Notice periods are a critical yet often overlooked aspect of employment dynamics, affecting both employees and employers. This article explores the implications of long notice periods, their necessity across different roles, and how companies can adapt to modern workplace demands.

The above data was collected by Rockrose from interviews with over 377 candidates since early 2024.

The chart provides insight into employee notice periods, showing that nearly half of the respondents need to give one month’s notice (46.7 per cent), while almost a third can leave immediately (29.4 per cent). A smaller percentage serve two- or three-month notices. This raises questions about whether lengthy notice periods are necessary across the board, especially for junior roles.

What long notice periods really mean

Extended notice periods can reflect inefficiencies within a company, suggesting rigid processes and recruitment challenges. While senior roles might require longer transitions, holding junior employees to the same standard may indicate an outdated approach. Companies often cite the need for replacement time, but if hiring consistently takes longer than expected, the underlying issue might be a slow recruitment process rather than a need for extended notice.

Do we really need long notice periods?

With advancements in technology, handovers are more efficient than ever. AI-driven documentation and centralised knowledge systems allow employees to transfer responsibilities quickly. Well-maintained documentation and automation tools help make lengthy handovers unnecessary, even for complex roles.

Shorter notice periods benefit both employees and employers. Employees can transition to new opportunities without delay, and companies avoid prolonged exits, which can strain team morale. Additionally, shorter notice periods can reduce potential data security risks by limiting the duration in which departing employees have access to sensitive information. This approach helps protect proprietary data while allowing the organisation to maintain a smoother transition.

Also Read: Thriving Southeast Asia: The unstoppable rise of growth and prosperity

Employer concerns: Finding replacements and ensuring continuity

Employers argue that longer notice periods allow for thorough recruitment and knowledge transfer. However, if hiring processes are inherently slow, extended notice periods only mask the issue. By optimising recruitment strategies, companies can reduce reliance on lengthy notice periods. In addition, clear, continuous documentation within teams can alleviate the need for prolonged transitions.

Short vs long notice periods: Key considerations

Benefits of shorter notice periods

• Operational efficiency: Drives companies to adopt quicker hiring and handover processes.
• Focused handover: Short timelines push for effective, streamlined transitions.
• Enhanced data security: Minimises the period in which departing employees can access sensitive information.
• Boosts morale: Reduces the time teams spend working around a departing employee, helping maintain focus and engagement.

Reasons for longer notice periods

• Specialised hiring needs: More time may be required for niche roles.
• Business continuity: Ensures stability during the transition in complex positions.

Why shorter notice periods are often the way forward

In today’s fast-paced business world, organisations that embrace flexibility are better positioned for success. As the chart indicates, most employees require only a month’s notice or can leave immediately, suggesting that shorter notice periods are both feasible and sufficient for most roles.

Embracing shorter notice periods can reflect a company’s operational efficiency, promote a smoother handover, and boost employee morale by providing a clean break.

In turn, this positions the organisation as a forward-thinking, agile place to work—one that’s responsive to change, respects employee transitions, and prioritises a streamlined, secure handover process.

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This article is the eighth in a series from the ASEAN GenAI Startup Report 2024. GenAI Fund invests in early-stage GenAI startups across Southeast Asia, focusing on growth strategies and exit opportunities.

As Generative AI (GenAI) continues to revolutionise industries globally, the Southeast Asian (SEA) region stands uniquely poised to leverage its inherent strengths and become a leader in this transformative technology. 

The ASEAN GenAI Startup Report 2024 outlines several advantages contributing to the region’s potential as a global hub for GenAI innovation, including diverse technical talent, cost efficiencies, and the strategic advantage of being a second mover in technology adoption.

Leveraging technical talent and cost efficiencies

SEA is home to a rapidly growing pool of technical talent, particularly in countries such as Vietnam, which boasts over 530,000 IT professionals. This abundance of skilled labour is not only driving the development of innovative GenAI applications but also doing so at significantly lower costs compared to Western counterparts. 

For example, startups in Vietnam are increasingly recognised for their ability to deliver high-quality GenAI solutions at competitive prices, which gives them a crucial edge in the global market.

Furthermore, the cost of living and operational expenses in SEA are generally lower than in more developed economies. This allows startups to stretch their funding further and invest in scaling their operations without the financial pressures often found in more expensive regions. This cost advantage is especially crucial for early-stage companies that need to manage cash flow carefully while exploring and developing new technologies.

Second-mover advantage in technology adoption

While SEA may lag behind in some areas of technology innovation, this “second-mover” position offers distinct advantages. By observing the advancements and challenges first-movers encounter, SEA startups can learn from others’ experiences and adopt technologies with a more strategic approach. They can implement newer and more evolved versions of AI technologies, avoiding the pitfalls experienced by earlier adopters.

This approach is evident in the region’s strategic adoption of cloud technologies and infrastructure, which has seen rapid growth due to the availability of advanced services from global providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. SEA startups are quickly integrating these technologies, often leapfrogging traditional IT solutions directly into more advanced, scalable solutions.

Strategic collaborations and market access

SEA’s strategic geographic location offers another significant advantage. Situated between East and West, the region is a gateway for companies looking to expand globally. The region’s startups benefit from access to diverse markets, from the rapidly growing economies within SEA to the vast markets of China and India and even more established markets in Europe and America.

Also Read: Building moats: Strategies for ASEAN GenAI startups to create sustainable value

Collaborations across the region are also enhancing its GenAI capabilities. Governments are fostering partnerships through initiatives like Singapore’s AI Verify Foundation and the National Multimodal LLM Programme, which not only develop local talent and technology but also facilitate cross-border collaborations that enhance the entire region’s capability to innovate.

Challenges to harnessing the SEA advantage

Despite these advantages, harnessing the full potential of SEA’s GenAI capabilities can be challenging. Regulatory diversity across the region can complicate cross-border operations, making it difficult for startups to scale effectively. 

Additionally, while the region benefits from a large pool of IT professionals, there is a continuing need for specialised training in the latest AI technologies to ensure that the workforce can meet the rapidly evolving demands of the GenAI sector.

Moreover, language and cultural diversity, while a source of strength, also pose significant challenges for GenAI applications that require deep understanding and integration of local contexts to be effective.

The SEA region holds significant promise as a dynamic hub for GenAI innovation, fueled by its technical talent, cost efficiencies, strategic position, and adaptive approach to technology adoption. 

By continuing to invest in education, infrastructure, and regional collaborations, SEA can overcome existing challenges and cement its position as a global leader in the GenAI revolution.

For regional startups, the path forward involves tapping into these regional strengths while advocating for supportive policies and initiatives that facilitate growth and innovation. As SEA continues to mature in its GenAI capabilities, it stands not only to benefit from this technological revolution but also to shape it.

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As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey of the e27 Contributor Programme over the past year. This article highlights the significant milestones achieved, the enhancements introduced to the platform, and the remarkable strides made in fostering a vibrant and engaged community.

At the heart of this retrospective is a celebration of the collective effort and collaboration that have fuelled the programme’s growth, showcasing the strategies and stories that have shaped its continued success.

Growth, reach, programme highlights

In 2024, the e27 Contributor Programme saw remarkable growth, welcoming 230 new contributors and expanding our community to a robust 600 members. This surge brought an even greater diversity of perspectives, resulting in the publication of 630 articles that reflected the dynamism of the e27 ecosystem.

Throughout the year, we delved into a variety of themes, exploring topics such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the evolution of fintech, sustainable technologies, health tech advancements, and digital transformation. Highlights included 100 articles focused on AI and its implications, 40 on climate tech and sustainability, and 60 on the future of Web3. Other popular topics ranged from cybersecurity to productivity and culture, as well as fintech trends, reflecting the breadth of interests and expertise within our contributor network.

Our contributor community now represents a diverse mix of founders, investors, startup and corporate professionals, consultants, academics, and students. Notably, this includes contributions from 280 founders, 70 investors, 50 consultants, 40 corporate professionals, and 160 members from startups and accelerators.

This year, we also expanded our global footprint, welcoming contributors from regions as varied as Silicon Valley and Ireland to Australia and Estonia. This international participation has not only enriched the depth and scope of our content but also strengthened our ties with entrepreneurial ecosystems across the world, reinforcing our mission to amplify innovative voices on a global stage.

We’re thrilled to celebrate the amazing efforts of our contributors with the Top 27 Contributors of 2024! Check out the list and see who made it here.

Our to 27 contributors of 2024!

Innovations

Last year, we rolled out features aimed at amplifying community engagement and celebrating contributors’ impact. The leaderboard became a central hub for showcasing the most popular voices on e27, offering real-time visibility into the contributors making waves with their insights and expertise. This feature not only motivated contributors to stay active but also gave readers a chance to discover trending content and voices within the ecosystem.

To further enhance the connection between contributors and their audience, we launched a follow button. This simple yet powerful addition allowed readers to subscribe to their favourite thought leaders, ensuring they never missed out on their latest articles. It created a direct line of communication between contributors and their followers, fostering stronger relationships and building a more engaged readership.

This year, we expanded on last year’s efforts by introducing several exciting updates to elevate the contributor experience and foster deeper engagement:

• Our content dashboard now provides contributors with detailed insights into their articles’ performance. From views and engagement metrics to reader demographics, contributors can better understand their audience and refine their content strategy.
• An enhanced user interface has been designed to make the platform more intuitive and seamless. Navigating the site, publishing articles, and interacting with readers is now smoother than ever, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for contributors and their audiences alike.
• We’ve also prioritised user trust by implementing advanced data security measures. These updates bolster confidentiality and data protection, giving contributors peace of mind as they share their knowledge and insights on the platform.

In addition, we launched an exclusive newsletter for our contributor community, featuring monthly writing themes, updates, and guides. These newsletters act as a resource, designed to inspire and support contributors in creating impactful articles, keep them informed about community trends, and strengthen their connection with e27 editors as a direct communication channel.

We also introduced the Contributor Spotlight, a weekly column where we showcase the most popular article and its author. This initiative highlights the remarkable work of our contributors and fosters recognition within the community.

With these updates, we’re committed to providing contributors with the tools, resources, and exposure they need to thrive.

Community engagement

The post A recap of e27 Contributor Programme’s noteworthy offerings in 2024 appeared first on e27.

Echelon X 2024 brought together the brightest minds, innovative startups, and industry leaders from across the APAC region. Together, they explored the future of technology and digital transformation. An important focus are this year was empowering businesses to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world. In fact, the event featured panel discussions, exhibitions, and workshops designed to spark collaboration and actionable insights. As a premier gathering for the tech ecosystem, Echelon X showcased cutting-edge solutions for a variety of challenges. It also fostered meaningful connections that drive growth and innovation in the digital age.

Among the standout organisations at Echelon X was Google Cloud, whose contributions underscored its pivotal role in driving innovation across APAC. Through thought leadership panels and hands-on support for startups, Google Cloud demonstrated its commitment to empowering businesses with transformative technologies. By providing targeted resources, Google Cloud positioned itself as an indispensable tool for many organisations.

e27 and Google Cloud’s synergy

In the rapidly evolving APAC tech ecosystem, e27 has emerged as a vital platform fostering growth and collaboration among startups, investors, and key stakeholders. With a well-established network spanning the region, e27 serves as a bridge between innovative entrepreneurs and the resources they need to scale their ideas. Its diverse community reflects the rich dynamism of the startup ecosystem. As a result, it provides unparalleled access to opportunities for partnerships, funding, and market visibility. By championing innovation and facilitating connections, e27 has solidified its role as a cornerstone of tech and innovation in APAC.

At the heart of this thriving ecosystem is Google Cloud. e27 and Google Cloud work together with a shared vision of empowering startups and SMBs to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world. Google Cloud’s strategic collaboration with e27 brings transformative resources, such as the Google for Startups Cloud Program, to businesses seeking to harness the power of cloud and AI technologies. This program covers access to startup experts, Google Cloud and Firebase costs covered up to $200,000 USD (up to $350,000 USD for AI startups) over two years, technical training, business support, and Google-wide offers. Together, e27 and Google Cloud foster an inclusive and dynamic environment. As a result, they ensure that businesses across APAC have the tools, guidance, and networks to thrive in the digital economy.

Also read: How Globe Telecom used Google’s cloud-based services to empower its employees

Showcasing AI and Cloud Solutions at Echelon X

At Echelon X 2024, Google Cloud took center stage, highlighting its powerful AI and cloud solutions while emphasizing its commitment to empowering startups and SMBs in Southeast Asia. Through thought-provoking discussions and comprehensive startup support initiatives, Google Cloud showcased its ability to drive innovation and accelerate growth in the region’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.

One of the event’s most anticipated sessions was the panel discussion, “Responsible AI in Southeast Asia: How Do We Go About It?” featuring Jayotika Mohan, APAC Head of Startups & SMB Sales at Google Cloud. This session delved into the ethical and societal implications of adopting AI technologies in the region, sparking critical conversations about responsible AI integration. By addressing these pressing concerns, Google Cloud reinforced its reputation as a thought leader dedicated to fostering innovation that prioritizes societal well-being and ethical technology deployment.

Google Cloud’s Google for Startups Cloud Program also took the spotlight, offering startups unparalleled support to scale faster and smarter. One key benefit is access to cutting-edge AI tools, foundation models, and an open AI ecosystem. Further, it provides support for Web3 projects, enabling decentralized app development with minimal infrastructure concerns. Then, it has tailored resources and training to help startups build generative AI applications efficiently and responsibly. Finally, it provides cost optimization through Google Cloud’s serverless architecture and AI-powered recommendations.

These initiatives empower startups to turn data into actionable insights, enhance user experiences with AI-driven personalization, and reduce infrastructure costs—all while accelerating time to market.

Also read: Lytehouse improves workplace safety with AI-based video intelligence, teams up with Google Cloud

E27’s Continued Support for the Community

Google Cloud’s participation in Echelon X not only bolstered its visibility but also solidified its reputation as a key innovation enabler in APAC. By showcasing thought leadership and offering practical support for startups through the Google for Startups Cloud Program, it emerged as a trusted ally for businesses undergoing digital transformation. Its extensive network of experts, investors, and partners continues to empower the next generation of innovators, driving growth and innovation across the region. With its commitment to responsible AI adoption and advanced cloud solutions, Google Cloud is shaping the future of Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem.

As Google Cloud deepens its engagement with the APAC region, it is doubling down on its efforts to support startups with cutting-edge AI/ML tools and robust cloud technologies. By expanding its market reach and amplifying its impact, Google Cloud is positioning itself as a cornerstone of innovation for a region ripe with opportunities. e27 remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Google Cloud’s vision by fostering collaboration and creating opportunities to engage with the thriving APAC tech community.

Through joint initiatives, curated events, and knowledge-sharing platforms, e27 will continue to amplify Google Cloud’s presence and facilitate connections that drive growth. Together, e27 and Google Cloud are committed to unlocking new possibilities for startups and SMBs, building a vibrant, inclusive, and innovation-driven ecosystem in APAC.

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This article is produced by the e27 team

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Reach out to us here to get started.

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The Vietnamese F&B market has a lot of room for growth in food ordering apps. According to a report, about 46 per cent of businesses have not joined the online sales channel.

According to the F&B market report in Vietnam conducted by iPOS, the size of the food delivery market in Vietnam in 2022 will reach VND 29,900 (US$1.27) billion. This number is three times higher than in 2019 when COVID-19 did not appear.

Research results on the e-commerce industry in the field of F&B also recorded that about 12.23 million people have ordered food through online platforms. The annual growth rate of the number of users reached 17.5 per cent, equivalent to 1.8 million people.

A recent report by research firm Momentum Works also announced that the total spending value (GMV) that Vietnamese people spent on food delivery last year reached US$1.1 billion. Vietnam is also one of the few markets to see growth, while most of the rest shrink in size after the pandemic.

Also Read: How I went from an Android developer to CTO of a Vietnamese e-commerce

It is forecasted that in the coming time, food delivery will continue to account for a significant part of the total sales of household businesses despite the recovery of on-site dining.

Attractive “slice of cake” for applications

By the end of 2022, Vietnam has about 338,600 restaurants/cafés and will continue the steady upward trend with a CAGR of about two per cent in the 2016-2022 period.

Through the survey of more than 2,800 F&B businesses nationwide, only 1,516 units participated in online sales, accounting for 53.5 per cent. In the opposite direction, there are still 46.5 per cent of establishments that do not participate in this sales channel.

Currently, GrabFood and ShopeeFood are the two most popular online sales applications that 29 per cent and 27.8 per cent of businesses choose, respectively. Followed by other popular food ordering apps such as Baemin (18.4 per cent), GoFood (10.5 per cent), Loship (7.7 per cent), beFood (4.4 per cent).

Other sales channels such as hotline or website are still used regularly, reaching 25.4 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively. On the other hand, social media channels only 2.9 per cent of establishments are interested and use.

The app lives on promotion

In fact, the trend of using technology applications for food and beverage activities is one of many worries of F&B businesses in the new normal. Besides capital, human resources or operations, changes in customer behaviour always have a great impact on the revenue of the business.

This signal shows that restaurants and eateries have recognised users’ online food ordering habits. To create more revenue, restaurants and eateries must also consider the plan to expand their online sales channels. Not only generating more cash flow but partnering with apps is also a branding solution.

Through a user survey, iPOS said that ShopeeFood is leading the user market share with 58 per cent, followed by GrabFood (48 per cent), Baemin (36 per cent), and Gojek (24 per cent). Meanwhile, Loship and beFood have the same rate of seven per cent. Notably, only 13 per cent of the respondents did not use any food delivery apps.

Over the past few years, the food delivery app market has gradually stabilised after going through a tumultuous start-up period. Up to now, this playground mainly belongs to the applications behind foreign enterprises such as ShopeeFood (Sea Limited), GrabFood (Grab), Baemin (Woowa Brothers), GoFood (Gojek) and some domestic brands such as beFood (be) or Loship.

However, the habit of using the application of users is still “nourished” by discount codes. About 48.5 per cent of respondents decide to order food on an app because of a discount code, while 65.3 per cent consider choosing an app through a promotion policy.

Also Read: The realities of scaling food tech in today’s resource-strapped world

Users also prioritise restaurants with close proximity, palatable dishes/drinks, and based on previous reviews. In addition, some other factors, such as the restaurant’s free delivery, are also interesting to 44 per cent of the respondents.

Even though the F&B market may have challenges, it will continue to grow

Although the economy in 2023 is forecasted to be difficult, most consumers want to spend a lot of money on food. This is an opportunity and potential for both F&B businesses and food ordering applications.

Specifically, 46.27 per cent of consumers expect to stay the same and 30.89 per cent to increase their spending on food and drinks. The rest intend to reduce consumption.

However, Mr. Do Duy Thanh – Director of F&B at Horeca Business School – said that the trend of online sales will develop but only in the short term. Online food delivery applications have passed the time of burning money and will increase the cost of high discounts in the near future to make up for the initial investment budget. Algorithms show on apps, and it’s harder to make room for quality ads or restaurants.

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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

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

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This article was first published on June 5, 2023

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