In the midst of a tech funding winter, which is felt by fintech startups in particular, Investree recently announced a US$231 million Series D funding round. Apart from securing the funding round, the Indonesia-based company has also made several important milestones that contribute to its growth.

In an email interview with e27, Investree Group CEO Adrian Gunadi named the company’s collaboration with the National Public Procurement Agency (LKPP) through E-Catalogue and Electronic Procurement Services (LPSE) as one of its notable milestones.

He sees that the company’s strategy to provide a source of funding for MSMEs who are involved in government procurement projects has been a key milestone for its growth.

“So far, we have recorded a total of IDR1.2 trillion in loan disbursement specifically for MSMEs who won government tenders. This makes up around 10 per cent of our total loan disbursement figure since we started in 2015. Through this collaboration, we have assisted MSMEs from various industries to obtain a source of funding, including MSMEs providing goods & services for health facilities, electronic office supplies, and MSMEs in the creative industry. We have done this specifically through Garuda Financial, Investree’s sales channel specifically for government projects or tenders,” Gunadi elaborates.

“This is important as MSMEs are the backbone of the economy, especially throughout difficult times such as the pandemic. We are also proud of the collaboration that we have built, as we believe that collaborating with strategic partners enables us to leverage each other’s strengths and bring the best results for MSMEs in Indonesia, in line with our campaign #KolaborasiUntukTumbuh (#CollaborationForGrowth).”

Also Read: Investree completes acquisition of Amar Bank, increases stake to 18.4 per cent

What is the thought process behind these initiatives? According to the company, supporting and empowering MSMEs has always been its vision and mission since it started in 2015.

Investree acknowledges that the difficulty faced by the MSMEs may not come from the financial institution itself because, per law for loan disbursements, the requirement for legal documents and collaterals can be quite complex. This is the part where MSMEs usually face the issue of their loan application being rejected.

“Our goal is to support various industries in Indonesia, such as creative industries or service provision industries, to be able to grow at a rate they’re comfortable with and support them with the financial needs to grow. Thus, we wanted to reach as many MSMEs as possible in order to bridge the credit gap that remains in Indonesia through strategic initiatives, where one of them is to build collaborations with relevant stakeholders to increase our reach to more MSMEs,” Gunadi says.

“With LKPP and LPSE being the main government institutions that deal with MSMEs who are involved with government tenders, we decided that collaborating with them would be the right strategy to reach and support more MSMEs in various industries inside their ecosystem.”

When asked about why these initiatives are better at delivering success for the company, Gunadi says that the company did not see its initiatives in terms of better or worse, as they are all “developed based on the needs of our borrowers.”

“From a business point of view, we aim to provide a solution to a problem faced by a market, in this case, the problem faced by MSMEs in Indonesia when it comes to loan applications,” he explains.

Also Read: Investree attracts US$10M from Swiss firm to fund Indonesian MSMEs making social, economic impact

“It comes back to our vision and mission to provide access to financial tools for those that did not have access to it from conventional financial institutions.”

Across the SEA

Investree is one example of an Indonesian startup that has expanded its footprints across the region. With regards to their expansion across Southeast Asia (SEA), what lessons can Investree share with us?

It all begins with the differences between the countries that the company operates in, which include Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

“This became both a challenge and an opportunity for us, as we had to do our research to obtain a good understanding of the different needs and behaviours of MSMEs in these three countries, along with the different rules and regulations that apply in each respective market. Moreover, we also built positive relationships with the regulatory bodies that are responsible for fintech in each market, such as the Securities Exchange Commission in the Philippines and Thailand,” Gunadi explains.

“We are continuously committed to increasing our business performance sustainably in each market while keeping in mind our goal to empower the MSME sector as the backbone of the SEA economy. To do this, we have developed strong partnerships with local partners and stakeholders who are knowledgeable of each market’s behaviours and developed relevant strategic initiatives that answer the needs of MSMEs in each market.”

Gunadi gives an example of Investree Philippines’ partnership to launch an AI-powered credit scoring solution to increase accuracy and inclusiveness in assessing MSME players. Leveraging AI technology, Investree Philippines can now conduct extensive evaluations of potential borrowers, considering various data and factors beyond the traditional credit matrix.

Investree Thailand has also announced a collaboration with Thanachart Group subsidiary T Broker to maximise MSME credit access amidst the ongoing increase in interest rates in Thailand.

Also Read: Bank BRI-Investree partnership earmarks US$143M to support creative entrepreneurs in Indonesia

“Our various partnerships show how Investree is leveraging local knowledge and catering to the different needs of MSMEs in each market, which has also helped us in obtaining Series D funding from trusted investors as we continue to demonstrate our capabilities to create relevant solutions for MSMEs in various contexts,” Gunadi says.

“We are focusing our efforts on scaling our business in a sustainable manner instead of chasing unsustainable growth that will cost us in the future. We are committed to expanding our reach to more MSMEs in the region but still keeping our business growth efforts at a reasonable and sustainable level.”

So when it comes to building relationships with external parties, there is only one advice that Investree would like to share.

“We would advise other startups to build valued partnerships whenever possible to achieve things that would be difficult to do on their own. We believe that partnerships allow us to take advantage of each other’s strengths and bring more impactful results.

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Image Credit: Investree

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The edutech market is currently estimated to be worth US$271 billion, and by 2026, it is predicted to reach US$410 billion. This expansion has been genuinely global: in 2021, edutech investments in Latin America surged sixfold, and companies based in the Asia Pacific now account for almost 40 per cent of the worldwide edutech sector. 

As digital transformation continues to reshape the educational sphere, the promise of a brighter, tech-infused future for learners is on the horizon. Spark Education, a global player in edutech, stands as a notable example of how innovation and technology are driving the educational experience forward. Founded in 2017, Spark Education is taking its groundbreaking approach to education to new heights with the launch of its first learning centre at i12 Katong in Singapore.

In an exclusive interview with Wilson Li, CSO and CFO of Spark Education Group, we gain insights into their pioneering journey.

“We saw the opportunity for technology to truly advance education and help children develop a love of learning in the early years and build a strong foundation for their future,” Li reflects on the startup’s vision. This commitment to a tech-enhanced, early-stage educational foundation underscores Spark Education’s approach to edutech.

Adapting to new realities

The global pandemic disrupted traditional education, pushing edutech into the spotlight. Spark Education, which was conceived before the pandemic, experienced a surge in demand during this time as the need for interactive, technology-driven learning became more evident than ever.

Also Read: Post-pandemic education: Why edutech remains a game-changer

Li notes, “Moving forward from the pandemic era, now is an exciting time for the edutech industry, which is presented with a unique opportunity to push boundaries, reinvent ourselves, and showcase our continued value in the education ecosystem.” Spark Education’s journey reflects the adaptability of edutech to changing educational needs.

Unlike traditional education providers, Spark Education leverages captivating storylines, hands-on learning experiences, and a Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach to make learning engaging and memorable. Their small-group and personalised instruction, coupled with a tailored learning experience, ensure that each student’s educational needs are met.

The power of gamified learning

According to the latest report by Market Business Insights, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the coming years in the use of gamification in education due to the growing number of mobile and internet users in the region.

In line with this, central to Spark Education’s approach is gamified learning, a method that makes learning enjoyable and effective. Li explains, “Gamification can provide a safe, yet familiar, environment for children to apply the skills they have learned.”

This approach helps children connect concepts with real-life situations, improves knowledge retention, and motivates them to practice. Gamified learning is a fundamental component of Spark Education’s strategy and contributes to making education enjoyable.

Redefining in-person learning with technology

Spark Education’s recent launch of its learning centre at i12 Katong in Singapore signifies a step toward redefining in-person learning with technology. “Our new centre has been fitted with high-tech learning spaces that feature animated and gamified courseware and interactive screens that students can touch and use to interact with objects, draw and more,” Li explains.

Also Read: Edutech in SEA is still “far behind compared to North America” — but there is some hope

The centre’s design is focused on providing personalised attention in small group settings. It aligns with the idea that a blend of technology and interpersonal interaction is the future of education, making the learning experience engaging and effective.

Global footprint, local focus

While Spark Education serves students in over 100 countries and regions, their approach is locally informed. Li emphasizes, “While fundamental skills and knowledge concepts in math and Chinese are the same globally, the cultural context, the local curriculum, and the stories and examples that students engage with can be different.”

This localisation ensures that their curriculum aligns with local standards, making edutech accessible and relevant to diverse educational systems.

The future of edutech in APAC

The future of edutech in APAC is marked by an exciting synergy between traditional and tech-enhanced learning. Li aptly concludes, “Our goal at Spark Education is to really light the spark for our students to achieve their goals and dreams.”

Innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge technology, and high-tech learning spaces are redefining the traditional classroom experiences across the region. From gamified learning to interactive courseware, the fusion of technology and pedagogy is setting a new standard in education across the APAC region. As edutech evolves, the future of learning promises a dynamic and tech-enhanced educational experience, offering students in APAC diverse and effective ways to engage with their studies.

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Image Credit: Spark Education

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Imagine this: Wearing an Extended Reality (XR) headset, you look through digitised lenses and watch the world around you transform. Ergonomic controllers become your tools, spanning many worlds at command – magical obsidian swords in one, surgical instruments in another.

It is suddenly possible to live many lives, fending off zombies in dystopia or in an operating theatre practising a surgical technique to gestured precision. No matter the experience, the vision that surrounds you is realistic, fully immersive, and 360 degrees.

As I write this, I find myself in an uncanny déjà vu – transported two decades back, again standing between physical reality and an iteration of the great big metaverse beyond it.

In this memory, girlish chatter surrounds me on a too-sunny school day at Crescent Girls’ School, and I learn of my cohort’s privilege to become a pioneer in innovative education – the very first in Singapore to integrate ‘tablet learning’. (Look, ma, we’re in the news!)

While this article dates to 2014, my school had already adopted digital learning a good decade ago, in 2004, and was befittingly named by the Ministry of Education in 2007 as FutureSchools@Singapore.

The way we learn has been evolving for as long as we know how to learn. Fast forward to 2023, digital tools have become the universal language – students scroll endlessly on Wi-Fi channels or lavish stories by the art of typewriting keypad prodding – without too much conscious thought.

Backed by science: Virtual world with real impact

XR is essentially augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and all immersive technologies, including those still to be created. XR extends the reality that we physically experience by combining some physical sensations in full virtual immersion.

Surprisingly, XR does not need to look hyper-realistic for our brains to believe it, according to this Vox video, which explores how the tech ‘tricks’ our brains. The good news is how we benefit from this ‘trickery’.

Also Read: Is virtual reality the next big marketing channel?

Studies point to the real advantages and surprising legitimacy of XR as a training solution – XR can help improve access to quality care, create meaningful interactions with patients, connect global clinical consultations, and accelerate how fast you learn.

Besides gaming, there are countless sectors where XR is being applied and/or developed further, from education to training simulations. Importantly, XR has supported healthcare organisations in recent years with simulated surgical procedures for complex training.

French healthtech VirtualiSurg, for example, has been innovating XR simulations since 2017 to democratise surgical training and improve patient outcomes at scale. With XR simulators that uniquely combine virtual reality and haptic arm robotics modelled after real medical instruments, users experience multi-sensorial force feedback as they practise technical gestures requiring precision.

On tangible impact, VirtualiSurg improved on-site training at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, boosting skill proficiency across nursing staff and patient safety and enriching the learning experience, too.

When Zuckerberg introduced META a year ago, he shared plans to build the next chapter of social connection, envisioning a future where people have more ways to play and connect in the metaverse, albeit with cartoony avatars to start with.

Under a year later, he unveils a groundbreaking update when he speaks to Lex Fridman hundreds of miles away, but with the feeling of being in the same room, thanks to photorealistic Kodak Avatars in 3D with spatial audio. The technology is astounding and immersive, and the nuances of facial expressions are exactly captured. Fridman muses that it looks like the future of how humans can connect meaningfully on the internet.

What might the future look like? To start with, here’s an invitation to step beyond our physical world into the metaverse, where what’s real can be debated, and what’s reality can be extended in fascinating ways. You might just marvel at how far you get to see.

And if you’re feeling bold enough to be part of what the future can be, financial analytics projects great investment potential of up to US$900 billion by 2030, with just enough time to scale.

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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.

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

Image courtesy of the author.

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Thailand’s AgBioTech Incubation 2023 has unveiled the startups showcasing on the demo day.

The programme was organised by Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA) in collaboration with the Maejo Agriculture and Food Innovation District, the Institute of Agricultural Innovation for Industry, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the SynBio Consortium.

The ten agtech startups embarked on a comprehensive incubation programme designed to cultivate their expertise in various agricultural technology domains over a rigorous four-month training and demonstration period. The primary objective was to validate conceptual ideas and product offerings, thereby addressing gaps in consumption guidelines.

Also Read: How Full Circle-HydroNeo partnership empowers small-scale shrimp farmers

The ten participants are:

SoMush

A cutting-edge solution to produce pure mushroom culture in liquid form for PureMycelium. The startup also bagged the Best Engagement Award.

MYCO GARDEN HOME

An innovative growth enhancer designed for high-value economic crops and ornamental plants, leveraging the power of arbuscular mycorrhizae.

MaxBoost

A specialised substance hailing from the stable antisense group, engineered to proactively prevent Vibrio and yellowhead virus, safeguarding the health of aquatic organisms.

It also won the Judges’s Choice Award.

PurePlus

A highly effective microbial inoculum, bolstered by low-energy ion beam technology, adept at thwarting wilt and rot pathogens in economic crops.

Sentech Plus

A sophisticated biological substance harnessing the potency of Bacteriophages for holistic infection prevention in the realm of aquaculture.

Also Read: How Fishlog aims to revolutionise Indonesian fisheries with cutting-edge tech solutions

Bio Solution

A natural and sustainable pest control system utilising beneficial natural enemies to safeguard crops.

Gen-A-Tech

An advanced system for plant gender and agricultural characteristic determination, underpinned by cutting-edge DNA marker technology.

PLANTBIO

Pioneering the production of functional substances for cosmetic applications through the innovative use of plant cell culture technology.

EverFresh

A biomolecular peptide product engineered to extend the shelf life of agricultural products, ensuring freshness and quality.

Happy Plant

Offering highly purified mycorrhiza obtained through tissue culture systems, enhancing survival rates when transplanted into the soil and bolstering plant health.

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In an email interview with e27, Elevandi Executive Director Pat Patel explains that the integration of AI in Southeast Asia (SEA) has become a transformative force for businesses in various sectors. Its reach extends across verticals from e-commerce to agriculture. However, he stresses that “the brush strokes” of AI adoption in SEA are neither uniform nor simplistic.

“The speed, scale, and scope of AI adoption are influenced by a multitude of factors, from the technological infrastructure to talent availability, varying significantly from one SEA country to another,” he says.

“A further testament to AI’s growing influence is its increasing visibility at industry-specific platforms, such as the Singapore FinTech Festival, which seeks to bring together the industry leaders at the nexus of policy, finance and technology to drive the opportunities and align on the challenges. From healthcare to automotive sectors, AI solutions are being showcased in applications ranging from medical diagnostics to autonomous vehicles, underscoring its broad-based adoption and ongoing evolution.”

Despite its pervasiveness, the spread of AI in SEA is not without its own challenges.

“Talent scarcity tops the list; companies like Grab have found it challenging to attract AI and machine learning specialists, prompting them to initiate partnerships with academic institutions to cultivate local talent,” Patel says.

“Then comes the elephant in the room—data privacy. For fintech companies like Singapore’s GoBear, safeguarding sensitive financial data while complying with stringent regulations such as GDPR presents a monumental challenge.”

Also Read: Fintech growth in Asia: Why businesses should prioritise expansion in the region

Financial constraints add another layer of complexity, according to Patel.

“Companies like Tokopedia have had to invest heavily in foundational technology like cloud computing and data centres, significantly inflating operational costs. Market fragmentation, evidenced by the need for platforms like Lazada to customise AI models to suit varying consumer behaviours across countries, complicates implementation,” he elaborates.

“Moreover, in sectors like finance, ethical considerations around AI-based models become a convoluted territory to navigate, as seen with Malaysia’s CIMB Group, which has invested in transparent risk assessment mechanisms to alleviate ethical concerns.”

Getting SEA businesses to embrace AI

In order for SEA businesses to fully integrate AI in their operations, according to Patel, there are “a myriad of” strategies that they can implement. It all started with having the regulation to support that.

“Given AI’s dynamic landscape, governments must continually revise and adapt their regulatory frameworks, which should ideally offer crystal-clear guidelines on ethical AI usage. They need to stay ahead of the curve and not just follow technological advancements — anticipation and collaboration are key to harnessing AI’s full potential regionally,” he says.

“Second, data privacy laws akin to Europe’s GDPR or Singapore’s PDPA are non-negotiable for the credibility of AI. This isn’t merely a legal requirement but a trust-building mechanism. Ethics should not be an afterthought but a foundational element in AI implementation—ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.”

Patel also highlights the importance of workforce development and AI literacy as well as building a sufficient technology infrastructure. But expanding further on his point on regulation, Patel stresses that the concept of a monolithic, region-wide AI policy for SEA is enticing but fraught with complexities.

Also Read: Fintech VC Flourish Ventures banks US$350M to double down on emerging markets

“Given that the region is emerging as a significant player in the fintech sector and is poised to be the world’s fourth-largest economy, it is tempting to advocate for uniform regulations. However, the socio-political heterogeneity of SEA makes such a policy an uphill endeavour,” he explains.

“For example, ASEAN’s current framework for AI serves more as a guiding beacon rather than a set of enforceable laws. While each country within the region has a moral imperative to uphold these principles, the non-binding nature of this framework highlights the difficulties of implementing a singular, regional approach to AI governance.”

But this does not mean that the region is absolved from its responsibility to act collectively. Given the borderless nature of AI, Patel highlights that a vulnerability in one jurisdiction could reverberate throughout the region, creating a domino effect with potentially devastating implications on a global scale.

“Instead of aspiring for a one-size-fits-all policy, the region should place greater emphasis on two pivotal areas. The first is up-skilling its already technologically skilled workforce — creating a deep reservoir of AI talent that can serve as the intellectual cornerstone for the decades to come. The second focus should be on establishing robust platforms for regional dialogues. These platforms should serve as melting pots of innovation, fostering cross-pollination of ideas between technologists, policymakers, and financial experts — groups that have historically operated in silos,” he elaborates.

“SEA shares some common vulnerabilities and characteristics, especially in areas like climate change, labour migration, and infrastructural development. A cooperative approach in these areas could demonstrate how AI can be a force for collective good across varying national landscapes.”

This is why a balancing act between innovation and regulation in the context of AI is a delicate matter without a one-size-fits-all solution.

Patel points out that while Europe’s AI Act is comprehensive, its long-term impact on AI innovation remains to be seen. On the other hand, Singapore’s National AI Strategy exemplifies that through close and fruitful public-private collaborations, it is possible to steer responsible AI usage without the need for hard and fast enforcement.

Also Read: Despite decline, global fintech funding remains fairly stable: McKinsey report

“There are also a number of cross-industry initiatives that the Monetary Authority of Singapore is driving, such as Project MindForge, which seeks to examine the risks and opportunities for Generative AI use cases for the financial sector; Project Veritas which seeks to strengthen the financial sectors governance of AI management and data use, and lastly, Project NovA! which is an AI utility to help financial institutions to generate prompt and actionable insights using structured and unstructured datasets and advanced computing,” he says.

What is coming up in 2024

Elevandi is a not-for-profit entity set up by the MAS to foster an open dialogue between the public and private sectors to advance fintech globally with Singapore as the centre of gravity. The organisation works closely with governments, founders, investors, and corporate leaders to drive collaboration, education, and new sources of value at the industry and national levels.

As we are getting closer to the end of 2023, we asked Patel about what AI trends are going to arise in the near future.

“Taking a cue from the EU’s AI Act, one indisputable trend that we can anticipate is the continued roll-out of AI frameworks. These will span the spectrum from entirely voluntary to legally binding regulations, signalling a global recognition of the pivotal role AI is set to play in all facets of our social fabric,” he says.

He points out several key themes that are going to be dominant and will be captured in the upcoming Singapore Fintech Festival:

GenAI beyond text

ChatGPT may have stolen the spotlight in 2023, but according to Patel, it is just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to GenAI tools.

“Following the lead of Diffusion, Midjourney, and Dall-E, a plethora of tools will soon emerge, allowing users to generate images, videos, and more within seconds. The ramifications of such advancements will stretch beyond the creative industries, affecting everything from copyright law to the proliferation of disinformation.”

The explosion of data availability

“Back in 2018, the International Data Corporation predicted that by 2025, worldwide data will grow 61 per cent to 175 zettabytes, with 75 per cent of the world’s population interacting with data daily. That was before the meteoric rise of AI,” Patel points out.

“Particularly, in the last year, we have seen a surge in high-quality data sets, complemented by emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and cloud storage — which have spurred widespread experimentation in the AI sector. While these developments have led to more accurate and hyper-personalised AI applications, they have also birthed new inefficiencies and biases that are not yet fully understood.”

Enhanced human-AI cooperation

Patel acknowledges the recent discourse on the potential for AI to replace human roles across various professions. However, he sees that the immediate impact of such a shift is unlikely to materialise within the next year.

“This provides an opportune moment to refocus the conversation on how AI can augment human capabilities in the workplace, allowing us to delegate menial tasks and concentrate on the type of strategic thinking that makes us distinctly human.”

As a closing, he states that if we can reasonably anticipate these developments within the next year, the future landscape of AI innovation and its profound societal impacts are beyond imagination.

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Image Credit: Elevandi

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Indonesia-based electric vehicle startup PT Energi Selalu Baru or Volta today announced that it has raised an undisclosed strategic investment round from Twin Towers Ventures (TTV), which is the investment arm of PETRONAS Ventures, and Rigel Star Fund LP.

Abraham Theofilus, Managing Director of NFC Indonesia, the parent company of Volta, said in a press statement that the company plans to use the funding to support the expansion of its infrastructure, accelerate product development, and strengthen market penetration.

Apart from the investment, TTV and Rigel also provided Volta with the expertise and network to help actualise their plans.

PT NFC Indonesia Tbk (IDX: NFCX) is a subsidiary of Grup MCASH, one of the earliest Indonesian tech company to be listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).

Some of the milestones that Volta has achieved included a partnership with AstraZeneca, a rental and ownership option service provider, to provide battery exchange platforms.

Also Read: Exponent Energy unlocks a zero to 100 per cent 15-min rapid charge for electric vehicles

In addition to its electric motorcycle, Volta builds battery exchange infrastructure and digital platform to support its use.

The company said that its electric motorbike has accumulated more than 212 million kilometers and cut down more than 20,000 tons of carbon emmission.

Rigel is an investment management firm and ecosystem builder focusing on regional tech companies, particularly Southeast Asia and India.

As the investment arm of PETRONAS Ventures, TTV invests in tech companies that are working in the field of energy transition and mobility in Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, and the Middle East and North Africa.

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Image Credit: Volta

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In a world where sustainability takes centre stage in consumer choices, Electrolux, a global household appliance leader, is making strides in redefining appliance ownership. Levande is a corporate venture of Electrolux (Singapore) jointly incubated with EDB Singapore and FutureLabs as part of EDB’s corporate venture launchpad. It is a program that pioneers an appliance-as-a-service with the goal of encouraging circularity amongst consumers, away from the linear purchase-and-dispose model.

In support of Electrolux’ For The Better 2030 Sustainability Goals, Electrolux partnered with the Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program (YEAP) to champion sustainable living and advocate for better consumer practices.

Levande by Electrolux: A paradigm shift

It all began with Levande by Electrolux, an innovative appliance subscription service designed to rethink the model of linear product ownership. Levande offers an alternative that consumers can adopt beyond the traditional buy-and-dispose model by offering a service of renting appliances, new or refurbished, with flexible terms tailored to consumer lifestyles.

Also read: Learn how to achieve automation in operational processes and workflow at Flux

The conception of Levande is rooted in evolving consumer values. Electrolux has recognised the need to adapt its current service range to provide other alternatives to its consumers. Consumers are willing to consider models alternative to ownership — such as renting — to fit their lifestyles. At Electrolux, sustainability has always been part of the DNA, and they are determined to provide consumers solutions that are more sustainable — for the pocket, as well as for the planet.

The challenge of E-Waste in Singapore

According to the Towards Zero Waste team, a staggering 60,000 tonnes of e-waste are discarded each year in Singapore. For Electrolux, these numbers aren’t mere statistics; they are a call to action. It’s a stark reminder that both consumers and businesses must take responsibility for e-waste in our society.

Noting these challenges, Electrolux was inspired to create a circular business model addressing not just consumer needs but also the environmental impact of our choices. 

Ever since Levande made its grand entrance in Singapore as the city-state’s first large home electronics appliance-as-a-service program in November 2022, it has been a great success in providing accessible options to consumers. Electrolux also extends a hand to businesses such as co-living spaces, co-working spaces, corporates, design studios, and other entities that benefit from these sustainable solutions.

Also read: Future-proof your AI team with insights from Dagangan, Ajaib, Binar, and DailySocial.id

The best part? Levande offers more than just appliances; they offer a responsible end-of-life plan. They will collect and dispose of other commonly unregulated home appliances, ensuring a reduction in their impact on the planet.

Levande isn’t just a convenient service; it’s a game-changer in the battle against e-waste and preventing the addition of unnecessary appliances to landfills. It promotes appliance reuse and responsible disposal, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Joining hands with YEAP

Electrolux doesn’t stop at its own initiatives; coming in to support YEAP is deeply rooted in their “For The Better Goals 2030,” a commitment to shaping better living around the world.

The Singaporean youth play a pivotal role in addressing the e-waste issue in Singapore. They are the digital natives, deeply connected to the world of electronics. Electrolux believes that by sharing the work they do through Levande, the youth can make more informed choices about how they use their appliances and reduce not only their electronic footprint but their carbon footprint as well.

Samantha Thian, Senior Sustainability Manager at Electrolux, offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “We don’t need one person doing sustainability perfectly; we need everyone doing it imperfectly.” In the journey towards sustainability and e-waste reduction, it’s essential for individuals to take small but meaningful steps to collectively make a significant difference. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a more sustainable future.

Also read: EQT unveils 10 shortlisted companies in the EQT Impact Challenge

Electrolux’s partnership with YEAP is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and responsible e-waste management. It’s a concise narrative that inspires change at both individual and industry levels. Electrolux and the youth of Singapore are working together to shape a sustainable future, and their collaboration with YEAP is a key milestone in this inspiring journey.

For more insights on e-waste, and updates on upcoming programs and activities, follow YEAP on Instagram and Facebook.

Join YEAP. Become a youth ambassador here.

To know more about Levande by Electrolux, click here.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by YEAP

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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Singtel Group Future Makers (SGFM) 2023 has awarded six startups for their innovative technology solutions addressing social and environmental issues, such as eldercare, waste management, and mental health.

The top awards, Platinum and Gold, which include US$40,000 and US$30,000 in grants, went to Virtual Psychologist and GEPP, respectively.

All six winners will receive support from Singtel Group through mentorship, access to a customer base of over 770 million mobile users, and grants of up to US$40,000 to undertake business development regionally.

Also Read: Singtel Innov8 gets US$100M more to back startups in SEA, US, China, Israel, Australia

Eighty startups were chosen at the local levels after participating in rigorous capacity-building and mentorship workshops. Of these, nine startups were selected to move on to the regional finals at SGFM 2023, where six teams won the opportunity to fund regional market development or collaborate with Singtel and its regional associates to take their solutions to new markets.

Below are the brief bios of the six winners:

Virtual Psychologist

To improve mental well-being in the workplace, Virtual Psychologist offers a text-based counselling service that allows employees to access mental health support discreetly, anytime, anywhere.

GEPP

GEPP is a digital platform that offers consultancy, data-driven insights, and analytical services to help businesses manage waste and reach their sustainability goals.

Also Read: SEA companies making waves with funding, innovation, expansion

SoundEye

SoundEye uses sound recognition and depth imaging vision analytics technology for aged care, healthcare, and surveillance without compromising personal privacy. SoundEye’s devices can detect abnormal sounds and motions like falls, aggression and screaming and alert caregivers to administer emergency assistance immediately.

Tictag

Tictag is a mobile app that gamifies the process of tagging images, texts and audio files, which users, particularly people with disabilities, can use to receive an income from completing each tagging task. The tagged data is used by companies looking to incorporate AI into their businesses and need high-quality data sets to train the AI models.

myEco

Enabled by an AI-powered smart advisor, myEco assists busy individuals in saving electricity through an app that automates and improves their electricity usage.

Aqilliz

Aqilliz is a digital marketing software service that uses blockchain technology to ensure data privacy and security for companies collecting first-party data for consumer insights, advertising, and measurement.

Also Read: Navigating the fog: How clarity unlocks your startup’s full potential

Singtel Group Future Makers is part of the group’s larger sustainability strategy to empower communities through digital enablement by driving innovation to create positive social impact. Singtel’s digital enablement efforts include community education programmes and data donation initiatives to help seniors stay connected.

Over the past eight years, Singtel Group Future Makers has attracted over 3,000 applicants from Singtel, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Optus, in Australia and Singtel’s regional associates, including AIS in Thailand, Telkomsel in Indonesia, Airtel in India and Globe in Philippines across six countries.

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The post A quick look at the six Singtel Group Future Makers 2023 appeared first on e27.

Flux Series: Marketing Leaders is happening at the St. Regis in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 15 November 2023. Are you working in the field of marketing? Don’t miss out on this focused and curated event designed especially for marketing professionals!

Visit Flux Series: Marketing Leaders for more information! Read on to get discounted tickets.

In today’s rapidly evolving marketing world, staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses looking to thrive and succeed. One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is artificial intelligence (AI), and it’s more relevant than ever. 

To explore the immense potential of AI and how it can revolutionise customer experiences, we invite you to join the panel discussion at Flux Series: Marketing Leaders, titled “Leveraging AI for Growth: Strategies and Preparations for Success.”

The significance of AI in contemporary marketing

Artificial intelligence has become an indispensable force driving innovation and growth across industries, and marketing is no exception. The concept of hyper-personalisation, which involves tailoring marketing strategies and content to individual customers, has gained immense significance in recent years. It is the key to creating extraordinary customer experiences and harnessing AI is the path to achieving it.

Also read: Learn how to achieve automation in operational processes and workflow at Flux

Hyper-personalisation not only helps businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace but also fosters customer loyalty and drives higher conversion rates. The ability to provide customers with products, services, and content that precisely align with their preferences and needs is a game-changer in contemporary marketing.

Challenges in leveraging AI

Despite its immense potential, many organisations face challenges in harnessing the power of AI. A significant roadblock is the knowledge gap that exists within companies. The rapidly evolving nature of AI technologies means that many marketing professionals struggle to keep up with the latest trends, tools, and best practices.

Furthermore, AI implementation requires meticulous data collection and machine learning preparations. Organisations often grapple with prioritising these tasks effectively to derive the best AI-driven service offerings. Ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and scalability challenges further complicate the adoption of AI in marketing strategies.

Flux Series: Marketing Leaders — Bridging the knowledge gap

Flux Series: Marketing Leaders is a conference dedicated to addressing these challenges and bridging the knowledge gap in AI adoption among companies. The series aims to bring together marketing leaders, experts, and professionals to share actionable insights and collaboratively strategise future steps on AI adoption. At the heart of this knowledge-sharing endeavour is the panel discussion, “Leveraging AI for Growth: Strategies and Preparations for Success.”

The panel discussion boasts an impressive lineup of industry trailblazers who have successfully harnessed AI in their marketing strategies. Meet the speakers and a moderator who will share their valuable insights and experiences:

Alfred Ali, Chief Product Officer of Aplikasi Super, graduated from the University of Southern California in the US and started his career at Disney Burbank before moving to Singapore to work in Management Consulting. After several years in Consulting, Alfred became a founder and led his own HealthTech startup, Newman’s, a tech-enabled healthcare clinic focused on men in Indonesia. Newman’s was backed by Y Combinator in the W20 batch. Currently, Alfred is part of the Executive Management team that oversees Aplikasi. 

With years of experience in AI-driven marketing, Alfred has spearheaded innovations in delivering personalised experiences to users. He’ll share his insights on how hyper-personalisation has redefined customer experiences.

Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo is the Managing Director of Vision+, MNC Group’s Subscription-based OTT platform. She started off as a Programming Deputy Director in MNC Vision Networks in April 2020 for MNC Vision, MNC Play, Vision+ and Vision+ TV, overseeing programming and productions for 13 in-house MNC Channels. She also led the Original Content Productions arm for Vision+ under the production house, Vision Pictures, which specifically produces original content for Vision+. She is also a Commissioner in Migo Indonesia and a Director in Anak Muda Group.

Vision+ is one of the leading streaming destinations for quality Indonesian content. Serving TV anytime and anywhere offering the most complete selection of Indonesian and international broadcast TV, premium channels, and video on demand — including world-class quality original series.

Get discounted tickets today!

Irzan Aditya, CEO of Kata.ai, is a prodigious Indonesian entrepreneur, technology enthusiast, and AI visionary. Irzan was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and displayed a keen interest in technology and computers from a young age. He graduated from HTW Berlin, Germany with a degree in Computer Science in 2012. Before starting his own venture, Irzan had a professional background in software engineering and product management in various European tech companies such as Zalando, Rocket Internet, and Takeaway.com.

Irzan is at the forefront of conversational AI, and he will provide a deep dive into the intricacies of AI-driven customer interactions and chatbots.

Bharat Buxani is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at 99 Group Indonesia. He is a marketing and media maverick with over a decade of experience in sales, marketing, communication, advertising and tech startups. As the Senior Vice President of Marketing at 99 Group Indonesia, Bharat Buxani is a visionary leader who is committed to continue bringing a consumer-first mindset, focus on growth, brand and business development while also delivering the simplest and most trusted property marketplace in South East Asia.

Bharat brings a wealth of experience in using AI to optimise real estate marketing. He will discuss the practical aspects of AI adoption in the industry.

The panel will be moderated by Faye Wongso, a startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem builder in Indonesia. As the Co-founder and Chairperson of KUMPUL, Faye successfully developed 120 Hubs in 40 cities in Indonesia. In line with her vision and mission in entrepreneurship, Faye also acts as Founding Partner of the Superchargers Venture Builder.

Her role as Strategic Partner, Mentor and Advisor of various business development programs such as Google for Startup Accelerator, Startup Weekend, 1000 Startup Digital, BEKUP Baparekraf for Startup, Founder’s Institute, FoodStartupIndonesia and many more, led Faye to become a woman innovator in Indonesia.

She will guide the panel discussion, ensuring that the conversation is informative and engaging.

Join the Discussion at Flux Series: Marketing Leaders

These industry leaders will provide perspectives on hyper-personalisation, the importance of data collection and machine learning preparations, the challenges of data privacy and ethics, and effective ways to measure the success of hyper-personalisation initiatives.

If you’re eager to stay ahead in the world of marketing and leverage the power of AI for growth, the Flux Series: Marketing Leaders panel discussion is an event you can’t afford to miss. You’ll gain invaluable insights, network with fellow professionals, and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of marketing.

Also read: Future-proof your AI team with insights from Dagangan, Ajaib, Binar, and DailySocial.id

In addition to the panel discussion, Flux Series: Marketing Leaders offers a unique platform for knowledge-sharing, enabling you to stay informed about the latest trends, strategies, and technologies in the marketing world. By connecting with industry leaders, you can unlock future growth and success for your organisation.

As the marketing landscape evolves, AI-driven strategies will play an increasingly crucial role in achieving business objectives. Join us at the Flux Series: Marketing Leaders panel discussion to be at the forefront of this exciting journey and gain the knowledge you need to lead the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to revolutionise your marketing approach and make a lasting impact on your customers.

To learn more about the event, you may visit the official Flux Series: Marketing Leaders page.

The post Leveraging AI for Growth: Learn about hyper-personalisation from the experts appeared first on e27.

Norwegian nutrient recapture company Full Circle Biotechnology recently partnered with Thailand-based aqua-tech startup HydroNeo. The collaboration will see Full Circle provide HydroNeo with its insect-based shrimp feed additive to enable it to generate new revenue streams and offer an alternative high protein, low carbon feed to the aqua industry. It will also enable both firms to innovate further and share industry insights and technical knowledge.

In this interview, Full Circle Founder and MD Felix Collins and HydroNeo Founder and CEO Fabian Reusch share more insights on this partnership.

Edited excerpts:

Can you provide an overview of the partnership between Full Circle Biotechnology and HydroNeo and the key objectives behind it?

Felix Collins: After about five years of R&D, Full Circle is starting commercialisation. Uptake with shrimp farmers has been good, but the industry can be opaque. It can be difficult to find farmers full-stop, but due to the culture of inheriting professions, it can be tough to find those willing to try something new.

Fabian Reusch has a network of farmers who have used his smart farm management system. In addition to the high performance of his IoT systems, he is looking to find a way to use his captivating application to open new revenue streams. Besides reach, his tech means rich data can be anonymised and used to improve our tech. It’s the perfect opportunity for both of us.

Also Read: How Fishlog aims to revolutionise Indonesian fisheries with cutting-edge tech solutions

Fabian Reusch: Shrimp farmers are facing many challenges now more than ever. The industry can only survive through partnerships and great products that increase profitability and sustainability while reducing the environmental footprint of farming.

Full Circle is known for its insect-based shrimp feed additive. How does this technology work, and how will it benefit aquaculture?

Felix Collins: Our novel ingredient improves shrimp weight gain by 17 per cent and improves first-call resolution (FCR) by 14 per cent in the lab due to a unique and patent-pending combination of solid-state fermentation and insect production that benefits gut health and nutritional efficiency. We recapture nutrients that have escaped the food system and reintroduce them in a safe, healthy and sustainable way.

FCR increases mean that diet can be reduced with the same yield results, resulting in more sustainable (feed is a major carbon cost and monetary cost) or more productive aquaculture.

HydroNeo specialises in shrimp farming technology. Could you elaborate on the IoT system they offer and how it contributes to improved shrimp farming practices and sustainability?

Fabian Reusch: HydroNeo’s smart farm management system ensures optimal 24×7 pond conditions through real-time water monitoring and automation. Providing comprehensive real-time data on water quality and environmental conditions improves shrimp farming practices and sustainability.

These data empower farmers to make informed decisions and optimise their operations, potentially resulting in savings of up to 50 per cent in energy costs through the smart automation of aeration based on real-time sensor data.

Additionally, we help farmers in reducing their operations’ environmental impact.

How does HydroNeo’s technology address high volatility in production?

Fabian Reusch: Shrimp farmers suffer from high volatility in production, which is the result of high mortality events that can happen either through water quality problems (e.g. algae crash situations where the mass-die off of plankton depletes almost all oxygen in a pond) or diseases spreading.

Also Read: Singapore’s food waste revolution: How Ento Industries is pioneering sustainable food from waste

HydroNeo’s technology effectively addresses the challenges related to rapid changes in water parameters on shrimp farms directly and even partial diseases indirectly. It continuously monitors critical water parameters, including Dissolved Oxygen (DO), temperature, pH levels, and more, ensuring that the farm’s water quality remains within the desired range to provide the animals with a safe environment for healthy growth. Strong and healthy animals are less prone to being infected by diseases. When the water conditions are not optimal, the system promptly alerts and recommends actions to farmers while automating equipment operation as needed. This technology has generally led to improved water quality management and, subsequently, enhanced shrimp farming practices.

Could you discuss the role of advanced automation features in HydroNeo’s smart farming solution and how they contribute to energy conservation and sustainability in shrimp farming?

Fabian Reusch: The advanced automation feature in HydroNeo’s smart farm management system plays a pivotal role in achieving energy saving and promoting sustainability in shrimp farming. Through our technology, shrimp farmers can save on average 30 per cent on energy costs, translating to roughly 20 tons of CO2 savings per pond per year by implementing smart automation for aeration. This automation is based on real-time sensor data, allowing precise and efficient management of aeration levels.

Also Read: BoomGrow: Transforming Malaysia’s food landscape with hyperlocal indoor farming

Additionally, our system helps reduce labour-intensive schedules, providing 24×7 remote monitoring and control capabilities through mobile applications. This not only optimises resource allocation but also minimises the need for manual control, making shrimp farming more sustainable and less resource-intensive. These automation features are integral to our commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

Full Circle Biotechnology’s insect-based feed additive is said to be an alternative to soymeal and fishmeal. What makes it a more sustainable choice, and how does it impact the aquaculture industry?

Felix Reusch: The carbon footprint of fishmeal can be astronomical — the ocean is the biggest carbon sink we have, and the ocean floor getting churned up by harvesting can release massive amounts of carbon. Soy footprints are lower than fishmeal, but both can involve biodiversity loss (in soy’s case, it’s via deforestation to use nutrient-rich soil). This impacts the aqua industry massively as consumers increasingly keep sustainability in mind.

The potential for EU climate taxes could have significant negative impacts on Asia’s aquaculture industry, potentially making seafood from Asia (often more affordable) much more expensive, reducing market demand and impacting nations’ entire economies. A lack of sustainable methods can put the economic growth of countries at risk, let alone the aquaculture industry.

How do small-scale farmers stand to benefit from the partnership between Full Circle and HydroNeo, especially in terms of their livelihoods and sustainability?

Felix Reusch: Two things besides volatile food prices keep farmers up at night: energy costs and feed costs. HydroNeo makes it easy for farmers to improve their sustainability and reduce energy costs overnight. Full Circle slots right into this model, doing the same with their feed. HydroNeo’s commendable application makes checking on energy use easy and accessible, but it also provides a streamlined approach to reducing feed costs with our system. By increasing yields, farmers can build up their revenue, while hydroneo reduces their costs. This opens up more cash to improve their livelihoods.

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The post How Full Circle-HydroNeo partnership empowers small-scale shrimp farmers appeared first on e27.