Dear reader,
Sea Limited’s latest financial results paint a picture of strong growth and profitability, but a closer look reveals a more complex story.
Shopee’s GMV surpassed US$100 billion, yet its Q4 growth rate lagged behind the full-year average—potentially signalling a slowdown.
Meanwhile, SeaMoney is expanding aggressively, but soaring marketing expenses and rising credit risks could impact margins. Even Garena, with a resurgence in bookings, is struggling to drive higher user spending.
As Sea positions itself for sustained growth, its ability to balance expansion with financial discipline will be critical.
Investors and industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on how the company navigates these challenges in the months ahead.
Sainul,
Editor.
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NEWS & VIEWS
Sea Limited’s 2024 results: A deep dive beyond the headlines
While Sea’s Q4 and full-year 2024 results present a picture of growth and profitability, a detailed analysis reveals potential challenges and strategic shifts.
Airwallex acquires Vietnam-based CTIN Pay
The deal aims to strengthen Airwallex’s licensing footprint across key Asia-Pacific markets, including Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, mainland China, and Japan.
Malaysian proptech firm LiveIn acquires RedDoorz’s rental brand
KoolKost is a long-term accommodation brand in Indonesia that serves long-term travellers, students, and workers with budget-friendly accommodations | The acquisition includes 27 properties across six cities.
Oyo sets US$126.5M profit for FY26 after G6 Hospitality deal
G6 Hospitality operates Motel 6 and Studio 6 in the US | The company estimates G6 Hospitality will contribute US$72.46M to its EBITDA, helping raise Oyo’s combined EBITDA to US$230M.
SmartSolar lands US$1.85M to help SMEs cut energy costs with solar power
Lead investors are Picus Capital and 2degrees | Within six months of its launch, SmartSolar claims to have installed almost 1MWp of capacity across numerous businesses in Vietnam.
Indian cross-border payment firm Razorpay expands into Singapore
Razorpay’s platform in Singapore will include several innovations tailored to the needs of local businesses, including multi-currency transactions and real-time payments, AI toolkit, and AI concierge for payments.
East Ventures, Temasek Foundation launch CIIC 2025 to boost climate tech innovation
CIIC offers a total prize pool of US$620K for piloting solutions to tackle ecological challenges and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
1337 Ventures backs Arus Oil to drive Malaysia’s waste-to-energy revolution
The startup provides convenience solutions for households, F&B, and hoteliers to recycle their UCO waste | It claims to have collected over 2M kilograms of UCO across the Klang Valley.
Funding Societies, Boss Boleh to help Malaysian SMEs overcome financing, admin challenges
Startups and SMEs that have been operational for less than a year can access digital term or invoice financing supported by Funding Societies.
AI for SMEs: Indonesia and Google partner on Gemini Academy
Integrating AI into business strategies will provide SMEs with valuable insights into market trends and consumer preferences.
Cortical Labs unveils CL1: The world’s first commercial biological computer
CL1 aims to enhance drug discovery and testing, improve personalised medicine, and aid in early disease detection.
Peak XV investor departs after 9 years
Shraeyansh Thakur indicated his intention to pursue an entrepreneurial venture, though specifics remain unclear | Thakur joined in 2015, working with startups like Meesho, CARS24, and Unacademy.
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
Bridging the gender gap in GenAI learning: Strategies to get more women involved
Encouraging more women to pursue GenAI education requires coordinated efforts from educators, businesses, and governments.
Regulating AI in Asia Pacific: Can companies keep up?
Research suggests that firms pioneering responsible artificial intelligence could see an 18% increase in AI-related revenue.
Driving the future: How Auve Tech’s autonomous shuttles are reshaping urban mobility
Looking ahead, Estonia-based Auve Tech is set to launch a renewed shuttle model with enhanced autonomous capabilities.
AI is reshaping digital infrastructure for a sustainable future, but disparity in adoption persists
By adopting strategic AI implementations, organisations can maximise AI’s potential while mitigating its associated challenges.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
How to kill a startup in one move
Startup founders should own the sales process early to stay connected to customer insights and drive growth before scaling.
A startup founder lives on the ‘Edge Of Tomorrow’
The article compares startup founders’ challenges to those in the movie, emphasising persistence and learning from failure.
VC deal-breakers: How anti-dilution clauses could sink your startup
Every term sheet is negotiable, and it’s in your best interest to seek legal counsel to ensure your startup’s future remains secure.
Preparing for the unexpected: Succession planning and legal considerations for startup founders
Consult your startup lawyer to ensure succession clauses are properly incorporated and aligned with your startup’s needs.
Why inclusive hiring matters for a startup ecosystem
A truly inclusive workplace is one where Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) are able to learn, thrive and be respected.
Beyond growth: Why succession planning matters for startups
Implementing a robust succession plan helps startups maintain a talent pipeline, retain institutional knowledge, and ensure seamless transitions.
‘Step Zero Before the Hustle’: The psychology of entrepreneurial success
The book explores the psychology of entrepreneurial success, offering insights to build confidence, resilience, and essential startup skills.
Governing your startup: What founders can learn from politics and vice versa
It would benefit the startup community to look at itself not only as a niche business ecosystem but as one woven into the fabric of society.
Breaking down geography-based salary for your global teams
Geography-based pay comprises many complex factors, which is why it is crucial to acknowledge various approaches to implement these policies.
Cracking the code: Decoding 4 myths in Indonesia’s startup realm
This article highlights four common misconceptions that founders might have that can either make or break a startup.
Cultural intelligence (CQ): The key to unlocking success in global workspaces
CQ is the cornerstone of this ability, helping us lead, connect, and collaborate with people who bring diverse perspectives to our teams.
Our workplaces have changed a lot recently: Now here is the problem
The concept of work is blurring, it may seem like a minor issue, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg as we herald in the new normal.
Enhancing employee well-being and retention in Southeast Asian businesses
The success of any organisation in Southeast Asia relies on its ability to effectively support and engage its employees.
With AI comes huge reputational risks: How businesses can navigate the ChatGPT era
Navigating the benefits of AI technology requires balancing its advantages with the need to mitigate reputational risks.
Building a resilient sales team: Lessons from the trenches
This article covers building a sustainable sales culture through people-first leadership and long-term growth strategies.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Big moves in Singapore space finance 2025
The space industry is poised to reach a trillion dollars—Singapore is ensuring it leads, not watches from the sidelines.
Can autonomous delivery vehicles handle the chaos of real roads?
The logistics sector is advancing toward a future where autonomous delivery is both feasible and optimised for diverse roads and weather.
Pakistan’s carbon market: A new opportunity for startups and SMEs
Pakistan’s involvement in the world carbon market offers an opportunity for economic growth as well as an environmental one.
Riding into the future with cowboy hats, AI and wearables
We’re making Singapore a leader in AI spatial intelligence, unlocking new revenue in geospatial analytics, wearables, and robotics.
Global economic shake-up: Bitcoin hits US$90K, German bonds slide
Germany’s bold fiscal pivot is shaking global markets, driving bond sell-offs, equity rallies, and a stronger euro amid shifting risk sentiment.
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