There is no doubt supply chain and logistics are booming thanks to the pandemic. After all, we have little to look forward to apart from those parcels of joy at our doorstep. But that does not mean that it is rid of its struggles. So, our contributors take a dig.
Also, learn more on DeFi and CeFi for one last time before it gets way too real. And find out why full-on remote working may not be so welcomed in Malaysia.
All this and more in our action-packed roundup from the contributor community.
How tech can empower Indonesia’s 63M MSMEs in the post-pandemic era by Adrian Li, Founder, AC Ventures
There is tremendous value in providing solutions to MSMEs and opportunities to tap into Indonesia’s consumer market through these MSMEs. The contribution and significance of MSMEs to the Indonesian economy are far more significant than that of other large economies like India, where the sector forms just 30 per cent of GDP.
This is one reason why MSME-focused technology ventures in Indonesia may emerge as even more valuable businesses than in other more mature emerging markets.
MSMEs in Indonesia range from micro-enterprises with assets under IDR50 million (~US$3,500), which make up 98 per cent of these businesses, to medium enterprises with IDR500 million – IDR10 billion in assets.
There is great diversity in these businesses, both in terms of scale and nature of industries. While they mostly face similar challenges, the product solutions must be tailored to the size and specific industry, creating an opportunity to generate multiple ventures.
Tales from the logistics land
How the logistics partner can make or break the online shopping experience by Lai Chang Wen, co-founder and CEO of Ninja Van
For all its convenience, shopping online can’t replace browsing and shopping in a physical retail outlet, so one of the key challenges brands face today is how they can reinterpret the in-store retail brand experience into a unique offline one that still manages to deliver that “wow” factor to their customers, further creating opportunities to cement customer loyalty
Beyond the product itself, what we’re seeing is that online shoppers prioritise delivery options and the perceived quality of delivery service when considering which company to shop with.
When selecting a logistics partner, online retailers need to consider two main issues; what needs and expectations do they and their customers have, and how are logistics companies addressing these identified issues?
Locad founder on building SEA’s first cloud logistics network in the midst of COVID-19 by Co Tran, Communication Associate, Febe Ventures
In this episode, the founder of Locad, Constantin Robertz, shares his story in building Southeast Asia’s first cloud logistics network as a solution to the emerging supply chain needs and demands of e-commerce and omnichannel distributions.
Born and raised in Germany, Robertz got into e-commerce around Europe and started building Zalora, a fashion e-commerce platform in Singapore in 2013. Through his time at Zalora and working with a lot of brands, Robertz came to understand their challenges in the supply chain which led him to found Locad.
Of innovation and agility
Hybrid work is the way to go for Malaysia, and this is how leaders can get the most of it by Prakesh Muthukrishna, Country Head @ Jandi (Malaysia)
The hybrid work model is not a realistic model for everyone. It is indeed not a silver bullet. Manufacturing, engineering, and other site-based roles will likely not benefit from hybrid work.
However, my conversations reveal certain roles such as administrative/office staff or knowledge workers can adopt a hybrid model, despite operating in manufacturing, construction or similar sectors.
I remind the leaders I come into contact with to always think about applying a flexible work model in small groups, not the whole company. The distinction between hybrid and remote is also important:
How automation and innovation will boost SME success in Singapore by Morgan Browne, CEO and founder of Enterpryze
Businesses have been forced to consider business continuity above all else – which has postponed or even halted entirely the pursuit for innovation in their SME.
Survey shows that small businesses continue to lag behind when it comes to digital transformations. Be that as it may, automation and innovation are what differentiates a struggling business from one that adapts and thrives in an uncertain landscape.
Cloud technology, versatile e-commerce stores, omni channel sales and marketing strategies, digitalised supply chains and other forms of modern technologies are not just an option for SMEs anymore – they’re necessary.
3 ways a holistic cloud system powers business agility by Derick Teo, Director, BIPO
With the rise of new unrivalled technologies, the race is on to elevate digital transformation beyond a surface level facelift. As such, many organisations are looking to evolve and transform with a vision grounded in superior customer experience and enterprise leadership.
However, the future demands business agility to win. And the solution lies within a holistic cloud system, capable of scaling new heights for the business.
Therefore, as the Digital Enterprise Director leading the team in a global tech company, here are three key learnings why forward-thinking businesses must deploy cloud technology as a strategic tool and navigate challenges to unlock full business growth potential.
And more…
A tale of two systems: Can CeFi and DeFi coexist in the future? by U-Zyn Chua, co-founder and CTO of Cake DeFi
From lending to borrowing and trading with smart contracts, commercial use cases have proven the potential of DeFi in disrupting the financial services landscape globally.
In April, DeFi became a US$100 billion sector, and though recent price corrections have seen declines in the total asset value committed to the DeFi ecosystem — now standing at approx. US$106.5 billion as of June 3 — it’s apparent that confidence in the space is only growing.
But much like the initial crypto hype of 2017, DeFi itself has seen its share of scepticism — especially when it comes to how decentralised DeFi actually is. In reality, decentralisation shouldn’t be seen in absolute terms but rather, as a continuum.
Can Biden administration erase the ‘original sin’ of Chinese startups? by Jamille Tran, reporter from GBJ program
According to Hurun Research Institute, in 2020, China is home to 227 unicorns, comprising nearly 40 per cent of the world’s total, second only to America.
However, the future of these high-growth Chinese startups in their quests to Western markets is left in limbo after the bans surrounding Chinese tech giants such as Huawei, Tencent’s Wechat, ByteDance’s Tiktok over the US’s national security concerns.
“With one example for a company like Huawei or Wechat or Tiktok, they have justifiable grounds to go after them,” Financial Times senior editor Wang Feng says about the unfair attack from the US media on Chinese companies.
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