Visiting a friend with younger children, I had the excruciating moment of re-discovering stepping on a LEGO block. As I gouged out this little red block of sharp angles and contemplated it, I realised this toy and brand have been with me my entire life, and it looks exactly the same as when I played with it (which is definitely a few years ago).

It is such a simple design and idea, and yet it has persisted as one of the largest toy companies in the world. As I googled, I saw this Danish company’s US$9.7 billion revenue had “out-paced” the toy industry.  I also realised it had been around since the 1930s.  The actual patent expired in 1989.

So how has such a simple, aged toy maintained such a dominant position in the “Plastic Construction Toy” category?   And how has a Danish company with a small domestic market driven this global success?

Take a step back and ask where you have seen LEGO recently. As a Star Wars kit? As an amusement park experience (LEGOLAND)? At the Levi’s store, embedded into a jean jacket? At a retail mall with models on display? As a combined online and offline interaction? The answer is correct for all. And it is only the tip of the iceberg of where and how LEGO shows up in its ecosystem.

LEGO is not just plastic construction toy, it is an entire experience around their key sub-brand “Bricks World”, enabled primarily via a clear and compelling Ecosystem Strategy.

Think about the LEGO joint branding and marketing deals with the biggest brands out there. They don’t go small with their marketing alliances. It’s Disney (including Star Wars and Marvel Comics), Warner Studio (which also includes DC comics), Adidas, IKEA, or Levi’s. They do deals with governments for LEGOLAND (Malaysia, Dubai, USA, Germany, Japan). It’s education-oriented, similar to NASA or the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

But it’s also the huge digital component of the experience.   It’s offline but online as well, with over 180 video games released.  It’s “LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game”, but it’s the fluid experience across physical (retail, community, leisure park), online, and physical home-play.

“The entire Lego ecosystem is actually, I think, only at the beginning. So, it’s less about just creating an e-commerce store or an online store. It is really about this entire digital ecosystem and creating that future,” said LEGO CEO Niels B. Christiansen.

Also Read: Lead, don’t follow: The essential guide to category creation and market domination

It is clear that LEGO is executing an experience ecosystem strategy. They are the orchestrators for this and have a clear strategic intent to continue evolving this experience and ecosystem and to continue dominating the Plastic Construction Toy category.

From blocks to chips

Let’s shift our thinking from plastic interconnecting blocks to the more complex semiconductor chips.  Whether you know it or not, the smartphone device you currently have in your hand or beside you invariably has most of its chips linked to the company Advanced RISC Machine (ARM).

In fact, 90 per cent of smartphones produced globally have ARM designs in them (and thus pay royalties to ARM). For “higher-end smartphones”, the market penetration and share are an astounding 99 per cent.

As a global success story, driven by a UK based company, it has been largely driven by an ecosystem strategy, but one with a very different nuance than LEGO’s.

This category and ecosystem of “Processor IP” has brought together silicon, system and software companies to ship more than 250 billion ARM-based chips to date.  These players are often ruthless competitors (Apple and Samsung for example), but participation in the ecosystem means “the sum is greater than the parts” and specific benefits arise. Joint research into chip design benefits all players involved, even though they also compete with each other.

This is a design ecosystem that was built by ARM and continues to dominate.

“Ecosystem strategy” is eclipsing “platform as a strategy”

The above ecosystem examples go beyond the traditional model of a business network of suppliers, partners and customers. However, it also goes beyond the more recent models around a managed platform of products and services.

In both the LEGO and ARM cases, the domestic market and country of origin have not held back the success of the company but have, in fact, induced a “think different” approach around their category and ecosystem.

Also Read: Leading the category, then losing it all: What WeWork can teach us

Don’t find your tribe, build it

So, how do I get started with this design thinking and strategy?

Start with the category you are in or want to be in. What problem are we solving? What entire experience are we delivering? How can we tell a great point of view that leads with this perspective (and doesn’t immediately lead with your product or company)?

A category (or ecosystem) cannot exist as one company. Categories and ecosystems feed off of each other. Visualise (draw) the ecosystem with your company as one slice of it, but what other players/components/influencers are there?  Does this visualisation truly describe both the category and ecosystem?

What role will you play in the ecosystem? Will you be the instigator? Or do you believe you can be the orchestrator? Think carefully—the resourcing required to truly be the orchestrator and to maintain that role is substantial.

How will information and knowledge sharing occur and be managed across the ecosystem? Can you add this to the visualisation?

How do data, transactions, or the experience flow?  Will there be transaction and data sharing?

How will business and technology innovation occur via the ecosystem?

By designing and catalysing this category and symbiotic ecosystem, how big does it get?  What new economics are created (beyond the basic TAM (Total Addressable Market) of the existing market)?  How do participants in the ecosystem benefit?

Admittedly, these are rudimentary questions that require a lot of thought and delivery on very complex issues.  But start there and do not let your geo, market, or thinking hold you back.  It is about designing a category, ecosystem, and global levels!

Lead, don’t follow!

It has been my  privilege to work in, and with, companies who are truly designing and dominating their category, with the ecosystem strategy at its very heart.  Carpe Diem!

—

Are you ready to join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry experts? Do you have insights, experiences, and knowledge to share?

Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem.

Image credit: Canva Pro

This article was first published on July 30, 2024

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Corporate buyers, much like individual consumers, now expect quicker decision-making and tailored solutions that address their immediate needs. With more stakeholders and complex requirements involved, the B2B sales process has become longer and more intricate, making it essential for businesses to adapt to these shifting expectations.

In the security technology industry, AI-powered surveillance systems are gaining significant traction. In 2023, the demand for these systems saw a spike, with businesses increasingly adopting them to enhance both their operational and security needs.

Companies like i-PRO, a provider of advanced AI-powered surveillance solutions, have witnessed this shift firsthand. To meet this growing demand for more efficient, data-driven security, they are leveraging edge AI processing in CCTV cameras to enable real-time data analysis.

This approach reduces reliance on cloud-based systems and addresses businesses’ needs for quicker, more accurate security measures. It also highlights the growing pressure on suppliers to adapt to evolving demands, such as clients seeking more tailored solutions.

However, this shift has also led to a growing involvement of multiple decision-makers in the procurement process, resulting in longer closing cycles. Aligning the interests and balancing the requirements of various stakeholders often delays decision-making.

Companies are now challenged with securing deals in an environment where each stakeholder has differing views on a technology’s capabilities and requirements. As a result, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate these complexities while staying competitive.

The need for new strategies

Technological advancements have changed the way sales strategies work: you can now reach a wider audience at a faster rate. The adoption of AI technology in retail, such as sales automation, has streamlined processes, benefitting both customers and companies alike. Companies must therefore continuously innovate to remain competitive, learning to balance advancing technology with the practical, often immediate, needs of buyers.

Given the challenges in the B2B sales environment, staying adaptable is crucial in response to shifting buyer behaviour, technological advancements, and longer decision cycles. Therefore, it is important to align business strategies with these evolving market demands and technological trends.

Also Read: The long and winding road to e-commerce profitability

This is where education and upskilling comes in.

For students at PSB Academy, access to information on emerging trends like AI, digital marketing, and data analytics is vast. Courses such as Global Business (Top-up) are designed for professionals aiming to start a career in management, covering areas like strategy, marketing, project management, and entrepreneurship.

More importantly, for established professionals in the industry looking to enhance their skills, the course prepares them to address the complexities of modern B2B sales. By learning from real-life case studies and industry experts around the world, PSB Academy helps adapt their approach to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders and ever-changing demands.

Staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving market means providing learners with growth and security in their careers.

As the demands for personalised, efficient, and data-driven solutions continue to grow, companies that fail to innovate risk falling behind. The key to success lies in continuous adaptation and a commitment to understanding and addressing the complexities of today’s B2B buying environment.

Businesses must embrace adaptability, invest in digital sales and marketing tools, and prioritise ongoing employee training to keep up with these changes. This means staying ahead of technological advancements, aligning with diverse stakeholder interests, and maintaining a customer-first approach to sales.

—

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

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The post Bridging the financial inclusion gap in Asia: The role of fintech appeared first on e27.

We are navigating through a period marked by multiple challenges. The pandemic, followed by ongoing geopolitical tensions worldwide and the growing impact of climate change, is changing how we live. 

While these issues have impacted the lives of many people, crisis preparedness has also strengthened. With each crisis, consumers are responding quicker and are more efficient in securing essential goods to tide them through with as little impact on their daily lives as possible.   

Barriers to accessing food and groceries 

As consumers prepare for a crisis, some are facing increased difficulties in accessing items like food and groceries due to physical barriers and psychological stress.

Long lines at supermarkets, limited product availability in stores, and transportation issues can make shopping a hassle. At times, consumers may find it hard to get everything they need and end up purchasing unnecessary items or stockpiling more than necessary.

Supermarkets may face temporary disruptions in their supply chains while adjusting to the spike in demand. We saw similar behaviour during the early days of the pandemic, with consumers buying large quantities of toilet paper, which briefly created shortages in stores worldwide.

Additionally, consumers may feel added pressure to prepare quickly, especially when faced with the uncertainty of crises. Recent events like fast-approaching natural disasters have shown that this behaviour tends to intensify during such times.

These challenges signal a growing need for a more efficient system — one that offers convenience, safety, and most importantly a peace of mind. 

Also Read: The long and winding road to e-commerce profitability

Preparing for crisis in comfort

In Southeast Asia, mobile and internet connectivity has grown rapidly, making access to quick commerce platforms like foodpanda easier. With tech-enabled quick commerce, consumers can prepare for crises without having to leave their homes.

Quick commerce offers convenience, safety and speed. With just a few clicks, consumers can have food and groceries delivered to their doorsteps, avoiding the chaos of crowded stores and ensuring access to the products they need. Another key advantage is the speed of delivery — essential goods can be ordered and delivered within the hour, ensuring that consumers are well-prepared even when time is limited. 

For example, during the recent pre-typhoon season in Taiwan, foodpanda shops saw a significant surge in order volumes — an increase of 45 per cent in daily orders — particularly for essential items as consumers prepared for the storm. Popular items ordered include: vegetables, dairy products, frozen food, canned products and instant meals.

As customers prepare to stay indoors for extended periods during the typhoon, convenient meals rose to one of the top items ordered on shops, indicating a shift towards items with longer shelf life and easy to prepare foods. 

A similar trend was also observed in Bangladesh. During the riots in July, Bangladesh saw continued demand in quick commerce orders amidst curfews and internet shutdowns. However, contrary to Taiwan, Bangladesh actually saw an increased demand for fruits. In this case, consumers prioritised ordering perishable but essential items, which could be difficult to procure as people could not leave their houses. 

Also Read: Why e-commerce startups will revolutionise the supply chain in Southeast Asia

Shaping the future of crisis preparedness in Asia

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. In the context of emergency food aid, this translates to ensuring access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all people, particularly during times of crisis such as natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies.

With Asia considered the world’s most disaster-affected region in 2023 and climate change exacerbating the frequency and severity of these events, consumers need to be well-prepared with a robust emergency preparedness plan. Quick commerce, which involves the instant delivery of essential goods and services, will be more important than ever as crises hit the region with shorter lead times. 

In addition to improving rapid response in crisis situations, quick commerce will also help drive efficiency throughout the supply chain, from inventory management and order processing to last-mile delivery. It allows businesses to reach more customers in a shorter amount of time. In a crisis situation, where every minute matters, that is critical.

—

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.

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Dear reader,

Bukalapak’s strategic pivot away from physical product sales to focus on virtual offerings marks a bold evolution in its business model. As competition intensifies in Indonesia’s e-commerce landscape, this decision underscores the platform’s commitment to long-term sustainability and adaptability.

By discontinuing physical goods, which contribute less than 3 per cent to its revenue, Bukalapak is redirecting efforts towards virtual products, gaming, retail, and investment services – sectors it identifies as high-growth opportunities.

This transition is further bolstered by the company’s robust financial health, with IDR 19 trillion in cash reserves, signalling ample capacity to invest in innovation and scale its digital ecosystem.

However, the specifics of Bukalapak’s virtual product offerings remain unclear, leaving questions about how it plans to differentiate itself amidst established digital players. The emphasis on virtualisation aligns with industry trends but necessitates a precise execution strategy to retain relevance and user trust.

Bukalapak’s assurances to support sellers and uphold customer rights are prudent, yet the success of this transition hinges on maintaining seamless user experiences.

As it advances into uncharted territory, Bukalapak’s ability to innovate and deliver value will determine whether this strategic gamble secures its position as a leader in Indonesia’s evolving digital economy.

Sainul,
Editor.

—-

NEWS & VIEWS

Bukalapak to shift focus from physical goods to virtual products in strategic overhaul
Bukalapak, which has been evolving since 2021 into a broader e-commerce platform, will gradually discontinue physical product sales starting in February 2025 | This pivot is essential to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

O’Leary, McCourt team up to acquire TikTok
This initiative aims to secure ownership and has reportedly secured verbal commitments up to US$20B | This comes as TikTok faces a potential US ban on January 19, 2025, unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the app.

Ex-Terraform Labs CEO Do Kwon to face fraud trial in 2026
The charges against Kwon relate to the collapse of Terraform Labs’ algorithmic stablecoin, TerraUSD, which resulted in estimated losses of US$40B and a wider crisis in the cryptocurrency industry in 2022.

SEA startup funding sees mixed results in December 2024
Startups in the region raised a total of US$210M across 15 rounds | While this represents a 44.59% increase compared to November 2024, it also marks a 142.21% decrease compared to December 2023.

Employment Hero expands to Canada with US$69.6M acquisition of Humi
Thousands of Humi’s SME customers will gain access to Employment Hero’s all-in-one platform for payroll, HR, and benefits | Employment Hero’s eOS integrates HR, payroll, recruitment, and employee engagement tools.

Endowus secures US$17.5M for AI investments, market expansion
The investors include Prosus Ventures, UBS, and MUFG | The digital wealth advisory firm said that client assets under its management recently surpassed US$7B across its operations in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Integra, USAID partner to invest in women-led early-stage startups
The programme will target companies that are “offering inclusive digital finance and other essential services supporting traditionally underserved consumers and small businesses”.

bukaPO secures seed funding to empower Indonesia’s home chefs
Bali Investment Club and elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalisation co-led round | BukaPO is an online platform that connects home-based culinary businesses with individual and corporate clients in Indonesia.

Vietnamese edtech platform Kyna English secures Series B
The investors are Asia Business Builders and DTP Education Group | The investment will enable Kyna English to expand its operations to countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Laos.

Former Toplyne CEO Rishen Kapoor rejoins Peak XV Partners
Kapoor co-founded Toplyne in 2021 | The AI-powered platform helped product-led businesses convert free users into paying customers, with clients like Canva, Grafana, and BrowserStack.

Dubai crypto platform Backpack Exchange acquires FTX EU for US$32.7M
The acquisition includes managing US$55M in approved FTX bankruptcy claims for affected FTX EU customers | This deal follows FTX EU’s resale to its original co-founders, Patrick Gruhn and Robin Matzke, during bankruptcy settlements.

HiFeed aims to revolutionise cattle farming with pre-seed funding
Wavemaker Impact is the investor | HiFeed aims to significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle, improve feed efficiency and promote sustainable farming practices.

Woori Venture invests in Singapore wireless charging firm Xnergy
Xnergy is a provider of high-power wireless charging solutions for all autonomous, electrified mobility | The firm’s products are sold in nearly 40 countries across Europe, America and Asia.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

East Ventures: SEA can expect a “significant surge” in AI-first startups in 2025
According to East Ventures, this figure is expected to double by 2027, reflecting the rapid pace of AI integration across industries | Approximately 25 per cent of businesses are projected to adopt Generative AI (GenAI) and AI agents by 2025.

Why fintech companies should learn about customer retention from e-commerce companies
For fintech companies, strategies for promoting products and services must be creative, responsive, and relevant in order to attract customers who aren’t actively looking for new offerings.

Komerce claims 25% revenue growth in 2024 amidst challenges, eyes AI future
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 | Komerce is currently in talks to raise US$1-1.5M in a pre-Series A round.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Indonesia’s antivirus reliance: A cybersecurity blindspot
It’s crucial for individuals to understand that relying solely on antivirus software leaves them vulnerable to other types of cyber threats.

APAC businesses promoting a culture of sustainability
As the market is looking for more green businesses, incorporating sustainability into a startup’s mission statement can help people notice it.

How e-commerce brands can tap into US$600B social commerce market potential
As the modern-day consumer becomes more reliant on their mobile devices, promptness is valued above all else when it comes to social commerce.

Empathetic software development: Creating accessibility-first apps for greater inclusivity
Building accessibility-first apps spur diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and empower users by levelling the usability playing field.

Should people be more wary of AI or is AI more threatened by human misuse?
This article explores whether people should fear AI or if AI is at greater risk from human misuse, discussing the potential threats posed by both.

PR’s unchanging essence: Human connections amidst AI and automation
While technological advancements streamline PR, it can’t replace human PR professionals’ emotional intelligence and nuanced understanding.

Ethical implications of using AI in hiring
AI is being used to determine who fits into a certain job description and several companies are trying to make this process unbiased.

Bridging the financial inclusion gap in Asia: The role of fintech
The future of fintech in Asia is bright, driven by innovation and financial inclusion, as tech companies play a crucial role in the shift away from cash.

Fintechs targeting the next billion users are living a pipe dream. Here’s why
The future belongs to those who keep their feet firmly planted on the ground | This also applies to fintech companies.

How AI and automation can shape the future of farms
Developing an AI platform in the farming system reduces the time needed to conduct experiments and get results quicker.

Digital transformation and AI revolution: Shaping Singapore’s F&B industry with Korean restaurant tech
It’s time for Singapore’s F&B industry to embrace this transformation and serve up a future that’s as exciting as it is delicious.

Multimodal AI: Reshaping search and discovery in retail and travel
Multimodal AI lets consumers use natural language, images, and videos to search and buy clothes, accessories, and beauty products, transforming shopping.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

How can we truly tap into the blue ocean of altcoins as we step into 2025?
Investing in altcoins is like panning for gold; it requires a deep understanding of emerging technologies and crypto applications.

Bitcoin’s US$100K Rally: Southeast Asia’s growing crypto revolution
By responsibly embracing the potential of crypto, Southeast Asia can become more prosperous, economically flexible, and accessible to all residents.

Weathering the storm with quick commerce
Quick commerce, which involves the instant delivery of essential goods and services will grow crucial as crises hit the region with shorter lead times.

Adapting to the new B2B sales landscape: AI and beyond
B2B buyers are increasingly adopting consumer-like behaviours, demanding instant information and personalised experiences.

Building an anti-scam ecosystem is the key to a safer digital future
By investing in strategic partnerships and innovative technologies, we can outpace scammers and create a safer digital environment for all.

August Widmer of Paxful on how P2P crypto trading empowers the underbanked
Widmer shared insights into how this model reshapes financial accessibility, particularly for those traditionally left out of mainstream banking systems.

Can AI serve as your business mentor?
Using AI alongside traditional mentorship blends technology with personalised guidance, offering the best results for growing your company.

Flexible work arrangements: Are companies missing the mark on the future of work?
When the power shifts back to employees, companies that adapt early to flexible work arrangements will have a competitive advantage.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Bukalapak to shift focus to virtual products | O’Leary, McCourt team up to acquire TikTok | Ex-Terraform Labs CEO to face fraud trial in 2026 appeared first on e27.

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.

The post Vietnam’s Kyna English closes Series B round to enhance its AI-powered edutech platform appeared first on e27.

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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