Asia

ECloudvalley Digital Technology, a Taiwan-based cloud solutions provider, has on Thursday announced the appointment of Sandy Woo as Country Director for its Malaysia operations.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has on Tuesday announced the launch of “Generative Artificial Intelligence Sandbox” (GenAI Sandbox) in collaboration with digital community Cyberport, aiming at promoting digital transformation and innovation in the financial industry and establishing risk management mechanisms.

ZetaChain, a universal blockchain, has announced that Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based gaming firm, has become a validator on ZetaChain. This collaboration brings the industry closer in realizing the long-term vision of achieving seamless multi-chain connectivity and widespread adoption of digital assets.

Mushroom Material, a New Zealand-based start-up replacing styrofoam pelletized fungi packaging, has secured over $5 million in seed funding. Wavemaker Partners, one of Southeast Asia’s leading VC firms, and Singapore’s SEEDS Capital have led the investment along with Icehouse Ventures, K1W1, and Black Kite Capital.

Officiated by Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), the event underscores Malaysia's commitment to advancing technopreneurship. It brought together technopreneurs, academics, tech industry experts, government officials, and other professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Khushhali Microfinance Bank Limited (KMBL), Pakistan’s specialized microfinance bank, has recently partnered with oladoc, a digital healthcare platform, to promote healthcare services for their customers.

Italian luxury sports cars manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has partnered with Hong Kong-based gaming firm Animoca Brands to drive automotive brand engagement.

Taishin Bank, one of the largest commercial banks in Taiwan, has partnered with OneDegree Global, a Singapore-based cybersecurity and risk management solutions provider, for a proof of concept.

BBTruck, a Taiwan-based supply chain and logistics technology firm, has announced the successful closure of its pre-series A funding round, bringing its total funding to $6.5 million.

Singapore fintech deal activity rises amid declining investments in the first half of 2024, KPMG said Tuesday. The country's fintech deal count rose by 19 percent to 117 deals in the first half of 2024 from 98 deals in the second half of 2023, but total deal volume fell 34 percent to $522.89 million from $790.10 million amid economic uncertainties.