Bali beyond the beach

More: Insurtech firm Qoala lays off 80 employees and Ant Group teams up with DFS Group. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter --------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - [Bali’s rise to prominence as a tech hub]( - Fresh funds for an Indonesian farming-as-a-service startup - Other newsy highlights such as Qoala shedding 80 staff just four months after its fundraise and Ant Group’s partnership with DFS Group. --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} Last year, Tech in Asia hosted a company retreat in Bali, which was my first time visiting the place. I’d heard lots about it, though, and my initial impressions were rather simple: lots of beaches, resort hotels, restaurants, and of course, good food. Upon arriving, I’d say I was right for the most part, although it was somewhat amusing to notice that there were way more tourists than I expected. In some ways, it really felt like a bubble for travelers. While Bali lived up to my hype and expectations, there’s a side to it that many might not be aware of: its growing tech scene. In today’s story, we break down the local tech ecosystem and how it’s shaping up so far. -- Jonathan  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Bali’s rude awakening and rise as a key tech hub in Indonesia]( In response to the hard lessons learned from being too dependent on tourism, the island is shifting its focus to the tech sector. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Beleaf raises $6.9m to expand farming-as-a-service model]( The Indonesian startup says that its full-stack solution has increased farming yield by up to 15%. [Insurtech firm Qoala lays off 80 employees in Indonesia, Malaysia]( This development comes about four months after the startup announced its US$7.5 million series B extension round in March. [Ant Group partners with DFS for luxury travel retail]( The partnership will extend across DFS’ network of 36 stores in 15 markets and 12 online stores in four markets. [The charged battle between two Singapore EV firms]( This week’s On the Rise looks at Charged Asia’s EV playbook, Ion Mobility’s shift in strategy, and Amazon’s generative AI play. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [50 rising startups in Singapore]( Which startups are on the path to becoming the next big thing? --------------------------------------------------------------- MYSTARTUP BOOTCAMP BY TECH IN ASIA Take a free nine-week course to launch a tech startup in Malaysia Do you want to establish a startup in Malaysia but don't know how? MYStartup and Tech in Asia are looking for formidable founders to join our nine-week course, which will begin in September 2023. Meet and mingle with experienced founders from Southeast Asia and learn startup basics including: - The founder's path and big Idea - The MVP and growth curve - The founding team and finances - The investment process and pitch Our mentors will also be on hand during office hours to answer all your questions. You can take this course - usually priced at US$1,999 - for free, thanks to MYStartup. Limited slots are available - [apply now]( for this unique opportunity! ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here](. - [AD] [AWS Innovate Online Conference: Data edition]( on August 30 Learning never stops. And in today’s world, neither does data. As such, businesses need to have strong capabilities in things like big data, analytics, and information storage, as well as new tech such as generative AI, to stay at the forefront of tech innovation. The AWS Innovate Online Conference can help with this, as the event has more than 50 sessions dedicated to data, innovation, and generative AI. Click [here]( to sign up. - [SYNC 2023: Climate Tech on August 21]( Do you want to make a positive impact on the fight against climate change? Join SYNC 2023 on August 21 at Singapore's green haven, Gardens by the Bay, to learn more about sustainable innovation and eco-friendly practices. Besides spotlighting climate tech via this invite-only event, Tech in Asia is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Be part of this movement towards a sustainable future - send in your application for a SYNC 2023 ticket today! - [Tech in Asia Conference]( from October 18 to October 19 Do you see the light at the end of this funding winter’s tunnel? We do, and we believe Southeast Asia is that very light. That’s why this year’s Tech in Asia conference’s theme is Southeast Asia: A Bright Spot in the Tech World - signaling how the region can provide hope and guidance for the tech sector amid some troubling times. Hosted in Jakarta from October 18 to October 19, we’re excited to bring you a great lineup of speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and other activities. Click [here]( to get your limited first-release tickets.  - [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup: India on August 25]( Do you want a closer look at India’s tech scene? Discover the hidden gems of India’s startup ecosystem at our networking event on August 25 at Byg Brewski (9, 36, 4th Floor, Vaishnavi Sapphire Centre, Tumkur Rd, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Area, Phase 1, Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560022) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Whether you’re facing roadblocks in funding or talent acquisition, connect with fellow founders and find solutions to your most pressing issues while offering your own expertise. Don’t miss out - [sign up now]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  PRESS PEEKS The following press releases were published as they were received, without any editing from the Tech in Asia team. You too can publish your own press release on Tech in Asia by simply filling in [this]( page](. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. - Kosmo - [Kosmo launches fleet and route optimization platform for local business]( a last-mile delivery optimization company, launches its "Fleet" and "Route Optimization" solution. - 1SK - [Tech startup 1SK aspires to lead the Vietnamese digital healthcare market]( on connectivity and smart devices - AIoHT, 1SK has successfully developed solutions providing seamless health data to enhance health services. - Financie Inc - [Financie Inc. raises a total of JPY 1.5 billion(*$10.8 million) in funding from TIS Inc.]( Financie, Inc has raised additional funds with TIS Inc. as the underwriter. In addition, the two companies have entered into a business alliance. ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [ERP Application Consultant (Artha Infotama)]( at Dealls Jakarta, Indonesia - [Software Engineer]( at SIGMATECH Jakarta, Indonesia - [Software QA]( at Lion Parcel Jakarta, Indonesia - [Compliance and Legal Specialist (Based in Medan)]( at Topremit Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia - [Strategy & Operations Asst. Manager]( at KoinWorks Jakarta, Indonesia - [Enterprise Sales]( at PT Pakar Digital Global (Paper.id) Indonesia Bulk Terminal, Indonesia [ADVERTISE]( | [SUBSCRIBE]( P.S. Don't miss out on the biggest tech news and analysis. Add newsletter@techinasia.com to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list. Or simply move us into your inbox. Tech in Asia thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Too many emails? 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