News

Malaysia launches national initiative to boost high value jobs

Malaysia is stepping up efforts to create more high-value jobs in advanced industries with the launch of the BAKAT MADANI initiative, a national program aimed at strengthening talent pipelines in semiconductors, renewable energy, the digital economy and advanced manufacturing.

MicroLEAP, CASB, HDC launch initiative for SME financing on government contracts

Malaysia's fintech firm microleap PLT, Commerce Access Sdn Bhd (CASB) and the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) have inked a strategic collaboration to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access financing for government contracts.

Insurtech Igloo acquires Singapore’s Eazy Digital in second Thailand expansion in 12 months

Igloo, Singapore-based insurtech company, has acquired Eazy Digital, a Singapore-headquartered insurtech company with operations across Thailand and Asia.

Singapore-based AI startup Akro raises $700,000 Pre-Seed led by Amigos Venture Capital

Singapore-based artificial intelligence (AI) firm Akro has on Tuesday announced a $700,000 Pre-Seed funding round led by Amigos Venture Capital.

Thailand’s Amity establishes Singapore as global AI hub

Amity, the enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) technology company founded in Thailand, announced Monday the official launch of its Singapore office and AI Research & Application Center (ARAC).

Clifford Capital announces increase in ETAF commitments to $345M

Clifford Capital, a Singapore-headquartered global infrastructure credit platform, announced Monday that the Energy Transition Acceleration Finance Partnership (ETAF) has secured $345 million in aggregate commitments, including the $250 million first close announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Vietnam’s ride-hailing service GSM doubles charter capital to $2B in 6 months of 2026

Green and Smart Mobility (GSM), the ride-hailing service under the ecosystem of Vietnam’s conglomerate Vingroup,has more than doubled its charter capital from end-2025 to June 2026, according to its filings with the ministry-run national business registration portal.

Agentic commerce can reach 1.3B users by 2031: Juniper Research

The number of agentic commerce users can reach 1.3 billion by 2031, up from less than 300 million this year, according to the newly-released "Agentic Commerce Market: 2026-2031" study conducted by Juniper Research.

Malaysia unveils digital action plan to advance AI ambitions

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has on Monday launched the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030 (MD2030), a blueprint to drive the country's transition towards becoming an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered nation by 2030.

Malaysia’s Digital Penang, OSK Ventures to jointly expand financing access for AI, deeptech startups

Digital Penang and OSK Ventures International Berhad have signed a one-year memorandum of understanding to strengthen access to growth capital for startups and SMEs in Penang, Malaysia, with a focus on AI, Hardtech, and Deeptech sectors.