Also, Singtel launches e-sports league with Razer, and more

Singapore launches blockchain centre for SMEs – [press release]

A six-storey centre dedicated to helping SMEs (small medium enterprises) adopt blockchain technology has been opened in Serangoon North, Singapore.

The building was launched by PLMP Fintech, a Singapore-founded blockchain advisory. Simply called ‘Blockchain Centre’, it currently houses 35 staff with plans to grow to 100 by the end of the year.

The centre will provide education and technology development, an over-the-counter crypto exchange centre, a technical support centre and a rig-mining setup.

PLMP Fintech has raised US$11 million from private investors to date.

SoftBank increases stake in Yahoo Japan – [Reuters]

Japanese telecom giant SoftBank is increasing its stake in Yahoo Japan to better align its strategic interests with the internet company, according to a report by Reuters.

It will buy 221 billion yen (US$2 billion) from Yahoo Japan’s second largest shareholder, Altaba, formerly known as Yahoo! Inc. Following that, Yahoo Japan will purchase 220 billion shares from SoftBank.

This gives Yahoo Japan a US$9 million net investment from SoftBank.

Singtel launches e-sports league with Razer – [press release]

Singapore telecom company Singtel Group is launching an APAC e-sports league with gaming accessories company Razer.

This is part of the Group’s efforts to grow its gaming and digital content
business across its footprint in the Asia Pacific region.

It will start off with the launch of PVP eSports Championship, a multi-title and regional league with a prize pool of US$300,000; the event will run from October 5 to 7 and will feature games such as Arena of Valor, Dota 2 and Hearthstone.

Besides Razer, Singtel will be partnering with Blizzard, Garena and the Mineski Group through MET for the tournament.

Thai train stations add QR payment – [Bangkok Post]

Commuters can now use QR codes to make payment in major train stations in Thailand. According to the Bangkok Post, State Railway of Thailand (SRT) installed Kasikornbank code readers in 56 main stations across the country.

Also Read: Meet the 10 Thailand startups that took the heat at Pitch & Switch

German Accelerator opens office in Singapore – [e27]

An accelerator has launched in Singapore to help German startups access Southeast Asian markets. Simply called “German Accelerator”, the programme will offer German startups the opportunity to stay and work in Singapore for five months, during which they will also travel to other parts of Southeast Asia.

The startups will receive free mentoring, a safe sounding board, access to the local network of business partners and venture capitalists, and free office space.

The accelerator also announced a partnership with Singapore government agency Enterprise Singapore to open two landing pads in Berlin and Munich for startups in the city-state to get to know and access the German market.

The post Today’s top tech news, Jul 10: Singapore launches blockchain centre for SMEs, SoftBank increases stake in Yahoo Japan appeared first on e27.