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Join us for this week’s startup discussions, where we’ll dive into the latest trends, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to drive success in the entrepreneurial world.
Rise of generative AI in search: Exploring opportunities for APAC brands
Considering APAC’s high rate of mobile adoption, it is also worth considering how you can optimise your strategies to be mobile-first. Region-specific nuances and search best practices will be key to setting up for success in the new era of generative search.
Managing Director at NP Digital Singapore, Manuel Denoual’s article explores the impact of generative AI on the search industry, particularly in the context of digital marketing.
Generative AI’s ability to converse with users and be trained on the fly has the potential to fundamentally change the way people use and interact with search engines. Brands are already utilising search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) to generate traffic and drive conversions.
The integration of generative AI with search will create new opportunities for both organic and paid search. In the APAC region, which is leading in internet penetration and mobile adoption, local search engines like Baidu and Naver are already integrating AI and offering unique opportunities for brands.
Singapore’s food services in 2023: Trends, challenges & opportunities
Even in pre-COVID-19 times, the Singapore food services industry was already contending with changes in consumer behaviour regarding preferences, taste, packaging, technological advancements, and regulations.
Engagement Executive from IndSights Research, Syuhada Subuki’s article explores the thriving food services industry in Singapore, which contributed US$5.26 billion to the GDP in 2022 and is expected to generate US$13.5 billion in 2023. Despite its growth potential, businesses face challenges such as evolving consumer preferences and the need for digital transformation.
Strategies for success include adopting robots and machines in kitchens, using ordering kiosks, and embracing eco-friendly packaging. The Singaporean government supports the industry’s digitalisation through initiatives like the Hawkers Go Digital Programme, Energy Efficiency Grant, and Productivity Solutions Grant.
Funding deeptech: Balancing potential and complexity in the search for capital
Deep tech entrepreneurs must be creative in how they approach their financing because navigating the rules and roles of money will help them and help carve a path for others.
Director at New Ventures, Pierrick Bouffaron’s article discusses the funding challenges faced by deep tech startups, which work on transformative technologies like biotech and quantum computing. Despite their potential, these startups often struggle to secure traditional VC funding due to high costs and uncertainties.
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The article suggests that deep tech entrepreneurs explore alternative financing options, including philanthropic grants, government grants, crowdfunding, and specialised investors. As the deep tech ecosystem matures, more diverse financing options are expected to become available.
Seizing opportunities: Accelerators as a strategic choice in bear markets
The relationships formed within the accelerator ecosystem, including connections with mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, continue to yield dividends long after the program concludes. In this way, accelerators offer startups not just a lifeline in challenging times but a path towards a thriving future.
CEO and Head of School at NewCampus, Will Fan’s article highlights the importance of accelerators for startups during bear markets, where traditional funding becomes scarce. Accelerators offer startups mentorship, resources, and funding in exchange for equity, providing a structured support system that helps them navigate economic uncertainty.
These programs foster innovation and adaptation by encouraging startups to explore new solutions and business models. Accelerators also mitigate risks and build resilience by guiding startups through strategic decision-making and providing access to a broad network of industry experts, investors, and potential partners.
By instilling a culture of innovation and forming lasting relationships within the accelerator ecosystem, startups are better equipped for long-term success and sustainable growth even in challenging market conditions.
Taking a six-week mental break: A personal journey
I’m recharged, rebooted, enhanced with better digital skills (more adaptable to work on the go), even more resilient, thankful for the solo time, and for helping me bring out a better version of myself!
Director at APRW, Anu Gupta, shares her experience of taking a much-needed break from work to recharge and reflect. She chose to spend five weeks alone in a small, slow-paced town while dropping off her elder daughter for an overseas summer program. The different time zone, setting working hours with the team, and focusing on their well-being allowed them to prioritise rest and avoid burnout.
During this time, she travelled light, learned to adapt to a new culture, and embraced the charm of small-town life. The trip enabled her to recharge, improve their digital skills, and become more resilient, ultimately leading to a better version of themselves.
The future of food: Tech-enabled, hyper-personalised, and sustainable
Tech will be a key enabler to achieving such food security, wellness, and sustainability goals across Asia and worldwide. Investment and innovation will advance and harness tech to shape the future of food, transforming options for food production, accessing nutrition, and how food consumption is shaped and experienced.
Founder of Cornucopia FutureScapes, Luke Tay’s article discusses how technology is transforming the food industry, with a focus on Asia-Pacific’s alternative protein startups and Singapore’s innovation in sustainable and healthy food systems. AI-driven personalised diets are expected to revolutionise food consumption, with the Personalised Nutrition industry potentially reaching SG$86.5 billion by 2040.
Climate-smart agriculture and diversified plant and animal species aim to combat climate pressures, while food delivery services are evolving to offer AI-driven personalised and sustainable options. The article emphasises the importance of collaboration between industry, governments, and consumers in creating sustainable food systems and making informed choices for personal and planetary wellness.
Balancing AI and human ingenuity: A guide to keeping your brain sharp
In an era where artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT provide instant answers, there’s growing concern that reliance on these platforms might dampen our cognitive abilities.
Creator and Host of Whats Your Story Slam, Anna Ong’s article explores the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on cognitive abilities. She suggests balancing AI use with activities that maintain brain fitness, such as puzzles and learning new languages.
Strategies for preserving human intellect while using AI include setting boundaries for AI use, engaging in mental exercises, applying learned information, incorporating physical exercise, and partnering with AI for collaborative thinking. The article emphasises that the future should integrate AI and human intelligence for understanding, innovation, and personal growth.
Levelling the playing field: How AI can transform SME hiring
Within the recruitment industry, the reticence to adopt AI solutions has to do with risks of bias and redundancy of recruitment roles. The answer to both issues is the same: regardless of what solutions SMEs choose, recruiters won’t be replaced by AI.
Managing Director (Asia) at Employment Hero, Kevin Fitzgerald’s article discusses the challenges faced by SMEs in recruitment, including talent shortages and competition with larger firms for candidates. It suggests that AI solutions can help SMEs by streamlining the hiring process, reducing bias, and saving time and money.
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The article addresses criticisms of AI in recruitment, emphasising that AI will not replace recruiters but will enable them to focus on higher-value tasks and scrutinise bias. AI-based solutions can address SMEs’ recruitment challenges, leading to improved talent attraction and retention.
How to manage multi-cloud complexity: A strategic guide
Multi-cloud is about accessing an ever-expanding set of innovations across clouds and acknowledging that you need the capabilities of the entire ecosystem to deliver modern IT.
Vice President & Managing Director at Dell Technologies Singapore, Andy Sim’s article highlights the growing complexity in the multi-cloud landscape, with organisations, including the Singapore government, investing heavily in various cloud environments. However, the proliferation of specialised clouds can lead to silos and hinder data and app mobility.
The article argues against a monolithic cloud approach, which limits innovation and leads to vendor lock-in. Instead, it advocates for an open ecosystem that allows interoperability and integration across different cloud solutions and services. This approach is seen as crucial for maximising the benefits of cloud computing, especially in areas like AI and automation.
Flexibility is key: How to succeed in an ever-changing startup world
As a founder, you must stay resilient, both mentally and physically. Taking care of yourself will enable you to make rational decisions and lead your team effectively.
CEO and Founder of Credolab, Peter Barcak’s article discusses his experiences and insights in navigating the ever-changing business landscape. Despite a 90 per cent drop in revenue during the pandemic, Credolab managed to secure Series A funding from GBG, an investor who saw their long-term value.
The company pivoted to new business models, introducing modules for anti-fraud insights, account takeover, and data enrichment, leading to a positive impact on revenue. The CEO’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs includes embracing adaptability, hiring talented individuals, and remaining perseverant even in the face of challenges.
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