Welcome to Tech in Asia’s daily newsletter, your essential dose of Asia’s tech and startup buzz. Not on the mailing list? Register here. Got a story tip? Send it to editors@techinasia.com.

In focus

In this edition, we cover:

Hello reader,

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of content saying “buying on TikTok is cheaper” for F&B products, hotel reservations, and bookings for tourist attractions.

It turns out these videos are made by creators under TikTok Go, the social app’s latest affiliate program for local services. Each of these clips includes a location tag of a partner merchant, which directs users to that establishment’s transaction page when clicked.

The discounts offered by merchants on TikTok Go are indeed enticing. I was able to get a large Chatime milk tea for just 17,000 rupiah (US$1.04), down from its original price of 27,000 rupiah (US$1.66).

The experience is not without friction, though. Unlike with food delivery services, consumers taking advantage of these deals still need to visit an outlet in person to collect their order. To redeem, they’re required to present the QR code generated by TikTok upon purchase.

That said, everything’s hunky-dory as long as discounts are involved. But is this model sustainable enough to provide a stable income for creators while boosting merchant revenues? I explore this in today’s Big Story.

Meanwhile, the Denza D9 – an electric multi-purpose vehicle from BYD’s luxury sub-brand – has outsold the long-dominant Toyota Alphard in Indonesia. Are alarm bells ringing for the Japanese carmaker? Read on to learn more.

Jofie Yordan, journalist

The Big Story

Swipe, click, redeem: TikTok’s new formula for offline sales

Image credit: TikTok

TikTok began rolling out its local services feature in Indonesia last year. Now, it seems eager to double down on the sector through TikTok Go, its new affiliate program. Will this be a game changer like the app’s impact on live shopping?

Spotlight

Denza’s rapid rise in Indonesia gives Toyota cold sweat

Indonesia’s electric vehicle space has seen headwinds of late. But Denza, the luxury sub-brand from Chinese automaker BYD, is having a banner year.

In April, 811 wholesale units of Denza’s D9 luxury electric MPV were sold. It vastly outperformed the long-dominant Toyota Alphard, which sold only 78 units in the same month.

In all, the Denza D9 has sold over 3,000 units since its January launch, and it’s not hard to see why. It is around 500 million rupiah (US$30,686) cheaper and costs less to run than the Alphard. Moreover, it still benefits from the government’s tax breaks for EVs.

EVs like the D9 are also exempt from Jakarta’s odd-even license plate policy.

Warning signs are flashing for Toyota’s crown jewel, but don’t count the carmaker out just yet. If there’s one thing Indonesian consumers prize over time, it’s brand strength and reliability – things BYD and Denza have yet to demonstrate.

Putra Muskita, editor

How startups can thrive in Southeast Asia’s evolving tech scene

Explore strategies to overcome today’s toughest market challenges

Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem is entering a new era of challenges and opportunities. At AMPED 2025 Malaysia, discover how to lead your startup through uncertainty in the session “Reset and Rise: Navigating Southeast Asia’s Tougher Tech Landscape.”

Khailee Ng, managing partner at 500 Global, will share actionable frameworks to rethink growth strategies, sharpen decision-making, and build resilience. This session empowers founders to move beyond survival and position their startups for long-term success amid evolving market conditions.

If you’re ready to rethink your approach and unlock new potential, secure your spot now and gain the edge to thrive in today’s competitive landscape!

Less than 30 tickets remain! Bring your team and enjoy 20% off group purchases.

Trending news

1️⃣ Elon Musk says he is leaving US gov’t role

In a statement shared on social media, he thanked President Donald Trump for the opportunity to address government spending.

2️⃣ OpenAI CFO says restructure paves way for IPO

Sarah Friar clarified that no IPO plans have been announced yet, but being a public benefit corporation gets the company “to an IPO-able event.”

3️⃣ AI consulting firm Tomoro launches Singapore HQ

The firm intends to hire over 30 AI engineers, solution designers, and researchers in the city-state within the next year.

4️⃣ Sequoia Capital leads $25m series A round of AI accounting firm

This follows Rillet’s US$13.5 million raised in seed and pre-seed rounds 10 months ago.

5️⃣ US court rules Trump’s global tariffs unlawful

The decision halts key elements of his trade measures, including global flat tariffs and increased rates on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico.