[Updated] Malaysia’s AirAsia classified as financially distressed company

Editor's note: updated with responses from AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes Malaysian budget airline AirAsia Group, which has been actively building its super app and digital businesses, has been categorized as a financially distressed company after its request to extend its relief period was denied by the stock exchange. “As announced by the company on Jan 7, the company continued to…

AI enables businesses to understand and optimize for customers’ needs in realtime [ORIGIN Innovation Awards Q&A]

Artificial intelligence has successfully--if subtly--entered mainstream consciousness in the form of solutions that optimize how we do business. According to Deloitte, for instance, one way through which AI has become relevant is by unlocking the value from data and knowledge. Algorithms and tools provide cognitive solutions that generate real value. AI provides next-level insights, particularly…

For LionsBot, human-centered AI ensures that tech can make the most impact where it matters [ORIGIN Innovation Awards Q&A]

In the study of economics, the role of technological progress has traditionally been seen as something that improves on the productivity of labor. Thus, the tools and solutions that we have should be geared toward making things easier to manage, in order for humans to have more human and more productive pursuits. With artificial intelligence, we have arrived at an age wherein technology is now…

Data centers borne out of COVID: A closer look at skills, land scarcity, and energy usage

If we were to compare the importance of data centers today versus two years ago, most would agree that having one today is much more crucial. Needless to say, the infamous “C” pandemic has pushed businesses to rethink, and reinvent their business and digital strategies. Today, we can hardly imagine a world without social media, e-commerce, and other Internet-based services. We’re producing…

Indonesian Fintech player KoinWorks raises $108M in Series C funding led by MDI Ventures

KoinWorks, an Indonesia-based FinTech platform, announced Tuesday a $108 million Series C funding round led by MDI Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Telkom Indonesia. Previous equity investors such as Quona Capital, Triodos Investment Management, Saison Capital, ACV and East Ventures also participated in the round, KoinWorks said in a statement. The funding, which consists of $43…

AirAsia secures Malaysian regulator license for remote drone pilot training

Malaysia’s budget airline AirAsia said Monday it has secured its Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), to conduct remote drone pilot training. With the approval, AirAsia has become first in Malaysia to provide industry support with quality remote pilot training, AirAsia said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be the first in Malaysia to win…

Malaysia unicorn Carsome raises $290M in Series E financing

Malaysia-based integrated car e-commerce platform Carsome Group announced Monday the completion of its $290 million Series E round, increasing the company’s valuation to approximately $1.7 billion. This new financing further solidifies Carsome’s position as the leading integrated e-commerce auto platform in Southeast Asia, Carsome said in a statement. According to the statement, the latest…

Indian quick commerce player Dunzo raises $240M funding led by Reliance Retail

Dunzo, an India-based quick commerce player, has raised $240 million in its latest round of funding led by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (Reliance Retail). Existing investors Lightbox, Lightrock, 3L Capital and Alteria Capital also joined the round, Dunzo said in a statement. With an investment of $200 million, Reliance Retail will own 25.8 percent stake on a fully diluted basis, it…

Indonesian cloud-based POS Olsera raises $2.5M from Kejora-SBI Orbit

Olsera, an Indonesian cloud-based Point of Sales (POS) startup, said Friday it has raised $2.5 million in seed round funding from Kejora-SBI Orbit, a joint venture capital fund helmed by Kejora Capital and Japanese conglomerate SBI Holdings. With this fresh capital, Olsera seeks to strengthen its technological infrastructure, recruit more talents and accelerate their merchant acquisition in…