September 16, 2023 @ 10:18 am By Michael Wong  |  

The recently introduced ASEAN QR Code innovation promises to open up a broader market for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by facilitating seamless cross-border payments, Pandu Sjahrir, the legacy lead of ASEAN QR Code, told Indonesia’s news agency ANTARA. This integration offers a platform… Read More

September 16, 2023 @ 10:15 am By Michael Wong  |  

Hong Kong-based virtual insurer Bowtie has successfully wrapped up a $34.9 million Series B2 funding round, the company has confirmed. The latest financial injection was led by Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, and saw significant contributions from Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Bowtie’s announcement highlighted that… Read More

September 16, 2023 @ 9:47 am By Michael Wong  |  

Defense AI firm Helsing has announced raising €209 million in its Series B funding round anchored by General Catalyst and backed by strategic investment from the renowned Swedish group, Saab. Established in 2021, Helsing’s identity is carved as a contemporary defense firm, primarily focusing on… Read More

September 15, 2023 @ 12:45 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Codeless AI infrastructure company Pixis has announced raising $85 million in its recent Series C1 funding round, anchored by Touring Capital and backed by new and returning investors such as Grupo Carso, General Atlantic, Celesta Capital, and Chiratae Ventures. The fresh funding increases Pixis’ total capital… Read More

September 15, 2023 @ 12:33 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Databricks, a data and artificial intelligence company has successfully raised over $500 million in its Series I funding round, bringing the company’s valuation to $43 billion. With this move, each share of the company is now valued at $73.50, according to an announcement. The financing… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 8:52 pm By Michael Wong  |  

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), the International Financial Centre in the UAE’s capital, has showcased impressive growth during the first half of 2023, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a ‘falcon economy’ and a predominant financial powerhouse in the GCC region. The number of investment firms… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 4:30 pm By Michael Wong  |  

ADDX, the Singapore-based private market exchange, revealed plans to venture into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) regions. This strategic move aims to enhance the efficient allocation of growth capital and bridge the existing gap between private entities in need of… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 10:08 am By Michael Wong  |  

In a strategic move aimed at streamlining its operations and capitalizing on growth opportunities, British insurer Aviva plc has unveiled plans to sell its 25.9% stake in Singapore Life Holdings Pte Ltd, commonly known as Singlife, along with two debt instruments, to Sumitomo Life Insurance… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 8:25 am By Michael Wong  |  

A new report by global index provider FTSE Russell reveals a dip in the interest surrounding sustainable investment (SI) in the Asia-Pacific region. This finding forms part of their annual 2023 global asset owner survey that delves deep into SI’s global reception and application. While… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 6:54 am By Michael Wong  |  

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) has sanctioned financing exceeding $150 million for initiatives across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These funds will target modern infrastructure development in sectors like health, education, agriculture, water, and sanitation, and also extend financial assistance… Read More

September 13, 2023 @ 7:09 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Thailand’s digital bank, KASIKORNBANK (KBank), has launched a $100 million flagship fund, KXVC, aimed at fintech startups specializing in AI, Web3, and Deep Tech globally. The move is set to capitalize on the booming digital economy in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, projected to hit $1… Read More

September 11, 2023 @ 10:50 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Under its chairmanship of ASEAN this year, Indonesia is placing a strong emphasis on the expansion and enhancement of the region’s local currency transaction (LCT) network. The move is aimed at fortifying trade and investment, streamlining cross-border payments, and advancing financial asset substitutability. Iss Savitri… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 11:21 am By Michael Wong  |  

Tykhe Capital Group Limited (Tykhe) unveiled the PRINCE Token today, marking Hong Kong’s premier real estate fund security token offering (STO) accessible to professional investors. This initiative is the inaugural STO sanctioned under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regulations. Enabled by Tykhe’s virtual asset… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 11:12 am By Michael Wong  |  

MicroCloud Hologram Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLO), a provider of Hologram Digital Twins Technology, revealed its latest innovation: a holographic virtual digital human powered by ChatGPT‘s generative pre-training model. The technology simulates human linguistic behaviors, incorporating semantic analysis, to produce text that users can effortlessly understand. This… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 10:55 am By Michael Wong  |  

Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) signed a commitment letter for a bilateral loan valued at $300 million. The loan, with a tenure of seven years, is primarily targeted at enhancing financial accessibility for small- and… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 10:29 am By Michael Wong  |  

UnionPay International (UPI), the world’s premier provider of secure cross-border payment services, has joined hands with NBC Badminton, Australia’s leading badminton club, to roll out a specially crafted prepaid card for NBC badminton aficionados. The ‘NBC x UnionPay’ prepaid card seeks to offer unparalleled convenience… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 9:03 am By Michael Wong  |  

Global professional services firm Accenture (NYSE: ACN) announced its acquisition of Nautilus Consulting, a top-tier digital healthcare consultancy in the U.K. that offers specialized Electronic Patient Record (EPR) solutions. In a statement, Accenture said the strategic move will amplify its capabilities in digital transformation, implementation,… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 6:11 am By Michael Wong  |  

Earnix, a provider of intelligent SaaS solutions for insurers and banks worldwide, announced the appointment of seasoned technology expert Erez Barak as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO) effective from September 10. With a rich career spanning over 22 years, including significant leadership roles at tech… Read More

September 9, 2023 @ 4:35 pm By Michael Wong  |  

In a notable demonstration of faith in Central Asia’s growth potential, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has invested and mobilized a staggering $1.6 billion in the region during fiscal year 2023 (FY23). This investment, the highest ever for… Read More

September 9, 2023 @ 3:51 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Exiger, a SaaS company that has transformed the manner in which corporations, government agencies, and banks handle supply chains, declared its intention to sell its renowned Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) division to Capgemini, a predominant business and tech transformation service firm. The conclusion of this… Read More