In this session at Echelon Singapore 2025, Bhavik Vashi, Managing Director at Carta, shared insights on evolving hiring and ESOP trends across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

With Carta supporting over 45,000 companies, 7,000 funds, and 200,000 LPs globally, Vashi noted that the post-2021 funding correction has significantly reshaped startup dynamics. Following the 2021–2022 boom, fundraising cycles have doubled to over two years, resulting in a 400 per cent rise in employee departures compared to a 130 per cent increase in new hires.

Meanwhile, valuations have readjusted, with an estimated 60 per cent of startups expected to undergo down rounds by 2025. Vashi emphasised that in this new landscape, startups must rethink how they use equity to attract and retain talent, proposing larger equity stakes for early employees as a key strategy to balance tighter cash conditions with long-term team motivation and loyalty.

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Grab’s long-awaited return to profitability–US$17 million in Q3 2025--marks a symbolic milestone for Southeast Asia’s superapp. After 15 consecutive quarters of adjusted EBITDA growth, revenue climbing 22% YoY, and a raised full-year outlook, the company seems to be finally rewarding investors’ patience.

Yet beneath the celebratory tone lies a more complex story. Grab’s operating cash outflow of US$127 million–a sharp YoY deterioration–reveals that its growth engine is still heavily fuelled by incentives and financial leverage. The US$585 million in quarterly incentives, coupled with declining mobility fares, points to continued dependence on subsidised expansion rather than organic profitability.

Its digital banking arm tells a similar tale: deposits grew YoY but fell 15% quarter-over-quarter, hinting at sensitivity to interest rate shifts and the fragile nature of customer retention.

Grab’s leadership calls this a “vital step forward.” It is, but one that underlines the paradox of platform economics: profitability on paper, pressure beneath the surface. The challenge ahead will be transforming this headline profit into durable, cash-generating growth.

REGIONAL

Grab posts rare profit, but cash burn and incentive dependence tell a deeper story: Grab reports US$17M profit and 22% revenue growth, but faces mounting cash burn, heavy incentives, and digital banking volatility.

Vietnam’s D2C fashion leader Coolmate secures Series C to power global push: Investors include Vertex Growth, Vertex Ventures SEA & India, and Kairous Capital. Coolmate aims to scale its made-in-Vietnam sportswear brand globally through new stores and women-focused lines.

VENTENY raises US$5.5M from Women’s Livelihood Bond 7 to accelerate financial inclusion in Indonesia: VENTENY is a financing platform forSMEs. The startup specifically targets low income, rural communities with limited access to financial services.

Lazada to invest over US$25M for 11.11 Global Brands Festival: The campaign, which takes place across Southeast Asia from November 1 to 14, will feature discounts, partnerships with creators, and AI-powered shopping tools, ending with its largest sale from November 10 to 13.

Kairous Capital leads US$5M funding in Mantayay Global: The Malaysian firm manages digital media and creator-economy operations. It works with 4K+ TikTok creators, producing 1,000+ short-form videos each month, and generating 100M+ monthly views across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Doctor Anywhere exits Vietnam to focus on ‘core markets’: Backed by investors such as Square Peg and Asia Partners, Doctor Anywhere offers services including on-demand video consultations and medication deliveries. Besides Vietnam, it is also present in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Inside ASEAN’s blockchain map: Why the Philippines is a crypto powerhouse: The Philippines leads ASEAN in grassroots blockchain adoption, driven by crypto enthusiasm and play-to-earn gaming, distinguishing it from fintech-focused regional peers.

Institutionalising innovation: How Philippines is building the rules for its crypto future: The Philippines advances from crypto enthusiasm to regulatory sophistication, institutionalising digital assets through BSP and SEC frameworks promoting innovation and consumer protection.

INTERNATIONAL

Pine Labs targets US$2.9B valuation in upcoming IPO: The price band is set at US$2.37 to US$2.49 per share, aiming to raise about US$440M at the top end. This is lower than its earlier plan to raise US$1B at a US$6B valuation.

Animoca Brands set for Nasdaq listing via reverse merger deal: Singapore-based Currenc Group will acquire all shares of Animoca Brands through a proposed reverse merger. Nasdaq-listed Currenc said the combined entity would operate under the Animoca Brands name and be publicly traded in the US.

MENA startups funding drop 77% in October: report: Startup funding declined to US$785M in October from September’s US$3.5B. The UAE led with US$616M over 15 deals, driven by Property Finder’s US$525M debt round.

France reports Shein for selling ‘childlike sex dolls’ online: The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control said the online categorisation of these dolls “makes it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content,” according to French media.

Taiwan’s CloudMile secures US$20M to expand AI services in SEA: Investors include NEXUS CVC and TFB Capital. CloudMile operates dual headquarters in Singapore and Taiwan and provides AI, cybersecurity, and FinOps services to enterprises in the region.

UK regulator to probe Getty, Shutterstock merge: Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority said it received feedback from businesses, trade associations, and industry groups, including the News Media Association, about potential impacts on pricing and the quality of editorial and stock images.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Trump says Nvidia’s top AI chips only for US companies: The US President said he would not allow the sale of top-tier Blackwell chips to Chinese companies but did not rule out access to less capable versions. Nvidia plans to supply over 260K Blackwell chips to South Korea.

Microsoft to ship 60,000 Nvidia AI chips to UAE: The chips, including Nvidia’s advanced GB300 Grace Blackwell models, will be used in UAE data centres. The transaction is part of Microsoft’s planned US$15.2B tech investment in the UAE.

TSMC to begin building US$49B chip hub in Taiwan: The company plans to set up four new fabs, investing US$49B in the project, with the first fab expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2028. The development is expected to create 8,000-10,000 jobs.

AI

Singapore, Korea boost AI, tech ties in strategic partnership: The leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in AI, advanced technologies, digital innovation, green transition, and free trade. Singapore is South Korea’s fourth-largest investor.

South Korea’s president proposes US$7B AI investment in 2026 budget: The plan includes expanding AI use in sectors such as robotics, automobiles, semiconductors, logistics, biotech, public health, education, and taxation, as well as increasing computing capacity and advanced AI training.

The soul of Southeast Asia’s entrepreneurship: When AI is a tool, not a crutch: AI is reshaping the region’s startup scene, but true innovation lies in solving human problems, not just adding “AI-powered” labels.

Who really controls your AI?: This article explores how AI sovereignty is reshaping global power. It looks at the new techno-political blocs forming around control of digital infrastructure and the growing concentration of power across the AI value chain.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Is crypto entering a self-inflicted crisis? Inside the leverage and solvency spiral: Despite modest US equity gains, crypto markets face renewed pressure from altcoin selloffs, exchange fears, and structural fragility.

AI translation done right: Custom LLMs for full language access local voice: AI translation quality depends less on the model and more on clear rules, local style guides, and human feedback to preserve authentic voice.

The future of cybersecurity in a decentralised world: In a decentralised world, users own their identities, assets, and data. Transactions are transparent, immutable, and verified by consensus, not by a single server or admin. From a cybersecurity standpoint, this marks a fundamental shift in trust.

From runway to revenue: Building investor-grade B2B startups in Southeast Asia: The region’s B2B startups face rising pressure to prove operational discipline as investors favour resilient, execution-driven growth.

Beyond grades and growth: Building education systems that nurture empathy: A Singaporean founder’s journey shows how empathy, conviction, and accountability can redefine leadership and education across Asia.

Building a sustainable future, from Sierra Leone to Southeast Asia: Cross-regional collaboration between Africa and Asia is driving sustainable energy innovation, proving shared vision can power real change.

The silent poetry of space: Why architecture feels before it speaks: Architecture blends art, function, and empathy, shaping how people live, feel, and connect through sustainable and human-centred design.

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… We are living in a moment full of contradictions.

On one hand, AI tools have unlocked a staggering new era of possibilities. With just a laptop, you can design, write, edit, build, automate, analyse, and scale. Things that once required entire teams and million-dollar budgets are now free (or nearly so).

You can learn anything online. Build a business from your bedroom. Reach clients on the other side of the world.

Remote work connects teams across time zones and borders, creating a new kind of company: borderless, asynchronous, global by default.

And yet…

On the other hand, traditional paths are breaking down.

The job market, once the backbone of stability, is increasingly unstable. Degrees mean less. Experience often isn’t enough. Jobs are outsourced, salaries are under pressure, and more people than ever are juggling multiple roles just to stay afloat.

For every digital nomad posting beach selfies, there’s a graduate delivering food, wondering how their four years of education became irrelevant overnight.

This is the paradox of our time: Prosperity at your fingertips. Precarity under your feet.

In such a world, the question isn’t just “how do I survive?”
It’s: how do I adapt, thrive, and build something that lasts?

Because the rules have changed. The economy has changed. And the idea of security: of one job, one company, one retirement plan, no longer applies.

What matters now is your ability to create value, communicate it clearly, and deliver it globally.

This is the new skill set. You don’t need permission. You need a plan and act on it.

Borderless builders

The new global working class — connected, skilled, and mobile.

They are not defined by their geography but by their capability. These are freelancers, remote employees, digital specialists, and solopreneurs who have built careers across platforms, clients, and borders.

They learn fast, deliver value online, and shape their lives around autonomy and access — not traditional employment. They don’t wait for opportunities to appear locally. They plug into the global economy.

Also Read: Preparing for the unexpected: Succession planning and legal considerations for startup founders

From virtual assistants in the Philippines, to developers in Eastern Europe, to designers in Latin America — they are the backbone of the new digital economy.

They are not gig workers. They are career builders without borders.

Frontier founders

Entrepreneurs who launch across markets, build teams remotely, and create value in uncharted territory.

They are the startup builders, market expanders, and regional growth hackers. They launch without legacy baggage. They solve local problems with global tools. And they’re not afraid to test ideas in emerging markets.

These are the founders who see beyond saturated markets and overpriced hires. They build lean, test fast, and scale with purpose.

Borderless builders + frontier founders

They are building the infrastructure of the future economy.

This is your invitation. Whether you’re a skilled professional or a founder with a vision — you don’t need permission to build.

Join the ranks of Borderless Builders and Frontier Founders: Start small, think global, move fast.

The tools are here. The markets are open. The future is for those that grasp this opportunity.

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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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Across Southeast Asia and beyond, startups, SMEs, and investors continue to move the ecosystem forward with bold ideas, partnerships, and innovation. At e27, we believe in spotlighting these milestones — not just as success stories, but as proof of the region’s collective progress. Every achievement, whether it’s a global collaboration, product launch, or industry recognition, represents the resilience and creativity that define our ecosystem.

Want to shine a spotlight on your own company’s progress? It’s simple:

• Create your company profile: https://e27.co/startupprofile
• Post your milestone: https://e27.co/milestone/post/

Sharing your milestone on e27 is an easy way to get noticed by other founders, potential investors, and the wider community — and maybe even get featured in our next listicle, just like the companies below.

Good Bards completed Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (Singapore)

Good Bards successfully completed the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (Singapore) program — a transformative three-month journey that culminated in Demo Day on October 17, 2025. The experience refined the company’s AI-driven marketing vision and connected the team with a network of industry leaders, mentors, and investors driving innovation in artificial intelligence across the region.

AccessReal by i-Sprint Technologies listed on Microsoft Marketplace

AccessReal, an advanced product authentication and anti-counterfeit platform from i-Sprint Technologies, was officially listed on the Microsoft Marketplace. This milestone expanded its reach to a wider audience and enabled more businesses to leverage its technology for enhanced brand protection and supply chain transparency. The listing underscored i-Sprint’s growing influence in identity and security innovation.

NCSpeech open-sourced a production-oriented ASR model for Tagalog

In a boost for the Filipino tech community, NCSpeech open-sourced its production-oriented Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) model for Tagalog/Filipino. The lightweight, fast, and highly accurate model outperformed Whisper in Tagalog benchmarks and approached the quality of leading commercial APIs. This milestone reflected NCSpeech’s commitment to advancing regional language technologies and supporting open innovation in AI.

PriyoShop connected with investors in Singapore

PriyoShop’s CEO, Asikul Alam Khan, and CMO, Dipty Mandal, attended the Investor Networking Night hosted by Accelerating Asia Ventures in Singapore. The event brought together visionary entrepreneurs and global investors for meaningful discussions about growth, funding, and innovation across the region. The PriyoShop team strengthened relationships and shared their vision for empowering retail and distribution networks across South Asia.

Also Read: 7 milestones from ecosystem players: Celebrating wins from startups, SMEs, and an accelerator

TechTitans Creative Technology Hub expanded through partnerships and recognition

TechTitans Creative Technology Hub marked a season of growth and innovation through new partnerships with schools and innovation hubs across Europe and Asia. The company launched its gamified EdTech platform and gained recognition from Product Hunt, G2, and HundrED.org for excellence in creative technology education. These achievements reinforced TechTitans’ mission to make digital learning more engaging and accessible globally.

i-Sprint innovations strengthened SME cyber resilience in Singapore

i-Sprint Innovations partnered with Singapore’s SME Cyber Resilience Centre to help small and medium enterprises enhance their digital security. Through identity and credential management solutions, i-Sprint supported businesses in assessing, preparing for, and responding to cyber threats — a crucial step toward a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem for SMEs.

Wookco partnered with FasterCapital to transform global travel booking

Travel tech company Wookco announced a partnership with FasterCapital EquityPilot to accelerate the growth of its innovative travel booking platform. The collaboration aimed to strengthen Wookco’s presence in Asia and Latin America, positioning the company to capture new opportunities in the fast-evolving online travel agency (OTA) market.

Bear Capital Ventures offered SBLC and Bank Guarantee finance solutions

Bear Capital Ventures Limited introduced its Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) and Bank Guarantee (BG) finance solutions designed to give businesses greater financial flexibility. Through its BG and SBLC monetisation services, the firm helped clients turn financial instruments into actionable business opportunities, unlocking new pathways for funding and growth.

Electe won Le Fonti Awards 2025 for AI innovation and leadership

Electe Srl, an AI-powered data analytics platform for SMEs, was recognised with the Excellence of the Year – Innovation & Leadership in AI Solutions award at the XV edition of the Le Fonti Awards 2025. The recognition celebrated Electe’s contributions to democratising data-driven decision-making for smaller enterprises through its accessible and intelligent AI solutions.

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From AI and cybersecurity to travel tech, edutech, and open-source innovation, these milestones demonstrate how Asia’s entrepreneurs and investors continue to build momentum across industries. Every step forward — no matter the size — shapes the future of the region’s digital economy.

Have a milestone to share? Let the community celebrate your progress.

• Create your company profile: https://e27.co/startupprofile
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Coolmate, Vietnam’s leading online direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand, has completed its Series C funding round led by Vertex Growth Fund, the growth investment vehicle under Vertex Holdings (a subsidiary of global investment group Temasek).

The financial details are not known.

The round also saw strategic participation from Japanese government-backed Cool Japan Fund and YoungOne CVC, the corporate venture capital arm of the Youngone Group, a leading global manufacturer of sports apparel and outdoor gear. Existing investors, including Vertex Ventures SEA & India and Kairous Capital, also participated.

Also Read: Coolmate gets Vertex backing to scale its eco-friendly D2C apparel brand beyond Vietnam

Launched in 2019, Coolmate offers a range of apparel and accessories for men and women, focusing heavily on sportswear, including items for running, swimming, cycling, yoga & pilates, and pickleball. It has focused on building an internal supply chain and applying technology to offer “high-quality”, accessible products. The company claims to have delivered over 5 million orders in more than six years.

The capital raised in the Series C round will fuel three strategic acceleration pillars between 2026 and 2030:

Expansion into the female customer segment: Coolmate launched its female sportswear line in March 2025, betting on this segment, which is projected to be one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing markets. The goal is for the female sportswear line to drive growth, expanding the brand from a “men’s brand” to a “sports brand for all,” with 40 per cent of total revenue expected to come from this segment by 2030.

Moving into physical distribution channels: Coolmate plans to open its first physical store by late December 2025. These stores are intended to be destinations where customers can experience the “value of Vietnamese quality” through superior functionality and meticulous detail. Offline retail is targeted to contribute 40 per cent of total revenue by 2030.

International expansion, with a specific focus on Southeast Asian countries. This strategy aims for international revenue to constitute 50 per cent of total sales by 2030. Coolmate has already established a strong foundation globally; in 2025, its athletic socks achieved “Best Seller” status on Amazon (US) within months, recording over 25,000 orders per month.

Commenting on the funding, Pham Chi Nhu, CEO and founder of Coolmate, stated: “Coolmate was founded with the simple belief that Vietnam can absolutely create global standard products, designed and produced with national pride. This investment helps us realise that belief, expand into new markets and continue to build a brand that represents the innovative spirit of Vietnam.”

Also Read: How young D2C brands are using AI to transform customer growth and retention

James Lee, CEO of Vertex Growth Fund, emphasised the company’s potential for scale: “Coolmate is a prime example of Vietnam’s new generation of consumer brands — built on a digital foundation, possessing a vertically integrated model and aspiring to global reach. Their disciplined operational mindset and product innovation capability have laid a solid foundation for scaled growth. We are proud to partner with Coolmate in realising their vision of becoming a leading performance lifestyle brand, from Vietnam to the world.”

Coolmate had in 2022 raised US$2.3 million in its Series A round from GSR Ventures and Do Ventures.

The post Vietnam’s D2C fashion leader Coolmate secures Series C to power global push appeared first on e27.

Indonesia-based VENTENY announced that it raised US$5.5 million from Women’s Livelihood Bond 7, a cross-sectoral global initiative by Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) that aims to empower women and girls in building economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

As a financing platform for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), that is also behind the employee welfare platform VENTENY Empoyee Super App, VENTENY intended to use the new funding to accelerate its business in Indonesia by channeling funds to women-owned SMEs. They will specifically target low income, rural communities with limited access to financial services.

“Our collaboration with WLB7 is meant not only to support the growth of our company, but also to strengthen our commitment to financial inclusion and social impact in Indonesia. This funding is an acknowledgment for our business model which combines technological innovation with economic empowerment for both business owners and employees,” said Jun Waide, Founder and Group CEO of VENTENY, in a press statement.

Also Read: Vietnam’s D2C fashion leader Coolmate secures Series C to power global push

“Through the Women’s Livelihood Bond 7, IIX continues to channel private funds to support inclusive growth and gender equality in priority market such as Indonesia. We are happy to support VENTENY in widening access to financial inclusion and improve economic resilience for women and SMEs in Indonesia,” said Robert Kraybill, CIO at IIX.

VENTENY has also recently received the Orange Seal Certification from IIX as an acknowldgment of the company’s operational standard.

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Image credit: VENTENY

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Over the past decade, wearables have become one of the world’s largest and most dynamic health data ecosystems. Smartwatches, rings, and fitness bands now track everything from heart rate variability to sleep cycles and stress signals, generating trillions of data points every day.

While new smartphones enable faster, real-time processing, most users and even health professionals face the same challenge: the data remain fragmented, technical, and hard to interpret in ways that lead to meaningful action.

This gap has become increasingly urgent as AI, biosensors, and longevity science rapidly evolve. Around the world, healthcare is shifting from treatment toward prevention. Individuals are seeking reliable ways to translate data into daily action. 

The ability to interpret wearable data in real time is now a key advantage for both personal wellbeing and organizational health programs. Platforms like Signsbeat aim to make that transition easier by connecting everyday tracking with meaningful insight.

Most wearables can tell you what is happening, such as a dip in recovery or a spike in stress, but they rarely explain why or how to respond. This gap between raw data and real health outcomes is where next-generation platforms like Signsbeat come in.

Also read: The most-funded healthtech startups in Southeast Asia: A decade in review

Translating signals into science: The Signsbeat Scores

Signsbeat turns wearable data such as heart rate, sleep, and stress into personalised health intelligence. Its algorithm, validated across diverse user groups, converts raw biomarkers into real-time lifestyle and recovery insights.

It is built on three pillars, namely data-driven decision-making, cellular pathway insights, and professional coaching guidance. Altogether, Signsbeat trains its ecosystem to identify the optimal “stressor dose” based on the hormetic effect. This principle describes how moderate stress can strengthen resilience, while excessive stress accelerates aging and disease risk. It is a key biological mechanism behind the body’s ability to adapt to environmental challenges.

Signsbeat’s research shows that the optimal stressor dose is highly individual, shaped by lifestyle, genetics, socioeconomic conditions, and other factors. Managing this balance is crucial for effective health outcomes.

For Signsbeat founder Lew Hon Kean, solving this challenge was deeply personal. After witnessing how his patients could have prevented diseases with early diagnosis and advice, Lew set out to create a platform that could decode what the body was signaling before burnout or illness struck. 

Now, the founder, in his 3rd startup aims to pursue a solution between genes to wearables. Lew envisions a tool that could turn new technologies into something more meaningful, such as a daily feedback loop that helps people understand the balance on when to push harder and when to recover.

Decoding resilience through data-driven health intelligence

Signsbeat’s proprietary Scores — Pro_Recovery, Pro_Mild Stress, Pro_Stress, and Pro_Positive — translate biometric data into clear insights on recovery and resilience. Early adopters have used the platform to track inflammation, sleep quality, and adaptive capacity, gaining a non-invasive view of their healthspan.

Case in point: one businessman in his 40s signed up for four months of coaching experiencing symptoms from unavoidable business dinners and long hours at work. As a result, the user’s Pro_Stress score dropped from the red zone at 0.214 to a healthier state at 0.036, reflecting a clear improvement in physiological resilience. They reported steadier energy and focus at work, fewer physical discomforts, better-quality sleep, and a more relaxed, balanced state even after potential stressors like social drinking. Such results underscore how small, consistent behavioral adjustments guided by personalised data can compound into measurable physiological improvement.

Unlike typical wearables that stop at metrics, Signsbeat bridges the gap between devices and human insight. Compatible with Oura, Ringconn, Ultrahuman, Amazfit, and Apple Health, it acts as an interpreter layer turning passive tracking into proactive wellbeing. For organisations, it provides a scalable tool for workforce health optimization; for individuals, it offers a simple way to translate stress and sleep data into actionable habits.

Developed in Southeast Asia, Signsbeat emphasises clear communication, responsible data use, and professional boundaries. By ensuring ethical collaboration between technology, users, and clinicians, it promotes both empowerment and trust in the growing field of health intelligence.

Also read: Decoding digital preferences: A glimpse into the future of health tech ecosystem in SEA

Blending human expertise with AI intelligence

Leading the development of Signsbeat’s technology is a simple philosophy: the future of health is both human and intelligent. The platform combines AI-powered analytics with the guidance of the personalised Longevity Science Health (PLSH) Coach network, a multidisciplinary group of doctors, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, to translate wearable data into guided, measurable wellbeing outcomes.

By interpreting biometric signals alongside daily habits, Signsbeat maps patterns of stress, inflammation, and resilience. These insights are distilled into a Signsbeat Score and Longevity Color, giving users an easy snapshot of their overall wellbeing. From there, the platform provides practical recommendations for rest, nutrition, and balance. For deeper support, users can work directly with PLSH Coaches for tailored coaching and feedback.

Responsible, compliant, and built for trust

Signsbeat defines itself as a wellness and intelligence platform, not a medical device. Its insights are designed to complement, not replace, professional healthcare advice. Accuracy depends on data consistency and proper sensor use, such as wearing a compatible device during sleep to ensure reliable scoring.

The platform’s digital-biomarker framework delivers interpretable health patterns while maintaining strict data standards. Its architecture supports GDPR and HIPAA readiness, flexible data residency options, and clear boundaries on emergency monitoring. This ensures that all data processing aligns with enterprise-grade compliance and ethical use.

As Signsbeat empowers users and organizations to move toward preventive, data-driven wellbeing, it aims to simplify complexity by reducing cognitive overload and easing anxiety around technical health data. The result is a trusted, humane approach to longevity intelligence where AI interpretation and human insight work seamlessly together.

Looking ahead: Extending healthspan through data and science

The need for actionable, personalised health data has never been more urgent. Across Asia, chronic stress, burnout, and lifestyle-related diseases are rising even among young professionals. Meanwhile, companies spend billions on wellness initiatives with limited proof of impact. By translating everyday data into measurable insight, Signsbeat helps close that accountability gap. This gives users and employers alike a concrete way to track recovery, resilience, and progress in real time.

Signsbeat positions longevity intelligence as the next frontier of wellness. Its hybrid model of algorithmic insight and human coaching offers a measurable, trustworthy path to improving performance and extending healthspan. Further, its device-agnostic approach lowers barriers to adoption across organizations and individuals alike. 

Beyond wellness tracking, Signsbeat represents a broader shift in healthtech. It is where data, science, and human insight converge to create measurable, assisted and preventive health intelligence. Their commitment to continuous research and patient-focused approach present a glimpse into how platforms built in Southeast Asia could help people and organisations live smarter, perform better, and stay healthier for longer.

To learn more about the platform, visit their website: www.signsbeat.com

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The e27 team produced this article sponsored by Signsbeat

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Architecture is everywhere, yet we rarely pause to notice it. It’s in the way light filters through a window in the morning. It’s in the rhythm of city skylines, in the old buildings that carry memories, and in the sleek new towers that stretch toward the future. Architecture is the silent language of human intention — a blend of art, engineering, culture, and emotion.

A dialogue between space and soul

At its core, architecture isn’t just about construction. It’s about creating experiences. Every structure, no matter how ordinary it seems, speaks a certain dialect of human need and imagination. Think about how a cathedral pulls your eyes upward — not just toward its ceiling, but toward a sense of awe. Or how a cosy café feels intimate simply because of how its corners fold in, how the light is dimmed just enough, and how the seating pulls people closer together.

Architects are storytellers who use walls, materials, and voids instead of words. They choreograph how people move, what they feel, and even how they behave in a space. A well-designed library doesn’t just hold books — it invites quiet reflection. A home with open spaces and large windows doesn’t just provide shelter — it nurtures a sense of connection and freedom.

Balancing function and fantasy

Architecture has always balanced between two worlds: utility and beauty. On one side, there’s the logic — the math, the structure, the constraints of gravity and regulation. On the other, there’s emotion — the creative spark that transforms steel and stone into living poetry.

Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “Form follows function — that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.” That statement captures the timeless struggle and harmony at the heart of architecture. A building must work before it can inspire. But when both merge seamlessly, something magical happens.

In today’s world, that balance is more crucial than ever. Cities are growing denser, environmental concerns are louder, and technology is reshaping how we live. Architects are rethinking the very foundations of design — not just in terms of what looks good, but what feels right for the planet, for communities, and for the human mind.

Also Read: Hong Kong’s Metro just turned into Asia’s biggest smart ad network

Sustainability as a new language

Modern architecture is increasingly guided by sustainability. Green roofs, energy-efficient facades, and adaptive reuse projects are becoming more than trends — they’re the new vocabulary of design. A great place to explore such evolving ideas in design philosophy and innovation is e-architect, which showcases global perspectives on how architecture can be both functional and emotionally resonant.

The idea isn’t just to minimide harm, but to create systems that heal. A building can generate its own energy, recycle its water, and even clean the air around it. Materials are evolving too — bamboo, recycled glass, rammed earth, and even mycelium (mushroom-based) composites are redefining what’s possible.

But sustainability isn’t only environmental. It’s cultural and emotional too. Architects are revisiting traditional designs that naturally worked with climate — like courtyard homes, shaded verandas, or jalis (lattice screens) — and fusing them with modern materials. The result is a dialogue between the old and the new, between memory and progress.

Technology: The invisible partner

Then there’s technology — the quiet revolution shaping architecture’s future. Digital modelling, parametric design, and AI-assisted planning allow architects to simulate light, airflow, and human movement before a single brick is laid. 3D printing has entered construction, making it possible to “print” entire homes in days rather than months.

Yet, despite all this innovation, the soul of architecture still lies in human empathy. Algorithms can optimise, but they can’t feel. They don’t know the smell of wet concrete after rain or how nostalgia settles in when you revisit your childhood home. That’s why architects must remain both dreamers and problem-solvers — rooted in the human experience even as they explore new frontiers.

Architecture as memory

Every generation leaves its story in its architecture. Ancient temples, modern skyscrapers, forgotten warehouses — all are chapters of our collective autobiography. A city, in this sense, is a living museum of its people’s aspirations, fears, and transformations.

Also Read: Beyond smart cities: The IoT startups engineering Asia’s tomorrow

Take any street in an old neighbourhood. The peeling paint, the uneven staircases, the makeshift balconies — they’re imperfect, yet profoundly human. They hold traces of time. Contrast that with the precision of glass towers in financial districts — sleek, efficient, but often impersonal. Somewhere between the two lies the sweet spot: buildings that are both alive and enduring.

The future is adaptive

The future of architecture might not be about building more, but about building better. Adaptive reuse — transforming old structures into new purposes — is becoming a philosophy in itself. An abandoned factory becomes an art gallery. A worn-out school turns into co-working space. It’s a poetic reminder that progress doesn’t always mean demolition; sometimes, it means listening to what’s already there.

Conclusion: The poetry of the built world

Architecture, at its best, is a form of poetry. Not one that rhymes in words, but in shadows, textures, and proportions. It tells us who we are and who we hope to become. It teaches patience — because good design takes time. It teaches empathy — because buildings must serve people, not egos.

Every beam, every doorway, every space we inhabit is a quiet invitation to feel, to connect, to exist more meaningfully. And that’s what makes architecture not just an art of building — but an art of being human.

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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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The post The silent poetry of space: Why architecture feels before it speaks appeared first on e27.

e27 has been nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights. As part of our ‘Contributor Spotlight’ series, we shine a spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.

In this episode, we feature Jun Pham, a B2B marketeer currently working at Alano.ai. The platform was built for people like her who did not come from tech but wanted to break into it one step at a time.

Jun has a knack for translating complex ideas into something everyone can understand and maybe even enjoy. Her work lives at the intersection of creativity, curiosity, and a whole lot of “let’s figure it out.”

She describes herself as “an explorer who loves to play with words and live with unlimited creativity,” bringing both strategy and flair while thriving in the tech world.

In the sections below, she reflects on her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what keeps her going.

How I got here

Starting my journey in a small B2B tech startup changed everything. It threw me into the fast-paced, high-energy world of innovation where I learned to love the chaos, curiosity, and creativity that come with building something from scratch.

Before this, I worked mostly with advertising agencies, and with more creative, aesthetic kinda concepts. Going in “all-tech” was never in my mind before, but I am grateful that I get to overcome my fear of this new aspect of my life.

If I had to explain my work to a kid

I help people understand complicated tech stuff in simple words, like explaining it to a 5-year-old, too. I started out as a total non-tech girlie, so I know how confusing it can be. Now, I break it down in a way that feels human and approachable, not robotic.

Lessons learned along the way

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that tech is not actually hard. It just speaks a different language. Once you find your own way of “talking” to it, everything starts to click.

Also Read: Inside SEA’s new work culture: A look into Vietnam’s hybrid transformation

What more people should notice

Work-life balance, especially in startups. We talk a lot about scaling fast, but not enough about sustaining well. Building systems that are efficient and human-centred should be part of every startup’s growth story.

Why I write

Creativity and curiosity are at the heart of it. e27 gave me the space to put my thoughts into words and explore tech from a more human angle.

My process starts with a spark: something I notice, question, or feel strongly about, and I just follow that curiosity until it turns into a story.

My advice for aspiring thought leaders

Write like you talk, then edit like you mean it. Clarity always beats complexity. The best communicators don’t try to sound smart—they make others feel understood.

What drives my curiosity

I’m curious about how fast we move through micro-trends–obsessing one day and forgetting the next. I’m fascinated by how this constant “refresh” shapes our culture, attention span, and sense of identity.

Influences that shaped me

Honestly, myself and the people around me. Every conversation, every experience leaves something behind. I see inspiration in the small things: how people think, talk, and create.

Take a look at Jun Pham’s articles here for more insights and perspectives on her expertise.

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Are you ready to join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry experts? Do you have insights, experiences, and knowledge to share?

Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem.

The post Jun Pham on curiosity, creativity, and making tech human appeared first on e27.

The recent Federal Reserve policy decision has injected a fresh wave of caution into global financial markets, and the cryptocurrency sector has not been spared. On the surface, the Fed delivered exactly what many had anticipated: a 25 basis point rate cut, accompanied by the early termination of quantitative tightening. Beneath that veneer of predictability lies a more complex and nuanced message, one that has unsettled investors across asset classes.

Chair Jerome Powell’s explicit pushback against the market’s assumption of another rate cut in December has recalibrated expectations, triggering a repricing of risk and a retreat from speculative positioning. This recalibration is now rippling through equities, bonds, commodities, and digital assets alike, underscoring just how tightly crypto remains tethered to macroeconomic sentiment despite its purported independence.

Powell’s assertion that further easing is not a foregone conclusion marked a clear departure from the dovish momentum that had built over recent weeks. Until this week, markets had priced in near certainty of a December rate cut, with implied probabilities hovering close to 100 per cent. That confidence has now evaporated, with the odds collapsing to roughly 60 per cent. The shift has immediate consequences.

Treasury yields responded sharply, with the two-year US note jumping 11 basis points to 3.6 per cent, while the benchmark 10-year yield climbed 9 basis points to 4.07 per cent. Even the long-end 30-year yield rose, advancing 7 basis points to 4.61 per cent. Higher yields increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like Bitcoin and gold, both of which retreated in the wake of the announcement. Spot gold fell 0.6 per cent to close at US$3,929.36 per ounce, while the crypto market as a whole shed 1.22 per cent over the past 24 hours.

Equity markets also reflected this growing unease. Although the Nasdaq managed a modest 0.6 per cent gain, the broader S&P 500 ended flat, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2 per cent. More telling than the headline moves was the underlying volatility sparked by signs of internal division within the Federal Open Market Committee. When central bank consensus fractures, markets lose their anchor.

This uncertainty manifests not just in price swings but in a broader retreat from risk, which explains why crypto, despite its unique technological underpinnings, continues to trade in close correlation with tech-heavy equities like the Nasdaq 100. Over the past 24 hours, Bitcoin’s price action showed a 0.61 correlation with QQQ, reinforcing the idea that macro drivers, not on-chain fundamentals, are currently setting the tone.

Also Read: Between diplomacy and panic: Markets navigate a fractured narrative

Within the crypto ecosystem, the reaction unfolded across three distinct but interconnected layers: macro policy impact, derivatives behaviour, and altcoin-specific dynamics. In the first layer, the Fed’s hawkish tilt acted as the primary catalyst. By tempering expectations for further easing, Powell effectively removed a key tailwind that had supported risk assets throughout the latter half of the year.

Traders who had positioned for a dovish December were forced to unwind those bets, leading to a broad-based pullback. Bitcoin’s seven-day Relative Strength Index now sits at 55.36, indicating neutral momentum, but market psychology tells a different story. The Fear & Greed Index has dipped to 34, signalling that fear, not greed, is dominating sentiment. This emotional backdrop often precedes either capitulation or consolidation, depending on what policymakers do next.

The second layer derivatives activity offers a more nuanced picture. Perpetual futures volume surged by 9.15 per cent to US$1.62 trillion, suggesting heightened trader engagement. This surge was not accompanied by bullish conviction. Instead, average funding rates collapsed by 81.63 per cent to just 0.000974 per cent, a clear sign that leveraged long positions are being scaled back. Funding rates, which reflect the cost of maintaining long or short positions in perpetual contracts, serve as a real-time gauge of market sentiment.

When they turn deeply negative or collapse toward zero, it typically indicates that traders are either hedging or actively shorting, rather than chasing upside momentum. Open interest inched up by 2.33 per cent, hinting at new positions being opened, but without liquidation data, it is difficult to assess whether this reflects fresh shorts or defensive longs. What is clear is that the derivatives market is not signalling a return to aggressive risk-taking. A rebound in funding rates would be needed to confirm any meaningful shift back toward bullish positioning.

The third and most volatile layer lies in the altcoin segment, where event-driven sell-offs have amplified broader macro weakness. Tokens like Flamingo (FLM) and Concordium (CCD) experienced sharp declines of 5.59 per cent and 19.04 per cent, respectively, driven by idiosyncratic factors rather than systemic ones. In Flamingo’s case, the impending delisting from Binance, effective November 12, has triggered a wave of preemptive selling.

For Concordium, the drop appears to be classic profit-taking after an extraordinary 428 per cent rally year-to-date. Similarly, Giggle Fund (GIGGLE) corrected by 19.59 per cent following a staggering 541 per cent monthly surge. These moves highlight a recurring theme in crypto markets: low-liquidity assets are especially vulnerable to sharp reversals when macro conditions turn unfavourable. Without deep order books or institutional backing, even minor shifts in sentiment can trigger outsized price swings.

Also Read: Marketing’s next big challenge? Making AI feel human

Looking ahead, all eyes will turn to Friday’s US nonfarm payrolls report. This data point carries outsized importance because it will offer the first major labor market signal since the Fed’s latest decision. Strong employment numbers could reinforce Powell’s cautious stance and further diminish expectations of a December cut, deepening the risk-off mood. Conversely, a softer print might revive hopes for additional easing, potentially stabilising or even reversing recent losses.

For Bitcoin, the technical picture adds another layer of intrigue. With a market capitalisation of US$3.74 trillion, the leading cryptocurrency is currently testing the 78.6 per cent Fibonacci retracement level, a key support zone closely watched by both algorithmic and discretionary traders. Whether this level holds will likely depend less on on-chain metrics and more on the macro narrative that emerges from the jobs data and subsequent Fed commentary.

In sum, the current crypto dip is not an isolated event but a reflection of broader macro caution. The Fed’s decision to cut rates while pushing back against further easing has created a policy gray zone in which markets must navigate conflicting signals without clear guidance.

In such an environment, risk assets tend to consolidate or correct until a new consensus forms. Derivatives data suggests that traders are not yet capitulating but are certainly treading carefully. Altcoins, meanwhile, remain exposed to both macro headwinds and project-specific risks.

The path forward hinges on whether incoming economic data validates the Fed’s caution or forces a pivot back toward accommodation. Until then, expect volatility to persist, and sentiment to remain fragile.

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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.

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

Image credit: Canva

The post Fed cuts rates but warns against complacency: Bitcoin and altcoins react sharply appeared first on e27.