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Hi readers,
Growing up, our TV at home had no Disney Channel for the longest time. We got access to it only when it mattered to me as an elementary kid trying to fit in at school amid the High School Musical craze.
I feel Southeast Asia is having a moment of similar nature. It’s only this year that the region has finally become a key part of an important global industry: semiconductors.
In August, German chip manufacturer Infineon Technologies opened a US$7 billion plant in Malaysia. In September, Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation, a subsidiary of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, announced that it was opening a plant in Singapore.
Other industries have taken notice, including logistics.
Taiwan-based logistics SaaS startup BBTruck even signed a partnership with a Singapore-based Haulio, which specializes in hauling services, to prepare for the upcoming expansion of more manufacturing companies in this part of the world.
The two startups believe the alliance would help them take advantage of the growing number of manufacturers moving their business to the region. It may indeed be the start of something new.
— Elyssa Lopez, journalist at Tech in Asia
Top stories this week
Image credit: Timmy Loen
1️. Semiconductor surge brings Taiwan logistics startup to SEA
BBTruck and Haulio believe that the rise of SEA’s semiconductor and EV sectors will increase demand for multimodal logistics.
2. Indonesia’s youth turn frugal – are D2C startups at risk?
Millennials and Gen Z are the primary target markets of D2C startups. How is this shift to frugality affecting them?
3. Coolmate wants to be Vietnam’s next unicorn
The D2C brand is targeting US$45 million in sales next year. Can it persuade customers to shift away from Shein and Temu?
4. Carousell cuts 76 jobs across markets
The reorganization is aimed at ensuring the group’s “long-term sustainability and operational efficiency,” the ecommerce company said.
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