You can’t spell gaming without AI

More: Shopee reportedly hikes commission fees in key markets. [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: - [How Reforged Labs hopes to revamp making ads for video games]( - The close of Antler’s US$72 million SEA Fund II - Other newsy highlights such as commission fee hikes at Shopee and Xiaomi becoming the second-biggest smartphone brand in Latin America --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} In what feels like a former life, I had a side hustle editing social media advertising copy for one of Vietnam’s better-known brands. It was perhaps one of the more dull, repetitive jobs I’ve had. Every day, the ad agency would send the posts to me, and they followed the same structure virtually every time, with just slight variations. There wasn’t much creativity involved, and it felt like a repetitive task - the kind that no one wants to waste time on. If I had access to something like ChatGPT back then, I certainly would have used it. Some startups are building AI models to take on these kinds of tasks so humans can do more valuable and stimulating work.Reforged Labs, for instance, is focused on the gaming industry, helping studios create video ads more efficiently. Read on to find out why its business model has scored almost US$4 million in funding for the Singapore-based firm. -- Peter  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Reforged Labs lands $3.9m to power game ads with AI]( The Singapore-based startup is targeting smaller studios seeking faster and cheaper ways to make ads. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Sea’s Shopee raises seller fees above those of TikTok and Temu to lift margins]( Since the start of 2024, the ecommerce major has raised the commissions it charges merchants by about a third in many core markets amid intensifying competition. [Xiaomi gains share in Latin America, Japan, India]( The Chinese firm has become the second-biggest smartphone brand in Latin America, shipping 6.2 million handsets in the second quarter of this year to the market. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [Southeast Asia’s top-funded tech companies in the last decade]( As investors in Southeast Asia race to back the next industry leader, which tech firm will claim the region's funding crown? ---------------------------------------------------------------  HAPPENING TOMORROW IN JAKARTA: DNA MASTER CLASS Level up your leadership and strategy with top minds from SMU, East Ventures, Deloitte, ISMAYA, Astra International, and more! This isn’t your ordinary business conference. DNA Master Class dives deep into the cutting-edge topics shaping tomorrow’s business landscape, such as: - Strategies for global expansion in a high-growth industry: Learn the secrets to scaling your business beyond borders. - Ethics in AI: Balancing innovation and responsibility: Discover how to leverage technology ethically for long-term success. - Healthy leaders, healthy business: Explore the link between your well-being and your company’s growth. [Grab your tickets]( now to join hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals! ---------------------------------------------------------------  PRESS PEEKS The 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 Tech in Asia by simply filling in [this]( page](. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. - X Open Hub - [X Open Hub's Liquidity Solution Redefines Trading Standards]( Deep order books and ultra-fast execution: a new benchmark in liquidity provision. - Unearthed Productions - [Unearthed Productions and PLB Media partner to boost event ambitions of PropertyLimBrothers]( The way homes in Singapore are marketed will be reshaped through more experience-led events, thanks to a new partnership between industry experts. - Sinar Mas Land - [DNA Digifest Asia, Digital Hub Drives Digital Transformation for MSMEs]( DNA Digifest Asia helps entrepreneurs with talks, workshops, tech solutions, and networking for 1,500+ attendees by Sinar Mas Land and Tech in Asia. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here]( and Tech in Asia’s signature events [here](.  [Tech in Asia Conference Jakarta on October 23 - 24]( Want to know what's next for Southeast Asia’s startup scene? Join us at TIA Conference Jakarta to hear from top VCs like Jefrey Joe of Alpha JWC Ventures, the founder-turned-investor Achmad Zaky and Agung Bezharie. They'll share insights on which market is still the hotbed for investment, the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from founder to investor, and many more. Join thousands of founders and investors at TIA Conference Jakarta. Tickets are now on sale for 50% off until August 11th. [Get tickets.]( [Investor Hour at Tech in Asia Conference Jakarta]( Ready to make your startup dream a reality? Investor Hour is your golden ticket. This exclusive one-on-one networking session brings together brilliant founders and seasoned investors in an intimate setting. Whether you're seeking funding or looking to sharpen your pitch, Investor Hour is your platform to build lasting relationships. Don't miss this chance to connect with the industry's top minds. Secure your spot at TIA Conference Jakarta now! [Get tickets.]( [Gemini Day for Startups: Singapore on August 22]( What if you could shape the next AI breakthrough instead of just reading about it? Google Cloud experts will reveal how they're supercharging AI for startups, giving you the tools to define the future, not just keep up. Think of it as a masterclass in genAI, where you'll broaden your perspective and walk away with actionable strategies. [Apply now]( - seats are strictly limited. [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup: Thailand on September 11]( Join leading investors from A2D Ventures, WV, and more as they give the inside scoop on navigating the city’s startup scene. They identify the hottest verticals where smart money is going (and where you should too!) and engineer tomorrow’s thriving ecosystem. Hurry, [snag your early bird ticket now]( before the promo ends on August 26. [SYNC 2024 on October 2024]( Remember last year's SYNC? 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