– Super appsexplore inorganic growthoptions – Gojek in talks with e-commerce company Tokopedia over $18bn merger – Grab reported to be preparing for a public listing in the US – Food delivery and financial services increasingly important segments After a year ofexternal expansion and internal reorganisation due to Covid-19, South-east Asia’s super apps appear to…
After enjoying years of exponential growth, South-east Asia’s super apps have been forced to reassess their business models as a result of Covid-19, with many refocusing their priorities as they plan forthe post-pandemic world. In recent years so-called super apps – online or mobile platforms that combine multiple services into one app – have sought to continuously expand their offerings. While…
On changing entertainment consumption patterns amid the Covid-19 pandemic As social-distancing measures lead to increased demand for home entertainment, what strategies can be employed to increase penetration in a sustainable manner? MARC BARNETT: This situation is bigger than our internal business metrics, and I think we have a responsibility and an opportunity to help people through a difficult…
Telecoms World Asia 2020-There’s never been a better time for Asia’s telecom leaders to come together to share their thoughts, solutions, and expertise. We just can’t do that in person right now.On this three-day virtual event, Telecoms World Asia will bring you insights from live presentations and panel debates across 6 channels by telco, tech and digital leaders. Join…
On utilising technology to link smaller players to the supply chain How can artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions support the growth of the burgeoning micro-, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) segment in Asia? RACHEL BARGER: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) serve their local markets, but many aspire to do business on a larger scale. However, their growth…
On how the city-state is positioning itself as a door to South-east Asia and a hub for cross-border collaboration What advantages does Singapore offer tech companies seeking a springboard into ASEAN? PETER ONG: Innovation in South-east Asia is at an inflection point. The average age of the region’s 640m-strong population is 30, and a growing level of consumption power characterises…
High rates of digital banking growth and an increase in online transactions have coincided with new investment in Thailand’s e-commerce segment, with online shopping market share expected to treble within five years. In late September Thai retailer Central Group formally launched a new e-commerce joint venture with Chinese company JD.com. The $500m JD Central development, which opened to the…
Smart cities form an essential component in the government’s broader vision of transforming Thailand into a high-income, knowledge-based economy. The ultimate aim is to create 100 smart cities across all 77 provinces by 2040, with an initial focus on three pilot cities in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. The initiative is being supported by the state-owned CAT Telecom, which is working to…
In line with its ambitions to become a leading centre of high-value technology development and manufacturing in South-east Asia, Thailand is positioning itself at the forefront of global moves to adopt 5G. The new technology is expected to increase download speeds by up to 10 Gbps over 4G. To achieve this aim, the government has empowered the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission…
Thailand has seen tremendous growth in its technology sector in recent years and is now increasingly regarded as one of the industry leaders in South-east Asia. The government recognises the benefits that a vibrant ICT sector can have for the wider economy and plans to push ahead with a series of ambitious legacy projects. The state’s objectives for the sector are based around its Thailand 4.0 programme,…
