Shoppable Business, a Filipino AI-powered supply chain platform, has secured US$1.16 million in seed funding led by Ignite House of Innovation.

Tenco Capital, Indelible Ventures, ApolloTech Ventures, Manila Angel Investors Network, Seaborne Capital Partners, Select Ventures Holding, and strategic angel investors also participated.

With the new capital, Shoppable intends to develop Quotable, its AI-driven middleware platform. This platform allows businesses to automate critical supply chain processes and improve decision-making through data-driven insights and reporting.

Shoppable will also expand its customer base, enhance its marketplace technology, develop a lending dashboard for lender partners to finance buyers and suppliers, and roll out Quotable for free to MSMEs.

“We built Shoppable to simplify B2B transactions, and Quotable is the next evolution of that vision. This funding will help us bring powerful automation tools to more businesses, especially MSMEs who need it the most. By making supply chains more efficient and connected, we’re not just solving procurement problems — we’re helping businesses grow and thrive in the digital economy,” said COO Sam Blanquera.

Also Read: Filipino B2B e-commerce startup Shoppable Business attracts US$1.15M funding

Founded in 2022 and led by Carlo Silva, Sam Blanquera, Chris Blanquera, and Mark Reyes, Shoppable addresses supply chain inefficiencies by making it easier for companies to procure and supply products through a single supplier on record with their managed marketplace model.

Its flagship product, Quotable AI, is middleware software that automates quotes, invoicing, purchase orders, payments, financing, and product information management—helping businesses optimise workflows, reduce manual errors, and scale procurement and distribution operations seamlessly.

Quotable is currently in private beta.

With over 1,000 buyer companies and 2,500 suppliers in its supply chain network, the company is now accelerating its growth trajectory and aiming to be profitable by the end of 2025.

“We understand how frustrating it is to do everything manually through spreadsheets, which is why we decided to build Quotable. Quotable was originally built for our own problems, but our suppliers and buyers had the same problems too. By reducing manual inefficiencies and improving data accuracy, we empower businesses to scale faster and operate with greater agility in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape like the Philippines,” added CEO Carlo Silva.

“In order for us to compete globally, we need to digitise how we do things. Shoppable is transforming B2B procurement and supply chain operations by equipping businesses both Enterprise and MSMEs with the right tech because we believe that technology is a great equalizer. This funding is accelerating our mission, allowing us to drive efficiency, transparency and growth for businesses of all sizes,” noted Mark Reyes, CBO of Shoppable.

“B2B commerce and supply chain–when you see it at the scale, not just of big companies, but more so through the lens of millions of MSMEs doing tens of thousands of transactions daily– is primitive, with lots of gaps and opportunities,” said Ignite House of Innovation CEO Andre Yap. “Shoppable’s key insight is to fix the daily workflows, both supply and demand-side inefficiencies, and build the marketplace from there. This is precisely the kind of 100x ROI and impact we invest in at Ignite–something like Shoppable needs to happen.”

In 2023, Shoppable Business secured US$1.15 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round, co-led by Foxmont Capital and Seedstars International Ventures.

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I’ve been closely following the whirlwind of events shaping global markets on March 12, 2025. The past 24 hours have been a rollercoaster for investors, policymakers, and analysts alike, with shifting narratives around tariff measures, deteriorating global trade relations, and a bold new step into the cryptocurrency realm by the US government.

From President Trump’s tariff tango with Canada to the unveiling of a Crypto Strategic Reserve, there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s my take on what’s driving the global risk sentiment, how markets are reacting, and what this all might mean for the future—grounded in the data and developments at hand.

Let’s start with the tariff saga, which has been the headline-grabber of the day. Overnight, President Trump sent shockwaves through markets by threatening to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to a hefty 50 per cent. This wasn’t just a shot across the bow—it was a cannon blast aimed at one of the US’s closest trading partners.

The move came after a weekend interview where Trump had already stoked recessionary fears by hinting at aggressive trade policies to protect American interests. For a moment, it looked like we were hurtling toward a full-blown trade war escalation.

But then, in a classic Trumpian pivot, he walked it back to the previously announced 25 per cent rate after Ontario agreed to suspend a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports to the US This rapid de-escalation underscores a pattern we’ve seen before: bold threats followed by pragmatic deal-making. It’s a high-stakes game of chicken, and so far, it seems Canada blinked first.

The market reaction was predictably volatile. US stock indices took a beating on Tuesday, with the MSCI US index sliding 0.7 per cent, dragged down by a 1.5 per cent drop in industrials—sectors most exposed to trade disruptions. The S&P 500, already nursing a six per cent decline from last week (its lowest point in six months), couldn’t shake off the tariff jitters, though it did claw back some losses from session lows.

Across the Atlantic, the STOXX 600 shed 1.7 per cent, reflecting Europe’s growing unease about being the next target of Trump’s tariff threats. Meanwhile, US Treasury yields ticked higher, with the 10-year note climbing 6.7 basis points to 4.280 per cent and the 2-year up 6 basis points to 3.943 per cent.

The yield spread widened slightly to 33.9 basis points, hinting at lingering uncertainty about the economic outlook. The US Dollar Index, however, dipped 0.5 per cent, while gold—a classic safe-haven asset—rebounded 0.9 per cent. Brent crude eked out a 0.4 per cent gain to settle at US$69.56 per barrel, reversing some recent losses but still reflecting oil’s sensitivity to global growth fears.

What’s fascinating here is the contrast in Asia, particularly China. Despite the heavy sell-off in US equities overnight, China’s onshore markets bucked the trend. The Shanghai Composite (SHCOMP) and Shenzhen Composite (SZCOMP) both rose 0.4 per cent, buoyed by robust domestic buying.

This resilience suggests that Chinese investors are betting on Beijing’s ability to cushion any fallout from US tariffs—perhaps through stimulus or a weaker yuan. It’s a reminder that while the US remains the world’s economic heavyweight, other players are finding ways to adapt and thrive amid the chaos.

Also Read: A guide on analysing market opportunity for a new product

On the data front, the US economy is sending mixed signals. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index for February fell more than expected, a worrying sign for the backbone of the American economy.

Small businesses are often the first to feel the pinch of trade uncertainty and rising costs, and this retreat could foreshadow broader weakness. Yet, the labor market continues to hold its own. January’s JOLTS data showed job openings edging up to 7.74 million, or a 4.6 per cent rate—proof of resilience despite the tariff noise.

All eyes are now on tonight’s February CPI inflation data, which could either soothe or inflame market nerves. If inflation ticks higher than anticipated, it might force the Federal Reserve to rethink its rate-cutting stance, adding another layer of complexity to an already jittery landscape.

Then there’s the cryptocurrency bombshell, which could prove to be the most consequential story of the day. David Sacks, the White House’s newly minted crypto czar, announced that the Treasury Department will focus on boosting the value of Bitcoin, XRP, and other digital assets already in the government’s possession.

This follows President Trump’s signing of an executive order to establish a Crypto Strategic Reserve, greenlighting Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA) for inclusion. It’s a stunning move—one that signals the US is not just dipping its toes but diving headfirst into the digital asset pool. The stated goal? To diversify national assets and bolster America’s financial posture in a world where cryptocurrencies are increasingly influential.

Bitcoin, currently trading above US$82,000 after a four per cent gain in the past 24 hours, is at the heart of this narrative. It’s a sharp rebound from its recent 30 per cent correction off an all-time high of US$109,350, and technical indicators suggest this dip might be nearing its end. Unlike the brutal 41 per cent crash in November 2021, this pullback feels different—less like the start of a bear market and more like a healthy breather amid unprecedented government backing.

Also Read: Marketing in the AI era: Going fast isn’t going far enough

The inclusion of other heavyweights like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano only amplifies the stakes. This isn’t just about holding tokens; it’s about integrating crypto into the fabric of the US financial system, potentially legitimising it on a scale we’ve never seen.

The implications are profound. For one, it could reshape global risk sentiment in ways tariffs never could. While trade wars dent growth and stoke inflation, a US-led crypto reserve might spark a digital arms race, with other nations racing to stockpile their own reserves.

Posts on X already hint at this sentiment, with users like @digitalartchick noting that the real story isn’t the US buying assets but signalling to the world that crypto is now a geopolitical chess piece.

If countries like China or Russia follow suit, we could see a seismic shift in how wealth and power are measured. On the flip side, critics like @mansikthecat warn of downsides—government control over crypto could lead to price manipulation, undermining the decentralised ethos that drew many to the space in the first place.

From a market perspective, the crypto reserve adds a wild card to an already turbulent mix. Bitcoin’s four per cent jump today contrasts sharply with the S&P 500’s woes, suggesting digital assets might decouple from traditional markets in times of stress. Gold’s 0.9 per cent rise shows safe-haven demand is alive and well, but crypto could soon rival it as a go-to hedge if the US keeps pushing this agenda.

The Treasury’s focus on “increasing the value” of these assets also raises questions: Will they actively manage the portfolio? Buy more during dips? The lack of clarity keeps markets on edge, but the intent is clear—America wants to dominate the crypto frontier.

My view? This is a watershed moment, but it’s not without risks. The tariff flip-flops show Trump’s penchant for disruption, which keeps markets guessing and risk aversion high. The Crypto Strategic Reserve, while visionary, could backfire if it spooks investors or triggers retaliation—imagine China dumping US Treasuries to fund its own crypto hoard.

Yet, the US labour market’s strength and China’s equity resilience offer glimmers of hope. Tonight’s CPI data will be a litmus test: a tame reading could steady the ship, while a hot one might sink it.

For now, I see a world in flux—trade tensions pulling one way, digital innovation the other, and markets caught in the crossfire. I’ll keep digging for the facts, but one thing’s certain: March 12, 2025, will be remembered as a day when the old and new economies collided.

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The global food industry faces an urgent dilemma: how to meet the growing demand for oils and fats while minimising environmental harm. According to the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report (2022), food production has contributed to a 70 per cent loss of biodiversity on land and a 50 per cent loss in freshwater ecosystems.

At the centre of this challenge is palm oil, a widely used but environmentally destructive ingredient.

ÄIO Technologies, a biotech startup spun out from Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia, is pioneering a sustainable alternative. Founded in 2022 by Dr Nemailla Bonturi (CEO) and Dr Petri-Jaan Lahtvee (COO), the company is developing microbial lipid products that intend to replace palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats.

By leveraging proprietary yeast strains to upcycle industrial side streams into value-added ingredients, ÄIO Technologies is setting a new standard for circular economy practices in the oleochemical sector.

Palm oil dominates global supply chains, with over 80 per cent of production concentrated in Malaysia and Indonesia. This monoculture farming practice leads to deforestation, carbon emissions, and biodiversity loss. ÄIO Technologies’s innovative solution offers an alternative that requires 100 per cent less land, uses ten times less water, and is ten times faster to produce than traditional plant or animal-derived oils.

Also Read: Agros lands US$4.25M Series A to scale climate-resilient farming in Indonesia

The startup’s microbial lipids can be used across multiple industries, including food, cosmetics, biofuels, and household chemicals. Unlike traditional methods, which depend on resource-intensive plantations, ÄIO’s technology converts agricultural and industrial by-products into high-value oils.

This reduces dependency on land-intensive crops and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial factor given the industry’s current environmental footprint.

Scaling up and market readiness

Despite its technological breakthrough, ÄIO Technologies remains pre-revenue and is navigating regulatory approval processes to commercialise its ingredients. The company is actively seeking permits in key markets, including Singapore, to introduce its novel food products.

“We are still discussing how to upscale production,” said Dr Mary-Liis Kütt, CIO at ÄIO Technologies, in a presentation that e27 attended at the university. “Singapore is one possible site, and we are looking for strong partners to enable continuous production and apply different novel food applications.”

ÄIO has secured investor funding to sustain operations and is currently evaluating potential collaboration opportunities with institutions such as A*STAR, CPIP, and ScaleUp Bio in Singapore. The company is also in discussions with the Singapore Food Agency to ensure regulatory compliance.

At the heart of ÄIO Technologies’s model is a commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. The company works with partners to identify industrial side streams that can be converted into microbial lipids. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides businesses with sustainable ingredients for testing and development.

Also Read: The future of farming in the Asia Pacific is here to empower farmers

“If we could utilise just seven per cent of Brazil’s annual agricultural waste, we could replace 30 per cent of the palm oil used in the country and mitigate 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions,” Dr Kütt explained. “At an industrial scale, our process can compete with conventional palm oil production costs.”

ÄIO Technologies’s ability to repurpose waste streams into valuable products underscores its potential to disrupt the market. By demonstrating viable alternatives, the company is challenging long-standing supply chains while aligning with global sustainability goals.

The palm oil industry, projected to reach a market value of US$98 billion by 2030, has long been criticised for its environmental impact. Yet replacing it on a global scale is no small feat.

“Even if we capture just one per cent to two per cent of the palm oil market, we would be in a very strong position,” Dr Kütt noted. “Our technology proves that sustainable alternatives can be produced efficiently without harming biodiversity.”

The oleochemical industry, which encompasses a broad range of applications beyond food, is expected to be worth over US$36 billion by 2027. With its ability to provide tailored lipid solutions, ÄIO Technologies is positioning itself as a major player in this space.

While initial plans for demo-scale production are centred in Estonia, ÄIO Technologies is exploring global expansion opportunities. Singapore, with its robust research ecosystem and food innovation initiatives, is a key consideration for future operations.

“We are actively looking for a location to build our demo-scale production and are in discussions with several partners to establish full-scale production globally,” Dr Kütt said.

ÄIO’s recognition as one of the Top 50 Global Startups at SLINGSHOT 2023 in Singapore further validates its potential. Securing strategic partnerships will be critical to scaling operations and market adoption as the company advances towards commercialisation.

Also Read: HiFeed aims to revolutionise cattle farming with pre-seed funding

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, ÄIO Technologies presents a compelling case for sustainable innovation. By replacing conventional oils with eco-friendly microbial lipids, the company offers a tangible solution to reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, and promote responsible production.

With regulatory approvals on the horizon and expansion plans underway, ÄIO Technologies is poised to become a key disruptor in the global oil and fats industry. The transition to sustainable alternatives is no longer a vision for the future—companies like ÄIO are making it a reality today.

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Image Credit: Kristiina Tammik, Trade Estonia

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Revenue-based financing (RBF) and growth platform Choco Up has formed a strategic alliance with investment management firm Wonder Capital Group to launch a series of private credit funds, projected to raise US$50 million.

The collaboration seeks to unlock the untapped potential of asset-light businesses in Asia Pacific by combining Choco Up’s financing platform with Wonder Capital’s financial expertise.

Together, they aim to support the region’s SMEs and “deliver a compelling investment proposition” for institutional players seeking high-growth opportunities.

Also Read: Choco Up, Set Sail AI forge partnership to help businesses grow through Gen AI adoption

The partnership has commenced with the closing of a US$10 million private credit funding round financed by the CMAG Private Credit Fund under the guidance of Wonder Capital. The fund, spearheaded by Wonder Capital, will catalyse growth for e-commerce, SaaS, and technology businesses.

SMEs constitute 98 per cent of all businesses in Asia yet contribute only 38 per cent to the region’s GDP, highlighting a substantial US$2 trillion funding gap that hinders their growth and expansion. Singapore- and Hong Kong-based Choco Up aims to bridge this gap through innovative financing solutions, offering flexible, non-dilutive, revenue-based financing and tailored growth strategies.

Choco Up’s adaptable financing solutions help businesses increase revenues, introduce new products, expand their user bases, grow their teams, and achieve acquisitions. It has so far financed over US$1 billion in gross merchandise value across APAC.

Gigi Chan, founder and CEO of Wonder Capital, noted that the partnership with Choco Up allows them to tap into the “blue ocean” of asset-light businesses across APAC.

Percy Hung, founder and CEO of Choco Up, added that the partnership extends beyond funding, leveraging Wonder Capital’s network and resources to help businesses overcome growth barriers and realise their expansion plans.

Also Read: Choco Up, Atlas Growth Fund to provide US$15M capital to F&B firms in Singapore

Last year, Choco Up partnered with restaurant tech company Atlas to provide F&B firms with Atlas’s restaurant Operating System and up to SGD20 million (~US$15 million) in capital from Choco Up. Three months later, it joined hands with Set Sail AI, an intelligent contact centre solution provider, to promote the adoption of generative AI solutions among businesses and merchants.

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In a move set to strengthen AI-driven consumer insights within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, UK-based GlobalData Plc has acquired Singapore-headquartered AI Palette for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition aligns with GlobalData’s strategy to enhance its AI capabilities and expand its reach in the CPG industry. It will allow AI Palette to utilise GlobalData’s extensive resources, advanced analytics, and global reach.

By combining AI Palette’s AI and machine learning capabilities with GlobalData’s robust data infrastructure, the companies aim to deliver deeper, more actionable insights to their clients.

According to Mike Danson, CEO of GlobalData Plc, integrating AI Palette will significantly enhance their ability to assist CPG brands in innovating more efficiently.

Also Read: How AI Palette wants to help CPG companies develop products faster and easier with AI

Founded in 2018 by Somsubhra GanChoudhuri and Himanshu Upreti, AI Palette provides a multimodal AI-powered platform for the CPG industry, including F&B, beauty and personal care, and nutraceutical products.

The platform enables real-time identification of emerging consumer trends with contextual understanding and generates and screens product ideas within minutes. This improves the costs and efficiency of developing new product category entries, product line expansion, identification of new demand spaces, portfolio optimisation and product repositioning.

The company serves global food and beverage (F&B) and personal care companies, helping them maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic market.

AI Palette’s platform uses patented AI technology and a CPG data lake of 61 billion data points, offering consumer insights in 18 languages across six continents.

Last year, the Singaporean startup raised US$4 million in equity financing from Tin Men Capital.

GlobalData provides data analytics, market intelligence and industry insights. With a presence in over 25 countries, a market value exceeding £1.4 billion (US$1.8 billion), and a global workforce of over 3,600, GlobalData equips businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

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The broad sell-off we’re witnessing today, March 11, 2025, is no small blip—it’s a visceral reaction to mounting recessionary fears that have investors on edge. The numbers tell a stark story: the S&P 500 has shed 2.7 per cent in a single session, while the Nasdaq has plummeted 4 per cent, marking its steepest drop since September 2022.

These declines have dragged the S&P 500 8.7 per cent below its all-time high set on February 19, with the Nasdaq a staggering 14 per cent off its recent peak. What’s fuelling this fire? A weekend interview with US President Donald Trump, where he candidly refused to rule out a recession and framed the current moment as a “period of transition.” Those words have hit the markets like a sledgehammer, amplifying uncertainty at a time when clarity is desperately needed.

Let’s unpack this. Trump’s comments come against a backdrop of escalating tariff war tensions and a flurry of government firings, both of which are stoking fears that the US—the world’s economic powerhouse—could be teetering on the brink of a downturn. Investors, ever sensitive to shifts in sentiment, have responded by fleeing risk assets en masse.

The bond market reflects this flight to safety: the 10-year US Treasury yield dropped 8.8 basis points to 4.213 per cent, while the 2-year yield fell even more sharply, declining 11.6 basis points to 3.883 per cent. Falling yields signal that investors are piling into Treasuries, betting on a slowing economy where safer assets reign supreme.

Meanwhile, the VIX index—the so-called “fear gauge”—surged 19.2 per cent to 27.86, its highest level since the Federal Reserve’s rate cut in December. That spike underscores the palpable anxiety coursing through Wall Street.

Also Read: Global markets in flux: Trump’s tariff pause and bitcoin reserve shake sentiment

The ripple effects aren’t confined to the US Across the Atlantic, Europe’s STOXX 600 slipped 1.3 per cent, and Germany’s DAX fell 1.7 per cent, mirroring the dour mood. In Asia, the picture is equally grim: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index tumbled 1.8 per cent, while China’s Shanghai Composite edged down a more modest 0.2 per cent.

Asian markets, which often take their cues from overnight US performance, opened lower today, tracking Wall Street’s rout. This synchronised sell-off speaks to a broader retreat in global risk sentiment, a collective exhale as investors brace for what might come next.

Commodities and currencies are feeling the heat too. Brent crude oil slid 1.5 per cent to US$69.28 per barrel, weighed down by a planned supply increase from OPEC+ in April and softening US economic activity. Gold, typically a haven in times of turmoil, bucked the risk-off trend and dipped 0.7 per cent, perhaps reflecting profit-taking after recent gains.

The US Dollar Index, a measure of the greenback’s strength against a basket of currencies, nudged down 0.2 per cent, suggesting that even the dollar’s safe-haven status isn’t immune to the broader uncertainty.

Then there’s the cryptocurrency market, which has taken a beating amid this storm. Bitcoin, the bellwether of digital assets, fell more than three per cent on Tuesday morning in Asia, dipping to its lowest level since November. Ether, the second-ranked token, saw an even sharper decline, dropping as much as six per cent to US$1,756—an intraday low not seen since October 2023—before paring some losses.

These moves came hot on the heels of a tech-led sell-off in US equities, with the Nasdaq 100 Index plunging 3.8 per cent in its worst day since October 2022. Crypto, often seen as a barometer of risk appetite, is buckling under the same pressures battering stocks—namely, fears that Trump’s tariff policies and chaotic governance could kneecap economic growth.

What’s driving this pervasive unease? Data offers some clues. The New York Fed’s latest survey of consumer expectations, released for February, paints a worrisome picture. One-year inflation expectations ticked up to 3.13 per cent, above forecasts, signalling that Americans anticipate stickier prices ahead.

More troubling, the survey revealed growing public concern about credit conditions and the job market, alongside expectations of steeper price hikes for essentials like gas, rent, and food. This erosion of consumer confidence is a red flag—households are the backbone of US economic activity, and their pessimism could presage a self-fulfilling slowdown.

Across the globe, the data is a mixed bag. In the Eurozone, the Sentix investor confidence survey for March climbed to -2.9, a sign of cautious optimism among investors. Germany, the region’s economic engine, posted a split result: industrial production rose, but exports declined, hinting at uneven recovery.

Also Read: Breaking down geography-based salary for your global teams

In Japan, the February Eco Watchers survey—which gauges sentiment among small and medium enterprises—came in weaker than expected, suggesting that grassroots confidence is faltering. These disparate signals underscore the uneven terrain global economies are navigating as they grapple with US-centric risks.

Trump’s rhetoric isn’t helping. His warning of a “little disturbance” from trade wars with Canada, Mexico, and China has Wall Street buzzing with concern. Strategists and economists are revising their outlooks, with many now assigning higher odds to a US economic downturn.

Posts on X reflect this jittery sentiment: one user noted the Nasdaq’s US$520 billion market cap wipeout in a single day, likening it to twice the value of top altcoins, while another pointed to Trump’s unpredictable decision-making as a deterrent to both domestic and foreign investors.

A Reuters dispatch highlighted pushback from Trump’s economic adviser Kevin Hassett, who dismissed recession talk tied to tariff uncertainty, but the damage seems done—stocks keep sliding, and consumer pessimism is deepening.

From my vantage point, this feels like a pivotal moment. The markets are signaling something more than a routine correction; they’re grappling with a confluence of risks that could tip the scales. Trump’s tariff threats, if enacted, could disrupt global supply chains and inflate costs, hitting US consumers and businesses alike. His government firings add another layer of instability, undermining confidence in policy continuity.

Couple that with a public increasingly anxious about jobs and credit, and you’ve got a recipe for stagnation—or worse. The bond rally and VIX spike suggest investors are battening down the hatches, preparing for a storm that may or may not materialise.

Yet, there’s a flip side. Transitions, as Trump calls them, can be messy but necessary. If his administration navigates this period deftly—say, by tempering tariff rhetoric with targeted stimulus or stabilising governance—the US might emerge stronger.

The New York Fed’s inflation uptick could even prod the Fed to hold rates steady, providing a buffer against a hard landing. Europe’s improving investor confidence and Germany’s industrial resilience offer glimmers of hope that the global economy isn’t entirely hostage to US whims.

Still, the data and market moves I’ve pored over lean bearish. The S&P and Nasdaq’s sharp drops, the VIX’s leap, and crypto’s stumble all point to a risk-off mindset that’s hard to shake. Asia’s early trading losses and Brent crude’s slide reinforce the narrative of softening demand.

For now, I’d wager we’re in for more volatility—Wall Street’s jitters won’t subside until Trump’s next move becomes clearer. I’ll keep digging into the numbers and sentiment, but one thing’s certain: the world’s eyes are on Washington, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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Intellect, a global mental health benefits company, has released the second edition of its highly anticipated Workplace Wellbeing 360 Report 2025: Benchmarking 10 Industries Across the World. This data-driven report provides a comprehensive analysis of workplace wellbeing across industries, offering valuable insights into how mental health influences employee productivity and organisational performance.

Drawing from 50,000 employees in 182 countries, the study utilises Intellect’s proprietary 26-question Dimensions measurement framework to assess four core components: employee wellbeing, organisational support, work engagement, and productivity.

The latest report marks a significant expansion from its 2024 edition, which primarily focused on the Asia Pacific region. By broadening its reach, the 2025 edition reflects the increasing globalisation of today’s workforce and the universal challenges organisations face in promoting mental well-being.

This expansion allows companies to benchmark their well-being efforts against both local and international peers, providing a clearer understanding of industry trends and best practices.

One of the report’s most critical findings is the strong correlation between mental well-being and employee productivity (r = 0.67). Mental well-being surpasses traditionally prioritised traits such as a growth mindset and goal orientation, underscoring the importance of fostering a supportive work environment. Businesses that invest in employee mental health not only enhance well-being but also drive meaningful performance outcomes.

Also Read: Moving mental health out of Freud’s era and beyond the couch with big data

The paradox of well-being and declining productivity

Despite improvements in employee well-being worldwide, productivity levels have declined, with presenteeism–employees being physically present but disengaged–on the rise. This trend suggests that while employees may report feeling “fine,” they may still struggle with focus and motivation, ultimately affecting performance.

Addressing this paradox requires a holistic approach that prioritises both well-being and work engagement.

The report highlights that presenteeism occurs five times more frequently than absenteeism and carries a significantly higher financial burden. While absenteeism costs an average of US$318 per employee per month, presenteeism results in a staggering US$990 per employee per month.

This underscores the necessity for companies to implement effective well-being initiatives that mitigate the hidden costs of disengagement and reduced productivity.

The study identifies a widespread lack of stress management and self-awareness skills among employees, contributing to passive coping behaviours such as procrastination and disengagement. Furthermore, a limited growth mindset is preventing employees from seeking development opportunities, leading to stagnation.

Stress management has declined across nearly every industry worldwide, making it a pressing concern for businesses. Despite positive trends in areas such as self-efficacy, purpose, and optimism, unresolved stress remains a major barrier to workplace well-being. Employers must prioritise comprehensive stress management strategies to sustain both employee satisfaction and productivity.

Also Read: Data driven healing: The potential of analytics and AI in advancing mental health

The report advocates for a dual approach to workplace well-being: top-down initiatives driven by leadership and HR alongside bottom-up interventions that empower employees. Strategies such as coaching, webinars, and structured support systems can bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that well-being initiatives lead to measurable improvements in workplace culture and engagement.

Singapore as a leader in workplace wellbeing

Singapore ranks among the top-performing countries in four workplace well-being pillars: Organisational Support, Employee Well-Being, Employee Productivity, and Work Engagement.

The strong rankings highlight Singapore’s commitment to fostering supportive workplaces, with many organisations investing in structured well-being programmes.

The report showcases several Singapore-based companies that have successfully implemented workplace wellbeing programmes:

McDonald’s Singapore

The fast-food giant introduced Intellect’s mental wellness initiatives, resulting in a 28 per cent adoption rate of the Intellect app. Of those who signed up, 99 per cent utilised self-care sessions, and overall satisfaction with the programmes was high. McDonald’s Managing Director Benjamin Boh emphasised the company’s commitment to listening to and supporting employees.

MSD

The global biopharmaceutical firm saw a 48 per cent adoption rate of Intellect’s services within three months of rollout in Singapore. Following implementation, 84 per cent of employees reported that leadership prioritised their well-being, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured mental health support.

Global Logistics Company

A major logistics firm in Singapore and Malaysia reduced resignations due to stress and burnout by 16 per cent after implementing Intellect’s wellbeing solutions. The company’s HR Director noted a “tremendous” improvement in employee retention linked to mental health support initiatives.

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Image Credit: Redd Francisco on Unsplash

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Indeed’s latest Smarter Hiring Report highlights a pressing issue in Singapore’s recruitment landscape: the traditional reliance on resumes and qualifications may no longer be the most effective way to assess candidates. The report advocates for a shift towards skills-first hiring, which prioritises a candidate’s potential and ability to perform rather than past experience or academic credentials.

Singapore’s job market presents challenges for both job seekers and employers. More than half of job seekers report difficulties in securing roles, while businesses struggle to find candidates with the required skills.

The issue is not necessarily a lack of talent but rather an inefficient hiring system that leans too heavily on outdated selection criteria such as degrees and past roles.

Employers in Singapore have historically prioritised qualifications, with some even increasing their degree requirements. However, the report reveals that 73 per cent of job seekers and 70 per cent of employers value on-the-job experience over formal education.

This suggests a growing recognition that practical skills and hands-on experience contribute more to job performance than academic credentials alone.

Rethinking the role of resumes

Resumes have been a staple of recruitment for centuries, but their effectiveness is now being questioned. While they remain useful in providing a snapshot of a candidate’s background, they primarily focus on past achievements rather than future potential.

The report asks whether companies are hiring “people or paper,” highlighting the risk of missing out on qualified candidates who may lack traditional credentials but possess the right skills and mindset.

Also Read: Why inclusive hiring matters for a startup ecosystem

An overreliance on resumes and qualifications creates a “broken system” where job seekers struggle to meet unrealistic role requirements, and employers fail to find suitable talent. By shifting the focus to skills, organisations can bridge this gap and build a more efficient hiring process.

The report strongly advocates for hiring based on human potential rather than just credentials. This means looking beyond hard skills and placing greater emphasis on soft skills such as adaptability, resilience, and a motivation to learn. These qualities are essential in today’s fast-changing work environment, where employees must continuously adapt to new challenges and technologies.

Indeed’s findings show that 70 per cent of employers already value soft skills more than hard skills in a skills-first hiring approach. This underscores the importance of identifying candidates with transferable skills who can grow and evolve within the company.

A skills-first approach allows employers to tap into a wider talent pool by considering candidates who may not have conventional qualifications but possess the necessary abilities, which are often excluded by traditional hiring practices. By focusing on skills, companies can unlock hidden talent and improve workforce diversity.

Additionally, this approach makes the hiring process more equitable by reducing barriers for job seekers.

Singaporean job seekers increasingly prioritise growth and development opportunities when considering roles. According to the report, 79 per cent of job seekers view learning opportunities as a key factor in their job search. Some are even willing to accept lower pay if the role offers better prospects for skills development.

A skills-first approach aligns naturally with these expectations. By assessing candidates based on their growth potential, companies can attract talent eager to develop and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s long-term success.

Also Read: Does AI remove hiring bias — or make it worse?

Leveraging tech for smarter hiring

Tech, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), presents an opportunity to enhance skills-first hiring. AI-powered platforms can match candidates to roles based on their actual capabilities rather than relying solely on resume keywords.

Indeed, for example, uses AI to personalise job recommendations for seekers and provide insights for employers, improving hiring efficiency.

Employers can also use AI-driven assessments to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a role based on their skills and behavioural traits. These assessments can measure problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and communication skills, providing a more comprehensive picture of a candidate’s potential beyond what a resume can convey.

For companies looking to adopt a skills-first approach, the report suggests several key strategies:

Redefining job requirements
Employers should focus on identifying essential skills rather than rigid degree or experience requirements. This ensures job descriptions reflect the actual competencies needed for success.

Prioritising soft skills in evaluations
Hiring managers should explicitly assess soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and communication, which are crucial for long-term success.

Using behavioural-based interviews
Structured interview questions can help gauge a candidate’s soft skills by asking them to describe past situations where they demonstrated resilience, collaboration, or problem-solving abilities.

Investing in ongoing development
Companies should provide opportunities for continuous learning, ensuring employees can build on their skills and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.

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Image Credit: Jason Goodman on Unsplash

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Cloud technology has changed how businesses operate, providing flexible, cost-effective solutions that eliminate the need for expensive infrastructure. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cloud adoption is key to scaling efficiently, improving security, and staying competitive in a digital-first world.

At the same time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming business operations by automating workflows, strengthening cybersecurity, and delivering real-time insights. Together, AI and cloud technology are helping SMEs streamline operations, protect data, and compete at a global level.

In this installment of e27’s AI Leader Content Series, Kenneth Lai, Vice President, ASEAN at Cloudflare, discusses how these technologies are shaping SME growth and ensuring long-term business resilience.

Why SMEs need the cloud to scale

Traditional IT systems are expensive, difficult to maintain, and struggle to keep up with modern business needs. Cloud technology solves these challenges by offering a scalable, cost-efficient alternative that allows businesses to manage data, run applications, and support remote teams—all without the burden of maintaining physical servers.

Cloud adoption reduces costs, improves performance, and enables real-time collaboration, making it easier for SMEs to scale their operations. Businesses that integrate AI-powered cloud solutions can automate tasks, analyse data instantly, and optimise decision-making without relying on costly IT infrastructure.

Security risks are growing—AI can help

The shift to cloud computing has made businesses more connected, but it has also increased cybersecurity threats. As SMEs move towards multi-cloud environments and rely on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, cyber risks become more complex.

According to Cloudflare’s Asia Pacific Cybersecurity Readiness Survey 2024, 88 per cent of SMBs feel more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the increasing complexity of their digital operations. Without strong security measures, businesses risk exposing sensitive data and suffering financial losses.

Also Read: A new dawn in the post-2G era: How cloud technology can propel the telco industry to new heights

AI-driven cybersecurity is changing the game by detecting threats in real time, blocking suspicious activity, and automating security responses. Zero Trust security models, which require strict verification before granting access, have become essential for businesses operating in the cloud.

Businesses that fail to prioritise security face operational disruptions, reputational damage, and financial losses. Investing in AI-powered security solutions ensures SMEs can scale with confidence, knowing their systems and customer data are protected.

How SMEs can build a smarter cloud strategy

Moving to the cloud is more than just shifting data online. To maximise the benefits, businesses need a clear strategy that balances security, scalability, and AI-driven automation.

A well-structured cloud approach ensures SMEs can secure their digital assets, improve efficiency, and prepare for future AI advancements. Instead of relying on multiple disconnected systems, businesses should integrate security, networking, and performance monitoring into a single framework. This reduces complexity and strengthens overall operations.

By embedding AI into their cloud strategy, SMEs can automate compliance monitoring, enhance real-time threat detection, and optimise cloud performance. A proactive approach allows businesses to harness AI while ensuring a secure, scalable infrastructure.

Cloudflare’s role in strengthening SME cloud security

For businesses transitioning to the cloud, security and performance must go hand in hand. Cloudflare’s Connectivity Cloud offers an integrated approach that secures networks, improves application performance, and simplifies multi-cloud management.

Instead of using multiple vendors for cybersecurity, networking, and performance, businesses can consolidate these functions into a single platform. Cloudflare’s cloud-based Zero Trust security solutions and network-as-a-service technology help SMEs protect data, reduce cyber risks, and optimise cloud performance without the need for large IT teams.

Also Read: Is the future of AI decentralised? Cloud computing holds the key

Cloudflare One, a cloud-based network-as-a-service solution, enables SMEs to operate in a multi-cloud or hybrid-cloud environment with zero trust security and optimised connectivity. This ensures data is secure while delivering faster application performance, essential for business continuity and long-term growth.

The future of cloud and AI for SMEs

Cloud computing and AI will continue to evolve, offering even greater efficiency, security, and automation. Low-code AI solutions will enable SMEs to integrate AI-powered tools more easily, reducing reliance on specialised expertise.

AI will also play a larger role in fraud detection, predictive analytics, and personalised customer experiences, helping businesses make smarter decisions and deliver better services. SMEs that invest in scalable, AI-ready cloud infrastructure today will have a major competitive advantage in the future.

Cloudflare remains at the forefront of cloud security and performance innovation, ensuring businesses can adapt to changing technology, secure their operations, and thrive in a digital-first economy.

Cloudflare is a global leader in cloud security and performance solutions, helping businesses protect their digital infrastructure, optimise network connectivity, and scale securely. By simplifying cloud adoption and cybersecurity, Cloudflare empowers SMEs to build resilient, future-ready operations.

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This article is part of e27’s special series on Artificial Intelligence for Startups and SMEs, where we explore the transformative power of AI in helping startups and small and mid-sized enterprises navigate today’s competitive landscape. Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders in upcoming editions.

The post Scaling smart: Cloudflare’s take on AI, cybersecurity, and cloud adoption appeared first on e27.