Willis Wee

Willis Wee is the founder of Tech in Asia (TIA), one of Southeast Asia’s leading platforms for startup news and insights. Before Tech in Asia became the brand it is today, it was originally known as Penn Olson. In 2009, while still a university student, Wee began documenting his observations on the rise of social media and its impact on businesses. As he explored how companies were leveraging social platforms to connect with consumers, his interest shifted to the broader role of technology in entrepreneurship. This passion led him to pivot his writing towards the growing startup ecosystem in Asia, focusing on the stories of founders and their innovative ventures.

In 2010, during his third year at university, Wee founded Tech in Asia to fill a gap he identified in global tech media coverage. While most outlets were focused on Silicon Valley, Asia was emerging as a hub for dynamic startups and technological innovation. Tech in Asia sought to spotlight the region’s startups and the individuals behind them, catering to an audience hungry for local insights.

Under Wee’s leadership, Tech in Asia grew into a respected source of news on technology and entrepreneurship in Asia, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. The platform covers developments from key countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, China, and India.

In 2017, Tech in Asia raised US$6.6 million in funding, led by Hanwha Investment and Securities, one year before launching its subscription service to support its growing operations. In 2018, Wee expanded Tech in Asia’s offerings by launching an integrated marketing agency, providing services across media, events, and design. The company also started hosting the annual Tech in Asia Conference, which has become one of Asia’s premier tech events, connecting startups, investors, and innovators across the region.

In January 2024, Wee entered a new phase in Tech in Asia’s evolution with the company’s acquisition by SPH Media, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s growth and continued influence in the tech space.

Wee has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Singapore Management University and an A level certification in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics from Nanyang Junior College.