Funding, AI product launches and chip-sector deals dominated Asian business news this week.

Malaysia: Cypress Asia launches RM50 million startup fund

Malaysian venture capital firm Cypress Asia has launched a RM50 million ($12.2 million) fund for technology startups. It will target pre-Series A and Series A companies, with a preference for businesses that have a clear path to profitability. New Hoong Fatt Holdings has committed up to RM20 million as anchor investor. Cypress plans to invest RM1 million to RM3 million per company and expects to make five to seven initial investments.

TikTok: AI shopping tools and a wider ad network

TikTok is rolling out AI-powered shopping features. Buy Direct will let users purchase products straight from the For You feed, and a conversational Shopping Assistant will answer product questions. The company is also expanding its TikTok Ad Network so advertisers can reach audiences outside the app, with new tools to automate campaigns.

South Korea: Hanmi Semiconductor wins Samsung Electro-Mechanics order

Hanmi Semiconductor has secured an order of about 24.5 billion won ($18.1 million) from Samsung Electro-Mechanics. It covers Micro Saw & Vision Placement systems used to make advanced substrates for AI chips. The contract runs from September 2026 to December 17, 2027, and reflects rising demand for advanced packaging equipment as chipmakers invest in AI infrastructure.

Hong Kong: Qupital launches on-chain lending for merchants

Hong Kong fintech Qupital has launched an AI-powered on-chain lending platform for global e-commerce merchants. It uses AI to monitor merchant sales and loan performance, and settles financing in USDC through Ethereum-based smart contracts, giving round-the-clock liquidity for cross-border transactions. The company says it has processed more than $9.5 billion in cumulative trade financing.

India: Flipkart takes minority stake in TravClan

Flipkart has bought a minority stake in travel technology platform TravClan, whose platform is used by more than 15,000 travel agents. The investment is meant to strengthen international holiday offerings on Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel. TravClan plans to spend on technology, global supply and destination expansion.