Dear reader,
Temasek’s recent commitment of SGD100 million (US$78 million) in concessional capital through its Climate Action (CCCA) initiative marks a significant step in addressing climate change financing gaps, particularly in developing economies.
By providing patient, flexible capital, the CCCA aims to unlock opportunities in marginally bankable projects, such as clean infrastructure, that would otherwise struggle to secure funding. This approach aligns with the global push to meet the 1.5-degree climate goal and reflects Temasek’s broader strategy of integrating sustainability with its philanthropic efforts.
As the world grapples with the urgency of climate action, particularly in Asia where structural barriers hinder progress, Temasek’s approach of using blended finance to mobilise commercial, concessional, and philanthropic capital offers a pathway for impactful change.
The initiative is designed not only to promote environmental sustainability but also to catalyse further investments by demonstrating the viability of green projects in challenging markets.
This move reflects Temasek’s commitment to sustainability, complementing its existing portfolio of climate and sustainability-focused investments.
By advancing concessional capital as an asset class, Temasek is positioning itself as a leader in the global effort to combat climate change while driving intergenerational impact for a sustainable future.
Sainul,
Editor.
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NEWS & VIEWS
Temasek sets aside US$78M Concessional Capital for Climate Action (CCCA)
CCCA seeks to support climate action initiatives by providing more flexible, patient, and favourable financing, which will address these market barriers.
MAS directs Singapore e-commerce platform Qoo10 to suspend payment services
The market regulator will review the suspension when Qoo10 is able to satisfy MAS of its ability to resolve the payment delays and safeguard the interest of its customers in Singapore on an ongoing basis.
Peak XV has reaped US$1.2B in the year since it split from Sequoia
The investor has sold stakes in nearly a dozen portfolio companies that went public in the past year, including food delivery group Zomato, cosmetics retailer Mamaearth, and spam protection firm Truecaller.
OpenAI CTO Mira Murati says she’s leaving the company
“There’s never an ideal time to step away from a place one cherishes, yet this moment feels right … My six-and-a-half years with the OpenAI team have been an extraordinary privilege,” she said.
Cybersecurity startup Blackpanda raises US$6.7M for Asia expansion
The investors are Singtel Innov8, Gaw Capital Partners, and WI Harper Group; Blackpanda’s IR-1 solution integrates proactive attack surface management, incident response services, and automated access to insurance.
Qarbotech secures US$1.5M funding to boost farm yields by 60%
The investors are 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, ID Capital, EQT Foundation, and Epic Angels; The capital will enable Qarbotech to scale its operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
South Asia, SEA rank high in potential for fintech lending in Asia: Study shows
South Asia stands out with 43 incubators for alternative lending firms and 118 funding rounds in the industry, making it the leading region in fintech investments and startup activity.
Gobi Partners joins Pakistani BNPL startup Qist Bazaar’s US$3.2M round
Since its inception in 2021, Qist Bazaar claims to have disbursed over 55,000 product-based loans amounting to US$12 million; Qist Bazaar’s customers include domestic workers, rickshaw drivers, students, and micro-entrepreneurs.
Echelon Singapore 2025 gears up for its first time at Suntec
The move represents a major leap forward for Echelon Singapore, providing a larger, more dynamic space for exhibitions and sessions.
WeRide partners Uber to launch robotaxis in UAE
The partnership is expected to launch first in Abu Dhabi later this year; After launch, when a rider requests a qualifying ride on the Uber app, they may be presented with the option to have their trip fulfilled by a WeRide autonomous vehicle.
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
YGG’s Future of Work: Empowering gamers for the AI age
YGG launches Future of Work, a programme aiming to equip participants with in-demand skills for the future workforce.
Revolutionising urban safety: AI-driven WaveScan in non-destructive testing of infrastructure
A spin-off from A*STAR, WaveScan harnesses electromagnetics-based sensor technology and AI to offer NDT solutions for urban infrastructure.
Operva AI elevates facade inspections with autonomous drone, collaborative cloud platform
Operva AI streamlines the process of building inspection by using AI to detect and label defects and observations.
AI will spur growth in data centres, potentially leading to semiconductor shortage: Bain & Co
The rise of generative AI has also pressured software developers to improve efficiency in their operations.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The rise of M&A in Vietnam: Strategies and trends in the tech sector
Vietnam’s M&A market is seeing new buyers emerge, including regional firms, big tech, and domestic corporations.
How is fintech different in Asia
The faster fintech develops in Asia, richer the local digital landscape becomes leading further spread of digital financial services.
Unlocking green fintech prosperity in Asia: Navigating the top 4 challenges
Despite the ongoing ‘funding winter’ faced by global startups, the trajectory of development for green fintech has shown strong momentum.
Pitching prep: Anticipating key questions VCs pose in pitch sessions
Even during the pandemic, opportunities to attend a pitching session with a potential investor remain abundant.
Some lessons on how to fulfil the climate tech promise
When it comes to promoting climate tech investment, there is a need for investors to play the long-term game.
Propelling SG businesses towards sustainable future: How to inspire emissions plan creation
There are several steps to encourage businesses to develop emission plan, starting with involving CFOs and finance teams.
Unlocking green fintech prosperity in Asia: Navigating the top 4 challenges
Despite the ongoing ‘funding winter’ faced by global startups, the trajectory of development for green fintech has shown strong momentum.
The climate change and gender equality connection: How to support underfunded women-owned business
While there is a distinct relationship between gender inequality and climate change, investment mandates rarely combine both of these lenses.
Pitching prep: Anticipating key questions VCs pose in pitch sessions
Even during the pandemic, opportunities to attend a pitching session with a potential investor remain abundant.
The rise of M&A in Vietnam: Strategies and trends in the tech sector
Vietnam’s M&A market is seeing new buyers emerge, including regional firms, big tech, and domestic corporations.
Seizing the e-commerce wave: Unveiling opportunities in Southeast Asia
The time is ripe for local e-commerce sellers in SEA to look beyond their borders, supercharged by recent cultural and technological changes.
Unveiling the eco gender gap: Essential insights for a sustainable future
Eco gender gap is when solutions to tackle climate change seem to be geared only toward women. How should businesses deal with this?
Seizing the e-commerce wave: Unveiling opportunities in Southeast Asia
The time is ripe for local e-commerce sellers in SEA to look beyond their borders, supercharged by recent cultural and technological changes.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Navigating shareholders’ disputes in startups: Different exit strategies and mechanisms explained
Disputes are usually managed effectively when the parties involved have agreed at the outset with the right legal mechanisms in place.
How to maximise marketing efforts on a shoe-string budget
A robust growth strategy prioritises revenue and relies on data-driven decisions over guesswork to evaluate marketing efforts.
Workplace safety getting a tech makeover with AI
AI-powered tools, like safety chatbots, integrate cutting-edge video analytics and IoT data, which comes with regulatory responsibilities.
The secret sauce to happy customers
Tracking Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) is your golden ticket to understanding what’s working, what’s not, and where you can sprinkle a little more magic.
8 ways to utilise customer data to retain loyalty during economic challenges
Leveraging shopper data helps businesses refine loyalty strategies, build stronger connections, and anticipate future behaviours.
How El Salvador’s bitcoin experiment serves as a blueprint for Southeast Asia’s fintech ecosystem
Southeast Asia’s startups can use El Salvador’s lessons to bring unbanked individuals and businesses into the global digital economy.
The digital classroom: How edutech is sculpting the minds of tomorrow
As education systems embrace technology, edutech holds immense potential to transform learning for future generations.
Challenging traditional rental markets with innovative tech: The story behind Livingo
With co-living on the rise, Livingo is well-positioned to lead this shift toward a more flexibleent and community-cred way of life.
‘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.
The post Ecosystem Roundup: Temasek sets aside US$78M for climate fund | Qoo10 ordered to suspend payment services in Singapore appeared first on e27.