by | Dec 3, 2024 | Business
Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP), a membership-based community accelerating new business development in Southeast Asia, has officially established its Japanese entity, JSIP Co., Ltd., in Okinawa as of November 15, 2024 (Representative Director: Shinsuke Inoue). With this move, JSIP now operates both a Singapore and a Japan-based entity, aiming to further strengthen its activities and enhance its platform.
■Background and Significance of the Japan Entity
Founded in Singapore in 2021, JSIP has grown over the past three years into one of the largest Japan-origin open innovation communities in Southeast Asia. Its network includes over 30 evangelists, approximately 30 consortium member companies, and more than 30 local ecosystem partners, such as VCs, government agencies, and university incubators.
JSIP has expanded its footprint to Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo, hosting over 30 networking events annually centered around the JSIP Lounge. Through diverse programs such as the Southeast Asia Market Entry Support Project (Acceleration Program) and Reverse Pitch initiatives, JSIP has played a pivotal role as a social infrastructure linking innovation ecosystems between Japan and Southeast Asia.
As demand and participation from both Japan and Southeast Asia continue to grow, the establishment of the Japan entity marks a significant milestone in JSIP’s efforts to provide broader and higher-quality support.
■Why Okinawa? The Spirit of “Bankoku Shinryo” and JSIP’s Vision
The decision to establish the Japan entity in Okinawa is rooted in the historical concept of “Bankoku Shinryo”, a term symbolizing Okinawa’s role as a bridge connecting nations during the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
Okinawa has historically served as a hub linking Asia and Japan, reflecting JSIP’s mission to act as a bridge between Japan and Southeast Asia. This alignment of historical significance and vision led to the decision to base the Japan entity in Okinawa.
■Vision for the Future – A Platform to Accelerate New Business in Southeast Asia
JSIP will continue to evolve with the following key pillars:
– Further expansion of local networks in Southeast Asia
– Regular networking events in Japan
– Enhanced support for regional Japanese startups entering Southeast Asia
– Promotion of bi-directional ecosystem activation
■Message to Companies, Municipalities, and Startups Seeking Collaboration
We invite corporations looking to accelerate co-creation with Southeast Asian startups, municipalities aiming to enhance support for regional expansion, and startups seeking new opportunities, to join the JSIP platform.
Additionally, we warmly welcome participation from local VCs and startups considering entry into the Japanese market. Together, through JSIP, we aim to further energize innovation exchanges between Japan and Southeast Asia.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 3, 2024 | Business
Explore the impact of Bitcoin dominance dropping to 56.1%, signaling the start of altseason. Discover why altcoins like XRP and Ether are rallying, with XRP projected to hit $2.57 and Ether poised for a $4,000 surge by early 2025. Analyze key drivers, Bitcoin halving effects, ETF potentials, and market trends shaping the crypto landscape.
Bitcoin dominance, a critical indicator in the cryptocurrency market, has recently shown significant signs for altcoin investors. Its decline signals the beginning of altseason, creating opportunities for altcoins like XRP and Ether to rally as 2024 comes to a close and 2025 begins.
This article explores Bitcoin dominance, the concept of altseason, and the potential for altcoins to attract investor interest.
What is Bitcoin Dominance and Altseason?
Bitcoin dominance measures the percentage of Bitcoin’s market capitalization compared to the total cryptocurrency market. A drop in Bitcoin dominance often signals the start of an altseason, a period where altcoins outperform Bitcoin.
Bitcoin dominance has fallen to 56.60%, breaching its two-year support line. This shift suggests that the market has officially entered altseason, where smaller cryptocurrencies gain traction and value.
The decline in Bitcoin dominance typically occurs as investors take profits from their Bitcoin positions and reallocate funds to altcoins with higher growth potential. This flow of capital from Bitcoin to other assets provides increased liquidity and demand, propelling altcoins to new highs.
BTC Price Today
As of this writing on December 2, 2024, BTC price has decreased by 0.5% to trade at $95,990 with its highest price being $98,130 in the last 24 hours. the prediction of Bitcoin price reaching $100,000 could be achieved before 2025.
However, when Bitcoin dominance continues to decline and is replaced by Altseason, the dream of BTC price of $100K will have to wait longer.
Should you buy Bitcoin now when dominance and price are decreasing? You can do more research on whether Bitcoin will really experience a correction and the prediction of Altcoin Season will really come. Check the Bitcoin price and convert the BTC price to USD so you can find out your budget in more detail.
XRP: A Top Contender in Altseason
While BTC experienced a price drop, XRP price experienced a significant increase of up to 30%. Currently, XRP is trading at $ 2.4374 with an RSI value reaching more than 86 and is considered to be at the overbought point. The MACD line has increased drastically and shows signs of bullishness coming soon.
Among the altcoins expected to benefit from this trend, XRP stands out. As the world’s sixth-largest cryptocurrency, XRP is projected to see significant gains throughout the season. Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget Research, predicts that XRP could reach $2.57 by December 2024.
Key Drivers for XRP’s Price Surge
1. Bitcoin Halving Effect: Historically, XRP has shown significant growth approximately 228 days after a Bitcoin halving event. With the most recent halving in 2024, XRP is positioned for a strong rally as the year ends.
2. Potential XRP ETF Approval: The filing for an XRP ETF by asset manager 21Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could act as a major price catalyst. If approved, this ETF would enhance institutional trust and adoption of XRP.
3. Regulatory Changes: The anticipated departure of SEC Chair Gary Gensler in January 2025 is expected to bring more crypto-friendly regulations, potentially boosting XRP and other cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum: Another Rising Star
Ethereum (ETH), another major altcoin, is also drawing significant attention. Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, demand for leveraged Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) surged by over 160%. Analysts expect Ether to surpass $4,000 ahead of Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
The increased interest in Ether ETFs signals strong institutional confidence in its long-term potential. Market optimism surrounding Trump’s inauguration and potential policy shifts could bolster investor risk appetite, benefiting Ether and other altcoins.
Currently, price of ETH is $3,658 with a decrease of 1.28%. Reaching the price of $4,000 does look quite difficult because the price of ETH often follows the price of BTC. However, the RSI value and MACD line are still above average, ETH’s optimism towards the resistance price remains high.
Key Milestones in January 2025
The first month of 2025 is expected to be pivotal for the cryptocurrency market due to several significant events:
1. Trump’s Presidential Inauguration: Likely to boost market confidence and risk-on sentiment.
2. SEC Chair Gensler’s Resignation: This could accelerate the approval of crypto-based ETFs and foster a more favorable regulatory environment.
3. Post-Bitcoin Halving Effects: Historically, Bitcoin halvings have a delayed impact, creating ripple effects for altcoins like XRP and Ether.
Conclusion
The decline in Bitcoin dominance marks the beginning of altseason, offering substantial growth potential for altcoins like XRP and Ether. With XRP expected to reach $2.57 by December 2024 and Ether potentially crossing $4,000 by early 2025, the coming months could be highly rewarding for cryptocurrency investors.
However, as with any investment, the cryptocurrency market remains highly volatile. Investors should conduct thorough research and implement risk management strategies to navigate the complexities of this evolving space.
by | Dec 3, 2024 | Business
Celebrate December with Karaoke Manekineko’s festive Lucky Draw! Spend RM 200 or more in a single receipt and get one or more entries to win grand prizes, including gaming earphones, smart gadgets, and more! 
Karaoke Manekineko is kicking off the holiday season with a special Lucky Draw campaign throughout December, supported by Pepsi. Customers who spend RM 200 or more in a single receipt will earn one or more entries to win fantastic prizes. The more you spend, the greater your chances of winning. Whether you’re enjoying karaoke with friends or family, this festive offer adds even more fun to your celebrations.
The grand prizes include gaming earphones, the latest smart home gadgets, and more, such as the Logitech G333 Gaming Earphones, Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S20, JBL Wave Buds Black, and Sony WH-CH520 Headphones.
To participate, simply fill out the lucky draw slip at the outlet and drop it into the designated glass bowl. The lucky draw process will be conducted live on social media, ensuring transparency and excitement for all participants. Winners will be informed to collect their prizes at the respective outlets.
Join us this December for a chance to win big while enjoying a great karaoke session with family and friends. Don’t miss out—visit your nearest Karaoke Manekineko outlet and take part in the holiday fun! Terms and conditions apply.
by | Dec 3, 2024 | Business
UNAWA, a pioneering legal tech company, empowers Filipino businesses this holiday season with exclusive prizes, merch, and innovative tools like e-signatures and AML compliance solutions. Stay tuned for exciting updates!”
Pioneering legal tech company UNAWA is celebrating its clients and followers by launching an exciting holiday campaign designed to empower businesses and reward the community that supports its mission. While specific details remain under wraps, UNAWA promises a mix of exclusive perks, prizes, and branded merchandise for participants.
This campaign isn’t just about giving back—it’s a call to Filipino businesses to embrace innovation and digital transformation during the most wonderful time of the year.
Empowering Businesses Through Legal Tech Solutions
UNAWA has built its reputation as the go-to partner for businesses seeking practical, legally compliant, and efficient solutions. Catering to industries like real estate, hospitality, rural banking, and MSMEs, UNAWA’s tools address common challenges in documentation, compliance, and digital workflows.
Key Solutions:
SignSecure: Revolutionizes how contracts and agreements are signed, eliminating delays and ensuring legal compliance with secure electronic signatures. This is especially useful for industries like real estate and hospitality, where efficiency is crucial.
UCheck: A robust AML compliance tool that allows businesses to perform thorough background checks, ensuring adherence to the Anti-Money Laundering Act—a must-have for the financial sector and real estate companies handling high-value transactions.
With these tools, UNAWA empowers its clients to focus on growth and innovation rather than being bogged down by administrative hurdles.
“Making Holiday Magic Happen for Filipino Businesses”
UNAWA’s Co-Founder and COO, Atty. Gino Jacinto, shared his excitement: “This [campaign] is more than just giveaways—it’s about showing appreciation for the people and businesses who trust us. We know the struggles that entrepreneurs and professionals face, and we’re here to lighten that load, especially during the busy holiday season. It’s going to be an exciting time, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
A Chance to Celebrate and Win
UNAWA’s followers can look forward to fun ways to engage as the campaign unfolds. Whether sharing insights about their business transformation journey, exploring UNAWA’s innovative tools, or participating in exciting activities, there’s something in store for everyone.
To stay updated, follow UNAWA on social media and visit unawa.asia. Join us in celebrating Filipino ingenuity, resilience, and growth this holiday season!
by | Dec 3, 2024 | Business
LogChain, a leader in trade digitalisation, has been selected to join the IBM Z ScaleUp Program, marking a significant step in transforming global trade. With IBM’s advanced technology and secure cloud infrastructure, LogChain aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, security, and sustainability across industries.
Building on its track record of innovation—including delivering the world’s first fully digitalised goods shipment—LogChain’s participation in the program reinforces its commitment to addressing critical challenges in industries like semiconductors, where secure and efficient trade is vital.
This collaboration highlights the potential of digitalisation to revolutionise trade processes, reducing shipment times, cutting paperwork, and empowering businesses to scale sustainably.
Singapore:
LogChain, a pioneer in trade digitalisation, is proud to announce its inclusion
in the prestigious IBM Z ScaleUp Program — an achievement reserved for only the
most innovative and impactful scale-ups worldwide. Following a rigorous vetting
and interview process, LogChain has been recognised as a standout in the
logistics sector, joining a select group of companies empowered to leverage
IBM’s cutting-edge technology.
This collaboration solidifies LogChain’s status as a global
innovator, enabling the integration of IBM’s advanced AI tools, IBM Cloud
Credits, and IBM Hyper Protect technology. These resources are pivotal for
safeguarding sensitive data, driving efficiency, and championing sustainability
in international trade. For LogChain, being part of the IBM Z ScaleUp Program
is a validation of its mission to transform global logistics.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The LogChain-IBM collaboration
delivers transformative value to the logistics and supply chain industry by:
Streamlining
Efficiency and Scalability: Combining LogChain’s platform with IBM’s
AI-driven and Hyper Protect solutions to streamline trade processes and reduce
shipment times by up to 40% in a hyper-secure way. Building Resilient and Secure Trade Ecosystems: Leveraging IBM’s
advanced quantum-safe encryption to protect sensitive data, ensuring trust and
traceability in critical industries like semiconductors.
Driving Sustainable
Digital Transformation: With digital trade capable of unlocking $40 billion
in new opportunities and saving $6.5 billion globally, this initiative equips
businesses with tools to scale digitalisation while reducing environmental
impact.
“Our inclusion in the IBM Z ScaleUp
Program builds on LogChain’s proven track record, including delivering the
world’s first fully digitalised goods shipment—a transformative milestone in
global trade. This collaboration, powered by IBM’s cutting-edge technology,
enhances our ability to provide even more robust, secure, and scalable
solutions, addressing critical challenges in trade digitalisation. We are
focused on delivering real value to stakeholders to demonstrate that trade
digitalisation is not just a concept but a proven path to efficiency and
sustainability.”
– Andie
McKeown, Co-Founder and CEO of LogChain.
Accelerating Trade Transformation
LogChain’s inclusion in the program
follows its groundbreaking milestones in trade digitalisation:
World’s
First Fully Digitalised Goods Shipment: Recognised by the UK government as
a “Billion-pound Brexit boost,” this achievement sets a new standard for
efficiency and innovation. Read the press release here.
Trade
Digitalisation Pilots (TDP): Demonstrated interoperability, environmental
sustainability, and significant efficiency improvements resulting in an 89%
decrease in paperwork, and a 67% boost in productivity during pilot programs.
Read the full report here.
Strategic
Semiconductor TDP (SS TDP): Tackling the complexities of the semiconductor
supply chain with solutions that enhance trust, reduce inefficiencies, and
improve traceability. Learn more about it here.
About
LogChain
LogChain redefines trade standards by delivering secure,
efficient, and environmentally sustainable solutions to global supply chains.
Recognised for achieving the world’s first fully digitalised goods shipment,
LogChain partners with private enterprises, public institutions, and
international organisations to build a more connected and sustainable trade
ecosystem. For more information, visit thelogchain.com.
About IBM Z ScaleUp Program
The
IBM Z ScaleUp Program is an AI + IBM Hyper Protect program for scaleups that
includes IBM Cloud Credits. It is a global technology and business-scaling
program, with technical mentorship by IBM experts, and is run by IBM Z. The
program has over 5 years of success stories working with companies from all
around the world, working on tech-for-good projects, with diverse teams. The
technology involved is powered by IBM Z. This includes IBM Hyper Protect (for
industry leading security on the cloud or on-prem) and a suite of powerful AI
services that are highly trusted and ethical. Note: the program used to be
called the IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator.
Applications are open year-round at ibm.biz/ibmzscaleup
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