The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) has launched Project Tapir, partnering with Malaysia-based venture capital (VC) firms, Artem Ventures and OSK Ventures International Berhad (OSKVI) to identify and showcase promising Singapore FinTech companies who are keen to launch in Malaysia.
This includes companies in the payments, regtech, insurtech, AI, sustainability and climate related tech, education, healthcare space, enterprise tech and other emerging technologies where Artem Ventures and OSKVI specialise.
1337 Ventures, a Malaysian-based VC firm specialising in early-stage technology startups, is supporting this project as a secondary partner. Anchored by Artem Ventures and OSKVI, with 1337 Ventures as a partner, SFA hopes these partnerships under Project Tapir will provide Singapore FinTechs with a comprehensive ecosystem that ensure a higher chance of go-to-market.
Under the arrangement, SFA will play a key role in shortlisting potential Singapore FinTech companies to be part of an SFA delegation that will travel to Malaysia for a business mission in May 2024. Both anchor venture capital firms will support the selected companies in their expansion efforts in Malaysia, including providing access to local industry insights and advice.
Shadab Taiyabi, president of SFA, said, “SFA is committed to supporting the regional expansion of Singapore FinTechs to Malaysia through this partnership with Artem Ventures and OSKVI.
“Finding the right growth partners is key for Singapore FinTechs that want to grow regionally. Artem Ventures and OSKVI both have deep expertise in the Malaysian FinTech space and we hope this latest initiative will support our members and positively impact both the economic and talent markets in both countries.”
Low Zhen Hui, managing partner of Artem Ventures, said, “Artem Ventures is proud to champion the integration of Singapore FinTechs into a thriving Malaysian tech ecosystem through this partnership.
“Through strategic collaborations and support, we aim to foster economic growth, cutting-edge innovations, and the creation of valuable job opportunities in the Malaysian market. Together, we are building bridges between nations and shaping the future of the regional FinTech ecosystem”
Amelia Ong, CEO, OSK Ventures International Berhad, added, “We stand strong in our commitment in driving sustainable private market growth and digitalization advancement in the Southeast Asian region.
“Through this partnership, we aim to foster stronger bilateral ties between the digital ecosystem in both countries and we hope to empower fintechs with the resources and insights to thrive in a growing ecosystem.”
This initiative represents a cross border collaboration that will benefit both the Singaporean and Malaysian governments aspirations by promoting their respective interests in neighboring countries.
With this initiative, Singaporean fintechs are supported when expanding overseas while Malaysia is showcased as an attractive location for foreign investments.
Interested Singapore fintechs who are keen to apply with Artem Ventures can click here, and to apply with OSK Ventures International, please click here.
