The first reason why I decided to dive deep into the fintech world is the variety of ways that this sector offers a user-friendly experience. It’s obvious that technologies undoubtedly have an impact across all aspects of our lives.

Primarily, we feel this impact through the improvement in the quality of services provided by businesses that we interact with on a daily basis. However, certain technologies remain beyond the scope of the average user’s awareness, even though they propel companies to new heights.

Let’s review how financial technologies are enhancing the world right here and now.

B2C

The most well-known fintech initiatives are concentrated precisely within this sector. Banking applications, various payment methods, electronic wallets – these technologies are good and helpful, but it’s hard to surprise anyone with FaceID payments or instant money transfers nowadays.

I want to introduce you to more niche yet equally valuable projects. 

Skorlife 

The Skorlife application displays users’ credit scores and reports sourced from Indonesia’s credit bureaus. It offers tailored recommendations to enhance their credit rating and protect themselves against identity theft.

For example, the app sends reminders for bill payments, suggests methods to enhance their credit portfolio, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy credit history duration.

Additionally, the app incorporates an Identity Monitoring function that promptly notifies users about any attempts to exploit their identity for loan applications.

IVITECH.Drive

IVITECH provides daily subscriptions for electric bikes and supports Indonesian ride-hailing drivers. Many Indonesian drivers use outdated and unsafe bikes, they can’t work every day due to frequent bike repairs.

This not only affects their income but also poses risks to their safety and the safety of their passengers. IVITECH aims to provide these drivers with access to safe and reliable electric bikes, helping to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in Jakarta.

Also Read: Empowering Indonesia with fintech: Dede Suherman’s journey

 Ajaib

Ajaib is the perfect example of financial technology enterprises and fintech offerings that are oriented towards the younger generation. The application is designed to streamline online investments for millennials, enabling them to invest conveniently and swiftly.

Ajaib serves as a facilitator for inexperienced investors, particularly young individuals who are new to capital market investments, such as mutual funds. The platform offers the convenience of initiating investments with as little as Rp. 10,000.

Ajaib is cooperating with several renowned investment management firms, including Syailendra, Prospera, and Ciptadana, among others.

B2B

We can definitely notice that services have improved their work in recent years. But most of the time, we don’t see how and why because they are using specific tools for business that are hidden from the public eye. I

am very proud to share the market with projects that aim to make business easy and affordable for everyone. Here are just some of them. 

OnlinePajak

OnlinePajak is a fintech company in Indonesia in the form of an application that makes it easy for business people to make transactions, manage payroll, and perform tax obligations such as calculating, depositing, and reporting corporate taxes.

With blockchain technology, this startup facilitates tax payments for individuals. Users can access complimentary tax management features alongside premium options like payroll and invoicing.

Crowde 

Crowde is developing its peer-to-peer lending platform aimed at assisting farmers in securing the necessary working capital. The company runs a crowdfunding platform that connects farmers with individual investors, facilitating the acquisition of capital for agricultural endeavours. This empowers farmers to gather funds while offering investors diverse investment alternatives.

The future tool to make us happy

Therefore, we can deduce that for the B2C sector, fintech stands as one of the socially significant tools, actively aiding clients in resolving financial issues. On the other hand, for the B2B realm, it is one of the simplest and most effective methods to fortify a business and enhance its profitability.

Based on these examples, we can see that sometimes we don’t even know how much easier our life and work can be. I have no doubts that in the upcoming years, we will witness many other commendable initiatives that will contribute to our prosperity.

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This article was first published on May 31, 2023. 

According to legend in the world of public relations, Bill Gates is often attributed to the powerful advice, “If I only had two dollars left, I would spend one dollar on PR.”

Whether or not this is true, it is not surprising that his name is linked to this quote, as he has personally experienced the effects of good Public Relations (PR). This advice resonates across industries.

However, recently, a PR veteran in Vietnam quoted on social media that “PR has died,” referencing Robert Phillips’ book titled Trust me, PR is dead. It is not uncommon for individuals like Phillips or my friends to criticise/attack the PR industry while running their own consultancies!

It can be challenging to reconcile these controversial claims with the reality of the situation. Therefore, the question of whether PR is dead or what the future holds for public relations becomes a matter of debate.

Recently, I was asked by the organiser of the PRO PR Conference to share my perspective on this matter. Here are some of my insights.

When AI first emerged, many communicators couldn’t focus on its incredible benefits. Instead, they were consumed by fears that it would render PR professionals obsolete. Such reactions are common when revolutionary innovations are introduced.

However, with the introduction and widespread adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, DALL-E, and Midjourney, PR professionals are beginning to understand the immense power AI can bring to enhance the value of their profession.

Nevertheless, there are still many unknowns. The relationship between AI and communications is in its early stages, which is a critical period that will shape how AI is used in the future. This is the time to fully embrace the possibilities and advocate for strategic and ethical adoption, increasing AI literacy and staying ahead of those who are reluctant to embrace it.

Also Read: Cracking the PR code: A PR blueprint for startups

In this context, here are some considerations for the future of PR:

Perceptions

PR should be seen as more than just a combination of traditional and social media. It needs to incorporate conversion and real-time engagement.

Skills

Communicators need to elevate their skill sets to stay relevant. Otherwise, sooner or later, they will be replaced by those who can effectively use AI/ or even AI not by far.

Primary uses

The key PR functions, some very well-known basically since the dawn of PR, some under the radar or beyond, but should not deny their indispensable play in building positively the bridge between brands and audiences.

Data-driven mindset

PR is shifting from focusing solely on output to measuring outcomes.

Expectations

Technology is shaping the future across all industries. PR professionals must accept, adapt, and train themselves to utilise technology effectively. Expertise, creativity, and emotional understanding remain three key advantages for PR professionals in this ever-changing landscape.

Preparations

While certain fears have been overcome, there remain serious pitfalls to avoid, and we’re not just discussing the serious setback of PR nowadays. Still, we prepare to adopt, change and revolutionise with the evolving changes in modern PR. Any definition has its own historical value, and it is still on the journey of establishment & development onwards.

The game has changed, but any PR PRO need to experiment, embrace and work hard to shape the use of PR long life forever. Whether it still can bring value, PR has never been easy to die.

“Trust me, PR is with you day and night!”

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

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Singaporean proptech company SIMPPLE has commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “SPPL”.

The company has listed 1.6 million shares on the Nasdaq at US$5.25 apiece and expects to raise aggregate gross proceeds of US$8.4 million from the offering of about

The offering is expected to close on or about September 15, 2023.

The capital will be used for R&D, IP strategy and implementation, scaling up sales and marketing into overseas markets, opening selected satellite offices, potential acquisitions and strategic investments, and working capital and general corporate purposes.

Also Read: Proptech company iMyanmarHouse acquires used cars listing portal CarsDB

Founded in 2016, SIMPPLE is an advanced technology solution provider in the emerging proptech space, focused on helping facilities owners and managers manage facilities autonomously.

The company has developed its proprietary SIMPPLE Ecosystem to create an automated workforce management tool for building maintenance, surveillance and cleaning comprised of a mix of software and hardware solutions such as robotics (both cleaning and security) and IoT devices.

SIMPPLE claims it has over 60 public and private clients and plans to expand into Australia and the Middle East.

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Image Credit: SIMPPLE.

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Indonesian VC funds ARISE and Centauri Fund have merged to form Ascent Venture Group, with a corpus of US$200 million.

The fund will invest in 25 high-potential, early-stage, tech-enabled companies focused on Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia with a “thesis-driven” approach. The key focus sectors are MSME enablement, financial service digitalisation, and neo-consumer, climate, and healthcare across Southeast Asia.

The venture platform has four partners, ten investment professionals, and supporting staff across Jakarta, Singapore, and Seoul offices. Ascent is managed by serial entrepreneurs and investors Aldi Adrian Hartanto, Hans De Back, Kenneth Li, and Eric (Jung Ho) Yoo (representing KB Investments).

Also Read: Centauri Fund raises US$8.5M from K-Growth to boost investment corridor between Korea and ASEAN

Prior to the merger, ARISE and Centauri were established in 2019 through a collaboration between MDI Ventures and KB Investment. These two funds have invested in 30 companies, including Agriaku, Evermos, Qoala, Paxel, and Fishlog.

While the prior funds remain separate and are fully deployed, portfolio companies will now have access to the combined partnership to support their growth.

“Our goal was to consolidate our resources and network of ecosystems to build a platform of exponential value that can strengthen our ‘thesis-driven’ strategy and provide significant product-market fit support to our portfolio founders as they seed and scale successful businesses across Indonesia,” said Aldi Adrian Hartanto, Managing Partner at Ascent Venture Group. “In addition, Ascent’s close relationship with prominent growth-stage investment groups like KB Investment and MDI Ventures enables additional support for portfolios with later-stage capital as the companies enter marginal profit or business-model fit.”

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Singapore-based online streetwear marketplace Novelship has secured US$9.5 million in a Series B funding round led by East Ventures, iGlobe Partners, and GSR Ventures.

The company will use the fresh funds to amplify its brand presence across Southeast Asia, involving logistics improvements, authentication process refinement, expansion of in-house collections, and optimisation of eco-friendly delivery methods.

Founded in 2018, Novelship is a marketplace for buyers and sellers to trade 100 per cent authentic sneakers, limited-edition apparel, and exclusive physical and digital collectibles.

Novelship said it has rapidly expanded in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate of 37 per cent in revenue and 55 per cent in transactions.

Also Read: With Snoop Dogg in tow, this is how Novelship plans to expand its sneakers marketplace

Following the brand’s recent collaboration with Snoop Dogg to expand its collection, Novelship recently launched new in-house products, including Novelship branded T-shirts, socks, shoelaces, and Shoe Sole Protectors.

It is also actively diversifying its collections to serve a growing female market. As such, the company has increased women-centric sneaker SKUs by 100.

As its customer base expands, the startup is working to source more supplies, leading to an estimated 150 per cent overall listing growth in the fiscal year 2022, with a 140 per cent surge in women-centric SKUs alone.

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