Data centres are becoming more popular as IT professionals and companies gather more information and data they need to store securely, including customer information. Almost everything about us is online, which can be mined for information to allow businesses to market their products to us at an even greater capacity.

However, this also means that companies need space to store vast amounts of accrued information because much of this information could be (and indeed is) classified as personal information and must be stored securely. 

Data centres fill this role perfectly — extensive facilities with round-the-clock security and built-in failsafe. New technology designed to make data centres a safer place to store information than your basement server room is paving the way for an explosion in their popularity.

While CBRE reported in July 2023 that there is a worldwide shortage of data centre space, the future looks bright.

The data centre industry’s transformative growth

Data centres have experienced a seismic shift in their utility worldwide in recent years. Thanks to technological advancements like the use of artificial intelligence, data mining, digitisation of business practices, and the use of cloud storage. 

This has led to consistent growth in the data centre industry over the past decade, with American data centre businesses projected to generate revenue of US$342.10 billion in 2023.

Also Read: Sustainable solutions for energy-intensive data centres in humid Singapore

JLL’s data centre global report findings

Jones Lang LaSalle real estate has also issued a global report on data centres and their growth predictions for the future. There were a few key findings from the report.

• Primary users of data centres are on the east and southwest coasts of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Western Europe. There is also much data centre usage in Australia, New Zealand, and China. Emerging and secondary markets appear in India and other Southeast Asian nations.
•  A compound annual growth rate of 11.6 per cent between 2021 and 2026, with the hyperscale market predicted to grow at 20 per cent in the same timeframe. Hyperscaling measures a technology’s ability to keep up with demand.
• Since data centre operators run up large energy bills, finding ways to create energy-efficient centres is becoming a top priority for these organisations. This includes finding ways to use water more efficiently, as it is a key element in the cooling systems used by data centres.

Embracing tech advancements: the backbone of data centres

Since the explosion of the need for data centres in recent decades, the challenge for data centre operators has always been keeping up with demand. This has led to brand-new innovations within the community, including using state-of-the-art cooling systems for larger-scale data centre operations. 

To keep costs down, further innovation has come in the form of virtual servers. These are cloud-based servers that harness all the computing power and features of a physical server but in the cloud. This has negated the need for data centre providers to expand their physical capacities and saved them money on real estate.

However, just like everywhere in the tech sphere, the most significant transformation of the data centre has been the use of artificial intelligence in various ways that we’ll touch on in a later section.

Modern business demands are large-scale data storage, constant access to information, and information security, mainly when dealing with sensitive customer information. The advancements in data centre capabilities have allowed data centre users to expand their businesses, harness the power of AI and information-gathering about their customers, and expand their customer base. 

The rise of hyperscale data centres

“Hyperscale data centres” are a term you may not have heard of before. This is, essentially, a massive data centre with an infinite capacity for growth to meet the scalability of the business. These data centres are used by companies like IBM, Google, Facebook, and Amazon – who, through these centres, can scale their businesses without worrying about data storage solutions interrupting their business plans.

The key differences between a traditional (or “enterprise”) data centre and a hyper-scale data centre are capacity and performance. Enterprise data centres may only operate a few hundred servers and can host many companies within their infrastructure.

Larger-scale companies like those mentioned above need dedicated space. These companies will often have their own hyper-scale data centres — often comprised of 5,000 and 10,000 servers with access to the best cooling and security technology that money can buy. 

Additionally, these companies expect data transfer speeds between servers and end-users of forty gigabytes per second. Enterprise data centres, on the other hand, run somewhere between 10 and 30 gigabytes per second.

According to predictions from Precedence Research, the hyper-scale data centre market will expand by 27.9 per cent CAGR between 2023 and 2032, increasing from US$80.16 billion to US$935 billion in market potential over the same period. 

Also Read: Data-driven growth: The evolution of growth hacking in 2023

AI’s influence on data centres 

As data centres expand their footprint in the digital and physical space, their reliance on artificial intelligence is increasing. AI’s capacity goes beyond number crunching, as it can now use predictive analytics to analyse and identify areas of concern.  

AI also allows data centre managers to monitor performance and functionality remotely by providing real-time updates and alerts to desktops and phone applications. 

Balancing growth and sustainability

One of the main challenges facing data centres is finding a balance between the need to grow at scale with a clientele base that’s expanding its need for off-site server storage — and maintaining a financially sustainable business model as the energy requirements need to keep pace with the ever-growing need for more extensive and larger server cages and spaces, all of which takes vast amounts of energy to keep cool and operate at peak efficiency.

The effectiveness of energy in a data centre is measured by power usage effectiveness or PUE. PUE operates on a reverse scale, where 1.0 is considered perfect energy efficiency, whereas the highest value, 3.0, indicates a very low efficiency level. 

Google, Facebook, and all the other largest companies use data centres intended to run at 1.0. Most enterprise data centres run between 1.2 and 1.5 PUE.

For some smaller companies, the colocation cost might not make sense when paired with their desire to upscale their business model about the business climate. However, for larger tech giants, there’s no other way to do it — their businesses are too large and go through too much information to manage it in any other way.

Data centre security and resilience

One of the main benefits of having a data centre for your business information is the additional security of a secure facility. These include information-security features, like firewalls and layers of encryption, and physical security solutions to monitor the building, including cooling towers, fireproof enclosures for servers, state-of-the-art surveillance, and even armed security guards in some cases.

Additionally, data is backed up routinely, and data centres often have built-in redundancies to protect servers in the event of a data breach or an internal security failure.

As a digital ecosystem begins to be created around information and its ability to be stored and shared, data centres that include hyper-scale capacity will become the norm among businesses. Pair this with artificial intelligence adaptability, and data centres will take centre stage in an ever-growing world of information-centric business practices.

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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

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In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and digital innovation, the increasing rate of electronic waste (e-waste) has become a growing concern for our planet. As gadgets and devices evolve at an astonishing pace, the issue of responsible e-waste management has emerged as a pressing global challenge.

However, in the face of this challenge, there’s a glimmer of hope fueled by the collaboration between forward-thinking organizations and industry leaders. e27 has partnered with Meta to launch the Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program (YEAP) to tackle the escalating issue of electronic waste and promote environmental responsibility among the youths in Singapore

Collaborating for a sustainable tomorrow

In keeping with Meta’s commitment to partner with others to act and develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable world, YEAP aims to empower both individuals and corporations to take meaningful steps towards reducing e-waste. Through targeted campaigns, informative content, and actionable guidelines, the program equips participants with the knowledge they need to make responsible choices.

Also Read: Beyond gadgets: Pull the plug on e-waste with YEAP

For individuals, this might mean extending the life of their devices, recycling them properly, or supporting initiatives that promote circular economy practices. For corporations, the partnership provides an opportunity to align their sustainability efforts with a larger movement, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Empowering youths for change

YEAP believes in the power of youth to drive meaningful change. By harnessing their energy and passion, this program aims to create a ripple effect that spreads awareness about e-waste challenges and encourages sustainable practices.

We encourage youth between 15 and 35 to join this movement. By coming together, we can reshape the way we interact with technology, reduce e-waste, and create a more sustainable digital ecosystem.

Be involved

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.

Be a YEAP partner and help us change the world. Click here for partnership opportunities.

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Superbank, the Indonesia-based digital bank backed by Grab, Singtel, and Emtek Group, has joined hands with alternative lender Genesis Alternative Ventures to launch an IDR 600 billion (US$40 million) financing solution to back innovative local startups.

The solution combines the principles of conventional bank credit and VC investing in targeting technology startups while extending working capital to them with a minimum dilution of shareholder equity.

The focus will be Series B or C-stage companies.

Tigor M. Siahaan, President Director of Superbank, said: “Indonesia is expected to grow 8x from IDR 632 trillion in 2020 to IDR 4,531 trillion in 2030 and has the potential and opportunity to further develop local startups and their ecosystem. In today’s dynamic business environment, access to funding is crucial for these innovative ventures to thrive.”

Also Read: Genesis Alternative Ventures on debunking venture debt myths and finding winners in SEA

Jeremy Loh, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Genesis, added: “Indonesia is brimming with opportunities in terms of local startups and tech talents. Genesis and Superbank share the same commitment in tapping the huge potential of this sector and supporting more startups in Indonesia given the notable 60 per cent year-on-year decline in venture capital funding for startups the Asian region has witnessed.”

Superbank is the new brand that replaces PT Bank Fama International, a commercial bank founded in Bandung in 1993 which was taken over by the EMTEK Group, Grab and Singtel in 2021.

It aims to expand access to credit for MSME customers in managing their businesses, provide innovative solutions for retail customers, and foster collaboration through one of the industry’s most extensive ecosystems.

Founded by Ben J Benjamin, Dr Jeremy Loh, and Martin Tang in 2019, Genesis is Southeast Asia’s leading private lender to venture and growth-stage companies.

In 2021, Genesis signed an MoU with Japan’s Aozora Bank to support Japanese venture-backed companies looking to expand into Southeast Asia.

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Image Credit: Genesis Alternative Ventures.

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The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the convergence of emerging technologies is poised to shape the future of connectivity, communication, and business operations.

Among the driving forces behind this transformation are innovations in 5G, smart telecoms, security, enterprise solutions, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Together, these trends promise significant advancements across industries, revolutionising the way we connect, secure our data and devices, and operate in the digital age.

Emerging digital trends and their implications

Understanding the emerging trends and future prospects in these areas is vital for individuals and organisations alike. It provides a competitive edge by enabling businesses to embrace new technologies, differentiate themselves, and seize market opportunities more quickly and effectively. Aligning offerings with evolving consumer preferences ensures long-term customer satisfaction and relevance.

Moreover, comprehending the risks associated with emerging technologies empowers proactive strategies, vulnerability identification, and robust security implementations, fostering a safer digital environment.

Global collaborations: The Taiwan-Singapore technological partnership

Taiwan has long been recognised as a major player in the technology industry, with a strong focus on semiconductor manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), biotechnology, and other emerging sectors. Taiwan is home to globally renowned technology companies and has a well-established ecosystem that supports research and development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Also Read: Is Singapore 5G ready?

Singapore, as the pioneer of nationwide 5G capabilities in the region, holds promising opportunities for collaborations and partnerships between Taiwan and Singapore. Both economies have robust ICT industries and share complementary strengths, making them natural partners for mutual growth and advancement in this sector.

By pooling their resources and expertise, both Singapore and Taiwan can accelerate the development and deployment of these technologies, creating new business opportunities and addressing common challenges.

This is also evident in the participation at the recent Asia Tech x Singapore, which was used to demonstrate Taiwan’s technological capabilities, foster partnerships, attract investment, and enhance its reputation as a leading technology hub. The exhibition provided an opportunity for Taiwan to showcase its innovative products, cutting-edge research, and technological expertise to a diverse global audience.

In-depth dive: Smart telecoms, enterprise solutions, and AIoT innovations

Looking towards the future, the trends in smart telecom, enterprise solutions, and IoT applications are set to catalyse transformative change in future technologies. 

The transformative capabilities of 5G lie in empowering advanced applications and fostering innovation, productivity, and connectivity. Meanwhile, smart telecoms optimise network performance through the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics, enhancing customer experiences like never before.

Robust security measures are being redefined to address evolving threats, safeguarding networks, devices, and sensitive information, and building trust among stakeholders. Additionally, enterprise solutions drive digital transformation, optimising operations and improving customer experiences, while AIoT applications fuse the realms of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enabling intelligent decision-making, predictive maintenance, and personalised experiences.

In the realm of intelligent technologies, their integration has become indispensable for enhancing efficiency and optimising performance across networks. The contemporary trends within the sphere of smart telecommunications encompass intelligent network management, network virtualisation, and the infusion of artificial intelligence into telecommunications operations.

The notion of smart telecoms holds substantial potential, ushering in self-organising networks, proactive fault detection, and personalised customer experiences. As this industry evolves, there’s an escalating requirement for comprehensive software solutions and cloud services to facilitate seamless cloud migration.

A prime example is PLANET Technology Corporation, a preeminent global supplier of IP-based networking solutions and products tailored to SMBs, enterprises, and network infrastructures supporting IoT, IIoT, and IoV applications. Their expertise ensures a high calibre of security, execution, and reliability in cross-national projects, thereby addressing the burgeoning demand for cloud migration.

Also Read: Does Malaysia have the potential to become a 5G hub of SEA?

On the horizon, enterprise solutions are poised to provide software and systems engineered to optimise business operations and decision-making. The present trends encompass embracing cloud-based solutions, integrating AI, and harnessing data analytics.

Prospective vistas for enterprise solutions encompass intelligent automation and autonomous decision-making, cutting-edge collaboration tools and virtual workspaces, and predictive analytics fostering proactive business insights.

Additionally, the convergence of AI technologies with IoT devices is catalysing the emergence of intelligent and autonomous capabilities. The current landscape witnesses AIoT applications spanning diverse domains such as smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare monitoring.

The future landscape of AIoT holds promise, envisioning cognitive IoT systems characterised by contextual comprehension, swarm intelligence, and collaborative AIoT networks.

However, it’s imperative to ensure the ethical and responsible deployment of AIoT, guaranteeing its constructive and sustainable integration. Noteworthy in this arena is EMS, a prominent player dedicated to delivering IoT smart metering solutions aimed at aiding consumers in minimising non-revenue water (NRW) and enhancing the efficiency of water management systems.

Their focus aligns with ushering industries into the realm of AI, as evidenced by their Vision Studio — an accessible zero-code AI model development tool designed to dissolve technical barriers and broaden access to AI development.

As we navigate the digital revolution, understanding the emerging trends and future prospects in 5G, smart telecom, security, enterprise solutions, and AIoT applications is key to unlocking their immense potential. These technologies have the power to revolutionise industries, drive innovation, and improve connectivity, efficiency, and security.

By embracing these advancements, individuals, businesses, and societies can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and propel themselves towards a prosperous and technologically driven future.

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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 credit: Canva

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Line Man Wongnai acquires Rabbit Line Pay

Line Man Wongnai — an e-commerce platform for food delivery, grocery delivery, taxi, messenger, restaurant reviews, and restaurant solutions in Thailand, and Line Company (Thailand), jointly acquired the majority shares of Rabbit Line Pay Company (RLP) from previous shareholders RabbitPay System Company Limited and Advanced mPAY Company Limited.

The details of the deal remain undisclosed.

The acquisition aims to bring RLP payment services closer to the Line ecosystem, including Line Man, Line Shopping, Line app, and Wongnai’s merchant network.

As per the agreement, Line Man Wongnai CEO Yod Chinsupakul and CFO In Young Chung will become the new CEO and CFO of RLP, respectively.

Superbank, Genesis to invest US$40M in ID startups

Superbank, the Indonesia-based digital bank backed by Grab, Singtel, and Emtek Group, joined hands with alternative lender Genesis Alternative Ventures to launch an IDR 600 billion (US$40 million) financing solution to back innovative local startups.

The solution combines the principles of conventional bank credit and VC investing in targeting technology startups while extending working capital to them with a minimum dilution of shareholder equity.

The focus will be Series B or C-stage companies.

Tigor M. Siahaan, President Director of Superbank, said: “Indonesia is expected to grow 8x from IDR 632 trillion in 2020 to IDR 4,531 trillion in 2030 and has the potential and opportunity to further develop local startups and their ecosystem. In today’s dynamic business environment, access to funding is crucial for these innovative ventures to thrive.”

MiyaHealth nets US$1.8M funding

Singapore-headquartered SaaS healthtech company MiyaHealth closed SGD2.4 (US$1.8) million pre-Series A extension, bringing the total investment to SGD10.4 (US$7.7) million to date.

Fondation Botnar, represented by Sagana (an impact investment advisory firm focused on human and planetary health), besides existing investors ST Engineering Ventures, Elev8, and HealthXCapital, invested in this round.

This extension follows its pre-Series A financing of SGD6.5 million and SGD1.5 million in February 2022 and August 2022, respectively.

The fresh funds will be used to expand Miya Health’s AI-driven interoperable digital healthcare solutions across Europe and Southeast Asia, starting with Poland, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

iMyanmarHouse acquires CarsDB

Leading online real estate marketplace iMyanmarHouse acquired Myanmar-based used car listing platform CarsDB.

The details of the deal remain undisclosed. “We can’t disclose the deal details for now due to a non-disclosure agreement,” Nay Min Thu, Group CEO of iMyanmarHouse, told e27.

The acquisition is part of the proptech company’s diversification strategies. It has expanded iMyamarHouse’s user base and catalysed cross-platform interactions, creating a one-stop digital destination for both real estate and automotive enthusiasts.

Thu said that the two firms have a combined user base of over 520,000, over 12,000 registered agents/agencies/car dealers, and 150 employees.

Qashier banks US$10M Series A

Qashier, a Singapore-based provider of point-of-sale (POS) and payment solutions for small and medium businesses, secured US$10 million in a Series A funding round led by Delivery Hero Ventures and IFP Securities.

Antler Elevate and Cocoon Capital also participated.

The funds will enable Qashier to accelerate its growth in its four Southeast Asian markets (Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore), expand into new international markets, and strengthen its product ecosystem.

13 early-stage startups join Tenity SG programme

Tenity announced the selection of 13 early-stage startups for the sixth edition of its incubation programme in Singapore.

The startups from seven different countries represent diverse business verticals, including wealth management, real estate, e-commerce, financing, payments, insurance, and Web3.

They will receive an initial S$70,000 (US$52,000) investment each from the Tenity Incubation Fund II.

The 13 startups were selected from more than 230 applications.

During the rigorous four-month programme, the startups will receive extensive support to refine and validate their business ideas and go-to-market strategies. They will also have access and guidance from Tenity’s distinguished alumni, seasoned mentors, and our global investor network.

MFast nets US$6M in Series A round

MFast, a financial services distribution network in Vietnam and a brand of DigiPay JSC, concluded its US$6 million Series A funding round led by Wavemaker Partners.

New investors Finnoventure Fund I (managed by Krungsri Finnovate), Headline Asia, and existing investors Do Ventures, JAFCO Asia, and Ascend Vietnam Ventures also joined the round.

MFast will utilise the funds to expand its operations and unlock the potential of nationwide distribution, with a plan to extend its presence outside the country by 2024.

“Our next big steps include fostering collaboration to design exclusive financial products for each and every customer segment, as well as gearing up for expansion to the Philippines in 2024,” said MFast CEO Long Phan.

Launched in 2017 by twin brothers Long Phan and Vinh Phan, MFast is an online marketplace and a sales channel in the finance and insurance field. MFast users fulfil the role of all-in-one agents, serving the community’s demands for finance, banking and insurance products.

Geo Energy invests US$4M in Charged Asia

Singapore-headquartered Geo Energy Resources, through its newly incorporated subsidiary Geo Electric, entered into a US$4 million loan agreement with Indonesian electric motorcycle company Charged Asia Pte. Ltd (CAPL).

As per this deal, Geo Electric has the right to convert the outstanding amounts and all accrued interest under the loan into ordinary shares of CAPL. The loan carries an interest of 12 per cent per annum for 24 months or until conversion, whichever is earlier.

Furthermore, Geo Energy can enter into further agreements with CAPL to increase its capital investment for up to an additional US$36 million to become the majority shareholder.

CAPL manufactures and distributes “competitive and affordable” electric motorcycles. It has developed three motorcycle models and claims to have delivered more than 1,000 motorcycles in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. With a zero-emission production facility in Indonesia, CAPL aims to sell 10 million motorcycles in Asia Pacific over the next ten years.

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Collaborations and partnerships are pivotal for any form of endeavour. They cultivate a blend of ideas, facilitate mutual discoveries, and refine solutions. Through this synergy, organisations are able to better mitigate risks and accelerate progress fueled by each other’s expertise, ultimately enabling all parties to achieve their goals.

With this ethos in mind, e27 and Techstars recently partnered together to launch the Techstars x JETRO Startup City Acceleration Program Pitch Day 2022. The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 2,200 companies that today have a combined market cap valuation of $29 Billion.

Also read: Wateroam emerges victorious at the 2023 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards

The Techstars x JETRO Startup City Acceleration Program Pitch Day is one of Techstars’ many initiatives to help usher growth and innovation among tech startups, enabling them to explore transnational opportunities in Southeast Asia and Japan.

Since 2021, Techstars has partnered with JETRO to launch two cohorts of the Founders Catalyst Programme as part of Techstars x JETRO’s Startup City Acceleration Programme. The startups in the two cohorts — 15 startups in the global scale cohort and 11 startups in the cleantech cohort — are undergoing a series of sessions to help address the issues they are facing specific to their companies to help them build and grow their companies.

The e27 factor in making Techstars x JETRO Startup City Acceleration Program Pitch Day 2022 a success

For the 2022 edition of the program, Techstars decided to tap e27 for our team’s unparalleled experience not only when it comes to organising events that cater specifically to the Southeast Asian tech startup ecosystem, but also for our ability to spotlight important programs and initiatives and connect them to the right audience.

This collaboration showcased e27’s indispensable role in delivering operational and promotional support for the event, underscoring our team’s commitment to nurturing innovation and forging crucial connections within the startup sphere.

At the heart of this collaboration is e27’s dedication to amplifying the reach of the Techstars x JETRO Startup City Acceleration Program Pitch Day 2022. More than just putting the spotlight on the broader project, the event served as a platform for 15 startups to present their groundbreaking ideas and innovations to an audience of tech experts, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts.

The goal of the project is to fuel the growth of startups by addressing their unique challenges and facilitating connections — a key area that e27 is particularly experienced in.

An all-encompassing support from e27

e27’s promotional efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Pitch Day garnered the attention it deserved. With a keen understanding of the startup ecosystem, e27 strategically targeted investors and companies, maximising the event’s visibility. This involved a strategic campaign plan that included promotional articles, media placement on e27’s platform, social media promotions, and features in e27’s daily digest.

By effectively raising awareness and generating buzz around the program, e27 acted as a catalyst in bringing together key stakeholders who could also contribute to the success of these startups. Moreover, e27 helped amplify Techstars’ call for applications well before the event proper.

Also read: Flux Series: Where industry leaders discuss actionable insights and disruptive technologies

e27’s support for Techstars extended beyond just pre-event promotions. The team also provided operational assistance in the form of technical logistics, creating and managing breakout rooms for networking, connecting with judges and ecosystem partners such as VCs, and even assisting the participating startups in their actual presentations. This allowed the startups to focus on what they do best — showcasing their innovations and building connections.

The Pitch Day itself was a testament to the collaboration’s success. Divided into two cohorts — Global Scale and Cleantech — the event spanned different stages to cater to the diverse startups participating. Each startup had the opportunity to deliver a succinct 4-minute pitch, followed by a networking session. The innovative setup of individual breakout rooms for each company fostered meaningful interactions between attendees and founders, opening doors to potential collaborations and partnerships.

The Global Scale Cohort Demo Day, with its sector-agnostic approach, showcased the diversity and depth of the startups’ innovations. The range of verticals and stages represented underscored the vibrance of the global startup ecosystem and the potential for groundbreaking ideas to emerge from various corners of the world.

A once in a lifetime experience for startups

The Techstars x JETRO Startup City Acceleration Programme itself has been a remarkable journey for the startups involved. With access to Techstars’ extensive network of entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners, the participating companies received unparalleled mentorship and guidance. The program’s success stories are a testament to Techstars’ expertise, having nurtured countless connections and relationships in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Also read: Strategic content via e27 amplifies CMI’s goals beyond numbers

Techstars’ commitment to fostering growth across the startup ecosystem through its Startup City Acceleration Programme has been truly inspiring. This initiative, backed by the Cabinet Office of Japan through the efforts of JETRO, has provided Japanese startups with the mentorship, investor connections, and business partnerships needed to thrive on a global scale.

In essence, the partnership between e27 and Techstars for the Techstars x JETRO Startup City Acceleration Program Pitch Day 2022 stands as a shining example of collaboration driving innovation. With e27’s unwavering commitment to promoting and supporting such initiatives, startups gained a platform to shine, investors found opportunities to fuel the next big thing, and the global startup ecosystem witnessed the power of meaningful partnerships. As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, it is partnerships like these that will pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future.

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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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At e27, our dedication lies in fostering innovation by providing a platform for experts to share their specialised insights. Through our Contributor Programme, passionate individuals can engage in profound conversations about entrepreneurship, technology, and pioneering advancements.

Join our startup discourse this week as we explore contemporary trends, exchange viewpoints, and deliberate on strategies for excelling in the startup landscape.

How hyper-personal, AI tech can transform the US$1.5T wellness industry

The wellness industry in Singapore was worth US$12 billion and has constantly been on the lookout for hyper-personalised solutions.

AWHL Group CEO, Arich Tan’s article discusses the transformative potential of hyper-personal AI technology within the US$1.5 trillion wellness industry. It highlights how AI-driven personalization can revolutionise wellness experiences, catering to individual needs and preferences. Emphasizing the role of data analytics and AI in crafting tailored wellness solutions, from fitness to mental health, the article also underlines the significance of user privacy and ethical considerations in adopting such technology.

Blockchain beyond borders: A dive into global collaboration and innovation

As we navigate the evolving world of blockchain, collaboration, education, and problem-solving, emerge as pivotal pillars for success.

Early crypto advocate and Business Development Lead at Bybit, Jenny Zheng’s article delves into the world of blockchain technology, exploring its potential for fostering global collaboration and innovation. It showcases how blockchain transcends geographical boundaries, enabling diverse stakeholders to come together and create impactful solutions. The piece highlights real-world examples of cross-border collaborations driven by blockchain, emphasizing the transformative power it holds.

Empowering Indonesia with fintech: Dede Suherman’s journey

Fintech startups should develop their services to assist a growing number of people worldwide in resolving their financial challenges.

IVITECH.Drive’s Co-Founder and CEO, Artem Moskalev’s article profiles Dede Suherman’s journey in empowering Indonesia through fintech. It highlights his contributions to the country’s financial technology landscape and his role in driving innovation and financial inclusion. The piece showcases Suherman’s endeavours in co-founding a successful fintech company and discusses his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within Indonesia’s fintech ecosystem.

Human touch in tech: How exceptional customer service makes you stand out

Quality customer service, though not rocket science, requires the investment of time and money and is worth it.

Statrys Founder Bertrand Theaud’s article underscores the significance of exceptional customer service in the tech industry, emphasizing the role of the human touch. It delves into how providing a personalised and attentive customer experience can set businesses apart in the competitive tech landscape.

Also Read: Contributor spotlight: A roundup of this week’s startup discussions

Decoding the shift: The new era of B2B marketing

In the digital age, B2B marketing is set to expand, especially with the rising influence of AI and data-driven strategies.

Guest Lecturer at Sydney University, Luke Fitzpatrick’s article deciphers the evolving landscape of B2B marketing, highlighting the emergence of a new era. It explores the transformative shifts in B2B marketing strategies, focusing on the integration of digital platforms and personalised approaches. The piece underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making and the adoption of innovative techniques to engage and resonate with B2B audiences.

How AAT is preparing Southeast Asian accountants for an AI-driven future

AAT’s global community of accounting professionals serves as a powerful resource for its members in Malaysia and beyond.

Journalist Surabhi Pandey’s article delves into how AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) is equipping Southeast Asian accountants for an AI-driven future. It highlights AAT’s efforts to bridge the gap between traditional accounting practices and the technological advancements brought by AI. The piece showcases how AAT is providing relevant training and resources to empower accountants with the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape.

How the right ecosystem energises greentech startups

Hong Kong is emerging as a greentech hub with leading startups in the space that are applying innovative technologies in their work.

Head of StartmeupHK at Invest Hong Kong, Jayne Chan’s article delves into the vital role of the right ecosystem in energising greentech startups. It explores how a conducive environment can foster innovation and growth within the greentech sector. The piece highlights the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and access to resources in nurturing the development of sustainable solutions.

Executing a winning ecosystem strategy: What we can learn from Arm and its upcoming IPO

Find out why ecosystem building is core to Arm’s corporate narrative and strategy and how it is enhancing the value of its IPO.

Out-Position Founder, Darryl Dickens’s article delves into the strategic approach of executing a successful ecosystem, drawing insights from ARM and its imminent IPO. It explores how ARM’s ecosystem strategy has contributed to its growth and positioning as a major player in the technology industry. The piece highlights the lessons that can be gleaned from ARM’s journey, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability.

From Seed to Series: Navigating different funding rounds with PR

In today’s competitive startup scene, the integration of PR into the funding journey is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

CEO of iOli Comms, Yan Lim’s article navigates the funding journey from seed to series rounds, highlighting the role of PR (public relations). It delves into how effective PR strategies can enhance a startup’s ability to secure funding across various stages. The piece showcases how tailored communication can establish credibility, attract investors, and build a positive reputation.

Also Read: Voices of innovation: Showcasing e27’s top contributors of the week

The power of diversity: Leveraging and building an inclusive workplace for all

Employees are more likely to stay with organisations that prioritise diversity and inclusion, reducing turnover and promoting long-term retention.

Founder of VV Consulting Group, Vaishana Vasuthavan’s article emphasizes the transformative impact of diversity and the creation of an inclusive workplace for all. It delves into how fostering diversity can drive innovation, productivity, and overall success within organisations. The piece showcases the benefits of a diverse workforce and highlights strategies for building an environment that welcomes and supports individuals from different backgrounds.

Unlocking angel investing: 6 key steps for making your first investment

In this article, I hope to share several steps that you should consider before cutting that first cheque as an angel.

Izwan & Partners Founder Izwan Zakaria’s article provides a roadmap for first-time angel investors to navigate the investment process successfully. It outlines six essential steps that new angel investors can follow to make informed and strategic investment decisions. The piece covers topics such as conducting due diligence, building a diversified portfolio, and understanding the investment landscape.

How data centres adapt to shortages with advanced tech solutions

Data centres harness advanced tech for global demand with hyperscale tech, AI integration, and sustainable growth strategies.

Guest Lecturer at Sydney University, Luke Fitzpatrick’s article explores the pivotal role of data centres in driving the digital age through innovation, security, and sustainability. It delves into how data centres have evolved to become critical infrastructure supporting the modern digital ecosystem. The piece highlights the importance of innovation to enhance efficiency, the significance of security measures to safeguard data, and the growing emphasis on sustainable practices within data centre operations.

Navigating the digital future: Innovations, collaborations, and transformations

The trends in smart telecom, enterprise solutions, and IoT applications are set to catalyse transformative change in future technologies.

Project Manager in Taiwan Trade Center Singapore (TAITRA), Janet Hsu’s article delves into the convergence of 5G, AI, and AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) in shaping the digital future. It explores how the integration of these technologies is driving transformation across industries and reshaping the technological landscape. The piece highlights the potential synergy of 5G’s connectivity, AI’s intelligence, and AIoT’s interconnectedness.

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Amidst the AI revolution, e27 presents a new series showcasing how organisations embrace AI in their operations.

Aaron Goldsmid is the Head of Product at Deel, where he oversees connectivity and fintech products, along with a team of hundreds of global, remote product professionals.

Goldsmid brings more than 20 years of product and engineering leadership experience from companies like Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and, most recently, Twillio. He joined Deel to help create the world’s friendliest worker platform, starting with the ability to work from anywhere.

In this edition, Goldsmid shares how Deel has embraced Artificial Intelligence.

Edited excerpts:

How do you perceive the AI revolution and its potential impact on your industry and workforce?

AI has and will revolutionise and reshape numerous industries and functions for the better, including the HR industry. There has always been much speculation about whether AI will eliminate jobs, but history has proven that false.

If we were to look into any time there has been a Newtonian revolution in technology, like the weaving loom, printing press or personal computer, it has only provided leverage. Humans didn’t get eliminated from the equation; they just became infinitely more efficient, and their tasks changed.

I believe that is precisely what we will see today with AI. It will allow humans to perform tasks more efficiently and scale faster.

In what ways has your company embraced AI technologies to improve operational efficiency or enhance business processes?

At Deel, we are building a system to understand our support volume and where it’s coming from, such as by identifying root causes and filtering them back into the product. We’re also leveraging predictive churn analysis and trying to determine how to be more efficient in marketing. These can be considered the newer aspects of the AI revolution, but it is essentially machine learning data science that many innovative firms are utilising now.

Also Read: AI’s distinction lies in its vast scale and accessibility: Raunak Mehta of Igloo

I’m particularly excited about how we will help customers using AI and what new products we are building with AI. We will be announcing these later this year.

Can you share specific examples of how AI has been integrated into your workforce to streamline operations or drive innovation?

We’ve built arguably the largest global employment compliance database, allowing our teams to query across all our data.  For example:

• What’s the average salary of software engineers in my organisation in Estonia?
• What is the parental policy in the Netherlands?
• What’s the prevailing tax rate?

Internally, we are now doing tens of thousands of queries against our knowledge base, saving us immense time.

Our data covers 120 countries, comes from expertise from over 100+ in-house Deel country compliance experts, and covers all of the typical questions and compliance law topics our customers ask us about. If used well, it could be a co-pilot to our employment lawyers or tax advisers.

AI takes on the repetitive queries, freeing our in-house teams to tackle the harder questions. It’s an oracle. It gives you the answers it knows and allows us to find and fill the current knowledge gaps.

What AI does as well is that it democratises that experience for everyone. For example, a business leader in a small organisation now has access to the answers to an HR or compliance question generated by AI within a couple of seconds, versus days later using human experts that they have to seek out.

What challenges or concerns did you encounter when implementing AI technologies within your organisation, and how did you address them?

The biggest challenge is trust and ensuring that data is completely secure. AI technologies are infinitely brilliant, but they are also incredibly naive at the same time. There is zero room for error when dealing with data as sensitive as employment data.

We solve this by creating sandboxes for specific data sets so there is no way for AI to access anything that is not supposed to. We have different logical instances with a specific set of permissions. Having the right guardrails in place is key.

How do you ensure transparency and uphold ethical considerations in using AI technologies within your organisation to mitigate privacy concerns?

We do this with assisted learning, where a human is involved. It can go awry with unassisted learning, where the computer tells itself whether it’s right or not. At Deel, we’ve ensured that there is human-assisted learning and that our centralised human experts are validating and training every query.

How do you ensure that AI technologies complement your workforce’s existing skills and expertise rather than replacing or displacing human workers?

There is much fear and speculation about whether AI might result in the eventual loss of the “human touch,” but we believe that it only enhances what already exists rather than fully replacing it because there are limits to the technology.

Even though AI continues to develop rapidly, it is still limited to the data that is made available to it. In this sense, there will always be a need for human intelligence or intervention to fill the gaps AI cannot.

How do you envision the future collaboration between humans and AI? What role do you see AI playing in augmenting human capabilities?

I and others see AI as a co-pilot. In flying a plane, a co-pilot’s job is to help manage the workload, filter the information and fulfil certain tasks so that the ‘captain’ can focus on what matters. This is how I see the collaboration between humans and AI.

Also Read: Balance AI tool benefits with end-customer needs: Jon Howard of Bud

Many of the tasks we do today are repetitive, and many don’t always need a high level of expertise to complete them, i.e., responding to certain emails or filling out forms. AI will hopefully make us more efficient by taking care of some of these less skill-required tasks.

AI also reduces the barrier of needing to be highly technical and democratises knowledge. For instance, before cloud computing existed, one of the advantages for bigger companies like IBM and Google was that they had data centres.

For a smaller company to build that same type of data centre required an immense amount of capital. It also used to be that the bar for programming was incredibly high. This is the next version of that. With AI, small businesses can have the same capabilities as larger enterprises, which is exciting.

What advice would you give to other company founders looking to leverage AI in their workforce?

With the ongoing developments, the market is expected to be noisy and frothy for quite a while.

AI lowers the boundaries and makes things easier. However, the underlying needs of the market have not changed; we just have a new tool now that enables us to create something that’s much more accessible and will likely make us more efficient.

Every company should have an AI strategy, but what does an AI strategy look like for every company? I would start with the assumption of infinite resources and then ask how you would deploy the resource. How would that change your business? For example, what would an advertising agency do if they had a million more copywriters?

What should not be done is to wrap ChatGPT and call it a product simply, the products still have to be built. So businesses need to invest in the people with the skills to build the right products for them.

If I were looking to invest right now, I would be looking for things with enduring prospects, helping a human or business need.

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Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today.

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Line Man Wongnai — an e-commerce platform for food delivery, grocery delivery, taxi, messenger, restaurant reviews, and restaurant solutions in Thailand, and Line Company (Thailand), have jointly acquired the majority shares of Rabbit Line Pay Company (RLP) from previous shareholders RabbitPay System Company Limited and Advanced mPAY Company Limited.

The details of the deal remain undisclosed.

The acquisition aims to bring RLP payment services closer to the Line ecosystem, including Line Man, Line Shopping, Line app, and Wongnai’s merchant network.

As per the agreement, Line Man Wongnai CEO Yod Chinsupakul and CFO In Young Chung will become the new CEO and CFO of RLP, respectively.

The merger will not impact RLP users, and they can keep using its payment services in existing channels, including the BTS Skytrain ticketing system and AIS’s bill payment services.

Also Read: Line Man Wongnai secures US$265M in Series B round, enters unicorn club

Chinsupakul stated, “RLP has a long presence among Thai e-payment users, covering a wide range of online and offline payment channels. As user’s behaviours toward e-payment and overall fintech are transforming quickly, it’s an exciting time to reframe the role of RLP under the new shareholders. We want to use our strength of over 10 million Line Man and Wongnai users, over 500,000 merchants, and over 100,000 riders to create a coherent transaction experience for all stakeholders. With the addition of RLP, we believe Line Man Wongnai is uniquely positioned to help digitalises the Thai economy.”

Rabbit LINE Pay (RLP) is an integrated online and offline payment platform. RLP offers payment services, including a digital wallet and quick, on-the-go payment options for purchases, money transfers, or top-ups. RLP services can be utilised within public transportation, for purchasing goods and services from partner brands, and for various utility bill payments.

Line Man Wongnai combines an e-commerce platform for food delivery, grocery delivery, taxi, messenger, local business reviews and restaurant solutions. It became a unicorn following its US$265 million Series B funding led by GIC and Line in September last year. Line Man Wongnai employs more than 1,000 people.

Established in 2014, Line Thailand manages local sales and marketing strategies and develops new businesses and services for Thai markets.

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Image Credit: LINE MAN Wongnai.

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Technology innovation has a critical role to play in disaster risk reduction and management, from mitigation, prevention and preparedness, to response, relief, and recovery. SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards was created by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc,  back in 2019 to find, fund, and support technology solutions that protect and save lives before, during, or after events of natural disasters.

Now in its 3rd edition, the competition received 110 applications across the world, with wide-ranging and high-quality solutions. Six finalists were chosen to compete, namely: Castomize Technologies, H3Dynamics, Kinetic Analysis Corporation, QUICKBLOCK Ltd., LivingWaters Systems LLC, and Wateroam.

The six finalists represent a vast range of solutions, from drone technology to immediate care technology to weather prediction software, and everything in between.

Wateroam emerges as the winner

The 2023 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards recently concluded last June 15 at the Echelon Asia Summit 2023 Day 2 held at the Singapore EXPO. After a series of pitching competitions featuring startups from across the region, Wateroam emerged as the winner.

Also read: Strategic content via e27 amplifies CMI’s goals beyond numbers

Wateroam is the proponent of The ROAMfilter Plus 2, a community water filtration system that is simple to operate, long-lasting, lightweight, and cost-effective. The system’s hand pump operation requires no electricity, making it an ideal immediate solution for disaster-hit areas, particularly in rural regions. With the ROAMfilter Plus 2, a person becomes a mobile water station that can produce safe drinking water quickly for 100 people.

The ROAMfilter Plus 2 was developed after 3 years of deploying the original ROAMfilter Plus and improving its design and materials to make the ultimate disaster-proof water filtration solution that can be used to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from various freshwater sources.

Wateroam’s journey to victory 

According to Jaron Lim, Sales Director of Wateroam, “Wateroam was started with a shared vision to build a world without thirst. Everyone in our core team has had experiences with people in rural areas without access to safe drinking water, so we wanted to create products that could fulfil that vision.”

The ROAMfilter Plus was first conceptualised by UN Young Leader Vincent Loka to address the need for enough quality drinking water for communities that did not have electricity or elevated water tanks. The humble hand-powered bicycle pump could generate enough pressure, together with low-pressure ultrafiltration membranes, to provide sustainable safe drinking water.

Part of their successful journey came with the biggest challenge faced during the COVID period — the inability to travel across borders. Lim added, ”As a hardware product that you needed to “see to believe,” along with the fact that most of our customers were international and local NGOs that are overseas, it was difficult for us to develop those relationships and make sales to sustain ourselves.”

Lim further explained, “That’s when we developed the Home segment and developed products for urban and rural households, which we have continued to invest in. This allows us a more commercial angle to sustain the humanitarian aspect of our business.”

At the heart of Wateroam is its mission of helping communities grow

To date, Wateroam has provided safe drinking water to over 250,000 people across 40 countries and has been involved in over 10 major disaster responses. As per impact on the community, ROAMfilter Plus systems have been used in the 2017 Rohingya Refugee crisis, the 2018 Lombok earthquake, the 2018 Myanmar flood, the 2020 Vanuatu Cyclone Harold, the 2021 Myanmar refugee crisis, and the 2021 Philippines Typhoon Odette. The ROAMfilter Plus 2 systems have been deployed for the ongoing Myanmar refugee crisis, the ongoing Ukraine war, the 2022 Pakistan floods, and the 2023 Turkey earthquake.

Lim stated, “Every completed project is a milestone to us, especially the disaster relief ones since we get to partner with amazing humanitarian organisations to provide an immediate impact that saves lives.”

Wateroam seeks to expand its work in the humanitarian sector and become the go-to water filter for emergency response for government bodies, international NGOs, and the UN. The team is also developing remote sensor technology in the pipeline to increase the accountability of the water filters so that partners can track the performance of each filter product that is deployed and can provide real-time reports to donors and governments of the ongoing impact.

Also read: Redefining customer engagement via real-time interactivity

On top of that, Wateroam is also exploring the voluntary carbon market as an alternate source of funding for water projects so that it is possible to tap into non-CSR corporate funding to sustainably create long-lasting change for rural communities.

On behalf of Wateroam, Lim is grateful for the support. “We are very thankful to have won the D-TECH Awards and for the support from the Prudence Foundation. The prize money will support our expansion efforts and allow us to travel to more places to develop relationships with local and international NGOs and governments and collaborate on more water projects in these places. We are presently actively engaged in growing our impact in Indonesia and the Philippines which are amongst the world’s most vulnerable to disasters.”

Prudence Foundation as a catalyst in accelerating Wateroam’s growth

In the summary progress report released by the UN in 2021 on SDG Goal No. 6: Water and Sanitation for all, 26% of the world’s population (or 2 billion people) still lacks safely managed drinking water. When a disaster strikes, safe drinking water is critical to survival, yet is often unavailable.

Humanitarian organisations often face surmountable challenges in procurement, warehousing, transportation, and distribution, as well as managing the environmental impact, such as plastic waste, when delivering safe drinking water to disaster areas or in disaster relief operations. 

“Wateroam is a simple yet innovative and effective solution that addresses all the challenges mentioned above. It is easily deployable and scalable, not only in disaster relief situations to save lives but also for rural or underdeveloped communities with limited or no access to safe drinking water.”

“Through the D-Tech platform, we hope to raise awareness on Wateroam to as many organisations as possible, especially governments and NGOs, to bridge the supply and demand on technologies that can save lives,“ said Marc Fancy, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation.

Also read: e27-Visa partnership fosters corporate-startup collaborations and growth

 Marc shared further, “Through the startup ecosystem partnership and collaboration, we hope to catalyse more investment to the D-Tech space, increasing knowledge, capability, and awareness to support the widespread adoption of solutions and tools that bring positive impacts to communities.

“It is our hope that the D-Tech Awards not only ignites but galvanises conversations and connections to bring together governments, business, and technology innovators to solve risks faced by individuals, communities and economies”.

While emerging victorious, Wateroam isn’t alone in seeking innovative ways to help save lives in the context of disaster. It was a tight race considering the quality of applicants for this year’s SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards. Some solutions are at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and Satellite Communications, and some are community-based applications. There are also med-tech and health-tech solutions that can be leveraged for disastrous situations, as well as very simple yet innovative products that can be deployed at scale and speed.

About Prudence Foundation

Prudence Foundation is the community investment arm of Prudential Plc.  The organisation works closely with NGOs, Governments, Communities, and Private Sector partners to strategise and implement programmes focusing on Education, Health, and Safety across Asia and Africa.

As a company, Prudential provides health and wealth solutions to millions of customers across markets, essentially providing protection and peace of mind to individuals and families.

“As a Foundation,” Marc explained, “We aim to extend this effort by focusing on ‘creating a better future for our communities by making them safer and more resilient to life’s risks.”

For more information, visit Prudence Foundation.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Prudence Foundation

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