Tech in Asia

Singapore wants to recreate the magic of Block71 — this time for AI. A new hub called Kampong AI is planned for 2028, alongside an AI visa under the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass. 👀 buff.ly/4voKUba

Banks pour billions into AI, but most see no ROI. Here’s why techinasia.com/banks-pour-bil…

ShopBack is expanding beyond cashback. The firm is adding play-to-earn features like ShopBack Play, using AI to boost engagement while improving efficiency. The Singapore startup is also reportedly eyeing an IPO by 2027. buff.ly/QlJcFzu

AI trading agents are only as trustworthy as their data techinasia.com/ai-trading-age…

India’s Nava raised US$22M series A led by Greenoaks Capital to build a “neo-cloud” platform for AI workloads. The startup is setting up its APAC HQ in Singapore as it targets Southeast Asia’s growing demand for AI compute. Full story: buff.ly/hEmjxLN

Can the Philippines avoid a second-tier tech board trap? techinasia.com/philippines-av…

In Europe, AI is starting to break the SaaS model. Enterprises are building self-hosted AI agents instead of relying on SaaS platforms — driven by strict rules like General Data Protection Regulation and demand for data control. Full story: buff.ly/FLjalD8

LPs keep asking: Why are there so few exits in Southeast Asia? The region’s startup ecosystem is about 8 years younger than India’s, meaning many companies are still maturing. 👀 buff.ly/u2QHVfK

Leadership tensions are rising at MoneyHero Group. Senior executives reportedly petitioned for chairman Kenneth Chan to step down shortly before CFO Danny Leung became interim CEO. Full story: buff.ly/MIMLX0k

VC firm Scale Asia Ventures achieved 8 exits in 4 years from its US$30M debut fund. Now the firm is betting on deep tech and vertical AI startups while raising its second fund. Read more: buff.ly/INi7KWv

Voice AI startups in SEA are getting creative to compete. Meanwhile Kata.ai and Wiz.ai focus on local languages and enterprise accuracy — going head-to-head with ElevenLabs. 👀 buff.ly/i7e9h98

At WorldQuant’s International Quant Championship, participants apply quantitative data science to analyze market patterns and compete for a place at the Global Finals in Singapore. Register to participate.

Founders from SEA and India are increasingly building in the US to scale globally. AI remains the top focus for new venture funds. 📊 buff.ly/wLBJ1bf

Stripe design chief warns AI creates a hidden pull to mediocrity techinasia.com/stripe-design-…

The Gulf conflict is putting Dubai’s role as a global wealth safe haven to the test. Asian family offices are reassessing exposure, with some exploring diversification into Singapore and Hong Kong. Full story: buff.ly/YzYOSb2

Why construction giants are using this WhatsApp AI tool techinasia.com/construction-g…

Why Singapore family offices are missing out on the AI gold rush techinasia.com/singapore-fami…

Airwallex to launch in Indonesia, Vietnam amid Southeast Asia push techinasia.com/airwallex-laun…

The Philippines’ first renewable energy auction promised 2GW of new capacity. But years later, many projects — including those from Solar Philippines — never materialized. Full story: buff.ly/JxTuVzz

How SEA’s surviving EV bike operators stay on the road techinasia.com/seas-surviving…