Success is often defined by societal standards—financial stability, career progression, or achieving a prestigious title. However, as I advanced in my career, I realised that success is deeply personal, and it doesn’t have to align with traditional measures.

For me, redefining success meant pursuing a career that brought a sense of fulfilment, creativity, and personal growth. It wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder anymore; it was about creating something meaningful and fulfilling.

For many professionals, the drive for financial success or recognition from peers can become the dominant force in their careers. But at some point, you may begin to question whether these external measures truly reflect your own values and aspirations. This was a question I grappled with for some time before realising that true success, for me, was about finding work that aligned with my passions, allowed me to make an impact, and gave me the freedom to explore my creative potential.

Also Read: Reviving a failing startup: Financial strategies for long-term success

In entrepreneurship, I found a way to redefine success by focusing on long-term goals that brought joy and satisfaction rather than short-term metrics of success that didn’t resonate with me. I discovered that building a fulfilling career is about doing work that matters, making a difference in the lives of others, and continually growing as a person.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. Each of us must define what success means in the context of our own lives, passions, and personal goals.

In my journey, success has become about building something meaningful, working on projects that excite me, and creating a positive impact.

Key takeaways

• Redefining success means moving beyond traditional metrics of financial achievement and career progression to focus on personal fulfilment, creativity, and growth.
• A fulfilling career is one that aligns with your passions and allows you to make an impact in ways that matter to you.
• Each person’s definition of success is unique, and finding yours requires self-reflection, long-term vision, and a commitment to pursuing what brings you joy and satisfaction.

Reflect on what success means to you beyond conventional metrics. Align your goals with your core values and pursue achievements that bring you personal fulfilment. What steps can you take today to redefine success for yourself?

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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The Southeast Asian startup community is no stranger to Echelon Singapore, organized annually by e27. Echelon, Southeast Asia’s premier conference for tech and startups brings startups, investors, and businesses together. It is a space to converge to collaborate, innovate, and grow. Known for its engaging keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and vibrant exhibition space, Echelon has become a beacon for transformative technologies and meaningful partnerships that advance the APAC tech ecosystem.

As we look ahead to Echelon 2025, we also celebrate the partnerships that have been instrumental to its success. Among these key collaborators is AppsFlyer, a global leader in mobile marketing analytics and attribution. It is an industry powerhouse that helps brands make data-driven decisions. For instance, its unique analysis of the performance of apps running campaigns in APAC is helping customers make better decisions. The synergy between AppsFlyer and e27 is a testament to shared values. Among these are fostering innovation, enabling connections, and driving success for startups and enterprises alike.

e27 and AppsFlyer Powering the tech ecosystem together

The partnership between e27 and AppsFlyer shows a shared commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the startup ecosystem. With AppsFlyer’s cutting-edge analytics tools empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions, and e27’s unmatched ability to connect the dots across the APAC tech landscape, this collaboration stands as a powerful force for driving success.

e27’s influence spans the vibrant APAC tech and innovation ecosystem. Specifically, it provides startups with opportunities to connect with investors, corporates, and peers. With an extensive network of over 200,000 active users, e27 has cemented its role as a catalyst for growth across industries like fintech, health tech, and ad tech.

The platform has consistently worked with industry leaders such as AppsFlyer. The partnership leverages e27’s reach to amplify their messages and connect them with meaningful audiences. This collaboration is a prime example of the value e27 brings—diverse startup ecosystems, partnerships with key stakeholders, and unparalleled investor visibility.

Also read: A decade of evolution: AppsFlyer’s 10 years of elevating mobile marketing in APAC

Partnering for the Growth Playbook panel at Echelon 2024

The Growth Playbook panel discussion at Echelon 2024 brought together some of Asia’s most prominent marketing executives to share actionable strategies for driving business growth. Moderated by Jane Hou, Head of Product APAC at AppsFlyer, the panel featured marketing leaders such as Nikhil Vidhyan, Group Head of Digital Marketing at Ninja Van, Delbert Ty, Chief Marketing Officer at Coffee Meets Bagel, and Federico Brandi, Chief Marketing Officer at Roojai.

This session was a cornerstone of the broader collaboration between e27 and AppsFlyer. Evidently, this underscored their mutual dedication to empowering businesses with cutting-edge insights and tools. The discussion aligned with the theme of partnership by showcasing how innovation and shared knowledge fuel growth across diverse industries. By providing a platform for AppsFlyer to lead the conversation, e27 reinforced its role as a bridge between thought leaders and the startup ecosystem. As a result, this helped drive impactful connections that propel the entire APAC tech landscape forward.

Leveraging Echelon’s network for data-driven growth

At Echelon 2024, AppsFlyer capitalized on the event’s dynamic network to reinforce its leadership in the mobile marketing space. With a booth that attracted significant attention, the company was able to reintroduce its powerful analytics and attribution solutions to a broad audience. Reflecting on the event, Anissa Tiara from AppsFlyer highlighted the quality of the connections made. She said, “The foot traffic at Echelon is the kind of people we want to meet. It’s an excellent platform to reintroduce who we are to the market. With almost 60% market share in Asia, this event allows us to connect with new potential leads and clients while expanding our brand and industry impact.” Echelon’s diverse and engaged audience proved to be an invaluable opportunity for AppsFlyer to grow its presence and strengthen its position in the APAC market.

Beyond the booth, AppsFlyer also leveraged Echelon’s network by hosting a roundtable discussion on “Data-driven Growth in the Age of Privacy: Navigating Privacy Challenges and Opportunities.” The session, moderated by Varun Budhiraja and Tan Tmangraksat, delved into the critical role data collaboration plays in overcoming privacy challenges. By addressing these key issues, AppsFlyer provided actionable insights to marketers on how to leverage data while maintaining privacy standards. The roundtable highlighted the importance of building strong relationships within the ecosystem. This positions Echelon as the perfect platform to foster meaningful discussions and drive growth through innovative data strategies.

Also read: How AppsFlyer helps brands navigate a rapidly evolving market

AppsFlyer leading insights on Asia’s mobile market

AppsFlyer continues to lead the market in insights on mobile marketing analytics and attribution. Their State of App Marketing in APAC: 2024 Edition unveiled staggering growth in Asia’s mobile market, positioning the region as a global powerhouse in mobile innovation. The report highlights a tenfold increase in app installs since 2017. This was driven by US$9.1 billion in Android ad spend in 2023. Notably, one in five ad dollars worldwide now comes from Asian apps. This underscores the region’s dominance in global ad spend and app growth.

This explosive growth is reshaping the app economy, with non-gaming apps leading the charge. In the first half of 2024, paid installs for non-gaming apps surged by 31%. This outpaced the 8% growth seen in gaming apps. Moreover, Asian apps are breaking boundaries, with countries like China, India, and Vietnam driving substantial app exports to Western markets, LATAM, and Africa. According to Ronen Mense, President & Managing Director of AppsFlyer APAC, “Technology is the great enabler, allowing brands in APAC to not only scale within their local markets but also make a global impact.” This focus on scalability and adaptability exemplifies how data-driven insights are helping businesses leverage trends, refine monetization models, and optimize ad strategies to sustain growth.

e27’s continued support for partners

By championing this surge in mobile innovation, AppsFlyer and e27 continue to empower APAC startups and marketers with the tools, insights, and connections needed to navigate a rapidly evolving ecosystem. From identifying emerging opportunities to harnessing hybrid revenue models and remarketing strategies, the region’s stakeholders are well-equipped to lead the next wave of digital transformation.

As a steadfast partner, e27 remains committed to supporting AppsFlyer’s ambitions. Through tailored media campaigns, collaborative partnerships, and unparalleled access to new markets, e27 offers the tools and networks necessary for sustained growth. Looking ahead to 2025, e27 will continue to work hand-in-hand with AppsFlyer and other industry leaders to fuel innovation, foster collaboration, and drive success in the tech ecosystem. Together, we’ll shape the future of startups in APAC and beyond.

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This article is produced by the e27 team

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Reach out to us here to get started.

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Asia has become a global leader in fintech innovation, with cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Bangalore emerging as major hubs. The region’s diversity, rapid digital adoption, and unique financial challenges have made it a fertile ground for disruptive financial technologies.

However, this growth is not uniform. Emerging hubs in countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan are also beginning to make their mark, signalling the breadth of Asia’s fintech landscape.

This article delves into the rise of these hubs, the challenges they face, and actionable insights for stakeholders eager to participate in this transformative journey.

The rise of fintech hubs in Asia

The past decade has seen an unprecedented rise in Asia’s fintech sector. According to industry reports, fintech funding in Asia will account for nearly half of the global investment by 2022, signalling the region’s emergence as a global leader. But what makes Asia a fertile ground for fintech innovation?

Singapore: The regional powerhouse

Singapore has established itself as the “Wall Street of Asia” for fintech. Supported by progressive regulations and robust infrastructure, the city-state offers a fertile testing ground for fintech solutions. Initiatives such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) regulatory sandbox and the annual Singapore FinTech Festival have created a unique ecosystem where startups and established financial institutions collaborate to innovate.

China: A superpower in fintech

Home to giants like Ant Group, Tencent, and JD Finance, China is arguably the world’s most advanced fintech ecosystem. The country’s regulatory framework initially took a hands-off approach, allowing rapid growth in mobile payments, lending, and wealth management. Today, China’s fintech market is characterised by a seamless integration of technology into daily life, with digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay being ubiquitous.

India: The digital payments revolution

India’s fintech ecosystem has been driven by government initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric ID system. These innovations have facilitated a digital payments revolution, enabling millions to access financial services for the first time. With over 2,000 fintech startups, India is now a key player in the global fintech landscape.

Also Read: The evolution of investing: How fintechs and neo-brokers are empowering retail investors

Emerging players in Asia

While attention often focuses on established hubs, other Asian countries are stepping into the spotlight:

• Vietnam: With a rapidly growing digital economy, Vietnam is nurturing fintech startups like MoMo, a leading mobile payments platform.
• The Philippines: Initiatives such as the BSP’s Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap aim to digitise 50 per cent of payment transactions by 2025, fostering a dynamic fintech environment.
• Pakistan: Companies like SadaPay and Easypaisa are driving financial inclusion by targeting the country’s large unbanked population.

These markets highlight Asia’s diversity and untapped potential in fintech innovation.

What fuels the growth of fintech hubs?

Asia’s fintech revolution is underpinned by a confluence of demographic, technological, and economic factors:

• Tech-savvy populations and smartphone penetration: Asia boasts one of the youngest and most digitally connected populations globally. Smartphone penetration exceeds 90 per cent in many markets, providing a ready platform for fintech adoption. Consumers in countries like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam often bypass traditional banking systems in favour of mobile-first solutions.
• Financial inclusion as a growth catalyst: Despite Asia’s economic growth, vast segments of the population remain unbanked or underbanked. Fintech solutions, particularly mobile money platforms and micro-lending services, have made financial inclusion possible in remote areas. In Indonesia, for example, digital wallets such as GoPay and Ovo have brought millions into the formal financial system.
• Government and regulatory support: Governments across Asia have recognised fintech as a critical lever for economic growth. Regulatory sandboxes, startup-friendly policies, and open banking initiatives have spurred innovation. For instance, Hong Kong’s virtual banking framework has attracted global players, while Thailand’s National e-Payment Master Plan has catalysed digital payments growth.
• Cross-border connectivity: Asia’s fintech hubs thrive on regional connectivity. Initiatives like the ASEAN Payment Connectivity framework aim to facilitate cross-border payments, enabling seamless trade and financial transactions within the region. Singapore’s partnerships with countries like India and Indonesia highlight how collaboration is driving the fintech agenda.

Also Read: Money travelling: Insights from Singapore Fintech Festival on travel and finance

What are the challenges to overcome

While the rise of Asia’s fintech hubs is promising, several challenges could slow their momentum:

• Regulatory fragmentation: Asia’s diversity is a double-edged sword. Varying regulatory standards across countries create hurdles for cross-border fintech operations. For example, data localisation laws in India may conflict with global standards, making regional scaling difficult for startups.
• Cybersecurity and fraud risks: The rapid digitisation of financial services increases vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks and data breaches could undermine trust in fintech solutions. Governments and companies need to invest heavily in cybersecurity to mitigate these risks.
• Talent shortages: The demand for skilled professionals in data analytics, blockchain, and AI outpaces supply. Without adequate investment in education and upskilling, the fintech ecosystem risks losing its competitive edge.
• Ensuring equitable growth: Fintech innovation must not exacerbate economic inequalities. There is a risk that high-tech solutions cater disproportionately to urban, affluent populations while sidelining rural and lower-income communities.

The future of fintech in Asia

The next phase of fintech growth in Asia will likely be shaped by emerging technologies and deeper collaboration. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, and decentralised finance (DeFi) will redefine financial ecosystems. From smarter fraud detection to decentralised financial access, these technologies are reshaping financial ecosystems.

Cross-border digital currency initiatives, such as China’s Digital Yuan and ASEAN’s regional payment interoperability frameworks, may also accelerate financial integration across Asia, creating a single financial corridor.

Moreover, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are gaining traction within fintech. Companies are beginning to integrate sustainability into their business models, addressing societal challenges like climate change and inequality through financial innovation.

Conclusion

Asia’s fintech hubs are not just shaping the future of financial services—they are redefining economic paradigms. By leveraging its diversity, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit, the region has the potential to set global benchmarks in innovation and inclusivity.

However, the road ahead requires a fine balance between fostering innovation and ensuring stability. Collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and technology companies will be crucial in navigating the complexities of this fast-evolving landscape.

For those watching from afar, the growth of fintech hubs in Asia is more than a regional story—it is a glimpse into the future of global finance. Asia is not merely participating in the fintech revolution; it is leading it. The question now is not if Asia will unlock its full potential, but how quickly.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

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Notice periods are a critical yet often overlooked aspect of employment dynamics, affecting both employees and employers. This article explores the implications of long notice periods, their necessity across different roles, and how companies can adapt to modern workplace demands.

The above data was collected by Rockrose from interviews with over 377 candidates since early 2024.

The chart provides insight into employee notice periods, showing that nearly half of the respondents need to give one month’s notice (46.7 per cent), while almost a third can leave immediately (29.4 per cent). A smaller percentage serve two- or three-month notices. This raises questions about whether lengthy notice periods are necessary across the board, especially for junior roles.

What long notice periods really mean

Extended notice periods can reflect inefficiencies within a company, suggesting rigid processes and recruitment challenges. While senior roles might require longer transitions, holding junior employees to the same standard may indicate an outdated approach. Companies often cite the need for replacement time, but if hiring consistently takes longer than expected, the underlying issue might be a slow recruitment process rather than a need for extended notice.

Do we really need long notice periods?

With advancements in technology, handovers are more efficient than ever. AI-driven documentation and centralised knowledge systems allow employees to transfer responsibilities quickly. Well-maintained documentation and automation tools help make lengthy handovers unnecessary, even for complex roles.

Shorter notice periods benefit both employees and employers. Employees can transition to new opportunities without delay, and companies avoid prolonged exits, which can strain team morale. Additionally, shorter notice periods can reduce potential data security risks by limiting the duration in which departing employees have access to sensitive information. This approach helps protect proprietary data while allowing the organisation to maintain a smoother transition.

Also Read: Thriving Southeast Asia: The unstoppable rise of growth and prosperity

Employer concerns: Finding replacements and ensuring continuity

Employers argue that longer notice periods allow for thorough recruitment and knowledge transfer. However, if hiring processes are inherently slow, extended notice periods only mask the issue. By optimising recruitment strategies, companies can reduce reliance on lengthy notice periods. In addition, clear, continuous documentation within teams can alleviate the need for prolonged transitions.

Short vs long notice periods: Key considerations

Benefits of shorter notice periods

• Operational efficiency: Drives companies to adopt quicker hiring and handover processes.
• Focused handover: Short timelines push for effective, streamlined transitions.
• Enhanced data security: Minimises the period in which departing employees can access sensitive information.
• Boosts morale: Reduces the time teams spend working around a departing employee, helping maintain focus and engagement.

Reasons for longer notice periods

• Specialised hiring needs: More time may be required for niche roles.
• Business continuity: Ensures stability during the transition in complex positions.

Why shorter notice periods are often the way forward

In today’s fast-paced business world, organisations that embrace flexibility are better positioned for success. As the chart indicates, most employees require only a month’s notice or can leave immediately, suggesting that shorter notice periods are both feasible and sufficient for most roles.

Embracing shorter notice periods can reflect a company’s operational efficiency, promote a smoother handover, and boost employee morale by providing a clean break.

In turn, this positions the organisation as a forward-thinking, agile place to work—one that’s responsive to change, respects employee transitions, and prioritises a streamlined, secure handover process.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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This article is the eighth in a series from the ASEAN GenAI Startup Report 2024. GenAI Fund invests in early-stage GenAI startups across Southeast Asia, focusing on growth strategies and exit opportunities.

As Generative AI (GenAI) continues to revolutionise industries globally, the Southeast Asian (SEA) region stands uniquely poised to leverage its inherent strengths and become a leader in this transformative technology. 

The ASEAN GenAI Startup Report 2024 outlines several advantages contributing to the region’s potential as a global hub for GenAI innovation, including diverse technical talent, cost efficiencies, and the strategic advantage of being a second mover in technology adoption.

Leveraging technical talent and cost efficiencies

SEA is home to a rapidly growing pool of technical talent, particularly in countries such as Vietnam, which boasts over 530,000 IT professionals. This abundance of skilled labour is not only driving the development of innovative GenAI applications but also doing so at significantly lower costs compared to Western counterparts. 

For example, startups in Vietnam are increasingly recognised for their ability to deliver high-quality GenAI solutions at competitive prices, which gives them a crucial edge in the global market.

Furthermore, the cost of living and operational expenses in SEA are generally lower than in more developed economies. This allows startups to stretch their funding further and invest in scaling their operations without the financial pressures often found in more expensive regions. This cost advantage is especially crucial for early-stage companies that need to manage cash flow carefully while exploring and developing new technologies.

Second-mover advantage in technology adoption

While SEA may lag behind in some areas of technology innovation, this “second-mover” position offers distinct advantages. By observing the advancements and challenges first-movers encounter, SEA startups can learn from others’ experiences and adopt technologies with a more strategic approach. They can implement newer and more evolved versions of AI technologies, avoiding the pitfalls experienced by earlier adopters.

This approach is evident in the region’s strategic adoption of cloud technologies and infrastructure, which has seen rapid growth due to the availability of advanced services from global providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. SEA startups are quickly integrating these technologies, often leapfrogging traditional IT solutions directly into more advanced, scalable solutions.

Strategic collaborations and market access

SEA’s strategic geographic location offers another significant advantage. Situated between East and West, the region is a gateway for companies looking to expand globally. The region’s startups benefit from access to diverse markets, from the rapidly growing economies within SEA to the vast markets of China and India and even more established markets in Europe and America.

Also Read: Building moats: Strategies for ASEAN GenAI startups to create sustainable value

Collaborations across the region are also enhancing its GenAI capabilities. Governments are fostering partnerships through initiatives like Singapore’s AI Verify Foundation and the National Multimodal LLM Programme, which not only develop local talent and technology but also facilitate cross-border collaborations that enhance the entire region’s capability to innovate.

Challenges to harnessing the SEA advantage

Despite these advantages, harnessing the full potential of SEA’s GenAI capabilities can be challenging. Regulatory diversity across the region can complicate cross-border operations, making it difficult for startups to scale effectively. 

Additionally, while the region benefits from a large pool of IT professionals, there is a continuing need for specialised training in the latest AI technologies to ensure that the workforce can meet the rapidly evolving demands of the GenAI sector.

Moreover, language and cultural diversity, while a source of strength, also pose significant challenges for GenAI applications that require deep understanding and integration of local contexts to be effective.

The SEA region holds significant promise as a dynamic hub for GenAI innovation, fueled by its technical talent, cost efficiencies, strategic position, and adaptive approach to technology adoption. 

By continuing to invest in education, infrastructure, and regional collaborations, SEA can overcome existing challenges and cement its position as a global leader in the GenAI revolution.

For regional startups, the path forward involves tapping into these regional strengths while advocating for supportive policies and initiatives that facilitate growth and innovation. As SEA continues to mature in its GenAI capabilities, it stands not only to benefit from this technological revolution but also to shape it.

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As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey of the e27 Contributor Programme over the past year. This article highlights the significant milestones achieved, the enhancements introduced to the platform, and the remarkable strides made in fostering a vibrant and engaged community.

At the heart of this retrospective is a celebration of the collective effort and collaboration that have fuelled the programme’s growth, showcasing the strategies and stories that have shaped its continued success.

Growth, reach, programme highlights

In 2024, the e27 Contributor Programme saw remarkable growth, welcoming 230 new contributors and expanding our community to a robust 600 members. This surge brought an even greater diversity of perspectives, resulting in the publication of 630 articles that reflected the dynamism of the e27 ecosystem.

Throughout the year, we delved into a variety of themes, exploring topics such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the evolution of fintech, sustainable technologies, health tech advancements, and digital transformation. Highlights included 100 articles focused on AI and its implications, 40 on climate tech and sustainability, and 60 on the future of Web3. Other popular topics ranged from cybersecurity to productivity and culture, as well as fintech trends, reflecting the breadth of interests and expertise within our contributor network.

Our contributor community now represents a diverse mix of founders, investors, startup and corporate professionals, consultants, academics, and students. Notably, this includes contributions from 280 founders, 70 investors, 50 consultants, 40 corporate professionals, and 160 members from startups and accelerators.

This year, we also expanded our global footprint, welcoming contributors from regions as varied as Silicon Valley and Ireland to Australia and Estonia. This international participation has not only enriched the depth and scope of our content but also strengthened our ties with entrepreneurial ecosystems across the world, reinforcing our mission to amplify innovative voices on a global stage.

We’re thrilled to celebrate the amazing efforts of our contributors with the Top 27 Contributors of 2024! Check out the list and see who made it here.

Our to 27 contributors of 2024!

Innovations

Last year, we rolled out features aimed at amplifying community engagement and celebrating contributors’ impact. The leaderboard became a central hub for showcasing the most popular voices on e27, offering real-time visibility into the contributors making waves with their insights and expertise. This feature not only motivated contributors to stay active but also gave readers a chance to discover trending content and voices within the ecosystem.

To further enhance the connection between contributors and their audience, we launched a follow button. This simple yet powerful addition allowed readers to subscribe to their favourite thought leaders, ensuring they never missed out on their latest articles. It created a direct line of communication between contributors and their followers, fostering stronger relationships and building a more engaged readership.

This year, we expanded on last year’s efforts by introducing several exciting updates to elevate the contributor experience and foster deeper engagement:

• Our content dashboard now provides contributors with detailed insights into their articles’ performance. From views and engagement metrics to reader demographics, contributors can better understand their audience and refine their content strategy.
• An enhanced user interface has been designed to make the platform more intuitive and seamless. Navigating the site, publishing articles, and interacting with readers is now smoother than ever, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for contributors and their audiences alike.
• We’ve also prioritised user trust by implementing advanced data security measures. These updates bolster confidentiality and data protection, giving contributors peace of mind as they share their knowledge and insights on the platform.

In addition, we launched an exclusive newsletter for our contributor community, featuring monthly writing themes, updates, and guides. These newsletters act as a resource, designed to inspire and support contributors in creating impactful articles, keep them informed about community trends, and strengthen their connection with e27 editors as a direct communication channel.

We also introduced the Contributor Spotlight, a weekly column where we showcase the most popular article and its author. This initiative highlights the remarkable work of our contributors and fosters recognition within the community.

With these updates, we’re committed to providing contributors with the tools, resources, and exposure they need to thrive.

Community engagement

The post A recap of e27 Contributor Programme’s noteworthy offerings in 2024 appeared first on e27.

Echelon X 2024 brought together the brightest minds, innovative startups, and industry leaders from across the APAC region. Together, they explored the future of technology and digital transformation. An important focus are this year was empowering businesses to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world. In fact, the event featured panel discussions, exhibitions, and workshops designed to spark collaboration and actionable insights. As a premier gathering for the tech ecosystem, Echelon X showcased cutting-edge solutions for a variety of challenges. It also fostered meaningful connections that drive growth and innovation in the digital age.

Among the standout organisations at Echelon X was Google Cloud, whose contributions underscored its pivotal role in driving innovation across APAC. Through thought leadership panels and hands-on support for startups, Google Cloud demonstrated its commitment to empowering businesses with transformative technologies. By providing targeted resources, Google Cloud positioned itself as an indispensable tool for many organisations.

e27 and Google Cloud’s synergy

In the rapidly evolving APAC tech ecosystem, e27 has emerged as a vital platform fostering growth and collaboration among startups, investors, and key stakeholders. With a well-established network spanning the region, e27 serves as a bridge between innovative entrepreneurs and the resources they need to scale their ideas. Its diverse community reflects the rich dynamism of the startup ecosystem. As a result, it provides unparalleled access to opportunities for partnerships, funding, and market visibility. By championing innovation and facilitating connections, e27 has solidified its role as a cornerstone of tech and innovation in APAC.

At the heart of this thriving ecosystem is Google Cloud. e27 and Google Cloud work together with a shared vision of empowering startups and SMBs to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world. Google Cloud’s strategic collaboration with e27 brings transformative resources, such as the Google for Startups Cloud Program, to businesses seeking to harness the power of cloud and AI technologies. This program covers access to startup experts, Google Cloud and Firebase costs covered up to $200,000 USD (up to $350,000 USD for AI startups) over two years, technical training, business support, and Google-wide offers. Together, e27 and Google Cloud foster an inclusive and dynamic environment. As a result, they ensure that businesses across APAC have the tools, guidance, and networks to thrive in the digital economy.

Also read: How Globe Telecom used Google’s cloud-based services to empower its employees

Showcasing AI and Cloud Solutions at Echelon X

At Echelon X 2024, Google Cloud took center stage, highlighting its powerful AI and cloud solutions while emphasizing its commitment to empowering startups and SMBs in Southeast Asia. Through thought-provoking discussions and comprehensive startup support initiatives, Google Cloud showcased its ability to drive innovation and accelerate growth in the region’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.

One of the event’s most anticipated sessions was the panel discussion, “Responsible AI in Southeast Asia: How Do We Go About It?” featuring Jayotika Mohan, APAC Head of Startups & SMB Sales at Google Cloud. This session delved into the ethical and societal implications of adopting AI technologies in the region, sparking critical conversations about responsible AI integration. By addressing these pressing concerns, Google Cloud reinforced its reputation as a thought leader dedicated to fostering innovation that prioritizes societal well-being and ethical technology deployment.

Google Cloud’s Google for Startups Cloud Program also took the spotlight, offering startups unparalleled support to scale faster and smarter. One key benefit is access to cutting-edge AI tools, foundation models, and an open AI ecosystem. Further, it provides support for Web3 projects, enabling decentralized app development with minimal infrastructure concerns. Then, it has tailored resources and training to help startups build generative AI applications efficiently and responsibly. Finally, it provides cost optimization through Google Cloud’s serverless architecture and AI-powered recommendations.

These initiatives empower startups to turn data into actionable insights, enhance user experiences with AI-driven personalization, and reduce infrastructure costs—all while accelerating time to market.

Also read: Lytehouse improves workplace safety with AI-based video intelligence, teams up with Google Cloud

E27’s Continued Support for the Community

Google Cloud’s participation in Echelon X not only bolstered its visibility but also solidified its reputation as a key innovation enabler in APAC. By showcasing thought leadership and offering practical support for startups through the Google for Startups Cloud Program, it emerged as a trusted ally for businesses undergoing digital transformation. Its extensive network of experts, investors, and partners continues to empower the next generation of innovators, driving growth and innovation across the region. With its commitment to responsible AI adoption and advanced cloud solutions, Google Cloud is shaping the future of Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem.

As Google Cloud deepens its engagement with the APAC region, it is doubling down on its efforts to support startups with cutting-edge AI/ML tools and robust cloud technologies. By expanding its market reach and amplifying its impact, Google Cloud is positioning itself as a cornerstone of innovation for a region ripe with opportunities. e27 remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Google Cloud’s vision by fostering collaboration and creating opportunities to engage with the thriving APAC tech community.

Through joint initiatives, curated events, and knowledge-sharing platforms, e27 will continue to amplify Google Cloud’s presence and facilitate connections that drive growth. Together, e27 and Google Cloud are committed to unlocking new possibilities for startups and SMBs, building a vibrant, inclusive, and innovation-driven ecosystem in APAC.

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This article is produced by the e27 team

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Reach out to us here to get started.

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The Vietnamese F&B market has a lot of room for growth in food ordering apps. According to a report, about 46 per cent of businesses have not joined the online sales channel.

According to the F&B market report in Vietnam conducted by iPOS, the size of the food delivery market in Vietnam in 2022 will reach VND 29,900 (US$1.27) billion. This number is three times higher than in 2019 when COVID-19 did not appear.

Research results on the e-commerce industry in the field of F&B also recorded that about 12.23 million people have ordered food through online platforms. The annual growth rate of the number of users reached 17.5 per cent, equivalent to 1.8 million people.

A recent report by research firm Momentum Works also announced that the total spending value (GMV) that Vietnamese people spent on food delivery last year reached US$1.1 billion. Vietnam is also one of the few markets to see growth, while most of the rest shrink in size after the pandemic.

Also Read: How I went from an Android developer to CTO of a Vietnamese e-commerce

It is forecasted that in the coming time, food delivery will continue to account for a significant part of the total sales of household businesses despite the recovery of on-site dining.

Attractive “slice of cake” for applications

By the end of 2022, Vietnam has about 338,600 restaurants/cafés and will continue the steady upward trend with a CAGR of about two per cent in the 2016-2022 period.

Through the survey of more than 2,800 F&B businesses nationwide, only 1,516 units participated in online sales, accounting for 53.5 per cent. In the opposite direction, there are still 46.5 per cent of establishments that do not participate in this sales channel.

Currently, GrabFood and ShopeeFood are the two most popular online sales applications that 29 per cent and 27.8 per cent of businesses choose, respectively. Followed by other popular food ordering apps such as Baemin (18.4 per cent), GoFood (10.5 per cent), Loship (7.7 per cent), beFood (4.4 per cent).

Other sales channels such as hotline or website are still used regularly, reaching 25.4 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively. On the other hand, social media channels only 2.9 per cent of establishments are interested and use.

The app lives on promotion

In fact, the trend of using technology applications for food and beverage activities is one of many worries of F&B businesses in the new normal. Besides capital, human resources or operations, changes in customer behaviour always have a great impact on the revenue of the business.

This signal shows that restaurants and eateries have recognised users’ online food ordering habits. To create more revenue, restaurants and eateries must also consider the plan to expand their online sales channels. Not only generating more cash flow but partnering with apps is also a branding solution.

Through a user survey, iPOS said that ShopeeFood is leading the user market share with 58 per cent, followed by GrabFood (48 per cent), Baemin (36 per cent), and Gojek (24 per cent). Meanwhile, Loship and beFood have the same rate of seven per cent. Notably, only 13 per cent of the respondents did not use any food delivery apps.

Over the past few years, the food delivery app market has gradually stabilised after going through a tumultuous start-up period. Up to now, this playground mainly belongs to the applications behind foreign enterprises such as ShopeeFood (Sea Limited), GrabFood (Grab), Baemin (Woowa Brothers), GoFood (Gojek) and some domestic brands such as beFood (be) or Loship.

However, the habit of using the application of users is still “nourished” by discount codes. About 48.5 per cent of respondents decide to order food on an app because of a discount code, while 65.3 per cent consider choosing an app through a promotion policy.

Also Read: The realities of scaling food tech in today’s resource-strapped world

Users also prioritise restaurants with close proximity, palatable dishes/drinks, and based on previous reviews. In addition, some other factors, such as the restaurant’s free delivery, are also interesting to 44 per cent of the respondents.

Even though the F&B market may have challenges, it will continue to grow

Although the economy in 2023 is forecasted to be difficult, most consumers want to spend a lot of money on food. This is an opportunity and potential for both F&B businesses and food ordering applications.

Specifically, 46.27 per cent of consumers expect to stay the same and 30.89 per cent to increase their spending on food and drinks. The rest intend to reduce consumption.

However, Mr. Do Duy Thanh – Director of F&B at Horeca Business School – said that the trend of online sales will develop but only in the short term. Online food delivery applications have passed the time of burning money and will increase the cost of high discounts in the near future to make up for the initial investment budget. Algorithms show on apps, and it’s harder to make room for quality ads or restaurants.

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This article was first published on June 5, 2023

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Gokula Krishnan Subramaniam, Founder and CEO of Vircle

1337 Ventures, through its 1337 Accelerator Fund I, announced an investment in Vircle, a Malaysian neo-banking platform focused on transforming financial literacy for children.

“Our core mission has always been to teach kids how to manage money wisely, and this investment enables us to scale our operations and expand our reach,” said Gokula Krishnan Subramaniam, Founder and CEO of Vircle, in a press statement. “With the support of 1337 Ventures & strategic guidance, we are poised to grow across Southeast Asia (SEA), helping millions of children develop critical financial skills.”

Vircle builds a child-safe financial management and pocket money platform that aims to provide parents with an app to manage all their child’s pocket money and financial learning skills at one place, both for in-school and out-of-school spending.

Designed to help children budget, save, and spend responsibly, the platform aims to bank one million children in Malaysia and expand to three million across SEA within five years.

For its school spending pocket, Vircle Club provides children a prepaid Visa card which the company said is the first with parental controls and child safe protection.

Also Read: CARDS raises funding to revolutionise school management in Indonesia’s smaller cities

Vircle also partners with major private and international schools by providing cashless school platforms and has recently partnered with U Mobile to pilot cashless payments in Malaysian public schools.

Launched in January 2022, the 1337 Accelerator Fund I addresses the critical gap in early-stage funding for Malaysian startups.

Managed by 1337 Ventures in collaboration with seasoned investors such as Asgari Stephens and Suresh Thiru (ex-COO of JobStreet), the fund aims to provide early-stage startups with critical capital, mentorship, and strategic support. It runs its signature accelerator programme, Alpha Startups.

1337 Ventures also introduced the 1337 Capital Fund 1 in 2024 to support “high-growth startups that create lasting impact and deliver long-term value across diverse sectors.”

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Image Credit: 1337 Ventures

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Insurtech platform bolttech today announced a Series C funding round led by Liquidity and MUFG’s Dragon Fund.

Investors such as Baillie Gifford and Generali (through Lion River, the group’s company dedicated to private equity), among the few, also participated in the funding round that is expected to total more than US$100 million.

Following the company’s Series A and B rounds, this Series C up-round values bolttech at US$2.1 billion.

The investment aims to further enhance its global growth strategy.

According to a press statement, the strategic support of lead investor Dragon Fund, alongside the follow-on investors and the Series C funding, will enable bolttech to continue to enhance its platform’s capabilities.

Also Read: Filipino insurtech startup Hive Health nets US$6.5M led by Gentree, BEENEXT

It will also expand the company’s market presence globally, accelerating its goal of making insurance more tailored, accessible, affordable, and convenient for customers.

Dragon Fund CIO Ridhi Chaudhary will join the company’s Board of Directors following the investment.

Rob Schimek, Group Chief Executive Officer, bolttech, said, “This latest round of funding is an endorsement of our value proposition and marks another significant milestone for bolttech. The funding also demonstrates our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence as we enable the insurance industry.”

“With this investment from Dragon Fund and our Series C investors, we will continue to revolutionise the future of insurance through our leading technology-enabled ecosystem.”

bolttech currently serves customers in more than 35 markets across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.

Before this, the company announced the participation of impact investor LeapFrog Investments with a US$50 million investment.

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Image Credit: bolttech

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