technology

Selection affirms Soft Spaces credibility and tech strength in Japans fintech scene Recognition cements Soft Spaces role in Japans fintech, driving cashless innovation Soft Space, a leading Fintech-as-a-Service (FaaS) provider headquartered in Malaysia, has been selected by Tokyo Stock Exchange Inc. (TSE) as one of 20 supported companies in its annual Asia Startup Hub programme. The company noted that it is one of only two Malaysian firms included in this years list. The selection underscores the stringent requirements Soft Space has achieved to qualify for the programme and reinforces its credibility and technological strength in Japans highly competitive fintech ecosystem. Participation in the programme will open up new business opportunities while nurturing the company towards IPO readiness. Our selection into the TSE Asia Startup Hub is a significant milestone, as such recognition gives us substantial credibilityparticularly as we continue to expand Soft Spaces presence in Japan and beyond, said Joel Tay, CEO of Soft Space. Japan is a unique and pivotal market for us, where we have been able to deploy new use cases across logistics and transportation with one of the worlds largest non-bank merchants. The invaluable experience gained in Japans diverse and scalable market provides us with a platform for the next phase of our global journey, he added. The TSE Asia Startup Hub is an initiative designed to foster the growth of promising Asian startups with strong ties to Japan. Supported companies receive tailored assistance to explore opportunities in Japan, including partnerships with local corporations, guidance for long-term expansion, and fundraising supportpotentially paving the way for eventual exit options. Soft Space has been at the forefront of Japans cashless transformation, achieving milestones such as the worlds first SoftPOS solution supporting stablecoin payments and the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone with the stera tap app. These breakthroughs were made possible through long-standing collaborations with leading Japanese institutions. Such achievements have been underpinned by the support of existing shareholders including transcosmos inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, and JCB Co., Ltd., which have provided both market access and credibility. This has enabled Soft Space to play a key role in advancing Japans payments landscape, from accelerating contactless adoption to driving innovation in digital currencies. With established roots in Japans fintech ecosystem, this recognition provides a springboard for Soft Space to further deepen partnerships, explore new capital-raising opportunities, and accelerate business expansion in one of the worlds most dynamic financial markets. The milestone follows Soft Spaces recent inclusion in Forbes Asias 100 to Watch list, underscoring its position as one of the regions most innovative and fast-growing fintech players.