Kyna English, a Vietnamese online education platform based in Ho Chi Minh City, has concluded an undisclosed Series B funding round.

The funding was spearheaded by Asia Business Builders, with additional investment from DTP Education Group and Ho Hong Bao Tram, the co-founder and CEO of Kyna English.

Also Read: Are large Vietnamese tech enterprises ‘indifferent’ when competing with ChatGPT?

This financial injection will allow Kyna English to extend its reach beyond Vietnam, into markets such as Thailand, Indonesia and Laos.

The company also aims to strengthen its position within the Vietnamese market. Kyna English plans to enhance its AI-powered platform, which offers personalised learning experiences to students.

Kyna English provides access to high-quality language training to the younger generation using innovative learning methods. The platform allows parents to choose the curriculum and teacher that fits their kids’ learning styles. The company then assigns the courses and teachers best suited to their kids’ needs.

This platform has facilitated over 10 million one-on-one classes, catering to over 150,000 learners since its launch in 2020, with over 15,000 classes taking place each day.

Also Read: From fintech to blockchain: Meet Vietnam’s leading startups powering the next wave of growth

The company boasts a network of over 8,000 tutors. Kyna English’s ambition is to transform English language education in Southeast Asia through technology and flexible, personalised learning.

Edutech is one of the fastest-growing verticals in Vietnam. The segment recorded a 280 per cent rise in funding from US$2.5 million in H1 2023 to US$9.52 million in H1 2024. The market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.50 per cent during 2024-2032. The increasing demand for adaptive learning platforms, AI-powered tutors, and data analytics is driving the market.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and its potential for startups and SMEs is undeniable. This second instalment in e27’s special AI series highlights how this technology is revolutionising SMEs, creating opportunities, and and driving growth for SMEs.

Each article in this series features insights from industry leaders driving AI innovation. In this edition, we hear from Priya Lakshmi, Head of Startups, ASEAN at Amazon Web Services (AWS), on which AI trends SMEs should keep their eyes on, and how to get started.

How AI levels the playing field for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are engines of innovation, achieving impressive results with limited resources. With the advent of AI—particularly generative AI—SMEs now have access to capabilities once exclusive to large corporations. By democratising technology, AI drives productivity, insights, and continuous innovation.

AI empowers SMEs to compete with larger companies by scaling operations, improving decision-making, and enhancing customer experiences with fewer resources via cloud solutions. For instance, AI tools improve customer segmentation, enhance forecasting accuracy, and generate marketing content, boosting operational efficiency.

In particular, tools like generative AI, chatbots and machine learning (ML) models, deliver personalised recommendations, increasing customer engagement. As an example, Lion Parcel, an Indonesian logistics company, used ML to optimise customer segmentation and streamline workflows, significantly improving targeted marketing and CRM efforts.

Also read: Empathetic software development: Creating accessibility-first apps for greater inclusivity

Additionally, AI-powered automation boosts productivity, reduces operational costs, and minimises human error by handling routine tasks like data entry and inquiries. This allows employees to focus on higher-value activities, such as enhancing customer service.

AWS’s journey alongside AI

Amazon has been at the forefront of AI and ML development for over 25 years, powering innovations like personalised recommendation engines on Amazon.com and AI-driven robots in our fulfilment centres. We’ve supported over 100,000 customers across industries in leveraging AI to drive innovation with industry-leading capabilities.

AWS democratises access to AI, enabling SMEs to adopt technologies like generative AI to improve their operations and scale their businesses. For over 18 years, AWS has supported more startups and SMEs than any other cloud provider. Today, 96 per cent of all AI and ML unicorns globally run on AWS.

How AWS utilises AI to support SMEs

We empower SMEs to harness AI by driving cost efficiency, scalability, improved decision-making, and personalised customer engagement. For example, Vietnamese startup Eklipse.gg reduced costs by 40 per cent and boosted development speed by 50 per cent using Amazon Bedrock. Another startup, AI Hay, scaled rapidly, processing over 5 million documents for Large Language Model (LLM) training. 

Tools like Amazon SageMaker also enhance decision-making. While Amazon Personalize delivers tailored recommendations, enabling SMEs to provide personalised solutions at scale—capabilities once reserved for larger corporations.

AWS’s leadership position stems from our ability to provide SMEs with access to a broad range of foundation models all through a single API. This flexibility enables SMEs to select the right model for their specific use case – whether it’s automating operations, personalising customer interactions, or generating marketing content. 

Why SMEs should keep an eye on Generative AI

We are especially excited about generative AI, as it is one of the most transformational technologies of our generation and holds the potential to tackle some of humanity’s most challenging problems. 

Generative AI has proven to be a game-changer in the Asia-Pacific region. It allows SMEs to build culturally aware AI solutions and turn their local knowledge and expertise into a competitive edge against bigger firms. By leveraging local languages, visuals, and cultural nuances, SMEs—especially startups—have begun capitalising on generative AI to develop LLMs that create more inclusive, localised, and differentiated customer experiences.

One example is Botnoi.ai, a Thai generative AI startup. Botnoi.ai built a text-to-speech and speech-to-text AI platform called BOTNOI Voice on AWS, tailored to Southeast Asian languages and cultural norms using consented language data. It has been deployed in more than 70 enterprises in Thailand, improving customer service for over 10 million end-users.

AI drives tangible business value

AWS has worked with SMEs across Southeast Asia to implement AI solutions that drive tangible business value, including FathomX.

FathomX, a medtech AI startup, developed FxMammo, an AI-powered mammogram screening tool hosted on AWS. FxMammo enhances diagnostic accuracy for early breast cancer detection, reducing false positives by up to 75.5 per cent and false negatives by 38 per cent.

AWS’s infrastructure enabled FathomX to test its solution across diverse datasets from eight Asia Pacific countries, improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes in the region.

Culturally diverse data will shape the future of SMEs in SEA

In the coming years, SMEs in Southeast Asia will differentiate themselves by leveraging culturally diverse data to thrive in the region’s competitive landscape. By embracing Southeast Asia’s unique tapestry of languages and cultures, generative AI-powered tools—such as chatbots and consumer-facing apps —trained on such data can deliver nuanced, accurate, and culturally localized results.

Organisations like AI Singapore (AISG), a national program launched by Singapore’s National Research Foundation to enhance the country’s AI capabilities, are unlocking the potential of culturally diverse data. 

Using AWS’s scalable compute infrastructure, AISG developed SEA-LION, a family of LLMs specifically pre-trained and instruct-tuned for Southeast Asian languages and cultures. Unlike traditional generative AI, SEA-LION discerns cultural nuances, such as the different ways Southeast Asian countries express laughter online—for example, “55555” in Thailand and “wkwkwk” in Indonesia.

Also read: Breaking barriers: iFLYTEK’s insights into AI’s role for SMEs

Mesolitica, a Malaysian startup specialising in training LLMs, has also built a Malaysian language generative AI LLM named MaLLaM on AWS, which understands local nuances like slang, colloquialisms that merge different dialects, Bahasa Malayu, and 16 other regional languages for use in AI assistants across industries. AI assistants built on MaLLaM can provide quick, accurate responses to citizens’ inquiries in multiple languages, including dialects from different Malaysian States to ultimately improve citizen communication and data processing capabilities across the culturally diverse country.

Locally-specific LLMs built from culturally diverse data will enhance citizen and consumer experiences, boost productivity, drive economic growth by unlocking new markets, and foster social inclusion through cultural awareness. These advancements promise to reshape how SMEs operate, transforming industries, creating new job categories, and amplifying human productivity.

Successful AI adoption begins with starting small – and data, always data

The key to AI adoption is to balance managing technological risks with leveraging AI’s benefits, much like businesses did during past industrial revolutions—but with a stronger emphasis on adaptive leadership and innovative organizational cultures. 

SMEs should start small by running targeted proof-of-concept (PoC) projects with willing teams. This approach allows businesses to test AI’s potential on specific tasks while minimising risk. 

Data plays a key role in helping SMEs make the most out of AI. Sixty-five per cent of highly data-driven SMEs financially outperform their competitors, compared to 33 per cent of less data-driven SMEs globally, according to a global study commissioned by AWS and conducted by S&P Market Intelligence in 2024.

Companies that have a clear data strategy and are already invested in a data foundation in the cloud have a strong advantage when it comes to adopting AI. 

A clear demand for AI skills training

To succeed with AI, leaders must prepare themselves and their staff for this transformation now through continuous upskilling. There is a clear and growing demand for AI skills training across the region, with a recent Asia Pacific-wide study conducted by Amazon showing more than 9 in 10 workers in ASEAN indicated an interest in developing AI skills to accelerate their careers, and that this interest transcends generations. 

In countries like Singapore, hiring AI-skilled talent is a priority for over eight in ten Singapore employers, yet 74 per cent can’t find the AI talent they need. In the same Asia Pacific study conducted by Amazon, the use of AI solutions and tools by ‘non-tech’ workers is projected to increase 1.6 times by 2028. 

To close the skills gap, AWS has committed to train 5,000 individuals in Singapore on AI skills yearly from 2024-2026 through AI Spring Workforce. 

For example, Fazz Financial Group, a leading financial platform, sought to develop generative AI solutions but needed to upskill their development team. Through AWS, Fazz held a generative AI hackathon that resulted in 10 prototypes, several of which are now being shortlisted for production. With tools like Amazon Bedrock, Amazon SageMaker JumpStart, and Amazon Q, AWS provided the technical foundation and training needed to help Fazz innovate efficiently in financial services.

On the importance of upskilling

The productivity payoff from an AI-skilled workforce could also be immense for companies. In Singapore for instance, employers believe AI can boost productivity by 44%. 

An example is Terrascope, a Singapore-headquartered company, which is using generative AI tools to improve its efficiency in calculating carbon emissions to help enterprises measure and reduce their emissions. Besides harnessing the power of generative AI innovation to improve productivity, it also worked with AWS to develop its in-house cloud and AI skills training program using AWS Skills Builder. The in-house training has advanced ML and generative AI capabilities within Terrascope’s teams. 

Also read: Should people be more wary of AI or is AI more threatened by human misuse?

On AWS’s role in shaping the future of AI adoption

AWS will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI adoption by fostering digitally-skilled talents, providing robust infrastructure support, and ensuring well-defined security and responsible AI policies. 

We recently surpassed our goal—one year ahead of schedule—of helping 29 million people worldwide grow their tech skills through free cloud computing training. Building on this momentum, we continue to offer free generative AI training programs to equip learners with skills for in-demand jobs. Initiatives like the AWS Generative AI Spotlight program in Asia Pacific and Japan are empowering startups to accelerate their adoption of generative AI tools and services. The program provided selected startups—including 25 from ASEAN—access to expert knowledge and peer support to accelerate their fluency with generative AI tools and services from AWS.

Building trust amidst ethical discussions around AI

Security will remain our top priority. To support our customers in their AI development and adoption journeys, we will continue launching new tools, partnerships, and testing initiatives. Our goal is to enhance the safety, security, and transparency of our AI services and models, making it easier to build and deploy generative AI responsibly. 

We also recognize that building trust and addressing ethical concerns will become even more crucial as generative AI capabilities expand. As such, we will continue to invest and innovate to provide the most comprehensive set of capabilities across three layers of the generative AI stack, and ensure they are safe, secure, and private. 

 

AWS is the world’s leading cloud provider, supporting millions of customers with innovative AI and ML solutions. From cost efficiency to scalability, AWS provides SMEs with the tools and infrastructure needed to stay competitive, drive innovation, and achieve growth.

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This article is part of e27’s special series on Artificial Intelligence for Startups and SMEs, where we explore the transformative power of AI in helping startups and small and mid-sized enterprises navigate today’s competitive landscape. Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders in upcoming editions.

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bukaPO, an Indonesian food platform focusing on the home cooking sector, has closed a seed funding round.

Bali Investment Club (BIC) and Swiss firm elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalisation co-led round.

The amount remains undisclosed.

The newly acquired funds will be strategically used to boost adoption among individual customers (B2C), upgrade the platform’s technology, and expand to new regions across Indonesia.

Also Read: How digital technology can transform the food and beverage industry

According to co-founder and CEO Olaf Purvis, the funds will be instrumental in scaling bukaPO’s operations, particularly its B2C adoption and corporate catering strategies. The focus remains on expanding opportunities for home chefs.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, BukaPO connects home-based culinary businesses with individual and corporate clients. Its innovative pre-ordering system enhances the earning potential of its home cooking merchants. The firm claims it has enabled over 4,000 home chefs to provide meals within their communities.

Approximately 90 per cent of the chefs on the platform are women, many of whom have progressed from micro-enterprises to thriving small businesses with bukaPO’s support.

In addition to its B2C focus, bukaPO also serves corporate clients, such as Sofitel, Indigo, Regent Canggu, Club Med, and Holiday Inn, who utilise the platform’s offerings.

bukaPO provides education, financial literacy training, and increased market access to thousands of micro-entrepreneurs, especially women, and currently operates in Bali, Surabaya and Sidoarjo.

bukaPO claims it has generated over US$10 million in revenue for its community of chefs.

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Venture capital firm Integra Partners has teamed up with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to launch of a new programme supporting early-stage, women-led tech startups across South and Southeast Asia (SEA).

In a press statement, the organisations said that the programme will target companies that are “offering inclusive digital finance and other essential services supporting traditionally underserved consumers and small businesses.”

It will include a Singapore-based financing facility that will invest up to US$250,000 and support companies with early stage funding, mentorship, and market positioning.

This initiative also intends to support Integra Partners’ upcoming Fund III which invests across the two regions.

Integra Partners has previously designed and launched the Win With Women initiative with USAID. The programme is a regional business acceleration programme for early-stage women-led tech startups across Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Also Read: These 3 winners of USAID’s Innovation Challenge aims to tackle family planning needs, teenage pregnancy

Under the same initiative, Integra is launching this new financing facility to support women-led tech startups.

“Through the current programme, we have met with over 200 women-led or women-focused startups and we are so excited to be able to provide support in a more concrete way via mentorship and funding with this programme extension. We will also be inviting the senior female investors that we have met along the way to come along on this journey with us to mentor and guide the startups – because we want this to be a transformational program for the SEA ecosystem,” said Jennifer Ho, Partner at Integra Partners.

Integra Partners is a Singapore-based venture capital firm with US$150 million in assets under management, investing across five main themes that leverage technology and financial services: SME enablement, financial inclusion, healthcare, agri-food, and the environment and climate.

The USAID is the US government agency that leads international development and humanitarian assistance efforts to partner countries. It provide humanitarian assistance, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, advance economic opportunities, and help achieve progress beyond programmes.

Its Digital Invest programme is a flagship initiative under the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI).

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As online scams rise globally, the need for collaborative anti-scam strategies has never been more urgent. Scammers exploit vulnerabilities in our increasingly digital world, targeting businesses, individuals, and governments alike.

The increasing sophistication of scams necessitates coordinated efforts. An interconnected anti-scam ecosystem unites businesses, governments, and technology partners, transcending national boundaries – especially in Asia, where digital adoption is accelerating.

According to the Asia Scam Report 2024, published by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), nearly half of Asians experience scams at least once a month, reflecting a worrying trend that necessitates immediate attention and action.

In East and Southeast Asia alone, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates financial losses from scams targeting victims have reached between US$18 billion and US$37 billion in 2023.

Even more troubling is the increasing use of AI technology by scammers, who now leverage tools like deepfakes and AI-generated voices to convincingly deceive victims. This shift marks a dangerous turning point in cybercrime, with scams becoming both more frequent and sophisticated.

As scams grow in complexity, building an anti-scam ecosystem that fosters cross-sector collaboration is essential. Isolated efforts aren’t enough – only by uniting resources can we identify trends, share intelligence, and deploy preventative measures.

A vital element of an anti-scam ecosystem is the exchange of strategies and experiences. Sharing best practices and real-time insights equips stakeholders to counter scammers’ evolving tactics.

The GASA Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2024 serves as a prime example. Supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), and the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the summit brought together experts from various sectors, including cybersecurity, finance, and telecommunications, with notable names such as Amazon, Google, Gogolook, Mastercard, and Meta joining forces with GASA and key authorities.

During the event, attendees discussed pooling resources, sharing intelligence, and devising coordinated strategies to disrupt and dismantle the intricate networks behind online scams in Asia. They also exchanged perspectives on scam prevention, regulatory advancements, and public awareness campaigns.

The summit, with discussions spanning topics such as data sharing, bank collaboration, telecom and communication, financial services, artificial intelligence, global collaboration, and cybersecurity, highlighted the critical importance of cross-border cooperation in strengthening defences. The insights shared can lead to actionable strategies for businesses and organisations across various sectors in the region.

Gogolook’s involvement in Thailand’s first anti-scam knowledge hub, Scam Alert, further demonstrates how partnerships enhance national defenses. Scam Alert provides verified resources and real-time alerts, bringing together telecom operators, the police, banks, Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, and the Consumer Council to share the latest scam tactics and promote scam prevention education.

Also Read: Cybersecurity in Asia: Trending toward a safer digital future

This collaborative model demonstrates how the public and private sectors can combine resources and expertise to protect citizens. By encouraging participation from companies across various sectors – such as technology, finance, and cybersecurity – initiatives like Scam Alert can further amplify anti-scam efforts and strengthen public resilience.

Globally, countries like Malaysia, Australia, and Canada have established dedicated scam-fighting units to enable swift cross-border communication. These units often share intelligence and work together to track down scammers operating across jurisdictions.

In one notable case, the Singapore Police Force, in collaboration with Timor-Leste authorities and Interpol, recovered over US$40 million from a business email compromise scam, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in thwarting scam networks. Such collaborative efforts demonstrate how effective partnerships can lead to significant outcomes in the fight against scams.

While strategy exchange forms the backbone of the anti-scam ecosystem, technology provides the cutting edge in scam detection and prevention. Joint technological efforts between governments and businesses create powerful tools to combat scams before they cause widespread harm.

The partnership between Gogolook and ScamAdviser highlights the power of collaborative technological innovation within the anti-scam ecosystem. By combining the expertise and resources of both companies, Gogolook has enhanced its collective ability to detect scams involving phone numbers, SMS, and domains, demonstrating how joint efforts can significantly strengthen defenses against evolving threats.

Another key advancement in anti-scam technology is the ScamShield Suite in Singapore. Originally launched in 2020 as an app to block scam calls and SMS messages, ScamShield has evolved into a comprehensive solution. Powered by AI, it now alerts users to potential threats on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram while flagging suspicious web links. 

As scammers increasingly adopt AI to refine their tactics, the technological front of the anti-scam ecosystem must keep pace. AI-powered tools are essential for swiftly identifying and neutralising these threats, enabling individuals and organisations to avoid more sophisticated digital deceptions.

Also Read: Understanding cybersecurity threats: What you need to know to stay safe

The Asia Scam Report 2024 highlights the rising frequency and sophistication of scams across the region, driven by scammers’ use of advanced technologies. Tackling these evolving threats requires a coordinated, multi-sector approach.

Building a strong anti-scam ecosystem focused on strategic collaboration and innovation is essential. Industries, governments, and technology providers must work together to address immediate risks and prepare for future challenges.

Partnerships are vital for developing cutting-edge technologies, enabling real-time intelligence sharing, and establishing safeguards that protect individuals and businesses.

As digital adoption accelerates, the stakes grow higher – not just for individuals, but for the economic stability and digital trust of entire nations. Asia, as a leader in digital innovation, has the opportunity to also lead in digital protection. This means making cross-border and cross-industry collaboration the standard practice.

By investing in strategic partnerships and innovative technologies, we can outpace scammers and create a safer digital environment for all.

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The Philippine tech industry is rapidly evolving into a dynamic hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. Beyond its established enterprises, it boasts a thriving ecosystem of startups. It also has a world-class workforce increasingly skilled in emerging technologies. Given this, the country is well-positioned to become a leader in Southeast Asia’s tech landscape. Among recent developments are the surge in cloud adoption, the proliferation of AI and data-driven solutions, and a strong focus on digital infrastructure.

At the heart of this growth is a vibrant community of tech professionals, from software engineers and data scientists to CTOs and tech entrepreneurs, who are driving transformation across industries. Against this backdrop, OceanBase, a leading distributed database provider, launched OceanBase Tech Social on  21 November 2024. Dubbed the Christmas Special, this significant step in fostering a local technical community focused on cloud and database innovation. It brought together 60 technical professionals and industry leaders in Manila for a night of learning and networking, and collaboration.

“Cooperation, collaboration, and co-creation” in serving Filipinos

OceanBase Tech Social is a community-focused event series aimed at knowledge-sharing and engagement among professionals. As such, the event combines expert-led keynotes, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions such as AMAs (Ask Me Anything). It provides participants with a platform to explore innovations in database and cloud technology. It also lets them learn from real-world case studies and success stories of OceanBase clients and network with industry peers.

Lito Villanueva, EVP & Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer of RCBC opened the event with a message to the Philippine tech community.  “While we are supposedly competitors in the market, we are all here to collaborate with each other because of our one main purpose—serving our customers. And that would be the Filipino people,”Villanueva said. He further explained that what binds the community together is three Cs: cooperation, collaboration, and co-creation. “The reason why we are here tonight is really because of those three Cs,” he added.

Then, Charlie Yang, CTO & Co-Founder of OceanBase, talked about its robust, scalable, and cost-effective solution for businesses handling complex, high-volume data needs. He shared that OceanBase is the underlying database technology powering systems like Starpay, GCash and others. Significantly, it stands out for larger datasets, offering a much better performance when data exceeds one terabyte. Further, it is cloud-agnostic and can be deployed on-premise, on various public clouds, or in hybrid setups.

Spotlight on Starpay’s journey and growth in fintech

The fireside chat offered a glimpse into the transformative journey of Starpay, a key player in the Philippine fintech space. Adrienne “Jen” Cajayon, Starpay’s first female CTO, sat down with Vanetta Wong, Director of Sales for International Business of Oceanbase, for the session. Cajayon recounted Starpay’s humble beginnings, launching in 2018 with only 3,000 users, half of whom were employees. During the pandemic, they partnered with local governments to support the social amelioration program. This catapulted Starpay’s user base from 3,000 to over six million. “The most critical part was the database,” she said. “We had to ensure concurrency and scalability.”

Cajayon also discussed Starpay’s focus on empowering SMEs and MSMEs. The company shifted from a consumer acquisition model to a B2B approach in 2022, providing tailored solutions for Filipino entrepreneurs. “We prioritised education and transparency,” Cajayon shared. “Merchants needed to understand how our interoperable QR code system works. We also gave them tools to monitor their data and implemented dynamic pricing to reduce costs.”

Data analytics remains a cornerstone of Starpay’s innovation. Cajayon noted its role in studying user behaviour, particularly among underserved segments like farmers. This insight has allowed Starpay to tailor products and pricing to meet unique needs. Looking ahead, she envisions more collaboration with AI and analytics providers to further refine offerings. As Cajayon put it, “We’re not just catching up—we’re positioning ourselves to get ahead of the trend.”

Expert insights at Oceanbase Tech Social

The event also brought together four influential leaders to discuss leadership, innovation, and industry trends. Dustin Nguyen, Head of Cloud Engineering & Automation of BDO Unibank, emphasized the importance of multi-cloud platforms in enabling secure and scalable banking solutions. Next, Don Pansacola, CEO & Co-Founder of NextPay, highlighted his company’s role in simplifying disbursements for SMEs. Then, Lawrence Ferrer, President & CEO of CIS Bayad Center, described the company’s successful transition to digital payments. He shared that 68% of transactions are now online, enhancing customer convenience and avoiding service interruptions. Finally, Marlon Sorongon, CISO of Maybank, shared insights on launching a localized app in the Philippines. They focused on user-centric design and compliance while drawing from regional experience.

The discussion underscored the importance of adapting to industry trends and meeting the rising demand for real-time digital solutions. Ferrer highlighted Bayad’s collaboration with partners like Meralco to create real-time bill payment systems. This prevents disconnections and elevates customer experience. Sorongon explained how learnings from Malaysia informed his team’s product refinements for the Philippines. He emphasised the value of tailoring solutions to local markets. The panel also explored the growing recognition of cryptocurrencies. Pansacola predicted Bitcoin’s resurgence as a store of value by 2025, spurred by regulatory shifts and libertarian policies.

The panelists then provided practical advice on staying relevant in a rapidly digitalizing world.  They stressed the need for agility, stakeholder collaboration, and customer focus. They emphasized that investment in digital transformation and compliance is essential despite the challenges. Personal anecdotes added a relatable touch, from Nguyen’s passion for gaming to Pansacola’s use of AI for personal growth. The discussion concluded with a shared message: innovation, adaptability, and a deep understanding of customer needs are vital for navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.

Towards a vibrant tech community in the Philippines

The OceanBase Tech Social highlighted the immense potential of the Philippine tech community to drive transformation in the region. From StarPay’s journey of scalability and empowerment to expert panels on emerging trends, the event showcased the value of shared knowledge and collective problem-solving in addressing complex challenges.

As the Philippine tech ecosystem continues to grow, events like OceanBase Tech Social play a critical role in uniting diverse stakeholders and advancing technological progress. They serve as platforms for exchanging ideas, exploring new opportunities, and strengthening professional networks.

With the success of this first gathering, OceanBase has set a strong foundation for a vibrant and inclusive tech community in the Philippines. By prioritizing cooperation, collaboration, and co-creation, the initiative paves the way for future advancements and reinforces the country’s position as a rising hub of technology and innovation in Southeast Asia. 

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

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Image credit: OceanBase

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Traditionally, mentors have been the foundation of corporate success. They share their experiences, offer strategic advice and help you avoid costly mistakes. But with AI stepping up as a powerful resource, you might wonder — can it replace the personalised guidance of a human?

The importance of business mentors

A mentor has been where you are now — facing the uncertainty, challenges and excitement of building a company from the ground up. They guide you through the ups and downs by offering real-world insights no textbook or blog post can teach.

Likewise, they help you tap into insider knowledge, drawing from their experience to steer you toward smarter decisions. Whether identifying market trends, avoiding common pitfalls or brainstorming strategies, a good coach helps you confidently see the bigger picture.

Advisors are incredible for opening doors, introducing you to potential investors, partners and clients who can give your startup the boost it needs. Plus, they’re there when things get tough. In fact, 18 per cent of Southeast Asian startups fail during pre-series funding. Having a consultant to offer personalised advice during make-or-break decisions can be pivotal.

They help you stay grounded and motivated when the pressure is on. They’ve walked in your shoes and know what it takes to get through the hard days, giving you the confidence and clarity to keep moving forward.

How AI functions as a mentor

AI is like having a business assistant on call 24/7, ready to help you tackle challenges and make smarter decisions. It’s great at crunching data, spotting market trends and predicting customer behaviour faster than you ever could.

What makes this technology more appealing is how accessible and scalable it is. Unlike traditional mentors — who can only give you limited time and may take months to find — AI is available whenever you need it. Plus, budget-friendly options are available — perfect if you run a lean startup but still want reliable advice to grow your company.

Also Read: The future is here: Seizing the first-mover advantage in AI entrepreneurship

Strengths of AI as a mentor

AI’s 24/7 availability is crucial for entrepreneurs. It’s always ready to process massive amounts of information in seconds to help you make smarter, faster decisions. Whether trying to analyse customer details, spot emerging trends or forecast sales, AI can sift through complex data sets, identify patterns and give you predictive insights that keep you ahead of the competition.

Unlike humans, AI focuses solely on data-driven facts to provide clear and actionable advice. You can use it to optimise your marketing strategies, streamline operations or create personalised learning plans to up-skill your team.

Limitations of AI as a mentor

AI can give you incredible data-driven insights but lacks something crucial — emotional intelligence. It doesn’t understand your stress or the nuances of your challenges. It can’t share real-world wisdom that only comes from experience. On the other hand, a mentor knows what it’s like to be in your shoes and can guide you with intuition, empathy and advice tailored to your situation.

Plus, AI isn’t perfect — it’s only as good as the data it’s trained on, and that data can carry hidden biases. This can lead to flawed insights or unintended discrimination known as proxy bias, where the algorithm absorbs and amplifies human prejudices. That’s why you must use AI for its efficiency and data analysis, and lean on coaches for emotional support.

Blending AI and human mentorship

A hybrid approach is the smartest way to combine the strengths of AI and human mentorship. AI is your go-to for technical guidance — it can analyse market trends, optimise your business strategies and automate repetitive tasks. However, technology falls short when understanding your unique challenges, overcoming emotional roadblocks or offering real-world advice based on experience.

Also Read: How should non-tech companies approach AI?

That’s where a mentor steps in. They’ve been in your shoes and can provide the empathy, intuition and context-driven guidance no algorithm can replicate. Together, AI and human advisors can cover all your bases to give you the tools to grow your startup while staying grounded.

Take inspiration from startups in Southeast Asia, where entrepreneurs are already blending AI and mentorship for maximum impact. Digital tools help them tackle challenges like improving customer experiences, streamlining operations and enhancing research capabilities.

Pairing these technologies with mentors adds another layer of value — they can help you interpret the data AI provides. Whether refining your marketing strategy with AI analytics or deciding how to pivot during tough times with your consultant’s support, this balanced approach can give you the competitive edge you need to thrive.

Blending technology and human wisdom for business success

AI offers powerful means to analyse data, predict trends and optimise strategies. Still, it can never fully replace the empathy, intuition and real-world wisdom of a human coach. Leveraging AI to supplement traditional mentorship allows you to combine cutting-edge technology with personalised guidance for the best results in growing your company.

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Peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading has redefined how people exchange value, offering a decentralised alternative to traditional financial systems. More than just a trading method, P2P crypto trading represents a direct challenge to traditional banking systems. It strips away layers of bureaucracy, allowing people to trade directly with each other across borders without intermediaries dictating terms or pricing.

I interviewed August Widmer, Director of Corporate Development at Paxful, a leading P2P crypto trading platform, to dive deeper into this emerging landscape.

In this exclusive interview, Widmer shared insights into how this model reshapes financial accessibility, particularly for those traditionally left out of mainstream banking systems. Additionally, he unpacked the mechanics of P2P trading, its potential to democratise financial services, and how platforms like Paxful are creating new pathways for global value exchange.

Widmer’s transition to crypto

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of P2P crypto trading, let’s first learn about Widmer’s journey so far.

Widmer’s path to the crypto industry began with his disenchantment with traditional banking. After over a decade in investment banking and private equity, specialising in M&A and capital advisory for financial services, he grew frustrated with the inefficiencies of the system.

“The people were working for the system, and the system was not working for the people,” Widmer reflected.

Cryptocurrency first caught his attention during the rise of the Silvergate Exchange Network, but it wasn’t until 2021 that he fully embraced the space. Tokenisation became the game-changer, with projects like Goldfinch and Maple demonstrating how blockchain could bring transparency and efficiency to private credit markets.

By January 2022, Widmer had left his role as VP at a middle-market investment bank to pursue crypto full-time. He started with MakerDAO during a pivotal time, working on tokenised private credit deals, and later joined Credix, focusing on Latin American structured credit facilities. He also took on advisory roles for pre-seed companies in the stablecoin sector.

Widmer’s journey ultimately led him to Paxful, where he joined as Director of Corporate Development.

“After learning more about Paxful’s rejuvenation and plans, I was committed,” said Widmer.

At Paxful, Widmer now leads efforts in M&A, capital strategies, and corporate development, contributing to the platform’s mission of democratising financial services globally.

The flaws of traditional finance

Widmer believes that the current financial system has several critical flaws, many of which stem from a lack of control and transparency. According to him, one of the fundamental issues is the lack of true ownership over your own money.

“You don’t own your money. Your bank does,” emphasised Widmer.

Widmer had a firsthand experience of this when he attempted to consolidate investment accounts and realised that the process was virtually impossible. This prompted him to reflect on the lack of autonomy in managing financial resources. Traditional banking, in his view, strips away personal control, leaving people at the mercy of centralised institutions.

Another issue Widmer highlights is the devaluation of fiat currencies. He points out that governments continue to print money, which erodes the value of traditional currency. Widmer compares this process to theft, noting that inflation—while framed as a natural economic phenomenon—essentially diminishes the purchasing power of money.

“A US dollar from 2019 would be worth only about 80 cents today. In most other conversations, we’d call that theft, but when it’s the government, we call it “inflation.” The good news? 1 Bitcoin from 2019 is worth…1 Bitcoin today,” explained Widmer.

Beyond the currency itself, Widmer criticises the inefficiency of traditional financial transactions. Sending international bank wires involves multiple intermediaries and can take days to complete. Cryptocurrency, in contrast, offers near-instant payments between just two parties, cutting out the middlemen and saving both time and money.

Also Read: How Web3’s open-source technology will create a more equitable world

Understanding P2P trading

Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading represents a direct, frictionless way for individuals to transfer value without relying on third parties, like traditional banks or centralised exchanges. According to Widmer, the core of P2P trading is the autonomy it offers.

In a P2P model, two individuals negotiate their terms directly. Paxful simplifies this process by providing a marketplace where users can browse available offers from people across the globe. Buyers and sellers set their own prices and choose their payment methods.

For example, a seller could offer Bitcoin at an inflated price of $1 million per coin and choose PayPal as the payment method, all on their terms. The flexibility to set terms gives users complete control over their transactions—something not found in centralised exchanges, where users only get one option.

“Our work at Paxful is less about enabling trading and more about allowing the frictionless transfer of value between two individuals,” said Widmer.

Centralised exchanges, in contrast, provide a single offer for buying or selling crypto, without any negotiation room. This centralised approach limits users’ freedom, whereas P2P trading empowers them to take charge of their financial decisions.

“On a centralised exchange, you get one offer and can choose to take it or leave it. No optionality, no flexibility; they own the game. On peer-to-peer, you own your destiny,” added Widmer.

P2P trading also allows for seamless global value transfer. Widmer explains that traditional fiat currencies are siloed and do not easily communicate across borders. Cryptocurrency, however, operates globally, making it easier for individuals in any country to exchange value directly. On Paxful, users can sell cryptocurrency in exchange for local fiat through over 500 payment methods, from PayPal to bank transfers, further enhancing financial inclusivity.

The transaction process itself is simple. A seller posts an offer, a buyer accepts it, and the funds are held in escrow until payment is confirmed. Once payment is received, the crypto is released to the buyer. This straightforward, direct model is cost-effective and transparent, offering individuals control and flexibility.

For the average person, P2P trading offers significant advantages. It opens up access to crypto with a wide range of payment methods, unlike centralised exchanges, which typically only cater to a specific subset of the population. P2P trading, therefore, fosters true inclusivity, enabling anyone, anywhere, to participate in the global crypto economy.

How Paxful bridges financial gaps

Paxful focuses on serving the underbanked. Could you explain who the ‘underbanked’ are and the challenges they face? Also, how does Paxful actually solve these problems?

Widmer: If cryptocurrency is intended to help “bank the unbanked,” one of the greatest ironies is that you need to connect your bank account on a centralised exchange to buy crypto. Paxful works differently, allowing a more inclusive on-ramping experience for nearly any payment type; we are actually banking the unbanked.

Paxful is a means to on-ramp or buy into the cryptocurrency world using any possible payment method. It is all-inclusive.

Let’s imagine you are from Kenya and living in New Delhi. You want to send money back to family in Kenya, but imagine they do not have a bank account. You could buy Bitcoin on Paxful using your preferred payment method, then send them that Bitcoin on Paxful for them to sell on Paxful in exchange for payment via a method such as M-Pesa, which does not require a bank account.

That is truly inclusive global value transfer where anyone can participate. We enable everyone to have access to critical financial services.

Also Read: Why you lead will determine how well you will lead

Now, this is important. When we’re talking about people’s money, could you tell me what risks exist in P2P trading? How does Paxful protect users? What should users themselves be careful about?

Widmer: Peer-to-peer is dangerous when done incorrectly. That’s why Paxful exists. On Paxful, an escrow sits between the trade parties, locking the cryptocurrency to be sold. That cryptocurrency held in escrow is released to the seller only when the buyer sends the seller the payment. That means the seller does not need to hope and pray that the buyer sends the cryptocurrency simply, but instead, they are safeguarded by the escrow service.

The alternative to this would be for me to post on X and say, “Hey! Who wants to buy some BTC? I promise I’ll send it if you send me cash!”

You tell me which sounds safer!

Looking ahead, how do you see P2P platforms evolving? What role will they play in the future of finance? What excites you most about this space?

Widmer: Peer-to-peer has existed since the beginning of commerce, and I see it continuing forever. It’s the most straightforward, direct, human way to transfer value.

Strategically, I believe platforms like Paxful will continue to expand laterally, adding more services and features to provide a comprehensive product suite to its users.

I spend much of my time exploring potential acquisition opportunities where we can bring on new teams with new product offerings to build out our ecosystem.

The cryptocurrency, web3, and DeFi sectors are on fire with activity right now, and new inventions are going live daily. We aim to stay on the cutting edge by adopting new technology through organic growth and acquisitions while always remaining true to peer-to-peer’s core value transfer engine.

Final question – what advice would you give to someone interested in P2P trading but feeling hesitant to take the first step?

Widmer: The truth is, I bet they’ve already traded peer-to-peer.

Have you ever bought something from a friend? That’s peer-to-peer. Ever taken a taxi? That’s peer-to-peer. I sold baseball cards to kids in my middle school. That was peer-to-peer.

Paxful takes that peer-to-peer transaction flow we are accustomed to and gives it the necessary modern guardrails of KYC, compliance monitoring, and escrow service alongside a suite of in-account features to simplify your journey to financial freedom. The best way to experience this? Head over to Paxful, get involved, and own your destiny.

This article, originally published in Crypto India Magazine (CIM), is based on an interview with August Widmer. Certain sections have been adapted into a narrative format for improved readability and clarity, but no insights have been altered.

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

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

Image courtesy: August Widmer

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While many companies faced shutdowns and financial difficulties, the company has sustained profitability and demonstrated operational efficiency with a lean team of 100 employees.

CEO Nofi Bayu Darmawan attributes this success to a combination of factors, including a strong focus on integrated solutions and maintaining cost discipline.

Komerce offers a suite of services designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. These include Komship for logistics, Komcards for payments, Komplace for omnichannel management, and Kompack for warehousing.

Also Read: Exclusive: Indonesia’s Komerce acquires real-time shipping cost calculation firm RajaOngkir

The company claims its “strong” cross-product synergy has allowed SMEs to streamline and expand their e-commerce operations effectively.

According Darmawan, Komerce’s success demonstrates that a focus on solving real customer problems drives sustainable growth.

Looking ahead to 2025, Komerce is placing a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). The company plans to introduce AI-powered tools to automate repetitive sales and operational tasks, especially for SMEs that rely on WhatsApp for customer communication. These tools will handle various customer interactions, from greetings to calculating shipping fees, processing orders and managing courier pickups, operating 24/7. This sales automation aims to ensure that no sales opportunities are missed, thereby providing SMEs with an efficient and reliable way to scale their operations.

Moreover, the AI-driven solutions will simplify workflows, significantly reducing manual workloads, particularly benefiting SMEs in tier-two cities that often have limited resources. Komerce believes that these AI solutions will empower SMEs to focus on growth, irrespective of their location, by saving both time and costs.

Darmawan further told e27 that Komerce is currently in talks to raise US$1 million to US$1.5 million in a pre-Series A funding round to accelerate expansion and further enhance its products. Having previously secured seed funding from investors, including Achmad Zaky, founder of Bukalapak, and 500 Global, the company aims to expand market adoption and unlock new revenue streams.

With 17 million online sellers in Indonesia, Komerce sees significant opportunities to solidify its leadership position in e-commerce enablement. By continuing its focus on profitability and leveraging AI innovations, the company aims to deliver substantial value to SMEs and foster long-term sustainable growth. Komerce’s vision is to simplify e-commerce for SMEs, empowering them to compete effectively in the digital economy.

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East Ventures, a venture capital firm in Southeast Asia, has released its market outlook for 2025. The report presents a measured yet optimistic vision for the region’s digital economy and outlines key projections that offer insights into global and regional economic trends, technological adoption, and entrepreneurial strategies.

According to the organisation, tech innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping growth. East Ventures foresees a surge in AI-first startups, with approximately 25 per cent of businesses projected to adopt Generative AI (GenAI) and AI agents by 2025.

This figure is expected to double by 2027, reflecting the rapid pace of AI integration across industries.

Global economic growth is projected to stabilise at approximately 3.1 per cent over the next five years. This marks a resilient recovery following the disruptions caused by the pandemic, supported by advancements in tech and the emergence of new industries.

However, the rise of protectionist policies in major economies could reconfigure patterns of global economic interdependence, underscoring potential challenges ahead.

Also Read: How Transparently.AI uses Artificial Intelligence to detect accounting manipulation, fraud

The digital economy in Southeast Asia is expected to expand significantly in 2025. Strong domestic consumption, a rebound in tourism, and improved investment flows are anticipated to drive this growth.

Additionally, the US Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut in September will likely provide further momentum, benefitting both businesses and consumers in the region.

Climate tech remains significant

The report also highlighted the sectors set to be popular in 2025.

In the healthcare sector, the adoption of AI is expected to accelerate, revolutionising patient care and clinical workflows. AI applications, such as real-time diagnostics and the development of personalised treatment plans, are anticipated to become standard practice.

These innovations aim to enhance accuracy in medical decision-making while reducing time and resource demands on healthcare providers.

Climate tech remains a priority for East Ventures, with significant momentum projected in areas such as renewable energy optimisation and carbon tracking. The firm emphasises the critical importance of climate tech as a means to address sustainability goals. By improving energy efficiency and providing tools to monitor and reduce emissions, this sector is expected to play a pivotal role in combating climate change.

Consumer tech, particularly e-commerce, is also undergoing rapid evolution. The rise of personalised shopping experiences and automated customer service through AI-powered chatbots signals a shift towards more tailored and efficient consumer interactions.

Also Read: Ethical implications of using AI in hiring

Additionally, businesses are expected to increasingly adopt smart solutions to streamline operations, driving productivity and cost savings in the retail sector.

Beyond the numbers, in this report, East Ventures stresses the importance of creating a “believable Southeast Asia,” positioning the region as a global economic powerhouse.

The firm urges entrepreneurs to shift their focus from following fleeting trends to addressing real-world problems and delivering tangible value. By fostering sustainable and impactful solutions, founders can navigate economic uncertainties and contribute to the region’s long-term prosperity.

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Image Credit: East Ventures

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