Tracing Temasek’s web of influence across SEA’s tech ecosystem

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Hi readers,

I went to North Goa last week, and the trip made me realize how dependent I’ve become on Google Maps. I don’t only use it for directions, but I also rely on it to find restaurants or even book hotels.

I’m always amazed by how Google Maps makes it so easy to unearth hidden gems. Just click on the pin mark and you can see photos, customer reviews, and even prices of a quaint eatery or a bed and breakfast.

Google’s developers deserve all the kudos for creating such a vital tool that has evolved over the years, thanks in no small part to users providing information.

I also tried my hand at map-making to chart and explore the growing influence of Singapore’s Temasek, the state-owned firm that has been around for decades.

While it doesn’t even come close to what Google Maps does, I pinpointed as many of Temasek’s own firms, acquisitions, and investments as possible and gave a peek into what each of these companies do.

There are several arms and divisions that I honestly didn’t even know about until I started wading through this large body of data.

Although the article was first published in November 2022, I was surprised at how many more companies Temasek has invested in, acquired, or launched since then. Clearly, this map needed updating.

While Temasek’s influence in the tech startup space has been on the rise, what was new to me was its venture into philanthropy. It now has three firms in the space.

In April, the company acquired India-based hospital chain Manipal Health for US$2 billion. Temasek made the deal through its Sheares Healthcare arm.

I’m sure Temasek’s web of influence in the tech startup ecosystem will continue to grow, and I hope to regularly update this map. But like Google Maps, I also depend on the contributions of others including you, our readers. So do reach out to me for any pins that I should add to this map.

— Collin Furtado, journalist at Tech in Asia

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Image credit: Timmy Loen