TikTok, fear o’clock

More: Patrick Grove’s SPAC signs major gas deal with Norwegian firm and Singapore Fintech Association faces backlash in migrant lorry debate. [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: - [The TikTok initiative causing alarm in Indonesia]( - The tax hike set to hamper Indian’s gaming sector - Other newsy highlights such as a big-time gas deal for a serial entrepreneur and the lorry safety row in Singapore --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} My mantra when it comes to a lot of things in life is: It’s better to be safe than sorry. If I can’t make it to the airport at least two hours before even a domestic flight, I’m not exactly the most relaxed traveling companion. And while anyone who travels with me and notices this particular brand of neurosis finds it pretty funny, I’ve never missed a flight. Some Indonesian politicians want to take a similar approach to TikTok’s ominously named Project S. While the social media giant’s latest foray into ecommerce may never make it to the archipelago and impact small businesses, it might just be better to be safe than sorry. -- Peter  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [TikTok’s Project S triggers alarm bells in Indonesia]( TikTok said its latest ecommerce effort is not available in Indonesia, emphasizing that it does not offer cross-border transactions. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [SG fintech body criticized for stance about lorry ban on transporting workers]( However, a spokesperson from the Singapore Fintech Association told Tech in Asia that the safety of Singapore’s workers is still a top priority. [TikTok poses serious threat to Shopee, Lazada in ASEAN: Morgan Stanley]( TikTok has an average of 227 million monthly users in the region, suggesting huge potential for its ecommerce arm TikTok Shop. [Patrick Grove’s SPAC inks $685m deal with Norwegian natural gas company]( Catcha Investment was previously linked to companies like Akulaku, which was rumored to be going public in the US through the SPAC. [India’s billion-dollar gaming industry braces for GST challenge]( Earlier this week, an Indian tax panel approved a 28% GST on online gaming and casinos, effective from October 1. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [Haidilao’s 6-step recipe for successful digital transformation with OceanBase]( Much like how a hotpot meal can be crafted to suit one’s taste, Haidilao found a database solution that met its unique needs. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here](. - [AD] [AWS Innovate Online Conference: Every Application Edition]( on September 1 Want to use the AWS platform to build the next generation of cutting-edge applications? Check out AWS Innovate’s Online Conference. 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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. 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