Welcome to Tech in Asia’s daily newsletter, your essential dose of Asia’s tech and startup buzz. Not on the mailing list? Register here. Got a story tip? Send it to editors@techinasia.com.
In focus
For your weekend reading, we have:
- Terence Lee on the AI whale that raised US$60 million
- A Carousell co-founder who’s back with his second startup … and third
- The most impactful bromance in tech?
Hello reader,
Chinese founders have a hallowed status, especially in Southeast Asia.
Their ruthless execution wins respect from investors, while rivals fear them for the same reason. They’re also a closed community that doesn’t trust outsiders easily.
This mystique causes would-be competitors to avoid them, and deepens their advantage even more.
Image credit: Timmy Loen
Want evidence? Sea Group, Singapore’s most successful tech firm, was founded by naturalized Singaporeans of Chinese origin. J&T Express – established in Indonesia by Chinese entrepreneurs – is killing competitors and squeezing couriers with aggressive price-cutting.
You can bet that the next wave of winners will also have some Chinese vigor. One of them could be a startup we profiled recently: Whale, a surveillance AI company that had relocated from China to Singapore.
Founders are welcome to set up shop in Singapore, of course. But as a Singaporean, I have a soft spot for local founders who can stand tall against the world’s best.
Can Lucas Ngoo, a co-founder of homegrown darling Carousell, prevail? We caught up with him recently to see what he’s up to. He’s established not one, but two nascent firms.
For Singapore’s startup scene to be top tier, we need founders who can succeed again and again. Ngoo could very well be a flag bearer.
Terence Lee, editor-in-chief
Editor’s picks
Short cuts
A data story you shouldn’t miss
Weekend deep dive
Discover what it takes to turn potential into global influence
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
