No bells, whistles, or crypto for this blockchain

More: Microsoft plans out US$2.9 billion for Japan and a Singaporean AI startup nets a US$5 million seed round. [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 Web3 firm [eschewing crypto]( for its feeless blockchain - Microsoft’s planned US$2.9 billion investment in Japan - Other newsy highlights such as a Singaporean AI startup scoring US$5 million in seed money. --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” I love this quote from The Dark Knight movie because it rings true. Many people start out with good intentions, but over time, their ideals may get corrupted as they lose faith. They could also go the opposite direction and double down on their way of doing things until it’s not the right thing to do anymore. It’s kind of like how in Animal Farm, a lot of the pigs end up becoming oppressors themselves. I feel like this applies not only to people but to ideas too. Many good ideas come from well-intentioned places, but over time they might change so much that they’re unrecognizable compared to the original, or they get co-opted by people with more sinister agendas. Blockchain, it seems, falls into the latter category. While the underlying technology has remained consistent, much of how it’s executed in recent years hasn’t been inspiring. What was once a technology meant to improve security and trust eventually became the tool of choice for many grifters and scammers. That’s why it’s nice to hear that there are blockchain firms out there that’s going back to the tech’s roots and focusing on its original tenets. Today’s story discusses one of these players: Stability Protocol. -- Jonathan  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Cutting out crypto: Web3 firm looks to bring blockchain back to its roots]( Stability Protocol recently partnered with Singapore’s IMDA to help the agency digitize trade documents on the Global Trust Network blockchain. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Microsoft invests $2.9b in Japan to boost country’s AI capabilities]( Microsoft is also opening a research lab in Tokyo to focus on robotics and AI, among other things. [Singapore AI startup obtains $5m in Square Peg-led seed round]( Founded by former Meta executives and AI researchers, Mindverse is the firm behind MindOS Studio, which helps create AI-native websites. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [Asia layoff tracker: Amazon China cuts hundreds, Byju’s axes 500 positions]( Tech firms are dismissing staff to stay afloat as headwinds hit Asia. This layoff tracker is keeping tabs on marching orders. ---------------------------------------------------------------  SAIGON SUMMIT 2024: CHARTING VIETNAM’S TECH FUTURE  Be part of our lineup of exhibiting startups from around the world Startup Showcase is attracting top-tier talent from around the world! With applicants hailing from Japan, India, the US and beyond, the competition for one of the 30 coveted spots is heating up. From AI and e-commerce disruptors to next-gen gaming studios and electric vehicle innovators, the diversity of participating startups is something to behold! Don't miss out on your chance to showcase your company alongside these rising stars. Secure your spot at the Startup Showcase and join us for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and endless possibilities at Saigon Summit. The clock is ticking, and the application deadline is fast approaching. [Sign up now]( and make sure your startup doesn't get left behind! Hurry - the first 10 qualified applications will get 10% off our Startup Showcase packages! ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here]( and Tech in Asia’s signature events [here](. - [Saigon Summit 2024 : Charting Vietnam’s Tech Future on May 30]( We’re bringing the big guns to Saigon Summit. From VNLife CEO Niraan De Silva to Geniebook co-founder and CEO Neo Zhizhong and Ascend Vietnam Ventures co-founder and general partner Binh Tran, the stage is set for some serious insights. Get your ticket now to experience Vietnam’s tech revolution with thought leaders from VNG, Sendo, Xendit, Social Bella, and more. Will you be there when the next big idea in tech unfolds? - [Tech in Asia Conference Kuala Lumpur 2024 : Malaysia on The Rise on July 24-25]( in Asia Conference is making its Malaysia debut this July. This event will feature compelling panel discussions, insightful skill-building workshops, and exclusive interviews with established and emerging brands across various industries. Get your first release before April 22, with prices starting from just US$45 instead of the usual US$80 for a General Pass. [Grab yours]( while the offer lasts! - [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.  - [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup in Singapore on April 24]( We have a lot in store for you this April at Founders Meetup. Uncover Glasswall’s impact on fundraising and seize exclusive face time with renowned VCs from Antler, MSW Ventures, and Square Peg to discuss funding prospects during our all-new VC office hour. [Only a handful of tickets left, so hurry!]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [Data Journalist]( at Tech in Asia Bangalore, India - [Digital Campaign & Content Strategist]( at Redwoods Digital Tangerang, Indonesia - [DevOps Engineer]( at Salad Ventures Indonesia Bulk Terminal, Indonesia - [AI/ NLP Engineer]( at AiChat Jakarta, Indonesia - [Fullstack Developer]( at Scout.inc Jakarta, Indonesia - [Data Journalist]( at Tech in Asia Manila, Philippines [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? Switch to a different frequency or get new content through our [preference center]( or [unsubscribe](. 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