You might have heard of Stormtroopers in the Star Wars franchise. But what about YouTroopers?  

Well, YouTroopers is a term used to describe globetrotters who use multi-currency mobile wallets and prepaid debit cards by fintech startup YouTrip!

Launched in 2018, YouTrip is a regional financial technology startup that seeks to empower people with a smarter and more convenient way to pay in foreign currency through in-app exchange. Think of it as a money changer, but located within a mobile application. 

Besides providing individuals with a hassle-free way to pay in foreign currency through in-app exchanges, the firm also provides individual and SME clients with personal and corporate cards that they can use to spend in stores. 

The company raised US$50 million in its latest Series B funding round to invest in technology and innovation, as well as to hire over a hundred workers to launch in new markets across Southeast Asia.

But why is the firm expanding aggressively at this time, and what kind of innovations can we expect on this front?  How will that accelerate financial inclusion in the region?

In this Singapore Fintech Festival edition of Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Arthur Mak, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, YouTrip.

You might have heard of Stormtroopers in the Star Wars franchise. But what about YouTroopers?  
Well, YouTroopers is a term used to describe globetrotters who use multi-currency mobile wallets and prepaid debit cards by fintech startup YouTrip!
Launched in 2018, YouTrip is a regional financial technology startup that seeks to empower people with a smarter and more convenient way to pay in foreign currency through in-app exchange. Think of it as a money changer, but located within a mobile application. 
Besides providing individuals with a hassle-free way to pay in foreign currency through in-app exchanges, the firm also provides individual and SME clients with personal and corporate cards that they can use to spend in stores. 
The company raised US$50 million in its latest Series B funding round to invest in technology and innovation, as well as to hire over a hundred workers to launch in new markets across Southeast Asia.
But why is the firm expanding aggressively at this time, and what kind of innovations can we expect on this front?  How will that accelerate financial inclusion in the region?
In this Singapore Fintech Festival edition of Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Arthur Mak, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, YouTrip.

We speak with businesses, industry leaders, venture capitalists and startups on their assessment of the business environment they're in, and what the future holds for them.

We speak with businesses, industry leaders, venture capitalists and startups on their assessment of the business environment they're in, and what the future holds for them.

Under The Radar

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Step into the future of finance with MONEY FM 89.3, the official radio station of the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024. 

Coming to you LIVE from the Singapore Expo on the 6th and 7th of November from 12pm to 4pm - tune in for exclusive interviews with industry leaders, C-suite executives, and innovative start-ups. From the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing in the world of finance, to critical issues around inclusion and sustainability - don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the trends that are shaping the future of financial innovation. 

Your ears on the ground at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024,  MONEY FM 89.3!

Step into the future of finance with MONEY FM 89.3, the official radio station of the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024. 
Coming to you LIVE from the Singapore Expo on the 6th and 7th of November from 12pm to 4pm - tune in for exclusive interviews with industry leaders, C-suite executives, and innovative start-ups. From the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing in the world of finance, to critical issues around inclusion and sustainability - don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the trends that are shaping the future of financial innovation. 
Your ears on the ground at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024,  MONEY FM 89.3!

Singapore Fintech Festival

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

[SFF Special] Under the Radar: YouTrip’s co-founder on its Series B funding and aggressive expansion plans to accelerate financial inclusion in ASEAN

Today we turn our attention to look at renewable energy as companies around the world look to decarbonise and reduce their consumption of traditional fossil fuels. 

Founded in 2008 with a mission to address the challenges of climate change, our guest for today is pure-play renewable fuel producer EcoCeres. 

Backed by international investors Bain Capital and Kerogen Capital, the company transforms sustainable feedstocks into advanced biofuels and renewable products such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). 

The firm says its solutions turn 100% waste-based biomass into renewable fuels, renewable chemicals and materials resulting in up to 90% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. 

So far, EcoCeres said some of its customers include Cathay Pacific and HSBC, and that it holds 20% of the global SAF market in the years 2022 to 2023.

EcoCeres is a company that we want to speak to given the rise in adoption of biofuels around the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions. 

For one thing, the International Air Transport Association (or IATA) had estimated that Sustainable Aviation Fuel could contribute around 65% of the reduction of emissions needed by the aviation industry to reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by the middle of this century (or 2050 that is).

So what opportunities does this present for EcoCeres looking ahead? What are the barriers to producing enough biofuels for consumption, and which markets will be key to the growth of the biofuels industry? 

Speaking of markets, EcoCeres opened Malaysia’s first commercial-scale sustainable aviation production facility in January 2026. But what were the reasons behind the move, and which are the other markets of interest to the firm? 

Meanwhile, media reports out in December 2025 and January 2026 noted that EcoCeres was eyeing a potential Hong Kong IPO that could raise about US$1 billion. 

But what was the rationale behind the move and how would the company use the proceeds, if it turns out to be true? 

On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Matti Lievonen, CEO, EcoCeres.

Today we turn our attention to look at renewable energy as companies around the world look to decarbonise and reduce their consumption of traditional fossil fuels.&nbsp;
Founded in 2008 with a mission to address the challenges of climate change, our guest for today is pure-play renewable fuel producer EcoCeres.&nbsp;
Backed by international investors Bain Capital and Kerogen Capital, the company transforms sustainable feedstocks into advanced biofuels and renewable products such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).&nbsp;
The firm says its solutions turn 100% waste-based biomass into renewable fuels, renewable chemicals and materials resulting in up to 90% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;
So far, EcoCeres said some of its customers include Cathay Pacific and HSBC, and that it holds 20% of the global SAF market in the years 2022 to 2023.
EcoCeres is a company that we want to speak to given the rise in adoption of biofuels around the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;
For one thing, the International Air Transport Association (or IATA) had estimated that Sustainable Aviation Fuel could contribute around 65% of the reduction of emissions needed by the aviation industry to reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by the middle of this century (or 2050 that is).
So what opportunities does this present for EcoCeres looking ahead? What are the barriers to producing enough biofuels for consumption, and which markets will be key to the growth of the biofuels industry?&nbsp;
Speaking of markets, EcoCeres opened Malaysia&rsquo;s first commercial-scale sustainable aviation production facility in January 2026. But what were the reasons behind the move, and which are the other markets of interest to the firm?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, media reports out in December 2025 and January 2026 noted that EcoCeres was eyeing a potential Hong Kong IPO that could raise about US$1 billion.&nbsp;
But what was the rationale behind the move and how would the company use the proceeds, if it turns out to be true?&nbsp;
On Under the Radar, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Matti Lievonen, CEO, EcoCeres.

Under the Radar: What are the key opportunities and barriers of growth for biofuel providers? CEO of Hong Kong-based EcoCeres spills the beans.

Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian reports from Jakarta, Indonesia in this “On the Go” special episode of Under the Radar, as she covers the key highlights of GrabX 2026. 

That’s the Southeast Asia superapp’s annual product showcase, where the firm unveiled the latest innovations to be rolled out progressively this year.

Themed “Your Everyday Guide”, this year’s event features 13 new AI-powered product features and seeks to highlight Grab’s evolution into an intelligent guide that supports users and merchants seamlessly from living to travelling, in Southeast Asia and beyond. 

From a Group Ride solution that helps sequence a trip among several passengers efficiently, to a virtual store manager that uses existing CCTV hardware to monitor store operations and hygiene standards using AI, Tian Tian brings you a sneak peek at the firm’s new offerings.

Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian reports from Jakarta, Indonesia in this &ldquo;On the Go&rdquo; special episode of Under the Radar, as she covers the key highlights of GrabX 2026.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s the Southeast Asia superapp&rsquo;s annual product showcase, where the firm unveiled the latest innovations to be rolled out progressively this year.
Themed &ldquo;Your Everyday Guide&rdquo;, this year&rsquo;s event features 13 new AI-powered product features and seeks to highlight Grab&rsquo;s evolution into an intelligent guide that supports users and merchants seamlessly from living to travelling, in Southeast Asia and beyond.&nbsp;
From a Group Ride solution that helps sequence a trip among several passengers efficiently, to a virtual store manager that uses existing CCTV hardware to monitor store operations and hygiene standards using AI, Tian Tian brings you a sneak peek at the firm&rsquo;s new offerings.

Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) On the Go from Jakarta — What should we know about the 13 AI-powered product features announced at GrabX 2026?

Today we’re going to revisit a guest whose mission is to increase the GDP of not a country, but the internet. 

If it rings a bell, yes, we are indeed talking about Stripe, the payments processing company whose aim is to build the economic infrastructure for the internet. 

For starters, the San Francisco and Dublin headquartered firm assists customers from the world’s largest enterprises to budding startups in accepting payments, growing their revenue and tapping new business opportunities. 

More specifically, its service offerings cut across functions such as pricing, billing, checkouts, payment links, revenue recognition to invoicing and marketplace solutions. 

We are speaking to Stripe once again because a lot has happened since our last interview with the company in 2024. 
 
Per the firm’s latest annual letter, Stripe reached a valuation of a whopping US$159 billion as of 2026, climbing up from US$106.7 billion achieved in September 2025. So what are the key drivers of growth bolstering the numbers?

Also – how is the firm preparing for a world enabled by artificial intelligence, with technologies such as agentic commerce set to shake up the online shopping landscape?

Meanwhile, Stripe is also big on stablecoins, having in February 2025 acquired stablecoin orchestration platform Bridge for US$1.1 billion. But how has the firm tapped on the speed and cost advantages of stablecoins in its business thus far?

On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Paul Harapin, Chief Revenue Officer, Asia Pacific & Japan, Stripe.

Today we&rsquo;re going to revisit a guest whose mission is to increase the GDP of not a country, but the internet.&nbsp;
If it rings a bell, yes, we are indeed talking about Stripe, the payments processing company whose aim is to build the economic infrastructure for the internet.&nbsp;
For starters, the San Francisco and Dublin headquartered firm assists customers from the world&rsquo;s largest enterprises to budding startups in accepting payments, growing their revenue and tapping new business opportunities.&nbsp;
More specifically, its service offerings cut across functions such as pricing, billing, checkouts, payment links, revenue recognition to invoicing and marketplace solutions.&nbsp;
We are speaking to Stripe once again because a lot has happened since our last interview with the company in 2024.&nbsp; &nbsp; Per the firm&rsquo;s latest annual letter, Stripe reached a valuation of a whopping US$159 billion as of 2026, climbing up from US$106.7 billion achieved in September 2025. So what are the key drivers of growth bolstering the numbers?
Also &ndash; how is the firm preparing for a world enabled by artificial intelligence, with technologies such as agentic commerce set to shake up the online shopping landscape?
Meanwhile, Stripe is also big on stablecoins, having in February 2025 acquired stablecoin orchestration platform Bridge for US$1.1 billion. But how has the firm tapped on the speed and cost advantages of stablecoins in its business thus far?
On Under the Radar, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Paul Harapin, Chief Revenue Officer, Asia Pacific &amp; Japan, Stripe.

Under the Radar: How is Stripe tapping on the increased adoption of agentic commerce and stablecoins for growth in APAC? Its Chief Revenue Officer for APJ Region sheds light on the matter.

[SFF Special] Under the Radar: YouTrip’s co-founder on its Series B funding and aggressive expansion plans to accelerate financial inclusion in ASEAN

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