All flash, no focus

More: Large-scale layoffs at Binance and a new tech minister in Indonesia. [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: - [Layoffs and questionable marketing allegations at Refocus]( - Dtcpay’s Hong Kong expansion - Other newsy highlights such as sweeping layoffs at Binance and funding for a logistics network --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} How did you get your first job? Way back in the mists of time when I was a fresh graduate, I did what a lot of folks with humanities degrees do: I took anything I could get. That meant working in a call center for minimum wage and making 400-plus phone calls a day to pensioners who were largely uninterested in the raffle books I was pushing. Suffice to say, I didn’t find my calling straight out of university. If I was graduating in today’s tougher job market, I might look to learn some useful skills (no shade to my English literature degree) to make myself a better pick for employers. I might even sign up for a course with an edtech company to beef up my skills. Today’s premium story explores one of these platforms in Refocus - and why taking one of its courses might not be a good idea right now. -- Peter P.S: We’ve launched our own channel on Telegram and we’d like you to join us there! Never miss a Tech in Asia story: Every time we publish an article, a message with a link to the piece will pop up in the channel. Click [here]( to join.  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Edtech firm Refocus suspends Philippine operations amid numerous complaints]( Refocus has terminated contracts with 102 employees in the Philippines while facing accusations about illicit marketing tactics. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [SG-based Dtcpay eyes HK expansion for crypto payment services]( It also aims to set up an office in Dubai – another crypto hotspot – by 2024. [Indonesia appoints new tech minister amid cabinet reshuffle]( Budi Arie Setiadi previously served as the deputy minister of villages, the development of disadvantaged regions, and transmigration. [Logistics network APX eyes Malaysia, Singapore with pre-series A round]( The Thailand-based firm connects cargo shippers and truckers through its platform that offers less-than-truckload and palletized cargo services. [Binance cuts over 1,000 jobs amid regulatory pressure, executive exits]( The layoffs come as the company faces a lawsuit by the Securities and Exchange Commission. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [20 top angel investment networks in Asia]( Here's our regularly updated list of Asia's top angel investment networks. ---------------------------------------------------------------  TECH IN ASIA'S FOUNDERS MEETUP: THAILAND  Come aboard and discover how you can navigate through the challenges of your startup journey Are you a founder seeking solutions to your startup’s most pressing issues? Or are you someone who can offer your own expertise to help others overcome their roadblocks? No matter which one applies to you, mark your calendar for July 26 and join us in the heart of Bangkok at theCOMMONS to connect, learn, and exchange ideas with fellow founders from the Tech in Asia community. Why navigate the startup journey alone when you can collaborate with other founders and break through barriers together? Limited seats are available - act fast and secure yours [here](. Tickets are on sale at US$12.50 each, inclusive of light bites and one complimentary drink. Don’t miss it! Special thanks to our official event partners - AWS, CleverTap, Cooley, D.Camp, Sinarmas Land, Singapore Global Network (SGN), Quest Ventures, and Purple Quarter - and our community partners - WeWork, Gobi Partners, and Startup Thailand - for making this meetup possible. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here](. - [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup: Thailand on July 26]( Thailand's startup ecosystem is buzzing. With over 1,000 startups and funding at a record high of over US$500million in 2022, the vibrant landscape is making waves in the global startup scene. Join us at our Founders Meetup to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded founders in the country on July 26 at theCOMMONS (Thonglor, 335/1 Sukhumvit 55 Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110) from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Only a few tickets are left - secure yours now! - [SYNC 2023: Climate Tech on August 21]( Do you want to make a positive impact on the fight against climate change? Join SYNC 2023 on August 21 at Singapore's green haven, Gardens by the Bay, to learn more about sustainable innovation and eco-friendly practices. Besides spotlighting climate tech via this invite-only event, Tech in Asia is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Be part of this movement towards a sustainable future - send in your application for a SYNC 2023 ticket today! - [Tech in Asia Conference]( from October 18 to October 19 Do you see the light at the end of this funding winter’s tunnel? We do, and we believe Southeast Asia is that very light. That’s why this year’s Tech in Asia conference’s theme is Southeast Asia: A Bright Spot in the Tech World - signaling how the region can provide hope and guidance for the tech sector amid some troubling times. Hosted in Jakarta from October 18 to October 19, we’re excited to bring you a great lineup of speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and other activities. Click [here]( to get your early bird tickets. - [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup: India on August 25]( Do you want a closer look at India’s tech scene? Discover the hidden gems of India’s startup ecosystem at our networking event on August 25 at Byg Brewski (9, 36, 4th Floor, Vaishnavi Sapphire Centre, Tumkur Rd, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Area, Phase 1, Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560022) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Whether you’re facing roadblocks in funding or talent acquisition, connect with fellow founders and find solutions to your most pressing issues while offering your own expertise. Don’t miss out - [sign up 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 form](. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. - Geniebook - [Discover the Geniebook Summer Festival 2023: Unlocking Excellence in Education]( Singapore's leading EdTech platform, is hosting the highly-anticipated Summer Festival in Hanoi on 14 - 16 July - ChargeSini - [ChargeSini Powers New MINI EV Charging Facility in Melaka]( Local EV charging solutions provider ChargeSini collaborated with BMW Group Malaysia. ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [IT Systems and Security Administrator]( at Speedoc Singapore, Singapore - [IT SAP ABAP]( at PT Qerja Manfaat Bangsa Jakarta, Indonesia - [Legal Counsel]( at Ematic Solutions Makati City, Philippines - [Technical Quality Assurance]( at Jublia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Promotor Kredivo - Jabodetabek]( at MyRobin Jakarta, Indonesia - [Strategic Account Management (BNPL)]( at KoinWorks Jakarta, Indonesia [ADVERTISE]( | [SUBSCRIBE]( P.S. 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