Southeast Asia’s fintech scene is no longer the free-flowing capital magnet it once was. The US$839M raised in the first nine months of 2025, down nearly 40 per cent from last year, underscores a market recalibrating after years of exuberant funding.

The slowdown–particularly in seed and early-stage deals–signals that investors are tightening filters, seeking traction over hype and profitability over promise.

Singapore’s dominance, capturing 84 per cent of all fintech funding, reflects both its maturity and its concentration of institutional investors. But it also exposes the growing gap between the region’s ecosystems, where hubs like Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City still struggle to attract comparable late-stage backing.

Interestingly, the stability at the late stage, buoyed by mega rounds for Thunes, Airwallex, and bolttech, shows that conviction hasn’t vanished; it’s simply consolidated. Capital now flows to proven business models with regional scale and regulatory resilience.

This funding winter, then, isn’t the end of fintech’s growth story; it’s a reset. As cheap money fades, Southeast Asia’s next fintech wave will depend on discipline: building sustainable revenue, leveraging cross-border synergies, and proving that innovation can outlast the cycle.

REGIONAL

Fintech funding in SEA falls 39% as early-stage capital dries up: The total capital inflow marks a 39% decline compared to the US$1.4B raised in 9M 2024. Seed-stage funding stood at US$62.3M in 9M 2025, a reduction of 63% from 9M 2024.

Police seize US$34M from NextTech founder in crypto fraud case: Nguyen Hoa Binh and nine others face charges of fraudulent appropriation of assets and accounting violations related to the AntEx cryptocurrency project. The seized items from him include 597 gold bars, title deeds to 18 properties, and two vehicles.

17LIVE’s director Karen Chen Xiuling steps down amid US sanctions: Chen’s inclusion on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List effectively prohibits US entities and individuals from conducting business with her. The firm has clarified that she was not involved in its daily operations.

Vietnam tops SEA in e-commerce optimism despite hurdles: report
According to a new Blackbox Research report, 85% remain confident in the country’s long-term growth, citing strong logistics, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurial dynamism.

Tim Draper leads US$3.2M bet on Filipino-built crypto wallet Ryder: Louise Ivan Valencia Payawal’s Ryder offers Ryder One, a consumer crypto hardware wallet designed to prioritise ease of use and security that promises users crypto security in 60 seconds.

Verta Bioenergy nets funding to turn farm waste into coal-ready fuel: Investors include NGIE Factory, Wright Partners, AlphaGen VC, and Auravia Capital. The startup focuses on transforming agricultural waste into high-quality biomass pellets that are positioned as a cost-competitive, drop-in replacement for industrial coal usage.

Shopline unit secures MAS in-principle approval for payment license: The approval will allow Shopline, a Singapore-headquartered commerce software provider with operations across Asia-Pacific, to directly process payments for merchants on its platform, pending final approval from MAS.

Global EV sales reach record 2.1M in September: research: China led the market with about 1.3M vehicles sold, making up around two-thirds of global sales. North American sales also reached a record, with US buyers accelerating purchases to secure expiring tax incentives.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Investors bet on algorithms and insurance to tame Asia’s climate-health crisis: As climate shocks escalate, investors are funding AI-driven early warnings and parametric insurance to build scalable, data-led climate-health resilience.

Unlocking climate x health capital: A data-driven blueprint for smarter impact investing: A new five-step climate x health investment toolkit helps investors quantify risk, align capital with policy readiness, and finance scalable resilience solutions.

Senior leaders in Singapore tech industry reflect on how AI is reshaping the workplace: The NodeFlair Salary Report 2025 does not draw correlations between AI use and pay, but the discourse indicates that the trends may evolve.

INTERNATIONAL

GIC sues Chinese EV maker Nio over securities fraud: The Singapore sovereign wealth fund claims Nio and Weineng, a battery asset company established with partners, inflated revenue and profits by prematurely recognising battery sales and concealing Nio’s control over Weineng, a battery asset company established with partners.

Apple CEO promises to boost investment in China during his visit: Cook met with Li Lecheng, head of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, after spending two days in Shanghai. The two discussed Apple’s business in China and explored cooperation in electronics, according to an MIIT statement.

US lawmaker warns TikTok algorithm licensing deal raises concerns: US Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, is awaiting a briefing for more details and questioned whether China would retain influence over the technology, citing uncertainty about the algorithm’s contents.

Tencent’s training-free AI method sparks debate on learning: The new method lets AI models improve using accumulated “experience” instead of retraining, according to a recent paper on arXiv. The technique suggests LLMs can store rules and heuristics from past tasks in an “experience library,” and use them when facing new challenges.

HR unicorn Deel nets US$300M, valued at US$17.3B: Investors are Ribbit Capital, a16z, Coatue Management, General Catalyst, and Green Bay Ventures. The company claims to serve more than 37K businesses and 1.5M workers across over 150 countries, handling US$22B in payroll annually.

UK moves to seize US$6.8B bitcoin in China fraud scheme: Authorities uncovered 61K bitcoin in 2018 during a money laundering probe involving two Chinese women, including Yadi Zhang, who pleaded guilty to related charges last month. The fraud, tied to Tianjin Lantian, targeted about 128K investors in China.

Sam Altman says OpenAI shouldn’t act as global moral authority: His statement comes after he said the company is “not the elected moral police of the world” after criticism over its decision to allow content such as erotica on ChatGPT. OpenAI has faced increased scrutiny about user safety, especially for minors.

SEMICONDUCTOR

TSMC profit rises 39.1% to US$14.8B in Q3 2025: The Taiwan-based chipmaker reported Q3 2025 revenue of US$33.1B, with net income at US$14.76B; Revenue rose 30.3% y-o-y and 6% from Q2, while net income increased 39.1% y-o-y and 13.6% q-o-q.

Nvidia, Australia’s Firmus Technologies partner on AI data centre: Construction has started on two sites in Melbourne and Tasmania as part of Project Southgate, with a planned investment of US$2.9B and a power capacity of 150MW. Firmus said the data centres will use Nvidia’s GB300 chips and are expected to begin operations by April.

Ant Group unveils AI framework that is 10x faster than Nvidia’s: The company said the inference framework called dInfer targets models that differ from widely used autoregressive systems like ChatGPT, which generate text one word at a time.

MIT spinout Vertical Semiconductor secures US$11M for AI power chips: Vertical says its technology aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat compared to conventional approaches, using a novel vertical GaN architecture. The company has demonstrated its technology on 8-inch wafers with standard semiconductor manufacturing methods.

AI

A brief history of AI: Is winter coming?: For many of us today, when we hear AI, we infer it to be ChatGPT or other generative tools. But each generation before us experimented with AI long before it became mainstream and has played a role in both fiction and reality, offering us glimpses into what the future could hold.

AI and the human touch: How leadership paves the way: As AI continues to revolutionise business practices, leadership within organisations must ride the wave of transformation, evolving their strategies to ensure successful AI integration into existing work processes as well as workplace culture.

AI for the rest of us: What it really looks like in a scrappy SME: The lesson for SMEs trying to get started with AI is this: ‘do not aim for perfection, aim for progress. You don’t need to automate everything overnight. Start with a clear problem you want to solve’.

From human to AI: Embracing change and thriving in the new world of work: From manufacturing to customer service, AI is making tasks faster, easier, and more efficient. It’s not just blue-collar jobs that are at risk; white-collar jobs are also feeling the heat as AI technology continues to advance and disrupt the job market.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Why Dubai’s AI and smart city strategy is attracting SEA startups: Its pragmatic approach to business has attracted interest from Singapore for years, with Singapore ranking among the top 10 sources of FDI into the city. 22 per cent of all project announcements from Singapore fall in the software and IT services segment.

Breaking free: How co-working spaces can shift Malaysia away from overwork: By promoting work-life balance, encouraging breaks, and prioritising productivity over hours, co-working spaces can help reduce the culture of overwork.

Is hybrid work arrangement the future of work?: Three out of four employees felt that flexible working arrangements should be the new norm in Singapore. One in two even expressed that if they were to look for a new job, they would only be open to an organisation that offers flexible working arrangements.

Embracing AI’s promise: Navigating the future of marketing: It’s crucial to remember that the marketing industry is not monolithic; it’s a rich tapestry of brand communicators, growth strategists, and product marketing professionals. Some have embraced the AI frontier more readily, revealing the landscape’s promises and pitfalls.

Can co-working spaces change Malaysia’s work habits?: Despite the increase in demand for co-working spaces, Malaysia is still not in a position to fully utilise them due to its working culture. This article delves into reasons why local firms still fail to understand the impact of co-working spaces.

Exploring Sri Lanka’s potential as a premier global IT hub: In many ways, Sri Lanka has cultural traits and practices similar to South India’s. Many South Indians, and in general, Indians have a strong inclination towards the STEM fields. India boasts the 2nd highest number of total graduates from STEM per year.

The power of financial models for startups: A guide for founders and VCs: A well-constructed financial model provides VCs with insights into whether a startup’s plan leads to a substantial opportunity. It serves as a compass, guiding both founders and investors through the intricacies of the market.

Why the next decade of influence belongs to those who build trust: The future of influence in Asia isn’t about bigger numbers; it’s about better alignment. Founders, speakers, and creators alike are learning that credibility, consistency, and care compound faster than any viral spike.

The future of AI for SMEs in South Asia: Many SMEs, particularly those in informal sectors, lack long credit histories. AI can help financial institutions evaluate them more accurately, enabling faster and fairer access to loans. In the future, SME owners will rely on real-time dashboards that replace guesswork with data-driven insights.

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Meta announced the successful completion of its inaugural Llama Incubator Program Demo Day, underscoring its commitment to driving open-source AI innovation in Singapore. After a rigorous evaluation process, three winning teams — CREX, MyRepublic Broadband, and Straits Interactive — were selected, along with three runners-up: AgriG8, IntentAI, and i-Sprint Innovations. Public sector teams from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Land Transport Authority (LTA), and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) also showcased their innovations.

“At Meta, we see ourselves as an ecosystem partner, working to advance AI capabilities and make their benefits widely accessible. The Llama Incubator Program exemplifies this drive, and we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Singapore government on this initiative. We are proud to support the Smart Nation 2.0 vision—empowering local small businesses and attracting startups to build and innovate in Singapore,” said Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President – India & Southeast Asia at Meta.

Partnerships power Singapore’s next wave of AI innovation

Meta’s Llama Incubator Program provided startups, SMEs, and public sector teams in Singapore with mentoring, technical resources, and funding to help them develop practical AI solutions. The program was delivered in close partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech Singapore), Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), AI Singapore, SGInnovate, e27, and Deloitte.

Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, delivered opening remarks at Meta Singapore’s Llama Incubator Demo Day. She noted Singapore’s AI activities have progressed from fringe to mainstream and stressed the need to build long-term capability and trust through continued experimentation. She said that incubators like Llama Incubator Program are key enablers of purposeful AI use across planning, prediction, personalization, automation, and anomaly detection, and that partnerships and community will remain vital for Singapore to remain competitive and drive continued digital and economic growth.

Also read: Singapore’s CREX named among top 3 teams at world’s first Meta Llama Incubator Demo Day

Turning AI innovation into real-world impact

More than 100 organizations participated in the foundational workshop held in March 2025. 40 organizations were selected for six months of dedicated business and technical mentoring, as well as training on responsible AI practices including Llama’s protection tools and the IMDA Starter kit for Safety Testing of LLM-based applications, Project Moonshot and AI Verify Testing Framework, empowering them to advance responsible AI innovation. 

Collectively, participants developed over 30 innovative Llama-powered solutions spanning the finance, healthcare, education, and public sectors. Winning teams receive US$30,000 each from Meta, with runners-up receiving US$10,000. 

“We are excited by the participation of global AI leaders like Meta in Singapore. The Llama Incubator Program is an example of how collaboration can rapidly translate cutting-edge technology into real-world solutions. By giving startups, SMEs and public agencies hands-on technical guidance, this opportunity will spur innovation, and provide hands-on experience, strengthening Singapore’s role as an AI hub in the region,” said Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President & Executive Director, Digital Industry Singapore.

Also read: The mentors behind the magic: Meet the experts guiding Singapore’s next AI breakthroughs

Partnering to accelerate AI adoption in enterprises

Meta has also partnered with AWS Singapore to offer eligible companies AWS credits. This empowers them to accelerate their solutions to market. As part of this collaboration, AWS hosted an enablement session for startups on utilizing Llama models with Amazon SageMaker AI and Amazon Bedrock. It will continue to provide tailored technical advisory and support.

“The digital economy is driving Singapore’s growth, and at the heart of it is the digital transformation of our local enterprises. IMDA is committed to helping our enterprises build digital capabilities, particularly in AI, to address business needs. Through the GenAI x Digital Leaders initiative, IMDA partners with global tech leaders like Meta to give our enterprises access to expertise and tools to harness AI for productivity and growth. Programs like Meta’s Llama Incubator provide hands-on experience to help companies navigate AI’s complexities, empowering them to innovate and sharpen their competitiveness,” said Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group, IMDA.

Meta has most recently expanded its multi-year Upskill with Meta program focused on helping SMEs modernize and reach  new audiences with the latest AI tools and solutions to accelerate growth, streamline operations, and drive success.

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The global financial landscape entered a period of pronounced fragility this week as a confluence of macroeconomic shocks, technical breakdowns, and institutional retrenchment converged to pressure risk assets across the board.

Nowhere was this more evident than in the cryptocurrency market, which shed 2.39 per cent over the past 24 hours and extended its weekly decline to 10.83 per cent. The sell-off did not occur in a vacuum. Instead, it unfolded against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical friction, banking sector stress, and shifting central bank narratives that collectively amplified risk-off sentiment and triggered a cascade of forced liquidations.

The immediate catalyst for the latest leg down came from former US President Donald Trump, who on October 10 announced a sweeping proposal to impose 100 per cent tariffs on all Chinese imports, effective November 1, alongside new export controls on critical software technologies.

The announcement rattled global markets. Within hours, Bitcoin tumbled 3.5 per cent to US$107,500, while altcoins suffered even steeper losses ranging from 15 per cent to 60 per cent. The move reignited fears of a full-blown trade war between the world’s two largest economies, prompting investors to flee speculative assets in favour of traditional safe havens.

Gold responded accordingly, climbing to a record US$4,361 per ounce, a 2.1 per cent gain, while the US Dollar Index softened by 0.46 per cent to 98.34. The Russell 2000 Index, a barometer of domestic risk appetite, fell 1.2 per cent, underscoring the breadth of the risk aversion.

What made this episode particularly significant for crypto was the reestablishment of a near-perfect correlation with traditional equities. Over the past 24 hours, Bitcoin’s price movement tracked the S&P 500 with a correlation coefficient of 0.948, the highest since 2023. This tight linkage signalled a return to the risk-on, risk-off regime that dominated markets during the post-pandemic monetary tightening cycle.

Also Read: From Tokyo to crypto: How political shifts and policy bets are reshaping global markets

In such an environment, crypto loses its identity as an uncorrelated asset and instead trades as a high-beta extension of the tech sector. With US equities already under pressure, Dow Jones down 0.65 per cent, S&P 500 down 0.63 per cent, Nasdaq down 0.47 per cent, the path of least resistance for Bitcoin became unmistakably lower.

Compounding the macro headwinds was a decisive technical breakdown in Bitcoin’s price structure. After consolidating for weeks within the US$115,000 to US$123,000 range, the flagship cryptocurrency finally breached the lower bound of that zone, closing decisively below US$115,000. This move invalidated a key support level that had held through multiple tests and opened the door to deeper downside. Technical analysts noted the emergence of a potential double-top pattern, with bearish confirmation hinging on a weekly close below US$110,000.

Adding to the negative momentum, both the 20-day and 50-day moving averages turned downward, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) plunged to 31.67, deep into oversold territory but not yet signalling a reversal. Futures market data revealed that open interest had actually risen by 2.3 per cent in the days leading up to the crash, suggesting that short sellers had positioned aggressively ahead of the breakdown, anticipating exactly this kind of macro-driven selloff.

Perhaps the most destabilising element of this week’s decline was the scale and speed of the leverage unwind. On October 16 alone, over US$724 million in crypto positions were liquidated across major exchanges, with long positions accounting for a staggering 74 per cent of that total.

This lopsided distribution pointed to excessive bullish positioning among retail traders, who had been riding the coattails of recent institutional inflows. The average funding rate across perpetual futures markets stood at +0.0052 per cent, reflecting persistent long-side pressure that left the market vulnerable to a sharp reversal.

When the macro shock hit, the resulting price drop triggered a domino effect. Margin calls forced leveraged longs to sell, which pushed prices lower, which triggered more liquidations. This feedback loop accelerated the decline and created a vacuum of buyers precisely when support was most needed.

Institutional participation, which had provided a crucial floor for prices in prior months, also pulled back sharply. Bitcoin ETF inflows, which surged to US$2.7 billion the previous week, collapsed to just US$571 million this week, a drop of US$2.129 billion. Grayscale’s GBTC alone saw US$22.5 million in outflows on October 16, marking a notable shift in sentiment among large players.

This cooling of institutional demand removed a key source of structural buying just as retail leverage was imploding. The result was a market caught between two stools: no longer buoyed by ETF-driven accumulation, and simultaneously crushed by retail deleveraging.

Also Read: The Fed at the crossroads: Rate cuts, political pressure, and the fragile balance of global markets

Meanwhile, central bank commentary added another layer of uncertainty. Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran, a voting member of the FOMC, signalled his intent to advocate for a half-percentage-point rate cut at the upcoming meeting, a dovish stance that initially supported risk assets but now appears at odds with persistent inflation concerns.

Conversely, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda kept the door open for further rate hikes, stating that the BOJ would continue tightening if confidence in its economic outlook strengthens. These divergent policy paths contributed to volatility in global bond markets, with the 10-year US Treasury yield falling 7 basis points to 3.97 per cent and the two-year yield dropping 8 basis points to 3.42 per cent. While lower yields typically support risk assets, the move this week reflected safe-haven demand rather than genuine monetary easing expectations, offering little comfort to crypto traders.

Even geopolitical developments weighed on sentiment. President Trump’s announcement that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet in Hungary to discuss ending the war in Ukraine introduced new uncertainty into energy markets. Brent crude fell 1.37 per cent to US$61.06 per barrel on fears that a negotiated settlement could ease sanctions and flood the market with Russian oil. While lower energy prices might normally support risk assets by curbing inflation, the opaque nature of the proposed talks raised concerns about broader geopolitical realignments that could destabilise existing alliances and trade flows.

Looking ahead, the critical level to watch remains US$110,000 for Bitcoin. A weekly close below this threshold would likely invite a wave of algorithmic selling and accelerate the move toward US$100,000. A strong bounce could signal that the worst of the deleveraging is over. Traders should closely monitor two key indicators in the coming days: US Treasury yields and Bitcoin ETF flows.

A reversal in ETF inflows, particularly if they return to the US$2 billion-plus levels seen recently, could provide the buying pressure needed to stabilise prices. Similarly, a stabilisation or decline in the 10-year yield would ease financial conditions and potentially reignite risk appetite.

Also Read: The great repricing: How fiscal anxiety is reshaping global markets from bonds to Bitcoin

Despite the current turbulence, Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals remain robust. Network hash rate continues to hover near all-time highs, reflecting strong miner commitment and infrastructure investment. On-chain activity, while subdued during the selloff, has not shown signs of capitulation among long-term holders. This suggests that the current weakness is driven more by short-term leverage and macro sentiment than by a fundamental erosion of value.

In conclusion, the crypto market now navigates a perfect storm of external pressures and internal fragilities. The triple threat of trade war escalation, technical breakdown, and institutional pullback has exposed the limits of crypto’s decoupling narrative. Until macro conditions stabilise and leverage levels normalise, volatility will remain elevated, and the path to recovery will depend less on crypto-specific developments and more on the broader trajectory of global risk sentiment.

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When e27 met Steven Su, CEO of Ubestream, at the Taiwan Innotech Expo 2025 in Taipei, we encountered an unexpected challenge: language. Our editor’s limited Mandarin and Su’s limited English could have made for a difficult interview. Instead, it became the perfect demonstration of what Ubestream stands for.

As Su spoke into a microphone, the platform seamlessly translated our questions and his responses in real time. There was no setup, calibration, or need for specific hardware. Within seconds, communication barriers vanished. This was not just a demo; it was a moment that proved how AI innovation can make human interaction more effortless and inclusive.

Ubestream’s technology automatically detects and translates a speaker’s language, making multilingual conversations possible for anyone, anywhere. It is a glimpse into how AI can potentially reshape how people connect—and at Taiwan Innotech Expo 2025, it was just the beginning.

Another powerful example of AI innovation came from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), one of Taiwan’s leading R&D organisations. The team is developing a vest that allows deaf individuals to experience live music through vibration.

Every beat, rhythm, and tone is translated into a series of tactile sensations ripple across the vest, allowing users to “feel” the music. During our conversation, Ko Hui Ching, Deputy Project Manager at ITRI, shared a video of a professional deaf dancer using the vest. Through the vest, the dancer sensed the melody and emotion of a song, translating them into choreography—a moving illustration of technology empowering artistic expression.

Also Read: AI and the human touch: How leadership paves the way

ITRI’s goal is not commercial profit but to promote cultural inclusion. The institute aims to make these vests available at performance venues, enabling cultural institutions to provide them for deaf patrons. It is an example of AI and sensory technology coming together to expand access to the arts for everyone, not only those with hearing impairments.

AI for care safety

Other areas that exhibitors at the event look at are safety and caregiving. From concert halls to the driver’s seat, AI at the expo showed its versatility.

One of the exhibitors, Steadybeat, is enhancing safety in AI cockpits and unmanned vehicles. Its system fuses data from images, sound, and other sensors to reduce low-frequency noise and create a calmer driving environment.

The same technology can even extend beyond the road. SteadyBeat’s team highlighted how the platform can monitor structural health in bridges, tunnels, and pipelines or aid in UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) communication with ground control. Such cross-domain applications underline the flexibility of Taiwan’s AI innovation ecosystem—one that thinks well beyond a single use case.

Meanwhile, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University researchers are turning vehicles into intelligent co-pilots. Their AI-powered platform monitors a driver’s behaviour to detect risky activities such as drowsiness or phone use. The system issues alerts before danger strikes, demonstrating how machine learning can augment human awareness and prevent accidents before they happen.

Also Read: AI for the rest of us: What it really looks like in a scrappy SME

Another standout exhibit, Ant CareSpot, tackled one of society’s most pressing challenges: eldercare. Roughly the size of a small rice cooker, the device uses AI to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and wellbeing without requiring the elderly to use any form of wearables.

But beyond health tracking, it can also serve as a conversation partner for elderly users, reducing isolation and fostering emotional connection. Each unit is deployed in care homes across Taiwan, assigned individually to residents. The blend of functionality and empathy makes Ant CareSpot a symbol of how AI innovation can address efficiency and humanity’s deeper needs.

A showcase of cross-domain collaboration

Held from October 16-18 at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, the Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) is jointly organised by 11 government departments and implemented by TAITRA and ITRI. This year’s theme, “AI-Driven Cross-Domain Innovation: Empowering the Smart Future,” captures the spirit of an event where research institutes, startups, and public agencies come together to redefine what tech can achieve.

With 439 exhibitors from 19 countries and over 1,100 innovations, TIE 2025 offers a panoramic view of how Taiwan aims to lead in science and technology. Nearly 70 of this year’s invention entries integrate AI, from sensory vests and cockpit safety systems to conversational care devices.

 

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Innovation rarely happens in isolation. Some of the most transformative breakthroughs emerge when different ecosystems intersect. This is when they bring together diverse strengths, perspectives, and priorities. This is exactly what we witnessed at the X-Hub Tokyo Singapore Demo Day 2025, an online event co-hosted by Deloitte that showcased the power of collaboration between Japan and Southeast Asia’s innovation communities.

The Demo Day was an ecosystem dialogue, a structured meeting point for startups, corporates, and investors from two dynamic regions. The result was a glimpse into how cross-border innovation is evolving beyond market entry strategies to genuine co-creation.

A convergence of complementary strengths

Japan and Southeast Asia bring distinct but complementary assets to the table. Japan offers deep R&D capabilities, world-class technical expertise, and corporate precision. Southeast Asia, meanwhile, contributes speed, agility, and access to fast-growing markets with a young, tech-savvy population.

This convergence was visible throughout the Demo Day. Japanese corporates are increasingly looking to Southeast Asia to accelerate innovation cycles and tap into emerging sectors, while Southeast Asian startups are looking to Japan for technological depth, global credibility, and structured partnerships.

The event brought together startups working in fields such as deep tech, healthcare, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing—areas where collaboration between these two ecosystems can generate disproportionate impact.

Also read: Scaling smarter: How Hong Kong founders are redefining growth

From pitching to co-creating

One of the most significant shifts on display was in the nature of startup–corporate interactions. Rather than startups simply pitching solutions to corporates, we saw a growing emphasis on co-creation—startups and corporates jointly identifying challenges, designing pilots, and building scalable solutions together.

This change reflects broader market trends. Corporate innovation teams in Japan are no longer just scanning for interesting technologies—they’re actively shaping collaborative programs that integrate startups into their R&D and market expansion strategies. On the other side, Southeast Asian startups are moving beyond transactional partnerships to build long-term, strategic collaborations.

Some clear themes emerged during the event:

1. Cross-border partnerships are shortening innovation cycles. By combining Japanese R&D depth with Southeast Asian speed, pilots and go-to-market strategies are being executed faster than traditional corporate timelines.
2. Deep tech and sustainability are rising as core collaboration themes. Whether in climate tech, healthtech, or manufacturing, startups are finding fertile ground for co-innovation with corporates that bring decades of expertise.
3. CVCs and accelerators play a crucial role as bridges. Corporate venture capital arms and accelerator programs are increasingly acting as translators and facilitators, aligning incentives and helping both sides navigate cultural and operational differences.

The power of ecosystem overlap

What’s happening between Japan and Southeast Asia goes beyond bilateral business development—it’s ecosystem overlap. Each side brings something the other needs, and together they create value that neither could achieve alone.

For Japan, Southeast Asia represents not just a market, but a living laboratory for rapid iteration and scaling. For Southeast Asia, Japan provides a gateway to advanced technologies and disciplined innovation processes that can accelerate global competitiveness.

This dynamic is particularly relevant in deep tech sectors, where the path to commercialization is often long and capital-intensive. By partnering with Japanese corporates, Southeast Asian startups can access advanced infrastructure and expertise. Conversely, Japanese firms gain a foothold in agile, high-growth markets that can help validate and scale their innovations.

Also read: Meta accelerates AI innovation in Singapore with Llama Incubator program demo day

A model for future cross-border innovation

The X-Hub Tokyo–Singapore Demo Day 2025 illustrated a powerful model for future cross-border innovation programs. It’s not about startups trying to “fit into” foreign ecosystems—it’s about designing shared innovation journeys. The most successful collaborations are those that combine the strengths of both ecosystems from the start.

As global challenges become increasingly complex, no single ecosystem can tackle them alone. Cross-border co-creation allows us to pool capabilities, accelerate learning cycles, and unlock new market opportunities in ways that siloed innovation simply can’t.

Collaboration is the new engine of growth

As we reflect on the outcomes of the Demo Day, it’s clear that the partnership between Japan and Southeast Asia is entering a more mature, strategic phase. The days of one-way technology transfer are giving way to mutual innovation ecosystems, where both sides contribute, learn, and grow together.

This is a blueprint for how innovation will increasingly happen in a connected world. Ecosystems that collaborate across borders will be better positioned to create transformative impact.

For founders, corporates, and ecosystem builders, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who innovate together.

Interested in creating impact with us? Contact Innovate here.

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A new study by healthcare AI startup Ubie has revealed that Singapore ranks top globally with an AI Hub Score of 95 out of 100.

The research analysed AI job openings on LinkedIn, company density on Crunchbase, average salaries, research institutions, government funding, and cost of living affordability.

These metrics were combined into an AI Hub Score to identify which cities offer the strongest ecosystems for AI development and innovation.

Also Read: Why Dubai’s AI and smart city strategy is attracting Southeast Asian startups

Key stats for Singapore:

• AI jobs listed: 1,100
• AI Hub Score: 95
• AI companies on Crunchbase: 666
• Average AI salary: US$123,000 per year
• AI research institutions: 3

 

According to the data, Singapore leads with 1,100 AI job openings on LinkedIn, the highest among all ranked cities. The city also hosts 666 AI companies listed on Crunchbase and offers an average annual salary of US$123,000 for AI specialists.

Singapore is home to three major AI institutions, including the Centre for Frontier AI Research and the NUS AI Lab. The combination of job availability, company density, and research infrastructure gave Singapore the highest overall score.

Top 10 AI hubs

• Boston, the US, claims second place with an AI Hub Score of 93. The city matches Singapore’s company density, with 626 AI firms listed on Crunchbase, and offers a higher average salary of US$134,000.
• Berlin, Germany, ranks third with a score of 90. The city has nine AI research institutions, the most of any ranked city, more than triple the number of Singapore and Boston combined. Despite having 526 AI companies and 465 job openings, Berlin offers the lowest salaries among top-ranked hubs at US$74,000 annually.
• Austin, the US, secures fourth place with an AI Hub Score of 88. The Texas capital leads in company density, with 892 AI firms listed on Crunchbase, yet has only one dedicated research institution: the University of Texas. Average salaries here reach US$135,000, making it one of the highest-paying markets for AI talent. The city lists 555 active job openings.

Also Read: A brief history of AI: Is winter coming?

• Paris, France, rounds out the top five with a score of 85. The French capital hosts the highest number of AI companies in the ranking at 1,100 firms, nearly double Berlin’s count. AI specialists earn an average of US$80,000 annually, while benefiting from a cost of living that’s three times lower than in Singapore. The city has 339 job openings and three research institutions.

As per a recent Salesforce study, Singapore ranks second globally—and first in Asia Pacific—for overall AI readiness. The recognition reinforces Singapore’s longstanding leadership in AI and underscores its national strategy’s effectiveness in laying the groundwork for the next phase of AI transformation: agentic AI.

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Southeast Asia’s fintech startups collectively raised US$839 million during the first nine months of 2025 (9M 2025), reflecting a continued cooling trend in regional investment.

The total capital inflow marks a 39 per cent decline compared to the US$1.4 billion raised in 9M 2024 and a 56 per cent drop compared to the US$1.9 billion recorded in 9M 2023, according to the Southeast Asia FinTech Report by Tracxn.

Also Read: Fintech rebound: Singapore bags US$1.04B, outpaces global peers

Despite the overall contraction in funding activity, Singapore solidified its position as the central hub for fintech investments, capturing 84 per cent of the total funding raised across the region. Jakarta followed distantly, contributing 4 per cent of the region’s fintech funding.

The massive decline in overall funding was primarily driven by steep drops in investments across the seed and early stages. Seed-stage funding stood at US$62.3 million in 9M 2025, a reduction of 63 per cent from 9M 2024 and 64 per cent lower than 9M 2023. Early-stage investments fared similarly, totalling US$219 million, which represents a 66 per cent drop compared to 9M 2024 and 70 per cent less than 9M 2023.

However, late-stage funding showed stability. Late-stage investments held steady at US$558 million, matching the level seen in 9M 2024. This figure was still 45 per cent below the US$1.0 billion recorded in 9M 2023.

Mega rounds stabilise late stage

The stability in late-stage funding was supported by three significant US$100 million-plus funding rounds, up from two such rounds in 9M 2024. The notable mega-rounds recorded during the period included Thunes (US$150 million, Series D), Airwallex (US$150 million, Series F), and bolttech (US$147 million, Series C). These deals underscore strong investor backing for select growth-stage fintech players.

Investor participation remained active across all stages. DST Global Partners and Unbound were identified as the top late-stage investors, while Iterative, 500 Global, and 1337 Ventures were the most prominent investors at the seed stage. Peak XV Partners, OSK Ventures International Berhad, and Citi Ventures played leading roles in early-stage growth investments.

Acquisitions and public markets

The region recorded two initial public offerings (IPOs) in 9M 2025–Antalpha and TCBS–marking a 100 per cent increase compared to the single IPO seen in 9M 2024. The number of IPOs matched the two recorded in 9M 2023. Additionally, the fintech ecosystem saw the creation of one new unicorn in 9M 2025, consistent with the number created in 9M 2024.

Also Read: Is fintech in SEA changing its focus for further development?

Acquisition momentum, however, slowed down. Fintech companies in Southeast Asia recorded 13 acquisitions in 9M 2025, a 43 per cent drop compared to 23 acquisitions in 9M 2024. Strategic consolidation within the sector continued, with the highest-valued acquisition being KFin Technologies’s acquisition of ASCENT for US$34.7 million. This was followed by Titanlab’s acquisition of Coinseeker for US$30.0 million.

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In today’s linked world, people and businesses can’t succeed alone; they need to form partnerships and collaborate in order to accomplish shared objectives. Partners can promote innovation, solve challenging challenges, and generate positive change by combining their networks, resources, and skills. Partnerships of all kinds—between businesses, nonprofits, and the government—need open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a shared goal for the future in order to be effective.

Collaboration not only makes things easier to accomplish, but it also brings people closer together and fosters understanding and empathy. Cooperative efforts allow for the exchange of varied viewpoints and ideas, which in turn generates novel and original solutions. As an added bonus, when people pull together, it builds a support system of people and groups that can help each other out when times go tough. Collaboration is crucial because it allows individuals and organisations to create a greater impact when they work together.

This includes things like being able to make better use of resources, communicating more effectively, and increasing efficiency. By bringing together complementary perspectives, strong partnerships facilitate improved decision-making and problem-solving. In order to accomplish shared objectives and effect positive change in any setting, it is crucial to establish solid partnerships.

Benefits of partnerships

Facilitates thorough and fast resolution of complex issues that can be shared by project partners. Partners can have a bigger effect by pooling their resources. Partnerships also allow firms to share information and skills to solve problems more creatively. Partners’ resources and knowledge can lead to innovative solutions and long-term benefits.

Partnerships can help address social, environmental, and economic issues more sustainably and effectively. Collaboration allows businesses to build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses, resulting in a more complete and effective problem-solving approach. This collaboration helps the partners and the communities and people they serve, creating a beneficial ripple effect. Partnerships can alter the world by sharing knowledge and experience.

Partnerships allow organisations to reach more stakeholders and have more influence, making it more feasible. Sharing resources and abilities can sometimes lead to innovative solutions that were previously impossible. These ties allow companies to work together to achieve goals and make a difference. If they collaborate, they can solve tough issues and create a more sustainable future.

Also Read: Grab supports digital currencies top-ups under partnership with Triple-A

This allows for more investments in research, development, and worldwide problem-solving solutions. Organisations can use their combined expertise and resources to have a big impact on society and the environment by working together. Partnerships allow companies to do more together than they could alone, creating a more successful and sustainable future for all.

Improved innovation and creativity

When organisations collaborate in partnerships, they are able to pool their expertise and knowledge, leading to increased innovation and creativity. By working together, different perspectives and ideas can be shared, sparking new approaches and solutions to complex problems.

This collaborative environment fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, driving organisations to push boundaries and think outside the box. Ultimately, improved innovation and creativity within partnerships can lead to groundbreaking advancements and breakthroughs that benefit society as a whole.

Things have the potential to bring about a revolution in various industries and to enhance the quality of life for people all over the world. We can move society toward a brighter and more sustainable future by embracing variety and supporting collaboration among partners. This can result in exponential growth and advancement on the part of society.

In the context of the global landscape, the opportunities for effective change become endless as firms promote diversity and teamwork. This presents the opportunity for a new era of invention and creativity to emerge. When brought together, different points of view have the potential to make a significant contribution to the creation of a better tomorrow for everyone.

Enhanced impact and reach

When organisations collaborate, they are able to harness their combined resources and experience to have a greater effect on a broader scale, thereby benefiting a greater number of individuals and communities who are in need. Because of this enhanced reach, it is possible to implement solutions in a more effective and efficient manner, which will ultimately result in a future that is more viable and equal for everyone. The potential for positive change is limitless, and it will inspire optimism and progress for decades to come if efforts to improve impact and reach are increased.

Working together, various organisations can reach more people with important topics and raise more awareness about them. It is possible to increase the impact of messages and the momentum of projects by pooling resources and working together.

In addition to bringing more attention to pressing problems, this has the dual benefit of inspiring more people to take action and build a better world for everybody. Teamwork has the potential to make a bigger difference than what any one person could achieve on their own, leading to long-term improvements for everyone.

Tips for building strong partnerships

Enhancing the visibility of a partnership through the utilisation of networks can serve to amplify the message and reach of the collaboration, thereby bringing more supporters and resources to the cause.

It is possible to have a greater impact and mobilise a larger group towards a common goal if one is able to reach a wider audience with shared objectives.

Also Read: Why partnerships are key to reduce environmental crisis impact in Asia

Partnerships have the potential to generate more support and engagement, which in turn can lead to more participation, funding, and overall success in the accomplishment of shared goals. By emphasising case studies of successful partnerships, businesses have the opportunity to gain knowledge from the methods and practices that have resulted in successful collaborations in the past.

Additionally, providing advice on how to form effective relationships, such as having open lines of communication, having values that are equal to one another, and respecting one another, can assist in guiding future attempts toward success.

In conclusion

Therefore, in order for companies to promote innovation, attain sustainability, and create an influence that will last, it is vital for them to cultivate solid partnerships. Organisations are able to construct partnerships that are founded on trust and mutual benefit if they adhere to best practices and get knowledge from many successful case studies.

A partnership has the potential to flourish and contribute to better success in the accomplishment of shared objectives if there is clear communication, a commitment to collaboration, and shared values.

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In Malaysia, the culture of overworking has become a widespread issue. Several reasons drive overworking: long working hours, the pressure to “always be available”, or the increased cost of living, which is taking a toll on the workforce. Malaysians find themselves sacrificing their time for work with little time to rest, often struggling with stress and burnout. This is evident as Malaysia is ranked the second most overworked country in Asia by 2023.

Some industries promote excessive work cultures, believing that pushing employees to their limits will yield better results and productivity. This remains one of the most common mistakes that managers make because while employees are always appreciated for putting in hard work, they do not draw a line between hard work and working extremely hard. This leads to decreased productivity, burnout, mental health issues, and strained family relationships.

As remote work has gained popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, many have found it difficult to draw a line between work and personal life, and they always feel like they’re on the clock. A 2023 report indicates that remote job listings have risen by 8% in the previous year. Although remote work comes with its benefits, employees may have to be “always available”, which pressures them to respond to emails and calls at all times.

The problem with overworking in Malaysia

High living costs in areas like Kuala Lumpur force many workers to push themselves to make ends meet. Meanwhile, employees have to put in extra hours to secure promotions or to just keep their jobs in the competitive job market. Managers often see working overtime as increased productivity. Although research shows that overworking leads to reduced productivity and is prone to more mistakes, many companies are still promoting the overtime culture.

The solution lies in rethinking how and where we work. This is where co-working space comes in but how exactly can it help alleviate overwork in offices?

Flexibility and control over work schedules

Co-working spaces provide an alternative to both traditional and fully virtual office environments. They offer flexible work settings where individuals can rent desks or private offices, meeting rooms, and other amenities on a short-term or long-term basis. Co-working spaces are not just shared offices, they can offer a sense of community and collaboration which can directly address overworking.

Also Read: Can co-working spaces change Malaysia’s work habits?

Co-working spaces are built on the idea of flexibility, giving employees the freedom to choose when and how they work, effectively managing their time to reduce overworking. Employees can choose to work during their most productive hours, whether early in the morning or later in the day, without the constraints of a rigid 9-to-5 schedule.

WORQ offers solutions that can be customised and designed to suit companies’ frameworks and policies. For example, MNCs can utilise the hub-and-spoke model allowing employees to work from any WORQ outlet depending on their locations. This helps to reduce the pressure to conform to rigid office hours and encourages more sustainable and efficient use of time, leading to improved productivity at work.

It also fosters a community where businesses can connect and collaborate, opening the door to potential business growth. This support network gives businesses the resources they need to work smarter by leveraging one another’s strengths.

Work-life boundaries are clearer

One of the hardest parts of remote work is the blurring lines between professional and personal time. When your living room or bedroom acts as your office too, it can be hard to switch off from work, potentially leading to extended hours. Co-working spaces provide a clear physical boundary between home and work. Employees can mentally separate their work from their personal space when working in a dedicated office space.

This physical separation establishes a healthy work-life balance. When they leave the space at the end of the day, they can truly “clock out” and focus on personal or family time. This simple act creates a sense of routine and structure that are lacking in remote work.

Encouraging a result-oriented culture

In many traditional office environments, employees are judged by the hours they spend on their tasks rather than the quality of work they produce. This culture contributes to overworking, as employees feel the need to stay late or arrive early just to be seen as
dedicated. The goal is to work smarter, not harder and this shift helps employees manage their time effectively, reducing the need for excessive hours.

WORQ aims to break away from the “factory mindset” that equates physical attendance to productivity. They provide an environment where results matter more than the hours clocked in, allowing employees to deliver their best work without being confined to rigid schedules. Employees can choose to work at their preferred working schedule to maximise productivity,
in the morning or evening, as co-working spaces can operate 24/7 to accommodate business needs.

Also Read: How companies can manage data privacy in hybrid and multi-cloud work environments

Supporting creativity and comfort

Unlike traditional office spaces, co-working environments are designed to foster creativity and flexibility. Instead of sitting in a cubicle all day, employees have the freedom to move around and work in different areas of the space, choosing the environment that suits their mood or task.

At WORQ, we offer a range of professional amenities, including coffee and snacks, a printing station, telephone booths, and meeting rooms. For moments of relaxation, there are leisure facilities such as game rooms, sleeping pods, gym rooms, and a pantry. These amenities make it easier for workers to strike a balance between productivity and relaxation, reducing stress and preventing burnout.

The role of co-working in reducing overworking

By creating an environment that promotes work-life balance, encourages breaks, and focuses on productivity over hours, co-working spaces can play a crucial role in reducing the culture of overwork. As more Malaysians embrace this flexible way of working, there’s potential for a shift toward healthier work habits and a more sustainable approach to professional life.

Co-working spaces are not just an alternative office solution—they are a way to rethink how work is done. For individuals looking to break free from the pressures of overworking, co-working spaces provide a supportive, flexible environment that could lead to a healthier and more balanced future for Malaysia’s workforce.

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As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in our daily lives, I find myself focusing more and more on trust. For me, trust is now just as crucial as innovation, especially when AI ventures into deeply personal domains like faith, wellness, and mental health. These are not merely technical fields; they are emotional, spiritual, and profoundly human.

Where AI meets the soul: Wellness, faith, and spirituality

I have watched and personally experienced how AI is intruding into areas once thought to be exclusively human. Whether it is mental health support or spiritual guidance, the technology is being tasked with empathy, nuance, and moral sensitivity.

• Mental health and wellness: AI tools now provide 24/7 counselling support, offering personalised meditation guidance, and even detecting early signs of mental health issues. For friends in remote areas who cannot easily access a therapist, these tools have been a lifeline. Some are getting daily emotional check-ins, or, as a caregiver, using guided AI breathing exercises to manage stress; these experiences are increasingly real.
• Faith and spiritual exploration: In my faith community, people are turning to AI for scriptural guidance, tailored prayer support, and spiritual reflection in safe, non-judgmental environments. For those far from traditional religious centres or hesitant to approach clergy, these tools provide new avenues for spiritual growth and exploration.
• Personalised wellness: I have also tried wellness apps that build custom fitness routines and nutrition plans, adapting to my evolving needs.  Although convenient and personalised, I am acutely aware they raise serious ethical as well as emotional questions.

The risks: When AI oversteps

Despite the appeal of personalisation and convenience, I am keenly aware of the risks that come when AI edges into life’s most intimate spaces. I can think of a few pitfalls:

• Harmful or inaccurate advice: AI often lacks human judgment, sometimes oversimplifying or misreading complex emotional or spiritual problems.
• Commodifying the Sacred: I worry about reducing spiritual growth or mental wellness to just algorithms. These journeys usually need real human connection, discernment, and community.
• Privacy and data sensitivity: Some AI tools gather deeply personal beliefs and struggles, raising pressing fears about data misuse or surveillance.
• Conflicting guidance: AI can unintentionally reinforce harmful ideas or contradict doctrine and best practices. Because it “feels” authoritative, this can be dangerous.
• Replacing human roles: Will AI gradually edge out therapists, spiritual leaders, or wellness professionals? The loss of human presence concerns me, especially where healing and personal growth are concerned.

Also Read: The real story behind AI project implementation: Why it’s not (just) about technology

My case study: Magisterium AI and the catholic church

I have extensively used Magisterium AI, a Vatican-endorsed tool to answer questions and learn about Catholic doctrine, Canon law, and Church teachings. Unlike generic chatbots, it is unique: every answer draws from a curated library of over 23,000 official Church documents, encyclicals, and scriptural references.

I trust Magisterium.com because:

• Its expert curation delivers doctrinal accuracy I can rely on.
• Every answer is transparently sourced; I can trace anything it says straight to an authoritative document.
• It has already been widely adopted by clergy, scholars, and lay people in over 125 countries and multiple languages.

The level of transparency and traceability are exactly what I now see as non-negotiable in faith-based AI. It has become my personal benchmark for responsible spiritual technology.

However, when I first tried it, I did wonder; can any AI truly grasp the nuance of spiritual life? I have heard similar feedback from others: sometimes the tone is too mechanical, or the answers feel detached from the lived experience of faith. Users often ask for more empathy and practical connection.

The Vatican, for its part, has put strong guardrails in place:

• All AI-generated Church content must be clearly labelled. In the Church’s case, this is “IA” (intelligensa artificiale).
• A dedicated AI ethics commission oversees both development and compliance.
• All AI use is held to principles of human dignity, peace, and responsible oversight.

Also Read: Operational AI: The silent, yet, strategic revolution shaping modern business

Southeast Asia: A unique landscape of faith and AI

Here in Southeast Asia, I noticed that religious and administrative bodies are taking a proactive, hands-on role in the spiritual uses of AI. Malaysia’s JAKIM and Singapore’s MUIS are prime examples; these organisations curate AI development closely, using locally-relevant texts and ensuring doctrinal fidelity and cultural fit for Shariah-compliant AI.

In multi-racial,-cultural and -religious heterogenous Southeast Asia, these features stand out:

• Increasing digital literacy and rapid adoption blend with deep religious diversity and unique doctrinal standards.
• Religious and government bodies are not spectators; they regulate and guide AI development directly.
• Radical transparency and contextual sensitivity are essential.

Final thoughts: Building trust in the age of AI

AI’s impact on faith, wellness, and mental health has enormous potential, but one must be highly cognisant of the risks. The way forward demands:

• Absolute transparency about how AI tools are built and what data they use.
• Real human oversight to guarantee empathy and ethical alignment.
• Deep cultural and doctrinal sensitivity, especially in pluralistic places like Southeast Asia.

Ultimately, we need to keep asking: not just what AI can do, but how it should do and, above all, who it should truly serve.

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