Dear reader,
Singapore’s position as the global leader in AI infrastructure underscores its strategic foresight and robust digital ecosystem. Achieving a top score of 8.91 in Arkance’s study, Singapore sets the benchmark for nations aiming to excel in the AI revolution.
The city-state’s unparalleled venture capital investment of US$14M per US$1,000 GDP reflects its dedication to nurturing AI startups and fostering innovation. With nearly 9 AI specialists per 1,000 LinkedIn members and research output with 31.8% AI-related papers, Singapore demonstrates its ability to cultivate and retain top talent. Its exceptional broadband speed of 305 Mbps and near-perfect cybersecurity score further enhance its appeal as a global AI hub.
South Korea and the UK follow closely, showcasing their own strengths in government technology maturity and cybersecurity. However, Singapore’s holistic approach—integrating funding, talent development, research, and infrastructure—solidifies its leadership.
This achievement highlights the increasing importance of AI infrastructure in driving economic growth and global competitiveness. As AI-powered technologies redefine industries like architecture, engineering, and construction, Singapore serves as a blueprint for nations seeking transformative progress.
By investing in AI ecosystems and safeguarding digital environments, countries can accelerate innovation and position themselves as leaders in the AI-powered future.
Sainul,
Editor.
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NEWS & VIEWS
Singapore beats Korea, UK to emerge global leader in AI infrastructure
Singapore achieved an impressive score of 8.91 out of 10, securing the top spot; The city-state boasts the highest AI venture capital investment per US$1,000 of GDP, reaching a remarkable US$14M.
Apple plans US$1B manufacturing plant investment in Indonesia, minister says
In October, Indonesia banned iPhone 16 sales because it said Apple had not adhered to rules that require phones sold domestically to have at least 40% locally made parts; And this week, the government said it would increase the local content requirement.
Southeast Asian tech startups face funding slump in November
Startups secured US$84.2M in funding across 20 rounds in November; This represents a substantial decline of 66.18% compared to the previous month and a 76.55% drop compared to the same period last year.
KKday lands US$70M funding to bolster M&As in Asia Pacific, AI projects
The investors include Cool Japan Fund, Taiwan’s National Development Fund, and ZUU & De Capital Fund; Recognising Japan’s status as a premier travel destination in Asia, KKday looks to strengthen its position in the country, particularly in the B2C space.
KPay nets US$55M for expansion amid Asia’s fintech slowdown
Apis Partners is the lead investor; KPay plans to expand across key Asian economies, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand; The firm helps merchants with financial management, business operations, and digital transformation.
FashionValet founders plead not guilty
The charges against Vivy Yusof and Fadzarudin Shah Anuar involve an alleged unauthorized payment of US$1.69M from FashionValet’s account to 30 Maple Sdn in 2018; These funds were reportedly invested by Khazanah Nasional and Permodalan Nasional.
Antler plans to invest around US$25M in 50 Indian startups in 2025
The venture capital firm has invested in 30 startups in 2024 through its maiden $75 million fund; The company’s 2024 investments include Bizup, Meine Electric, Namma Yatri, Keeper, and Cautio.
Indian AI HR startup secures US$4M funding
The investors are Axilor Ventures, AFG Ventures, Bytez Ventures, and Alteria Capital; The funding will support the startup’s expansion, particularly in the US and the Philippines.
Thailand’s Betagro invests in Dutch-cultivated meat tech firm Meatable
Meatable’s groundbreaking cell-based technology is capable of producing high-quality pork and beef that mirror the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of conventionally produced meat.
Australia, Singapore collaborate to support sustainable infra, decarbonisation in SEA
The Australian government has approved an AUD50M investment into the Green Investments partnership under Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) initiative.
Temu suspended in Vietnam due to registration failure: report
The Chinese e-commerce platform launched in Vietnam in October and was given until the end of November to register with authorities to avoid restrictions on internet access.
Malaysia warns potential US tariffs could disrupt global chip supply
This follows President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they adopt a new currency or alternatives to the US dollar.
Ex-PayPal COO David Sacks is Trump’s new crypto and AI ‘czar’
Sacks, a member of the so-called “PayPal Mafia,” is a co-founder of Yammer, the internal communications tool that Microsoft acquired for US$1.2B in 2012; He’s also behind Craft Ventures, a VC fund that has backed SpaceX, Reddit, and ClickUp.
Myntra enters India’s quick-commerce race with 30-minute apparel delivery
Myntra will offer customers access to 10K styles across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle categories; The firm, which is owned by Flipkart and serves 70M users a month, plans to expand this offering to over 100K styles in the next three to four months.
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
Singapore’s semiconductor stars: A look at key players and startups
Singapore’s neutral geopolitical stance and efficient logistics system make it an attractive hub for chipmakers looking to diversify their supply chains.
The rise of generative AI: 6 ASEAN countries leading the charge
Generative AI has found fertile ground in ASEAN, thanks to its ability to address regional challenges such as diverse languages, cultural nuances, and varying market needs.
Echelon Philippines 2024: Wai Hong Fong on StoreHub’s bold bet on the Philippines
The Echelon Philippines fireside chat explored StoreHub’s decision to prioritise the Philippines as a key market in its Southeast Asian strategy.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Hydrexia enables users to store and transport hydrogen more economically with less space
Hydrexia has developed a magnesium-based solid-state tech solution to address safety and cost challenges in hydrogen storage, transportation, and production.
EcoSfera helps turn your household waste into energy in the comfort of your home
EcoSfera can be installed on the customers’ premises, process 5-50 tonnes of waste per day, and create up to 150kWh of power per container.
Kazam has created an Operating System for the EV industry in India
It allows EV fleets, charging point operators, OEMs, workplaces and residential properties to set up charging networks and earn money.
Hydroleap revolutionises wastewater treatment, leading industries into a sustainable future
Hydroleap serves a diverse array of customers, from public organisations and government enterprises to private sector entities.
The future of food: Tech-enabled, hyper-personalised, and sustainable
Tech will be a key enabler to achieving such food security, wellness, and sustainability goals across Asia and worldwide.
Feeding the future: Innovation, entrepreneurship, and the rise of food tech in Asia
This article suggests three proven communications strategies that every food tech startup can use to create a strong foundation for success.
Singapore’s food waste revolution: How Ento Industries is pioneering sustainable food from waste
The food waste management sector is in its infancy, but the demand for sustainable, nature-based solutions is rising.
Barbie-fy your business with the power of PR
PR agencies, like Barbie, excel at creating and maintaining a positive public image for their clients through their expertise in the field of publicity.
The hidden secrets of building a successful e-commerce brand in Singapore
By crafting a strong brand identity and prioritising customer satisfaction, founders can navigate e-commerce effectively.
The secret weapon of marketing? Why every business needs a CDP
A CDP provides crucial insights for businesses to improve services, optimise marketing, and address customer issues effectively.
Innovative technologies for bringing sustainability to the brick sector
The construction industry is invaluable to the global economy, but it is also a major polluter, including brick manufacturers.
Bridging continents: Lessons learned from Singapore and Estonia’s tech journeys
Exploring how Estonia and Singapore can influence regulations and standards for emerging markets in new foods, processes, and legislation.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The rise of homelabs: Running your own AI server at home
One of the biggest current drivers for homelabs is the development of open source easily accessible machine learning algorithms.
Embracing the future of digital and green growth in Asia
Asia stands on the threshold of a powerful transformation, capable of setting global standards in sustainable digital innovation.
How global hiring accelerates a country’s competitiveness
Explore how Singapore stays at the forefront of global competitiveness by embracing AI and supporting business transformation.
Singapore vs Israel: Unpacking the strengths and growth dynamics of two startup powerhouses
This article examines the strengths and dynamics of Singapore and Israel, two key hubs shaping global innovation.
Remote hiring in 2024: The pros, cons, and everything in between
The impact of remote hiring in the post-pandemic era: discover why companies are reevaluating their strategies for 2024 and beyond.
Strategies for effectively integrating AI into your organisation
Integrating AI into your organisational strategy demands vision, planning, and adaptability to drive meaningful outcomes.
From employee to entrepreneur: The mindset shift that changes everything
Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur requires full ownership of your career, demanding autonomy, creativity, and resilience.
The wealth advisor’s productivity crisis: Implications for investors
Advisors embracing technology will thrive with efficient services, while those who resist risk obsolescence as investors seek better value.
Clearing the air on Malaysia’s air pollution
Learn about Malaysia’s air pollution crisis, its global health impacts, and actionable steps you can take to help clear the air.
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Image Credit: 123RF.
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