Belgium-based mobile-first motion insights company Sentiance has just announced the acquisition of Bangkok-headquartered fleet intelligence platform DRVR. The combination of the two firms aims to advance safety-first, privacy-driven solutions to address road safety challenges worldwide. Sentiance has grant plans to expand across Southeast Asia.

In this interview, DRVR’s founder, David Henderson, shares more insights into the deal.

How does Sentiance’s mission align with DRVR’s core values, and what aspects of Sentiance’s approach to road safety resonate most with your team?

Sentiance and DRVR share a mission to save lives by reducing road accidents. Another key aspect we share is a strong focus on privacy. Sentiance has a world-leading solution for ensuring that users’ privacy is protected and respected and that data is used for good.

How do you plan to leverage Sentiance’s on-device processing technology within DRVR’s existing offerings?

DRVR’s staff and customers will join Sentiance. We’re excited by the potential for the AI-based on-device technology Sentiance has developed, which will address key areas of concern to our customers, chiefly price, scalability, and privacy.

What new roles or opportunities do you foresee for your team as part of Sentiance’s regional operations?

The Belgian firm already has a presence in the region, and the DRVR team will help solidify that. We’re excited to work to reduce road accidents in a new sector for us, where Sentiance has been a strong champion. We have seen strong growth in areas like e-commerce and food delivery as critical drivers for our future growth.

Also Read: Sentiance acquires DRVR to strengthen road safety, expand footprint across Asia

With Sentiance’s enhanced technology, what new benefits will DRVR’s current clients experience?

DRVR’s clients will benefit from Sentiance’s advanced AI-powered on-device processing, which enables faster data insights while enhancing privacy and reducing costs. They’ll also gain access to tailored safety solutions, including evidence-based motorcycle safety for the on-demand economy and deeper, AI-driven behavioural insights to help improve driver safety and reduce risk.

These enhancements will empower clients with more actionable, privacy-first insights to support safer driving habits and effective risk management.

Can you provide examples of how DRVR’s solutions might evolve or expand with this acquisition?

Southeast Asia is a major centre for motorcycles and scooters. With our many years of experience in the region, we will continue to develop world-class products and enhance our existing solutions.

How does this acquisition strengthen DRVR’s impact on road safety across Asia? These?

Sentiance’s acquisition of DRVR will strengthen its local presence, enabling companies across the region to gain access to its market-leading technology. Sentiance’s on-device solution is a game changer, as it both secures customers’ privacy and is much more affordable than traditional on-cloud solutions. This will enable the rollout across the region to a wider pool of potential customers.

How will this acquisition help DRVR respond to the specific safety needs of the on-demand economy, particularly with Sentiance’s motorcycle safety solution?

Sentiance Asia will focus strongly on the on-demand economy. Accidents amongst these vulnerable road users can account for up to 60 per cent of total accidents.

Sentiance has strong experience in this area, with leading on-demand economy customers already using the service and rolling out the Sentiance safety solution in the region.

With Sentiance’s AI-driven, driver-focused technology, what advancements do you see for AI’s role in road safety?

AI is at the core of the Sentiance platform to provide detailed scores and help drivers/riders improve safety and save lives. Our roadmap includes some exciting developments in this field.

How does Sentiance’s focus on drivers over vehicles align with DRVR’s future strategies?

It’s true that DRVR focused on fleet management and was vehicle-centric in the past. However, we pivoted to app-based solutions in 2020.

Sentiance focuses on the driver and not the vehicle, so by joining forces, DRVR can help expand Sentiance’s footprint into Asia, reduce human error on the road, and thus help save lives.

Also Read: Charting the roadmap for the era of pervasive AI

Recent studies have shown that even with all the new technologies and safety features developed by OEMs, the number of accidents and fatalities keeps rising, and 94 per cent of accidents are caused by the driver.

What innovations are on the horizon as part of the combined technology roadmap for DRVR and Sentiance?

The combined roadmap will focus on AI model improvements, enhanced on-device processing for faster, privacy-centric insights, advanced motorcycle safety solutions tailored to the on-demand economy, and AI-driven behavioural insights to personalise safety feedback. We’re also scaling risk modelling tools for broader, data-driven safety applications.

Sentiance has a global outlook on reducing road injuries and fatalities. How will DRVR contribute to these efforts beyond Asia?

The DRVR team brings valuable local expertise in the Asian market, which will guide Sentiance’s approach in regions with similar road safety challenges. Sentiance’s innovations, combined with DRVR’s local expertise in Asia, will be adapted for broader global applications.

Additionally, DRVR’s partnerships and data insights will further support safety initiatives and policy advocacy worldwide.

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As the digital economy in Southeast Asia (SEA) expands rapidly, Indonesia and the Philippines emerge as significant players. In 2024, both countries witnessed impressive growth driven by advancements in e-commerce, digital financial services, and online travel.

Despite shared similarities, the two countries’ unique market dynamics, regulatory environments, and growth trajectories highlight the distinctive paths each country is taking toward digital transformation.

Based on information revealed in the SEA e-Conomy Report 2024 by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Co., this article looks at how the digital economy in Indonesia and the Philippines fare in 2024. Outlining their respective strengths and challenges, this might serve as a handy guidance for entrepreneurs looking to seize opportunities in the market.

Overall market size and growth

Indonesia’s digital economy remains the largest in SEA, reaching a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of US$90 billion in 2024, a 13 per cent increase from the previous year. This growth is propelled primarily by robust e-commerce expansion, underpinned by the rising popularity of video commerce. The e-commerce sector reached a GMV of US$65 billion, indicating a vast and continually growing online marketplace.

In contrast, the Philippines’ digital economy, though smaller in absolute terms, is growing at a faster rate. A 19 percent increase brought its GMV to US$31 billion in 2024.

Also Read: Digital banking in Indonesia: Growing importance and future trends

The e-commerce sector in the Philippines, similarly driven by video commerce, recorded a 23 per cent growth to reach US$21 billion. While the Philippines’ digital economy is smaller than Indonesia’s, its growth rate underscores its potential as an emerging digital market in SEA.

Consumer trends in e-commerce

As discussed, both countries saw notable growth in e-commerce, with video commerce transforming consumer experiences by making shopping more interactive.

In Indonesia, this trend has led major e-commerce players to refine their strategies, leveraging social media and content-driven platforms to enhance engagement. Furthermore, the Indonesian market has grown increasingly competitive, with acquisitions by leading social media companies and local players intensifying the competition, encouraging brands to adopt innovative customer engagement methods.

Similarly, video commerce resonates strongly with Filipino consumers, driving engagement and sales. However, the Philippines has a unique advantage in terms of language and localisation. Filipino consumers and content creators demonstrate a clear preference for local language content, which has influenced e-commerce strategies and led to a more culturally tailored approach to customer engagement.

Brands that leverage this localised approach are better positioned to capture the Philippine market, creating opportunities for businesses that understand the importance of language and cultural nuances.

Digital financial services and regulatory landscape

Digital financial services (DFS) have become crucial in both markets, though each country has approached this growth differently.

Also Read: Echelon Philippines 2024: The power of collaboration – corporates and startups join forces

Indonesia’s DFS sector experienced notable growth in digital payments and lending, supported by government initiatives to encourage a cashless society. Launching a nationwide digital wallet program exemplifies the government’s efforts to expand digital finance nationwide.

Despite regulatory oversight, which has increased to ensure security and stability, Indonesia’s DFS market remains dynamic and is anticipated to grow as financial inclusion efforts expand beyond major cities.

The Philippines, on the other hand, saw a significant rise in digital payments, with volumes reaching US$125 billion in 2024. Aiming to level the playing field between local and foreign providers, the government has introduced policies such as the Internet Transactions Act, mandating registration for online businesses and a value-added tax on non-resident digital service providers.

These regulatory changes, while complex, aim to enhance security and fairness within the digital financial landscape, promoting a safer and more competitive environment for digital services.

Investment in digital inclusion

Despite the promising growth, infrastructure remains a critical factor in digital economy growth in the two countries.

In Indonesia, digital infrastructure investments have focused on expanding access beyond major urban centres. Major tech companies are venturing into smaller cities to tap into new consumer markets and leverage regional talent. This geographic expansion is expected to play a significant role in Indonesia’s continued digital growth in the years ahead.

Also Read: Ransomware wake-up call: Why Indonesian businesses need more than just antivirus

Recognising similar needs, the Philippines has also prioritised connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. The Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, with an investment of US$288 million, is a testament to the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.

Improved connectivity is crucial for expanding access to digital services and fostering regional economic growth, allowing smaller communities to benefit from the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

Towards the future

Looking forward, both countries face opportunities and challenges in sustaining their digital economy growth.

In Indonesia, AI is gaining traction, with applications across e-commerce, finance, and other sectors expected to increase significantly in 2025. AI adoption, particularly in high-interest regions such as East Kalimantan, Jakarta, and Riau Islands, could enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement across industries.

In the Philippines, the resurgence in travel and tourism spending is notable, with the online travel sector growing by 13 per cent to reach US$3 billion in 2024.

As post-pandemic travel demand continues to rise, online travel platforms are expected to benefit. Furthermore, continued investments in digital infrastructure and a proactive approach to regulation suggest that the Philippines is laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the digital sector.

At the end of the day

Indonesia and the Philippines are both making significant strides in the digital economy, each with its own strengths.

Also Read: Echelon Philippines 2024: Why the Philippines is the next big tech hub

Indonesia’s larger market size and the continued expansion of digital finance and e-commerce reflect its position as a regional digital powerhouse. Meanwhile, the Philippines, though at a smaller scale, is exhibiting robust growth, driven by rapid e-commerce adoption, localised content strategies, and regulatory advancements aimed at creating a fairer digital economy.

As both countries navigate challenges around regulatory oversight, infrastructure, and digital inclusivity, their trajectories will likely serve as benchmarks for emerging digital markets across Southeast Asia.

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CARDS, an Indonesian SaaS-based school management platform, has secured undisclosed seed funding led by US-based fintech investor Katha VC.

DS/X Venture and edutech accelerator EduSpaze also co-invested.

This funding will fuel expansion and product development. The firm will build a regional sales team, strengthen after-sales service teams to ensure smooth product implementation in every school and develop new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate school staff operations.

Also Read: Investor insights: How they evaluate SaaS companies to invest in

Additionally, CARDS will explore strategic partnerships with companies, government entities, and educational organisations to enhance market penetration and create a broader impact.

Founded by Muh Arif Mahfudin (CEO) and Hari Yuliawan (COO), CARDS, a product of PT Cazh Teknologi Inovasi, is designed to digitise various operational functions of schools, ranging from administration and finance to digital payments. The solution encompasses all operational and academic activities and actively involves teachers, staff, students, and parents, who utilise CARDS services daily.

“We are building a new ecosystem in schools, not just providing partial solutions to problems. We address the most crucial aspect, which is the operational system, and then develop and transform other areas such as cashless transactions in school canteens, more effective teaching and learning processes, attendance systems, and modernised financial reporting and school fee payments,” stated CEO Mahfudin.

Currently, it focuses on the digital transformation of educational institutions in tier 2 and tier 3 cities in Indonesia. The disparity in technology ownership between schools in these cities and those in tier 1 cities poses a significant barrier to development and management.

Also Read: Conquer the B2B SaaS game: 10 content marketing strategies for startups

Since its launch in 2021, CARDS claims to have attracted over 500 schools across Indonesia, from elementary to secondary levels, including private schools, pesantren, and public schools. It has also reached profitability.

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Southeast Asia’s (SEA) digital economy has reached a turning point in 2024, with businesses shifting from rapid growth to disciplined profitability.

The region’s digital landscape, once defined by high user acquisition costs and heavy promotional spending, has evolved. Companies across sectors such as e-commerce, online travel, and food delivery are now taking a more strategic approach to revenue and cost management, inspired by mature markets such as China.

The emphasis on effective monetisation, operational efficiency, and adapting to changing consumer behaviour drives sustained profitability, further supporting the region’s digital economy.

But how do companies make it happen?

Monetisation strategies: Leveraging core and adjacent revenue streams

In this digital economy, one of the primary ways businesses are achieving profitability is through innovative monetisation strategies that optimise core revenue sources and create new income streams.

Increased commissions and take rates

Many SEA companies are maximising earnings by raising commission rates across sectors. Online travel agencies (OTAs), for example, have increased their commission rates to levels seen in more established digital economies such as China, substantially boosting their profitability.

In e-commerce, platforms are similarly optimising take rates and exercising greater discipline in promotional campaigns. These adjustments are leading to higher margins without alienating customers or reducing the value offered.

Also Read: CARDS raises funding to revolutionise school management in Indonesia’s smaller cities

Expanding revenue streams with high-margin offerings

Beyond core services, businesses are exploring adjacent revenue streams with strong profit potential. In e-commerce, for instance, advertising has become a significant revenue driver, thanks to the rapid growth of video commerce and new ad formats like live ads during livestreams.

Food delivery platforms are also benefiting from in-app advertisements and subscription models, which add incremental revenue without the need for additional service offerings.

Travel platforms have expanded their services to include car rentals, guided tours, and financing options for trips, all of which provide new revenue sources with higher margins.

Cost optimisation and operational efficiency: Reducing expenses and improving productivity

In parallel with revenue-boosting efforts, companies also optimise costs to improve profitability. This focus on cost management is critical for maintaining sustainable growth in competitive markets.

Scaling back on customer and partner incentives

For years, customer incentives were a staple in attracting and retaining users, but today, companies are rethinking this strategy to improve unit economics. Food delivery platforms, for example, have scaled back on discounts and free food offers, focusing instead on promoting cost-effective alternatives like self-pick-up.

Similarly, transport platforms have reduced customer incentives and introduced surge pricing mechanisms to enhance profitability. These steps allow businesses to maintain service quality without the unsustainable expense of extensive promotions.

Also Read: Indonesia versus the Philippines: A closer look into digital economy in these 2 countries in 2024

AI-driven operational efficiency

Technology, particularly AI, is central to many companies’ efforts to streamline operations and cut costs. Food delivery services use AI for order batching and route planning, significantly reducing delivery times and minimizing cost per order. These efficiencies enable companies to serve more customers while keeping operational expenses under control.

Transport platforms also improve profitability through AI by refining payment processing and streamlining service operations. These AI-driven improvements enhance productivity and reduce overhead, allowing companies to maximise returns on every transaction.

Strategic market expansion

Expanding services into new geographic or demographic markets can be a profitable growth strategy if approached carefully. For example, transport platforms are broadening their reach by entering second-tier cities and rural areas where competition may be lower and demand for motorbike services is rising.

This selective approach to expansion helps companies capture new customer segments without incurring the high costs often associated with rapid, widespread expansion into already saturated markets.

Shifting market dynamics: Adapting to a maturing digital landscape

As the digital economy matures, businesses are adjusting to a new set of market dynamics. The race for new users is giving way to a focus on maximising revenue from existing customers.

Deepening engagement with existing users

User acquisition costs in SEA were previously driven by the need to scale rapidly. Today, businesses are focusing more on increasing engagement with their current customer base, a strategy that is both cost-effective and profitable.

In e-commerce, for example, the main revenue drivers are now repeat purchases by existing customers who are spending more frequently online. By prioritising engagement over expansion, companies find sustainable ways to grow revenue without excessive marketing expenditures.

Also Read: Echelon Philippines 2024: Expert panel on building a strong foundation for startup success

Video commerce as a growth engine

Video commerce has become a pivotal factor in reshaping the SEA e-commerce landscape. In the digital economy, this form of media not only boosts GMV but also provides a powerful avenue for customer acquisition and advertising revenue. The interactive and engaging nature of video commerce attracts users, increases shopping frequency, and provides advertisers with high-impact placements.

As video commerce becomes more ingrained in the regional e-commerce experience, it will likely drive continued revenue growth and contribute significantly to sector-wide profitability.

In 2024, the path to profitability in the SEA digital economy is calculated decisions and strategic execution. By balancing revenue diversification with cost discipline and adapting to changing consumer preferences, businesses in SEA are positioning themselves to survive and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

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As Singapore drives towards a greener future, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly gaining momentum. With the government’s goal of installing 60,000 EV charging points by 2030, the question arises: are Singapore’s homes and condominiums ready to support this transition?

The answer involves addressing several challenges related to infrastructure, power supply, and network connectivity—particularly for residents in high-rise buildings. For EV adoption to be seamless, these issues must be tackled with thoughtful solutions.

Shared facilities and charging access in condominiums

In Singapore, most residents live in high-rise buildings like HDB flats and condominiums, where communal parking spaces are the norm. Unlike landed homeowners, who can install private EV chargers, condo residents must share common charging facilities. This shared arrangement can lead to friction among drivers, especially when multiple users need access to limited charging points. The uncertainty around charger availability can heighten range anxiety for EV drivers.

To address this, charging operators, are exploring advanced booking systems and virtual queues. These solutions allow drivers to schedule their charging sessions and reserve spots without waiting physically. By minimising conflicts over access and improving convenience, such systems can reduce frustration and create a more equitable charging experience for residents.

Power supply limitations in older buildings

Many of Singapore’s residential buildings—particularly older condominiums and HDB flats—were constructed long before EVs became part of the transportation landscape. As a result, their electrical infrastructure often lacks the capacity to support multiple charging stations. Without careful planning, attempting to install several EV chargers can overwhelm a building’s power supply.

Also Read: Exponent Energy unlocks a zero to 100 per cent 15-min rapid charge for electric vehicles

Dynamic load balancing technology offers a potential solution. This system distributes power efficiently across charging stations, ensuring that no single charger consumes too much electricity at once. Prioritising power allocation for residents over visitors can also help mitigate bottlenecks, providing a faster, more reliable experience for regular users while optimising the building’s power resources.

Overcoming network connectivity issues in basement parking areas

Many condominiums feature underground parking spaces, where weak or non-existent network signals can disrupt the app-based systems required to initiate EV charging. Poor connectivity in these areas can lead to delays and frustration, making it difficult for users to start their charging sessions seamlessly.

Innovative solutions are emerging to address these issues, such as charging apps that function even in low-signal environments. By allowing users to scan a QR code that initiates charging once they reconnect to a stronger network, these technologies ensure that poor connectivity doesn’t become a barrier to smooth EV adoption.

Integrating renewable energy for sustainability

As Singapore works to reduce its carbon footprint, it’s important to consider not just the vehicles themselves but also how they are powered. For landed homeowners, installing solar panels offers an opportunity to charge EVs directly with renewable energy. Condominiums, too, can play a role in sustainability by integrating green energy tariffs or exploring the installation of rooftop solar panels.

The integration of renewable energy into EV charging systems aligns with Singapore’s broader sustainability goals. By supplementing traditional power sources with cleaner alternatives, homes and condominiums can contribute to a more environmentally friendly future, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and lowering their carbon emissions.

Conclusion: A future-ready approach

As the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates, Singapore’s homes and condominiums must prepare for this shift. Addressing shared charging facilities, power supply limitations, and network connectivity challenges are critical steps in ensuring that EV owners can charge their vehicles efficiently and without undue stress.

Novowatt is at the forefront of providing these solutions, from dynamic load balancing and reservation systems to innovations that overcome connectivity issues. By embracing these innovative approach and integrating renewable energy into the charging infrastructure, residential properties can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient future. Together, we can ensure that Singapore’s EV revolution not only meets demand but does so in a way that supports the nation’s long-term sustainability goals.

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