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 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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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.

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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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Data is key to unlocking a business’ true potential in today’s fast-paced, digital-first environment. However, research shows that organisations are still struggling to effectively harness data for business benefits.

Most companies have yet to tap into the vast reserves of data stored within their systems. An estimated 55 per cent to 80 per cent of business data is “dark”, meaning it is untapped and fails to provide insights, operational improvements, or growth opportunities.

One of the most significant challenges is that data tends to be more open in remote repositories and disorganised across multiple applications, systems, and devices within an enterprise. The challenge becomes even more pronounced with unstructured data, which, as predicted by International Data Corporation IDC is expected to comprise 80 per cent to 90 per cent of all data by 2025.

Emails, documents, records, rich media files, web pages, social media content, and other types of unstructured data are all included. It is difficult to analyse and comprehend due to the lack of organisation within structured databases.

Asia’s unique challenges in data management

According to a report by Oracle and Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, business leaders in Asia Pacific and Japan (JAPAC) are facing the challenge of managing an overloaded quantity of data, despite recognising its critical role in driving organisational success.

These leaders express concerns about the need for more adequate tools and resources necessary for effectively leveraging data, which has resulted in lower confidence, delayed decision-making, and an increase in errors.

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

Notably, 90 per cent of respondents acknowledge that possessing the right type of decision intelligence can make or break their organisation’s success in crucial domains such as human resources, finance, supply chain, and customer experience.

Furthermore, an overwhelming 96 per cent of respondents strongly desire assistance with data, understanding its potential to improve decision-making, mitigate risks, expedite the decision-making process, enhance profitability, and enable effective contingency planning.

The report also sheds light on the difficulties associated with data collection and interpretation. A significant 75 per cent of business leaders indicate that decisions are often made first, followed by a search for data to justify those decisions. Additionally, 74 per cent of employees believe businesses frequently prioritise the opinions of the highest-paid individuals over data-driven insights.

So, what should businesses do to refine and extract data from this valuable resource?

Capitalising on AI and Big Data: Driving innovation and efficiency

The good news is that progress is being made in effectively addressing the challenges posed by “dark” unstructured data, thanks to big data and AI. Without data, artificial intelligence wouldn’t be effective, and without artificial intelligence, the abundance of raw data would be challenging to utilise efficiently or in real time. AI tools make data preparation easier.

Advanced AI technologies like machine learning and natural language processing are crucial in helping companies expedite data discovery and delivery. These technologies greatly enhance information searches, providing relevant content and knowledge to support decision-making, boost employee productivity, improve customer satisfaction, enable self-service capabilities, and more.

AI has the potential to revolutionise how we understand products and consumer behaviour. By analysing unstructured data, businesses can track consumer patterns, identify unmet needs in competitive markets, and make informed decisions to innovate, expand, and offer personalised recommendations to customers.

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

Different industries utilise data in different ways. In healthcare, big data and AI have been instrumental in improving diagnostics, reducing errors, and enhancing overall efficiency, leading to better patient experiences and cost savings. When it comes to analysing large amounts of data, AI comes in handy.

It can quickly detect and report unusual demand behaviour across a distribution network. This means you can stay on top of things and respond promptly. Plus, AI works hand in hand with traditional demand-planning tools, taking away the hassle of manual tasks.

In retail, data is primarily used for supply chain management and gaining insights into customer behaviour. It enables personalised offers and targeted marketing based on past interactions. The manufacturing industry has also witnessed significant benefits from leveraging big data.

Data is collected and analysed at every stage, from the supply chain to quality control, enabling manufacturers to maintain quality standards while optimising costs through data analytics. In essence, nearly every industry stands to gain by harnessing the power of data and AI to enhance processes and overall performance.

Embracing the power of AI and Big Data

Companies are creating vast amounts of data every day, every hour, every minute, and every second. Datasets are only going to get bigger. To tackle these challenges and thrive in this data-rich environment, businesses should harness the power of AI and big data to drive innovation, streamline operations, and achieve greater efficiency.

These technologies enable businesses to make well-informed decisions that positively impact various aspects of their operations, from customer experience to supply chain management.

By strategically leveraging these technologies, organisations can position themselves for sustained growth and capitalise on the various opportunities presented by our data-driven world.

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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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Kora, an agritech startup focused on innovations in the post-harvest maize sector in Indonesia, has secured US$400,000 in a pre-seed funding round from Antler and eFishery founder and CEO Gibran Huzaifah.

The new capital will allow Kora to broaden its operational scope, providing better technological assistance to farmers in Lampung, Indonesia.

Founded in 2022 by Dian Prayogi Susanto, Kora aims to elevate the quality and output of post-harvest maize, a crop selected for its pivotal role in Indonesia’s agricultural supply chain and its impact on animal feed costs. Strategically, the startup aims to disrupt the conventional maize supply chain by uniting all parties involved — from farmers to middlemen — under a streamlined B2B model.

Beginning with partnerships involving 30 farmers, Kora has expanded that number to approximately 130.

Also Read: eFishery will look to expand across Asia, Middle East: CEO Gibran Huzaifah

Kora claims to have sold nearly 11 million kilograms of maize in just ten months, generated US$2 million in revenue and achieved profitability. According to the firm, it saw a 5x revenue increase in Q1 2023 compared to the same period last year.

Kora is considering opportunities to branch out into the post-harvest sector for other agricultural commodities besides maize.

“Currently, more than 90 per cent of small-scale farmers don’t have access to post-harvest maize processing facilities or major corporate buyers, which often leads to multiple intermediaries in the sales process. Kora aims to shorten this supply chain,” said Susanto. “By leveraging technology, Kora enables farmers to produce maize that is more consistent, durable, and nutritious. This allows them to sell directly to large-scale buyers at competitive rates.”

The maize industry is a strategic sector in Indonesia, covering a land area of 5.5 million hectares and boasting an annual industry value of approximately US$15 billion. In 2022, the maize production is estimated to reach 44 million tons (25.3 million tons of high-moisture corns and 18.7 million tons of stored dry-shell corn) against a demand of 16.98 million tons.

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Image Credit: Kora.

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As an investor in the sports and entertainment business, I often get asked by founders for advice on how to navigate the current world of sports – what types of technologies are executives most receptive to, what’s working and what isn’t, and what to expect from a pure economic outlook.

On the latter, it’s pretty easy.

Today the sports business is booming. More teams are for sale, buyers are lining up, and valuations are through the roof. Since COVID, the sports business has rebounded, and funding of sports tech startups is at an all-time high, with the global sports tech industry estimated to surpass US$40 billion by 2026.

In short, it’s an excellent time to be an entrepreneur, but purse strings are getting tighter and more scrutiny will be placed on attracting and retaining new fans while also leveraging new technologies to grow on the top line.

The conversation gets a little trickier regarding which technologies will make the biggest impact. This is because sports, for all of its jumbotrons and NFT fanfare, is notorious for being behind the eight ball when it comes to embracing innovation, with startups themselves too quick to focus on point solutions, while failing to appreciate how technology can transform the holistic fan experience. 

My advice is to look for guidance from other industries. Take the travel industry, for example. It’s a space with many of the same pain points encountered in sports – from ticketing to waiting in lines and even the venue. The one big difference is that travel, for all of its hardships, has found a way to be one step ahead of sports.

From immersive AR/VR experiences to cutting-edge ticketing to personalized flight boards, it’s turning airports into tech-infused, personalized entertainment experiences, and much can be learned from what they are doing.

Reflecting on this, here are some key innovations in travel every sports entrepreneur should take a hard look at. I guarantee you every sports executive is doing the same, and in some cases, they already have. 

Discovery: A personalised customer experience

One of the biggest issues keeping sports executives up at night is how to engage younger digital-first sports fans. Millennials, GenZ, and Gen-Alpha have lost interest post-covid and it’s clear that a more personalized immersive experience is needed to navigate the attention economy.

Enhancing a customer’s complete journey with VR/AR, volumetric video and short-form will open doors for sports and entertainment. 

One of the most innovative approaches being deployed in the volumetric space is Qatar Airlines’ launch of a novel virtual reality (VR) experience on their website so visitors can tour and navigate check-in areas and cabin interiors. It even introduced the first MetaHuman cabin crew, offering a truly digital interactive customer experience. 

Another example is Detroit’s Metro airport, travelers can walk through the airport seeing personalised information on large screens for their eyes only. All they have to do is scan their boarding pass and it opts them into their own “parallel reality” journey.  These are the types of experiences that sports venues could easily replicate.  

Butts in seats: Playing catch up on ticketing

When it comes to ticketing, it doesn’t take a congressional hearing to know that the sports and entertainment ticket-purchasing funnel is broken.  I can buy a plane ticket on hundreds of websites but when it comes to seeing my favourite team or artist, my options are limited. 

The airline industry was the birthplace of dynamic pricing. Long before companies like QCue emerged as the incumbent in live entertainment, airlines were using dynamic data to tailor offerings to customers and today they’ve gotten even smarter, making 12 million daily changes within its pricing database, up from two million in 2018 according to ATPCO. 

We are starting to see a shift toward distributed commerce and social selling models in the sports and entertainment industry. Startups like Project Admission, Season Share, and Fevo represent an emerging breed of ticketing platforms that complement and enhance existing (legacy) players in the space.  

The venue experience: Transactional to immersive

Sports venues need to think outside the box (seats) to offer more opportunities for fans, making the stadium, not just a “destination” but an immersive journey. Airports are already doing this. Premium spaces (aka clubs) have transformed into a mecca of digital offerings to make travel less stressful– including seamless biometric entry, mobile ordering, and even your own VR assistant ensuring you never miss a flight.

The departure-day experience– much like the gameday experience– has moved from transactional to a pre and post-flight immersion and airlines are no longer sitting on the sidelines when it comes to personalizing the journey.

Combining the mall, gym, and other forms of entertainment, airports can maximise revenue and further personalize the travel journey. What does this trend imply for the future of sports venues?

Simply put: open the gates earlier, charge more for premium access, go beyond endemic experiences, and immerse fans with innovative technologies that go beyond sports.

Behind the scenes: Creating a frictionless experience

Long lines outside a big game leave something to be desired and take away from the fan experience. Couple this with long waits for food and beverage, it’s a problem for almost every sports team– especially in the MLB pitch-clock era.  The travel industry understands the problem well, which is why they are embracing technology to address common pain points and inefficiencies downstream and behind the scenes.

The Star Alliance and their push toward biometric boarding have paved the way, with half of its 26 members planning to use biometrics technology by 2025. SITA and NEC are also at the forefront of this frictionless experience, which will not only alleviate congestion but also provide an additional layer of data and analytics (not to mention, add momentum to what will soon be known as a ‘facial wallet’ or ‘face pay’). California-based PopID is one of many companies powering this biometric push.     

The Takeaway

Airlines and airports continue to rewrite the narrative– turning what was once a massive pain into something entertaining, fun and addictive. It’s time for sports and entertainment entrepreneurs to do the same.  

Sourcing and supporting venture-backed companies in sports and entertainment is extremely rewarding. Still, as I look to future trends that intersect the industry, I’ve turned to travel as a source of inspiration and innovation. Flight delays don’t bother me as much anymore because being stuck at an airport or on a plane is where I can soak up invaluable learnings and source new investment opportunities.  

And it looks like I’ll have more opportunities to uncover new startups, as airports are starting to play venture capitalist – joining their airline partners in investing in next-generation technologies.

So, next time I say “I’m travelling,” perhaps I’ll simply say I’m conducting market research. It seems on-brand to be writing this at 30,000 feet, immersed in my own personalised, tech-rich wonderland.

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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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Antler, eFishery CEO invest in Kora

Kora, an agritech startup focused on innovations in the post-harvest maize sector in Indonesia, secured US$400,000 in a pre-seed funding round from Antler and eFishery founder and CEO Gibran Huzaifah.

The new capital will allow Kora to broaden its operational scope, providing better technological assistance to farmers in Lampung, Indonesia.

Founded in 2022 by Dian Prayogi Susanto, Kora aims to elevate the quality and output of post-harvest maize, a crop selected for its pivotal role in Indonesia’s agricultural supply chain and its impact on animal feed costs. Strategically, the startup aims to disrupt the conventional maize supply chain by uniting all parties involved — from farmers to middlemen — under a streamlined B2B model.

Novelship bags US$9.5M

Singapore-based online streetwear marketplace Novelship raised 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.

Ascent Venture launchesUS$200M fund

Indonesian VC funds ARISE and Centauri Fund 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).

SIMPPLE lists on Nasdaq

Singaporean proptech company SIMPPLE 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 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.

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.

US$100M fund KXVC to back deeptech, Web3 startups

KASIKORNBANK (KBank) launched a new US$100 million flagship fund KXVC, targeting global AI, Deep Tech, and Web3 fintech startups who would like to enter and expand in Asia Pacific (APAC).

The fund will be led by KBTG Group Chairman Krating Poonpol, who has a track record of over 100 investments, four unicorns, and 10 exits across five funds, and KXVC Managing Director Jom Vimolnoht, who experienced US$400 million in startup investments and backed more than 35 startups in the region.

KXVC plans to invest in over 30 startups and funds globally with a geographic focus in the US, EU, Israel, and APAC, with the ability to lead and participate in a funding round.

Buyandship scores US$10M

Buyandship, a global cross-border e-commerce platform headquartered in Hong Kong, made the first close of its Series B round with a US$10 million strategic investment led by Cool Japan Fund.

The company will use the capital to automate operations and R&D in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capabilities, as well as to expand into Southeast Asia.

Buyandship aims to offer consumers a “simple and intuitive e-commerce experience” to purchase products globally. Over the past 12 months, it has built an automated shopping assistant, utilising a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) model to boost its order processing capacity.

SEC investigates Society Pass

The Supreme Court of the State of New York (the US) ordered Nasdaq-listed Society Pass to award a significant block of pre-IPO shares that could be valued as much as US$6.61 million, with up to an additional US$2.38 million penalty interest, to its co-founder and former CMO Thomas O’Connor for the breach of the Common Stock Purchase Warrant, court documents accessed by e27 showed.

Granting the partial summary judgment in O’Connor’s Motion against the data-driven loyalty company in May 2023, the court ruled that he had “validly exercised his right to purchase 1,148 shares of Society Pass Incorporated under the terms of the Warrant”.

As per Society Pass co-founder and CEO Dennis Nguyen’s deposition in the court (a copy of which is in e27‘s possession), each pre-IPO share is indicatively worth US$5,763, which translates to US$6.61 million. Adding the court-sanctioned penalty interest of 9 per cent per year will make it approximately US$9 million in total as of today.

Parallax nets US$4.5M

Parallax, a Blockchain-powered money remittance startup based in the Philippines, received US$4.5 million in a funding round led by Dragonfly Capital, with participation from Circle Ventures (the issuer of USDC), General Catalyst, gumi Cryptos Capital, Palm Drive Capital, Comma Capital, and Firsthand Alliance.

Angel investors, including Zach Abrams (former Head of Product at Brex/Coinbase) and founders and operators at various fintech companies, also joined the round.
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The fintech startup will use the money to grow the team and scale its operations.

Founded by Mika Reyes (CEO) and Alex Kuang (CTO), Parallax aims to provide “fast and cheap ways” to move money globally. It leverages blockchain technology to provide near-instant and cheaper (claims to save 83 per cent in fees) international payments.

Temasek, NUS, NTU to invest US$55M in deeptech startups

The Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Temasek launched a joint S$75 (US$55) million pilot programme to accelerate the creation of successful deep-tech startups from the pipeline of research at NTU and NUS.

Temasek will invest S$65 (US$48) million, mostly through its early-stage deep-tech investing platform Xora Innovation, in deeptech startups, while NTU and NUS will each invest S$5 million.

Temasek and Xora will collaborate with NTU and NUS to launch and build globally competitive ventures with strong potential to address large global market opportunities in energy transition, biotechnology, and the future of computing and cognition.

In addition, the two universities will develop a common Intellectual Property (IP) licensing framework, which will expedite the licensing and translation of university technologies for spin-off companies. The outcome will be a shorter process of one month instead of the usual period, which can take up to five months.

Vertex Ventures closes Fund V at US$541M

Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India closed its fifth and newest fund with commitments of US$541 million, exceeding its original target of US$450 million.

Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India Fund V (VVSEAI Fund V) is backed by existing and new LPs, including sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, corporates and family offices across Asia and Europe. Japan Investment Corporation, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and DEG (German Development Finance Institution) are some of its LPs.

The fund corpus includes a dedicated co-investment envelope of US$50 million for co-investing alongside the main fund in female-founded startups. More than 35 per cent of the startups in VVSEAI Fund IV have at least one female founder, and this envelope will be used to further the fund’s intention of supporting more women entrepreneurs.

Wego acquires Travelstop

Singapore- and Dubai-headquartered Wego, which runs an online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), acquired Travelstop, a business travel and expense management company.

This strategic move will expand Wego’s reach into business travel and expense management.

The acquisition will also empower Singapore-based Travelstop to tap into Wego’s regional network and provide enhanced services to its customers.

The combined platform will provide businesses with a one-stop solution, enabling them to manage their corporate travel needs while gaining greater visibility and control over expenses.

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The image used in this article is AI-generated.

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At e27, we’re committed to nurturing innovation by offering a stage for experts to impart their specialised knowledge. Through our Contributor Programme, enthusiastic participants can partake in deep discussions on entrepreneurship, technology, and breakthroughs.

Be part of our startup dialogue this week as we delve into current trends, exchange perspectives, and discuss cutting-edge methods to thrive in the startup realm.

From pet abandonment to pet care ease

My Animal Dispensary educates pet owners on responsible pet care and animal welfare through campaigns, workshops, social media initiatives.

Pearl Tan, Co-Founder & CEO of My Animal Dispensary

Rising pet abandonment cases in recent years, driven by factors like inflation and the return of pet owners to offices, highlight the need for better pet care solutions. Pet owners face challenges such as financial constraints, limited access to veterinary services, and the need for specialized care for elderly or disabled pets.

My Animal Dispensary, an online platform, seeks to address these issues by offering prescription diets, supplements, medications, and accessories, promoting transparency and quality control. As pet ownership responsibilities evolve, solutions like My Animal Dispensary aim to ensure the welfare of pets in an increasingly digital world.

Why your business should consider a multicultural cybersecurity team

Adapt your hiring process to welcome diverse backgrounds and harness the advantages of a multicultural cybersecurity team.

Zachary Amos, Features Editor at ReHack

Diverse and multicultural cybersecurity teams offer various advantages, including increased productivity, creativity, and better decision-making. The cybersecurity sector faces a worker shortage, and increasing diversity can help bridge the skill gap. However, the sector lacks diversity, with underrepresented groups making up a small percentage of the workforce.

To build a multicultural cybersecurity team, companies should remove bias from the hiring process, have a diverse interview panel, generate a diverse candidate pool, and emphasize diversity in their brand. Such teams contribute to better problem-solving and employee retention while increasing profitability.

Social media oversharing: An invitation to cybercriminals

There are plenty of cases where people have been hacked, scammed, or blackmailed because they shared too much personal info online. And it’s not just celebrities – regular folks like you and me are at risk too.

Bernadetta Septarini, Content and Social Media Marketeer at ArmourZero

World Password Day serves as a reminder that strong passwords alone aren’t enough to protect against cybercriminals. Oversharing on social media can expose individuals to various risks.

This article highlights real-life cases of cyberattacks resulting from oversharing and explains how cybercriminals can exploit shared information. It emphasizes the importance of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and caution with suspicious messages.

To protect personal data, the article advises users to be mindful of what they post, control privacy settings, and stay updated on security measures. Being vigilant and following best practices can help safeguard against cyber threats.

The neuroscience of startups: Unlocking the brain’s potential for business success

The next time you’re faced with a startup challenge, don’t just think like an entrepreneur; think like a neuroscientist.

Sana Ross, Peak Performance Strategist

Startups can harness neuroscience principles to enhance decision-making, teamwork, and overall success. This article delves into how understanding brain functions can benefit startups. It explores decision-making by engaging the prefrontal cortex and suggests mindfulness and decision matrices to improve choices.

Emotional intelligence and team dynamics are discussed in relation to the amygdala’s role in emotions, emphasizing the value of emotional intelligence training. The article also highlights dopamine’s impact on motivation and productivity and offers strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout, underscoring the importance of neuroplasticity in fostering adaptability and continuous learning within startups.

Also Read: e27’s contributor corner: Highlights from this week’s article

Institutional involvement and government support: Driving the growth of the crypto industry

As institutions enter the crypto space, they bring credibility, accessibility, and new investment opportunities for retail traders.

Jenny Zheng, Early Crypto Advocate and Business Development Lead at Bybit

Institutions like banks and asset management firms, such as Deutsche Bank and BlackRock, embracing digital asset licenses and Bitcoin ETFs represent a significant shift towards cryptocurrency acceptance.

Their actions not only signify confidence in crypto’s potential but also encourage more institutional involvement. These moves have positive implications, including increased retail investor participation and liquidity, leading to cryptocurrency price appreciation.

Government support, favourable regulations, and CBDC initiatives further boost the crypto industry’s growth and acceptance. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to establish balanced regulatory frameworks promoting innovation and risk mitigation.

The state of cybersecurity in 2023: How APAC organisations can stay ahead of the curve

The key variable in cybersecurity is the human factor, including errors like inadequate training and phishing susceptibility leading to data breaches.

Ashish Thapar, Vice President and Head of Cybersecurity at NTT in Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific cybersecurity landscape is increasingly complex due to rapid digitalisation and hybrid work environments. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in supply chains and cloud systems.

Organisations must prioritise risk management and preventive measures, including zero-trust architecture and training to address human error. Partnering with managed service providers can offer expert solutions. A proactive cybersecurity culture is essential to safeguard digital assets in this evolving threat landscape.

Operational AI: The silent, yet, strategic revolution shaping modern business

Generative AI impresses with creativity, but Operational AI emerges as the catalyst for impactful real-world change.

Harshdeep Rapal, Co-Founder and CEO at LeanFlo

In the world of AI, two main paradigms, Generative AI and Operational AI (Applied AI), have emerged. While Generative AI excels in creative content generation, Operational AI focuses on streamlining business operations through automation and data-driven decision-making.

Operational AI is gaining prominence due to its tangible impact on efficiency, cost reduction, data-driven decision-making, enhanced customer experiences, and security. It aligns with business goals, offers versatility, delivers immediate ROI, and future-proofs operations. Operational AI is the driving force behind transformative change in various industries.

Beyond the cloud: Entering the Web3 horizon for greater security

While cloud adoption has greatly supported digitalisation efforts and our ability to work effectively across borders, there are many questions about cloud security that remain unaddressed.

Camellia Chan, Founder and CEO at Flexxon

Dropbox’s decision to end its unlimited cloud storage offering has sparked concerns as the use of cloud storage becomes a business norm. While centralised cloud solutions like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer convenience, they also raise data privacy and security issues.

Centralised cloud storage providers are attractive targets for hackers due to the volume of data they host, and incidents of data breaches have increased. Decentralised dynamic security storage, leveraging blockchain and Web3 technology, offers a potential solution by distributing data across a network of global nodes, enhancing data control and security.

How to stay creative in the age of Generative AI and Web3

In the midst of an avalanche of technology news in creative industries, we navigate an unprecedented era of creativity and fear of being left behind.

Vasanth Seshadri, Founder of The Sunny Side

In April 2023, the Sony World Photography Awards saw a unique winner — Boris Eldagsen, with an AI-generated photo titled “Pseudomnesia: The Electrician.” This followed artist Jason M. Allen’s win in August 2022, creating a painting titled “Space Opera Theater” using the generative AI tool Midjourney. Meanwhile, the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT series hit a milestone when one ape was sold for nearly US$1 million in January 2023. Amid this tech-driven creative revolution, the importance of human creativity remains paramount, marrying the logic of technology with the magic of human ingenuity.

The Vietnamese market and Apple Pay: Excellent support or just unmet expectations?

Apple Pay has a limited impact on Vietnam’s e-wallet market due to its iOS user base, POS machine requirement, and reliance on international payment cards.

Kevin Nguyen, CEO and Co-Founder at Adamo Software

Apple Pay’s impact on Vietnam’s e-wallet market has been limited due to several factors. It exclusively serves iOS users, requires businesses to have POS machines, and only accepts international payment cards.

While it has excited Vietnamese iOS users, it mainly targets a higher-income user group. Local e-wallets like MoMo offer more comprehensive services and support domestic cards and bank accounts, making them more accessible to a wider range of users. Apple Pay’s impact on the market is minimal due to these limitations.

From complexity to clarity: How fintech makes people and business life easier

Navigating the impact of fintech in both B2C and B2B sectors, uncovering hidden tools and niche projects enhancing financial experiences in Indonesia.

Artem Moskalev, Co-Founder of IVITECH.Drive

The fintech sector offers a user-friendly experience with various technologies impacting our daily lives.

While banking apps, payment methods, and e-wallets are common, niche projects like Skorlife in Indonesia offer credit score monitoring and identity protection. IVITECH.Drive provides electric bikes to ride-hailing drivers, improving income and reducing pollution.

Ajaib streamlines online investments for millennials, making them accessible with minimal investment. B2B fintech tools like OnlinePajak simplify tax management, while Crowde aids farmers in securing working capital through peer-to-peer lending.

Fintech enhances both individual financial solutions and business profitability, offering a promising future of prosperity.

Also Read: Voices of innovation: Showcasing e27’s top contributors of the week

Trust me, PR is with you day and night!

Expertise, creativity, and emotional understanding remain three key advantages for PR professionals in this ever-changing landscape.

Mai Anh Le, Regional Country Manager at Global PR Hub

The quote often attributed to Bill Gates, “If I only had two dollars left, I would spend one dollar on PR,” highlights the power of Public Relations (PR). However, recent debates, fueled by Robert Phillips’ book “Trust me, PR is dead,” challenge the future of PR. AI, like ChatGPT and DALL-E, is changing the landscape, but communicators must adapt and embrace AI’s potential while emphasizing ethical adoption and enhancing AI literacy. Key PR functions, a data-driven mindset, and technological adaptability are essential for PR’s continued relevance and value in a changing landscape.

Breaking into the data centre sector: Beyond technical expertise

Data centres are complex projects, and the exponential growth of demand in this sector infers tight design and construction program timelines.

Steve Raye, Associate Director at Linesight Singapore

The data centre sector has seen remarkable growth, fueled by a 440 per cent increase in global internet traffic from 2015 to 2021. Singapore has emerged as a key hub for data centres in Asia. These facilities are vital for our digital world, driving technologies that shape our daily lives. Becoming a Cost Manager in this field requires education in related disciplines, soft skills like problem-solving and communication, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

The role involves diverse tasks and responsibilities, with a focus on cost estimation and management, as well as staying updated on industry developments, especially in energy efficiency and sustainability. The demand for skilled professionals in this sector is high, offering opportunities for career growth and global mobility.

How to drive business innovation with AI-powered data analytics

In the face of ever-expanding datasets, businesses must leverage AI and big data to drive innovation and streamline operations.

Kenneth Kuek, Country Lead at InterSystems

Data holds immense potential for businesses in the digital age, yet a substantial portion of it remains untapped, referred to as “dark data.” Managing this data, particularly unstructured data presents unique challenges. In the Asia Pacific and Japan region, business leaders struggle with data overload and the need for better tools and resources.

AI and big data solutions can help extract insights from this data, improve decision-making, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation across various industries, from healthcare to retail. Embracing these technologies is essential for businesses looking to thrive in a data-rich environment.

Acing in hackathons: What every tech enthusiast needs to consider

After participating in over 80 hackathons, a journey of multiple wins and experiences, here are my key takeaways.

Daryl Lim, Co-Founder at MetaPals

Lim’s journey in entrepreneurship was sparked by his fascination with emerging technologies like blockchain and Web3. Participating in hackathons became my gateway into this world, enabling me to explore the transformative potential of these technologies.

Over the years, he has learned that hackathons are more than coding marathons; they are arenas for creativity and problem-solving. Success in hackathons relies on passion, continuous learning, and building the right team. These experiences have led him to focus on digital empowerment, sustainability, and financial inclusion in my hackathon endeavours, aiming to create solutions that have real-world impact.

Navigating sports tech using the travel industry’s playbook

It’s an excellent time to be an entrepreneur, but purse strings are getting tighter and more scrutiny will be placed on attracting and retaining new fans while also leveraging new technologies to grow on the top line.

Michael Proman, Venture Partner at Scrum Ventures

As an investor in the sports and entertainment sector, navigating the world of sports today offers significant opportunities. The sports business has rebounded post-COVID, with funding for sports tech startups reaching all-time highs.

However, it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to understand which technologies can make a significant impact in an industry historically slow to embrace innovation. Drawing inspiration from the travel industry, personalised immersive experiences, dynamic ticketing, immersive venue experiences, and frictionless behind-the-scenes operations can transform the sports fan experience and enhance profitability.

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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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