For decades, sari-sari stores have been an integral part of Filipino communities, serving as go-to outlets for daily essentials. However, these small businesses often face economic difficulties, limited financial access, and operational inefficiencies. Recognising these challenges, Packworks, a Philippine-based startup, has developed a business-to-business (B2B) platform designed to digitise and streamline sari-sari store operations.

Founded in 2018 by Bing Tan, Ibba Bernardo, and Hubert Yap, Packworks emerged from the founders’ firsthand observations of the difficulties faced by small store owners in remote areas. Initially designed to serve a handful of multinational companies’ sari-sari store partners, the platform has since evolved into a nationwide solution that connects small businesses with brands, wholesalers, and financial institutions.

Before adopting digital tools, sari-sari store owners relied on manual methods for inventory management, sales tracking, and sourcing products. They often purchased stock from supermarkets and wholesalers, incurring high operational costs due to fuel expenses and retail markups.

“At Packworks, we identified these challenges and developed a digital solution to help these businesses operate with maximum gain, greater security, and access to goods and financial services,” said the company. “By connecting sari-sari store owners directly with brands and retailers, we offer them access to a variety of cheaper goods compared to supermarkets or grocery stores.”

Moreover, Packworks collaborates with financial institutions to provide microloans to store owners, helping them manage cash flow and withstand market pressures. With a network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores, the platform serves as a bridge between grassroots entrepreneurs and essential financial services.

Also Read: How soonicorn GrowSari plans to expand its reach to 300K sari-sari stores in Philippines

The adoption of digital tools has transformed the operations of many sari-sari stores. According to Packworks, larger stores that partnered with the platform have seen sales growth of between 34 and 51 per cent.

“One of the innovative initiatives we implemented was deploying Starlink connectivity in partnership with Help.NGO, AWS, and Starlink,” the company explained. “By providing these sari-sari stores with internet access, they were able to fully utilise the Packworks app, significantly optimising their operations. Additionally, offering free Wi-Fi to customers created a community hub that led to a 50 per cent increase in transactions.”

Beyond operational efficiencies, connectivity has enabled these businesses to become digital hubs, offering essential services to local communities. While the technology is crucial during natural disasters, it also plays a vital role in day-to-day commerce, allowing store owners to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

The unique traits of sari-sari store owners

Sari-sari store owners display distinct entrepreneurial behaviours as they transition to digital platforms. Packworks has observed that these micro-entrepreneurs maintain a strong community-centric approach. Many extend informal credit to regular customers, reinforcing the communal bond that ties their business success to the well-being of their neighbourhoods.

Additionally, sari-sari store owners are highly adaptable and strategic in sourcing products. “They consistently compare prices across wholesalers, supermarkets, and digital platforms to ensure they get the best deals,” the company noted. “They are also highly adaptable, evolving their product offerings based on community needs and competitive trends.”

Unlike traditional retailers, these store owners prioritise long-term partnerships over transactional relationships. Packworks aims to support this mindset by positioning itself as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider.

Peer influence plays a crucial role in encouraging sari-sari store owners to embrace digital tools. As digital transactions become more prevalent, more store owners are shifting towards online banking, digital payments, and inventory management solutions.

“Sari-sari stores have long adapted to meet the needs of their communities,” Packworks said. “With digitisation, store owners gain a deeper understanding of their customers, respond to evolving market needs, and maintain their role as vital social hubs.”

Also Read: Promoting digital payments in the Philippines: Why last-mile communities are key

Looking ahead

Packworks continues to develop new features to further empower sari-sari store owners. Among the upcoming initiatives are expanding internet access to remote stores, enabling better operations and community engagement; deploying digital LCD signs that display targeted promotions based on sales data, allowing FMCG brands to run targeted deals through sari-sari stores, and using a research grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to develop AI-powered insights for sales trends and inventory management.

Packworks envisions transforming sari-sari stores into digital hubs that not only sustain small businesses but also bring essential services closer to communities. By leveraging technology, it aims to ensure that micro-retailers remain competitive, resilient, and well-integrated into the evolving digital economy.

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Image Credit: Packworks

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As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates, companies across the Asia Pacific (APAC) face increasing regulatory scrutiny.

A new report highlights that 77 per cent of businesses are already subject to AI-related regulations or expect to be within five years. Additionally, 90 per cent anticipate compliance obligations related to AI-adjacent laws, including cybersecurity, data protection, and consumer rights.

Also Read: Why Generative AI requires a paradigm shift in technology and culture

Governments across APAC are responding swiftly. Singapore, a leader in artificial intelligence governance, has introduced multiple initiatives, including AI Verify, the Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI, and Safety Guidelines for Model and App Developers.

India has taken steps with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 and an AI regulatory sandbox. Australia is proposing mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI applications, while Saudi Arabia has rolled out AI ethics guidelines and generative AI regulations.

South Korea took a significant step in 2023 by introducing an AI liability law, setting a precedent for how businesses must manage AI risks.

Other countries, including China and Brazil, are also refining intellectual property and copyright laws to account for artificial intelligence-generated content.

Businesses struggle with AI risks despite revenue potential

While business leaders acknowledge the value of responsible AI, many remain unprepared to manage its risks effectively. Research suggests that companies pioneering responsible artificial intelligence could see an 18 per cent increase in AI-related revenue, yet most organisations lack comprehensive risk mitigation strategies.

One of the biggest challenges is underestimating the scale of artificial intelligence risks and the regulatory landscape’s complexity. Without robust compliance frameworks, companies risk falling behind as governments ramp up enforcement efforts.

“Organisations that fail to implement responsible artificial intelligence governance will struggle to scale AI innovation while meeting regulatory expectations,” the report warns.

The road to responsible AI leadership

To navigate the evolving AI landscape, businesses must adopt a proactive approach to responsible AI. Experts outline five key priorities for organisations aiming to mitigate risks while driving innovation:

• Establish AI governance and principles: Develop clear policies, guidelines, and controls to ensure artificial intelligence is deployed ethically.
• Conduct AI risk assessments: Systematically evaluate and categorise risks across artificial intelligence use cases.
• Enable responsible AI testing: Integrate third-party tools and services for continuous risk assessment.
• Implement ongoing monitoring and compliance: Build dedicated artificial intelligence compliance teams to oversee model performance and ethics.
• Address workforce impact, privacy, and security: Ensure employees have the right skills to manage AI responsibly while safeguarding data and consumer rights.

APAC’s AI future: Balancing innovation and regulation

As AI regulations evolve, businesses must align artificial intelligence strategies with compliance mandates to maintain a competitive edge. Industry pioneers already place responsible AI at the core of their digital transformation, ensuring risk mitigation is a strategic advantage rather than a regulatory burden.

Also Read: How are the companies you invest in leveraging AI?

By embracing responsible AI, APAC companies can turn regulatory pressure into business value, positioning themselves for sustainable growth in the AI-driven economy.

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AI and digital transformation are redefining the global economic landscape, and Southeast Asia is no exception. With a young population and one of the fastest technology adoption rates in the world, several industries are undergoing major changes. But which industries are experiencing the most profound shifts, and how does the mass adoption of AI impact the local workforce

Manufacturing and automation

Southeast Asia, particularly countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, is a global manufacturing hub. The rise of automation and Industry 4.0 is significantly disrupting this sector.

• The electronics industry in Vietnam: Companies such as Samsung and Foxconn have heavily invested in the robotisation of their assembly lines. The result: increased productivity but also a reduced demand for low-skilled labour. Therefore, many workers must retrain for roles in machine maintenance or automated supply chain management.
• AI impact – Predictive maintenance and quality control: Artificial intelligence can predict failures before they occur, reducing production interruptions. AI-assisted vision systems also improve quality control, minimising the need for human inspections. For example, Siemens already uses AI solutions to analyse the performance of industrial equipment in real-time.

E-commerce and digital services

With the rise of e-commerce and digital payments, the retail industry is undergoing a major transformation. Companies like Lazada and Shopee have redefined consumer habits in the region.

• Digitalisation of markets in Indonesia:  Tokopedia and Gojek have enabled small merchants to go digital. While this has created new opportunities, it has also put traditional sellers at a disadvantage if they struggle to adapt to digital tools quickly.
• AI impact – Personalised recommendations and inventory management: AI analyses consumer preferences and optimises product recommendations, boosting online sales. Additionally, it enhances inventory management by accurately forecasting demand. Alibaba and JD.com utilise these technologies to refine their offerings and improve customer experience.

Also Read: The agritech challenge in Indonesia: Can AI and mobile apps enhance productivity?

Transport and logistics

The rise of digital platforms has disrupted the transportation sector. Ride-sharing and on-demand delivery services have created new opportunities but have also pressured traditional business models.

• Grab and the gig economy in Malaysia: Grab, based in Singapore but dominant in Malaysia, has created thousands of jobs for drivers and delivery personnel. However, these jobs remain precarious, lacking social security and stable income guarantees, prompting governments to reconsider labour regulations.
• AI impact – Route optimisation and predictive fleet management: AI helps transport companies optimise routes, reducing fuel costs and improving delivery speeds. Predictive fleet management systems also improve vehicle maintenance. DHL and FedEx have invested in these technologies to enhance logistics efficiency.

Agriculture and smart technologies

Agriculture, a vital economic pillar in many Southeast Asian countries, is also undergoing significant changes with the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence.

• Precision agriculture in Thailand: Companies like Ricult and E-fishery in Thailand use AI and drones to optimise crop yields and reduce water waste. While this boosts efficiency, it also requires farmers to develop digital skills to remain competitive.
• AI impact – Soil analysis and crop forecasting: AI provides farmers with precise recommendations for irrigation and fertiliser usage based on weather conditions and soil data. John Deere and Bayer are developing AI-based solutions to enhance agricultural practices.

Finance and fintech

Fintech is revolutionising banking services in Southeast Asia, where many individuals still lack access to traditional financial institutions.

• The rise of fintech in the Philippines: GCash and PayMaya enable millions of unbanked Filipinos to access online payments and credit. However, this transformation has also led to job reductions in physical bank branches, pushing employees toward specialised roles in data analytics and cybersecurity.
• AI impact – Customer service automation and fraud detection: AI-powered chatbots are replacing human advisors in customer service roles. Additionally, machine learning algorithms detect fraudulent transactions in real-time, enhancing financial security. Companies like BPCE Groupe or Revolut leverage these technologies to improve user experience and security.

Also Read: The art of balancing speed and sustainability in a fast-paced world

Towards a more skilled workforce?

AI and digital transformation in Southeast Asia present both opportunities and challenges. While they create new jobs, they also make certain professions obsolete. To mitigate these effects, governments and businesses must invest heavily in workforce training and digital skills development to ensure a smooth transition into this new era of work.

AI and digital transformation bring both opportunities and challenges to Southeast Asia. While they create new jobs, they also make certain professions obsolete. To adapt, industries should invest heavily in workforce training and digital skills development to ensure a smooth transition into this new era of work.

• Re-skill the workforce: Invest in AI, automation, and data training programs to help workers transition into new roles.
• Promote lifelong learning: Educational institutions should integrate digital and AI-focused courses to prepare future professionals.
• Support SMEs in digital adoption: Provide more et focused financial aid, training, and access to technology to help small businesses stay competitive.
• Regulate the gig economy: Ensure fair wages, job security, and benefits for gig workers affected by automation and the massive adoption of AI.

By adopting these strategies, Southeast Asian industries can smoothly transition into an AI-driven economy while ensuring job security and workforce adaptability.

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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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Silicon Valley-based COVU, an AI-driven platform aiming to transform the insurance landscape, has received au undisclosed amount in investment from Singapore-based True Global Ventures (TGV).

The extension round of US$10 million was led by TGV, with participation from existing investor Benhamou Global Ventures.

The capital will enable COVU to scale its AI capabilities, broaden its market presence, and accelerate growth in the US.

COVU aims to augment insurance agents’ expertise through AI-powered automation, risk management insights, and customer engagement tools. This will enable them to function more effectively and offer enhanced value to their clientele.

Also Read: True Global Ventures’s Web3-focused follow-on fund TGV4 Plus hits US$146M first close

The tool blends intelligent automation with human expertise to empower agencies, brokers, and financial institutions to improve risk management and customer retention and drive business growth.

The solution is designed to enhance, not replace, human expertise by automating routine tasks and delivering proactive risk assessments. This will allow agents to focus on client relationships and boost operational efficiency.

Dusan Stojanovic, General Partner at True Global Ventures, notes that COVU is transforming the insurance industry by enabling agents to utilise AI-driven insights, automate administrative tasks and deliver personalised services. This aligns with TGV’s vision of investing in high-growth AI companies led by experienced entrepreneurs.

TGV focuses on AI-powered business solutions in The San Francisco Bay Area. It primarily invests in enterprise AI and blockchain. The VC firm has so far invested over US$50 million across seven vertical AI companies.

In the US, TGV has already invested in Obligo (a risk/financial services AI company) and Prezent (an AI-powered business communication and presentation productivity platform).

Its arm, TGV 4 Plus, invests in Web3 primarily in late-stage Series A, B and C across entertainment & gaming, financial services, infrastructure & data analytics/AI.

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Last month, GCL Global Holdings merged with the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) RF Acquisition to become the latest Singaporean firm to be listed on the Nasdaq, joining Grab, MoneyHero Group, and Ryde.

The gaming company’s shares surged on the Nasdaq amid strong market momentum, which was also driven by significant financial improvements. The company is now looking to leverage this unique position to bridge the gaming markets between Asia and the West.

In an interview with e27, Sebastian Toke, Group CEO of GCL Global Holdings, discussed the global gaming market, Nasdaq listing, financial performance, SPAC, and future plans.

Edited excerpts:

GCL Holdings has brought several award-winning games to Singapore. How do you plan to expand beyond distribution to potentially develop or co-develop games that specifically cater to Asian audiences?

We expanded beyond distribution to game publishing as early as 2020 and co-published highly anticipated titles like Atomic Heart and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. We are now the global publisher for Showa American Story, another highly anticipated IP expected to be released in late 2025 or early 2026.

As a dystopian counter-world in which America became a protectorate of the Japanese Empire, this is an example of fresh, imaginative, hardcore storytelling that gamers have been craving.

We are also developing a new title, which hasn’t been announced yet. We aspire to create games for an international, global audience, including Asian audiences. While some content may have Asian roots, the narrative and gameplay can be cross-cultural.

Also Read: ‘There is strong reaction against the P2E gaming genre’: BITKRAFT Asia Partner Jin Oh

There is a wealth of talent in our part of the world that we can tap into, take to the next level, and then deliver to a global audience of gamers. Our rich history as a video gaming group also allows us to feel the gaming community’s pulse and understand this landscape’s ever-changing trends and what is relevant and what is not.

The gaming industry is shifting towards subscriptions, cloud gaming, and Web3. How is GCL adapting to these trends?

There are many trends in the gaming industry because the entertainment industry, in general, continues to shift. But there has also been a lot of demand for more story-driven content and single-player or multiplayer co-op experiences.

Our view is that, ultimately, content is king. Gamers want something fresh that transports them to a new world, which they can turn into experiences with their friends and memories that become a lasting part of their lives.

Such content can be enjoyed over the cloud or through a games subscription service, but the key is still the content that has to be produced, marketed, and sold. We’re very focused on this area right now.

GCL reported a significantly narrower net loss in H1 FY2025. Could you detail the specific strategies that drove this improvement, particularly in console games and game code sales?

In the first half of FY2025, our top-line growth shot up to over 40 per cent, and that was before any impact from the global distribution of Black Myth Wukong’s retail SKU. We were adjusted EBITDA-positive, and if you back out the expenses related to going public and other transactions, we have been consistently profitable for the past several years.

In the future, we expect to see a significant lift in gross margins as publishing revenue becomes a more prominent contributor to our total revenue mix, which should positively affect the bottom line.

Your recent SPAC merger led to a 145.97 per cent share price surge. What specific factors contributed to this strong market response? How do you plan to maintain investor confidence and momentum following the initial stock price surge?

We don’t comment on stock price movements. As a new public company, we plan to meet with analysts and investors regularly and build their confidence in our management team, our strategy, and our ability to achieve success.

Over time, we want to be known as a company that underpromises and over-delivers, and that is the key to creating value for our shareholders and the companies that partner with us.

As a Singaporean company listed on NASDAQ, how do you leverage this unique position to bridge the gaming markets between Asia and the West?

We have been fortunate to connect developers and publishers from Europe and the US with the fast-growing Asian games market. Understanding what is essential for Asian gamers has helped us successfully bring titles here.

Most importantly, we are now starting to introduce Asia-developed games to international markets. Asian game developers are starting to hit their stride with highly creative, engaging titles and stories that can appeal to a global audience. Those are the titles we want to get behind.

What are your capital allocation plans now that you have access to public markets?

We are fully funded to reach our goals for 2025. However, given the industry’s disruption, we regularly see IP become available at a fraction of the cost people were paying a few years ago.

So, we will continue to examine those opportunities and allocate capital where we see the potential for multi-bagger breakouts and the high confidence of a floor to cover our investments.

Also Read: YGG’s Future of Work: Empowering gamers for the AI age

We aim to work with teams over time to build the greatest value for the creative work and talent they bring to the table and create a pipeline of our own internally developed games.

Why did you choose the SPAC route for your Nasdaq listing, and what were the biggest challenges in the process? The SPAC market has been volatile in recent years.

We looked at every possibility, including listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and a traditional IPO on NASDAQ. With a conventional IPO, we knew we would be spending millions of dollars on legal and audit fees with no certainty that the market would ultimately be there for us. The advantage of a de-SPAC is the relative certainty of outcome.

Given the SEC’s stricter SPAC regulations implemented in January 2024, how has this affected your compliance strategy and corporate governance approach?

We think it’s positive and would help companies like ours shine brighter because of the increased scrutiny. Meeting the regulatory requirements automatically gives us a shiny badge of credibility.

We believe a company going public via an SPAC merger is subject to more scrutiny by the SEC and NASDAQ than a traditional IPO, not less. That’s really important to us because the process helps prepare the team before the company goes public and is subject to new financial reporting and disclosure requirements.

AI, fintech, and quantum computing have primarily driven the resurgence of SPACs in 2025. What do you think makes gaming an attractive sector for SPAC investors?

SPAC investors are typically hedge funds that invest based on the yield and anticipated value of the warrants and the certainty of being able to redeem their shares for cash. Right now, GCL is seeking to build a shareholder base with a breadth of retail and institutional investors, including mutual funds, hedge funds, and family offices.

We are proud of our existing shareholders, which include Sega, several Japanese banks, and a charitable foundation. Gaming is at the crossroads of technology and entertainment. Interactive entertainment—aka video games—results from code, design, art, storytelling, and, increasingly, artificial intelligence.

From the investors’ perspective, we give them a chance to tap into the new wave of triple-A titles coming out of Asia and the favourable gaming demographics in many markets where we are distributors for the top games in the world. Funds that know this industry know there are some big disruptive forces at work, and we are on the right side of them.

Looking ahead, what role do emerging technologies like AI and cloud gaming play in your growth strategy across your different business units?

AI has always been employed in video games to some extent, whether it’s your companion in the game or enemy encounters, so using AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), will significantly reduce some of the time used for mundane programming tasks.

Cloud gaming has seen pockets of success, and the best way to deliver our games to as many people as possible is to partner with successful platforms.

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The financial world is buzzing with activity, and the interplay between macroeconomic data, geopolitical tensions, and groundbreaking policy moves like Trump’s proposed Crypto Strategic Reserve offers a rich tapestry to explore.

Let’s unpack this step by step, weaving together the facts, the data, and my own perspective on what it all means for investors, policymakers, and the average person trying to make sense of these turbulent times.

The latest US PCE inflation data provides a starting point, and it’s a cautiously optimistic one. In January, both headline and core PCE price indices rose by 0.3 per cent month-over-month, aligning neatly with economists’ expectations. This moderation in price pressures suggests that the Federal Reserve’s tightrope walk of managing inflation without choking economic growth might be paying off.

For context, the PCE, or Personal Consumption Expenditures index, is the Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation, and a 0.3 per cent increase is a far cry from the scorching prints we saw in 2022. It’s not a victory lap yet—annualised figures still hover above the Fed’s 2 per cent target—but it’s enough to steady global risk sentiment. Markets crave predictability, and this benign inflation print delivered just that.

The US Treasury market certainly took notice, posting its biggest monthly gain since July. Short-term yields dipped below 4 per cent, and the 10-year yield slid 5 basis points to 4.2 per cent, the lowest since mid-December. This rally in bonds reflects a growing belief that the Fed might ease up on rate hikes, or even pivot to cuts later in 2025 if the data keeps cooperating.

But don’t pop the champagne just yet. The geopolitical landscape is throwing curveballs that could unravel this fragile calm. Last Friday’s Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a disaster by all accounts.

What was supposed to be a constructive dialogue on a critical minerals deal—think lithium, cobalt, and other resources vital for batteries and tech—blew up spectacularly. The fallout scrapped the deal and dashed hopes of ceasefire talks in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This isn’t just diplomatic theater; it’s a blow to supply chains and energy transition plans. Ukraine’s mineral wealth could have bolstered US efforts to reduce reliance on China, but now that door’s slammed shut.

The implications ripple outward: heightened uncertainty, potential supply shortages, and a reminder that geopolitics can trump economic fundamentals in a heartbeat. Markets shrugged it off for now—MSCI US climbed 1.6 per cent, with Financials up 2.1 per cent and Consumer Discretionary gaining 1.8 per cent—but I’m not convinced this resilience will hold if tensions escalate further.

Also Read: Why the future of space and energy storage might be growing in a Thai hemp farm

Switching gears to Trump’s bombshell announcement, the Crypto Strategic Reserve is the wildcard everyone’s talking about. On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to declare that Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano would form the backbone of a “strategic national digital assets stockpile.”

Prices of these tokens soared—some reports suggest double-digit gains within hours—and the crypto community is ablaze with speculation. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment tweet; it builds on an executive order Trump signed in January to explore such a reserve. His framing is classic Trump: a middle finger to the Biden administration’s “corrupt attacks” on crypto, paired with a promise to “elevate” the industry.

It’s a bold move, and I’ll admit, it’s got my journalist senses tingling. On one hand, legitimising crypto at this level could turbocharge adoption. Analysts at State Street are already predicting that crypto ETFs will surpass precious metals in North America by year-end, becoming the third-largest ETF asset class. That’s a seismic shift, and a government-backed reserve could accelerate it.

But let’s pump the brakes and dig deeper. What does a “Crypto Strategic Reserve” even mean in practice? Is the US government buying up billions in Bitcoin and altcoins to sit on them like a digital Fort Knox? Trump’s post didn’t specify quantities or timelines, which leaves room for skepticism.

The logistics are daunting—securing wallets, managing volatility, and navigating regulatory minefields. And why these five coins? Bitcoin and Ethereum are no-brainers; they’re the blue-chip cryptos with the deepest liquidity. XRP, Solana, and Cardano, though, raise eyebrows. XRP’s tangled legal history with the SEC, Solana’s past network outages, and Cardano’s slower development pace don’t scream “strategic” to me.

Posts on X suggest a market frenzy—Cardano reportedly jumped 60 per cent, XRP 25per cent, Solana 20 per cent—but I wonder if this is more hype than substance. Trump’s a showman, and this could be a populist play to win over the crypto crowd without a clear endgame. Still, the signal is powerful: the US might be positioning itself as a crypto superpower, daring others to follow suit.

Across the Pacific, China’s stirring the pot too. The official manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMIs for February ticked up, a relief after the Lunar New Year slowdown from January 28 to February 4. Factories are humming again, and services are rebounding. But peek under the hood, and the picture’s murkier—sub-indices like new orders and employment hint at fragility.

Also Read: Powering sustainable startup growth: Essential tools and success stories

All eyes are on the “Two Sessions” kicking off March 4, where Beijing’s expected to unveil fiscal stimulus. Investors are salivating for measures to juice domestic demand and supercharge AI, especially after Xi’s symposium with business leaders two weeks ago. I’m cautiously optimistic here; China’s got the firepower to move markets, but execution’s the rub. Past promises have sometimes fizzled, and with Trump’s tariffs looming—10 per cent on Chinese goods starting March 4, alongside hikes on Mexico and Canada—Beijing’s got a tightrope of its own to walk.

Speaking of tariffs, they’re casting a shadow over energy markets. Brent crude slipped 1.2 per cent, reflecting fears that trade barriers will dampen global demand. It’s a logical worry: higher costs on imports could slow manufacturing and consumer spending, hitting oil consumption.

The US Dollar Index, meanwhile, edged up 0.4 per cent, flexing its safe-haven muscle, while gold dipped 0.7 per cent. That’s a classic risk-off tilt, even as equities hold firm. Asian equity indices opened mostly higher today, but US futures suggest a mixed start. It’s a market caught between hope (inflation cooling, stimulus hopes) and dread (geopolitics, trade wars).

The week ahead is a gauntlet. US payrolls and ISM data will test the economy’s pulse, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s keynote could drop hints on rate cuts. A barrage of Fedspeak will keep traders on edge, and the ECB’s policy rate decision across the pond adds another layer. Trump’s State of the Union on March 4—coinciding with the tariff rollout—will be must-watch TV. Will he double down on the crypto reserve or pivot to red-meat nationalism? My gut says he’ll lean into both, keeping markets guessing.

This is a pivotal moment, but it’s laced with uncertainty. The PCE data and Treasury rally signal a soft landing might be in reach, yet geopolitics and tariffs could derail it. Trump’s crypto gambit is audacious—potentially transformative if it’s more than bluster—but I’d wager it’s half-baked until we see details.

China’s stimulus could be a game-changer, but only if it delivers. For investors, it’s a time to stay nimble: ride the crypto wave, hedge against trade shocks, and watch the Fed like hawks. As an observer, I’m thrilled to chronicle this chaos—it’s where the real stories live. But as a global citizen, I can’t shake the feeling we’re one tweet or tantrum away from a very different market wrap.

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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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Chinese smart electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer XPENG has officially entered the Indonesian market, marking a key step in its global expansion.

Supported by Erajaya Active Lifestyle, this move aims to introduce the auto major’s advanced EV technology to Indonesian consumers.

XPENG plans to start local production in Indonesia in the second half of 2025, focusing on the X9 and G6 models, which will be specifically designed for the right-hand drive market. By integrating local supply chains, the company hopes to foster a community of shared interests through technology, production capacity and ecosystem partnerships.

Also Read: Electrifying Southeast Asia: Unleashing the radical potential of electric vehicles

Indonesia, as Southeast Asia’s largest new car market, presents a high-potential growth opportunity for the Chinese company. It intends to establish Indonesia and other markets in the APAC region as its next growth engine, driving its global success.

At the launch event, the EV maker showcased its 2025 product line-up for Indonesia, highlighting the X9 and G6 models. These models offer AI-driven innovation, intelligent mobility, and high-performance driving, providing users with a smarter, more connected, and more convenient experience.

Erajaya, a prominent player in Indonesia’s high-end technology and consumer electronics sector, represents leading global brands such as DJI. Leveraging its expertise and market presence, XPENG aims to drive market education for advanced smart EVs and enhance the user experience.

Also Read: Thinking out loud: Are electric vehicles as sustainable as we believe?

Founded in 2014, XPENG designs, develops, manufactures and markets Smart EVs. It develops its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology and intelligent in-car operating system in-house, along with core vehicle systems.

XPENG’s Smart EVs are primarily manufactured at its facilities in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. XPENG is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Exchange.

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The gaming industry has undergone an incredible transformation over the years. From 8-bit graphics to hyper-realistic environments and intricate storylines, the medium has evolved significantly. However, one of the most significant changes today isn’t just in the visuals or gameplay mechanics—it’s in the way games adapt to the player.

Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), this shift is set to revolutionise how we experience games, making them more dynamic, immersive, and personalised.

Among the most intriguing innovations in this space are DeepSeek and OpenAI, both of which are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in interactive entertainment. Let’s dive deeper into how these technologies are reshaping the gaming landscape and the potential challenges they present.

The changing role of AI in gaming

In the past, AI in gaming was largely limited to controlling non-playable characters (NPCs) or driving basic in-game mechanics. Characters had predefined behaviours—good guys followed simple rules, and enemies executed predictable actions. However, AI is now being leveraged to create complex, evolving worlds that react to player decisions in real time.

For instance, rather than static, pre-programmed missions or interactions, games are increasingly designed to adapt to a player’s unique behaviour. This leads to a more tailored experience, where the game evolves based on how players approach challenges, interact with characters, or explore environments.

As we enter this new era, it’s essential to explore the role of two technologies—DeepSeek and OpenAI—and examine their impact on the gaming experience.

DeepSeek: Personalised gaming for every player

DeepSeek is an emerging technology that focuses on creating deeply personalised gaming experiences. By analysing a player’s actions, preferences, and even emotional reactions to gameplay, DeepSeek tailors every aspect of the game to the individual.

Pros of DeepSeek

• Tailored experiences: One of DeepSeek’s standout features is its ability to create unique gameplay based on a player’s playstyle. For instance, if a player consistently chooses stealth over brute force, the game can adapt, offering more stealth-based challenges, rewards, and interactions. This customisation extends to storylines, where characters may react differently based on previous choices, creating a narrative that feels entirely personalised.
• Dynamic difficulty adjustment: Games powered by DeepSeek become more responsive to the player’s skill level. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to difficulty, the AI adjusts the game’s challenges to match the player’s evolving abilities, ensuring a consistently engaging experience that never becomes too frustrating or boring.
• Immersive NPCs: In traditional games, NPCs often follow pre-set lines or behaviours. DeepSeek, however, makes NPCs feel more real by allowing them to adapt to player actions. This creates a living, breathing world where interactions with characters are dynamic and responsive, rather than static.

Also Read: Second order effects in AI from DeepSeek AI

Cons of DeepSeek

• Complexity and cost: DeepSeek requires vast amounts of data to function effectively, making it difficult for smaller game studios to integrate. The technology demands powerful processing capabilities and sophisticated algorithms, which can raise development costs significantly. As a result, only larger developers with substantial resources can fully exploit its potential.
• Potential predictability: While personalised gameplay is a major advantage, there’s a risk that the game could start feeling overly predictable. If the AI tailors the experience too closely to a player’s preferences, the game might lose its sense of surprise and challenge, ultimately leading to a more formulaic experience.
• Privacy concerns: With the data-driven nature of DeepSeek, there’s always the concern about privacy. In order to personalise a player’s experience, DeepSeek must track and analyse their behaviour, which raises questions about how that data is collected, stored, and used, and whether players are comfortable with it.

OpenAI: Redefining game design and interaction

OpenAI has revolutionised many sectors, and gaming is no exception. Known for its advances in machine learning, OpenAI brings powerful tools that can generate vast amounts of content, develop complex characters, and enable dynamic player interaction.

Pros of OpenAI

• Adaptive storytelling: One of the most exciting possibilities offered by OpenAI is the ability to generate personalised narratives. By leveraging advanced natural language processing, OpenAI allows characters to interact with players in a more organic, human-like way. Players can engage in meaningful conversations with NPCs, and these characters can adjust their behaviour based on the player’s decisions. This dynamic storytelling creates a highly immersive experience where players feel like they’re shaping the world around them.
• Intelligent NPCs: OpenAI-powered NPCs are not just reactive but also proactive. They can learn from player actions, adapt to new scenarios, and even anticipate player behaviour, creating a more intelligent, challenging environment. These NPCs aren’t just there to serve a function—they feel alive, with their own motivations and goals.
• Efficient game design: OpenAI can significantly streamline game development by generating content on the fly. This includes creating complex quests, puzzles, and even entire game worlds that evolve based on player input. Developers can use AI to quickly prototype and experiment with new mechanics, drastically reducing the time and resources needed to create content.

Also Read: Evolution of advertising industry with the rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT

Cons of OpenAI

• Unpredictability and consistency issues: While OpenAI’s ability to generate dynamic content is impressive, it’s not without its flaws. Sometimes, the AI’s responses can be unpredictable, leading to awkward or jarring interactions. This unpredictability could disrupt the immersion of the game, especially if an NPC’s dialogue feels out of place or if the AI doesn’t adapt to the player’s choices in a coherent way.
• Resource intensity: OpenAI requires substantial computational resources, particularly when generating complex storylines and realistic interactions. This can drive up the cost of game development and limit access to smaller studios who may not have the budget to integrate such technology. Additionally, games powered by OpenAI may demand more processing power from players, limiting accessibility on lower-end devices.
• Ethical concerns: With OpenAI’s capabilities comes the potential for ethical dilemmas. For example, as AI models become better at creating convincing personalities, there’s a risk that NPCs could be designed to manipulate or manipulate player behaviour in ways that could be seen as exploitative. Game developers must tread carefully to ensure AI-driven characters remain ethical and transparent in their design.

A new era of immersion and possibilities

AI technologies like DeepSeek and OpenAI are poised to reshape the gaming world in ways we’ve only begun to explore. They open up a realm of possibilities for creating more personalised, engaging, and intelligent game worlds that evolve in real-time based on player choices. However, these advancements come with their own set of challenges, from technical complexity to ethical concerns.

As game developers continue to integrate these technologies, the industry will need to strike a balance between innovation and responsibility. If done right, AI has the potential to not only transform how we play games but also how we experience stories, interact with characters, and engage with virtual worlds. The future of gaming promises to be as unpredictable and dynamic as the AI technologies driving it.

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Image credit: DALL-E

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TECHCOOP has completed US$70 million Series A funding in one of Vietnam’s largest-ever funding rounds in the agritech space.

The round comprises US$28 million in equity funding and US$42 million in debt financing. The equity round was co-led by existing investors TNB Aura and Ascend Vietnam Ventures, with participation from new investors such as BlueOrchard, FMO, AppWorks and Capria Ventures.

The company plans to use the capital to strengthen its technology and expand its export infrastructure.

Also Read: How Koina uplifts lives of Vietnamese farmers through its data-driven agritech platform

Equity funding will enhance TECHCOOP’s supply chain integration and direct export capabilities, meeting the increasing demands of global buyers. Debt financing will support advanced risk control measures and robust corporate governance, which are essential for efficient scaling in international markets.

Co-founder and CEO Hao Diep said: “With this funding, we will expedite our mission to empower 2,000 agri-SMEs, 50,000+ farmer clubs, and 10 million smallholder farmers within the supply chain while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. We are enthusiastic about utilising these resources to expand our platform and strengthen partnerships to become a leading agritech company in Southeast Asia.”

Established in late 2022, TECHCOOP provides a B2B platform that delivers end-to-end solutions for export-oriented supply chains. The platform empowers agri-MSMEs and farmer clubs — vital to Vietnam’s agriculture sector — through technology enablement, product traceability, flexible payment terms and enhanced market access for commercialising agricultural goods.

Focusing on high-value crops like cashew nuts, coconut, coffee, and fresh fruits and vegetables, TECHCOOP promotes sustainable farming practices while strengthening Vietnam’s food security.

Also Read: Shifting tides: Vietnam and Philippines challenge Singapore and Indonesia in startup investment

Tuan Nguyen, co-founder and CTO of TECHCOOP, noted the company’s focus on innovation and digital technology to create a strong tech platform connecting agri-MSMEs and farmers’ clubs, including smallholder farmers, to global supply chains.

The startup claims it has already achieved profitability while sustaining a 10 per cent month-on-month growth rate. It is on track to achieve US$130 million in annualised revenue by the end of 2024, with projections reaching US$250 million by 2025 and US$400 million by 2026.

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Indonesia-based healthtech startup Bumame has raised an undisclosed sum in a pre-Series A funding round led by Alpha JWC Ventures.

500 Global and Kopital Ventures joined the round.

The new funding will enable Bumame to accelerate its digital transformation and expand its healthcare offerings, focusing on early detection, fast and accurate diagnostic results, and tailored health insights to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Established in 2020, Bumame initially provided accessible COVID-19 testing services to millions of Indonesians. Building on this foundation of trust, the company has evolved to tackle Indonesia’s broader healthcare challenges through innovation, technology, and a proactive approach.

Also Read: Is blockchain the future of medicine in creating a more secure healthcare?

Bumame now provides modern diagnostic solutions, proactive health screenings, and personalised health guidance.

Indonesia’s healthcare market was valued at approximately US$50 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 11 per cent.

Chandra Tjan, co-founder and General Partner at Alpha JWC Ventures, noted that the funding demonstrates trust in Bumame’s vision. By prioritising technology, proactive care, and high-quality products sourced from top principals with global standards, Bumame ensures that healthcare is both accessible and affordable for all Indonesians.

Alpha JWC Ventures is an early to growth-stage Southeast Asian VC firm with approximately US$650 million assets under management (AUM), while 500 Global is a multi-stage investment firm with US$2.2B in AUM, investing in globally ambitious founders. Kopital Ventures is an early-stage, sector-agnostic VC firm primarily focused on Indonesia, founded in September 2023.

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