscale develops data centres designed for AI workloads | The funding will support Nscale’s AI data centre projects across Europe, including facilities for OpenAI’s Stargate initiative in the UK and Norway.

Nvidia’s investment in OpenAI includes cash, leased GPUs
Nvidia plans to invest up to US$100B in OpenAI, with most of the funds expected to be spent on Nvidia’s own GPUs | The investment will be deployed as new AI supercomputing facilities come online, starting with a site in Abilene, Texas, in the second half of 2026.

TSMC to build US$16.5B chip plant in central Taiwan
The company, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, aims to start production at the facility in 2028 with its most advanced process technology | The expected production value of the new fab is projected at up to US$16.5B, which is higher than previous estimates.

Alibaba integrates Nvidia’s AI software into its cloud platform
This will allow users to access Nvidia’s Physical AI software stack for projects like robotics and autonomous vehicles | The offering will be part of its Platform for AI, expanding options for developers | The move follows CEO Eddie Wu’s announcement to increase investment in AI infrastructure beyond the previously stated US$53B.

TSMC uses AI to boost chip energy efficiency
TSMC, which produces chips for Nvidia, said advances in chip design – using multiple smaller “chiplets” combined in a single package – could increase efficiency by up to 10x | The company is also adopting AI-powered design tools from Cadence Design Systems and Synopsys, which it said were able to outperform human engineers in some complex design tasks, and complete them faster.

AI

Alibaba’s AI push drives it to top China tech stock
The firm’s Hong Kong-listed shares surged 50 per cent in September 2025, the best performance on the Hang Seng Tech Index, driven by investor enthusiasm for its AI push | Alibaba boosted AI spending and announced a partnership with Nvidia, which lifted market confidence.

How can Malaysia leverage AI for growth and not see it as a threat?
As Malaysia delves deeper into the AI landscape, it’s clear that despite its growing accessibility, there remain substantial concerns impeding its widespread adoption in workplaces | These include technological limitations, risks to privacy and security, resistance stemming from cultural factors, and a shortage of AI-skilled professionals.

From promise to payoff: AI’s test amid global trade tensions
Across Asia Pacific, businesses implementing AI and automation are expected to achieve 20-30 per cent reductions in operational costs and over 40 per cent gains in efficiency | Deloitte’s Global Intelligent Automation survey found that organisations that advanced their automation efforts reported average cost savings of 32 per cent.

Is the future of AI decentralised? Cloud computing holds the key
The availability of hybrid and multi-cloud options play a critical role in developing blockchain infrastructure, enabling interoperability and decentralisation | They also address data residency concerns for organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions by storing sensitive data within designated geographic regions, minimising the risk of data breaches and regulatory non-compliance.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Markets on edge: Fed ambiguity fuels risk-off mood as Aster surges amid crypto bloodbath
By August 2025, Hyperliquid surpassed Ethereum and Solana in user fee revenues, commanding a 75 to 80 per cent market share in perpetual DEX volumes at its peak | Its token, HYPE, traded at a US$15B market cap as of September 23, with daily volumes hitting US$200B and a total value locked exceeding US$670M.

Balancing personalisation and privacy in business marketing
Personalisation tailors interactions to meet individual preferences and needs, making each customer feel uniquely valued | For instance, a survey in the Asia-Pacific region found that 30 per cent of respondents felt an increase in trust toward brands that effectively used technology to personalise their experiences.

The rise of agentic AI: What CFOs and Founders need to know
Agentic AI will reshape work, decision-making, and customer experiences | But the organisations that benefit won’t be the ones that automate the fastest | They’ll be the ones that design these systems around what truly matters: human insight, trust, and resilience.

Cybersecurity for retail: How to avoid e-crimes
Just as retailers are searching for and employing new cyber defences, cybercriminals are evolving in their methodology and craft | Criminal organisations are adapting their tactics, techniques and procedures to stay ahead of security teams through legitimate employee credential harvesting and exploitation of new vulnerabilities from remote access applications, to name a few.

The human-algorithm dynamic: Transforming venture capital with predictive analytics
Algorithms and predictive analytics, though not a substitute for human acumen, have become instrumental in assessing startups efficiently | While these algorithms cannot directly identify “unicorns” (startups valued over a billion dollars), they serve as complex models that help navigate the investment landscape.

Founders’ blind spot: Lessons in money management
In the fast-moving startup world, businesses need real-time insights into their cash position so they can pivot quickly when conditions change | Solutions that create administrative overhead or obscure risks do more harm than good.

Why Singapore’s real estate is stuck in the past
Modernising Singapore’s property market isn’t about radical disruption; it’s about reimagining the digital infrastructure | Proptechs and regulators have a unique opportunity to collaborate and treat property technology as essential digital infrastructure, not just a platform for classifieds.

Funding challenges and strategies for B2B tech in 2025
Funding is still possible in 2025, but investors prioritise startups that show they’re ready to operate with the maturity of a scale-up from day one | Those who prepare early, stay disciplined, and align with the right partners will continue to find opportunities even in a cautious climate.

 

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Anthropic warns of AI inequality | Ayoconnect denies US$5M audit claims | Singapore leads AI hiring appeared first on e27.