Private funding for Southeast Asia’s digital economy grew 15% year on year to USD7.7bn in the 12 months to June 2025, though it remains about 70% below the 2021 peak, according to the Google-Temasek-Bain report. Growth lagged the global 25% pace, with capital concentrated in late-stage rounds while early-stage deals dropped from 30% to about 20%. The study, expanded to 10 markets, found that AI accounted for 32% of total funding in H1 2025, up from 30% in H2 2024, as over 680

Hong Kong will leverage artificial intelligence to attract global investment, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit. Highlighting the Hong Kong AI push, Chan cited WTO data showing that private capital in AI reached about USD190bn this year. The city will adopt a 'twin-engine' strategy—developing AI as a core industry while using it to upgrade traditional sectors. Government initiatives include direct investments, startup suppor