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Uncovering the elusive Chinese tech founders dominating SEA

As South-east Asia’s financial hub, Singapore has a progressive regulatory environment for blockchain companies

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    • More AI startups from the country have recently set up shop in Singapore in a bid to access both their home market and the West.
    • More AI startups from the country have recently set up shop in Singapore in a bid to access both their home market and the West. PHOTO: REUTERS

    Tran Tuan Viet Duc

    Published Thu, Jun 19, 2025 · 10:05 AM

    FOR centuries, Chinese entrepreneurs have ventured far beyond their homeland. Today, that legacy continues in technology.

    Chinese founders have started eight unicorns in South-east Asia, including the region’s most valuable tech firm, Sea Group. This number makes up 13 per cent of all billion-dollar startups in South-east Asia.

    We define Chinese founders as individuals who are Chinese nationals or naturalised Singaporeans originally from China.

    Artificial IntelligenceStartupsSouth-east AsiaAsia-Pacific

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