AI magic in the air, but banks beware

More: Amazon is going back to the office and Yoshiaki Murakami’s daughter launches her own VC firm. [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 AI magic in Indonesia’s finance sector]( - A new VC firm that’s just launched in Singapore - Other newsy highlights such as Amazon’s plans to go back to the office --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} Today’s premium article talks about the use of AI in banking, so I decided to use AI to write this opening section. I opened Google AI Studio and prompted it to “write an introductory one-paragraph blurb that will incite people to read the full article.” Here’s the result: Sabrina the Chatbot: How AI is Transforming Indonesia's Finance Sector Forget the teenage witch - Sabrina is now a powerful AI chatbot helping Indonesian banks like Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) offer faster loans and improved customer service. This article explores how AI is transforming the financial landscape in Indonesia, examining the benefits and challenges, and delving into the future of this technology in a sector where human interaction remains crucial. Honestly, as someone who grew up watching Sabrina The Teenage Witch, that’s a pretty good hook. And on that note, I hope the prompt has done its magic, and you’re going to go read the full article now. -- Stefanie  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY Indonesian financial institutions are embracing AI for everything from customer service to loan processing. However, experts warn that human agents remain crucial - especially for building trust and making critical decisions. Discover the full story [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Yoshiaki Murakami’s daughter co-founds Singapore VC firm]( Kadan Capital, a VC firm focused on early-stage Asian companies in the fintech, SaaS, and AI sectors, has launched in Singapore. The firm is co-founded by Rei Murakami Frenzel, the daughter of Murakami Family Foundation founder Yoshiaki Murakami, and Felix Frenzel, a former Antler investment manager. [No more working from home, Amazon tells staff]( Amazon employees will need to return to the office five days a week starting from January 2024, says CEO Andy Jassy. This decision follows Jassy’s recognition of inefficiencies within the company, including excessive meetings and bureaucracy obstructing decisions. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [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. --------------------------------------------------------------- FEELING THE PRESSURE TO INNOVATE FASTER?  The future is collaboration, powered by AI Sit down with selected experts from CIMB, Figma, Carousell, ShopBack, Pelago, and more on September 26 at Coriander Leaf Chijmes to explore the latest strategies and technologies shaping the future of product. Learn how to navigate the evolving roles of designers and engineers as AI becomes more prevalent. Unlock effective communication between teams, and overcome the technical challenges of harnessing AI's full potential. Leave inspired, connected, and ahead of the game - [apply for an invite now!]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  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. - Love Actually Paktor Group- [A Perfect Match Between Lunch Actually and Paktor]( The union of both leading services to form Lunch Actually Paktor Group, will create enriched dating experiences and support singles in finding love. - 19Volt - [Asia’s 1st AI-Powered SME Lending Marketplace Launches in the Philippines]( Kredit Hero, Asia's 1st AI-powered SME lending marketplace, launches in the Philippines to connect SMEs with fast, tailored financing solutions. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here]( and Tech in Asia’s signature events [here](.  [Experience #TIAConferenceJKT like a pro | October 23 - 24]( Ever felt overwhelmed at a conference? Too much to see, too little time? At TIA Conference Jakarta, we've got you covered. Our Pro Pass gives you exclusive access to networking events, catered meals, and on-demand sessions, ensuring you make the most of your time. Focus on building relationships and leave the logistics to us. Bond with your new connections over five-star meals and catch up on sessions at your own pace with video replays. But hurry, this pass is in high demand and sells out quickly. [Grab your Pro Pass now]( for US$131 before prices increase on September 19. [Gemini Day for Startups: Indonesia on September 26]( You want generative AI solutions that actually deliver, right? Cut through the noise with Google Cloud’s Hae Na Noh and discover how startups are winning with genAI right now - broaden your perspective, gain actionable strategies, and glean next-gen insights. Limited seats available - [apply for your invite today.]( [SYNC 2024 on October 08]( Get ready to dive deep into the exciting world of AI at SYNC 2024! Prepare to be inspired by thought-provoking roundtable discussions where industry trailblazers will share their perspectives on the future of AI in Asia. You’ll also get the chance to discover Asia's most promising AI startups at our demo discussion segment. This exclusive event is by application only. [Find out more today.]( [Tech in Asia Conference Jakarta on October 23 - 24]( Feeling lost in the Gen Z lingo? Join us at TIA Conference Jakarta and hear from these media moguls who will spill the tea. Learn how to navigate the world of short-form content, leverage AI to personalize content recommendations, build authentic and engaging communities, and more. No cap, this session is gonna be fire. [Get tickets at 40% off]( before price increases on September 19. ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [Sales Development Associate (B2B Saas)]( at SENRI Limited Jakarta, Indonesia - [Social Media Specialist]( at PT Allo Bank Indonesia Tbk Jakarta, Indonesia - [Head of Engineer]( at PT. ASLI Rancangan Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Influencer Marketer]( at PT. Ichigo Indonesia Inti Jakarta, Indonesia - [Content Marketing Specialist]( at Jack Jakarta, Indonesia - [Data Analyst]( at Mobius Digital Indonesia Bulk Terminal, Indonesia [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. 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