Data security and privacy cannot be guaranteed by centralised platforms. This is why we need to leverage blockchain for effective self-sovereign identity solution

As the blockchain industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, permeating various sectors with its decentralised framework, there is an increasing need for compliance and regulatory tools to be put in place for smoother operations.

Blockchain technology has gained its popularity globally among top organisations and individuals alike. The tech comes at a time when there is a strong increase in demand for data security, transparency, and decentralisation. For instance, today, the internet-based industry is largely centralised, with goods and services must be obtained through a third party, such as Amazon, Uber, or Airbnb. In addition, a substantial number, if not all of these internet platforms, require individuals’ sign-up information which consist mostly of very details. Examples of such services are Facebook or Google.

The flip side to this is, these data provided by the individuals are controlled by the centralised parties making them vulnerable to unauthorised use and hacks, like in the case of Cambridge Analytica or Equifax.

The demand for data protection and privacy among internet users is constantly on the increase. The reason for this is certainly not far fetched; you would want control of your own personal data and also need a high level guarantee that the data you have provided will be kept secure and not distributed to any third party access or used without your consent. However, cases like the Google+ scandal clearly show that data security and privacy cannot be guaranteed by centralised platforms.

Thus, the increasing popularity of blockchain technology. Given its decentralised feature, it provides a trustless framework that eliminates any form of control by centralised parties. Data generated on the blockchain platform is completely decentralised and transparent, which means all parties have access to the data can track each activity carried out. With blockchain, there is a next level data security which increases the difficulty of being hacked or data manipulated. The distributed ledger technology keeps record of each transaction or activity in blocks which becomes visible to all parties involved however, making it difficult to manipulate.

Also Read: This blockchain platform helps brands implement CSR activities efficiently, thereby getting more visibility

Top organisations such as IBM have begun integrating blockchain with their business operations for efficiency and effectiveness. The financial sector importantly, is another that has shown keen enthusiasm in integrating blockchain technology. The sector has invested well over US$550 million in blockchain and there is no sign of backing out.

Blockchain technology has also catalysed the rise of cryptocurrencies which invariably birthed decentralised exchanges. These digital currencies allow users to trade mostly via the numerous exchanges currently existing.

However, as mentioned earlier, the blockchain industry and financial institutions integrating blockchain require the support of compliance tools. One of such tools is the know-your-customer (KYC) – a method for blockchain service vendors to confirm the identity of their customers. This setup will streamline the accessing of blockchain services for users and drive down compliance costs for blockchain merchants, who are facing ever-increasing regulatory demands.

The KYC procedure however, requires that each new user verifies their identity in order for the exchange of financial institution concerned to verify that the user is not engaged in any criminal activity. Users will typically be asked to upload a photo of their passport or driver’s license (some also ask for proof of address) before they are able to enjoy the full benefits or services of the exchange or financial institution. This means for each different platform a user decides to patronise, a KYC process needs to be undergone. Implication of this is, longer onboarding time for the exchanges and tedious procedures followed by the user for every exchange they decide to engage with.

Also, users who create online identities for different reasons require platforms that will guarantee their identity data security and will give them control over their own data – the liberty to choose where such data should be used.

Also Read: Blockchain will force banks to change their feudal mindset

Self-sovereign identity solution

A comprehensive solution that would effectively address this would be a platform that provides a universal identity framework that is secure and can be used across different blockchain platforms – a “once for all” verified identity.

One of the blockchain organisations stepping up to this is Blockpass. The platform has designed an identity application for regulated services and the Internet of Thiings (IoT). Blockpass provides an identity solution that allows users to establish (verify), store, and manage identities. The self-sovereign identity platforms also lets users establish, store, and manage identities whilst maintaining full control overall data involved.

Blockpass creates user-centric identities, integrating a KYC procedure that involves data deletion at each step of verification, and that allows data to be stored only on the user’s personal device. Blockpass identities can be authenticated because a root hash, derived from a Merkletree composed of encrypted versions of the user’s data is stored on a private blockchain, for comparison with the data stored on the user’s device. Importantly, the hash data can be deleted from the private blockchain at the user’s request.

Benefits of such comprehensive identity verification platforms is that it eliminates the tedious KYC procedures which most times takes several days or weeks, by reducing the signup processes since the identity has already been verified by the Blockpass identity application. Users also will no longer need to go through multiple KYC checks as they get approved and whitelisted once for near immediate access to multiple merchants and service providers.

Importantly as well, Blockpass claims to be a self-sovereign identity verification service that only stores a cryptographic representation of customers’ verified identity on a blockchain whitelist. Their data is stored on your mobile device and shared only with those who they choose. This simply means customers have control over their own data.

Also Read: Can these blockchain products make a name as social media alternatives?

Organisations such as Korporatio, GoSecurity, Ethfinex have announced the integration of the Blockpass Identity solution with their services for easier and faster user onboarding. Recently, Waves announced its collaboration with Blockpass to integrate the Blockpass KYC connect with the platform.

“Waves is a pioneering platform for Web 3.0, and identity will no doubt be the underpinning pillar to support that growth of decentralisation,” said Adam Vaziri, Blockpass CEO.

In a world where blockchain technology is rapidly advancing and several blockchain services being developed, it is only laudable to embrace solutions that will foster interoperability among the various platforms and services. A comprehensive identity verification framework is one of such solutions.

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Image Credit: Alex Knight on Unsplash

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Lao Development Bank (LDB) and Singapore-headquartered blockchain-based fintech Everex have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the initiative

Lao Development Bank (LDB) and blockchain-powered fintech Everex have signed an MOU, pledged to implement blockchain technology for cross border payments and trade finance.

“Blockchain technologies enable banks to transact faster and cheaper. LDB’s mission is to contribute to Lao’s financial sector and by utilising this technology so we can achieve progress for Laos, the banking sector, and for Lao people,” said Phoutsala Omdalah, Deputy Managing Director of LDB.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior executives of LDB and Lattana Keosihavong, who’s responsible for Laos at Everex.

“As a Laotian, it’s a proud moment to see that there’s now blockchain know-how in Laos through Everex’s footprint,” Keosihavong said.

Payment digitisation is a big part of many ASEAN countries’ 4.0 digital strategy, especially in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. Laos, often under the radar, has started to catch up with its neighboring countries.

Tim Scheffmann, Regional Managing Director of Everex explained that this technology can have a great impact on trade finance with Laos’ neighboring countries.

Also Read: How blockchain can change the way we think of identification systems

“Due to its strategic position, Laos is well suited for digital border trade transactions in combination with migrant workers’ remittances and financial inclusion,” he noted. “Blockchain technology can reduce transaction costs, increase security and transaction speed. This will increase the nation’s GDP and trade volumes.”

The next step of the initiative will be defining the project governance as well as the goals for the discovery phase.
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Blockchain will bring transparency to advertising

Blockchain is the basis of many of the technologies currently being developed. TechCrunch mentioned that Maersk and IBM pooled their resources to build a blockchain specific to shipping, showing the extent to which this technology has disrupted established industries and enterprises. Search marketing seems like the least likely place where blockchain would be utilised,  but understanding the benefits of the blockchain suggests that search advertising might be precisely where the technology is expected to shine.

In recent years, search marketing has grown into quite a lucrative field. As Shopify notes, more than half of online shoppers across the world buy from overseas retailers. Directing customers to a product is the core of search marketing. To ensure that we do this properly, we need to bring new technology in (like blockchain) to bolster our SEO efforts. From a cursory glance, it’s easy to imagine how blockchain will affect the world of search marketing.

Giving trust back to the consumer

Few people enjoy ads. The art of getting to know if someone wants a product is an invasive act sometimes. Blockchain offers a means of returning trust to the supply chain and offering customers peace of mind. Inc states that as much as 96 per cent of people don’t trust ads, and in a business where ads enable functionality, being able to bring that trust back to the consumer would be priceless.

Blockchain, thanks to the nature of their construction, ensures all records are unalterable. Supply chains can benefit from this by keeping their inventory numbers up to date, but customers can also benefit from this as they get to see where their product is in the shipping process. Additionally, it adds a layer of transparency to the transactions so that consumers don’t have to be mistrustful about the company or website they’re buying from.

Bringing transparency to advertising

Among the most significant problems consumers have with companies is how opaque some of their advertising is. By nature, a company’s advertising hinges on convincing the buyer that they need a product. Over the years, there has been a tendency for companies to rely on collecting user information to fuel their marketing efforts. The obvious downside is that users’ information sometimes leak to the internet, leading to scandals and potential lawsuits.

The blockchain offers a secure, safe, and trustworthy location for data collected from the customer. Additionally, to increase the consumer’s trust, the blockchain can even provide information about the company that one is dealing with and their impact of the business within the local economy. The more companies invest in the blockchain, the stronger and safer the technology becomes.

Blockchain-based advertising methods

The methodology of using technological advancements to fuel advertising is as old as technology itself. The blockchain is among the most recent adoptions of disruptive technology to change the face of online advertising. Block Geeks state that some companies are already incorporating cryptocurrency into their ad delivery system, paying customers that view ads through a blockchain-based currency system.

Also Read: Laos local bank partners Everex to facilitate blockchain-based cross border payments

Cryptocurrencies, when taken in the context of advertising, offer a secure method of payment that can make ads even more powerful. By combining this secure payment method with advertising, consumers can see a product they want and immediately buy it without having to go through a series of long verification processes for payment to be transferred. Furthermore, the blockchain actively records each transaction that takes place so neither party can falsify the information, ensuring a lower incidence of financial fraud.

Ad payment systems through blockchain

The blockchain’s power lies in its ability to develop custom agreements in the form of smart contracts that are scheduled to execute at a pre-determined time. Leveraging these contracts ensure that businesses can keep traffic coming to their sites without having to worry about if their payment system for ad delivery is being affected. The blockchain is likely to be a benefit for both ad buyers as well as ad suppliers, giving both more security in their business processes.

Blockchain browsers can change the face of ad delivery

Browsers that incorporate blockchain technology can increase user security online. Additionally, they can offer a more secure advertising experience. Ads that invade the privacy of the user will be a thing of the past as these browsers put user security first.

Also Read: How to avoid the pitfalls of starting up

As more users adopt a blockchain-based browsing experience, unscrupulous pop-up ads, and dangerous websites that erode the trust of the consumer will begin to die out. The removal of these questionable ads serves to help legitimate businesses appeal to customers. In turn, this increases consumer trust in the advertiser.

One technological advance among many

The blockchain has already made its way into several different industries across the world. and while it may take a while for blockchain to impact the online advertising world massively, its impact is inevitable. Blockchain-based technology is likely to change the face of the internet over the decade, and search marketing is one of the areas that it is expected to cause a massive shake-up. Knowing where the blockchain fits in search marketing helps us to deal with the incoming waves of technological change before they occur.

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The selected teams for SmartStart Young Innovator Program Cycle 3 have been granted US$5000 each to realise their business ideas 

The annual SmartStart Young Innovator Program by Smart Axiata has announced the five winners of the Cycle 3 Final Pitch, held at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Center. Five teams were each granted US$5,000 and an opportunity to join a six-month incubator programme with Impact Hub Phnom Penh.

The Final Pitch this year still followed the same approach as it was last year, where the top 15 teams, streamlined from 30 teams of 120 participants from 10 universities in the country, showcased their ideas. All 15 teams have joined a five-day Technopreneurship Challenge at Kampong Cham last month, following a two-day Hackathon in Phnom Penh.

SmartStart was first launched in 2017, and has been focussing on “nurturing young Cambodian ICT talents”. Since 2018, SmartStart has been backed by Smart’s contribution to the Capacity Building and R&D Fund.

“SmartStart is a programme that I am very fond of as it has discovered many brilliant minds and opened new doors for numerous young talents in Cambodia. We have seen better applicants, better business ideas and better pitches during the final event. That’s why this year, we decided to increase the prize money to US$5,000,” said Thomas Hundt, CEO of Smart Axiata.

Also Read: Laos local bank partners Everex to facilitate blockchain-based cross border payments

The five winning teams are:

• RENTECH, provides helps in renting accommodation, especially targeting students from provinces who come to major cities for their tertiary study.
• Sers Chborng, offers mentor support for high school students, especially those seeking to apply for scholarships and exchange programmes as well as to take part in competitions.
• STYLE, provides users with various opportunities to rent suits, dresses or traditional clothes for special occasions.
• PhumCAKE, allows anyone to design cakes with unique shapes, colors and flavors, for special events.
• SpeakOut, helps people struggling with depression by providing anonymous communication channels, awareness information and linking them with professional psychiatrists.

The five winning teams will now move on to the final phase of the programme that will focus on turning their ideas into actual businesses or products. Besides the ongoing support from Impact Hub and Smart, the teams will have mentorship and collaboration opportunities.

“At the end of the six-month incubator program, the team with the most progress will receive a tech-trip to visit the likes of Google, Microsoft, Facebook and LinkedIn in Singapore,” said Mélanie Mossard, Venture Support Director of Impact Hub Phnom Penh.

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People used to talk about a Series A gap in Southeast Asia; now they’re talking about a Series B gap, says Santos

Wavemaker Partners is probably the most active early-stage VC fund in Southeast Asia. Originally founded by Eric Manlunas, the VC firm expanded operations into Southeast Asia in 2012. Paul Santos, a serial entrepreneur who has built half a dozen startups in the past, is heading the regional operations for the VC from its Singapore office.

Wavemaker, which primarily invests in B2B and deep-tech startups, has just announced the first close of its third fund at US$60 million from several prominent names, such Pavilion Capital, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Temasek, family offices of the Co-founders of Microsoft (Vulcan) and Facebook (EE Capital). Wavemaker is in talks with more investors to close the fund at US$100 million.

In this interview, Santos shares more details about the fund and the Southeast Asian market.

Below are edited excerpts:

Most of your backers are well-known institutions and family offices from around the world. How did you win their trust to invest in your fund?

We are grateful for their trust. It’s something we don’t take for granted and do our best to keep. If I were to guess, it might be a combination of a few factors.

From a macro level, it helps that Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem has continued to mature. As compared to a few years ago, we don’t have to answer ‘why SEA?’ as much. That helps because then investors can spend more time getting to know us.

Also Read: He dropped out of school to travel around the world and is now founder of a startup with presence in 26 countries

At the firm level, it seems we’ve built a bit of momentum (as I shared in my blog post). We’ve been actively investing in Southeast Asia for more than seven years now. We’ve been consistent with our strategy. Who else in the region has 88 (out of 108) investments in enterprise and deep-tech? We’ve been able to show up rounds and exits.

We’ve assembled a solid portfolio of founders complemented by a strong network of LPs, advisors, and co-investors who help us support them. Our team has also grown and now our deal flow has never been better.

By when are you looking to make the final close of this fund? Do you expect the fund to be oversubscribed?

We have quite a few interesting ongoing conversations. Let’s see how it goes.

How is the third fund going to be different from your previous funds? Do you expect to cut bigger cheques moving forward?

Good question. When we had a smaller fund, we would end up leading US$1 million seed rounds with a US$250K-US$300K check because nobody else was as interested in enterprise and deep-tech. With the new fund, we can now write US$500K checks to start and add another US$1-2M in succeeding rounds. This will hopefully make fundraising easier for our startups.

Since launch in 2012, Wavemaker has invested in 108 companies, but very few are consumer internet companies. Was it a deliberate decision to not go after consumer internet and why?

Yes, it was. We felt that the consumer companies were well-covered by the market, so we could do that more opportunistically. The enterprise and deep-tech companies were underserved and we happened to find these companies interesting and potentially valuable. We continue to be committed.

You were an entrepreneur and founded six companies before turning investor in 2012. Which is more difficult — building a company or building a VC firm? Can you share your experience with our readers?

I actually see Wavemaker as an entrepreneurial endeavour too. I’ve survived enough mistakes in the past, so hopefully I can do a better job this time.

I think that if you strip away all the jargon and the hype, all businesses — whether they’re tech businesses or non-tech businesses or even VCs — are quite similar. I will always try to answer the same questions. Is the market opportunity attractive? Can we assemble the right organisation to pursue it? Can we build the right plan and get it financed? Can we define the key risks and manage them? Is the upside for doing all of these worthwhile?

If I’m happy with the answers, I go for it. Once I’m in, it’s all about execution and adapting to market conditions. This is where we’re at with Wavemaker right now. I think, so far so good.

How do you look at the evolution of the Southeast Asian market as a whole over the past seven years?

It’s certainly become more vibrant. The caliber of the founders we’re meeting and the quality of the companies they’re building have gone up. There are more successes emerging.

There’s also more capital being invested in the region coming from more places like Japan, South Korea, China, and India. Even large local families are participating now. People used to talk about a Series A gap. Now they’re talking about a Series B gap. VC fund sizes are growing as well.

In 2017, you launched a US$66M fund. How is this fund performing? How many investments did you make in Indonesia from this fund?

It’s doing well. We made 75 investments. In early-stage VC, it’s about finding a few big hits to carry your portfolio. As mentioned in our release, we have a few companies that have raised sizeable funding rounds already like Zilingo, ThinCI, Moka, and CashShield. Other companies that are probably less known but showing promising traction include Lynk, Wavecell, Red Dot Payment, Structo, Growsari, Igloohome, Zuzu and Silent Eight. We also saw recent funding rounds for companies like Saleswhale and Musiio.

Myanmar is “the new kid on the block”, given its huge internet penetration. Do you have aggressive plans to tap into this market going forward? Do you expect to launch an exclusive fund for this market?

No aggressive plans, and no intention to raise an exclusive fund.

You are also operating a healthcare fund called Wavemaker360. I am just curious to know why a separate fund is required exclusively for healthcare? Do you plan to take this fund to SEA? Or have you already invested in the region from this fund?

That is primarily a US-focused fund. The team has deep experience in the space and excited by the opportunities in front of them. That said, they have co-invested with us in Savonix. We have 12 other healthcare-related investments from our SEA funds.

India has been a fast-growing market, not just for B2C but B2B as well, and almost all global VCs have operations in this country. Don’t you think you are missing out on a massive opportunity by not turning your focus here?

We currently have nine portcos with operations in India. They are: Zilingo, Konigle, Exborders, Hardskills, Hospals, Lynk, MyDoc, SourceSage and Yulu. We potentially have three more in the pipeline.

That said, India is a huge opportunity just like San Francisco, New York, or China are huge. We aren’t directly in any of those markets either. The first question we ask is if the market is underserved. The next question we ask is what kind of deal flow can we get? Quality deal flow is the lifeblood of a VC. What right do you have to compete for the best deals in a market? Can you spot them? Can you get in them? If you can’t, then you’re just wasting time and money.

The primary way we get access to high-quality opportunities from India now is through credible partners. We are grateful to firms like Blume, Spiral, and Leo who’ve shared exciting deals with us. The reasons they seem to be inviting us would be our enterprise and deep-tech experience and expertise, as well as the networks we’ve built through offices in Singapore and Los Angeles.

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Image Credit: Wavemaker Partners.

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