Networks and chill: Asean’s biggest EV startup you haven’t heard of
Discover how NeoCryo revolutionizes cold-chain logistics with intelligent electric commercial vehicles. TransportBT sits down with CFO Lau Si Ying to discuss Asean’s best-funded EV startup and its pat...
China dominates most conversations about electric vehicles, but South-east Asia has its own contender quietly building momentum. NeoCryo, a Singapore-headquartered startup, has raised US$54 million to date, making it one of the best-funded EV startups in Asean. Its focus is not passenger cars but something far less glamorous and arguably more consequential: cold chain logistics.
In this episode of TransportBT a podcast of BT Correspondents, Derryn Wong speaks with Lau Si Ying, CFO of NeoCryo, about what it actually takes to build refrigerated electric commercial vehicles, why cold chain is a far bigger opportunity than it sounds, and what the company’s path to a Nasdaq listing looks like.
Why listen
- Why cold chain logistics is a US$430 billion market and growing Lau explains why a single temperature fluctuation can ruin an entire cargo of vaccines or fresh produce, and why that invisible failure point creates real financial value for fleet operators willing to pay for reliability.
- Why NeoCryo is building an ecosystem, not just trucks Vehicle sales are only the starting point. Lau explains why connected telematics, subscription software and fleet data will become the company’s real long-term revenue drivers.
- Why staying asset-light with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnerships like CATL matters Rather than building everything from scratch, NeoCryo sources components from established suppliers and assembles vehicles regionally, including at a planned facility in the Middle East.
- Why Singapore was the natural choice for headquarters Lau explains the strategic logic behind the SingAuto brand and why Singapore’s regulatory environment and access to capital markets made it the obvious base.
NeoCryo’s first vehicle launches in Singapore in October 2026. This conversation explains what is actually driving that timeline. Listen now.
Discover more episodes at bt.sg/podcasts. Got feedback? Email us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.
---
Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@sph.com.sg)
With Lau Si Ying, CFO of NeoCryo
Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro
Produced by: Derryn Wong, Nicole Teo & Chai Pei Chieh
A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
---
Follow BT Correspondents:
Channel: bt.sg/btcobt
Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam
Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap
Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp
YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt
Website: bt.sg/btcorresp
Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.
---
Discover more BT podcast series:
BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks
BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM
BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus
BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
BT Correspondents brings together some of The Business Times’ most trusted columnists in a single series. Featuring Mark to Market, WealthBT, TransportBT, and PropertyBT, weekly episodes deliver expert analysis and clear perspectives on stocks, wealth, mobility, and real estate. It is essential listening for professionals who want context, clarity, and depth.
TRENDING NOW
32 companies, 6 individuals bag accolades at Singapore Corporate Awards 2026
He built the Vingroup empire. Now South-east Asia’s richest man is handing some key roles to his sons
URA to review guidelines on floor space to give developers more design flexibility: Chee Hong Tat
Chagee, Mixue and Luckin won the market. Sustaining their edge is the harder part
