As organisations navigate their digital transformation, protecting data becomes increasingly vital as it’s the lifeblood of their business operations. However, in an era of escalating cyber threats, safeguarding is no longer just about security — it’s about ensuring data availability and integrity in the face of disasters.

This is where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising modern backup and disaster recovery (DR) strategies.

But does the rise of AI signal the end of traditional backup and disaster recovery methods?

Limitations of traditional backup and recovery

Historically, disaster recovery strategies revolved around physical backup sites or periodic data backups to tapes or external drives. While these methods were once effective, they are increasingly inadequate in today’s cloud-based environment. They struggle to address modern cyber threats like malware, ransomware, and other malicious attacks, which can compromise data long before it’s even backed up.

In its first Cybersecurity Health Report, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) revealed that more than eight in ten organisations experienced a cybersecurity incident in a year, with nearly half encountering it several times.

Consider this scenario: many organisations follow strict daily backup protocols. Yet, when disaster strikes, they discover their backups are compromised because malware had infiltrated their systems long before the threat was detected. Malware can lie dormant for weeks or even months, infecting backup files unnoticed, only to resurface when compromised data is restored during recovery.

This underscores a crucial evolution in backup strategies. Regularly backing up data is no longer enough; we need to ensure that the backed-up is secure, clean, and recoverable. This is where AI becomes indispensable.

AI’s role in modern backup and disaster recovery

AI’s strength lies in its ability to analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, detect anomalies, and respond to potential threats. In the context of backup and disaster recovery, AI-driven solutions can perform real-time malware scans before any data is backed up. This allows AI to detect and isolate threats, ensuring that backups remain secure and reliable for future recovery.

Also Read: Coded in your DNA: How Singapore can help avert a global data storage crisis

Moreover, AI-powered disaster recovery integrates Managed Detection and Response (MDR), where AI continuously monitors systems for potential threats and takes pre-emptive action before those threats escalate. As ransomware attacks become more frequent and severe, such proactive measures are invaluable.

In the past, organisations invested heavily in physical disaster recovery sites that were often left unused until disaster struck. Today, cloud-based data recovery powered AI offers a more agile, cost-effective, and scalable solution.

The shift from reactive to proactive disaster recovery

One of the key advantages AI brings to disaster recovery is the shift from reactive to proactive strategies. Traditionally, organisations would only test their disaster recovery plans sporadically, often after a disaster had already occurred. With AI, continuous monitoring becomes a reality, allowing organisations to identify vulnerabilities before they escalate into larger issues.

For example, AI-integrated MDR solutions can constantly monitor systems for suspicious activity, flagging and containing risks before they can spread. This real-time capability is crucial as cyberattacks become more sophisticated.

In the event of an attack, AI also accelerates response times. Instead of waiting for a disaster to occur and then scrambling to restore data, AI can automate the responses, significantly reducing downtime and minimising business disruptions.

Ethical considerations and the human factor

As AI becomes more pervasive in disaster recovery, new challenges arise, particularly around ethics and governance. The race between cybercriminals and defenders is intensifying, as bad actors also adopt AI to bolster their attacks. To stay ahead, businesses must implement clear ethical guidelines for AI usage in their disaster recovery strategies, ensuring transparency, accountability, and minimising risks, especially concerning sensitive customer data.

However, AI is only as effective as the humans managing it. Regular staff training on cyber threats and data protection remains crucial. Employees are integral to the AI learning model — the more they understand about risks and how to mitigate them, the stronger the organisation’s security posture becomes.

Changing mindset: Treat AI as your partner

One of the ongoing challenges in adopting AI for backup and disaster recovery is that many business leaders still view AI as a complex and expensive tool rather than a critical partner in safeguarding their organisation’s data. To foster AI adoption, this mindset needs to change.

Also Read: Bursting the big data bubble: Why we don’t need more data scientists

AI should be seen as a trusted partner — one that continuously learns and adapts to the organisation’s needs, much like an employee. For AI to reach its full potential, organisations must implement governance frameworks and ethical structures that ensure AI acts in the company’s best interest.

As data volume surges, the need for sophisticated data protection and recovery methods will continue to grow. Experts predict that by 2050, AI will be fully integrated into most business operations, from customer service to public services and beyond.

Many have likened cybersecurity to a game of cat and mouse, where cybercriminals constantly evolve, and solution providers and enforcement agencies are perpetually trying to catchup. AI has the potential to level the playing field. Regardless of any organisation’s reluctance or ignorance over AI, cybercriminals are already utilising it to launch more complex and effective attacks. As a way forward, the consensus among cybersecurity experts is to deploy AI-enabled defences.

With AI, organisations can not only ensure their data is backed up but that it remains secure and recoverable in the face of evolving cyber threats and disasters. However, adapting AI requires a proactive approach: implementing ethical frameworks, training staff, and embracing AI as the critical business partner it is.

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

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As COVID-19 continues to impact most parts of Asia Pacific, digitising the food system has never been more important. Food safety, hygiene and storage management had already been fundamental to the success of food supply chain systems prior to the pandemic.

With the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, consumers have become even more concerned with the source, quality, and safety of their food, leading to an increased need for food safety and accountability.

Consumers across the region have been rethinking their eating habits after the pandemic and shifting away from an ‘on-the-go lifestyle’ to more of a ‘safe in-home consumption’ trend.

The Zebra Technologies’ Food Safety Supply Chain Vision Study found that more than half of the consumers (51 per cent) cite the fear of food borne illness and disease as the reason to learn more about where their food comes from, especially with Singapore researchers recently reporting that the COVID-19 virus can survive in frozen meat for up to three weeks.

As a result, food manufacturers are confronted with the issues of food supply chain transparency. At the same time, they need to meet food safety standards, avoid recalls, maintain compliance, and earn customer trust and loyalty.

Food supply chains will need to bear increased pressure to deliver quality and safe food from the farm, to the factory and finally to the consumer’s table. Concurrently, countries like Singapore, an emerging food tech hub of Asia, must quickly address these issues.

Due to continually increasing consumer demands, food safety will need to be taken more seriously, with increased collaboration between the food industry, regulators, and tech companies to create a safer, more traceable food system.

In Singapore, the government recently launched the Food Manufacturing Industry Digital Plan to help food manufacturers use digital tools to ensure food safety and traceability, amongst other objectives.

Many of these changes will be led by technology-enabled solutions that can garner additional trust and ease business operations by tracing each food item throughout the supply chain.

Also Read: Fixing food waste problem means less hungry people and a great economy

Ultimately, this increased traceability will reduce recalls and food waste, protect consumers by preventing lapses in food safety, and speed up crackdowns on contaminated food. This will provide consumers with the peace of mind in knowing where their food was manufactured, prepared and handled, as a greater number turn toward preparing food at home.

Prioritising consumer care and trust

Only two in 10 consumers surveyed in the Zebra study place complete trust in the industry to ensure food and beverage safety. This severe trust gap stems from various factors, with restaurant kitchen staff hygiene and the fear of food borne illnesses or allergies listed as top food safety concerns for consumers.

Additionally, 60 per cent of surveyed consumers would never return to a restaurant if they contracted a food borne illness from eating its food.

Tracking and traceability also protect brands from damage to their reputations following a food safety incident. Preventing food borne illnesses and product spoilage is a constant challenge in the industry, as one mistake in supply chain management can lead to dangers on store shelves and in restaurants.

With COVID-19, heightened consumer concerns are likely to permanently increase the demand for information and transparency regarding food safety.

Therefore, industry decision-makers can look to technology solutions to ease the strain of curb side and e-commerce deliveries, and at every touchpoint, by improving traceability, safeguarding food items, and mitigating food supply disruptions.

Enhancing traceability in the supply chain

The Zebra’s study also found that 69 per cent of industry decision-makers trust food enterprises’ ability to manage traceability and transparency, with only 35 per cent of consumers stating their assurance.

To address this discrepancy, industry decision-makers can help collect comprehensive data and make that information available to consumers.

Moreover, the study indicates that nine out of 10 decision-makers believe safety and traceability-focused technology can give them a competitive advantage.

Areas that could benefit from devices and technologies include: compliance with food safety and quality guidelines; ensuring proper food handling, transportation and storage; tracking product perishability; intake of raw materials and ingredients; and faster and more efficient lot recall.

Technologies such as RFID tags, rugged handheld mobile computers with scanners, and thermal printers, can track items quickly throughout the supply chain and help increase food product traceability.

Also Read: The spotlight on foodtech: Why we believe that what we put on our plate will determine the future

The implementation of these solutions is projected to rise, with 93 per cent of industry decision-makers surveyed stating that they are planning to increase investment in food monitoring tools within the next year.  It is apparent that companies are recognising the benefits of including these technologies in their operations.

Predictive analytics powered by the visibility provided by these technologies will also allow decision-makers to improve their strategies, optimise transportation efficiency, and tighten loopholes in tracking and traceability.

Future-proof the supply chain with robust digital solutions

Improving food safety is now more challenging more than ever due to the increasing demand and rise of consumers’ expectations. Globalisation also brings new challenges to food supply chain optimisation.

As international trade grows, particularly in a post-pandemic world, so does the necessity for consistent data, reporting and transparency throughout the supply chain.

With traceability and transparency, the future of food safety and food supply seems bright. Comprehensive information and transparency will help eliminate supply chain blind spots.

Companies in Southeast Asia that can demonstrate robust and effective traceability and transparency capabilities will increase business efficiency, protect their consumers and businesses, and ultimately improve customer confidence and loyalty, giving them an edge over their competitors in this rapidly evolving market.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing contributions from the community. This season we are seeking op-eds, analysis and articles on food tech and sustainability. Share your opinion and earn a byline by submitting a post.

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community or like the e27 Facebook page

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This article was first published on June 28, 2021

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For most e-commerce companies, the path to profitability will hardly be a straight line. It is a journey that will twist and turn within the entire organisation and always work in tandem with the constantly shifting consumer demands. 

A fast and cost-efficient fulfilment process is the mainstay of every e-commerce company. However, recent consumer expectations like free and expedited shipping often have entrepreneurs barely coping with logistics costs.

Therefore, lowering logistics expenses can be a potential saving site for e-commerce companies in India and worldwide.

According to a report by Ti, the global e-commerce logistics market is expected to grow at 8.6 per cent CAGR between 2020 – 2025. Globally, e-commerce logistics costs make up anywhere between a massive 15 to 30 per cent of total costs and about 20 per cent of product prices depending on the size of the business, industry, national economy, and other factors. 

Last-mile delivery operations are the most significant contributor to global e-commerce logistics costs, making up as much as 53 per cent of total e-commerce logistics costs.

It is closely followed by fulfilment services (warehousing and inventory management) at 47 per cent. Ti’s report shows Amazon’s logistics costs for order fulfilment have risen from 17.8% in 2011 to 30.1% in 2020. 

The cost of e-commerce logistics in India

A report by APAC shows shipment costs were about US$1.40 per package in the past. But as volumes increased and technology improved, this figure declined about 25 per cent, just over a dollar.

Last-mile delivery costs can be broken down into three main categories—first, shipping, which covers the cost of any human resources involved in delivering your package.

Second, operating hubs, where packages are stored before being delivered or picked up by customers themselves (think of drop off points). And third, incentives are offered to drivers who take these last few steps for their clients.

The cost of operating a warehouse or sort centre, whether by the company’s own or third-party logistics firm, is about 10 rupees per shipment. This brings the total for your business’ shipments at INR 75  excluding warehousing fees which can add another 20 -25 per cent.

India’s post-COVID economy is steadily improving with the rise of the e-commerce and warehouse market. Some logistics startups have even acquired deals worth US$425 million. The e-commerce warehousing industry has also seen a boom (expected to achieve a CAGR of 12.6 per cent in the next five years).

It has started investing in Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGVs), Automatic Storage and Retrieval (ASRs), and robotic arms. Such technological advancements will help lower e-commerce delivery costs by 40 per cent.

Also Read: E-commerce logistics is at a tipping point in India as Delhivery raises over US$100M from Carlye, Tiger Global

Some factors contributing to India’s high e-commerce logistics costs are lack of multimodal and intermodal transportation systems, heavy reliance on road transport, fragmented storage infrastructure, bad condition of roads, and most importantly, slow technological adoption.

To improve matters, the government has allotted 18 per cent of the US$1.4 trillion capital expenditure of the National Infrastructure Pipeline till 2025 to develop roads.

Tech to the rescue

Here are seven areas in the supply chain where technology is driving the maximum impact:

• Warehouse automation and data analytics can help lower freight costs the need for human resources and allow you to monitor logistics operations closely. Harnessing the power of blockchain technology provides businesses with the much-needed data to create a clear year-on-year comparison of expenditure, profits, and losses. WMS can improve shipping speeds by making order pickups much faster. 
• Inventory management systems can update businesses on real-time inventory status. This will significantly lower customers’ problem of ordering “out of stock” items because the inventory is not updated in real-time. 
• Real-time tracking: Ecommerce giants like 1mg, Nykaa, and others rely on live order tracking updates to keep customers happy about their post-purchase experience. They can also send automated order status updates to customers via SMS, WhatsApp and emails or redirect them to a fully branded tracking page where customers can enter their tracking IDs to find out the status of their order. The white-labelled tracking page also provides online retailers with great cross-selling and upselling opportunities.
• Returns: E-commerce is notorious for product returns. Tech-enabled reverse logistics or returns management saves businesses hundreds of dollars by reducing churn and increasing Customer Lifetime Value (CLV). It can potentially lower the returns processing costs by 25 per cent while boosting net profit by 2-5 per cent. Some logistics platforms also provide a self-serve returns portal where customers place return requests and enter feedback.

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

• Robotics is now becoming one of the key differentiators in e-commerce shipping. It uses drones, robots, automated forklifts, scanners, etc., to reduce time spent on every order processing stage. Some of India’s most prominent e-commerce players, like Flipkart, DTDC, Myntra, etc., use robots to manage orders at large warehouses and distribution centres.
• Automating processes like cargo or freight audits, tracking carrier performance, appropriate carrier allocation, etc., can serve as significant risk mitigators by eliminating inaccuracies, streamlining operations, and preventing delays or shipping exceptions. Technology can prove especially helpful in load planning, driver selection, and route optimisation. It can help strategise delivery routes, order prioritisation, and load planning for optimum fuel and fleet usage. Such technology proves exceptionally useful in countries of the Middle East that lack a National Address system.
  
• Omnichannel fulfilment: With the help of logistics technology, many e-commerce companies have even ventured into adopting the omnichannel fulfilment route. Brands like Aditya Birla, Zara, H&M, and others provide customers with the BOPIS (Buy Online, Pickup In-Store) model. The omnichannel method allows for better utilisation of resources by turning the physical store into fulfilment centres. Brands can then choose to fulfil orders from the nearest brick-and-mortar store.

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

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

Image credit: giggsy25

This article was first published on February 7, 2022

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Echelon Startup Pitch

The Echelon Philippines 2024 Startup Pitching Competition brought together 15 groundbreaking startups, each presenting innovative solutions to pressing challenges. This event not only highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit but also offered a platform for startups to gain feedback, connect with industry leaders, and explore investment opportunities.

Among the standouts was BuildIt, which aims to streamline construction supply procurement, promising up to 10 per cent in cost savings. Baybayin Hub targeted the digital nomad market with remote work-friendly accommodations, while Polka.PH presented a unique employee engagement platform combining instalment payment options with rewards. Coden AI showcased how artificial intelligence could accelerate app development, and XELEQT A.I. provided real-time insights for optimising field operations.

Also Read: Echelon Philippines 2024: The funding landscape for Filipino startups

Healthcare and logistics also took centre stage. SeeYouDoc offers a robust telemedicine platform already serving 40,000 patients through 127 providers, while MedsGo focuses on enhancing medication delivery. Flying Tigers Express proposed inter-island delivery solutions, and SolX Technologies Inc. introduced energy efficiency tools that have already achieved US$29 million in cost savings.

The competition also highlighted transformative solutions in education, employment, and outsourcing. SkoolTek by EdFolio has streamlined school operations for 38 institutions, generating US$360,000 in revenue, while PasaJob leverages referral networks for job placements. Remotify builds remote teams, capturing a slice of the US$1.6 billion Philippine outsourcing market.

With groundbreaking pitches from these and other startups, Echelon Philippines 2024 reaffirmed its role as a launchpad for disruptive technologies and innovative solutions, promising a brighter future for the Philippine startup ecosystem.

Watch the video above to learn more about these insights and the strategies shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

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The surge in generative AI (GenAI) technology across the globe has sparked a new frontier of innovation, and Southeast Asia is no exception. While the region races to harness the potential of GenAI, the startup ecosystem faces unique challenges and opportunities in securing the necessary funding to fuel growth. 

The ASEAN GenAI Startup Report 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the current funding landscape, exploring why now is an opportune time for venture capital (VC) engagement and strategic investments.

Current funding landscape in ASEAN

Despite a global downturn in startup funding, GenAI stands out as a beacon of potential within SEA. According to the report, while the overall investment has cooled, specific attention is being paid to the burgeoning field of GenAI due to its disruptive capabilities and broad application potential across industries. The current funding stage for GenAI startups is predominantly early—angel, pre-seed, and seed stages—indicating a nascent field ripe for investment opportunities.

Singapore continues to lead in funding, followed by Indonesia and Vietnam, highlighting a disparity in the distribution of capital that favors more established startup ecosystems. This distribution underscores the need for a more inclusive approach to funding that can fuel innovation across all SEA countries.

Challenges in the ASEAN funding landscape

The funding landscape in SEA is fraught with challenges that stem from both external economic conditions and internal ecosystem dynamics. High interest rates and a cautious investment climate have led to tightened capital flows, particularly for early-stage startups that offer high risk but also high potential returns. 

Additionally, the region faces a scarcity of later-stage funding, which is crucial for scaling startups to full commercialisation and profitability.

Also Read: Navigating the go-to-market challenge: Helping ASEAN GenAI startups succeed

The report highlights a muted exit market as a significant deterrent to investors. Few IPOs and mergers and acquisitions activity make it difficult for investors to see a clear path to profitability, thus hesitating to place big bets on SEA’s GenAI startups.

Opportunities for venture capital and strategic investments

Despite these challenges, the GenAI sector in SEA presents unique opportunities that savvy investors are beginning to recognise. The technology’s transformative potential across various sectors—from healthcare and finance to education and logistics—promises long-term gains that can outweigh the current economic uncertainties.

• Innovative applications: GenAI’s ability to drive innovation in traditional industries presents opportunities for VCs to fund startups that are developing unique solutions tailored to SEA’s diverse market needs.
• Government initiatives: Many SEA governments are launching initiatives to support the digital economy, including grants, tax incentives, and co-funding opportunities. These initiatives can mitigate some of the risks associated with investing in GenAI startups.
• Rising demand for AI solutions: As businesses and consumers increasingly rely on AI-driven solutions, the demand for GenAI applications continues to grow, ensuring a market for new innovations that can scale rapidly with the right funding and guidance.

The case for ASEAN GenAI startups

The case for investing in SEA’s GenAI startups is strong. The region offers a rapidly growing digital market with increasing internet penetration, a youthful population adept at adopting new technologies, and a growing number of skilled professionals in the tech sector. Moreover, SEA’s strategic geographic location serves as a gateway to both the Eastern and Western markets.

However, to truly capitalise on these opportunities, investors need to adopt a nuanced approach that considers the unique characteristics of the SEA’s market. This includes understanding local consumer behaviour, navigating varied regulatory landscapes, and supporting startups in achieving product-market fit in diverse environments.

Investing in SEA’s GenAI startups offers a promising avenue for VCs and strategic investors looking to capitalise on the next wave of technological innovation. While the path is fraught with challenges, the potential rewards are considerable. The region’s unique position as a burgeoning hub for digital innovation, combined with the transformative impact of GenAI technologies, provides a compelling case for increased investment.

For investors, the time to act is now. By engaging with and supporting SEA’s GenAI ecosystem, they cannot only yield significant returns but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology in the region and beyond. As the GenAI landscape evolves, those who invest wisely will likely find themselves at the forefront of a new era of digital and economic growth in Southeast Asia.

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This article is the fifth in a series from the ASEAN GenAI Startup Report 2024. GenAI Fund invests in early-stage GenAI startups across Southeast Asia, focusing on growth strategies and exit opportunities. Stay updated with new articles in this series by subscribing and following us on our channels. For more articles, visit: https://e27.co/category/reports/.

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Dear reader,

South Korea’s AI landscape is a dynamic fusion of cutting-edge technology and robust investment, underscoring its emergence as a global AI powerhouse. From AI accelerators to NLP-driven platforms, startups such as Rebellions, Wrtn Technologies, and DeepX exemplify the country’s innovative spirit. These ventures are not just redefining AI’s potential but also driving economic growth through technological excellence and global partnerships.

The government’s strategic focus on AI, including significant investments like the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, complements the efforts of industry giants like Naver and Kakao, creating a nurturing ecosystem for startups. These firms benefit from South Korea’s unmatched semiconductor expertise, positioning them as indispensable players in the global AI supply chain.

What sets South Korea apart is its ability to balance innovation with collaboration. Partnerships with international entities like NVIDIA, Google Cloud, and OpenAI amplify local advancements, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

Additionally, diverse applications—from AI processors in autonomous vehicles to AI-enabled legal translations—showcase the versatility of these startups.

As South Korea continues to blend technological prowess with visionary policymaking, its AI startups are evidently not just participants but leaders in shaping the future of artificial intelligence on a global stage.

Sainul,
Editor.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Doctor Anywhere trims 8.1% workforce across Southeast Asia
The move is believed to have affected dozens of employees; The company has operations across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Zomato faces US$95 million India tax bill
The tax demand specifically relates to non-payment of goods and services tax (GST) on delivery charges, a matter that may have broader implications for India’s fast-growing food delivery sector.

CarDekho SEA lands US$60M funding for regional expansion
The investors include Navis Capital Partners and Dragon Fund; CarDekho SEA provides a range of services, including used car financing and refinancing options, dealer inventory funding, and classifieds.

Singaporean fintech firm KAST secures US$10M in seed round
The lead investors are HongShan Capital Group and Peak XV Partners; KAST offers payment cards and USD-denominated accounts to people in over 150 countries, the ability to receive and send cash, working with partners such as Bridge.

Omni HR raises US$7.4M to simplify multi-country workforce management
The investors are Picus Capital, Alpha JWC Ventures, January Capital, and Ratio Ventures; Omni HR provides a unified, data-driven workspace for teams to automate HR tasks, manage teams, and handle multi-country payroll from a single platform.

Singapore’s Cove nets US$4.5M to scale co-living in South Korea, Japan
The investors include Eurazeo, Keppel, and Manchharam; Cove offers furnished homes and flexible co-living spaces across major cities in Asia and has close to 6,000 rooms under management.

Jumppoint bags US$3.5M to streamline logistics for e-commerce in SEA
The investors include MindWorks Capital, IMM Global, Headline Asia, and the Hong Kong Government; By optimising routing and resource allocation with AI algorithms, Jumppoint claims to achieve over 50% cost savings and 40% faster deliveries.

Malaysia launches national AI office for policy, regulation
The Southeast Asian country has secured billions of dollars in investment in the past year from global tech firms seeking to build critical infrastructure to cater to growing demand for their cloud and AI services.

US asks court to reject TikTok’s bid to stave off law that could ban the app
The Justice Department said the court should not delay the law’s effective date arguing “continued Chinese control of the TikTok application poses a continuing threat to national security.”

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Rebellions to Weavel: Unveiling South Korea’s most promising AI ventures
South Korea’s vibrant AI ecosystem, bolstered by government support and robust international collaborations, has made it a hotspot for innovation.

Funding the green transition: Southeast Asia’s climate tech leaders of 2024
In this feature, we spotlight the region’s notable climate tech startups that raised substantial funding rounds in 2024.

Echelon Philippines 2024: Driving innovation in Philippine healthcare beyond telehealth
The Echelon Philippines panel highlighted opportunities in Philippine healthcare, showcasing the impact of innovative approaches.

Big Tech and ASEAN startups: Navigating the friend-foe dynamic in the GenAI era
The evolving relationship between ASEAN startups and Big Tech highlights the concept of “co-opetition”—a blend of competition and collaboration.

What AWS has in store for SEA startups to support their innovation
At the recent AWS re:Invent 2024 conference, AWS announced its allocation of US$1 billion in Activate Credits for global startups in 2025.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

TWG Tea’s founder on how a luxury food brand can tap third party digital marketplaces to expand business
As an established brand, TWG Tea learns that it can continue to register significant online sales growth — as long as it stays nimble.

Improving food safety in SEA with tracking and tracing technologies
Manufacturers are confronted with issues of food supply chain transparency as they need to meet safety standards and earn customer trust and loyalty.

How small and medium-sized restaurants in Taiwan leveraged digital tools to survive
The need for restaurants to streamline in-house ordering websites and manage multiple platforms efficiently emerged strongly post-pandemic.

How my startup enables homemakers to make 2x the minimum wage in Jakarta
Dishserve is a network for ghost kitchens helping F&B brands reach customers faster and more efficiently. But this is how we are different.

What new digital solutions mean for Indonesia’s F&B sector
Indonesia’s digital F&B has been growing rapidly at a CAGR of 38.2 per cent. However, competition appears to have reached a state of oligopoly.

AI infrastructure: The unsung hero of technological innovation
While AI’s applications and ethics dominate discussions, the crucial infrastructure powering its development remains a silent force shaping our future.

How product growth helps both you and your users succeed
When a customer becomes an advocate, they not only maximise product use but also foster a community of advocates, promoting it to others.

Founders, stop listening to mentors who tell you to build an MVP
Only if you understand the concept well, your space, and your competition can you decide what your MVP should constitute.

Is AI the end of originality or a new dawn for creativity?
The future of creativity extends beyond adapting to AI; it’s about riding the wave to unlock new imaginative dimensions.

Friction vs value: The key to engaging users in immersive experiences
Uncover the balance between the benefits and friction of immersive experiences across various tech and insights for effective project design.

How small businesses can boost brand visibility via videos and messaging
With Meta platforms and products such as video and messaging, small businesses around the world are becoming more visible in their communities.

Why the ‘Downfall’ of Boeing is a big lesson on diversity for all of us
If we were not biased towards Indonesia’s Lion Air, we might have caught the default in Boeing 737 Max earlier, and avoided the second crash.

Big wins for small businesses: Supercharging growth with online content
A playful approach to producing content via online content platforms will provide success for SMBs in engaging consumers.

How to use email sequences to win more B2B sales deals
By embracing email sequences as part of your sales strategy you are going to save yourself more time to work on things that actually matter.

Web3’s Coca-Cola moment: Tapping into incentive design to catalyse better ad experiences
We can expect to see more users onboard to Web3, generating more demand, which creates a positive flywheel effect for web3 advertising.

A marketing map to the world beyond third-party cookies
While cookies have been the bedrock on which online advertising is built, its phasing out should be welcome news to advertisers.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Harnessing AI for robust backup and disaster recovery
With AI, organisations can ensure their data is securely backed up, protected against evolving cyber threats, and recoverable during disasters.

B2B payments: The emerging battleground for Asian banks
The opportunity for B2B payments in Asia-Pacific is huge, and financial institutions must move swiftly to capitalise on it.

How to eliminate cyber threats with an all-in-one solution
Kaspersky’s essential tools and extensive threat detection network protect organisations worldwide from growing cyber threats.

Is the future of AI decentralised? Cloud computing holds the key
The varying stages of blockchain and AI development across APAC countries present a unique landscape for collaboration.

Southeast Asia’s digital future: Blockchain, AI, and sovereign clouds
A sovereign cloud ensures localised data governance, control, and security under strict jurisdictional oversight.

Is job hopping a new form of career mobility?
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly pursuing career growth through job hopping over traditional internal development within a single organisation.

How to use AI to reduce startup employee turnover
Workforce turnover is costly and disruptive, so boosting retention is crucial to improving your startup’s chances of success.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: South Korea’s most promising AI startups | Layoffs at Doctor Anywhere | CarDekho SEA raises US$60M appeared first on e27.

Over the past three years, e27’s collaboration with Prudence Foundation has focused on the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards. It is a platform dedicated to recognizing and supporting startups with innovative technologies. These technologies mitigate the impact of natural disasters, prevent them, or expedite recovery efforts. This ongoing partnership highlights the importance of fostering innovation to address the growing challenges posed by climate-related crises.

Building on this foundation, the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub was launched this year in partnership with Prudence Foundation. It benefited from the support of strategic allies such as e27, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Looking ahead, e27 is proud to announce its involvement in organising the D-Tech Awards 2025. This continues the mission of empowering technology-driven solutions for disaster risk reduction.

Advancing the disaster technology system supported by e27 

As SAFE STEPS D-Tech initiative’s strategic partner, e27 is carrying out key responsibilities to advance the disaster technology ecosystem. These include building a global community through the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub. Through it, diverse stakeholders can come together to discover, create, sustain, and scale innovative disaster technology solutions. e27 also facilitates introductions between potential partners and startups within the hub, fostering meaningful collaborations.

Additionally, e27 is developing a comprehensive global repository for disaster technology solutions. This platform serves as a central platform for related news, resources, events, and programs. To amplify awareness, e27 is creating a series of content spotlighting the hub, the D-Tech Repository, and SAFE STEPS D-Tech’s presence at the Echelon Asia Summit 2024. And this partnership with Prudence Foundation is set to continue. Notably, e27 is leading the organization of the next SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards in 2025. Through these efforts, e27 helps community members access a robust directory of disaster tech solution providers.

Also read: Shaping disaster resilience in APAC through innovation with D-Tech Spotlight

ICYMI: e27 and Prudence Foundation’s collaboration in 2024

In 2024, e27 spearheaded a series of impactful initiatives to foster innovation and collaboration in the disaster technology ecosystem. The year began with a virtual launch on 26 March, featuring a keynote by Sanjay Srivastava from UNESCAP. This featured contributions from industry leaders like Jaron Lim of Wateroam and Brian Eyler of the Stimson Center. This event set the stage for global engagement, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in scaling disaster tech solutions. A workshop held on 19 June, themed “General Partnerships Towards Scaling Reach & Operations in Asia,” attracted over 60 stakeholders worldwide. It resulted in valuable discussions on extending the reach of disaster technology solutions.

Later in the year, e27 hosted two specialized sessions to deepen collaboration. It hosted an exclusive webinar on 23 September, titled “Partnerships for Impact: Strategies for Successful Collaboration in the D-Tech Space.” It featured Matthew Cua from Help.NGO, who provided practical insights on building effective partnerships. On 10 October, it held a roundtable session titled, “Scaling Up – Strategies for Growth and Funding in the D-Tech Sector.” The exclusive event featured expert guidance from Francis Simisim of E88 Ventures. These initiatives collectively strengthened the global disaster tech community, enabling stakeholders to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and drive innovation.

e27 supporting the disaster tech ecosystem through D-Tech Spotlight

On 27 November, Prudence Foundation, supported by e27, brought together innovators, industry leaders, and passionate advocates in a virtual forum. D-Tech Spotlight: Disaster Resilience via Technology, held last 27 November, showcased what technology can do to mitigate disasters. Central to the event were 13 innovative startups revolutionising this space. Joining them were Amazon Web Services (AWS), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and other key organizations.

One clear takeaway was the growing importance of collaboration across sectors to drive change in disaster preparedness. The presence of both private and public organisations underscored why unified efforts can improve disaster resilience. Together, NGOs, startups, and governments reflect the growing recognition that unified efforts are key. This cross-sector collaboration not only strengthens disaster management but also promotes long-term resilience. Ultimately, more lives are saved and economic and social impacts are minimised.

Towards a resilient future: e27 supporting the D-Tech ecosystem

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub has cultivated a thriving ecosystem of over 100 members, including startups, NGOs, investors, and policymakers. This vibrant network fosters collaboration and innovation in disaster technology, enabling stakeholders to share ideas, pool resources, and form impactful partnerships. A cornerstone of the hub’s efforts is its global repository, a central platform for disaster tech news, resources, and events. Startups have also benefited from access to high-impact activities like webinars, workshops, and showcases, gaining visibility and connecting with key partners to scale solutions for underserved regions.

Key events such as the Echelon X pavilion showcase, D-Tech Spotlight, and SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards have further propelled the disaster tech ecosystem into the spotlight. Echelon, in particular, has served as a dynamic platform for startups to present innovative solutions to a global audience and engage with influential stakeholders. These efforts, combined with the hub’s emphasis on thought leadership and content creation, have reinforced a collective commitment to advancing disaster resilience worldwide. Through these initiatives, the hub continues to drive meaningful progress in tackling global disaster challenges.

Also read: Can Southeast Asia’s climate tech heroes bridge the gap between profit and planet?

The collaboration continues: SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards

Looking ahead, the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards 2025 promises to continue its legacy of uncovering and promoting transformative solutions that save lives, protect communities, and expedite recovery in the aftermath of disasters. This initiative aligns seamlessly with e27’s mission to empower startups and drive meaningful innovation across Southeast Asia and beyond. The in-person finals will take place at Echelon 2025, a key gathering for tech innovators and entrepreneurs hosted by e27, on 11 June 2025.

Through its robust platform, e27 enables community members to access a comprehensive global directory of disaster tech providers. As a result, it bridges the gap between innovative solutions and the organizations, governments, and NGOs that need them most. By showcasing groundbreaking innovations and fostering collaboration, e27 enhances disaster risk management and preparedness efforts on a global scale. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards 2025 is set to further leverage this platform, creating opportunities for startups to shine while reinforcing a collective commitment to building resilient communities worldwide.

Want to join the D-Tech Community Hub? Sign up here!

Also read: Living in the age of disasters: How global partnerships are shaping D-Tech

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This article is produced by the e27 team

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Singapore-based Eureka Robotics has raised US$10.5 million in Series A financing.

B Capital spearheaded the round. New investors Airbus Ventures, Maruka Corporation, and G. K. Goh Ventures participated along with existing investors UTEC and ATEQ.

Eureka Robotics was founded in 2018 to enable factories worldwide to automate dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks. The company leverages its proprietary technologies, which include high-accuracy calibration, computer vision, motion planning, and force control.

Also Read: The transformative potential of humanoid robots: A VC perspective

Its flagship products are the Eureka Controller and the Eureka 3D Camera.

Eureka Controller offers a comprehensive solution for vision and robotics applications. Its capabilities include high-precision calibration and robust force control, allowing it to serve as a central hub for connecting and managing various industrial devices.

Meanwhile, the Eureka 3D Camera is engineered to equip robotic systems with efficient and cost-effective 3D vision capabilities. Its innovative, AI-driven, projector-free 3D reconstruction technology makes this possible.

By integrating these products, system integrators and manufacturers can deploy high-accuracy—high-agility (HA-HA) applications encompassing picking, object recognition, and inspection within factories and warehouses. This empowers robots to execute tasks with enhanced precision.

Its solutions are commonly used in AI-based inspection, precision handling, 3D picking, assembly, and dispensing. To date, it claims to have executed over 25 million HA-HA operations in factories around the globe.

The company will use the Series A funding to propel the development and implementation of the Eureka Controller and Eureka 3D Camera.

Beyond product development, the funding will fuel Eureka Robotics’s expansion strategies. The company aims to solidify its presence in existing markets like Singapore and Japan while making a full-fledged entry into the US market, where it has already secured initial customers.

Also Read: Navigating challenges and opportunities in the Malaysian robotics industry

In Japan, Eureka intends to extend its operational reach to other key Japanese cities, such as Nagoya and Osaka.

The firm also has an office in Vietnam.

Its client roster includes esteemed names like Toyota, Denso, Bridgestone, Mitsui Fudosan, Sumitomo Bakelite, Pratt & Whitney, and Coherent.

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Singapore-based flexible living platform Cove has announced a US$4.5 million funding round from existing investors, including Eurazeo and Keppel, along with Manchharam.

The capital will fuel the startup’s regional expansion and transition to an asset acquisition model. This strategic shift will allow it to design and develop properties specifically tailored to the needs of its target market: young professionals and students.

Cove’s expansion into South Korea and Japan is already underway, and the company has formed strategic joint ventures in both markets.

In Japan, the partnership with a leading real estate platform will provide access to a vast network and streamline the acquisition of building supplies. In South Korea, the collaboration with Honors, a prominent asset management company, will leverage their real estate networks and financing expertise. The first flagship property in Seoul is expected to launch by Q1 2025.

Also Read: How Dash Living built a social media community of 13K+ members for its co-living platform across Singapore, HK

Founded in 2018, Cove provides flexible, affordable, and community-driven rental housing solutions. Combining innovative technology with a tenant-first approach, Cove offers furnished homes and flexible co-living spaces across Asia Pacific’s major cities, simplifying the rental process for the next generation of urbanites. It has a presence in four countries and close to 6,000 rooms under management.

Cove aims to more than double its portfolio to 15,000 units by the end of 2025.

The startup has appointed real estate veteran Ashish Manchharam, founder and managing partner of Elevate Capital, as a board advisor to guide this new growth phase. Manchharam has previously built 8M Real Estate into a successful platform with a US$1.5 (US$1.12) billion portfolio.

Manchharam’s role will focus on assisting Cove in fundraising efforts, establishing strategic partnerships with institutional landlords, and driving the asset acquisition strategy. This expertise will be crucial as Cove moves away from its previous asset-light model, which primarily involved operating as a branded asset operator and online listing platform.

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2024 has been a landmark year for climate tech in Southeast Asia, with startups raising significant venture capital to address the region’s pressing environmental challenges.

As countries within ASEAN strive to meet their sustainability targets, innovative ventures are stepping up with solutions spanning renewable energy and carbon markets. Investment in climate tech has grown considerably, with the sector seeing increased interest from both specialised and generalist funds.

Early-stage investments remain dominant, but several climate tech ventures have crossed the milestone of securing growth-stage funding, underscoring the maturing ecosystem.

In this feature, we spotlight the region’s notable climate tech startups that raised substantial funding rounds in 2024.

RWDC Industries

RWDC offers a biopolymer material solution. It offers Solon, a sustainable material that replaces petroleum-based, single-use plastics. It has developed a technology to harvest the outputs of a microbial fermentation process using plant-based oils that produce naturally occurring biodegradable polymers. Products offered using Solon polymer are drinking straws, coffee cups and lids, plastic bags, and food containers.

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2015
Funding raised in 2024: Undisclosed
Total funding: US$263.1 million
Investors: Lummus Technology, Vickers Venture Partners, Temasek, CPV, Optimas Capital,
FootPrint Coalition, Flint Hills Resources, Eversource, WI Harper Group, International EU, and The Liveability Challenge.

ION Mobility

The company is involved in the design and development of electric motorbikes that include features like a TFT display, an integrated battery pack, and a keyless start.

Also Read: Some lessons on how to fulfil the climate tech promise

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2019
Funding raised in 2024: US$2.5 million
Total funding: US$31.3 million
Investors: TVS Motor Company, TNB Aura, Quest Ventures, Monk’s Hill Ventures, Village Global, GDP Venture, AC Ventures, SEEDS Capital, 500 Global, AngelCentral, kipleX,
Plug and Play Tech Center, and Aura Ventures.

Climate Impact X

Climate Impact X is an AI—and blockchain-based platform for buying and selling carbon credits. It provides carbon credits through the protection and restoration of forests, wetlands, and mangroves. The climate tech firm allows companies to buy carbon credits to offset their carbon footprint.

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2021
Funding raised in 2024: US$22.3 million
Total funding: US$22.3 million
Headquarters: Singapore
Investors: Mizuho Financial Group, Standard Chartered, DBS Bank, SGX, and GenZero.

Dat Bike

It manufactures electric motorbikes. The company develops Weaver model electric motorbike with features like a lithium-ion battery, 80 km/h speed range, and hydraulic braking system. It also provides a mobile to connect to the motorbike.

Headquarters: Vietnam
Founding year: 2018
Funding raised in 2024: US$1.5 million
Total funding: US$17.4 million
Investors: Skystar Capital, Urban Gateway, Kopital Ventures, Jungle Ventures, GSR Ventures, Innoven Capital, Delivery Hero Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, Wavemaker Impact, iSeed, and Hustle Fund.

Also Read: As the demand for energy soars, climate tech is here to save the day

VFlow Tech

It is a provider of vanadium-based energy storage systems, which use vanadium redox flow technology. These systems’ applications include renewable energy storage, grid energy storage, and power backup for commercial buildings.

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2018
Funding raised in 2024: Undisclosed
Total funding: US$13 million
Investors: PSA International, Real Tech Holdings, Sing Fuels, Pappas Capital, Carbon Zero Capital, İnci Holding, Wavemaker Impact, SEEDS Capital, Entrepreneur First, TK & Partners, and STI.

Amperesand

The climate tech startup provides a solid-state transformer. Each module contains silicon carbide (SiC) devices and proprietary high-frequency transformers. It allows for application-specific scaling.

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2023
Funding raised in 2024: US$12.5 million
Total funding: US$12.5 million
Investors: Xora Innovation, Material Impact, TDK Ventures, and Foothill Ventures.

Mober Technologies

Mober provides electric fleet-based last-mile delivery services. The platform offers technology-driven logistics services with shipping, AI-optimised route planning, booking solutions, and more. It provides a tracking feature that allows users to track and monitor the delivery progress in real-time.
Headquarters: The Philippines
Headquarters: 2016
Funding raised in 2024: US$6 million
Total funding: US$10 million
Investors: Clime Capital Management, Rtheptagonholdings, 2GO Group, and Index Partners.

Charge+

A cloud-based platform offering electric vehicle charging solutions. It offers chargers and cloud-based software for managing EV charging. This platform serves residential, industrial, and fleet customers and provides charging as a service and platform as a service solution.

Also Read: Who’s still investing? The 2024 power players in Southeast Asia’s venture capital

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2018
Funding raised in 2024: US$8 million
Total funding: US$8 million
Investors: TNB Aura and TRIVE.

Pyxis

A provider of electric-based maritime solutions. It develops electric harbour crafts. The mission is to harness the power of electricity to create zero-emission maritime transportation solutions.

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2022
Funding raised in 2024: US$3.4 million
Total funding: US$3.4 million
Investors: Shift4Good, SEEDS Capital, MarImpact, ShipsFocus, Tiansan, and Motion Ventures.

Thryve

Thryve provides carbon projects and forest management services. Its platform unites multiple stakeholders to develop high-quality nature-based carbon projects.

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2022
Funding raised in 2024: US$2.6 million
Total funding: US$3.4 million
Investors: Open space Ventures and Capital Code.

Jejak

An online platform for calculating, analysing, monitoring, and surfing for other carbon projects.

Headquarters: Indonesia
Founding year: 2018
Funding raised in 2024: US$2.7 million
Total funding: US$2.7 million
Investors: ITM, Indogen Capital, Aurum Ventures, SMDV, East Ventures, Asia Ventura, and Digitaraya.

PowerPod

An EV charging network with a decentralised structure. It uses the blockchain to create a decentralised mobility energy network, offering access to a shared EV charging network, peer-to-peer energy trading, and rewards for sustainable practices. Powerpod also allows you to find the closest charger nearby.

Also Read: Driving innovation for a sustainable future: Top climate tech investments of H1 2024

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2022
Funding raised in 2024: US$1 million
Total funding: US$1 million
Investors: Waterdrip Capital, IoTeX, FutureMoney Group, JDI, Future3 Campus, and WAGMI Ventures.

Refy Cap

An online lending platform offering green financing. Refy Cap offers a platform that enables users to apply and get funded for green asset projects through factoring solutions. It enables capital partners and project developers to access funding for green projects.

Headquarters: Singapore
Founding year: 2023
Funding raised in 2024: US$525000
Investor: Wavemaker Impact.

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Image Credit: 123RF.

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