With COVID-19 outbreak going rampant in countries such as China, Italy, and South Korea, followed by quarantine in the Philippines and recent lockdown in Malaysia, Indonesia’s clock is ticking in trying to contain the spread. So far, the archipelago has recorded 134 cases, with more expected to come in light.

President Joko Widodo has urged all Indonesians to comply with WHO-standardised prevention measures, which include the introduction of social distancing and immediate quarantine of vulnerable demographics, just like in any other countries. Any large gathering, including schools, are being put on hold for the next two weeks.

This is where tech companies, particularly those that provide online learning platforms, really shine.

In the past year, a great number of investments were pumped into the country’s edutech sector; it almost seems like the outbreak has given them an opportunity to prove their worth.

We received updates from three rising edutech startups in Indonesia about how they are enabling students, who are otherwise confined at home, to continue their learning process.

Quipper

With the endorsement of the Minister of Education and Culture of Indonesia Nadiem Makarim to move face-to-face, building-based learnings to e-learning from home for students, Quipper enables students to learn from videos on their platform.

Quipper seeks to provide education for all in Indonesia with services such as Quipper School, Quipper Video, Quipper Video Masterclass, and Quipper Campus, that aims to help students and empower educators.

Quipper joins other educational tech platforms in supporting students in the area where COVID-19 cases exist to help students and teachers keep up with the education system and continue to learn under the parents’ supervision.

Also Read: Online education startup Quipper School enters Indonesian market

The startup commits in giving free access to learning videos and e-exercise on its Learning Management Systems (LMS) platform Quipper School. Content Associate Manager of Quipper Indonesia, Hanani Faiza said, “LMS and free content in Quipper School is our support to the government in maintaining the country’s education system in the face of the emergency, so students aren’t deprived of effective learnings –even remotely.”

With a campaign called #BisaTetapBelajar or #CanKeepLearning, teachers and students are given access to 10,000 videos and 75,000 learning materials for the junior high level to senior high students. With its platform, teachers can also give homework, tests, or tryouts online.

To date, Quipper said it has been used by over six million students and 400,000 teachers across Indonesia.

Zenius

With the postponement of the National Examination (UN) due to the COVID-19 outbreak, edutech company Zenius Education has given free access to 80,000 of its online learning content without exception, in an effort to support the Independent Learning Policy.

This initiative, Zenius said, is meant to facilitate students’ independent study in preparation for the National Examination (UN).

Rohan Monga, Zenius Education Chief Executive Officer, said, “Apart from free access, the majority of our learning videos use the whiteboard format, which requires fewer data. This method is done to facilitate access for all students from grades 1 through 12, enabling them to study independently and prepare for the UN.”

According to the Acting Head of Research and Development at Ministry of Education and Culture, Totok Suprayitno, in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 11, there will be 8.3 million students from 105 education units who will be taking part in the exam this year.

Founded in 2004 by Sabda PS and Medy Suharta, Zenius Education is one of the pioneering edutech platforms in Indonesia. It focusses on helping students to understand concepts and implement scientific reasoning. Zenius’s goal is to produce a generation of Indonesians with an in-depth understanding of science, rather than a generation of memorisers, its official statement said.

Zenius’ offerings are accessible via zenius.net, which provides videos and worksheets for elementary and high school levels. Teachers can also share these learning contents with students and parents through various social media and messenger platforms, such as the WhatsApp group.

Also Read: Reaching out: These startups are educating Indonesia’s underprivilege

In addition to the free access of their platform, Zenius also prepares open online tryouts that will be held simultaneously on its website and application. The second tryout session will be online on March 26, after the first session was done on March 13.

Throughout 2019, zenius.net was accessed by more than 12.8 million users from rural and urban areas across Indonesia. Recently, Zenius launched the Zenius App, an application-based online learning platform on Google Play and the App Store.

In February, Zenius received US$20 million funding from Northstar Group, and welcomed gojek’s ex-COO Rohan Monga as its new Chief Executive.

Ruangguru

Perhaps one of the most celebrated edutech companies in Indonesia, Ruangguru has also given their bidding into the independent, e-learning initiative urged by the government. Working alongside state-owned mobile operator Telkomsel, Ruangguru offers an internet quota-free e-learning access.

All students, parents, and teachers that are Telkomsel’s data users can access any learning material in its application with 30 GB worth of free quota for 30 days.

Telkomsel President Director, Setyanto Hantoro, said: “As a digital telecommunication company, Telkomsel is the connectivity enabler. In this challenging situation, Telkomsel will strengthen the synergy and collaborate with people with authority to keep moving forward in ensuring connectivity for all and maintain productivity, including in the education sector.”

Ruangguru also launched a free online school programme that allows students to join the remote learning and live teaching session every school day. Starting on Monday, March 16, students can join the programme at 8AM to 12PM local time, choosing from 15 live channels that cover all subjects for the elementary level to the senior high level, led by Master Teachers of Ruangguru.

Then, the students can fill in the questions bank and join free online tryouts.

Also Read: Indonesian edutech startup Ruangguru receives grant from MIT SOLVE programme

Ruangguru also addresses teachers’ need to improve their teaching skills through its online trainings for teachers via its app, accessible for the next one month. Teachers can get their hands on 25o videos and training modules that give basic competency materials in pedagogy and professional field that include class management skills, study plan development, project-based learning implementation, and more.

Ruangguru’s offer in this current situation includes the adjusted price of one month-subscription for only US$3.32 using a discount code.

Back in December last year, Ruangguru confirmed that it has raised a US$150 million Series C funding round led by growth equity company Global Atlantic and venture capital firm GGV Capital.

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Image Credit: Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

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Finance

Indian space-tech startup Agnikul raises US$3.16M pre-series A round of funding led by pi Ventures

Indian space-tech company Agnikul has secured INR 23.4cr (US$3.16 million) in a pre-series A round of funding led by deep-tech-focused early-stage venture fund pi Ventures. 

Also participating in the round are Hari Kumar of LionRock Capital, Artha Ventures, LetsVenture, Globevestor, CIIE, and existing investor Speciale Invest.

Based in Chennai (south India), Agnikul is currently developing a satellite launch vehicle for a payload capacity of up to 100 kgs. The vehicle is configurable and can support a payload range of 30-100 kgs without impacting the economics.

Since the engine is fully 3D-printed, the manufacturing complexity found in traditional rocket engines is now focussed to the design in Agnikul’s case — making the fabrication process cheap that will be able to deliver launch vehicles within a few weeks on demand.

Agnikul will use the funds for ground testing, fabrication, and team expansion.

Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder and CEO, Agnikul, said, “We started Agnikul with the dream of bringing space within everyone’s reach. We are doing this by building nimble, reliable and modular rockets that can put small satellites in space on-demand.”

Malaysia’s waste management firm Borneo closes crowdfunding campaign on Ata Plus

Malaysia-based waste management platform Borneo Waste Industries (BWI)has surpassed its crowdfunding target by 44.4 per cent on Ata Plus.

According to the company, the campaign also saw Malaysia’s single-largest overseas investment into an ECF campaign to date from a strategic investor from Germany.

Also Read: Malaysia’s fresh food e-tailer Fresh At Heart secures US$275K in crowdfunding via Ata Plus

With the newly-raised capital, the company plans to expand by channelling resources towards site preparation and other pre-operating expenses above all else.

Based in Sabah with offices in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, BWI has been in operations since November 2012. It has a 30-year concession agreement with Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (Kota Kinabalu City Hall) and has been given the rights to develop and operate an Integrated Waste Management Processing Plant (IWMPP) at the Kayu Madang Sanitary Landfill (KMSL) in Telipok, Sabah from April 2018 to April 2048.

People

Blockchain payment solution Ripple names Kelvin Lee to head ASEAN operation

Ripple, the enterprise blockchain solution for global payments, has appointed Kelvin Lee as Head of Southeast Asia. 

Based in Singapore, Lee will oversee the expansion of Ripple across the region and spearhead efforts to drive the growth of Ripple’s customer base.

“We want to enable money to flow across borders as quickly as data does by empowering players in the remittance and money transfer market,” said Lee.

Previously, Lee held senior executive positions in companies, including Mastercard, Visa, and FIS. With over 18 years of leadership across the Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Lee brings knowledge in financial payments (B2B, B2C, C2B, P2P, and national payment networks), fraud & risk management, data solutions, and online mobile banking solutions.

Business

Marketing tech company AnyMind Group acquires India mobile video ads platform POKKT

AnyMind Group, a marketing technology, entertainment technology and HR technology company in Singapore, has announced the full acquisition of India-based mobile video advertising platform, POKKT Mobile Ads (POKKT).

Founded in 2012, POKKT has operations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. POKKT Mobile Ads is an in-app smartphone ad platform that is integrated with over 1,000 app publishers with key offerings including in-app video ads, rich media innovations, and app performance marketing.

On the acquisition, Kosuke Sogo, CEO and Co-founder of AnyMind, said: “There is a strong and immediate synergy between both companies, including product and offering fit, geographies covered, and management teams. Both advertisers and publishers across Asia and globally can only benefit from this deal taking place, as we look to scale our combined offerings and open up new value for our customers.”

Also Read: I lost 18 years working for corporates: Pokkt Founder Rohit Sharma

AnyMind Group will integrate POKKT’s in-app advertising tech stack into the AdAsia Digital Platform, which currently allows marketers to activate, manage, and track media buys across desktop and mobile web display and video advertising, and digital-out-of-home.

The acquisition of POKKT also provides AnyMind Group with an extended set of bases in the region: three offices in India and an office in the UAE. 

POKKT Co-founder and CEO Rohit Sharma and COO Vaibhav Odhekar have been appointed as COO and MD (India and the Middle East) for AnyMind Group, respectively.

The post News Roundup: AnyMind Group acquires Indian mobile ads startup POKKT appeared first on e27.

Over the years, we have shed the light on Southeast Asia’s startups and have been witness and supporters of the region’s journey to realise its potential of becoming a global innovation powerhouse. We have worked with different organisations to give you events, programmes, and platforms to aid in your business growth.

Because of this we find ourselves in a position that allows us to engage with the different members of the community and understand what problems they are facing that hinder their success.

That’s why we’re bringing you e27 Pro.

e27 Pro is a membership programme that is designed to give you actionable insights, exclusive business-building programmes, and tools that enable your company’s success.

But this is not an article that would tell you what e27 Pro is. This is an article that tells you WHY it is something we need to do.

Also read: Early bird catches the worm: How these startups are warming up VC action in Pakistan

Opportunities should be borderless

Empowering entrepreneurs with the tools to build and grow their companies is both mission and ethos. Everything we do, whether online or offline, goes back to this.

We’re already setting the stage to provide optimal opportunities for our participants two days a year during Echelon, and rallying together our communities in different cities to help foster collaboration during roadshows.

We’re breaking out of geographical limitations and finding ways to support companies wherever they may be.

We believe every company deserves a fair chance to succeed.

We want to go above and beyond just providing information. To more than just inspire. More than just a platform that helps companies grow, we want to be a platform that helps companies do well.

Our mission is what drives us to look deeper and to address the challenges that the ecosystem faces, as they are facing them. With e27 Pro, we built a platform that companies who want to succeed can turn to, helping them answer these oft-overlooked but very important questions: where and how to begin.

Also read: Dealing with fundraising problems? These three startups may have the answer

Be it fresh insights on relevant news to aid in informed business decisions, visibility of their fundraising efforts, or tools to connect with a vast network of potential partners, we aim to provide companies with everything they need to accelerate their growth.

For a community to thrive, no one should get left behind.

For the region to thrive, each member should also thrive. One exceptional person does not change the world. A strong community of founders, innovators, and enablers, on the other hand, have the power to break new ground.

We believe that if we want to elevate the whole ecosystem, we have to address the issues that hinder the success of its parts. We have to minimise – even break down – the barriers that impedes it.

For us, this means offering similar opportunities for growth and success to companies who – whether due to geography, resources, or age – weren’t able to previously enjoy them by making it easier for a lot more people to access and optimise.

At the end of the day, we believe that everyone of us should endeavour to help the ecosystem grow as a whole. e27 Pro is one way we’re doing it.

—
Be a member of e27 Pro. Learn more here.

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gojek reportedly lays off employees: report 

gojek has reportedly laid off employees in the mid to lower level positions, as the Indonesian ride-hailing giant continues to focus on efficiency and profitability, according to to DealStreetAsia.

People familiar with the development told the publication that the latest round of job cuts was done last month.

“Good businesses like ours will always attract investment, but as the economic slowdown takes hold, the availability of that investment will be reduced, so we should focus every dollar where we think it will make the most impact and not take our resources for granted,” reads the memo which was sent by the company CEO.

Also Read: Morning News Roundup: Mandiri Capital to invest up to US$5M in Indonesian startups; OKCoin expands to Singapore

India’s unicorn Oyo adds US$807M Series F after announcing restructuring plans

Even after increased losses of the company, Indian hospitality company Oyo has raised US$807 million in Series F funding from SVF India Holdings and RA Hospitality, according to Inc42.

Prior to this, founder Ritesh Agarwal had expressed plans for global restructuring, which had led to a mass layoff of 10,000 employees over two months across 80 countries. 

Since 2012, OYO has expanded to 800 cities in 80 countries, including the US, the UK, and the Middle East, and some European countries. 

Meanwhile, in Asia, it has expanded its operations to China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan.

Revolut launches Apple Pay for Singaporean users

Revolut announced today that it will allow customers to make quick and convenient purchases in stores, in apps and on websites via Apple Pay.

The fintech company has been rapidly launching a variety of features and enhancements since entering Singaporean waters. 

Also Read: Meet the VC: Stephanie Strunk of Amadeus Ventures on why women should support women

“Our goal is to provide users with a single financial-management platform and the ability to make payments quickly, conveniently and securely. Our customers have been requesting Apple Pay for a long time. We are proud to integrate Revolut with Apple Pay in Singapore,” said Eddie Lee, APAC Regional Director of Operations at Revolut.

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Image Credit: Deva Darshan

 

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Dear Founders,

Given the recent developments in the global spread of coronavirus diesease (COVID-19), the World Health Organisation (WHO) had announced that the spread of the virus is now considered a global pandemic.

In accordance with this, it is important for all countries, communities, and individuals to do what they can to help prevent the further spread of the virus.

The purpose of this communication is to summarise some key steps you can take to protect your teams and prevent further spread of the virus. Below you will find some practices that you can do for your business.

The action you can take

 

In preparing your workplace to prevent the spread of the virus, we propose the adoption and implementation of the following practices as adapted from WHO’s guideline.

1. Implement social distancing
The most effective means of reducing the spread of the virus is with social distancing –keeping individuals at home for as much as possible, as long as possible, until the spread recedes.

Accommodate practices for working from home in your organisation, through adoption of technology that effectively facilitates remote work. You can start by preparing your team for remote work, getting the tools and guidelines, and implementing strategies for it.

Avoid hosting or facilitating of in-person meetings. Instead, use online conferencing, email, or phone where possible.

Postpone or cancel non-essential meetings, gatherings, workshops, and training sessions.

Also Read: These Indonesian edutech startups are helping students cope and thrive during the COVID-19 crisis

Eliminate unnecessary local and international travels –utilise the aforementioned tools instead.

Limit congregation of individuals in work rooms, pantries, copy rooms, or other areas where people socialise.

If possible, encourage individuals to avoid public transportation, or avoid rush-hour crowding.

Encourage individuals to limit recreational or other leisure activities, or other activities where close contact is likely.

2. If an in-person meeting is necessary, ensure effective preventive measures are taken
Provide information and briefing on COVID-19, both orally and in writing, and the measures that the organisers are taking to make this event safe for participants.

Avoid making physical contact such as shaking hands when greeting.

Display dispensers of alcohol-based hand rub prominently around the venue.

If possible, arrange seats so that they are at least one meter apart.

Open windows and doors whenever possible to ensure that the venue is well-ventilated.

If anyone starts to feel unwell, follow your immediate response plan.

Retain the names and contact details of all participants for at least one month. This will help public health authorities trace people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if there are participant(s) who become ill after the event.

3. Promote thorough and regular personal hygiene

Place hand sanitisers dispensers in prominent places in the workplace. Ensure they are regularly refilled.

Ensure that all personnel have access to places where they can wash their hands with soap and water.

Circulate messaging to promote regular handwashing and sanitising, along with guideline for appropriate technique.

Limit the number of times you touched your face.

Supply tissue and provide the bin to dispose of them in.

Encourage individuals to cover their face with the bend of their elbow or tissue if they cough or sneeze.

Also Read: Is COVID-19 curbing startup exits in Southeast Asia?

4. Promote regular and thorough hygiene of physical surfaces and objects

Surfaces (desks, tables) and objects (telephones, computers) need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly.

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning surfaces and objects. Dispose of gloves immediately after use.

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.

For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70 per cent alcohol. Most common household disinfectants should be enough.

For soft, porous surfaces such as carpeted floor or drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners for use on these surfaces.

5. Promote good respiratory hygiene
Ensure that face masks and tissues are available in your workplace for those who develop runny nose or cough, with closed bins for proper, hygienic disposal.

Ensure individuals are informed on how and when to use face masks.

6. Promote early medical care and attention for at-risk individuals
Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, and dificulty breathing) must seek immediate medical attentions and share travel history with medical care providers.

Individuals experiencing mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) are advised to stay at home.

Individuals taking simple medications (paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin) which may mask symptoms are advised to stay at home.

Keep promoting the message that individuals with any symptoms of COVID-19 must stay at home.

Consider how to identify and support individuals who are at risk without inviting stigma and discrimination in the workplace.

7. Stay informed with news and updates from trusted sources
Given the speed of developments, it is crucial to stay up-to-date. Ensure that response plans are in-line with these changes.

Consider sharing and regularly updating summary facts and their implications to avoid the spread of misinfomrations.

Employ an iterative, empirical approach to understanding what is going on and what to do –albeit one guided by experts.

Also Read: How Metro Manila’s COVID-19 community quarantine is affecting the local startup community

8. Communicate with all stakeholders effectively
Define internal chain of command in key areas such as decision-making and response to enquiries.

Communication should be early, often, and include the following:

• That your organisation is aware of the situation and makes contingency plans to limit the disruption to business
• Reference to information about precautionary measures that are being taken
• Links to unbiased, fact-based resources
• Contact information of the personnel activating the response plan

Check out these examples of internal communication for businesses.

Identify channels to communicate to external stakeholders –newsletters and social media are best.

The purpose of external communications is to ensure clients, partners, and investors that you are aware of the severity of the situation and have a contingency plan in store.

Communications with external stakeholders should include:

• Statement about how you prioritise employee and client safety and will continue to monitor the situation
• Succinct statement about preventive measures that are underway within your organisation
• Link to reference or contact person

The following are examples of format for external communications:

• Email signature: Note: Kindly be advised that COMPANY NAME has adopted a job rotational shift (segregated teams) system in light of DORSCON level-Orange. Hence, we seek your understanding that our professionals and staff might be working from home at certain days of the week. Should you have any clarifications, please feel free to email us and we will respond the soonest possible.
• Example of detailed Q&A page by Expedia
• Example of external communication A
• Example of external communication B

9. Prepare an immediate response plan for identified cases 

Identify a room where someone who is feeling unwell can be safely isolated.

Limit the number of people having contact with said person.

Have a plan to have them safely transferred to a healthcare facility. Agree the plan in advance with your healthcare provider.

Ensure all individuals are aware of this response plan.

Also Read: How COVID-19 is changing traditional retail and e-commerce in SEA

10. Develop a contingency and business continuity plan
Consider a plan in the context of the communities and geographies where your business operates as well as the geographic segment of your supply chains and sales markets.

It should address how to keep your business running even if a significant number of employees, contractors, and suppliers cannot come to your place or business due to illness or travel restrictions.

Conduct a focussed discussion or exercise of your plan to identify gaps or problems to be corrected ahead of time.

The plan should communicate human resource policies, workplace and leave possibilities, and available pay and benefits.

Further guidance can be found here.

Be aware of potential myths.

Important updates on travelling within Indonesia and overseas

 

When planning overseas travel, always check with Safe Travels –Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform for updated travel recommendations for each country. For updates on major travel destinations, please refer to links below:

Singapore

The US

India

Italy

Australia

Before travelling, please consider the following as per WHO’s travel guide:

• Asses benefits and risks related to travel
• Avoid sending high-risk individuals to areas where COVID-19 is spreading
• Ensure all travelling individuals are briefed by qualified professionals
• Consider issuing small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitiser for travelling employees

Also Read: How COVID-19 is changing traditional retail and e-commerce in SEA

Formal reporting for Indonesia

The following are a number of resources for those living and working in Indonesia:

Official information about COVID-19 in DKI Jakarta

Latest information on COVID-19 in Indonesia

Reported cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia

Additional useful resources

 

Questions to guide company reflections and formulation of COVID-19 responses.

Workplace practices in China as a roadmap.

Excel model to predict when to implement work-from-home policy.

Online training resources by WHO.

Comments on the impact on global financial market.

Official remarks by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, delivered on March 12.

Information about what scientists know about how the COVID-19 affect the body.

Information on groups identified as being high-risk and how it impact different groups.

Infographic on key statistics.

SEA awareness campaigns.

Database for more useful links.

BCG on navigating the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

What this mean for global economy.

How to prepare for self-quarantine.

Advice on how to be effective (and mentally well!) when working from home.

In containing and reducing the spread of the virus, China took eight weeks to achieve it –with highly restrictive precautionary measures. Other countries may take the same amount of time, if not more. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to be prepared.

Thank you all and please be safe.

—

Image Credit: Adrian Pranata on Unsplash

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