Apple Pay has little effect on the domestic e-wallet market because it only has iOS users, requires payment locations to have POS machines, and only accepts international payment cards.

Apple Pay was formally introduced in Vietnam on August 8. Apple created this electronic wallet program to benefit users of the iOS environment. Users can therefore pay for services online by simply adding a physical credit card to the application.

Users only need to hold the top of the iPhone or Apple Watch screen close to the contactless card reader while double-pressing the side or home button, authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, and making a payment.

A one-time dynamic security code and the device’s Face ID, Touch ID, or password are used to authenticate every Apple Pay transaction.

Although it was introduced in 2014, Apple Pay has only recently become officially available to Vietnamese citizens. The arrival of the e-wallet has excited Vietnamese iOS users.

Just on August 8, several users demonstrated the incorporation of credit and debit cards into Apple’s e-wallet, and numerous well-known figures in the computer industry did live streams demonstrating how to utilize them. Pay for services at retail locations.

Meanwhile, a media representative of MoMo also shared that the impact of Apple Pay on domestic e-wallets is yes, but negligible because Apple Pay payment points are high-end brands and must have a POS device to do it.

From a user perspective, Mr. Nguyen Tran Duy Phuong, a programmer in Ho Chi Minh City, said that Apple’s e-wallet currently has not had much impact on the domestic e-wallet market because it only serves Apple’s user group (those with a higher income and quality of life) is the main group.

Also Read: Rising trend in Vietnam: Young professionals embracing social media content creation

Besides, Apple Pay is only a payment method, while the provision of services is done by partners, E-wallets like MoMo often follow the trend of super-app integration, so many services will provide it in your wallet, which Apple Pay cannot do.

Another thing, according to Nguyen Tran Duy Phuong, is that e-wallets in Vietnam currently support both domestic cards and bank account links, while Apple Pay does not. Therefore, users who do not have an international payment card will still choose e-wallets, moreover, with the specificity of the Vietnamese market, not all points of sale have contactless POS machines, especially shops. For small grocery stores or bars, users will also have to use e-wallets like MoMo or ZaloPay to scan the payment code.

Sharing the same opinion, Mr. Tran Duc Trung from the Exquisite forum also said that e-wallets in Vietnam are currently too strong, the application is very good on Android and iOS platforms and can be linked with Many banks to support payment. This is something that payment wallets like Apple Pay find difficult to do.

Users of Apple Pay in Vietnam have said that the e-wallet is incredibly responsive on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch and that payment is incredibly quick and easy.

Many people are concerned about whether Apple’s e-wallet, which competes directly with e-wallets like ZaloPay and MoMo in the domestic e-wallet industry, poses a threat to the market there.

Le Lan Chi, CEO of ZaloPay, addressed this concern with VietNamNet during the recent press conference to showcase multi-function QR codes and stated that Apple Pay only takes credit cards as a form of payment. Due to the low user penetration of these cards in the domestic market, the primary payment and debit cards will not have a significant impact on domestic e-wallets.

Besides, it is worth noting that ZaloPay has just announced that the official e-wallet is one of the first payment service providers in Vietnam for Apple Pay. This means that business partners who are cooperating and using ZaloPay Payment Gateway (ZaloPay Gateway) can open a new payment option, Apple Pay, for their customers.

Should you use Apple Pay in Vietnam?

The answer is too obvious: if you meet the necessary and sufficient requirements, which include having an Apple device that supports Apple Pay and doing business with one of Apple’s partner banks (as I said above), then absolutely yes. If you want the most comprehensive information, you can head straight to the Bank branch you are now using.

Due to the safety, security, and macroeconomic regulatory requirements of each country, developing economies will strive for touchless payment before going towards cashlessness. Therefore, taking part in this digital shift is quite acceptable.

To protect themselves and reduce unneeded risks, consumers must also arm themselves with the required knowledge about these touchless payment options.

The fundamental details concerning Apple Pay in general or Apple Pay in Vietnam specifically are covered above. I hope this new product will be a terrific experience for Apple consumers in Vietnam.

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Teja Ventures

Teja Ventures is a gender lens VC fund for emerging Asia, focusing on early-stage technology companies for the She Economy.

Verticals: Consumer and SaaS
Based in: Singapore
Investment locations: Singapore, India, Indonesia, China
Stages: Angel, seed, pre-Series A/bridge
Investment range: Not specified
Startup invested: Grouu.

Foxmont Capital Partners

Foxmont is a multi-focus VC fund dedicated to Filipino entrepreneurs to support them with capital, network and through the different stages of development.

Verticals: Any/all
Based in: The Philippines
Investment location: The Philippines
Stages: Seed, pre-Series A/bridge
Investment range: US$100K to US$500K
The startup invested: TANGGapp.

Global Brain Singapore

Global Brain specialises in investing in and supporting startups looking to expand their business overseas.

Verticals: Agritech, blockchain, e-commerce, education, enterprise solution, finance, healthtech, ICT, IoT, smart cities, and travel
Based in: Singapore
Investment locations: Australia, New Zealand, and Japan
Stages: Seed, pre-Series A/bridge, Series A
Investment range: US$500K to US$5M
Startup invested: Josys.

ORZON Ventures

ORZON Ventures, powered by OR (an oil and retail company in Thailand) and 500 TukTuks, invests in promising startups in Thailand and Southeast Asia in the mobility & lifestyle sectors.

Verticals: Any/all
Based in: Thailand
Investment locations: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam
Stages: Pre-Series A/bridge, Series A, Series B, Series C and above
Investment range: US$500K to US$3M
Startup invested: SLEEK EV.

Seedstars International Ventures

Seedstars International is an emerging market seed fund that invests in seed-stage startups across emerging and frontier markets.

Verticals: Agency & consulting, ICT, mobile, and SaaS
Based in: Switzerland
Investment locations: All/any
Stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Investment range: US$50K to US$500K
The startup invested: MedEasy.

Accelerating Asia

Accelerating Asia is an early-stage VC fund that invests in pre-Series A startups in Southeast and South Asia.

Verticals: All/any
Based in: Singapore
Investment locations: All/any
Stages: Angel, seed, pre-Series A/bridge
Investment range: US$100K to US$250K.

nVentures

nVentures is an investor in early-stage digital media and technology companies.

Verticals: Finance
Based in: Singapore
Investment locations: Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Singapore
Stages: Pre-seed and seed
Investment range: US$50K to US$250K
The startup invested: MedEasy.

Gobi Partners

Gobi is an investor in early-stage digital media and technology companies.

Verticals: Advertising, Big Data, consumer, e-commerce, education, entertainment, finance, healthtech, ICT, media, SaaS, and travel
Based in: Malaysia
Investment locations: China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan
Stages: Seed, pre-Series A/bridge, Series A, Series B, Series C and above
Investment range: Not specified.
The startup invested: Electronic Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH).

Monk’s Hill Ventures (MHV)

MHV invests in early-stage technology startups in Southeast Asia.

Verticals: Cybersecurity, e-commerce, education, finance, F&B, healthtech, HR, logistics/supply chain, robotics, SaaS, travel
Based in: Singapore
Investment locations: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines
Stages: Pre-Series A/bridge, Series A
Investment range: Not specified
Startup invested: Saladin.

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The image used in this article is AI-generated.

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The data centre sector has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation in recent years. Global internet traffic increased by 440 per cent between 2015 and 2021, and as the digital transformation of the global economy progresses, demand for data centres will continue to grow. Singapore has emerged as a major hub for facilities in Asia, attracting significant investment and job opportunities in the region.

Data centres have become an essential piece of infrastructure for businesses and organisations of all sizes. They are central to our digital world, powering the technologies and platforms that inform and influence our decisions, as well as our experiences. From streaming our favourite shows to enabling seamless communication across continents, data centres keep the world connected.

To design, build and operate these facilities, however, requires specialist professionals. So, what does it take to become part of a team that delivers the infrastructure that powers our digital future? One crucial role is that of a Cost Manager, who is responsible for managing, accurately reporting and optimising costs through all stages of a data centre project.

The foundations for success

Several undergraduate and graduate educational paths in Singapore can lead to Cost Management roles in a data centre, such as Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Project and Facility Management, and various Engineering degrees. There are also Chartership pathways for further professional development in the areas of Cost Management, Project Management, Project Controls, Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

There is even the opportunity to learn on the job with professional development programs, such as Linesight’s RICS-recognised Chartership Pathway. One of a number of pathways towards professional certification in a chosen discipline, this 24-month program includes a dynamic blend of on-the-job learning, formal training and mentorship as employees work towards their Assessment of Professional Competency (APC).

Data centres are complex projects by nature, and the exponential growth of demand in this sector typically infers tight design and construction program timelines. While technical proficiencies are undoubtedly important, it’s crucial to emphasize the significance of soft skills (also known as ‘power skills’ or ‘core skills’) in this field.

As a Cost Manager, strong problem-solving skills are fundamental for navigating the complexities of cost estimation and management associated with data centre projects. Effective communication is, of course, essential to work and collaborate as part of a team, potentially across different time zones and with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Also Read: How data centres adapt to shortages with advanced tech solutions

Furthermore, attention to detail, critical thinking and time management skills are also paramount, especially because even the smallest oversight can have significant financial implications.

Lastly, a commitment to ongoing learning, ambition and an open mind are qualities that will set candidates apart in this sector, while other transferable skills, such as risk management and stakeholder engagement, can easily be honed and applied in the data centre context.

A day in the life of a data centre Cost Manager

From a graduate level to a more senior Cost Manager position, the age-old adage rings true that a typical day in the data centre sector doesn’t really exist! The role is filled with diverse tasks and responsibilities that are wide-ranging and require employing a range of skills to execute.

As a graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the ropes and gain hands-on experience by supporting Cost Management activities. As you progress, you’ll assume greater responsibilities, including cost estimation, budgeting, negotiation, cash flow forecasting and risk analysis.

Pricing innovative solutions for energy efficiency

As a Cost Manager in a data centre environment, it is essential to have a finger on the pulse with regard to the latest local and global industry developments, such as Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and other sustainability goals and strategies.

Whether it’s related to cooling technologies or building management systems for reduced energy consumption, Cost Managers must be ahead of the curve when it comes to innovative solutions and technologies that support and drive sustainable transformations.

For example, energy efficiency in data centres is critical, especially in a tropical climate like Singapore, which recently introduced a new standard to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs in facilities. This is the type of announcement that a Cost Manager must be up to speed on — to quickly analyse the implications for their clients, assess potential cost impacts and factor in contingencies.

Ultimately, a Cost Manager’s role involves striking a balance between bringing in the latest technology to the facility and maintaining cost optimisation whilst promoting sustainability and keeping clients at the forefront of energy-efficient and innovative practices in the dynamic data centre sector.

Rising to the challenge

The expanding market and increasing investment in the sector have created a significant demand for skilled professionals. Moreover, the global mobility programs available to data centre professionals offer opportunities to work on impactful projects around the world that expand one’s professional horizons and enhance one’s career trajectory.

Prospective job candidates can demonstrate their suitability for a role in the data centre sector by showcasing a combination of technical skills, soft skills and a genuine passion for the field. A lack of data centre experience should not be a deterrent, and experience and transferrable skills from similar sectors are warmly welcomed.

Those pursuing a data centre career in Singapore have the opportunity to play a role in hugely impactful projects in a country that is not only the world’s leading business environment but also the highest-scoring country in terms of technological readiness.

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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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In an era where customers expect tailor-made experiences, hyper-personalisation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In order to create a seamless and effective hyper-personalised experience, brands need to harness innovative tools and resources that can synthesise consumer insights into action — technologies such as AI and automation. These technologies operate as the cornerstone that can take a brand’s hyper-personalisation efforts to the next level and ultimately cultivate lasting customer relationships, unparalleled satisfaction, and a competitive business edge. 

With AI and automation, the possibilities are endless: From personalised product recommendations based on individual preferences to instant, round-the-clock customer support through chatbots, businesses can revolutionise how they interact with and cater to their customers, creating seamless and memorable experiences that foster lasting loyalty and satisfaction. To help businesses harness this innovation, CleverTap, in partnership with e27, invites you to an exclusive event poised to help businesses from across Indonesia equip themselves with these disruptive technologies to help optimise their customer engagement.

Aptly titled, “Engagement Playbook Indonesia: Harnessing Automation and AI for Hyper-Personalization,” this interactive learning event will take place on September 20, 2023, at the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom in Jakarta. At this event, you can dive deep into the world of AI and automation that will enable your business not only to meet but to surpass customer expectations, creating impactful results that will yield sustainable growth for your brand.

Key benefits of joining Engagement Playbook Indonesia

Automation and AI are not just buzzwords; they are powerful tools that can streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive business results. The Engagement Playbook Indonesia will feature hands-on demonstrations of how cutting-edge automation and AI solutions can be applied to your everyday marketing efforts. You will see firsthand how these technologies can be integrated into your business operations to create seamless, personalised customer journeys and shape your brand.

The event will also delve into how automation and AI are transforming the business landscape in general, making it possible for businesses to efficiently manage and utilise vast amounts of data.

Also read: EQT unveils startup impact challenge amid Southeast Asia’s ‘golden period’

From data segmentation to real-time personalisation, you will discover the tools and techniques that modern businesses are employing to maintain a competitive edge. Engagement Playbook Indonesia will emphasise the power of engagement-led growth and how it can revolutionise your approach to acquiring and retaining customers, underscoring the importance of customer acquisition as a cornerstone of business. At its core, it is these tools and techniques that will define how you engage with your customers through a hyper-personalised, tailor-fit approach.

CleverTap’s role in helping businesses master hyper-personalisation

To master hyper-personalisation, businesses need access to vast amounts of data. But how much data is enough, and when does it become too much? The Engagement Playbook Indonesia will provide answers to these pivotal questions, shedding light on how to best utilise and explore the possibilities that lie within data for businesses to effectively navigate and engage with their respective markets.

Ultimately, the more data a business has, the deeper its understanding of its customers’ needs, preferences, and behaviours. However, it’s not just about quantity; it’s about the quality of data. Collecting and analysing the right data points are crucial for creating personalised experiences that resonate with customers.

Helping us dive deep into how AI and automation can maximise data and bolster your customer engagement efforts by creating hyper-personalised experiences for your customers is CleverTap, an all-in-one customer engagement platform designed to unify interactions between people, processes, and technology.

Also read: Dive into AI-powered marketing with growth-oriented content stages at Flux Series

CleverTap is an All-In-One customer engagement platform that unifies interactions between people, processes and technology. CleverTap is built to convert customers into customers for life with in-moment experiences designed and optimized for scale, in real-time. We enable brands to create truly cross-channel experiences, transcending boundaries between channels, journeys and outcomes. We’re on a mission to be the ultimate growth partner, providing businesses with the insights they need to truly understand their customers and deliver.

This initiative spearheaded by CleverTap will feature leading experts who will share their insights on data-driven hyper-personalisation strategies. They will discuss best practices for data collection, storage, and analysis to ensure businesses have the right data at their fingertips.

Meet the esteemed panel of experts

With Engagement Playbook Indonesia featuring panel discussions, here are the experts who have made significant strides in their respective fields and who will be speaking at the event:

• Steven Wongsoredjo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aplikasi Super. Aplikasi Super is Indonesia’s first and leading social commerce platform and one of the top YC companies, which oversees the main feature, SuperAgen, an agent-led commerce feature that enables community leaders to become retailers within their communities. Aplikasi Super aims to solve economic inequality across cities for Indonesia’s future economy.
• Fanky Mulia, Vice President of CLM Marketing for Blibli.com. Established in 2011, PT Global Digital Niaga Tbk (Blibli) started with a commitment to empowering Indonesia’s economic and business sectors through an integrated omnichannel ecosystem for a sustainable lifestyle. Their mission is to enhance a variety of shopping experiences based on the spirit of delivering customer-centric goods, features, and services.
• Margarita Tan, Chief Growth Officer for Cakap. Cakap is an online school created to reinvent the language-learning experience. The company serves a large and rapidly growing global market. Through live instruction with native-speaking teachers and multimedia learning materials, all provided over the Internet, Cakap empowers students on their customised path to fluency in a 6-12 month time period.

The panel will be moderated by Joe Maulana, the Country Manager for Indonesia at CleverTap.

Also read: Singapore to host the most challenging pitching competition in the world

Join Engagement Playbook Indonesia

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this unique and educational event and learn all about how these disruptive technologies help reshape the way businesses approach customer engagement.

Join us on September 20, 2023, at the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom in Jakarta for Engagement Playbook Indonesia: Harnessing Automation and AI for Hyper-Personalization. Together, let us explore the future of marketing and discover the strategies that will set your business apart in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

For more information, visit the event section here.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by CleverTap

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

The post Can hyper-personalisation be achieved through automation and AI? appeared first on e27.

Car-sharing platform SOCAR has been on a mission to minimise car ownership through accessible mobility and bring impact to a greener society in Malaysia and beyond.  The soonicorn, which has raised US$73 million in investments from EastBridge Partners, Sime Darby and other backers, has expanded its footprint to various cities and regions, including Johor, Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, and Kota Kinabalu. The company also operates in Indonesia through its new product TREVO.

According to SOCAR CEO Shylendra Nathan, the future of the car-sharing industry will be shaped by trends like electric and autonomous vehicles, urban mobility solutions, and sustainability.

In this email interview, Nathan discusses the company’s products and the overall car-sharing landscape in Southeast Asia.

Edited excerpts:

Could you provide an overview of SOCAR’s journey since its inception and highlight some of the significant milestones the company has achieved to date?

SOCAR aims to revolutionise the car rental industry through innovative services like car-sharing and on-demand rentals.

Geographically, we have expanded our footprint to various cities and regions, including Johor, Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, and Kota Kinabalu. To further support the ride-sharing ecosystem, we introduced TREVO. This peer-to-peer car rental platform empowers vehicle owners to generate income by making their idle cars available for rent.

Following the Series B funding in 2021, how has SOCAR progressed in terms of its expansion plans and the development of clean mobility initiatives?

We’ve effectively grown our fleet in West Malaysia and debuted in East Malaysia, commencing from Kota Kinabalu. Furthermore, our SOCAR-2-YOU car delivery services have extended their coverage nationwide, enhancing user convenience for those looking to embrace car-sharing services. Lastly, TREVO has expanded its presence across Malaysia and Indonesia, championing the peer-to-peer car-sharing model.

Also Read: ‘The car-sharing biz has taught me that mobility is hyperlocal’: SOCAR CEO Leon Foong

By combining these two approaches, our expansion, increased accessibility, convenience, and affordability contribute to the broader utilisation of existing vehicles, promoting eco-friendly mobility throughout the region.

TREVO has been a focal point. Can you share some insights into how TREVO has evolved and its role in shaping SOCAR’s growth strategy?

TREVO Malaysia allows car owners to securely rent out their vehicles while enabling guests to drive nearby cars. Since its inception in 2019, TREVO has expanded to nine cities across Malaysia, with over 8,000 cars on the platform.

TREVO also launched P2P insurance, TREVO Shield, in Malaysia in 2022.

The car-sharing landscape is rapidly evolving with advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles. How does SOCAR envision incorporating these trends into its offerings in the coming years?

Within the TREVO platform, we have made electric vehicles (EVs) readily accessible through welcoming hosts, providing a unique opportunity for early adopters to explore and gain valuable firsthand experience with these innovative cars before committing to a significant investment.

This approach encourages the adoption of EVs and helps individuals make informed choices about transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. It empowers users to test the waters of electric mobility, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally conscious and technologically advanced future in transportation.

Could you elaborate on the partnerships, collaborations, or innovations that have been key drivers for SOCAR’s success in differentiating itself within the competitive car-sharing market?

SOCAR and TREVO have continuously optimised and improved the platforms over the last few years, launching key features and collaborating with market players to provide the best-in-class mobility solutions to the public.

Our services include the Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), which offers extensive insurance coverage. The One-Way Intercity option allows guests to drive between cities within the same state, such as from Kuala Lumpur to/from Johor Bahru, Ipoh, or Penang, with the flexibility to end their booking at their destination.

With the SOCAR MONTHLYPASS, customers can enjoy a fixed subscription fee for access to a vehicle throughout an entire month. In addition to the core self-driving model, SOCAR now offers the ability to rent a car with a driver for convenience via SOCAR+.

BOSS by SOCAR operates on a subscription-based model, providing businesses with a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for maintaining a fleet of vehicles.

SOCAR Business Mobility (SBM) is specifically designed to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, offering tailored mobility solutions.

Customer preferences are changing, with a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. How is SOCAR adapting to meet these changing demands and promoting clean mobility solutions?

With the growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, car-sharing and on-demand rental services encourage the efficient use of vehicles. Our services grant customers access to a diverse range of transportation options and contribute to the reduction of traffic congestion and bottlenecks. They foster a more sustainable and eco-conscious transportation model by offering easy access to vehicles precisely when needed.

TREVO, for instance, empowers car owners to share their vehicles with others, thereby maximising the utilisation of existing cars and diminishing the necessity for additional manufacturing.

Expansion beyond geographical boundaries is often a goal for successful startups. What are SOCAR’s plans regarding international expansion and entering new markets?

P2P rental has gained significant traction for car owners to leverage their underutilised assets for financial gain. Recognising the immense potential of this model, we are actively strategising to extend our services to neighbouring countries within the Southeast Asian region. In Malaysia, our primary objective is to enrich service availability in key urban centres spanning the entire country, encompassing both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

Also Read: SOCAR raises US$55M in Series B funding round from new investors EastBridge Partners, Sime Darby

Furthermore, we are dedicated to strengthening our presence in prominent Indonesian locations, specifically Jakarta and Bali.

As the car-sharing landscape evolves, what do you believe will be the industry’s most influential trends and challenges over the next few years, and how does SOCAR plan to stay at the forefront of these changes?

Our vision for the future will be shaped by trends like electric and autonomous vehicles, urban mobility solutions, and sustainability. We are prepared to lead this evolution by harnessing cutting-edge technology and existing knowledge in mobility. This includes integrating diverse vehicles into our fleet, leveraging data analytics for enhanced customer experiences, and partnering with other mobility providers for seamless urban mobility solutions.

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