Editor’s notes: in collaboration with Hong Kong’s Cyberport
As the year of 2024 ends, we sought insights from startups’ founders across the Southeast Asian tech landscape. These leaders reflected on their triumphs throughout the year, sharing valuable perspectives on their achievements and the challenges they overcame. Furthermore, they unveiled their ambitious aspirations, meticulously outlined their strategic plans for 2025, and offered insightful predictions on the trajectory of the tech industry in the coming year.
We talked to Ken Lai, Co-Founder at AMC Synergy Ltd (one of Cyberport’s incubatees) to learn more about the company’s achievements in 2024, its plans and priorities in 2025. He also shared his views on the outlook of the tech ecosystem in Hong Kong for the new year and how he sees Southeast Asia.
AMC is a Singapore-headquartered FinTech startup that said it takes pride in revamping the finance industry via digitalisation, helping the Chartered Accountants (CA) firms to operate effectively and efficiently, thus enhancing their ability to provide value-added services to their clients.
How was your company in the year 2024?
2024 was a transformative year for AMC Group. As a Cyberport Incubatee, we expanded our AI-powered audit and fintech solutions into new markets, including Hong Kong. Through the support of Cyberport, we strengthened our presence by connecting with local CPA firms, institutions, and industry stakeholders. We also enhanced AMC Insight, our AI-driven platform, to help CPA Firms streamline audit workflows and improve compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
What are your expectations/aspirations for 2025?
In 2025, we aim to solidify our footprint in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area while deepening our integration with regulatory frameworks, enhancing cybersecurity compliance, and expanding our training programs for universities and professional bodies. With Cyberport’s continued support, we hope to foster stronger collaborations with local institutions and professional networks, accelerating digital transformation within the accounting industry. We aspire to empower more CPA Firms with AI-driven solutions and expand our AMC Cheers Simulation Program to train undergraduates with practical auditing knowledge, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
What are the plans and focus in the new year?
Our key focus areas for 2025 include:
Enhancing AI-driven audit automation: Further improving AMC Insight’s capabilities to align with international standards.
Strengthening collaborations: Working closely with Cyberport, professional bodies, and universities to support digital transformation for accounting profession.
Expanding training initiatives: Scaling our AMC Cheers Simulation Programme to equip students with job-ready skills.
Regional expansion: Exploring opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN markets.
How is the outlook for 2025 for the tech ecosystem in Hong Kong? What’s your view about Southeast Asia?
Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem in 2025 is poised for significant growth, driven by strong government initiatives, increased adoption of AI and fintech, and the city’s role as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area. With Cyberport fostering innovation and cross-industry collaborations, we anticipate more opportunities for tech startups, particularly in AI-driven automation, regtech, and digital finance.
Southeast Asia remains a dynamic and fast-growing market with rising digital adoption, a strong entrepreneurial landscape, and increasing demand for AI-powered solutions. As SMEs and enterprises in the region continue their digital transformation, we see tremendous opportunities for technology-driven efficiency improvements, particularly in accounting, audit, and business finance. AMC Group is committed to leveraging these trends to expand our presence and contribute to the region’s evolving tech landscape.