When Singaporeans think about CEOs of leading global companies, they would probably not struggle to rattle off names. However, if they were asked to name a Singaporean CEO leading a global company, they might be able to name Shou Zi Chew, the charismatic Singaporean CEO leading global tech giant TikTok, and a handful of others.

Companies regard Singaporean managers as competent, honest, and hardworking; yet Singapore still has some way to go to produce more CEOs at global firms.

What it means to be a CEO of a global firm

The reality is that the to-do list for any CEO is now much larger than it was before. On top of the perennial tasks of leading an organisation—to set the vision, coalesce the organisation around a new or refreshed strategy, and manage the financials— CEOs must contend with a growing list of external risks, from economic jitters to geopolitical flare ups, and racial and social injustices.

Managing these immediate priorities comes at a time when leaders must also deliver on growing expectations to position their organisation for long-term growth. Every CEO today knows why they need to embrace tech transformation and sustainability. What is less clear is how to do it. These are complex issues for which there is no playbook and for which everyone is looking to the CEO for answers.

At the same time, in a world of multiple stakeholders, media, and social media scrutiny, CEOs can no longer only focus on what they do; they also need to focus on how it will be perceived. This can create a considerable tax on time, constraining your ability to properly solve issues and drawing away much-needed mental capacity for long-term decision-making.

What do boards look for in a CEO

When discussing the CEO role, it is imperative to factor in considerations of the board of directors, who wield the most power in appointing a leader to helm the company.

What boards look for in a new CEO is very dependent on the state of the business and the future objectives. If a business is performing well, then boards want a smooth transition and will often favour internal candidates provided the succession process has been well run. If a business is under performing, it is more common for boards to look externally to inject new thinking into the business, make the hard decisions and changes and arrest the declining performance.

Also Read: What is keeping founders up at night?

If boards could have their cake and eat it too – what they would ask for is the best on both internal and external. The ideal CEO candidate would be an internal candidate with a detailed understanding of the business, people, and culture, but with the objectivity and lack of attachment that an external candidate would bring.

The S-factor: Singapore’s advantage

Based on our observations from working with Singaporean leaders, institutional research as well as interviews with CEOs from Fortune 500 companies, we find that Singaporean leaders generally have four unique characteristics which could make them successful CEOs.

Firstly, cultural agility. Singaporean CEOs are perceived to be adept at navigating the cultural complexity and diversity of the region. This can give them a unique edge over their counterparts from other regions who tend to have built careers in markets that are of a size and scale that don’t always push them outside their cultural comfort zone.

Secondly, a sense of service. From our experience working with Singaporean leaders, they have a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to organisational purpose, due to a combination of factors. Singaporean culture places a high value on trust, respect, and loyalty; this emphasis on harmony and collective success reinforces a commitment to the organisational purpose. Singapore’s meritocratic cultural system, which values performance and results, often means that CEOs who reach the top in such an environment often do so through dedication and hard work, which naturally cultivates a strong attachment to their organisation’s purpose. They often see their role not just as a position of power but as a stewardship of the company’s long-term interests.

Thirdly, humility. The broader culture of Singapore tends to foster humility in its leaders as most born-and-bred Singaporean leaders have grown up in an environment where tolerance and inclusiveness have been ingrained. This typically lends itself to a style that champions a collaborative culture within organisations. It is especially important for CEOs taking over the reins to foster a collaborative culture, as forming strong relationships with the board and their senior leadership team are pivotal to the successful transition into their new roles. For example, our research found that the third most-common regret for CEOs around the world is the wish to have better engaged and collaborated with the board through transformation and change.

Also Read: Preparing for the unexpected: Succession planning and legal considerations for startup founders

Fourthly, geopolitical adeptness. Due to Singapore’s geographical situation and geopolitical sensibilities, there is also a tendency for Singaporean CEOs to better grasp the complexities of today’s multipolar world shaping business today. According to RRA’s Global Leadership Monitor, less than one in three leaders globally feel prepared to address geopolitical uncertainty, making geopolitical adeptness a much needed trait for CEOs as they are forced to take a proactive approach to manage geopolitical uncertainty today. This is where Singaporean CEOs typically have an edge over counterparts from elsewhere.

Finding new industry captains

The reality is that the CEO role is unique and has a disproportionate influence on so many lives. It’s never easy being a CEO, but those at the helm of global organisations today have it tougher than most. An aspiring CEO should get good support and counsel from people who have walked the CEO path before, and take advice on how to be successful, to avoid costly pitfalls and give themselves the best chance of success.

While Singaporean CEOs of global organisations remain a rare breed, there will undoubtedly be more of them in the coming years as we move into a multipolar world.

This article was co-authored by Miriam Capelli, Managing Director, C-suite Assessment, Succesion and Development, Russell Reynolds Associates. 

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The Art of Adaptation: Lessons from Paymongo’s Journey Through a Competitive Fintech Landscape

Echelon Philippines 2024 united startup leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking investors from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to support the region’s fastest-growing tech market and drive meaningful economic progress.

As part of the tech conference’s fireside chat titled ‘The Art of Adaptation: Lessons from Paymongo’s Journey Through a Competitive Fintech Landscape’, Jojo Malolos, Chief Executive Officer of PayMongo, discussed the company’s transformation from a payment aggregator to a comprehensive financial services provider. The session was moderated by Arthur Adrian Lopez, Co-Founder of Brainsparks and COO and Co-Founder of NextPay.

Key discussion points included:

• Strategic adaptation: Insights into how Paymongo has navigated evolving market conditions and competitive pressures in the fintech sector, including business model pivots and product refinement.
• Customer-centric innovation: An exploration of the innovative solutions implemented by Paymongo to address customer needs and enhance user experience, highlighting the role of customer feedback in driving success.
• Growth strategies: Examination of the strategies employed by Paymongo to scale operations, tackle regulatory challenges, forge partnerships, and leverage technology for a competitive edge.

Also Read: Julian Cua of BCG at Echelon Philippines 2024: Understanding Filipinos’ daily challenges to drive meaningful innovation

Since joining in February 2023, Malolos inherited a flat-growth company with 245 employees and US$31 million in Series B funding. He streamlined the workforce to 140, prioritising higher-margin products such as electronic money and lending. Under his leadership, PayMongo’s profits tripled, extending its runway to 24 months.

Key strategies involved adapting products based on market feedback and making decisive operational changes. Despite initial hurdles, including union issues and low staff morale, Jojo underscored the significance of strategic direction and execution for achieving success.

To gain a complete understanding of Paymongo’s journey and insights shared during the chat, watch the video above.

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Missed Echelon Philippines this year? You can now catch the recorded sessions on demand, showcasing insights from leading startup experts, visionary entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking investors from the Philippines and Southeast Asia, all geared toward driving the next phase of growth. And stay tuned—more videos are coming soon!

Watch Echelon Philippines and ECX here.

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The events industry has been under scrutiny for its negative environmental impact. Still, with the rising awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet, there is a growing demand for sustainable events.

Going green has become a top priority for an increasing number of guests and hosts, indicating that sustainability is not just a passing trend. In 2019, only six per cent of respondents believed that environmental responsibility had a significant impact on their events, while in 2020, this number increased to 59 per cent.

I go to multiple events a year, such as Echelon in Singapore to Tokyo Game Show in Japan, so I may actually be part of the growing problem. While I have a part to play, the impact or the ability to drive change might lie with the organisers.

Event planners in Asia have an opportunity to take the lead in implementing sustainable practices, which have been laid out quite well with Gevme’s sustainability manifesto. By adhering to this manifesto, planners can minimise the environmental impact of their events and reduce their carbon footprint.

Gevme’s sustainability manifesto is a framework that event planners can use to create sustainable events. It provides guidelines and best practices for reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting social responsibility.

By implementing these sustainable practices, event planners can improve the environmental impact of their events and create a positive impact on the communities they serve. This approach also aligns with the global movement towards sustainability, demonstrating that Asia’s event industry is committed to positively impacting the planet.

Acting on scientific evidence and data

Acting on scientific evidence and data is crucial to achieving sustainability goals. To this end, event planners should set science-based targets to track and reduce carbon emissions. 

Also Read: Planning a trip: Is the future of sustainable travel in the metaverse?

By grounding their work in accurate data and scientific evidence, event planners can make informed decisions that will positively impact the environment. This includes adopting innovative technologies that are more energy-efficient, promoting renewable energy sources, and adopting sustainable transportation practices. 

Taking responsibility for carbon emissions

According to a recent study, international conferences contribute to a carbon footprint from travel that exceeds 2,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases. On average, each participant generates between 500 and 1,500 kg CO₂ equivalent per round-trip to a conference. Thus, taking responsibility for carbon emissions is another critical aspect of sustainability. 

Planners should aim to cut emissions by more than half by 2030 and remove more carbon than they emit each year. This helps the environment and sends a strong message to attendees that the event industry is taking sustainability seriously. Additionally, event planners should consider offsetting their carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy projects or reforestation initiatives. 

Transparency and accountability

Transparency and accountability are essential for making progress towards sustainability. Event planners should publish annual environmental sustainability reports that provide transparency on their progress. 

By adhering to global reporting standards, event planners can ensure their efforts align with industry best practices. This will enable them to measure their performance and track progress over time. Furthermore, it will enable them to benchmark their performance against their peers, identify areas for improvement, and share best practices. 

Advocating for sustainability in the industry and policies

Advocating for sustainability in the industry and policies is another critical step in advancing sustainability. Event planners should support new guidelines, standards, and public policy initiatives accelerating carbon emissions reduction and removal opportunities. This includes advocating for renewable energy targets, promoting sustainable transportation options, and supporting green infrastructure investments.

Also Read: How climate tech companies in Asia measure the impact of their work

Supporting event organisers and exhibitors to go green

Supporting event organisers and exhibitors to go green is also crucial in advancing sustainability. Event planners should develop and share educational materials and digital technologies to help organisers and exhibitors measure and reduce their carbon footprints.

This can include providing guidance on sustainable food and beverage options, promoting waste reduction and recycling practices, and supporting the use of sustainable materials in booth design. 

Educating event attendees on sustainability

Educating event attendees on sustainability is perhaps the most impactful step in advancing sustainability. Event planners should develop and deploy digital tools that encourage people attending events to make sustainable choices. This can include providing information on sustainable transportation options, promoting sustainable food choices, and encouraging attendees to offset their carbon emissions. 

Engaging the team in this mission

Engaging the team on this mission is key to advancing sustainability. Event planners should provide opportunities to innovate by developing enhanced methodologies, processes, and digital tools. This includes encouraging employees to share ideas and best practices, investing in employee training and development, and fostering a culture of sustainability within the organisation. 

By engaging the team on this mission, event planners can create a culture of sustainability that inspires creativity and innovation and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Towards a sustainable future

By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses scientific evidence and data, carbon emissions reduction and removal, transparency and accountability, advocacy for sustainability, support for event organisers and exhibitors, education of event attendees, and team engagement, event planners can create a culture of sustainability that extends beyond their events and into the broader community.

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The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with an increasing focus on sustainability and a drive to transition away from fossil fuels. As we stand at the precipice of this energy transition, the choices we make today will shape the future of our planet.

The opportunities for powering our world are expanding rapidly, with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind leading the way. Additionally, alternative sources like hydrogen and nuclear fission are showing great promise in the pursuit of a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. 

In this article, we will explore the possibilities and challenges associated with the energy transition, taking a closer look at the innovations that are driving change and the obstacles that must be overcome.

The current energy landscape

According to statistics released by the International Energy Agency, 80.9 per cent of global energy came from fossil fuels, 9.4 per cent from biofuels and waste, 5.0 per cent from nuclear energy, 2.5 per cent from hydro energy, and the remaining 2.2 per cent from other sources in 2019.

Today’s landscape is largely characterised by its over-reliance on fossil fuels which have detrimental impacts on the environment. Alternative sources of cleaner energy, such as solar, wind and hydrogen, are being increasingly adopted. Yet, the extent of technological advancement needed to effectively facilitate the transition is still nowhere in sight. 

Challenges 

Environmental degradation

The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas causes large amounts of greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing global temperatures to rise. This leads to climate change, resulting in rising sea levels, unpredictable precipitation problems and extreme weather events.

The combustion of fossil fuels also releases a variety of pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These gases contribute to smog and can cause respiratory problems. They can also react with rainwater to form acid rain, which can corrode buildings, destroy marine life and damage ecosystems.

Energy security

The Russia-Ukraine war has worsened the global energy crisis. Supply-chain disruptions from one of the world’s major oil suppliers, Russia, this has, in turn, driving up energy prices. This increases the number of households unable to afford energy – especially those in developing countries. 

Also Read: The key to tackling climate change: Electrify shipping

Furthermore, due to political tensions, Russia has cut gas flows to the EU by 80 per cent between May and October 2022. This has caused a significant shortage in the EU’s energy mix. This highlights the over-reliance on major fuel-exporting countries, making the diversification towards alternative or domestic sources of energy a pressing need.

Affordability

The main reason why sustainable sources still remain relatively more expensive today is the sheer cost of infrastructure required to build solar farms and wind farms. When produced on a large scale, these costs can add up quickly. This makes sustainable energy sources more expensive than traditional ones.

As a result, it poses a significant barrier to the large-scale adoption of sustainable energy sources, as many countries and businesses tend to prioritise cost savings at the expense of the environment. 

Recent innovations and developments

Alternative sources 

Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. This process is the basis of nuclear power plants, which use the heat generated by nuclear fission to produce steam, which in turn drives turbines to generate electricity.

Advantages:

• Clean source of energy that does not generate greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
• It also reduces our dependency on fossil fuels, which are finite resources that exacerbates climate change. 

Gaps:

• Nuclear produces radioactive waste, which must be carefully stored and disposed of.
• Safety concerns associated with nuclear power plants, particularly in the event of a nuclear accident, which can release dangerous levels of radiation.

Hydrogen Fuel is produced by chemically reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen to create water. This process releases energy that can be harnessed to power fuel cells and generate electricity directly. 

Advantages: 

• It produces no harmful emissions when burned. In fact, the only byproduct of hydrogen fuel is water vapour, making it an extremely clean source. 
• Hydrogen fuel can be produced from a variety of sources, including water, natural gas, and biomass, making it a versatile and sustainable fuel option.

Gaps:

• Difficulty in storage and transport; requires specialised equipment and infrastructure to handle safely. 
• The production of hydrogen fuel can be energy-intensive, which can limit its overall sustainability.

Energy storage and distribution

Battery storage

Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time. The aim is to reduce imbalances between energy demand and energy production. Recently, there have been innovative solutions for battery recycling, driving a more sustainable energy landscape.

Also Read: How Ampotech helps energy, facilities managers improve the performance of their buildings

For example, NEU Battery Materials, a startup from the HyperScale accelerator programme created a way to recycle lithium batteries using a clean and sustainable electrochemical and produce battery-grade materials. This solution addresses the sustainable redox targeting battery recycling issue.

Microgrids

A microgrid is a small-scale electrical grid that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. It typically includes distributed energy resources such as solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and backup generators, which can generate and store electricity locally.

Microgrids are designed to provide reliable and resilient power to specific communities, facilities, or regions. They are often used in areas that are prone to power outages or that are far from the main power grid, such as remote communities, military bases, or hospitals.

The energy transition

Supply-chain concerns

There are several challenges in the large-scale adoption of alternative energy. It must be cheap, abundant, clean, safe, easy to transport, and sustainable. To build resilience and reduce the geopolitical risk of energy insecurity, each country should self-sustain and bring the supply chain to its own backyards.

Energy systems

Today, our predominant energy system is centred around natural gas. In the future, however, multiple systems of energy storage and distribution are foreseen. This includes electricity imports, hydrogen networks, combustion technology and infrastructure, etc. 

With the proliferation of alternative energy such as solar, thermal and nuclear, there is an increasing need to design an integrated system that is robust, resilient and reliable – perhaps one that is co-reliant. 

The role of accelerators in shaping the future 

Accelerator programmes drive innovation and expedite the transition of the current energy landscape into a more sustainable one. Startups benefit from active guidance from industry professionals, access to resources, connections with investors, collaborations, and a structured framework for innovation. 

With potential funding, startups with innovative solutions tackling real-world problems are empowered to conduct further research and development and upscale their ideas to revolutionise the energy landscape. 

PETRONAS FutureTech 3.0 accelerator programme

One of the initiatives driving innovation within the energy space is PETRONAS FutureTech 3.0, powered by StartupX, which was launched on 23 Feb 2023.

The programme focuses on five verticals: Future of Energy and Mobility, Sustainability, Future of Industry and Work, Future of Chemicals and Material, and Frontier Technology.

Find out more here: https://petronasft.thestartupx.com 

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Singapore-based Supermom is Southeast Asia’s leading parenting data platform. It empowers parents to learn from a deep and highly engaged community of peers while also offering “key opinion moms” extra income by promoting brands on their social channels.

In parallel, Supermom arms global consumer brands with troves of proprietary consumer data that, until recently, could not be found elsewhere.    

Launched in 2022, and with early backing from AC Ventures, today it shows impressive credentials with over 100 brand partners and a 100 per cent retention rate of top clients. With more than three million profiled moms across over 6,000 private community groups, it is poised for a projected 100 per cent growth in 2024. As a hub for influential moms and brands, Supermom is reshaping parenting trends and solutions across the region.

The chief influencers

The company’s CEO Luke Lim recently joined an episode of the Indonesia Digital Deconstructed podcast to discuss the outlook on Southeast Asia’s parenting sector and how his company is retaining all of its large, multinational clients, including the likes of Unilever, Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly Clark, and others.

“Let me start by posing a simple question: In most families, who do you think influences the majority of purchases? When I survey families, about 90 per cent consistently identify women as the primary decision-makers,” explained Lim. “Globally, the statistic is approximately 85 per cent. Women are key in determining household purchasing choices. This significant influence of women is fundamental to Supermom’s business model.”

“Now, for the second part: If moms wield such influence at home, guess where they get their cues from? You guessed it—other moms,” added Lim with a smile. “This highlights just how crucial the community aspect is. Statistically, 80 per cent to 85 per cent of their purchases are swayed by their social connections.”

Extra income for parents

Supermom’s thousands of private community groups help moms and parents share information and learn from one another at various stages of their journeys. The platform leverages this baked-in social dynamic, subsequently empowering mothers to become micro-entrepreneurs in their own right.

Also Read: AC Ventures aims to drive positive societal change, economic impact in SEA

Supermom community members can earn supplementary income by endorsing products on their public-facing social channels. By quickly tapping into and mobilising the communities on its platform, Supermom can offer brands rapid content generation, deploying thousands of moms to produce user-generated content that gives brands timely and relevant insights across Southeast Asia.

Lim added, jokingly, “I can trigger a community of over 6,000 members to start posting publicly about your brand. Who knows? Maybe it will get famous overnight.”

Priceless data for brands

One of the keys to Supermom’s success is its community-centric approach to brand service. By letting mothers rank brands across 16 different categories and answer internal surveys and polls about products and the problems parents need solutions for, Supermom not only engages its user base but also strengthens relationships with top clients. It offers the Unilevers of the world priceless colour and first-party consumer data from Southeast Asia that simply cannot be sourced elsewhere. 

Looking forward, Lim is enthusiastic about the prospects of expanding Supermom’s influence and operations in Southeast Asia. Speaking to the user journey, he envisions a platform integrated into the lives of Southeast Asian parents to the point where they will keep coming back to learn and earn continuously – regardless of whether they’re pregnant for the first time, or already raising a family with kids of various ages. 

Lim said, “In the next five to ten years, we aim to engage at least 20 per cent to 30 per cent of Southeast Asia’s parenting community. Our goal is not just for families to have heard of Supermom, but for them to actively use our platform. It’s pretty simple, but that’s our vision for the long term.”

Get the full episode on Spotify and Apple.

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As we advance into the age of technology, the transformative power of innovation continues to reshape industries, economies, and societies. Each technological leap—from the steam engine to the internet—has catalysed change, redefining how we live, travel, and connect.

In the early industrial era, inventions like trains and airplanes revolutionised transportation, while breakthroughs in communication, such as the telegraph, bridged distant parts of the world. These developments paved the way for globalisation, fostering economic growth and interconnectivity.

Fast forward to the 21st century: the dot-com boom and the rise of the internet have accelerated globalisation, allowing businesses to scale rapidly across borders. Today, we find ourselves on the brink of the AI revolution, where emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and disruption.

Why Indonesia? The window of opportunity

While developed markets have integrated technology as a commodity, Indonesia—the largest economy in Southeast Asia—stands at a pivotal juncture. The nation is undergoing rapid digital transformation, positioning technology as a key driver of economic growth. With its developing technological infrastructure and one of the world’s largest young populations, Indonesia presents fertile ground for both emerging and established players to make a meaningful impact.

The government’s EMAS 2045 initiative serves as a strategic roadmap for Indonesia to become a sovereign, advanced, fair, and prosperous nation by 2045, offering significant opportunities to harness this potential.

Despite its nascent tech ecosystem, Indonesia is ripe for innovation and growth. Major players like Gojek, Tokopedia, and Bukalapak have garnered substantial attention, yet there remains considerable room for expansion within the mid-tier sector. This evolving landscape is particularly attractive for investment in startups poised to capitalise on the impending wave of technological advancements.

Also Read: For Indonesia’s 2nd generation unicorns, international expansion is the name of the game

This is where InvestIdea Capital Ventures, an Indonesia-based venture capital firm focused on impact investing in technology solutions that enhance livelihoods, steps in, with a strategic emphasis on assessing founders and startups rather than adopting a “spray and pray” approach, which has been key to their success.

Notably, our key portfolio companies have successfully navigated the recent tech winter, emerging even stronger in challenging conditions. For instance, Halodoc is now Indonesia’s largest healthcare, demonstrating resilience despite the pandemic and global downturns. Similarly, other portfolio companies like Bobobox and Cakap remain committed to scaling their operations, increasing their valuations while consistently gaining investor trust, showcasing the resilience and strength of our Indonesian investees.

Indonesia’s startup showcase 2024

This November, we’re hosting a Tech Startup Showcase 2024—an event designed to connect global investors with Indonesia’s next big tech disruptors. Scheduled for 29 November 2024 at Block71 Singapore, the showcase will be a hub for discovering innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and drive significant growth.

The Tech Startup Showcase offers an unparalleled opportunity for investors to meet the founders and visionaries behind some of Indonesia’s most promising startups. The event will feature live pitches, product demos, and networking opportunities designed to foster connections and explore collaborations.

Key highlights:

• Exclusive networking: Engage with top-tier founders, industry leaders, and fellow investors shaping Indonesia’s tech future.
• Live pitches and demos: Experience firsthand the cutting-edge solutions disrupting industries.
• High-potential startups: Gain early access to startups across sectors such as health tech, fintech, edutech, and more.

For more information, please visit the website here, and register for the event here.

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The growing luxury segment can be attributed to its accessibility over the years. What once was a status symbol for the selective few has become logistically available. This can be attributed to the advancement of e-commerce, cross-border logistics, and payment systems. Utilising consumer products as a form of an alternative investment plays a strategic role in broadening an investor’s portfolio. This serves to expand their potential income sources and serve as an inflation hedge.

Clearly, there is growing interest in alternative investments. There is thus a need for a platform that can democratise investment in collectible assets through buying and selling fractionalised equity shares. Imagine DRC wine, Rolex watches, Hermes bags, and Macallan whiskey being readily available for purchase at a small share of $1. This would effectively equalise the investment landscape. It can do this by removing entry barriers and creating a social trading platform that addresses information asymmetry.

In response to this need, Treazer is offering fractional ownership in high-value collectible assets. This ranges from luxury items to emerging asset classes such as music royalties and NFTs. By lowering the barriers to entry and leveraging blockchain technology, Treazer is allowing anyone to become a stakeholder in prestigious collectibles.

Changing the narrative of the ultra-wealthy to ultra-accessible

Based in Singapore, Treazer is a fractional investment platform specialising in luxury collectibles that tend to appreciate over time. Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in creating transparent and secure investment opportunities, ensuring verified ownership of these assets.

To make their platform work, Treazer collaborated with Pohang University of Science and Technology Blockchain Center. They developed blockchain-based ownership, transfer, and voting functions for fractional ownership. Treazer contributed to the system design and processes. Pohang University on the other hand built the blockchain certification system which operates on the ERC20 network.

Their mission is to bridge the gap between collectors and regular investors through fractional ownership. Treazer currently offers more than 200 investment opportunities. Further, to make it even more investor-friendly, it provides daily price updates to enable decision-making for younger investors.

Ryan Kim, COO of Treazer, echoes this sentiment in an interview. He shares, “As a young investor myself, I’ve always been interested in investing in items people are passionate about, beyond traditional assets.”

He adds that Treazer’s inspiration comes from Ryan and their CEO, Ted Kim. The latter once invested in a bottle of Romanee Conti, which “we successfully sold within six months, earning a 20% profit. 

Also read: Blockchain is revolutionising the real-estate market through fractional ownership

Expanding the Investment Opportunity to Everyone with Treazer

Inspired by the enthusiasm of their friends who later joined them in their wine and whiskey investments, the co-founders soon realised the potential to expand this opportunity to everyone. Treazer was born to allow anyone to invest in high-quality collectibles—or “treasures”—and benefit from the value they bring.

Their thesis paid off with a rapidly growing user base and ongoing partnerships with large financial institutions. In 2023, Treazer was able to secure a 361 per cent user growth with over 600,000 registered users. Their platform records a 42.1 per cent highest return and an average investor return of 14.6 per cent in over 200 collections.

In 2023, Treazer partnered with SK Planet and, more recently, with KB Pay and Lotte in 2024. As interest in collectibles has grown, these partnerships have helped Treazer expand its reach through its platforms. These collaborations have enabled Treazer to attract users from partner networks. More than that, they also provide easy access to services through the use of leftover points.

Treazer teases its plans to expand its offerings to include properties, classic cars, rare books, sports memorabilia, trading cards, and more. As long as there’s a viable market, its team is positioned to make it available within the platform.

Ryan Kim discloses that while Treazer has its roots in Singapore, they plan to expand next into Vietnam. Treazer is also looking for partners in Hong Kong who can provide international storage solutions and Japan-based securities firms.

Investing in their passion, thriving in the business

Treazer’s key differentiators against other fractional ownership platforms are summarised in three items. First, their blockchain-backed certification of ownership. Second, partnerships with securities firms. And third, the addition of innovative assets like music royalties, IP, and rare collectibles.

Apart from its diverse asset offerings, Treazer has made significant technological advancements in asset verification and ownership. For one, they are able to showcase daily and historical price data similar to a traditional public trading platform. 

Treazer has officially launched their platform, Treasurer, which uniquely provides daily price updates along with historical price data for each item. Its standout feature is proprietary data crawling technology and sophisticated algorithms. As a result, Treasurer Global tracks and analyses over 300,000 transaction data points from global markets in real-time. This level of transparency and data accessibility is a significant advantage for users.

“Treasurer Global democratises access to the luxury markets by enabling anyone to invest in high-value assets through fractional ownership,” says Ted Kim, CEO of Treasurer Global. “With our advanced data crawling technology, clients can confidently make transactions based on the most accurate and reliable information. This launch represents a significant shift in the global luxury and collectible investment landscape.”

Treasurer Global is now live and providing investors worldwide with the opportunity to invest.

Also read: Preparing your company for Southeast Asia: A strategic guide to the market

Treazer Generating Profitability with a Data-Driven Approach

Treazer has already generated profitability at this stage. It boasts 52 per cent on its listed items by using its AI engine to pre-select blue-chip collectibles. With an average IRR of 17.8 per cent, Treazer’s performance significantly outpaces that of other fractional investment platforms globally. This demonstrates the strength of Treazer’s data-driven approach and the quality of assets available on the platform.

Kim assures that their upcoming partnerships with securities firms and cryptocurrency exchanges will serve to enhance Treazer’s offerings further. 

“As many investors already hold stocks and cryptocurrencies, incorporating these assets into our platform can create a more complete portfolio experience for them. On the flip side, Treazer has the potential to introduce passionate young investors to these brokerage firms and exchanges, fostering a symbiotic relationship.”

Treazer just recently secured their Pre-series A funding. This is primarily allocated to enhancing their AI engine that provides daily pricing for over 200 items within the platform. Additionally, their presence in Singapore has been established to facilitate entry into the Southeast Asian market. Before Series A, Treazer aims to launch a global version and gather enough users for beta testing.

If you’re interested in learning more about fractional ownership of collectibles through Treazer, visit www.treazer.com and contact them for investment opportunities.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Treazer

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Featured Image Credit: Treazer

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Beyond The Playbook: Redefining The Journey of a Startup Entrepreneur

Echelon Philippines 2024 brought together startup leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to support the region’s rapidly growing tech market and drive economic progress.

The tech conference’s keynote speech titled ‘Beyond The Playbook: Redefining The Journey of a Startup Entrepreneur’ was delivered by Minette Navarrete, President and Co-Founder of Kickstart Ventures.

She discussed the unpredictable nature of the startup journey, emphasising that each founder’s path is unique, with no standard roadmap to success. Navarrete shared how successful founders navigate unexpected challenges by relying on adaptability, resilience, and unconventional wisdom.

Also Read: Julian Cua of BCG at Echelon Philippines 2024: Understanding Filipinos’ daily challenges to drive meaningful innovation

She outlined four key lessons from successful startups:

• Mission over valuation, exemplified by Bagosphere, which trained over 10,000 participants and achieved 80 per cent job placement.
• Creating or capturing markets, as Wattpad did by cultivating a new reading audience in the Philippines.
• Execution excellence, demonstrated by Pickup Coffee’s expansion from 12 to over 250 locations.
• Forming unexpected partnerships, such as Sarisuki’s collaboration with Asin on solar-powered agricultural projects.

Navarrete emphasised that while traditional frameworks are important, founders must go beyond them by focusing on mission, execution, and people to achieve long-term success.

Watch the session video above to learn more about these insights and the strategies shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

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The post Echelon Philippines 2024: Beyond traditional frameworks with Minette Navarrete of Kickstart Ventures appeared first on e27.

Borong, Malaysia’s B2B e-commerce and marketplace solution provider, has partnered with Maybank Islamic to roll out Salaam Market, which it claims is the country’s first halal-certified marketplace.

Salaam Market is designed to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by offering Halal certification assistance and financial services. The platform provides a digital marketplace for sourcing Halal-certified products at competitive prices, directly linking SMEs with suppliers.

Also Read: How blockchain can help combat ongoing fraud in the Halal food industry in SEA

According to a statement, it enables them to navigate the Halal sector better and extend their market presence internationally from the companies.

Targeted at SMEs across Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Singapore, Salaam Market supports Halal transactions without minimum order requirements and ensures direct access to certified Halal ingredients, helping to lower costs and increase convenience.

With the global Halal market projected to reach US$5 trillion by 2030 and Malaysia’s domestic market expected to grow to US$113.2 billion, SMEs often face hurdles like high ingredient costs, complex certification processes, and limited capital access that slow their growth.

“This initiative represents a significant move to modernise the Halal market,” said Aizat Rahim, MD and co-founder of Borong. “Salaam Market not only aligns with Malaysia’s goal to become a global leader in Halal compliance, but it also addresses affordability, financing, and certification challenges for SMEs, thanks to Maybank Islamic’s financing support and JAKIM’s Halal certification.”

Through its partnership with Maybank Islamic, Borong’s SMEs gain access to specialised Islamic financial solutions, Halal facilitation support, and digital document management tools to streamline entry into local and international Halal markets.

Also Read: How cruelty-free, Halal-certified D2C cosmetics brand RADC achieved 4X growth in 2022

“Salaam Market will simplify online transactions by connecting buyers and sellers through a verified e-commerce platform that ensures Halal authenticity,” said Dr Muhd Ramadhan Fitri Ellias, Maybank Islamic’s Strategic Program Director. “This aligns with our commitment to strengthen the Halal ecosystem and support the national agenda to grow the domestic Halal market to US$113.2 billion by 2030.”

The post Borong, Maybank launch Malayasia’s first digital halal marketplace Salaam Market appeared first on e27.

Dear reader,

In 2024, Southeast Asia’s venture capital landscape faces a challenging reality: funding dropped sharply by 59 per cent in the year’s first nine months, reflecting global economic turbulence, geopolitical uncertainties, and a lingering funding winter.

These conditions have led investors to be increasingly cautious, impacting both domestic and international investment flows into the region’s promising startup ecosystem.

Nonetheless, Southeast Asian-based venture capitalists remain resilient, strategically deploying capital both within the region and globally. Notable firms such as Spartan Group, HashKey Capital, and Temasek Holdings illustrate this commitment by continuing to make impactful investments across sectors, particularly in blockchain, fintech, high-tech, and consumer-driven markets.

This continued momentum by regional investors underscores their strategic role in sustaining Southeast Asia’s innovative ecosystem, even in the face of headwinds.

The current landscape demands that startups and investors alike adapt to a more discerning funding environment, focusing on sustainable growth and long-term value.

Sainul,
Editor.

NEWS & VIEWS

Temasek-backed eFishery cautious on IPO plan
CEO Gibran Huzaifah said an IPO remains a key objective but he stressed that the timing would depend on the company’s overall readiness, including its financial health and operational stability, rather than on riding market trends.

Indonesia’s Sociolla says it hit profitability in Q1 2024
CEO Christopher Madiam says the beauty ecommerce firm’s revenue also grew by more than 50% year on year in 2024; He said the company had “focused on ahead-of-time investments and marketing” instead of “burning money to subsidize the market.”

GCash faces scrutiny in Philippines over gambling addiction
The app, with over 90 million users, connects individuals to platforms like Bingo Plus and Arena Plus; This connection raises concerns about its impact on gambling habits.

ADVANCE.AI’s credit bureau unit nets US$4M to drive financial inclusion in Philippines
The investor is Archipelago Capital Partners; ADVANCE.CBP aims to serve fintech firms, digital banks, and thrift banks to enhance financial inclusion through credit information and data.

Asia’s AI fintech sector to grow 2.2x in 2025 led by India, China, Singapore
The share of funding received by AI fintech companies is projected to grow from US$60.4B in 2023 to US$62B in 2024 and US$65.5B in 2025, says a UnaFinancial study.

TGV invests in Tookitaki to drive innovation in anti-financial crime solutions
Tookitaki claims to have monitored over 10 billion transactions across 100 million consumers among its clients; In 2022, Singapore-based cross-border payments firm Thunes picked a majority stake in Tookitaki for US$20M.

measurable.energy’s AI smart sockets set for SEA expansion with Vertex’s backing
The UK startup’s smart socket automatically turns off power for devices not in use (and backs them on when they are), eliminating unnecessary consumption; The investment will accelerate the company’s growth in the UK and international markets.

Hijau’s zero-capex solar model attracts investment from Clime Capital
The company said it seeks to contribute to the archipelago’s energy transition towards renewable energy by installing solar panels on its clients’ rooftops or ground-mounted areas and charging a rental fee relative to the energy produced.

ConnectingDNA bags US$550K to accelerate DNA-based wellness solutions
ConnectingDNA’s platform serves as a “digital bridge” between an individual’s nature and nurture, delivering bespoke recommendations based on each user’s unique biology.

X’s India revenue falls 90%, filing shows
Revenue plummeted 89.8% to US$2.51M; The company, which had posted revenue of US$24.7M in the previous fiscal year, also significantly reduced its expenses in India to US$2.2M from US$20M year-over-year.

Malaysia’s Borong partners Maybank to launch country’s first B2B halal marketplace
Salaam Market is designed to empower local SMEs by integrating Halal certification support and financial services, paving the way for these businesses to navigate the complex Halal market and expand their reach internationally.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Who’s still investing? The 2024 power players in Southeast Asia’s venture capital
A list of top SEA-based venture capital investors actively investing globally across various sectors, despite 2024’s challenges.

Green for tokens: How to use blockchain to promote a more sustainable lifestyle
In creating blockchain solutions that promote sustainable behaviour, startups need to consider the X-to-Earn factor.

Echelon Philippines 2024: Empowering early-stage startups through accelerators, educators, and enablers
The Echelon Philippines panel highlighted the importance of AI, semiconductors, and the creative industry in driving future growth.

Revolutionising content creation: How Eklipse is using AI to empower creators
Eklipse has developed an AI tool that automates the editing process, drastically reducing manual editing time by up to 90 per cent.

Echelon Philippines 2024: PayMongo’s Jojo Malolos on adaptation and growth in fintech
The Echelon Philippines fireside chat highlighted the need for adaptation, swift decision-making, and strategic direction for success.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

How are Singapore SMEs taking a proactive stance towards sustainability?
SMEs in Singapore have the ability to be proactive and be well-prepared for the inevitable inclusion of Scope 3 emissions as a business cost factor.

How to use blockchain to fund and create a greener future
Blockchain is providing a foundation for structural changes that support cultural climate awareness, policy-making, and individual commitments to sustainability.

Unlocking business potential: Overcoming decision paralysis with technology transformation
Discover how technology transformation can help businesses overcome decision paralysis and unlock their full potential.

How efficient communication drives positive relationships in product development
Efficient and productive communication across a business, both external and internal, can be the key to driving a successful project.

How to manage risk as a young professional in the startup world
The ability to mitigate risk as a startup founder allows you to acknowledge as well as accommodate such risks proactively.

Dear tech startups, it’s never too early for PR!
PR is the best way to tell your story and amplify your voice as a trusted enterprise amidst a sea of competition.

How marketing will be enhanced through generative AI
With the ability to create written words, videos, music, and more, generative AI is the future for brands’ marketing capabilities.

Creating sustainable futures: The vision of steady-state societies and still cities
Discover the transformative vision of steady-state societies and still cities, and how they can create sustainable futures for our planet and communities.

How fintechs can contribute to the world’s sustainability goals
A new report jointly produced by McKinsey & Company, Elevandi and MAS was recently released, showcasing how fintechs can contribute towards a greener future.

Building a better future: How sustainable architecture is leading the way for the built environment
The built environment sector is expected to focus increasingly on sustainable architecture as environmental concerns continue to grow.

Revolutionise your business operations: A smarter alternative to lengthy paper processes
One of the simplest steps to take is to transition from paper-based processes to more cost-effective digital solutions such as e-signatures.

On the precipice of energy transition
The opportunities for powering our world are expanding rapidly, with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind leading the way; Additionally, alternative sources like hydrogen and nuclear fission are showing great promise.

ESG empowerment: Fueling Malaysia’s SMEs for a sustainable future
ESG practices are extremely vital for SMEs, extending beyond the environment and crucial for growth and success.

Mastering sustainability: Your ultimate guide to hosting eco-friendly events in Asia
Implementing sustainable practices improves event planners’ environmental impact and creates positive community impact.

How Southeast Asian businesses can overcome employee training challenges
The challenge of bringing employees aboard the digital transformation ship is not exclusive to SEA. However, most firms admit to not being adaptable enough.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Indonesia’s startup showcase 2024: The launchpad for Southeast Asia’s tech future
InvestIdea Capital Ventures is hosting the Tech Startup Showcase 2024, connecting global investors with Indonesia’s next wave of promising tech startups.

Asset classes demystified: Building a strong, diversified portfolio in today’s financial markets
Asset classes are the foundation of successful investing, providing a framework for diversification and risk management.

How Southeast Asia’s Supermom retains its Fortune 500 clients
As a hub for influential moms and brands, Supermom is reshaping parenting trends and solutions across the region.

5 strategies to power possibilities and propel your global growth
The startup landscape in Asia is full of possibilities, but starting and scaling a business calls for more than just a good idea.

The digital revolution in supply chain management: Efficiency, visibility, and resilience
Technology is profoundly impacting your supply chain processes, transforming how you operate and compete in today’s global marketplace.

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Image Credit: 123RF.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: A look at SEA’s top VCs in a challenging 2024 | GCash faces scrutiny in Philippines | Asia’s AI fintech sector to grow 2.2x in 2025 appeared first on e27.