Dear reader,
The introduction of Singapore’s Platform Workers Bill marks a significant step towards securing the rights and well-being of a rapidly growing segment of the workforce.
With over 88,000 platform workers in Singapore, many serving essential roles through apps like Grab, Deliveroo, and Foodpanda, the bill seeks to address long-standing gaps in financial security and work safety.
By mandating Central Provident Fund contributions and work injury compensation, the government recognises the need for these workers to have protections similar to those of traditional employees. The creation of a legal framework for representation further empowers these workers, giving them a voice in disputes and collective bargaining.
This legislative move aligns Singapore with global trends, where governments are increasingly addressing the unique challenges faced by platform workers.
However, the decision to classify these workers as a distinct legal class, separate from both employees and the self-employed, also underscores the complexity of modern labour relations.
While the bill provides much-needed protections, it also raises questions about the future of work and the evolving definitions of employment.
Overall, this bill is a vital milestone in ensuring that platform workers are not left behind in Singapore’s evolving economy.
Sainul
Editor.
NEWS & VIEWS
Platform worker protections tabled in new Singapore bill
The bill proposes to implement Central Provident Fund contributions, work injury insurance, and a legal framework for representation; Platform workers include ride-hailing drivers and on-demand delivery workers serving apps such as Grab and Deliveroo.
Payoneer acquires Singaporean HR, payroll startup Skuad for US$61M
Skuad streamlines the hiring, onboarding, payroll, and managing global talent, eliminating the need for local entities; It will accelerate the fintech firm’s growth strategy by enhancing its global workforce management services.
Philippines leads mobile fintech app adoption in SEA: Study
The UnaFinancial research showed that penetration is expected to grow to 60% by 2030, with the highest levels observed in the Philippines (72%), Indonesia (64%), and Malaysia (61%); The penetration in SEA is expected to grow to 60% by 2030.
IoT firm UnaBiz hits first close of US$25M pre-series C round
The investors are Japan’s KDDI Open Innovation Fund 3 and KYOCERA Communication Systems; UnaBiz provides energy-efficient IoT solutions for firms in critical verticals, such as aerospace, facilities management, F&B, healthcare, and logistics.
Aprisium scores US$7M to expand contaminant detection solution to US, Europe
The investors are Cocoon Capital, Woh Hup, and Solisa Peppercorn; Aprisium offers solutions with on-site, real-time testing for the continuous and accurate detection of contaminants, including heavy metals and inorganic compounds.
Taiwan’s BBTruck extends pre-series A funding to over US$6M
The investors include Oasis Venture, H2U Corp., and StarWorks Entrepreneurial VC; The supply chain and logistics tech firm will use the funds for expansion into North America and Southeast Asia.
Growsari lands US$5M to empower 1.3M sari-sari store owners in Philippines
The investor is Oppenheimer Generations Asia; Growsari provides B2B e-commerce plaform and financial and last-mile logistics services to 100,000 sari-sari stores across the Philippines.
Mushroom Material nets US$5M to convert agri waste into eco-friendly packaging
The investors include Wavemaker Partners and SEEDS Capital; The cleantech startup grows millions of fungi-based pellets, which are then coated in a binding agent, allowing them to be shaped into customised packaging solutions.
Reforged Labs lands US$3.9M to power game ads with AI
The investors include DCM, Y Combinator, Goodwater Capital, and Phoenix Fund; Reforged Labs wants to leverage generative AI to automate and optimize aspects of video ad creation for mobile games.
D2C personal care product startup Evo Commerce bags U$2.1M to expand retail touchpoints
The investors include IJK Capital Partners, Chen Capital, Orvel Ventures, and Straits Angels; Evo Commerce’s flagship products are Bback, a hangover relief solution, and Stryv, which specialises in personal care electronics and beauty products.
Djoin secures funding to simplify MFIs’ lending process in Indonesia
The investor is 500 Global; Djoin improves and optimises loan management, reduces non-performing loans, and promotes financial stability for microfinance institutions.
Malaysia’s Newell Road receives funding from Antler to automate market research, business reporting
Newell Road leverages advanced AI and ML technologies to quickly gather data from various sources and produce comprehensive reports and analyses in minutes; The money will be used to develop Newell Road’s AI Analyst.
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
Since last funding, KLAR Smile has achieved 40% compound monthly growth rate
Founded in 2020, KLAR Smile began by offering tailor-made clear aligners to correct teeth misalignments without conventional metal braces.
How Literatu uses AI to help students in Singapore improve their English writing skills
Literatu is working to integrate its AI-based writing solution into the country’s national online learning portal, Student Learning Space.
Following US Medicare approval, Lucence expands the global reach of its cancer detection service
Singapore-based Lucence uses genomic data to detect signs of cancer in patients. Their services are available in Asia and other regions.
Jackie Tan: Navigating the startup journey and paying it forward
Tan said that first-time founders can start a company without quitting their day jobs by testing ideas, talking to people, and building prototypes.
Echelon X: Akanksha Deswal on building an AI Agent workforce
The Echelon X keynote emphasised that the future of work lies in using AI to build a more connected, efficient, and innovative business landscape.
Echelon X: Gullnaz Baig and Shiv Choudhury on Growsari’s approach to non-technical customers
The Echelon X fireside chat discussed how Southeast Asian small businesses can scale technologies for non-technical audiences.
Echelon X: Adriel Yong and Piruze Sabuncu on AI’s role in SEA
The Echelon X fireside chat explored whether AI is poised to revolutionise industries and drive economic growth or if it’s just another tech bubble.
Echelon Philippines 2024: Catalysing innovation in SEA’s fastest emerging tech market
Echelon Philippines 2024 aims to harness the collective expertise of the Philippine and Southeast Asian startup ecosystems.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The synergy of AI and DeFi: Shaping the future of finance
DeFi systems are able to adapt to market demands and provide cutting-edge monetary services to more people because they utilise AI.
Protecting innovation: Cybersecurity as the backbone of tech independence
As we celebrate the Independence Days of Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, let’s also celebrate their strides in cybersecurity.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Mitigating security and privacy risks: How AI assistant Capabara makes DPO’s role less painful
Capabara provides suggestions to address operational queries and info on regulatory mandates and streamlines data governance processes.
Why Korean investors are getting attracted to Southeast Asia
Korean investors see Southeast Asia as a fertile ground for the convergence of technological expertise and abundant and affordable labour.
How South Korea’s smart city startups curbed the spread of COVID-19
Smart city technology is not just a way to realise the gleaming metropolises of science fiction dreams; It can also be mustered in the fight against new and dynamic threats to urban society.
Why I left Silicon Valley to build a coding boot camp in Singapore
I felt inspired by the young entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley to start a coding boot camp here in Singapore. But it has not always been easy.
3 easy tips for SMEs to build overseas customer loyalty
The starting point should be an overall strategy for loyalty that incorporates hygiene factors and elements that build trust with the customer.
Blockchain technology for climate action? Here’s why it works
The underlying blockchain technology can play an essential role in sustainable development and addressing climate change.
AI revolution: Balancing human empathy and robotic efficiency in customer service
Striking a balance for an effective blend of AI and human empathy is key in the future of customer service.
Decentralisation, AI, and blockchain: Crafting the future of civilization
This article examines civilization, historical misuses, and the contemporary disruptions caused by generative AI and blockchain technologies.
Automation: Are you leading or lagging in the race?
Being at the forefront of automation entails using it to enhance human capabilities rather than substituting them.
Insurance industry is poised for its “PayPal moment” in Asia
I anticipate that more insurtech will focus on innovating the distribution of products to the unbanked and underbanked customer segments of the population.
Why disruption is no longer a buzzword in the Philippines
In the Philippines, digital transformation is an overall philosophy, not a linear path; This is how it is going to create an impact.
The post Ecosystem Roundup: Bill to protect platform workers tabled in SG parliament | Payoneer acquires Skuad for US$61M appeared first on e27.