Jakob Rost on how Ayoconnect’s open finance solutions foster an ecosystem of synergy in the finance industry [ORIGIN Innovation Awards Q&A]

Financial APIs are reshaping the financial sector as we know it. By allowing different systems to essentially talk to each other, financial APIs are driving new business models and partnerships in an industry that is traditionally considered resistant to change. In this TechNode Global Q&A with Jakob Rost, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ayoconnect, we learn how Southeast Asia's…

AirAsia aims to become Asia’s largest food delivery, ride hailing company – report

Malaysia budget airline AirAsia Group aims to become the largest food delivery and ride-hailing company in Asia, its chief executive said. AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes said he is confident that the airasia food and Super App can become one of the biggest food delivery, ride-hailing companies and online travel agencies in Asia, national news agency Bernama reported on Sunday.…

Taiwan sustainable fashion community-based marketplace PopChill raises $2.2M Pre-Series A funding led by AppWorks

PopChill, a Taiwan-based sustainable fashion e-commerce marketplace, announced Monday the completion of a $2.2 million Pre-Series A round of financing. The round was led by AppWorks, with participation from CTBC Venture Capital, B Current Impact Investment, and Taiwan Culture and Creative Angels Investment, PopChill said in a statement. With this round of financing, PopChill will…

FTAG Ventures leads $4.5M round for Singapore livestreaming solutions provider BeLive Technology

FTAG Ventures has spearheaded a S$6 million ($4.45 million) bridge funding round for BeLive Technology, a Singapore-based livestreaming solutions firm aiming to expand its presence globally by establishing partnerships with e-commerce giants, apps and brands. This development follows news last year when FTAG Ventures announced that it had acquired a significant stake in BeLive Technology,…

[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…