In an era of economic, political, and social uncertainty, a new generation of CEOs is reshaping the way leadership and personal wellbeing intersect.

A recent study by One Strategy Group reveals that pre-IPO founders are placing a strong emphasis on sleep, mental health, and exercise—challenging the long-held notion that relentless work is the only path to success. This shift may signal a broader transformation in how leadership is approached in today’s fast-paced world.

Ultimately, the next generation of CEOs is redefining leadership by prioritising physical and mental health, signalling a potential shift towards healthier corporate cultures.

Sleep as a leadership strategy

Historically, CEOs have worn sleep deprivation as a badge of honour. However, the report found that 72 per cent of next-gen CEOs now get at least seven hours of sleep per night—a stark contrast to past norms.

Experts like Dr. Scott Kutscher emphasise that prioritising sleep isn’t just good for individuals; it’s a step toward dismantling the toxic “always-on” culture. Yet, the question remains: Are these CEOs extending their wellness priorities to their teams?

A growing focus on mental health

Leading a startup comes with immense pressure, and while stress can be a motivator, unchecked levels lead to burnout. Kathy Pike, CEO of One Mind, warns that an overabundance of stimulation and pressure can quickly push leaders into unhealthy stress levels.

The report highlights the importance of setting a “North Star” to focus on priorities, helping CEOs avoid constant reactive decision-making that drains long-term energy and focus.

Also Read: Work-life balance in the startup world: Myth or achievable goal?

Fitness as the new work-life balance

Another striking trend is how CEOs are integrating exercise into their lives. Nearly two-thirds of next-gen CEOs exercise at least three times per week, treating fitness as a tool for improving focus, mood, and resilience.

Former Crescent Health founder Josh Collin sees this as a sign that successful founders recognise the long-term value of fitness—not just for physical health but also for sustaining high performance in demanding roles.

A culture shift in the making?

This movement toward health-conscious leadership presents an important question: Are these changes limited to CEOs, or will they inspire broader shifts in workplace culture?

If the habits of next-gen founders become embedded in company structures, we could see a future where wellbeing is prioritised at all levels of an organisation—not just at the top.

Read the full report here.

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Despite a wave of optimism in mainstream financial markets following Nvidia’s robust earnings report and bullish forward guidance, the cryptocurrency market has charted a markedly different course. While the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Dow Jones posted modest but clear gains, crypto traders navigated a landscape of institutional retreat, forced deleveraging, and growing scepticism around altcoin fundamentals.

The disconnect between AI-driven equity euphoria and crypto caution underscores a critical juncture. As traditional markets celebrate the next phase of artificial intelligence integration, digital asset markets confront a confluence of macro headwinds and structural vulnerabilities.

Crypto’s recent underperformance lies in a record-breaking institutional outflow. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust recorded a single-day withdrawal of US$523 million, the largest since its January 2024 debut. This outflow did not occur in isolation. US spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively shed US$1.3 billion in assets under management over the past week, a direct response to diminishing hopes for a December Federal Reserve rate cut.

Also Read: Celebrating innovation and momentum across Asia’s startup and SME ecosystem

Market participants now assign only a 27 per cent probability to such a move, a sharp reversal from the more dovish expectations held just weeks prior. For a market increasingly tethered to traditional financial sentiment, with crypto-equity correlations hovering near 0.65, the withdrawal of institutional capital has stripped away a critical support layer. When institutions step back, retail traders rarely fill the void with sufficient conviction, especially in volatile environments.

Compounding this institutional caution is a cascade of leveraged liquidations. Over US$127 million in Bitcoin long positions were forcibly closed in a short window, intensifying downward price pressure as Bitcoin dipped below the psychologically significant US$90,000 mark. This deleveraging occurred against a backdrop of rising open interest in crypto derivatives, which climbed 10.4 per cent to US$889 billion, suggesting that many new positions were opened on borrowed capital.

When volatility spikes or sentiment shifts, such positions become vulnerable. The result is a feedback loop. Price drops trigger margin calls, which force more selling, which pushes prices lower still. The market’s emotional state reflects this stress. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index plummeted to 15, entering the Extreme Fear zone, the lowest reading since March 2025. Technical indicators like the RSI14 at 37.95 signal oversold conditions, but they provide no clear reversal signal, leaving traders in a state of anxious limbo.

Altcoins have fared even worse, revealing the fragility of speculative narratives when liquidity dries up. Solana, once heralded as a high-throughput alternative to Ethereum, plunged 11.47 per cent over the week after Forward Industries, its largest corporate holder, transferred US$201 million worth of SOL to Coinbase Prime. Such large movements of tokens to exchange wallets are often interpreted as preludes to selling, igniting panic among retail holders. BNB and XRP mirrored these losses, declining 4.81 per cent and 12.14 per cent, respectively.

The Altcoin Season Index now stands at 27, well below the 75 threshold that typically signals a broad-based rally in alternative cryptocurrencies. This metric confirms what price action already suggests. It is firmly Bitcoin’s market, and even Bitcoin is struggling to hold ground.

Meanwhile, the macroeconomic backdrop offers little comfort. US Treasury yields remain elevated, with the 10-year at 4.14 per cent and the 2-year at 3.59 per cent. Fed officials have openly pushed back against rate-cut expectations, and the delay in key US jobs data further clouds the policy outlook.

Also Read: Crypto crashes 13 per cent as Fed rate cut hopes fade, S&P 500 correlation hits 0.95

In foreign exchange markets, the US dollar remains firm, while the Japanese yen hovers near 157.2, perilously close to levels that could trigger government intervention. Gold, often a refuge in uncertain times, holds just above US$4,000, reflecting a mixed risk environment where some investors hedge while others chase AI-linked equities.

The divergence between traditional tech and crypto markets raises a fundamental question. Is AI optimism truly a rising tide that lifts all boats, or does it primarily benefit assets with deep institutional integration and clear cash flow narratives? Nvidia’s forecast, projecting US$203 billion in annual revenue, speaks to tangible, near-term AI infrastructure demand.

Its chips power the data centres that train large language models and run inference workloads. Bitcoin and Solana, by contrast, offer no earnings, no dividends, and uncertain regulatory pathways. In a regime of higher-for-longer rates, such assets become less attractive relative to yield-bearing instruments or equities with demonstrable growth.

For investors, the path forward demands discipline. In equities, tech exposure remains compelling but warrants selectivity. In crypto, the current environment favours caution. Traders should monitor Bitcoin ETF flows closely. A reversal from outflows to inflows could signal renewed institutional appetite, especially if softer jobs data revives rate-cut hopes.

Similarly, sustained negative funding rates in perpetual futures markets might indicate capitulation and a potential short-term bottom. Until then, the market’s Extreme Fear reading is not just a metric. It is a warning. The AI boom may be real, but its benefits are not yet flowing into digital asset markets. Instead, crypto finds itself caught in a perfect storm of macro uncertainty, institutional hesitation, and speculative excess unwinding. The rally elsewhere is a reminder of what crypto could be, but not what it is today.

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Beyond the headlines and hype cycles, a quieter kind of innovation is shaping the Philippines—one anchored in workflow automation, supply-chain transparency, inclusive commerce, and AI-enabled services. In Part 2 of our series, we highlight 15 more startups whose products reflect that shift: grounded, operational, and built for the everyday realities of Filipino consumers and businesses.

Here is the second set of 15 Philippine startups that are redefining local innovation. Generate a headline and intro to tie the listicle together:

Expedock

Expedock provides AI-driven automation for freight forwarders, digitising manual paperwork with high accuracy to speed up global cargo processing. Its system processes logistics documents for container movements and integrates data across platforms to reduce operational bottlenecks. The company is built by a team with AI and logistics backgrounds and works with international supply chain players.

Expedock is backed by investors, including Insight Partners, Neo and Pear, and Ali Partovi, who had previously backed notable startups including Airbnb, Dropbox and Facebook.

, an Artificial Intelligence startup working with supply chain companies, has secured US$13.5 million in Series A funding led by

The round also saw participation from existing investors

Also Read: Beyond the buzz: 15 ground-level startups solving real problems in the Philippines (Part 1)

SariSuki

SariSuki operates a community group buying model that lets neighbourhood “Ka-Sari” leaders sell fresh groceries at accessible prices. Launched during the pandemic, it enables local sellers to consolidate orders and distribute goods within their communities, offering a lower-cost alternative to traditional retail channels.

The social commerce startup counts among its investors, including Openspace Ventures, SIG, Global Founders Capital, Saison Capital, JG Digital Equity Ventures, and Foxmont Capital Partners.

ZipMatch

ZipMatch is a real estate platform designed to help homebuyers make informed decisions through curated listings, educational content, and access to homebuying consultants. Beyond property search, it offers guides, tips, and financing support to streamline the complex home acquisition process in the Philippines.

Monk’s Hill Ventures and 500 Startups are among ZipMatch’s investors.

MedGrocer

MedGrocer offers online medicine ordering and doorstep delivery through its FDA-licensed pharmacy, WellBridge Health. Simplifying the purchase process and reducing overhead provides a more efficient alternative to traditional drugstores while ensuring access to trusted medications.

Agro-DigitalPH

Agro-DigitalPH works to increase farmers’ incomes by digitising agricultural value chains. Its platform emphasises transparency and collaboration across stakeholders to address systemic inequities and improve food security. The company aims to integrate hundreds of thousands of small producers into more efficient, tech-enabled markets.

EDGE Tutor International

EDGE Tutor supplies global education companies with trained Filipino educators through its online tutoring outsourcing model. Operating across multiple regions, it offers scalable, white-labeled K–12 and adult English and math tutoring. A selective hiring process ensures consistent instructional quality.

MedCheck

MedCheck provides real-world clinical data and maintains disease registries for conditions like cancer and diabetes. With access to over a million medical records, it supports decentralised clinical research and helps position the Philippines as a competitive site for global trials.

Also Read: Beyond resilience: A call to action for a climate-proof Philippines to the tech ecosystem

Parlon

Parlon is a beauty services platform that aggregates salon and wellness deals, allowing users to book and pay across its large partner network. It also equips merchants with booking, payments, and operations tools, including its BSP-licensed Parlon Pay system. The platform is expanding regionally.

Parlon is funded by WIP Global Ventures and A2D Ventures, among other investors.

Tenext.ai

Tenext.ai develops an AI customer experience platform that unifies voice, chat, email agents, and an agent copilot. It provides context-aware support across channels for sectors such as finance, logistics, and government, with a focus on multilingual capabilities and enterprise compliance.

Serbiz

Serbiz is an AI-enabled gig marketplace where users can either earn from micro-jobs or outsource tasks. The platform recommends work opportunities based on local demand and uses dual AI models to match users, support skills discovery, and enable income progression.

Britana

Britana offers a customisable ERP system designed to be affordable and quickly deployable. Its no-code configuration tools let businesses adapt workflows without heavy development work, enabling faster implementations compared to traditional enterprise software.

ChatGenie

ChatGenie offers an AI-powered customer support platform designed around a multi-agent framework, aiming to minimise errors and ensure safe, accurate responses. Its specialised agents handle intent detection, content filtering, response generation, and oversight to deliver more reliable automated support.

Sprout Solutions

Sprout Solutions delivers HR and payroll software tailored for Philippine companies. Its platform automates timekeeping, attendance, payroll processing, and compliance—replacing manual systems with biometrics and data-driven workflows to reduce administrative load.

Sprout Solutions is backed by VC Kickstart Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, and Beenext.

MAYANI

MAYANI runs a B2B agriculture supply chain platform that links smallholder farmers and fisherfolk to institutional buyers. It supports producers by providing access to markets, farm inputs, and financing, with a focus on enhancing rural livelihoods and climate resilience.

In July this year, Mayani secured a philanthropic grant from HSBC Philippines.

Also Read: What Echelon Philippines taught me about building real moats in 2025

1Export

1Export helps Philippine MSMEs enter global markets by assisting with compliance, documentation, labelling, logistics, and order facilitation. It matches local products with international demand and supports businesses in meeting export standards across key markets, including the US, the Middle East, and Asia.

The post From agritech to AI ops: 15 startups driving Philippines’s innovation shift (Part 2) appeared first on e27.

Singapore’s cryptocurrency market has progressed beyond niche participation and is becoming an integral part of retail finance, according to a new report.

The report, which surveyed 3,513 active retail investors and members of the wider crypto-curious public in Singapore between 15 and 19 August 2025, found that 61 per cent of respondents reported holding crypto during the survey period. This level of participation indicates that the market has entered a new phase of maturity.

The Pulse of Crypto — Singapore 2025 survey report was jointly published by MoneyHero Limited and Coinbase Global.

Also Read: US$2.36 trillion: Asia Pacific becomes crypto’s growth engine

Key findings detail a measured and cautious approach among Singaporean crypto users:

• The average self-reported portfolio allocation to crypto was modest, ranging from six to 12 per cent.
• A strong “HODL bias” persists, with 58 per cent of respondents identifying as “long-term holders,” significantly outweighing the 22 per cent identified as “active traders”. (HODL refers to the practice of holding onto assets despite market volatility.)
• Furthermore, 42 per cent of holders reported being invested for more than two years.

Trust factors dominate exchange selection

The data shows that trust has become the primary factor for users when selecting exchanges, underlining the importance of regulated, onshore platforms for Singapore-based users. Trust ranked highest at 65 per cent, while fees, which traditionally might be expected to drive platform choice, followed at 42 per cent.

While the report confirms expanded participation and cautious allocations, it also highlights vulnerabilities, including education gaps, concerns about volatility, and reliance on social media. The survey found that most respondents learned about cryptocurrency through social media (62 per cent), highlighting accessibility alongside a notable risk of misinformation.

To support responsible development, the report outlines three critical priorities for Singapore’s financial and crypto ecosystem:

1. Education: Implement targeted initiatives to close knowledge gaps and reduce reliance on social media, including balanced content on risks, fees, and product features.
2. Trust: Platforms must emphasise security, transparency, and compliance with applicable regulations to reinforce consumer confidence.
3. Growth: Focus should shift towards inclusive access, diversified participation, and responsible, long-term allocation consistent with individual risk tolerance and regulatory compliance.

MoneyHero Limited operates as a leading tech- and AI-powered personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider, across the Greater Southeast Asia region. Its brand portfolios include SingSaver, Moneymax, and Seedly.

Also Read: Crypto’s crossroads: Tracking the surge in thefts, hacks, and violence

Coinbase is dedicated to promoting economic freedom by offering a secure platform for interacting with cryptocurrency assets.

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For many midlifers, the thought of making videos or presenting online comes with extra stress. It is not the speaking part that worries us. It is the preparation. Choosing clothes, getting the lighting right, touching up hair or makeup—sometimes that takes more time than the presentation itself.

Younger creators may find this fun. But for us, it often feels exhausting. Does every idea really need a full photo shoot and wardrobe change?

Enter AI generation

AI now makes it possible to create a “prettier” or “smarter dressed” version of yourself. With just a few tools, you can generate an avatar that looks like you, clone your voice so it speaks in your tone, and even dress your digital self in sharp professional outfits you don’t actually own.

It is not about faking who you are. It is about saving time, money, and energy. Why spend hundreds on new clothes for one video when AI can give you a polished look at the click of a button?

And let’s be honest. Your AI avatar never complains about bad hair days, wrinkled shirts, or unflattering camera angles.

More than vanity

This is not just vanity. It is about storytelling. Imagine presenting an idea where your AI avatar stands in front of a sleek stage background, speaking in your cloned voice, while animated visuals play behind you. Or turning your story into a short music video that brings energy and flair.

It is fun, it is creative, and it helps you share ideas in ways that catch attention. And yes, sometimes it is simply enjoyable to see your “digital twin” deliver the lines while you sit comfortably in your pajamas. I once tested an AI avatar in a crisp blazer and polished stage lighting while I was sitting at home in my old T-shirt. The result made me laugh, but it also made me realise how powerful and practical these tools can be.

Also Read: Beyond the inbox: How SEA startups can drive growth with AI-powered communication

Why it matters for midlifers

For midlifers, this is a game changer. No more worrying about “dolling up” for every online presentation. No more stressing over expensive photo shoots or feeling camera shy. AI can do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your message.

Instead of being held back by appearances, you can lean into creativity. Use AI to generate music, add animation, or experiment with storytelling formats you never thought possible.

A new world of storytelling

We are stepping into a new world where presentation, storytelling, and creativity can all be enhanced by AI. It does not replace your real self. It clears away the surface stress so your story, your voice, and your ideas shine through.

And this matters for the future of work. As more midlifers reinvent themselves in second careers, speaking, teaching, and content creation will become key. AI avatars and voice tools make sure you are not left behind. They make it easier to keep showing up, even when the mirror tells you otherwise.

Closing thought

So if you have ever hesitated to share your story because you did not feel “camera ready,” remember this. AI is ready for you. It can polish your look, smooth your voice, and even give you a stage you never had.

And as long as you are willing to try, it can be just as fun.

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While larger economies like Vietnam and Thailand often dominate Southeast Asian tech headlines, the burgeoning Cambodian startup ecosystem is rapidly demanding attention.

Home to just over 200 startups, Cambodia offers a landscape ripe for first movers and rapid technological adoption. The Canadia Impact Fund (CIFC) wants to be at the forefront of this growth and to back founders whose technologies can drive meaningful progress and help local industries scale to international standards.

In this interview, CEO Thierry Tea discusses CIFC’s strategic focus, the power of Cambodia’s digital-native youth, and why the country is poised to become one of ASEAN’s most dynamic emerging innovation hubs.

Prioritising impact and efficiency

CIFC’s investment strategy is explicitly designed to create long-term value for Cambodia’s economy and its communities. The fund prioritises five key sectors where innovation can directly improve the quality of life and strengthen national competitiveness: education, healthcare, logistics, technology and AI, and sustainability.

Also Read: Canadia Group enters venture investing with new impact fund, backs Jalat Logistics

The choice of these areas is often driven by current inefficiencies and potential for immediate improvement. For instance, costs in the logistics sector remain high compared to other regional markets, which present significant opportunities for efficiency gains through technology. This strategic focus is evident in the fund’s debut investment in Jalat Logistics.

While Cambodia serves as CIFC’s home base, its vision is regional. It actively seeks startups across ASEAN whose solutions can support Cambodia’s development, transfer knowledge, and introduce new capabilities.

Leveraging the digital generation

One of Cambodia’s most compelling advantages is its demographic profile: 65 per cent of the population is under 35, and internet penetration exceeds 80 per cent. This young cohort represents a digitally native, ambitious, and globally connected generation that forms the foundation for scalable businesses.

CIFC’s role extends far beyond merely providing capital; it aims to cultivate the next wave of Cambodian founders. The fund supports this generation by investing in startups that can scale with, and be powered by, young Cambodian talent. It collaborates closely with leading institutions, including CamTech University and Connexion innovation hub, to strengthen essential skills in AI, engineering, product development, and digital entrepreneurship.

Ultimately, CIFC seeks to connect these emerging founders with regional opportunities and international partners.

Pillars of the startup ecosystem

The health of any innovation hub depends on its supportive infrastructure, and Cambodia’s landscape is strengthened by local entrepreneurship hubs such as Techo Startup Centre and Impact Hub Phnom Penh.

CIFC actively participates in the ecosystem alongside these crucial institutions. Key players include Khmer Enterprise, which has supported over 900 grant recipients since 2020, and Techo Startup Centre, which delivers multi-week accelerator and digital platform programs vital for early-stage founders. CIFC complements the work of these organisations by sharing insights, engaging directly with founders, and supporting programmes designed to strengthen the early-stage environment.

Furthermore, the fund’s involvement extends internationally through collaborations with global partners, such as Plug and Play and Seedstars, which provide founders access to global best practices, networks, and new opportunities. The broader ecosystem is also advancing through initiatives such as Khmer Enterprise’s partnership with Seedstars, which is now entering its second cohort dedicated to increasing the investment readiness of Cambodian startups.

Also Read: Cambodia: A rising tech power in Southeast Asia

Additionally, Techo Startup Centre, in collaboration with UNIDO and NGIN, has completed two cohorts of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme, fostering founders who develop innovative environmental solutions.

Integrating measurable impact

The global focus on impact-driven innovation, spanning greentech and inclusive finance, is central to CIFC’s mandate. For CIFC, impact is defined as “solving real problems for real people while building sustainable, scalable businesses”.

In the Cambodian context, this definition often translates into measurable outcomes related to accessible education, improved healthcare and wellbeing, digital and financial inclusion, more efficient resource usage, and supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and communities as they enter the digital economy. Clean energy is also a critical focus, with solar power rapidly becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s electricity mix.

CIFC encourages founders to embed these measurable outcomes into their operations early on, viewing this not as a constraint, but as a “strategic advantage that strengthens resilience, trust, and long-term competitiveness”.

Dispelling misconceptions and attracting capital

Compared to more mature markets in the region, Cambodia remains at a foundational stage. However, this early stage creates a unique set of attractions for discerning investors.

Cambodia offers a rapidly growing digital economy, a young and dynamic workforce, improved infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment. Its early development stage creates significant room for experimentation, first movers, and rapid technology adoption.

Crucially for investors, startup valuations tend to be more attractive compared to those of regional peers, offering opportunities for those willing to engage at the grassroots level.

A common misconception held by foreign investors is that Cambodia lacks the necessary talent or ambition. CEO Tea is quick to counter this: “In reality, we see high-quality founders, many with international experience, developing products that show significant progress and clear potential to evolve toward regional standards.” While the ecosystem is young, its momentum is undeniable, and investors are starting to recognise this fundamental shift.

The ASEAN gateway

As ASEAN integration and capital mobility accelerate, Cambodia is strategically positioned to serve as a gateway or, more specifically, a flexible, fast-moving testing ground. Here, founders can validate solutions quickly and cost-effectively.

Also Read: Why it maybe the opportune time to consider Corporate Venture Capital

Sectors such as agri-innovation, logistics, healthtech, and AI-driven applications remain underpenetrated, generating substantial opportunities for impactful business models. With its improving infrastructure and young talent pool, Cambodia is attracting founders keen to test and refine solutions in a dynamic, fast-adapting market. Successful local models can then mature and create pathways for collaboration with regional partners.

CIFC is instrumental in supporting this regional ambition, assisting startups like Nham24 and BookMeBus, which are already scaling beyond national borders. Through Canadia Group’s networks and partnerships with regional corporates and global technology companies, the Fund helps founders connect across ASEAN, understand complex market-entry pathways, and facilitates access to specialised expertise in areas such as logistics, payments, engineering, and AI. The goal is to ensure Cambodian startups can engage confidently with regional ecosystems when the timing is appropriate.

Looking ahead five years, the aspiration is clear: for Cambodia to evolve from a peripheral market into a regional investment destination for institutional investors.

The desired headline for the future is: “Cambodia becomes one of ASEAN’s most dynamic emerging innovation hubs, as local startups strengthen their capabilities, and global investors increase their involvement”.

The post Why Cambodia is becoming Southeast Asia’s most underrated tech frontier appeared first on e27.

Asia’s innovation landscape continues to accelerate as startups, SMEs, and ecosystem partners across the region push forward with new breakthroughs in fintech, AI, creative tech, property, and enterprise solutions. These achievements reflect not only the growing maturity of the region’s tech ecosystem but also the steady rise of founders who are building products with global relevance. Every milestone shared represents more than just progress. It signals validation, customer traction, investor confidence, and the collective drive to shape the future of technology in Asia.

Sharing your milestone on e27 is one of the simplest ways for companies to increase visibility among fellow founders, potential investors, and the broader innovation community. Milestones help startups communicate traction, demonstrate momentum, and stay top of mind within the ecosystem. By posting regularly, companies also increase their chances of being featured in our milestone roundups and listicles, just like those highlighted below.

Create your company profile: https://e27.co/startupprofile
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Also Read: Celebrating innovation and growth from startups, SMEs, and investors in Asia

Below is a roundup of the most recent milestones posted on e27.

• Unified Intelligence has entered the fintech space with a new on-device analytics proof of concept for a major Indonesian digital credit card platform. Building on its earlier ACL SDK deployment with MAPCLUB, the company is testing privacy-focused behavioural analytics that support smarter lending and better customer intelligence.
• LenderLink received strong recognition after winning Startup of the Year and Customer Experience Excellence at the 2025 KMC Startup Awards in Makati. Now in its third year, the program highlights founders and companies driving meaningful industry change in the Philippines.
• BespokeWearAI launched its AI-powered bridal preview platform built on its proprietary TrueForm AI. Brides can now visualise bespoke gown designs on themselves before ordering, bringing new possibilities to couture personalisation.
• Ambitionz introduced Cipher on Roblox, an AI platform that generates game-ready assets in minutes by thinking like a developer. Its early access program invites 3,000 creators and includes 3D generation, exports, and audio tools with a 90 per cent success rate.
• AgentHub Cambodia officially launched its AI-powered real estate platform in October 2025. It enhances listing management, buyer and seller matching, and cross-agent collaboration, signalling rapid digital modernisation in Cambodia’s property sector.
• Tashi Network closed an oversubscribed funding round led by Blockchain Founders Fund and Exponential Science Capital. The company is building the Coordination Layer for Intelligent Systems, a decentralised network enabling real-time synchronisation among AI agents, robots, and machines and already supported by more than 50,000 nodes.
• Wookco launched the Wookco Impact Loop, a loyalty program that turns travel activities into contributions toward environmental and social impact. It is a first for the OTA industry, blending customer rewards with measurable sustainability outcomes.
• HAOSHi Accelerator concluded its 2025 Demo Day 8, gathering more than 300 investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders. The program partnered with 17 startups from Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore working in agri tech, cold chain logistics, food tech, sustainable materials, and AI-driven restaurant solutions.
• Usetiful announced that it is now part of Fullstory, marking a significant step in its mission to help teams build more intuitive and meaningful digital experiences.
• Good Bards concluded its Llama Incubator Program at Meta APAC, joining over 30 startups in integrating Llama4 into its MarketingOS to enhance AI-driven marketing workflows.

These milestones highlight the creativity, resilience, and technical progress shaping Asia’s startup and SME landscape. Milestones on e27 help companies communicate traction, celebrate wins, and stay visible to the community. If you want your achievements featured in our next listicle, you can create your company profile and start posting updates today.

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New analysis from leading consumer research firm Milieu Insight reveals that trust, reliability, and genuine value-adding enhancements are now the defining forces behind repeat purchases and long-term platform preference in Singapore, surpassing price alone.

This marks a decisive shift in shopper loyalty within the island’s mature e-commerce sector.

The findings, based on a study of online shoppers nationwide, provide critical insights for tech platforms operating across Southeast Asia, indicating that Singapore is emerging not just as a mature e-commerce market but as a model for trust-driven and value-based growth.

Accountability becomes a front-line metric

With nearly half of Singaporean consumers shopping online at least once a week, and one in ten doing so daily, expectations have evolved significantly as the market matures. Reliability has emerged as one of the strongest predictors of loyalty.

Also Read: Elevating your e-commerce strategies with livestreaming and hero products

The research found that 41 per cent of consumers consider trust in sellers or platforms a key factor when deciding where to shop. Moreover, over half of shoppers stated they would spend more with sellers who consistently provide reliable service and fast delivery.

Conversely, delivery performance has become a front-line differentiator. A significant 47 per cent of shoppers report they would actively avoid repurchasing after experiencing late, missing, or damaged orders.

This heightened expectation of accountability extends to the platforms themselves:

• 86 per cent of respondents believe e-commerce platforms should ensure their delivery partners adhere to high standards.
• 74 per cent prefer sellers who offer shipping that is fast, dependable, and cost-effective.

Furthermore, positive post-purchase experiences are crucial for reinforcing confidence. The study highlighted that 87 per cent of Singaporean shoppers were satisfied with their most recent return or refund, demonstrating that dependable after-sales support strengthens confidence and drives repeat engagement.

The integrity premium: Value beyond affordability

While affordability remains relevant, with 60 per cent of consumers citing discounts and free shipping as influences on their spending, actual value now incorporates transparency, service quality, and reliability.

Fairness and accountability are now central to how shoppers assess value. The data shows that 72 per cent of Singaporean shoppers prefer sellers that offer strong buyer protection and clear ratings.

Also Read: Vietnam leads SEA in e-commerce optimism despite regulatory frictions

Crucially, 43 per cent of consumers state they remain loyal even when prices are slightly higher, provided that platforms deliver clear policies and consistent service quality. This marks a shift where shoppers are swayed by the overall integrity and dependability of the experience, not solely by price.

When addressing fulfilment, delivery costs are cited by 57 per cent as the top area for improvement. The top three tenets of a good delivery experience are affordability (76 per cent), reliability (63 per cent), and flexibility of pick-up options (58 per cent). Hidden fees and unclear return terms, by contrast, quickly erode consumer trust.

Convenience and dependability are strong loyalty motivators, with easy returns (44 per cent) and one-click checkout (32 per cent) ranking highly for driving repeat purchases. Value-added benefits, such as loyalty points, vouchers, and subscription perks, are also key differentiators, cited by 30 per cent of consumers as influential in their purchasing decisions.

Practical innovation drives future loyalty

The study suggests that future innovation will be defined by practicality and purpose rather than novelty. Singaporean consumers favour tools that enhance control, simplify processes, and reassure them.

While emerging features are still gaining traction, they are already showing early signs of influence: chat support (16 per cent) and AI-powered tools (11 per cent) are slowly becoming influential.

Engagement with new features is particularly pronounced among younger digital natives (18–34-year-olds), with 38 per cent engaging with livestream shopping and 24 per cent interacting with AI-powered recommendations. These interactions are driving repeat engagement: 17 per cent of all shoppers are more likely to repurchase from sellers offering interactive tools, a figure that rises to one in five among younger consumers.

Juda Kanaprach, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Milieu Insight, summarised the findings: “Singaporean consumers have raised the bar for what good e-commerce should look like. Today, trust, fairness, and clear accountability matter just as much as price.”

Also Read: High adoption, high rewards: AI could push regional e-commerce GMV past US$540B

He added that this represents a “fundamental shift: platforms are no longer judged only on promotions, but on the consistency and integrity of the experience they deliver”.

For e-commerce platforms, the message is clear: innovation rooted in trust, reliability, and real consumer value will define the next phase of e-commerce in Singapore. As Singapore’s shoppers continue to set higher expectations, they are helping define the region’s future standards for service-led digital commerce.

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In the evolving landscape of urban mobility, autonomous vehicles are emerging as a key solution to congestion, sustainability, and accessibility challenges. Estonia-based Auve Tech is at the forefront of this shift, developing level-four autonomous shuttles designed to bridge the gap between public transport stations and passengers’ destinations.

In a recent visit to the company’s headquarters in Tallinn, e27 spoke to Taavi Rõivas, ex-prime minister of Estonia and chairman of the board at Auve Tech. He explained how the company is leveraging the latest technology to create safer and more efficient transport solutions.

It began with understanding how the rapid increase in global car ownership poses significant environmental and infrastructural challenges. “Globally, we have 1.5 billion passenger vehicles,” Rõivas noted.

In Europe and the US, there are three cars for every four people, and if the rest of the world were to match this ratio, the total number of vehicles would need to increase to six billion. “Coming from Singapore, you understand very clearly that there is not enough room for the cars in traffic,” he said, highlighting the need for alternative transport solutions.

Public transport remains a fundamental solution, but traditional systems have limitations. “Public transport doesn’t take you where you want to go, but where the city planners have put the stations,” Rõivas explained.

Autonomous shuttles address this last-mile connectivity problem, offering a flexible and efficient way to reach final destinations from bus or train stations.

Also Read: Electrifying Southeast Asia: Unleashing the radical potential of electric vehicles

Technology and safety first

During our visit to the company’s headquarters, e27 sat in one of the Auve Tech shuttles and experienced riding in a residential area. The vehicle moved smoothly and was able to take turns without any issues.

Auve Tech has prioritised safety in its autonomous vehicle design. Unlike many companies, which adapt existing cars for autonomous use, Auve Tech builds its shuttles from the ground up.

“Building a vehicle to be autonomous allows us to do things that improve safety considerably. We can have doubled braking sensors, double steering controllers—critical infrastructure is at least double from the beginning, which means that the vehicle is a lot safer,” Rõivas said.

The company has achieved level-four autonomy in selected use cases, meaning the shuttles can operate without a safety driver under specific conditions.

“We have already received certification in Japan to drive without a safety operator,” Rõivas stated, although many other countries still require a human operator due to regulatory constraints.

Operating at a maximum speed of 40 km/h, the shuttles are not designed for long-distance travel but for efficient, short-range urban trips. “Technology is capable of driving much faster autonomously, but the faster you go, the higher the risks, and regulators around the world don’t want to take that chance,” he explained.

Auve Tech is actively expanding its footprint beyond Estonia. The company has secured projects in Finland, and its first commercial deal in the Middle East is underway with Masdar City, an innovation hub in Abu Dhabi.

“We just got the license plates in Florida,” Rõivas added, indicating their expansion into the US market.

Additionally, the company has found success in Japan, where the government is keen to adopt autonomous transportation solutions in ageing rural communities. “There are a lot of people aged 90-plus who do not drive themselves, and there just are not enough bus drivers,” he noted.

Singapore has also been on Auve Tech’s radar. “Singapore is one of the first, if not the first, countries in the world that has introduced a strategic plan for implementing autonomous driving,” Rõivas said.

Also Read: Clearbot maps and cleans the ocean using autonomous underwater vehicles

However, bringing the shuttles to Singapore requires significant preparation. “It probably takes us half a year of preparation. We need to bring at least one vehicle there and test it before we can start commercial operations. So for us, it is a matter of resource allocation.”

As part of its push towards sustainable transport, Auve Tech has also developed the world’s first hydrogen-powered autonomous shuttle.

“Hydrogen is also electric—the engine is still electric, but the electricity is created by hydrogen. We built the prototype three years ago, and it is fully functional,” Rõivas stated.

While electric vehicles remain dominant, hydrogen-powered solutions offer an alternative, particularly for regions seeking cleaner energy sources.

Future prospects

Despite technological advancements, regulations remain a significant barrier to widespread adoption. “The greatest barrier currently is the legal requirement to have a safety operator on board,” Rõivas said.

However, he anticipates that in “probably two years’ time,” more countries will allow fully autonomous operations, as seen in Japan.

Looking ahead, Auve Tech is set to launch a renewed shuttle model with enhanced autonomous capabilities. “This year, our main go-to markets are the Middle East and the US,” Rõivas revealed.

With regulatory landscapes evolving and cities increasingly seeking sustainable transport alternatives, the role of autonomous shuttles in global mobility is poised for rapid growth.

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