In today’s fast-paced world, both individuals and organisations often focus heavily on time management, productivity hacks, and efficiency. But what’s often overlooked is something far more essential: energy management.

The ability to manage your energy effectively can dramatically impact personal performance, leadership effectiveness, and organisational success!

Here are five reasons why energy management is a game-changer:

Increases productivity and focus

Managing energy, rather than time, is the real key to sustained productivity. It’s not just about how many hours you work; it’s about the quality of the energy you bring to those hours. High energy levels lead to better focus, sharper decision-making, and greater efficiency. By aligning your most demanding tasks with your peak energy times, you can maximise output without burning out.

“When you manage your energy well, you make the hours count, not just count the hours.”

Enhances emotional resilience

Energy management is directly linked to emotional well-being. When your energy is depleted, stress and burnout become more prevalent, leading to poor emotional regulation. By prioritising activities that renew and sustain your energy—such as exercise, sleep, mindfulness, and even short breaks—you build emotional resilience, allowing you to handle challenges more effectively.

“Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about knowing when to recharge.”

Also Read: What is keeping founders up at night?

Boosts creativity and innovation

Creativity thrives when your energy is at its peak. Whether you’re an individual seeking to spark new ideas or an organisation striving to innovate, energy is the fuel that drives creative thinking. When energy levels are low, creativity suffers, leading to stagnation and a lack of fresh perspectives. By managing energy levels, individuals and teams can tap into higher states of creativity and innovation.

“Innovation is born from energy. If you want to create, you must first energise.”

Fosters stronger leadership and employee engagement

Effective leadership requires both mental and emotional energy. Leaders who manage their energy well are better equipped to inspire and engage their teams. When leaders are energised, they can bring their best selves to the table—resulting in more authentic connections, better communication, and higher levels of employee engagement. Conversely, low-energy leaders can demotivate their teams, leading to disengagement and turnover.

“Leaders who manage their energy can create a ripple effect of engagement throughout their organisation.”

Supports long-term organisational health

Energy management at the organisational level goes beyond just individual well-being—it impacts the overall health and longevity of the business. Organisations that prioritise energy renewal, such as encouraging work-life balance, fostering a supportive work environment, and implementing wellness programs, tend to have lower employee burnout, higher retention rates, and better overall performance.

“An organisation’s success is the collective energy of its people. Keep that energy thriving, and success will follow.”

By focusing on energy management, both individuals and organisations can unlock greater levels of success, sustainability, and growth. It’s not just about doing more—it’s about doing it with the right energy, leading to long-term success and well-being.

—

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.

Image credit: Canva Pro

This article was first published on August 28, 2024

The post 5 reasons why energy management is key to individual and organisational success appeared first on e27.

In the whirlwind of today’s fast-paced technological world, I’ve often found myself navigating the delicate dance between the need for speed and the desire for sustainability. This balance has been a constant theme in my career—a challenge that has deeply influenced how I lead, work, and live.

The early rush: Chasing speed and success

When I first started my career, I was driven by the thrill of quick wins. I was eager to prove myself and to show that I could deliver results rapidly and efficiently. The corporate world loves speed, and I was determined to keep up. I pushed myself hard, always striving for more—more productivity, more success, more recognition.

But as I raced forward, I began to notice something unsettling. The relentless pace I was keeping came with a cost. Projects that moved too fast often missed crucial details, leading to long-term issues. Personally, I started to feel the strain of constantly being in overdrive. The push for immediate results was burning me out, and I realised that this wasn’t sustainable—not for me, not for my teams, and not for the organisations I was part of.

A wake-up call: The need for a better balance

It wasn’t until I took a step back that I realised something needed to change. I started to see that real success isn’t just about how fast I can go, but how far I can go without losing my way. This realisation was a turning point for me. I knew I had to rethink my approach—not just in my work, but in how I was living my life.

Slowing down wasn’t easy. It meant letting go of the constant rush and taking time to plan more thoughtfully. It meant considering the long-term impact of my decisions, even when it felt like everything needed to be done yesterday. But it was a necessary change if I wanted to achieve something more meaningful than just quick wins.

Also Read: Why finding your co-founder is a lot like meeting your soulmate

Blending speed with sustainability

As I grew in my career, I began to focus on how to blend speed with sustainability. I learned that these two goals don’t have to be at odds with each other—they can actually work hand in hand when approached with care. By investing in strong, resilient teams, I found we could still move quickly when needed, but without the burnout and without compromising on quality.

This approach spilled over into my personal life, too. As a working parent, the importance of balance became even clearer. I didn’t want to just excel at work; I wanted to be there for my family, too. I realised that the same principles of sustainability and resilience that I applied at work could help me create a more fulfilling and balanced home life as well.

Reflecting on the journey: Learning to adapt

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of reflection and adaptation. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of a fast-paced environment, but taking a moment to step back, breathe, and reassess has made all the difference for me. This practice has helped me stay grounded, make better decisions, and lead with a sense of purpose and clarity.

Through this journey, I’ve come to understand that balancing speed, agility, and sustainability isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s an ongoing process. It requires constant attention and a willingness to adapt to whatever comes your way. But when you get it right, the rewards are far greater than just hitting the next milestone. It leads to a richer, more fulfilling career and a life that feels truly aligned with your values.

Looking ahead: Committed to sustainable success

Today, as I continue to navigate the challenges of leadership and life, I’m more committed than ever to this balanced approach. I’ve seen how it can transform not just my own experience, but also the experiences of those around me. By embracing both speed and sustainability, I’ve been able to achieve results that aren’t just impressive in the short term, but meaningful and lasting.

My journey is still unfolding, and I know there will be more twists and turns ahead. But with the lessons I’ve learned, I’m confident that I can continue to grow, and to thrive—without sacrificing the principles that have guided me this far.

—

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.

Image credit: Canva Pro

This article was first published on August 28, 2024

The post The art of balancing speed and sustainability in a fast-paced world appeared first on e27.

Data from Universitas Gadjah Mada in 2020 revealed that Indonesia is home to 33 million farmers, yet only three per cent of them hold a university degree. Additionally, the Indonesia Central Bureau of Statistics reported that 73 per cent of workers in the agriculture sector have only completed elementary school. This data may contribute to the low levels of sustainable business orientation among local farmers in Indonesia.

The inadequate sustainable business orientation can affect the quality of local farmers. For instance, many farmers lack the motivation to professionalise their agribusiness, are unaware of how to maintain or scale their operations, and do not know how to increase productivity. Many Indonesian farmers rely solely on traditional practices passed down from their parents, treating farming as an inherited obligation rather than a profession.

This recurring cycle can create a never-ending loop that prevents the improvement of our farmers’ quality. It highlights the farmers’ unpreparedness to adopt and utilise modern technology.

Does agriculture really need technology?

The purpose of technology is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in various activities. For example, Gojek allows users to easily order food, while Moka Pos assists small and medium businesses in managing inventory and accounting systems. In agriculture, platforms like Tanihub, Sayurbox, and Segari empower farmers by connecting them directly to consumers.

However, technology solutions like e-grocery address only one of the agriculture sector’s challenges—distribution. In reality, agriculture faces three fundamental issues: the farmers’ fixed mindset, low productivity, and unequal distribution.

Furthermore, startups such as Tanihub, Sayurbox, and Segari have not yet reached all areas of Indonesia or connected all farmers to end customers. This remains a significant problem. Many applications focus on digitising administrative and operational processes without necessarily improving productivity or product quality.

In contrast, fintech and edutech demonstrate how mobile applications can enhance security and speed in financial transactions and facilitate learning from anywhere. However, farmers do not primarily require apps that merely digitise administrative tasks; they need more profound solutions related to farming technology—such as biopore systems, microgreens, and more—to increase productivity. While leveraging mobile apps for customer engagement is useful, farmers need impactful technologies that go beyond just digitalising paperwork.

Also Read: Lever VC’s Fund II secures US$50M for global food, agritech investments

One innovative startup, Habibi Garden, offers specific technologies like HabibiCooling, a high-pressure pump for cooling greenhouses, and HabibiClimate, a thermo-hygrometer. However, these solutions can be costly, making them unaffordable for many local farmers.

In Indonesia, 60 per cent of farmers are categorised as “gurem farmers” or “petani gurem,” meaning their land is less than 0.5 hectares—too small for sustainable commercial farming. This aligns with the fact that local farmers earn around 500,000 to 1 million rupiahs per month.

Therefore, AI technology and mobile apps are not suitable approaches for supporting local farmers. Before implementing such solutions, we must first shift farmers’ mindsets towards commercialisation in agribusiness.

Distribution systems: The second layer of agriculture’s challenges

As an archipelago nation with thousands of islands, Indonesia faces significant challenges in supply chain and logistics for distributing products, including agricultural goods. The distance is not the only issue; varying land contours, different climate conditions, and crime rates can also hinder transportation between provinces.

Indonesia has 10 designated food hub areas, such as South Sumatra, West Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, East Java, South Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan, and Papua. However, some of these areas, like Bandar Lampung, face low food security due to inadequate distribution systems and accessibility.

For example, South Lampung is a key area for growing specific crops like chili, corn, and cabbage, located 40-50 minutes from Bandar Lampung. This centralisation can lead to supply shortages in several areas that do not cultivate these crops. If more farmers grew similar products, they could better meet local demand.

Also Read: Fertile ground for partnership: How agritech boom in SEA holds a promise for Latin America

Revolutionising local farmers’ perspectives is essential

The core issue affecting agriculture in Indonesia is the mindset and perspective of local farmers regarding agriculture as a sustainable business. Most view it merely as a way to produce commodities for income. However, agriculture has far greater potential. Local farmers often lack essential skills in leadership, project management, business orientation, marketing, and negotiation.

To address this, they need specific training and knowledge to help them perceive farming as a sustainable business rather than just a means of income. Although the government has launched various farmer education programs, these often have shortcomings that need to be addressed.

Ultimately, the Indonesian agriculture sector requires a shift in farmer mindsets regarding business practices rather than merely advanced technology. Supporting them with foundational knowledge and farming technologies like biopore systems, hydroponics, microgreen techniques or others is vital. Once this foundation is established, we can then focus on improving the distribution process, including third-party involvement.

—

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.

Image credit: Ministry of Finance Indonesia

The post The agritech challenge in Indonesia: Can AI and mobile apps enhance productivity? appeared first on e27.

TikTok has released its fifth annual trend forecast, the What’s Next Report 2025, offering businesses and marketers insight into the platform’s evolving landscape.

Supported by data from TikTok’s Global Marketing Science team, the report draws from multiple third-party commissioned studies conducted between 2022 and 2024. It identifies key trends shaping audience engagement and brand success in the coming year.

As the platform continues to influence digital culture, brands must remain agile to sustain relevance. The 2025 report emphasises the importance of bridging the gap between representation and connection in advertising, adapting to changing consumer values, and giving creators and communities greater creative ownership.

The findings suggest that fostering cultural resonance and maintaining a consistent presence will be critical to long-term success.

Three core themes shaping 2025

The report highlights three overarching themes that encapsulate consumer behaviour shifts and how brands can navigate them effectively:

Brand Fusion: Strengthening consumer connections

In an increasingly dynamic digital space, brand evolution is essential. The concept of Brand Fusion describes a state where businesses refine their identities to better align with shifting consumer values. By sharing niche perspectives and fostering deeper connections, brands can create stronger and more authentic relationships with audiences.

For instance, L’Oréal Paris expanded its creator network by collaborating with science comedian @mister.emerson, using humour to promote sunblock. This approach exemplifies how brands can engage new audiences by integrating diverse voices and perspectives into their storytelling.

Also Read: Rising trend in Vietnam: Young professionals embracing social media content creation

Identity Osmosis: Adapting to cultural shifts

The second theme, Identity Osmosis, refers to brands seamlessly integrating evolving consumer values into their identity. This requires an openness to remixing content and exploring new avenues for engagement.

A notable example is a community event hosted in partnership with Flagrant magazine and the female-owned sports bar The Sports Bra, to celebrate the WNBA finals. By aligning with culturally relevant moments, brands can build deeper connections and enhance their authenticity.

Creative Catalysts: Embracing AI-driven creativity

The Creative Catalysts theme underscores the role of AI in shaping content creation and engagement. AI tools are increasingly being used to enhance ideation, streamline production, and encourage creative experimentation.

For example, Lidl embraced the #potaxie trend, leveraging AI to create an imaginative, avocado-inspired shopping experience. By tapping into AI-driven storytelling, brands can craft more engaging and interactive content.

The expanding role of AI

AI continues to play a transformative role in digital marketing, particularly within the Creative Catalysts theme. The report identifies several AI-driven advancements that brands can leverage:

– Faster content creation: AI facilitates quicker ideation and production processes.
– Enhanced storytelling: AI-generated voices, multilingual avatars, and animation tools are reshaping digital narratives.
– Personalised experiences: AI enables businesses to tailor offerings based on individual preferences.
– Operational efficiency: AI-powered solutions improve workflow and content adaptation.
– Real-time insights: Tools such as Symphony Assistant help brands track trends and develop creative concepts instantly.
– Diverse content variations: AI assists in generating multiple iterations of content to suit different audience segments.

Despite its advantages, AI adoption is not without challenges. The report acknowledges the anxieties surrounding AI’s potential, recommending a “playful and creative approach” to help users view AI as a tool for innovation rather than a disruptive force.

Also Read: User-generated content: Why this social strategy is one you should invest in

Key takeaways for brands to win TikTok in 2025

As businesses plan their digital strategies, the What’s Next Report 2025 outlines several critical considerations for success on TikTok:

– Prioritise cultural resonance: Understanding and integrating emerging cultural trends can enhance brand engagement.
– Empower creators and communities: Encouraging collaborative content creation fosters stronger connections with audiences.
– Embrace AI-driven creativity: Leveraging AI tools can streamline content production and unlock new storytelling possibilities.
– Remain adaptable: As consumer expectations evolve, brands must continually refine their identity and messaging.
– Maintain consistency: A persistent and engaging presence helps sustain long-term relationships with audiences.

TikTok’s What’s Next Report 2025 underscores the platform’s evolving landscape and the growing importance of cultural adaptability, creative risk-taking, and AI integration. As brands navigate these shifts, success will depend on their ability to forge deeper connections, experiment with innovative content strategies, and remain responsive to changing consumer behaviours.

By embracing these principles, businesses can position themselves for sustained growth in an increasingly dynamic digital environment.

—

Image Credit: Nik on Unsplash

The post Audience engagement on TikTok: Greater creative ownership is key to win the platform in 2025 appeared first on e27.

The market wrap for February 27, 2025, paints a vivid picture of a world grappling with choppy risk sentiment, spurred by US President Donald Trump’s latest pronouncements on trade policy. His remarks during Wednesday’s cabinet meeting—laden with ambiguity about tariffs on Canada and Mexico, hints of a delay from March to April, and a firm declaration of 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on European autos—have sent ripples of unease across global markets.

Add to that a slew of economic data points, corporate earnings, and geopolitical developments, and you’ve got a recipe for volatility that’s keeping investors on their toes. Here’s my take on what’s unfolding, grounded in facts and a healthy dose of skepticism about where this all might lead.

Let’s start with Trump’s trade rhetoric, which has once again thrust uncertainty into the spotlight. His contradictory signals about tariffs on Canada and Mexico—major US trading partners—suggest a strategy that’s either deliberately fluid or frustratingly inconsistent.

On one hand, he’s floated a potential delay, pushing the timeline from March to April, which could buy time for negotiations or simply prolong the suspense. On the other, he’s doubled down with a pledge for 25 per cent tariffs on European autos and other goods, a move that’s less about surprise (given his long-standing “tariff man” persona) and more about escalation.

The markets despise ambiguity, and Trump’s words have delivered it in spades. Investors are left parsing his intentions: Is this a negotiating tactic to extract concessions, or a genuine prelude to a broader trade war? The historical precedent from his first term—where tariffs on steel and aluminum roiled markets but often softened in practice—offers little comfort when the stakes now seem higher and the global economy more fragile.

The economic data isn’t helping soothe nerves either. US new home sales took a nosedive in January, dropping 10.5 per cent to 657,000 units. That’s a stark signal of cooling demand in a housing market already battered by high interest rates and affordability woes. For context, this figure undershoots even the most pessimistic forecasts, hinting at deeper structural issues—perhaps a pullback in consumer confidence or a ripple effect from trade-related uncertainty.

Housing is a bellwether for broader economic health, and this bearish turn could amplify growth concerns, especially as Trump’s policies threaten to layer on inflationary pressures via tariffs. It’s no wonder equity markets have been volatile, with traders caught between macroeconomic red flags and the micro-level drama of corporate earnings.

Also Read: Market wrap: Consumer sentiment dips, stocks slide, bonds gain and crypto brief dip

Speaking of earnings, Nvidia’s latest report was the week’s marquee event, and it didn’t disappoint—or rather, it didn’t fully satisfy. The chip giant, a darling of the tech rally, posted results that beat analyst expectations, yet the stock wobbled in after-hours trading. Why? After two years of blowout performances that fuelled AI-driven euphoria, this “modest beat” felt like a letdown.

Investors have grown accustomed to Nvidia shattering ceilings, and anything less sparks doubts about whether the growth story has peaked. The broader MSCI US index eked out a negligible 0.03 per cent gain, buoyed by a 0.8 per cent rise in the Info Tech sector, but the lack of decisive momentum reflects a market wrestling with bigger questions. Are we seeing the limits of tech-led optimism in an environment where tariffs and inflation could crimp corporate margins?

Meanwhile, fixed-income markets offered their own commentary. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield slipped 4 basis points to 4.25 per cent, a subtle nod to growth fears trumping inflation worries—for now. Lower yields signal a flight to safety, as investors bet on a slowing economy potentially forcing the Federal Reserve to rethink its rate-cut trajectory.

The US Dollar Index, up 0.1 per cent to 106.49, suggests some resilience, likely propped up by Trump’s tariff threats enhancing the greenback’s safe-haven appeal. Gold, too, ticked up 0.1 per cent to US$2,915.92 an ounce, hovering near record territory as a hedge against uncertainty. These moves aren’t dramatic, but they underscore a cautious repositioning amid the noise.

Across the Atlantic, MSCI Europe climbed a solid 1.0 per cent, lifted by a new minerals deal between the US and Ukraine. It’s a rare bright spot, hinting at strategic shifts in resource alliances that could cushion Europe against trade disruptions. But let’s not kid ourselves—European autos, now squarely in Trump’s tariff crosshairs, could drag sentiment down fast. Companies like Volkswagen and Stellantis, with heavy exposure to North American supply chains, face a reckoning if those 25 per cent duties stick. The sector’s already nursing wounds from a post-pandemic slump, and this could be salt in the wound.

Asia, meanwhile, tells a tale of resilience and divergence. The MSCI Asia ex-Japan index rebounded 1.5 per cent, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng stealing the show at a 3.3 per cent surge. The catalyst? News that China plans to recapitalise its biggest banks, a move that could stabilise a financial system creaking under bad debt and sluggish growth.

It’s a bold step, and the market’s enthusiastic response suggests hope that Beijing’s got more tricks up its sleeve. Yet, early trading today showed Asian indices mixed, and US equity futures point to a softer open stateside. The global mood remains jittery, and China’s bank rescue might be a temporary salve rather than a cure.

Also Read: Global markets on edge: Trade wars, tariffs, and crypto chaos in focus

Then there’s the cryptocurrency saga, a wild subplot in this market drama. Over US$800 billion has evaporated from global crypto markets in recent weeks, a brutal reversal from the post-election euphoria tied to Trump’s perceived pro-crypto stance. Bitcoin shed 3.6 per cent on Wednesday, hitting US$85,600, while Ethereum took a 4 per cent dive to US$2,275—its lowest since September.

The culprits are manifold: inflation fears, tariff anxieties, a cooling meme coin craze, and a US$1.4 billion hack at the Bybit exchange, linked to the notorious Lazarus group. The forensic fallout confirms it was a targeted attack, not a flaw in Safe Wallet’s smart contracts, but the damage to confidence is real. Crypto’s 4 per cent daily drop mirrors the broader sell-off in risk assets, and Ethereum’s 53 per cent lag from its 2021 peak is a stark reminder of how far the mighty can fall when sentiment sours.

Oil, too, is feeling the heat. Brent crude slipped 0.7 per cent to US$72.71 a barrel, pressured by an unexpected buildup in US fuel inventories and whispers of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal. The latter could ease supply concerns, but the former points to weakening demand—a troubling sign when paired with the housing data. Energy markets are a microcosm of the push-pull between geopolitical hope and economic reality, and right now, reality’s winning.

So, what’s my point of view on all this? I have mentioned this many times in the past few days. I see a world at a crossroads, where Trump’s trade gambit could either spark a manageable reshuffling of global commerce or tip us into a deeper slowdown. The data—housing’s slump, oil’s slide, crypto’s crash—screams caution, yet pockets of strength in Europe and Asia hint at adaptability.

Nvidia’s underwhelming “win” feels symbolic: growth is still possible, but the easy gains are gone. Investors are right to be skittish; tariffs could stoke inflation just as growth falters, a stagflationary nightmare the Fed’s ill-equipped to handle if yields keep dropping. I’m skeptical of Trump’s ability to thread this needle—his track record leans more toward disruption than finesse. But markets are nothing if not resilient, and the next few weeks, with Fed testimony and more tariff clarity looming, will test that resilience to the hilt. For now, I’d say buckle up: this ride’s only getting bumpier.

—

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.

Image credit: DALL-E

The post Market recap: Europe gains, crypto falls, and trade fears grow appeared first on e27.

Lorien Finance, a fintech firm connecting global capital markets with students in emerging economies, has secured US$2.25 million in pre-Series A funding.

The funding round was led by FlatIronX, a New York-based early-stage VC firm with strong ties to Asian markets. Additional investors include Seedstars International Ventures (SIV), backed by IFC, Visa Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Symbiotics, as well as Ahimsa Capital, Bhavesh Gupta (Ex-Paytm President & COO), Ashneer Grover (ex-BharatPe MD), Play Holdings, and Silver Ridge Accelerator.

This investment aims to enhance its education financing platform and facilitate expansion into key markets, including Southeast Asia.

In the first phase, the company will expand its reach to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, where financing access is limited. By 2026, Lorien Finance aims to extend its student loan services to Southeast Asian countries, providing tailored financing solutions like tuition support, flexible repayment plans and scholarships.

Lorien will also strengthen its AI-driven risk assessment technology to expedite underwriting decisions and offer more personalised financing solutions for students and lenders.

Also Read: Breaking barriers: How crypto is disrupting education funding

With the global education financing market projected to exceed US$500 billion by 2029, Lorien Finance addresses students’ affordability challenges in emerging markets. It connects students to a US$3 billion+ lending pool from over 17 international lenders, including Sallie Mae, offering interest rates as low as 3.49 per cent.

To date, over 1,000 Indian students have applied for funding through Lorien Finance.

According to Acumen’s 2024 Key Trends in Southeast Asia report, over 350,000 Southeast Asian students are studying abroad, making the region the third largest globally for outbound student mobility, following China and India. Lorien Finance leverages AI-driven lending and a global lender network to make education financing more accessible, faster and smarter.

Nikhil Mudgal, founder & CEO of Lorien Finance, stated that the investment will enable the company to offer personalised funding solutions and empower lenders to make confident, real-time decisions.

Shreya Choubey, Partner at FlatIronX, highlighted Lorien Finance’s digital-first lending process and data-driven risk assessment model as key factors in its compelling value proposition, benefiting both students and lenders.

The post Lorien Finance nets US$2.25M to expand student loan access in India, SEA appeared first on e27.

Indigenous entrepreneurs in Indonesia often face challenges in adopting sustainable business practices due to limited access to resources and financial constraints. This is why the Siak Sustainable Creative Center (Skelas) aims to bridge this gap through the Siak Sustainable Business Incubation (Kubisa) programme, providing training, mentorship, and funding opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Siak Regency, Riau Province.

Skelas was founded as a result of the Festival Kabupaten Lestari (FKL), an event organised by Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL) to promote sustainable development. “During the festival, LTKL invited young people to participate and contribute. Seeing their enthusiasm, LTKL took the initiative to form a community that could support the Siak district government in protecting the local environment,” said Cerli Febri Ramadani, Chairperson of Sentra Kreatif Lestari Siak.

By integrating sustainability into business models, Skelas aims to empower entrepreneurs while ensuring ecological responsibility.

Overcoming barriers to sustainable business

MSMEs in Indonesia encounter several obstacles in their transition to sustainability. “The biggest challenges faced by MSMEs in Indonesia are the availability of skilled human resources and digital technology experts in business,” Ramadani noted.

High costs for raw materials and wages in Siak compared to the more highly populated Java further complicate the situation.

To address this, businesses in Siak differentiate themselves by sharing the cultural and environmental stories behind their products.

Also Read: Navigating the shift: From “growth at any cost” to embracing sustainability in today’s startup landscape

Ramadani highlighted Pinaloka, a business that produces pineapple-based goods. “Pineapple is the most widely cultivated crop by the people of Siak on peatlands. Besides being rich in vitamins, pineapple plants also help prevent peatland fires. The story of environmental sustainability and the empowerment of pineapple farmers is an important aspect highlighted by Pinaloka.”

The Kubisa programme is designed to equip early-stage and existing entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to grow their businesses sustainably. “KUBISA is a training and mentoring programme for entrepreneurs who are just starting a business or have been running one for at least a year,” Ramadani explained.

The six-month programme provides business development support, promotional access, product innovation funding, packaging redesign, and capital assistance for top-performing participants.

Skelas also facilitates business matching sessions, connecting entrepreneurs with investors and buyers to secure funding and distribution channels. By focusing on both financial viability and sustainability, the programme helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses responsibly.

Ensuring economic viability for sustainable businesses

Balancing environmental and economic sustainability is a core objective of Kubisa. “We help KUBISA participants record their income to monitor the economic growth of their businesses,” said Ramadani.

Post-business matching, Skelas tracks the outcomes and assists participants with proposal preparation, product consignment, and purchase facilitation.

This structured approach ensures that businesses contribute to environmental protection and achieve financial stability, making sustainability a practical and profitable choice for MSMEs.

Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in strengthening sustainability efforts. “Every time Skelas conducts an activity, it invites community, government, and business partners,” Ramadani stated.

For the 2024 Kubisa programme, local communities assisted in outreach efforts, the Siak District government provided funding through the Tourism Office, and the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) of Siak contributed additional training in digital media. Such collaborations enhance the programme’s reach and effectiveness, providing participants with broader support networks.

Also Read: Breaking silos and building sustainable synergy: The importance of an integrated sustainability strategy

Skelas has already facilitated significant milestones through KUBISA. “Skelas has collaborated with the Siak Tourism Office and also received funding support of IDR120 million (US$7,300) for the KUBISA 2024 Demoday event,” said Ramadani.

Additionally, BAZNAS provided financial assistance worth IDR60 million (US$3,600) to 10 participants.

One notable success story involves a business matching participant securing a product placement deal with Viera Oleh-Oleh, a major souvenir retailer in Pekanbaru. Another participant obtained a zero per cent capital loan to purchase an oven, illustrating the tangible benefits of the incubation programme.

Looking ahead, Skelas envisions a broader impact beyond Siak. “Skelas aims to become an incubator that not only operates locally in Siak Regency but also expands to Riau and across Indonesia,” said Ramadani.

To achieve this, the organisation is working towards obtaining BNSP certification for its incubation team and expanding its partnership network.

Measuring impact is also a priority. Skelas is exploring the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework to assess the economic, social, and environmental value generated by its initiatives. By adopting these measurement tools, the organisation aims to refine its approach and drive long-term sustainable development.

Through initiatives like KUBISA, Skelas is not only fostering sustainable entrepreneurship but also demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. By supporting MSMEs with training, funding, and strategic partnerships, the programme is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable business ecosystem in Indonesia.

—

Image Credit: Skelas

The post Bridging business and sustainability: Skelas’ incubation programme empowers Indonesian MSMEs appeared first on e27.

The rapid advancement of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital platforms, is significantly reshaping the workforce landscape in Malaysia. While these technologies offer immense opportunities for growth and innovation, they also present substantial challenges that demand urgent attention.

As Malaysia positions itself for economic growth and development in a highly competitive global market, the need for re-skilling and up-skilling has become a strategic imperative. 

However, these advancements come with the potential displacement of jobs, especially in sectors where routine tasks can be easily automated. According to a study,  71 per cent of employees are concerned that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology will impact their jobs. This anxiety is compounded by the widening skill gap, which is causing considerable unease among the workforce.

Companies have a critical role to play in addressing this challenge, but to date, few have taken it seriously. While 63 per cent of Malaysian employees are hopeful that AI will enhance their ability to work flexibly, how many will fully recognise the importance of up-skilling and re-skilling?

The importance of re-skilling in the age of automation and AI

As automation and AI become more prevalent, up-skilling and re-skilling growth opportunities have become equally crucial for staying competitive. Many traditional jobs are being replaced by technology, making it essential for workers to adapt and learn new skills to remain employable. Continuous learning and development will be necessary to navigate the rapidly changing job market and ensure long-term career success.

In industries where automation is being integrated, employees who possess advanced technical skills, such as data analysis, programming, or AI, are more likely to remain valuable to their employers. Moreover, up-skilling and re-skilling enable workers to take on more complex tasks that cannot be easily automated, thus securing their roles in the company.

Furthermore, up-skilling and re-skilling not only benefit individual workers but also contribute to the overall growth and innovation within companies. When employees acquire new skills, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas that can drive business transformation.

Also Read: Kuala Lumpur: The Silicon Valley of Malaysia

This continuous evolution of skills fosters a culture of innovation, where companies can adapt more swiftly to market changes, embrace new technologies, and stay ahead of competitors. In this way, up-skilling and re-skilling become integral to both personal career advancement and the sustained success of the organisation.

Re-skilling as a strategic imperative

In today’s fast-paced technological world, re-skilling is considered a strategic imperative for several reasons. It enables companies to remain agile and responsive to changes in the market. By investing in the continuous development of their employees, companies can build a workforce that is capable of adapting to new technologies and processes, which is critical for staying competitive in a dynamic environment.

The advent of AI and automation has raised worries about job displacement, as machines increasingly handle tasks that were once done by humans. Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge that these technologies also generate new job opportunities and positions. Although some jobs may disappear, new roles arise that demand human supervision, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

For Malaysia, which has set its sights on achieving high-income nation status, the importance of re-skilling cannot be overstated. This investment in human capital is critical for closing the skills gap and ensuring that the workforce is aligned with the demands of a modern, knowledge-based economy. By empowering individuals with the skills needed to thrive in emerging industries, Malaysia can unlock new opportunities for growth, attract foreign direct investment, and enhance its competitive edge on the global stage.

The role of  employers in addressing the re-skilling challenge

In this context, organisations play a crucial role in addressing the re-skilling challenge. As employers, they are at the forefront of the workforce transformation and have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are equipped with the skills needed to adapt to technological changes. However, despite the clear need for re-skilling, many companies in Malaysia have yet to take this challenge seriously.

One reason for this is the short-term focus on profitability and cost-cutting. Investing in re-skilling programs requires time, resources, and a commitment to long-term workforce development, which can be seen as a cost rather than an investment.

Additionally, there is a misconception that re-skilling is solely the responsibility of employees or educational institutions. As a result, companies may overlook the strategic importance of developing a skilled and adaptable workforce, which is essential for sustaining their competitive edge in the market.

Another factor contributing to the reluctance of companies to invest in re-skilling is the uncertainty surrounding the future of work. With technologies evolving rapidly, it can be challenging for companies to predict which skills will be most valuable in the future.

Also Read: Navigating the AI maze in Malaysia’s martech: Striking a balance between efficiency and ethics

This uncertainty can lead to a wait-and-see approach, where companies delay investing in re-skilling until there is more clarity. However, this approach is risky, as it can leave companies and their employees unprepared for the inevitable changes that are already underway.

Ensuring relevance and impact

Development programs play a vital role in ensuring that individuals and companies are well-prepared to navigate the rapidly changing job market. One of the key ways to ensure its programs remain relevant and impactful is by staying closely connected to industry trends and needs. We at OpenAcademy regularly collaborate with industry experts, companies, and thought leaders to identify emerging skills and design programs that address these gaps.

Learning and development programs should be tailored to meet the growing demand for working professionals in Malaysia, a need driven by the increasing frequency and sophistication of AI and automation. By offering specialised training that aligns with industry requirements, platforms like ours are able to help both individuals and companies stay ahead of the curve.

For companies, partnering with education platforms provides access to cutting-edge training programs that can be customised to meet their specific needs. This collaboration enables companies to build a skilled and adaptable workforce that can thrive in the face of technological disruption. Whether it’s re-skilling to transition into a new role or up-skilling to advance in one’s career, providing the resources and support needed to succeed is crucial

Harnessing the opportunities of a tech-driven future in Malaysia

Technology creates opportunities by opening up new avenues for employment in tech-driven industries. The demand for skills in data science, AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing is on the rise, leading to the creation of high-value jobs that did not exist a decade ago.

For Malaysia, which is striving to transition from a labour-intensive economy to a knowledge-based one, this shift presents a chance to attract foreign direct investment and enhance its global competitiveness.

In conclusion, as modern technologies continue to impact the workforce in Malaysia, the importance of re-skilling and up-skilling cannot be overstated. Companies must recognise the strategic value of investing in their employees’ development, while individuals must embrace continuous learning to stay competitive.

With its commitment to relevance and impact, OpenAcademy stands as a key partner in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future of work in Malaysia.

—

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.

Image credit: Canva Pro

This article was first published on August 22, 2024

The post Re-skilling in the age of AI and navigating the future of work in Malaysia appeared first on e27.

The journey from a research lab to the fascinating world of space tech is never easy; it requires a blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to innovation.

My journey began in Romania with a childhood passion for space, ignited by my father’s early astronomy lessons. The sight of the Hale-Bopp comet fuelled my space dream, leading me to the world of plasma and electric propulsion systems.

After years of study and practical experience with Hall thrusters in Europe and Japan, I was drawn to Singapore to continue my studies. It was here that the seeds of Aliena were sown. I joined the Space Propulsion Centre, where I applied my expertise to build and establish space propulsion research and associated ecosystems. This experience solidified my belief in the potential of electric propulsion and spurred the development of Aliena’s signature technology.

 The core of Aliena: Miniaturised propulsion systems

Aliena develops low-power engines that enable satellites to fly closer to Earth and many other mission scenarios. Our core technology is the miniaturised Hall effect thruster, a type of electric propulsion system. Unlike chemical propulsion, which uses combustion to generate thrust, electric propulsion uses electrical power to create a plasma from a gas, typically xenon. It uses a magnetic field to make a very dense plasma, extracting and accelerating ions using an electric field to generate thrust.

While Aliena’s engines produce small forces, they offer significantly higher fuel efficiency, up to 3x that of a chemical engine. Our team then worked for nearly five years on miniaturising the Hall thruster, which now can operate at just 100 watts, a tenth of the original power requirements. This miniaturisation is a game-changer for small satellites to perform more ambitious missions. This was demonstrated in January 2022 when our propulsion system was deployed on the smallest satellite to carry a Hall thruster, launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

In addition, our engines enable satellites to deorbit at the end of their lives, leaving behind a clean space for future generations. They also facilitate gathering higher-quality data from space, which can be used for everything from environmental monitoring and resource management to disaster response.

Lessons from joining the Lee Kuan Yew Global Bbusiness Plan Competition, a global startup competition

Our participation in the 11th edition of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) in 2023 — organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE) – was a great opportunity for Aliena to showcase its technology. We were one of the finalists in the competition, which played an important role in our growth. The competition provided a platform to gain significant exposure and access invaluable networking opportunities.

Also Read: Creativity at the heart of business growth

In addition, we received the Haina Innovation Prize, which led to a trip to Zhejiang, China, connecting us with the deep-tech ecosystem there. This international engagement has given us access to more customers and potential partners.

The program also opened doors to further engagements and thought leadership opportunities. One notable experience was being invited to moderate a panel and showcase Aliena at a signature LKYGBPC event, organised in collaboration with Horizons Ventures and the Asia Philanthropy Association.

LKYGBPC highlighted the crucial role of such platforms in supporting deeptech startups. The space tech sector requires significant investment over long periods, and government policies and investors need a deep understanding of the space industry’s potential. The event helped bridge this gap, showcasing the commercial viability of our technology.

Singapore: A fertile ground for space tech

Singapore, with its dynamic talent pool and strong government support, has provided the ideal base for Aliena. The country’s strategic location facilitates market access across Asia, Europe, and the US. The support we received from various government agencies, like the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) and Enterprise Singapore, has been critical in our journey.

Challenges and overcoming them

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. On a personal level, maintaining focus and pursuing one’s dreams amidst societal pressure can be difficult. As an entrepreneur, securing adequate funding, particularly in the early years of a deeptech startup, is a constant struggle.

Moreover, finding skilled talent for a niche technology like ours is equally challenging. While Singapore is known as an investment hub due to its access to foreign talent, more needs to be done to strengthen the investment pool for the space sector. Government support and lobbying play a critical role in stimulating capital investment.

Despite the challenges, Aliena has achieved several milestones since the LKYGBPC. The most significant was closing a US$5.6 million Series A investment. We have also commissioned a larger facility, Aliena’s Advanced Jet Propulsion Test and Production Facility, featuring a dedicated production line and a larger R&D space.

Our presence in major scientific and commercial exhibitions, including the Space Propulsion Conference, the International Electric Propulsion Conference and the Space Tech Expo Europe, has significantly raised our profile.

We also got featured in NASA’s State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report, validating our technical expertise and progress. We also received four best paper awards at the International Electric Propulsion Conference in Toulouse, France.

Also Read: Innovation meets endurance: The crucial balance for modern businesses

The future of space tech is bright

The space industry is undergoing rapid growth and the space economy is forecast to hit US$1.8 trillion by 2035, up from US$630 billion in 2023 and growing at an average of nine per cent per annum.

Satellite technology is now integral to many aspects of our lives, from navigation and weather forecasting to communication.

However, significant challenges remain. Space debris is a growing concern, requiring stringent regulations for satellite deorbiting. The supply chain for space technologies is often fragmented and susceptible to geopolitical factors, leading to extended production times. And there is the potential militarisation of outer space.

To address this, we need strong governmental policies and oversight from commercial entities to ensure that space remains a peaceful frontier for generations to come. We are also working on in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) to use materials found on other celestial bodies, including water, to create fuel.

Pushing the boundaries

The space industry is at an inflexion point, with technological advancements accelerating at an unprecedented pace. As deeptech startups like Aliena push the boundaries of what’s possible, they also face significant challenges—from securing funding to navigating regulatory landscapes and talent shortages.

However, space tech can drive transformative change across industries with continued innovation, strategic collaborations, and strong governmental support.

—

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.

Image courtesy of the author.

The post How a childhood dream in Romania led to a space startup in Singapore appeared first on e27.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not new to the legal tech world. For years, leading legal tech vendors touted the power of machine learning to help lawyers work more efficiently and effectively. With the advent of generative AI, the promises are even greater.

However, AI solutions are not all created equal. It’s easy enough for some vendors to promise that they’ll help legal teams work faster, but faster isn’t always better. We’ve all heard about lawyers who placed too much faith in AI platforms that weren’t engineered for lawyers, with disastrous results.

That’s why it’s important for buyers to look for legal tech solutions that have been built specifically to solve the unique challenges that lawyers face – and why it’s important for software developers to listen to their customers.

In fact, that’s how BoostDraft got its start: a lawyer and a coder sat down together and started thinking about the possibilities. It was important to both of them to invent something brand-new that would add real value to the legal tech landscape.

That ethos continues to guide BoostDraft today. We listen to our customers to understand their needs, and they tell us about their pain points. That mutually beneficial relationship has led us to understand that the solutions we create must be practical, simple, and secure – including AI applications.

AI in legal tech must be practical

Legal tech industry leaders agree: in 2025, experimental AI is done. Real organisations need real solutions to the challenges they face every day.

Lots of vendors sell bloatware, overloaded with features that customers didn’t ask for. It’s important for legal tech providers to focus on the actual pain points that legal teams face.

There are myriad practical applications for AI in legal tech. AI tools are streamlining contract lifecycle management (CLM) by automating aspects of contract drafting, review, negotiation, and risk analysis. AI is revolutionising e-discovery by quickly analysing high volumes of digital data to identify relevant evidence, reducing the time, cost, and risk of discovery in litigation.

Lawyers are deploying AI chatbots and virtual assistants to handle routine client interactions, answer FAQs, and assist with basic legal inquiries. And these are just a few of the real-world applications for AI in law.

At BoostDraft, creating practical solutions is a direct result of listening to our customers and what they tell us about the challenges they face every day in the practice of law. We listen to our customers because they help us make BoostDraft even better on an ongoing basis. Every feature we add is a direct response to a genuine customer need.

Also Read: Rethinking AI adoption: Why Southeast Asia’s businesses must transform to thrive

AI in legal tech must be simple

We’ve heard lots of horror stories from customers of never-ending AI software implementations. Teams should be able to get started using new tools in a relatively short timeframe. The business landscape changes quickly, and competitive businesses change with it. If a team adopts software that isn’t ready to use until a year later, the business will have changed by then – and that software may no longer be what they need to get their work done.

Beyond implementation, there’s the question of actually using the software from day to day. If customers don’t know how to use the software’s latest features, they can’t get any value from those features.

For us, keeping it simple means providing a lightweight solution that complements the way our customers work. It’s a plugin that installs quickly in Microsoft Word, the platform that lawyers already use every day to draft, review, and edit contracts. A straightforward user interface makes our tools easy for end users to learn and adopt.

AI in legal tech must be secure

It’s not enough to deliver work product without regard to quality. Lawyers place high importance on the quality of their work, from the validity of their legal advice to the lack of typos and basic grammatical errors. As a legal tech vendor, it’s therefore essential to deliver results that legal teams can trust.

AI outputs for legal teams can’t be rife with hallucinations. It’s crucial to understand the limits of the algorithm, and to be upfront about what it can and can’t do. No lawyer will ever turn over their job completely to the software; they simply want to work more efficiently. That means AI solutions must support and enhance an attorney’s workflows with useful, reliable outputs.

Also Read: The future of work with AI: 2025 and beyond

Security also entails responsible, transparent use of customer data. Software developers must use industry-standard practices such as data encryption to ensure that vital customer data doesn’t fall into the hands of malicious actors. They must also be forthright about how they train their AI models, and set up safeguards to ensure that customer data is not used to train AI without permission.

At BoostDraft, security entails transparency about the use of customer data. Our software works on-premise and on-device, so it doesn’t require users to upload documents to the cloud. We don’t access customer data to train our models. And of course, we use industry-standard security practices. That lets customers know they’re in safe hands.

Strengthening the vendor-customer relationship in legal tech

Listening to customers and creating practical, simple, secure solutions to their challenges. What’s the result of developing solutions that follow these principles?

Our customers have rewarded us with an exceptionally low churn rate. Once legal teams get started using our software, they keep using it. That tells us that we’re on the right track.

Of course, we acknowledge that different vendors address different market segments and problems. Legal tech solutions can potentially target not only transactional practices, but also lawyers who focus on litigation, bankruptcy, employment law, and other areas. Some vendors build highly tailored solutions for enterprise customers, while others do better with SMB or midsize customers.

All of those legal teams, though – from law firms to in-house counsel, and from corporate to litigation and beyond – benefit from practical solutions that they can use to securely address their challenges today.

And lawyers looking for solutions should focus on customer-centric providers who follow those principles.

—

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.

Image credit: Canva Pro

The post AI in legal tech: Keeping it customer-centric appeared first on e27.