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IN FOCUS
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Hello Betamax, As the AI frenzy rolls on, the US remains the promised land for many Southeast Asian founders hoping to break into the industry. The US offers deep pools of capital, specialized talent, major customers, and powerful strategic partners, all ingredients that can help a young company scale globally. It is no surprise that AI startups worldwide are looking west. Frederick Ng, CEO and co-founder of tech immigration platform Beyond Border, argues in today's Insights piece that many Southeast Asian founders are approaching their US expansions the wrong way. Instead of treating it like a short business trip, founders should spend more time in the country to build trust and meet different stakeholders. According to Ng, many Southeast Asian founders also undervalue their startups when pitching to US investors. Meanwhile, American founders often walk into the room ready to explain why backing their companies could deliver outsized returns. While the US is a good target market for expansion, it has also become a home base for some Southeast Asian founders. Our visual story from our archives identified more than 70 of them who are now based in the US, including at least 19 who relocated after building companies in Southeast Asia. Jofie Yordan, journalist |
TOP STORYWhat SEA founders get wrong about expanding to the US  US expansion can expose Southeast Asian founders to a different set of expectations around fundraising, sales, and hiring. Failing to understand these differences can create problems even when the underlying business has strong potential. For founders considering the move, this article points out common pitfalls about expanding to the US and how to navigate them. |
MEET AI AND STARTUP LEADERSUnlock AWS Happy Hour at TIA Conference 2026  A conference pass gets you into the program. The right connections shape what happens next. Taking place on September 15, during Tech in Asia Conference 2026, AWS Happy Hour brings together founders, venture investors, enterprise leaders, and startup ecosystem partners for a dedicated networking session over drinks. Whether you're raising capital, sourcing your next investment, exploring partnerships, or looking to work with emerging AI startups, the event gives you more space to make new introductions, continue conversations where they left off, and explore where those interactions could lead. AWS Happy Hour is open to Tech in Asia Conference 2026 General, Pro, and VIP pass holders. Register your interest for AWS Happy Hour. |
A VISUAL STORY YOU SHOULDN'T MISSFor SEA founders, building in the US comes with big trade-offs  Southeast Asian founders are increasingly choosing not just to expand into the US, but to base themselves there. The concentration of founders in California and the presence of AI startups in the state show how the US ecosystem can shape where companies choose to build. However, the decision is often driven by more than access to funding. For companies like Eureka Robotics, being physically closer to US customers can shorten sales cycles and unlock much larger contracts, while ADPList's experience shows how establishing a local presence can deepen customer and investor relationships. For startups building products aimed at global markets, these advantages can make relocation a strategic decision rather than just an expansion. But relocating comes with significant trade-offs. Founders cited higher hiring costs, tougher competition, visa uncertainty, and the personal challenges of moving their lives overseas. Some founders are choosing to keep R&D and other functions in Southeast Asia while placing sales, growth, and customer-facing roles in the US, which can help keep labor costs low. |
MAKING EVERY TRANSACTION COUNTIn partnership with  Business spending is not just about keeping costs down anymore. With AI tools, SaaS subscriptions, and cross-border payments becoming part of everyday operations, SMEs need a clearer view of where their money is going as they scale. The UOB Business World Debit Card can bring greater visibility, control, and savings to everyday business spending. Find out how it can help your business. |
PRESS PEEKSThe 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 our site by simply filling out this form. Our team will get back to you by the next business day.
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EVENTS HAPPENINGYou can also check out our curated list of trending tech events and Tech in Asia's signature events.
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Meet the builders moving Asia's AI out of the sandbox Want to know what the next era of business looks like? You need to see the tech shipping right now. We've finalized our Lightning Pitch lineup of 12 market-ready builders who will showcase how they are bridging today's execution gap. Witness 15-minute technical deep-dives into real-world builds. The best part? It's all for free. Register today. |
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Why do AI pilots stall before they scale? Start your day right at Tech in Asia Conference 2026 with a closed-door AI leaders breakfast co-hosted by Wonderful. Senior enterprise leaders will gather to discuss moving beyond stalled AI pilots and addressing execution challenges across strategy, integration, governance, and people through structured peer exchange. Have a conference pass? Register your interest for the AI Leaders Breakfast. |
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Keep the conversation going Wrap up Tech in Asia Conference 2026 with an evening of drinks, conversations, and new connections at Avenue Lounge. After Hours Networking brings together fellow attendees, speakers, partners, and leaders from across the tech and business community for a relaxed evening of meaningful interactions, with The Peak and Her World joining as media partners. Have a conference pass? Save your spot for After-hours Networking. |
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China's next global move Taking place on September 15 at the Tech in Asia Conference 2026, this exclusive luncheon gives you an early look at the report "Chinese Companies' New Playbook for Going Global" and gives you access to a moderated discussion on China's AI innovation, global expansion, and what these shifts could mean for Southeast Asian businesses. Already have a pass? Register your interest for the luncheon. |
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