In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress and pressure have become unavoidable companions for many professionals. Whether it’s meeting tight deadlines, dealing with complex projects, or balancing personal and work responsibilities, the demands of modern workplaces can take a toll on mental health.

While occasional stress can push individuals to achieve better results, chronic stress often leads to more severe mental health issues if left unmanaged.

The connection between workplace stress and mental disorders

Workplace stress can trigger a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Constant exposure to high-pressure situations leads to an overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn disrupts emotional regulation, sleep, and overall well-being. Over time, this can evolve into chronic anxiety or depressive disorders, making it difficult for individuals to focus or perform optimally.

Recognising the early signs of stress-related mental health problems is crucial for intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Constant fatigue or insomnia
• Irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
• Loss of interest in work or social activities
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more severe mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and in extreme cases, emotional burnout.

Effective stress management techniques

To mitigate the harmful effects of stress and prevent the onset of mental health disorders, consider the following stress management techniques:

• Prioritisation and time management
  Learning to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively can reduce overwhelming feelings. Break large tasks into manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time.

Also Read: Thriving under pressure: Navigating tech teams through stress

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
  Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness help to calm the mind and refocus on the present, providing relief from stress.
• Regular physical activity
  Engaging in physical exercise has been proven to lower stress levels by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers.
• Setting boundaries
  Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Taking regular breaks and ensuring that work does not spill into personal time can prevent burnout.
• Seek professional help
  If stress becomes overwhelming, consulting a mental health professional can provide valuable coping strategies and support. Early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes.

The importance of a supportive work environment

Workplaces play a critical role in either contributing to or alleviating stress. Companies that promote a positive, supportive environment and encourage work-life balance can help reduce stress among employees. Open communication between management and staff, as well as providing resources like counseling or stress management workshops, can make a substantial difference.

While workplace pressure and stress are common, taking steps to manage them is vital to maintaining mental well-being. The mental health impact of stress is real and should not be ignored. By recognising early warning signs, employing effective stress management techniques, and creating supportive work environments, individuals can safeguard their mental health and thrive in their careers.

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Singapore-based multi-strategy VC firm TRIVE Ventures has launched Digital Frontier Fund to support the next wave of startups harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies.

The new global fund targets investments in early-stage companies within infrastructure, entertainment, and financial services.

Also Read: Blockchain for good: BGA Web3 Key Fund raises US$5M to empower social impact ventures

Led by its newly established division, TRIVE Digital, the Digital Frontier Fund is spearheaded by blockchain experts and General Partners Daryl Lim and Shawn Tan.

The fund completed a soft close on August 31, 2024, securing 20 per cent of its target capital. It has already deployed capital into portfolio companies, including Klink Finance, RPS Labs, Coinseeker, and Sphinx Exchange. The fund aims to make an additional 40 to 60 investments throughout its lifecycle.

The parent TRIVE Ventures has experience investing in blockchain projects such as MVLLabs, a mass vehicle ledger blockchain platform, and Tokenize Xchange, a cryptocurrency exchange.

Also Read: Startup resilience in economic uncertainty: Stories from Singapore’s fintech, blockchain, and SaaS pioneers

TRIVE is an early-stage licensed alternative investments fund manager and advisory firm based in Singapore. The firm focuses on bringing alternative asset opportunities to high-net-worth business families across Southeast Asia, helping them diversify their portfolios with high-growth ventures.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the workplace by enhancing efficiency, safety, and decision-making. Through advanced technologies such as real-time video analytics, AI helps monitor job sites, identify potential hazards, and optimise resource allocation.

In Southeast Asia (SEA), Ailytics is one company that uses AI to enhance safety and productivity in industrial workplaces. As a video analytics provider, their technology continuously analyses video feeds, delivering real-time insights to optimise operations and reduce the risk of accidents.

By harnessing the power of AI, the company aims to surpass industry standards, creating safer and more efficient work environments. Their solutions enable businesses to improve operational performance while prioritising worker safety.

“Current methods for monitoring of operations, especially safety, are manual, tedious, costly and ineffective,” explains Wei Zhuang (Lenard) Tan, Founder & CEO at Ailytics, to e27 in an email.

“Our solution augments the site team to help them automate monitoring of high-risk works over a much longer duration and area.”

Also Read: VinFast to soon begin construction of US$500M EV factory in India

Ailytics began as a two-year R&D project in collaboration with HDB and AISG during the founders’ time at NUS.

Through extensive research, product feedback, and testing, the team gained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the construction and heavy industries. This led to the decision to spin off the project as a startup, recognising the significant impact their solution could have across multiple sectors.

Early support from governmental organisations in Singapore, such as JTC Corporation, the Housing Development Board (HDB), and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), was instrumental. They encouraged contractors working on major projects, such as the Jurong Innovation District, Tengah, and Punggol Digital District, to adopt the technology early, providing invaluable feedback that shaped many of the solution’s critical features.

In addition, Ailytics participated in industry-focused programmes such as BEAMP by BCA, which connects industry challenges with innovative solution providers. This platform enabled them to collaborate with key players and further refine their offerings. A notable example is their recent partnership with Tiong Seng, developing a productivity-tracking solution for the ongoing construction of One Pearl Bank.

The company also recently participated in the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) in Singapore from September 4 to 6.

“This greatly helps to promote sustainable innovation in the industry and opportunities for startups,” says Tan.

Ailytics serves users primarily from project and management teams, including safety officers and project managers, while its customers consist of general contractors, developers, governments, and building owners. The company focuses on heavy industries such as construction, manufacturing, maritime, defence, and oil & gas, with deployments across seven countries.

Also Read: Indonesia’s construction-tech startup Gravel secures US$14M

Deeper into GenAI

Ailytics, co-founded by Tan and CTO Prateek Manocha, is headquartered in Singapore with a second office in Hong Kong. Its team of 15 members runs the company.

With two funding rounds raising a total of US$3.2 million, Ailytics has attracted investors, including Tin Men Capital, Aurum Investments, and AngelCentral, to support its mission of enhancing safety and efficiency in heavy industries.

Looking ahead, Ailytics aims to expand its solutions across more Asian markets, targeting a wider range of heavy industries.

The company also invests in developing Generative AI (GenAI) capabilities to improve real-time video analytics, tackling complex challenges with innovative, cutting-edge technology.

Ailytics envisions creating a comprehensive platform to support industries that rely on video data for monitoring, risk management, and operational efficiency, positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in Asia.

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Image Credit: Ailytics

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Singapore-headquartered digital asset exchange SDAX has closed its US$50 million Series B2 funding round led by Oman-based Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company.

This follows a US$18 million Series B round in 2021 led by PSA International, Straits Trading Company, and New Horizon Global.

The new funds will be used for client acquisition and adding new business lines, such as wealth and fund management.

SDAX also plans to launch a digital asset exchange in Oman. This platform will provide a strategic gateway to the GCC and Africa and connect Oman to global liquidity pools.

Also Read: Blockchain for good: BGA Web3 Key Fund raises US$5M to empower social impact ventures

SDAX is a MAS-regulated investment and trading platform serving institutional, accredited and retail investors. It provides access to fractionalised institutional-grade investment opportunities.

In April this year, SDAX teamed up with MPMR to offer securitised Gold Tokens on its platform. These tokens offer investors fractional gold investments and trading backed by physical gold bullion held at Le Freeport in Singapore.

Following this, the firm has issued a popular series of short-term gold financing notes offering investors double-digit yields.

Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company was incorporated in the Sultanate of Oman, led by CEO H.E. Shihab Abusaidi. MPMR specialises in the smelting, refining, testing, trading and minting of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium. MPMR refines approximately 40 tons of gold annually.

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Skilledin Green offers an online platform that connects sustainability-focused talent with recruiters and training providers. Launched in 2021, the platform combines technology and gamification to help users build green CVs, access relevant courses, explore job roles, and create personalised career plans.

With a presence in Singapore, the EU, and Indonesia, Skilledin Green’s mission is to make careers in the green economy a shared commitment to sustainability, providing individuals with the tools and resources to thrive in this rapidly growing sector.

Currently collaborating with organisations in Indonesia and Europe, Skilledin Green attracts diverse users, from budding sustainability experts seeking their first role to seasoned professionals looking to switch careers or upskill for advancement.

In an email interview with e27, Natasha Syed, Founder and CEO of Skilledin Green, explains how the company wants to make a difference and its upcoming plan.

The following is an edited excerpt of the interview.

Can you tell us about the problems Skilledin Green aims to solve and how your solution is better than the alternative?

Many people looking to start their sustainability journey often struggle to know what to learn first. Although a wide range of educational tools are available to help close the green skills gap, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Our platform tackles this by offering job-based upskilling programmes focusing on emerging green skills, which also helps employers reap real benefits.

Also Read: The climate change and gender equality connection: How to support underfunded women-owned business

While plenty of job platforms are available for hiring sustainability roles, the real challenge is finding candidates with the right mix of skills, especially for new types of jobs where experience might be scarce. We take a different approach by scoring candidates on green knowledge, soft skills, and other key abilities. This makes it easier to pick candidates who are just right for the job.

How did the Skilledin Green platform come to be? What is the product development like?

We began with a tool to identify skill gaps at the enterprise level but struggled to find the right market fit. After discussions with our team, we decided to specialise in sustainability and shift our approach to B2B2C.

Initially, this was meant to be a branch of our enterprise solution. However, due to significant market interest, we pivoted to make sustainability our primary offering.

As such, over the past 18 months, we have developed four web apps that function as one platform. This includes an LMS for training partners, an ATS for companies hiring in green sectors, and a talent community platform featuring mentors, experts, and job seekers.

Building everything in-house has allowed us to quickly adapt to emerging challenges in the professional sustainability field.

What are the most important milestones you have made recently?

We recently hit two major milestones: forming a partnership with Global Shapers Bali and securing a spot in EduSpaze’s ninth cohort. While it is still too early to discuss specifics about our collaboration with Global Shapers, we will share more information next month.

Also Read: Climate tech startups can play a role in helping SMEs bridge sustainability, digital transformation: Paessler

How does taking part in Eduspaze help your growth as a startup?

EduSpaze stands out for its unique approach to supporting startups in the education sector. The programme’s practical knowledge-sharing is highly valuable, with each session contributing significantly to our strategic improvements, innovation, and impact measurement. Additionally, the market immersion aspect of EduSpaze enables us to quickly penetrate multiple markets across SEA, a feat that would be challenging without their assistance.

Lastly, the program’s funding component is instrumental in preparing us for our first institutional funding round and provides access to an extensive network in SEA. Joining EduSpaze has been one of the best decisions for Skilledin Green this year, and we are deeply thankful for this chance.

Can you tell us more about your team at Skilledin Green?

As a single founder, I sometimes encounter challenges. However, I have been fortunate to gather an amazing team that shares our mission and provides full support by taking on some of my responsibilities when I need to zero in on strategic priorities.

Most of our team members are product-focused, handling various aspects of the product lifecycle—from design and development to deployment—and specialising in architecture, cloud services, and AI. I am proud to say that everyone on the team is a lifelong learner, a quality we value and encourage among ourselves and our users.

Currently, we are a strong team of seven, and we are excited about the prospect of expanding our team into European markets shortly.

Has Skilledin Green raised any external funding?

Up until now, our journey has been supported through bootstrapping and contributions from family and friends.

Also Read: What startups need to know about Claims Code, the new rulebook for making credible climate claims

However, we have entered a new chapter: our first formal fundraising period. We have carefully crafted plans for the subsequent two funding rounds.

Our immediate goal is to secure a strong market fit, ensuring our product effectively meets customer needs. Following that, in the next round, we aim to steer the company towards profitability. These strategic objectives are pivotal for our growth and long-term success.

What is coming up for Skilledin Green in 2024?

As we move into the final months of the year, we are excited to see the fruits of our work from the past months. Our team has been tirelessly laying the groundwork for several significant achievements that we anticipate will come to fruition during this period.

One of the key milestones we are excited about is the launch of our first long-term upskilling programme. This initiative represents a major step forward in our commitment to continuous learning and development. We are also preparing for the launch of the career mentorship and revamped community to facilitate global peer-to-peer sharing.

As I mentioned, we are also preparing to raise our first round of funding. This move is expected to propel our growth and enable us to scale our operations more effectively. The capital raised will be instrumental in supporting our strategic goals, user acquisition, and enhancing our product offerings.

Also Read: Climate tech in the Philippines: Capitalising on emerging opportunities in the ecosystem

Lastly, we are on track to expand our footprint and establish our presence in new markets. This expansion has been a focus throughout the year, and we are now approaching the stage where we can see tangible results from our ongoing efforts. Breaking into the new territories is crucial for our long-term vision and will open up many opportunities for our business.

The upcoming months are shaping up to be a transformative period for Skilledin Green. We look forward to sharing these developments with you and continuing our journey towards greater success.

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Image Credit: Skilledin Green

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In today’s digital age, where audiences are bombarded with information the power of storytelling has never been greater more crucial. The current gamers’ game — Black Myth: Wukong — stands out as a masterclass in engaging and enthralling millions around the world.

This game is steeped in Chinese mythology and inspired by the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West. It has captivated a global audience with a level of engagement that rivals – and in some ways surpasses – other juggernauts like God of War and Cyberpunk 2077. Its rich, immersive storytelling seems to resonate across cultures. Here are five takeaways that brand owners can learn from this immersive game:

The power of cultural resonance

Black Myth: Wukong has captivated a global audience by tapping into a story deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. Yet, its appeal is not limited to those familiar with the source material. The game’s creators have woven a tale that transcends cultural boundaries by focusing on universal themes like heroism, struggle and transformation.

Takeaway: To resonate with diverse audiences, brands should seek to tell stories that, while grounded in specific cultural or contextual frameworks, also address universal human experiences. This balance allows the narrative to be both authentic and widely relatable.

Visual storytelling as a universal language

One of the standout features of Black Myth: Wukong is its stunning visual design, which communicates the game’s narrative in a way that words alone could never achieve. From the detailed character designs to the atmospheric landscapes, every visual element contributes to the storytelling, drawing players deeper into the world of Wukong.

Takeaway: With attention spans shrinking, visual and animated storytelling is a powerful tool. Brands can use compelling visuals – whether through video, imagery, or interactive content – to effectively convey their message and evoke emotional responses. This is particularly effective when reaching global and diverse audiences, as visuals often transcend language barriers.

Building a mythos: creating a universe, not just a story

Black Myth: Wukong is not just a game; it’s an entire universe built around a well-known myth. The game developers have crafted a world with their own rules, characters and lore, inviting players to lose themselves within it. This approach not only heightens engagement but also builds a community of fans invested in the story and its outcomes.

Also Read: Blockchain gaming trends in Asia: here’s what you need to know

Takeaway: Brand owners should think beyond individual campaigns and focus on building a narrative universe. This means creating a consistent and evolving brand story that consumers can explore and engage with over time. By doing so, brands can cultivate a loyal community that is deeply connected to their narrative as well as share it with their networks.

Balancing authenticity and innovation

While Black Myth: Wukong draws from an ancient tale, it does so with a fresh and innovative approach. The game doesn’t just retell Journey to the West; it reimagines it for a modern audience, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.

Takeaway: Authenticity is key in storytelling, but it doesn’t mean sticking to the same old narratives. Brands should strive to be both authentic and innovative, finding new ways to tell their stories that respect their heritage while appealing to contemporary audiences.

Engaging the audience

The interactive nature of gaming allows players to become active participants in the story of Black Myth: Wukong. This level of engagement fosters a deeper connection between the audience and the narrative.

Takeaway: brands should explore ways to turn their audiences from passive consumers into active participants. This could be through interactive content, user-generated stories, or immersive experiences that invite the audience to contribute to the brand narrative. Engagement nurtures loyalty, and loyalty drives long-term mutual success.

Final thoughts

Black Myth: Wukong is a great example of how powerful storytelling can capture the imagination of global audiences.

By drawing inspiration from its narrative techniques — cultural resonance, visual storytelling, myth-building, authenticity, innovation and audience engagement — brands can work with their communications partners to craft compelling stories that they own and share.

These stories, in turn, build awareness, foster connections and ultimately drive brand preference, intent and loyalty in an increasingly competitive and diverse global market.

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Across the world, artificial intelligence’s (AI) rapid evolution has disrupted close to every industry. According to  IDC, AI spending In the Asia Pacific region is predicted to reach US$90.7 billion by 2027.

In fact, Singapore is leading the way for the region in view of its regional hub status, number of AI startups, top universities and government investments. While this expansion and growth are exciting, businesses must put secure data management and cybersecurity at the forefront of their AI journey.

In today’s hyper-connected digital landscape, the symbiotic relationship between data management, cybersecurity, and the success of artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be overstated. As organisations increasingly rely on AI to drive business, the importance of robust data management practices and stringent cybersecurity measures becomes even more critical.

In celebration of AI Appreciation Day, organisations should take the opportunity to acknowledge the vital role that continuous data management and cybersecurity developments play in ensuring sustained AI success. Enhancing data management and cybersecurity literacy across any workplace is also paramount to AI success – knowing what data you have, where it is, and how you’re using it is the first step to leveraging it.

Data management advancement

At the heart of AI lies data – vast quantities of it. From structured data housed in databases to unstructured data generated from various sources, datasets serve as the lifeblood of AI algorithms. These datasets are the foundation upon which AI systems learn and evolve, directly impacting the performance of AI algorithms.

High-quality, diverse and well-curated datasets underpinned by strong data management practices are the fuel that powers AI algorithms and successful AI implementation. Not only does it enable them to learn patterns from the behaviour of users and businesses, but also provides valuable insights for sustainable business growth by making accurate predictions.

According to a recent report, business leaders in Singapore cited security threats and lack of data harmonisation as the top challenges in extracting value from their data sources. Coupled with the growing volume of data that is created, captured and stored at an exponential rate, it is imperative for businesses to equip themselves with the relevant data management solutions to meet this rising tide.

Also Read: Why does cybersecurity training for employees in Malaysia matter and how to go about it?

A comprehensive data management system will lay a solid foundation for an effective data-driven decision-making environment. With an automated data management platform, business can ensure a reliable and strong data source, ingestion and storage. Without this foundation, AI initiatives risk being built on shaky ground, leading to inaccurate results, biased outcomes, and even missed opportunities.

Multi-layered cybersecurity approaches

In an era where businesses are becoming more AI-driven, sound cybersecurity systems are now must-haves for sustainable business success. AI systems often handle sensitive consumer and business data, making businesses without adequate protective measures lucrative targets for cyberattacks.

A layered cybersecurity system is critical when protecting AI assets from data breaches and model manipulation. Equipping an organisation with secure communication protocols, intrusion detection systems, and regular software updates should be prioritised. They are vital in ensuring the safety and integrity of autonomous systems, allowing business owners to re-focus their attention on other strategic ventures.

Cyberattacks pose a significant threat to organisations, with data breaches resulting in severe financial, reputational, and legal consequences. For AI systems to operate effectively, they must be trained on high-quality data free from manipulation or tampering. Encryption, access controls, and threat detection systems, are all important steps that can safeguard data integrity and confidentiality, instilling trust in AI-driven decision-making processes.

Furthermore, compliance with data protection regulations, such as the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) In Singapore, is non-negotiable. Failure to comply not only exposes organisations to hefty fines but also erodes customer trust and undermines the credibility of the attached AI applications.

Moreover, the cyberthreat landscape is ever-changing, as malicious actors utilise advanced AI tools to increase the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks, with many focused on breaching AI databases to steal valuable sensitive information or poison the database itself. Thus, companies need to be in lockstep with them by always maintaining and updating their security protocols and systems.

Also Read: How SkorLife uses Gen AI to reduce customer service costs by 50 per cent

How should businesses fortify their cybersecurity?

As AI technology continues to evolve, data management and cybersecurity approaches must adapt to ensure a harmonious synergy that both maintains protection and fuels sustainable growth. But where should businesses start?

Embedding privacy-by-design principles into AI development processes and adopting privacy-enhancing technologies will help organisations navigate regulatory complexities while respecting individuals’ rights to privacy.

By viewing data as a strategic asset and prioritising its protection throughout its lifecycle, organisations can unleash the full potential of AI to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge in today’s data-driven economy.

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

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In the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore’s skyline glistens with the promise of innovation and progress. Among the towering skyscrapers and bustling financial districts, a new breed of companies is quietly shaping the future. These are the fintech, blockchain, and SaaS startups—small yet mighty, daring to dream big even as the world around them grows increasingly uncertain.

But 2024 has been a challenging year. The global economy, once a powerful engine of growth, has hit a series of speed bumps—rising inflation, soaring interest rates, and persistent supply chain disruptions. For many startups, these challenges are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they’re the hurdles that could make or break their businesses. Yet, in this storm, Singapore’s tech pioneers are not just surviving—they’re adapting, innovating, and finding new ways to thrive.

The winds of change: Economic challenges hit home

Imagine being a young fintech entrepreneur in Singapore. You’ve just secured your first round of funding, excitement is in the air, and you’re ready to scale. But then, out of nowhere, inflation starts creeping up. Suddenly, every dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. The cost of hiring top talent has spiked, and your operating expenses are climbing faster than anticipated. At the same time, interest rates are rising, and what seemed like an affordable loan now feels like a ticking time bomb.

In the blockchain space, the scenario is no different. A startup working on a groundbreaking platform for secure digital identities finds itself in a bind as the cost of maintaining its infrastructure balloons. Global supply chain disruptions mean that the servers they rely on are delayed, causing project timelines to stretch thin, threatening to break promises to clients.

And then there’s the SaaS entrepreneur who thought they had it all figured out—a scalable product, a growing client base, and a clear path to profitability. But as clients start tightening their budgets, the once-steady stream of subscription renewals begins to waver. It’s a wake-up call that the road ahead won’t be as smooth as they once thought.

Rising above: How Singapore’s startups adapted

But if there’s one thing that defines Singapore’s startup ecosystem, it’s resilience. These entrepreneurs didn’t just sit back and let the challenges overwhelm them—they adapted, evolved, and found new ways to move forward.

Also Read: Why startups should prioritise brand reputation from day one

Take the fintech company, for example. Faced with rising costs and tighter margins, the founders decided to double down on automation. They streamlined their operations, cutting unnecessary expenses and speeding up processes that used to take days, if not weeks. But they didn’t stop there.

Seeing an opportunity in the chaos, they expanded their offerings, moving into cross-border payments—a service increasingly in demand as businesses scrambled to adapt to a disrupted global economy. This strategic shift not only stabilised their revenue but also positioned them as a key player in a critical market.

In the blockchain sector, the startup working on digital identities faced a tough decision. With supply chain issues delaying their infrastructure, they realised they needed a more sustainable solution. The answer came in the form of a partnership with a local tech firm that specialised in cloud computing. By moving part of their operations to the cloud, they not only sidestepped the supply chain problem but also reduced their operational costs. The move was a gamble, but it paid off, allowing them to keep their promises to clients and even attract new business in the process.

The SaaS startup, seeing the wavering commitment from its clients, knew it needed to act fast. They introduced a flexible subscription model, allowing clients to scale their usage up or down depending on their current needs. This approach was risky—after all, it meant potentially earning less in the short term.

But by showing that they were willing to work with their clients, the company built a stronger, more loyal customer base. They also started offering a modular version of their product, where clients could pick and choose which features they needed, ensuring that they got maximum value for their money.

Lessons in resilience: What Singapore’s startups have learned

These experiences have taught Singapore’s fintech, blockchain, and SaaS startups invaluable lessons. First and foremost, they’ve learned the importance of agility. The ability to pivot quickly in response to external pressures has been crucial in maintaining their momentum. They’ve also learned that in times of uncertainty, diversification is key. Whether it’s diversifying revenue streams, product offerings, or market segments, having multiple paths to success can make all the difference.

Perhaps most importantly, these startups have learned the value of customer-centricity. By listening to their clients, understanding their needs, and being willing to adapt their products and services accordingly, they’ve built stronger relationships that will carry them through even the toughest times.

Also Read: Understanding priced and unpriced funding rounds: A startup lawyer’s guide for startups

A new dawn: Looking forward with optimism

As the dust begins to settle, these startups are not just looking to survive—they’re planning for a future where they can thrive. They’re investing in technology that will make them more efficient, more agile, and more responsive to the needs of their customers. They’re building stronger financial foundations, with a focus on sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion. And they’re staying true to their core values, knowing that in the end, it’s their commitment to innovation and customer success that will see them through.

Words of wisdom: Advice for fellow entrepreneurs

For other startups facing similar challenges, the stories from Singapore’s tech ecosystem offer clear advice: Stay adaptable, be customer-focused, and don’t be afraid to innovate. Economic uncertainty may be inevitable, but with the right mindset and strategy, it’s possible not just to survive but to emerge stronger on the other side.

In the end, the journey of these Singaporean startups is a testament to the power of resilience. As they continue to navigate the unpredictable waters of the global economy, their stories serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere.

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

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Singapore-based electric vehicle (EV) charging operator Charge+ has received an undisclosed sum from TNB Aura to complete its US$8 million Series A round.

The startup, which operates over 2,000 EV charging points across Southeast Asia, will use the funds to expand its charging infrastructure.

The startup received an undisclosed sum in a Series A round led by TRIVE Venture Capital in October 2023.

Started in 2018, Charge+ is an integrated EV charging solution provider. Its solutions include a proprietary ultra-slim charger, smart charging software, and innovative business models. It has installed charging points in public housing, condominiums, shopping malls, commercial buildings and industrial facilities.

The International Energy Agency considers Southeast Asia the fastest growth area for EVs and charging infrastructure in 2023 and beyond. The government has announced a target of 60,000 EV charging points in Singapore by 2030. 

Initially, Charge+ will fulfil an ongoing tender contract awarded by the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) to provide approximately 4,000 EV charging points in the carparks of HDB public housing.

In Indonesia, Charge+ is building an EV charging hub in Batang district in central Java to serve the traffic on the trans-Java highway, while in Thailand, it is the charging partner of the largest electric taxi operator Ch.Pattana.

In Vietnam, it is partnering with Porsche to build a ultra-fast charging network linking Hanoi in the north with Ho Chi Minh City in the south. In Cambodia, the company secured the rights to provide the charging infrastructure for the three largest ports in the country.

By 2030, the startup aims to deploy 30,000 EV charging points globally.

In addition to building its own infrastructure, the venture will partner with other regional EV charging operators to expand the network. Such roaming arrangements had been signed with Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and ChargeSini, Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Indonesia’s PT PLN so that Charge+ app users can conveniently access a wider pool of EV chargers in the respective countries.

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Singapore’s home-grown online dating companies Lunch Actually and Paktor have announced a merger amidst declining dating app usage in the island nation.

Both brands will continue to operate independently after the merger, and the holding entity will be known as the Lunch Actually Paktor Group.

The new entity will expand its operations across six key Asian markets: Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The merger comes amid a shift in Singapore’s dating patterns and mindsets. According to a new survey by Lunch Actually Paktor Group, there is dating app fatigue, with only about 50 percent of respondents reporting that they are currently using dating apps. Over the past year, more than a third of dating app users have reported a decline in usage. Over 350 participants aged between 18 and 65 and above participated in the survey.

Also Read: Kollective Ventures acquires Paktor Group from M17 Entertainment

The 15th edition of Singles Dating Survey 2024 further revealed that the percentage of respondents who did not use dating apps rose from 37 per cent in 2022 to 50 per cent in 2024. The key frustrations of the users include the superficial nature of the interactions (36 per cent), the prevalence of fake profiles or scams (23 per cent), and ghosting or lack of response (21 per cent).

Notably, most of the respondents associate dating apps with feelings of disappointment (66 per cent), followed by hopefulness (63 per cent) and boredom (53 per cent). Frustration, experienced by 48 per cent of the respondents, follows closely behind these top three emotions.

Additionally, 62 per cent feel that the effort they invest in these platforms rarely or never yields satisfactory outcomes.

Reflecting the fatigue and growing disillusionment with dating apps, a significant 88 per cent of the respondents have taken breaks from dating apps. The key reasons include the lack of authentic connections (63 per cent), the preference for more meaningful face-to-face interactions (56 per cent), and the overwhelming nature of constant swiping and chatting (51 per cent)

With the shift away from online dating, singles are showing a preference (81 per cent) for alternative ways to meet potential partners such as dating or matchmaking services.

“The findings of the latest Singles Dating Survey are in line with our experience that dating is largely an offline activity. It is heartening to know that singles who are looking to forge romantic connections remain hopeful on the dating apps while being open to different ways of meeting new people. The survey highlights a shift in dating preferences, and we will continue to support singles in finding their right match,” said Violet Lim, CEO and co-founder of Lunch Actually.

Lunch Actually and Paktor will offer a holistic suite of integrated online and offline dating services to help singles overcome hurdles, including difficulty putting themselves out on the dating scene and the desire to meet more eligible, quality singles. Existing clients will also benefit from a wider range of services and a larger pool of potential matches, enhancing higher chances of finding the right match.

Also Read: Paktor CEO on why online dating is better than a school or workplace romance

“We recognise the various pain points singles face in the digital dating scene, and Paktor has always strived to provide a safe platform for singles to connect meaningfully. Our strength lies in connecting people through technology and digital dating experiences. This merger is a timely one, enabling us to complement our online services with a wider range of offline services. We hope to offer singles fun and authentic dating experiences that lead to lasting romantic connections,” Alex Tam, Group CEO of Paktor.

Founded in July 2013, Paktor Group is owned by Kollective Ventures (KV), a capital advisory and investment firm based in Singapore, which it acquired from Taiwan-based M17 Entertainment in 2020. Paktor’s services include Down, Sweet, and Kickoff, In addition, it also runs offline matchmaking agency GaiGai and image and date coaching agency Fleek.

Paktor is backed by investors, including K2Global, Media Nusantara Citra, YJ Capital, Global Grand Leisure, Golden Equator Capital, and Sebrina Holdings Venture Capital.

Founded in 2004 by the husband-and-wife duo of Jamie Lee and Violet Lim, Lunch Actually Group helps singles meet compatible and like-minded singles through pre-screened, pre-matched, and pre-arranged one-to-one dates. With a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan, the group claims to have arranged more than 160,000 dates and matched more than 4,500 married couples through its app, offline matchmaking and coaching services.

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