Asia

South Korea opens applications for the 10th K-Startup Grand Challenge 2025

Now in its tenth year, the 2025 edition offers a combined pool of up to ₩950 million in total government support. This includes equity-free prize money for top teams, travel and living stipends for selected participants, and commercialization grants for the best-performing startups. KSGC has been redesigned as a more flexible, founder-first…

Foxtron to develop and supply EV model to Mitsubishi Motors for OEM

Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, a subsidiary of Taiwanese Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), has inked a deal with Japanese automobile manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to develop and supply an electric vehicle (EV) model to Mitsubishi Motors as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) model.

Digitalization can reduce persistent inequality in Asia and the Pacific, says ADB

Digitalization can be a powerful tool to help reduce persistent economic inequality in Asia and the Pacific—but to harness its potential, governments need to narrow “digital gaps,” including gaps in infrastructure, access, and skills, according to a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Tencent-backed fintech firm Primer reports 239 percent year-on-year growth in payment volume in APAC

Primer, the Tencent-backed fintech firm, has announced that it has ‘set down roots’ in Singapore, incorporating in the city state following a strong year of growth in Asia-Pacific, which saw a 239 percent increase in payment volume.

Singapore’s 1982 Ventures leads funding in AI ITFM firm YäRKEN

YäRKEN, an artificial intelligence (AI) native information technology (IT) financial management (ITFM) platform for enterprise clients, has announced a fundraising round led by 1982 Ventures.

Lightstorm completes integration of RTI Cables’ assets to strengthen data center connectivity in Asia, Australia, US

Lightstorm, a provider of digital network infrastructure connectivity solutions headquartered in Singapore, has announced the successful integration of the assets acquired from RTI Cables, further enhancing its global subsea and terrestrial network.

Google.org expands AI Opportunity Fund in Asia Pacific by $12M

Google.org has on Monday announced the expansion of the its AI Opportunity Fund by $12 million, to help more workers, small businesses and nonprofits in Asia Pacific (APAC) to make the most of artificial intelligence (AI) in their communities.

Left then right, then EV: Chinese car maker SOUEAST unveils ambitious global play

SOUEAST has unveiled a strategic three-stage plan for the next few years, beginning with ICE and PHEV in left-hand drive markets, moving to a balanced portfolio for right-hand drive regions, and ultimately prioritizing EVs for the European Union by 2030.

Taiwan’s Pegatron partners Telkomsel to accelerate smart manufacturing transformation in Indonesia

Pegatron, a Taiwan-based technology firm, has partnered with Telkomsel, an Indonesia-based digital telecommunications provider and first 5G operator, to accelerate smart manufacturing transformation in Indonesia.

Asia and the Pacific needs grid upgrade to drive energy transition, says ADB report

Inadequate investment in power grids is holding back developing countries in Asia and the Pacific from embracing the full benefits of an energy transition, including enhanced energy security, the creation of millions of green jobs, and the expansion of electricity access, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in its new report.