From multi-million dollar startup funding to cutting-edge tech launches and small business breakthroughs, discover the most impactful news shaping Asia’s economic and entrepreneurial landscape this week.
1. Singapore’s Thunes Raises $150M to Expand Global Payments
Singapore-based cross-border payment platform Thunes secured a massive $150 million Series D funding round this week, led by existing and new investors. The capital will fuel its expansion into the United States and strengthen its payment infrastructure across Asia, reflecting the region’s growing influence in global fintech.
2. Malaysia’s Data Center Investment Triples, Hits $31.5B
Malaysia’s data center sector saw explosive growth, with investments tripling to $31.5 billion in the first ten months of 2024, up from $10.3 billion in 2023. This surge is attracting international tech giants and is expected to catalyze the country’s ambition to produce its own chips and GPUs within the next decade.
3. Vietnam and Laos Launch Cross-Border QR Code Payments
Major banks in Vietnam and Laos have launched a cross-border QR code payment system, streamlining transactions for travelers and businesses. This move is set to boost tourism and trade, making digital payments more accessible across Southeast Asia.
4. South Korea: Robots Replace 10% of Industrial Workforce
South Korea made history by becoming the first country to have robots account for over 10% of its industrial workforce, according to a World Robotics survey. This shift highlights the nation’s commitment to automation and advanced manufacturing, setting a precedent for the region.
5. Singapore’s Manabie Raises $23M to Expand Edtech Solutions
Edtech startup Manabie, based in Singapore, raised $23 million in Series B funding. The funds will accelerate the development of AI-powered tutor tools and support expansion into Japan and other Southeast Asian markets, addressing the region’s growing demand for digital education.
6. Hong Kong’s Toby Secures $8M for Corporate Medical Solutions
Toby, a Hong Kong-based corporate medical solutions provider, raised $8 million in a pre-seed round. The funding will help enhance its technical platform and expand its operations, reflecting the increasing focus on healthtech in Asia’s business hubs.
7. Malaysia’s 1337 Ventures Launches Femtech Accelerator
Malaysia’s 1337 Ventures unveiled Alpha Startups Inno4Her, an 8-week accelerator dedicated to femtech startups. The program aims to validate ideas, achieve product-market fit, and scale women-led businesses, spotlighting the rise of gender-focused innovation in Southeast Asia.
8. Indonesia Maintains iPhone 16 Sales Ban Despite Apple’s $1B Investment
Indonesia continues to ban iPhone 16 sales, despite Apple’s agreement to build a $1 billion manufacturing facility in the country. The government insists that at least 40% of products must be locally made, underscoring the nation’s push for domestic value addition in tech manufacturing.
9. Taiwan’s PARUS-T1 Micro-Satellite Reaches Orbit
The Taiwan Space Agency successfully launched the PARUS-T1 micro-satellite via SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Taiwan’s ambitions in the global space industry and satellite technology.
10. Singapore’s SquareX Raises $20M for Browser Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity startup SquareX, headquartered in Singapore, secured $20 million in Series A funding. The company focuses on browser-based protection solutions, aiming to bolster online security for users across Asia and beyond.
11. Hong Kong’s Terminal 3 Nets $8M for Web3 Data Privacy
Web3 startup Terminal 3, based in Hong Kong, raised $8 million in early funding. The investment will be used to enhance data privacy and security, reflecting the city’s growing role as a hub for blockchain and decentralized technologies.
12. Malaysia’s Yondr Group Secures $900M for Hyperscale Data Center
Yondr Group, a leading data center operator, secured over $900 million to build a hyperscale data center campus in Johor Bahru. Backed by the International Finance Corporation, this project is set to further cement Malaysia’s status as a digital infrastructure powerhouse.
13. Vietnam’s Filum Attracts $1M for AI-Powered Video Editing
Vietnamese startup Filum raised $1 million in early-stage funding to develop its AI-powered video editing platform. This reflects the growing trend of AI integration in creative industries across Southeast Asia.
14. Pakistan’s MedIQ Raises $6M to Expand Healthcare Platform
Healthtech company MedIQ, based in Pakistan, secured $6 million in Series A funding. The capital will support expansion into Saudi Arabia and Qatar, highlighting the cross-border ambitions of South Asian startups in the health sector.
15. Japan’s Rapidus to Provide 2nm Chips to Broadcom
Japanese semiconductor firm Rapidus is preparing to supply 2nm chip samples to US tech giant Broadcom, with trial production set for April 2025 and mass production scheduled for 2027. This move positions Japan as a key player in the next generation of semiconductor technology.
16. Philippines’ Digital Lending Market Set to Exceed $1B
A recent study projects that the digital lending market in the Philippines will surpass $1 billion in value by the second half of 2025. The rapid growth is driven by increased smartphone penetration and demand for accessible financial services.
17. Taiwan’s 3D Architech Revolutionizes Metal Printing
Taiwanese startup 3D Architech is making waves with its gel-based metal 3D printing technology, offering micron-level design control. As part of Taiwan’s Garage+ program, the company is helping to optimize manufacturing for small businesses and advanced industries.
18. Thailand’s OPPO and RealMe Face Scrutiny Over Loan Apps
Thailand’s central bank flagged smartphone manufacturers OPPO and RealMe for pre-installing loan apps on devices without regulatory approval. The incident has sparked debate about consumer protection and fintech regulation in the region.
19. Shanghai and Beijing Target Brain-Computer Interface Leadership
Shanghai and Beijing have unveiled ambitious plans to lead the global brain-computer interface (BCI) industry, rolling out action plans to attract investment and talent. China’s focus on BCI highlights its drive to dominate next-generation tech sectors.
20. Small Business Funding Trends: Singapore Leads, Early-Stage Deals Dominate
Singapore continues to lead Asia in startup funding, raising $80.4 million in March 2025 alone, followed by Makati (Philippines) and Petaling Jaya (Malaysia). Early-stage investments made up over 90% of deals, reflecting a vibrant ecosystem for small businesses and emerging ventures.
Key Insights and Trends
- Funding Momentum: Despite a global slowdown, Asia’s startup ecosystem remains resilient, with $301 million raised across 12 major deals this week.
- Tech Infrastructure: Data center investments and semiconductor advancements are positioning Malaysia and Japan as future tech leaders.
- Regulatory Shifts: Countries like Indonesia and Thailand are tightening regulations to encourage local manufacturing and protect consumers.
- Small Business Spotlight: Early-stage funding and dedicated accelerators, such as Malaysia’s femtech program, are empowering new entrepreneurs and fostering diversity in the startup scene
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