Malaysia-based Naluri takes global leap to spark local dreams

Check out our top articles for the week. [Read from your browser]( Top Stories of the Week Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Sunday newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only premium content and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](. Hello {NAME} Looking back, I never truly recovered from Covid-19. I contracted the disease in 2021 and while I seemingly got a "milder" variant, there's the odd numbing pain on the right lung whenever I do the weekend long, slow distance training. A side effect of Covid-19, per the family doctor. Then there was the fact that I gained weight while adopting a work-from-home routine that also effectively blurred the lines between work and play. Like many, my then employers never provided anything to ease me into the whole WFH gig. The only thing they gave me was a 20% pay cut while expecting the same output. Things are much better these days. I have shed the weight and I'm fitter. I've gotten a better gig at Tech in Asia (no, my bosses aren't behind me as I type this), and there's the in-house counseling that comes with it. I have yet to use this option though. It would have been great if my then bosses had at least forked out for a service like Naluri. Even with the pay cut, I would probably have benefitted from the service and at least survived pandemic-induced lockdowns better. But such is life for the average Malaysian. Healthtech firm Naluri is in the right space. Southeast Asia is a hotbed for chronic noncommunicable diseases, from obesity to diabetes to heart ailments. But getting a buy-in from corporates remains tough because it all boils down to cost. It's equally costly or costlier when an employee is down for the count. And we have yet to talk about mental health issues, which are on the rise. Naluri's journey has been bumpy, given the layoffs last year. Operating in Malaysia also doesn't do the firm any favors as there's a huge funding gap. If anything, the one attitude that Naluri has - which many Malaysian startups should take note of - is the fact that the firm's chiefs quickly realized the need to draw foreign capital in order to grow. Naluri is back to basics now. But if it keeps up the attitude of going global, it might just be Malaysia's next big thing - hopefully in a good way. -- [Emmanuel Samarathisa]( journalist at Tech in Asia  --------------------------------------------------------------- TOP STORIES THIS WEEK 1️. [Despite setbacks, this Malaysian healthtech firm eyes EBITDA breakeven by year-end]( Naluri, which offers healthcare services for employees, tightens its belt in a move to tap into growth funding. 2. [SEA’s listed tech majors in 19 charts: GoTo’s, Bukalapak’s market values continue slide]( These companies could dictate whether more global investors will back Southeast Asia and decide the fate of the region's tech industry. 3. [This Singapore aquafarm takes to AI like fish to water]( The Fish Farmer uses AI and sensor tech to monitor different aspects of its four farms, such as water quality, temperature, and fish count. 4. [Ninja Van eyes path beyond ecommerce as price war dents FY23 earnings]( Between FY 2023 and FY 2022, Ninja Van saw its top line grow by 93% in Singapore, 24% in Vietnam, and 11% in Malaysia. 5. [Why ‘Japaneseness’ is holding Japan’s startups back from going global]( Japan has a strong economy and is renowned for being technologically advanced. So why have the country’s startups failed to make their mark globally? 6. [50 rising startups in Indonesia]( Which startups are on the path to becoming the next big thing? 7. [VC funds tracker: B Capital, Fullerton Fund, others add $5.4b in new funds]( Fundraising is difficult. To make things easier, we have compiled a detailed list of the most recent VC funds for our subscribers. 8. [The hidden alliances between Southeast Asia’s VCs, uncovered]( We've visualized an intricate web of relationships among Southeast Asia’s VCs, using deal data in the past two years. 9. [Capital SEA: Southeast Asia’s funding landscape]( Who are the new active investors on the block? Which funding rounds look like outliers? This visual story answers all this and more. 10. [These are Asia’s most active investors in AI]( We've compiled a list of investors that are pouring money into Asia’s AI startups. --------------------------------------------------------------- SAIGON SUMMIT 2024: CHARTING VIETNAM’S TECH FUTURE  The best investment on your own brand What better way to maximize your marketing budget than by attending and showcasing your brand, all for just a mere US$130? Every startup showcase package for Saigon Summit includes a full-day booth, two summit tickets, and plenty of networking opportunities with representatives from the likes of VNG, Sendo, Lazada, Xendit, TikTok, Dat Bike, Golden Gate Ventures, AVV, and Social Bella. Hurry, only two weeks left before we stop taking applications. [Submit yours before April 22]( to exhibit alongside dozens of regional startups and founders! ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here]( and Tech in Asia’s - [Saigon Summit 2024 : Charting Vietnam’s Tech Future on May 30]( Saigon Summit will host discussions on Vietnam’s trending verticals, such as ecommerce, fintech, and electric vehicles, with VNG, VNLife, Razer will share their stories and insights. Join us as we discover the undeniable potential of Southeast Asia’s next tech hotspot. Grab your tickets to secure the best savings before price increases on April 22 - while stocks last! - [Tech in Asia Conference Kuala Lumpur 2024 : Malaysia on The Rise on July 24-25]( TIA Conference KL aims to provide a platform for over 2,000 attendees to gain a fresh perspective on what’s next for Malaysia’s tech ecosystem through thought-provoking panels, curated networking sessions, and a dedicated exhibition segment. Celebrate Hari Raya with our special promotion of 45% off on all ticket types. This is your final chance to maximize this promotion. [Grab yours]( today! - [Product Development Conference (Jakarta, 25-26 June 2024)]( This year’s conference, themed around “scaling product innovation from startup to enterprise,” will deliver tailored insights for attendees at any stage of their business journey. This Hari Raya, celebrate togetherness with your friends and colleagues! Enjoy a special Hari Raya package: 6 General Passes or 4 Pro Passes for IDR 1,445k (USD 92). [Get tickets](  - [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup in Singapore on April 24]( It’s hard to answer the question of whether investors are ready to deploy funds amid the current macroeconomic environment, but we’ve got the insights you need. Esteemed VCs like Ed Barker from Square Peg, Jeffrey Seah from MSW Ventures, and Rufus Sorsa from Antler will share their take on funding optimism, sector rebounds, and strategies for navigating the tech winter. [Get your ticket now!]( --------------------------------------------------------------- WHO'S HIRING  You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. 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