Tech Collective Editors: Oliver Freeman and Jill Anderson
Which Unicorn Companies Are Making an Impact?
Gystilyn O’Brien – June 17, 2019
Unicorns in Southeast Asia are helping SMEs to grow
In recent years, globally-renowned giants like Grab, Go-Jek, Google, and WhatsApp have invested their time and funding into the Southeast Asian countries. These titans have seen the innovative nature of the region and are starting to provide digital entrepreneurship workshops for the local SMEs, actively pushing the digitalisation drive.
GO-JEK, which started as a motorcycle ride-hailing service has improved their social impact and economic support with access to delivery services, banking, and hospitality conveniences, such as ordering to your home a massage or a cleaner. By signing up, SMEs gain a platform with which to list services, acquire clients, and manage payment systems, all on one convenient platform. GO-JEK currently operates in over 50 cities in Southeast Asia with a mission statement to ‘improve social welfare by ensuring efficiency in the market,’ and partners solely with SMEs–by the people, for the people, with ease of access for start-up companies and small-time SMEs. GO-JEK also comes with its a cashless payment system called Go-Pay.
Grab, in contrast, has taken over Uber’s Singapore division and will soon replace Uber in Southeast Asia with the hopes of ensuring safe and easy travel. Where this is practical from a western-business perspective, with the ease of in-app ride-hailing and standardised up-front rates based on distance, Grab may find some difficulty in getting a solid foothold in countries like Thailand. In Thailand, the government taxi, tuk-tuk, and songthaew services typically cost only 100 baht (about $3 USD) per journey, regardless of distance–within reason. Grab offers a similar platform as GO-JEK, with listed services including delivery, hospitality services, and managed payment systems; although, it appears to focus its services towards a class of clientele with interests in corporate sponsorship. With that said, Grab may be a better platform for the established SMEs looking to expand their clientele. Grab exists in 195 cities over eight Southeast Asian countries with over 90 million mobile-device downloads. For access to clients, it’s a booming resource for SMEs. Grab also pairs with OVO to provide their users with cashless payment systems.
Tokopedia is an eCommerce tech company with a mission statement of ‘democratizing commerce through technology’. Tokopedia was the first Southeast Asian tech company to receive VC funding and now sits at a value of about $7 billion. Tokopedia’s major platform, called The Marketplace, is a free C2C for merchants and buyers, as well as a B2C for Official Stores. Tokopedia’s conglomerate also has platforms in banking, credit and payment systems, fintech, and the Mitra Tokopedia application, allowing anyone, especially SMEs, to sell Tokopedia’s digital products. In terms of client access, Tokopedia is eCommerce at its best, and from the perspective of SMEs, there’s undoubtedly room offered to anyone who aims to launch a small business, especially with Mitra Tokopedia. Tokopedia also pairs with OVO for cashless payment systems in The Marketplace.
Lazada is an extremely popular, easy to use, shopping and selling platform with over 300 million products and 155,000 sellers. Lazada Group is a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, and though presently doesn’t offer C2C, they have just launched a programme to co-develop advanced modules in eCommerce for entrepreneurs and SMEs in Singapore under the name LazStar Academy.
To paraphrase: the Lazada Group will join forces with higher learning institutes and data analytics experts to jointly develop online and offline training courses for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become more nimble and capitalise on the eCommerce boom in the region.
Sea-Group is a Taiwanese tech conglomerate holding for Garena, Shopee, and payment systems through Airplay, which gives them wide access to Apple products. With the mission, ‘to better the lives of the consumers and small businesses in our region with technology,’ it’s easy to see that social responsibility is high on Sea-Group’s priority list, making them useful for the growth of SMEs. Shopee is a B2C complete with a University to help startup SMEs learn how to use programmes and promote business and sales.
The biggest obstacle SMEs in Southeast Asia generally face is financing opportunities, in a region of the world where approximately 73% of the population is unbanked. With the exponential growth of P2P Unicorn companies, there is the opportunity to provide financing to SMEs at a level that can seriously improve economic growth. So, perhaps the mythical Unicorn can grant wishes after all.
Unicorns in Southeast Asia are Helping SMEs Grow
Gystilyn O’Brien – June 25, 2019
A Unicorn is a privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion USD, and in the ASEAN those companies are not just focused on self-expansion but on aiding other small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with leadership building, promotion, collaboration, and platform use. With complete platform systems outlining consumer access, payment systems, and universities, many Unicorns provide a proven methodology to help the SMEs gain access to financing and advertising opportunities.
In most untapped economies, it’s the Venture Capitalists (VC) that fund growth, yet in Southeast Asia, it’s the rise of Peer-2-Peer lending (P2P) Unicorn Financing which is paving the way. Unicorn companies like GO-JEK, Grab, Tokopedia, Lazada, and Sea Group are at the forefront of assisting SMEs to get off the ground with customer-to-customer (C2C) and business-to-customer (B2C) programming and investment opportunities.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises represent the backbone of Southeast Asian economies, with about 64 million companies throughout the region. They represent between 88.8% and 99.9% of economic enterprises, and between 51.7% and 97.2% of total employment, according to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. With so much opportunity, it makes sense that Unicorns would want to participate in sustaining these growing economies.
Emerging Trends in Translation Technology – Tech / Copy
Gystilyn O’Brien – June 15, 2019
The internet has come a long way since the days of box Apple computers and floppy discs. With emerging tech disruptions and advancements, we achieve better skills at shaping the internet into something accessible and useful. Tech disruptions are the evolutionary changes of the Internet, such as Web 0.0 – Web 0.5. In each upgrade, we gain greater control of our systems to shape and use it to our desires.
What defines Web 0.0 – 0.5
Web 0.0: Developing the Internet – closed systems – existed solely between those first computer systems which connected UCLA in Los Angeles, California, and University Sanford, California, USA.
Web 0.1: Existed pre-1999 and was a ‘read-only’ static web. The first online shopping carts were created at this time, though input or feedback was still in pre-development.
Web 0.2: This is the “Read-Write-Publish” period that launched applications such as LiveJournal and Blogger.
Web 0.3: Is the web you know the best today. This is the semantic executing web, where computer-to-computer systems have become automated to backend processes. This is the birth of modern translation pipeline (MTP): the content data and the metadata. Personalization has also seen an incredible leap forward, with the ability for users to code and analyze data. We also have the application of Ubiquitous AI which refers to the presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our machines, applications, and processes.
Web 0.4: The mobile web which connects devices in the real and virtual world in real-time. This is your phone, Bluetooth, smartwatch, and virtual reality (VR) systems.
Web 0.5: This is an intriguing phase because it’s presently in its developing stages. This is the introduction of the Intelligent Web, or the Emotional Web. Quantum Computing (QC) will allow us to encode data within particles, which will change how we share information. This will allow systems to measure feelings, wants, and desires, and to help us expedite our personal life processes. From the perspective of biotechnology this integration can mean that our AI will be able to imagine and fix problems before we’ve noticed them–even on a personal biological level.
The S-Curve
S-curve is a data scale expressing how there is an expansion of scalability. That is to say, what was once accessible to a few becomes, over time, accessible to many. The S-curve, in this case, represents proprietary services, tools, utilities, and features. Just as in building a house, once the foundations are laid, like proprietary, then you build up, adding services, tools, utilities and lastly features, such as personalization.
The S-curve is important to consider in the development of technologies, as is it a requirement of evolution for systems to expand and grow. By following this model the prediction of transition regarding machine translation (MT) to computer-assisted translation (CAT) to artificial intelligence (AI), then quantum computing (QC) is inevitable.
Machine Translation (MT) Pro’s and Con’s
Machine translation has a lot to offer. A great deal of MT is the execution of backend coding. This is particularly accurate when it comes to finances, like exchanging currencies. Paired with AI, MT isn’t going anywhere with our current coding system as it’s been fully integrated. With Web 0.5 we will see the introduction of a new system format that will begin to integrate the new AI QC systems, which will not only eliminate MT but the way we fundamentally interact with code and process. It will be tech disruptions like Web 0.6-0.7 where we will really see a shift in technology, where hardware and software will be phased out and replaced with AI/QC-compatible ware.
In our current web rendition, MT on the front end has one major drawback in translation and it’s that computer-to-computer translation lacks the ability to discern culture, locale, and social differences. Trying to get a correct translation from Google Translate is almost impossible, as the system is set to translate via dictionary and not social dialect. This means mistranslation is a huge problem when it comes to MT. At its base, MT is not intuitive, and that is quickly becoming an issue as intuitive AI begins to show up in more systems.
End of the Computer Assisted Translation Era?
Computer-assisted translation, or CAT, is the process in which human translators use computer software and hardware to support and facilitate translation. At this time, it is the best guarantee to clear and concise translation. Computer-assisted translation process can include writing systems specific to regional (locale) translation (software localization) with document editors, terminology management, and translation memory.
CAT is probably the one system in computer automation that keeps humans in the daily process. With CAT, the need for human eyes to review work is still an integrated part of the system which makes it both the most human aspect of the system, and also offers the highest potential for context success or flaw. Where MT is not intuitive and thus cannot translate with precision, humans can sense the nature of the work and change it appropriately, ideally to yield correct locale lingo.
We will likely see an end to CAT systems in the next decade with the advancement of AI as humans have the potential to suffer interest of misguidance, misinterpretation, or biased opinion towards the content. Theoretically, given AI’s lack of social interest or emotional bias, AI will be able to translate within the correct locale meaning without bias. With QC, AI will be able to measure the tone and emotional reception of words and apply translation within the locale context without misinterpretation.
Andovar’s Guarantee to Keeping with the Times
At Andovar, we are as interested as you are in the evolutionary steps of the Internet. We want to be right there at the forefront of technology disruptions, integrating new system updates as they become available. With that in mind, our staff has practiced long and hard to become experts in the best systems presently available, and that is CAT. Our team is prepared to help you access the best translation hardware and software available with the promise that as soon as new tech is available we will be there to help you smoothly transition into the future. Andover’s Language Technology Tools are here to make your life a little easier.
Understanding International SEO and its Importance in Localization – Tech / Copy
Gystilyn O’Brien – June 20, 2019
Starting a website can be a massive undertaking. Using search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, you can guarantee that the increased web traffic will make it worth the effort to make sure your site is curated to reach your international audience. To rank in search engine results, you need to structure your website content so that web crawlers, such as Google and Bing, can find and index it.
For greater access, international SEO promotes your site but in multiple locations (locale). If, for example, your website is stationed in the United States, and you want web traffic from Singapore or Thailand, optimizing your content for international SEO will promote that. It can even be used in different regions in one country where the language or cultures differ.
Optimizing, at this level is essential for global businesses as it allows greater access to your web content, expanding user access without going through the expensive process of recreating your site for different places. In this way, you can be assured that the right content is reaching the right audience most effectively.
There are Five Important Elements to International SEO
1. Decide what locales to target
Who is your audience? Are you going to need to translate content? Are you going to need to redesign your website for easier access in different locales? It’s also important to consider cost, not only for translation, but in the shipping process, customer service, or potential brick-and-mortar locations.
2. Decide on website structure
Your website structure is key to successfully ranking on search engines, like Google. At Google’s end, they send a ‘search engine crawler’ across the Internet that reads every websites’ content through its back-end HTML or XML sitemap. The crawler looks through the top-level domains, subdomains, and subfolders, assessing the quality of design, content, and SEO suitability.
Country-code top-level domains (ccTLD): http://www.example.com
Subdomains: http://www.de.example.com
Subfolders: http://www.example.com/de
Each of these options come with pros and cons which are worth exploring.
3. Localize content
When preparing your site for the international plunge, you may find that some pages may be irrelevant outside of your primary market; some content won’t need to be translated or is too much trouble to do so, such as blogs. Some content may need to be replaced altogether, such as contact information for a local office. This will be especially true if your website is promoting local services to specific locales.
That said, highly visible keywords that generate organic traffic are just as important in the new locale as they are for your home-base. You will likely need the assistance of native-language speaker or a translation and localization agency to help you identify and translate your most effective keywords for use on your satellite site. This holds true even if the language is the same, but the country is different. For example, in the U.K versus the U.S, many words are spelled differently or have different meanings altogether. For example, if you’re selling erasers in the U.S., you wouldn’t use the keyword “rubber.”
As keywords are essential to driving traffic to your site, you should not rely on computer-generated translations or automated systems as they are imperfect and can create misleading translations.
4. Let search engines know
Search engines have formulas to associate certain language criteria with certain locales. By placing specific elements of content on your site, you ping the search-engine to recognize the relevance of particular locales, allowing them to redirect the appropriate web traffic to the local version of your website.
5. Help it rank well
Locale pages will inherit some of the value of your primary site (called a backline). By adding specific keywords (see the caution in step 3, above), local advertising, and backlines, along with social media promotion, you can help keep your websites up-to-date and relevant to search engines.
Determining Target Audience, Locale and Language
When defining your target audience, the most important thing to consider is your return on investment (ROI). This is the percentage of your profit compared to the cost of your investment. By viewing analytical data from your website, you can determine from what locale or what language your web traffic is from, to determine if it’s worth making a localized version of your site for that specific audience. Marketing Maven, Neil Patel suggests Google Analytics, using the “Geo” reports under the “Audience” section.
When defining your target audience, it should answer the who, where, what, and why:
- Who is your target audience? (age, interests, habits, social class, cultural background, and spoken language)
- Where are they?
- What are their pain points? What are you offering your target market?
- Why is your product the best solution?
Knowing your target audience will tell you how you can position your product. Not everyone is your target market; knowing yours will help you achieve a higher ROI.
If you are expanding globally, knowing how to speak and tailor fit your online content to audiences speaking disparate languages will make your business more relatable, thus, increasing the conversion.
Localization and Translation
The difference between locale and language is important to understand. Take, for example, Mexico versus Spain. Both countries speak Spanish (language) yet are obviously in different locations (locale). If your analytics show that your web traffic is from Spain and Mexico, you can choose to create a subsite that either references language, meaning that the content is simply translated and nothing else, or a series of local sites, meaning that one subsite will target Mexico, and another will target Spain. Both will have a backlink to your primary website for reference and ranking.
Localization and translation certainly come hand in hand, as curating a product for a specific locale will often require the use of a different language. Yet localization takes it a step further by adapting for local customs and cultures. For example, in some locales text is read left to right, in others, right to left. Alternatively, voltage or currency may differ. By using international SEO, you guarantee that your product is properly presented to your target market, ensuring ease and clarity of use.
Andovar Solutions
Andovar is a one-stop shop for all your localization projects regardless of language, size, or type. We are a global provider of multilingual content solutions. Our goal is to help our clients ‘Make Themselves Clear in Any Language.’
Let us give you the tools, education, and support to reach your full potential. International SEO takes product translation and streamlines it for better access to local markets. Andovar is here to help your company succeed and achieve optimal success.
Villa Chaai Haat at Shiva Samui – Real Estate / Copy
Gystilyn O’Brien – July 17, 2019
Sawadee-ka and welcome to Baan Chaai Haat, your personal slice of paradise. From the moment of your arrival, your comfort is our guarantee. This private oceanside villa is just steps away from the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand and miles of white sand beach. This 5-star resort-inspired home beckons and pampers the cultured traveller with four chicly appointed bedrooms, each with their own spacious ensuites. Step outside your bay doors for a long romantic walk on the soft sands; relax in the comfort of your spacious terrace to the gentle song notes of Asian Fairy Bluebirds; or simply close out the world for some much-deserved chill time alone. Whichever you choose, Baan Chaai Haat is guaranteed to fulfil that once-in-a-lifetime fantasy.
The Space
There is a particular balance one strives for when escaping to a tropical island. It is that sweet combination of peaceful relaxation filled with luxury and indulgence, and an experience punctuated with the fascinatingly unfamiliar, adventure, and fun. Baan Chaai Haat is that rare and unique paradise escape, where you and your crew can finally reap the rewards of the game called life. It is a place to kick back and unwind; a place let your passions run free; a place to follow your curiosity as you venture into realms once only dreamed of.
Your Thailand adventure has all of that…but first, let’s explore your home base. Baan Chaai Haat sits on the Nahai Beach near coconut jungles and is only minutes away from the entertainment of street fairs and nightlife enticements.
In this sanctuary, every room is filled with a chill ambiance of casual elegance and decorated by nature’s softly filtered light. Baan Chaai Haat is spread over an expansive open-floor plan featuring three master suites with king beds and spacious ensuite bathrooms with jacuzzi bathtubs. An additional junior suite with a queen bed provides a quieter, more reflective space. The modern kitchen is fully equipped and has French doors that open to your private poolside terrace.
From the master bedroom, open your bay doors to the beach–literally–just step outside and bury your toes in some of the softest sands on the island. Baan Chaai Haat is exclusive and very private, with lavish gardens of bamboo, bright plumeria, and shady palm trees defining your space–so inviting you won’t ever want to leave.
Facilities
Step out onto your private terrace and lounge beneath the gently billowing sheets of your cabana or take a refreshing dip in your private pool. Dine outside under the twilight sky and enjoy a warm night dancing under the palm trees and a sky filled with stars. These are just some of the joys that await you.
If you enjoy cooking, you’ll love this expansive modern kitchen featuring a teak island at the heart of this lovely home. It is stocked with all the amenities any chef could desire. It’s your dream vacation, so if you prefer to leave the cooking to others, just request one of our fabulous private chefs who will come to your villa and delight your palate with authentic Thai or Thai/French fusion cuisine. With seating for eight and French doors that open to the pool, dining has rarely been so intimate or lavish.
The large sunny terrace, complete with a sala and BBQ, is as perfect for a poolside party as it is for a family gathering. Let loose in the evenings with the crew and sleep through the morning. Awake to a basket of fresh fruits, juices and baked goods, available on request, to start your day. And while you’re away, our friendly team will ensure that your space is returned to the perfection you deserve.
For those who still want to stay connected–even when on holiday–Baan Chaai Haat is fully outfitted with 100mbs fibre-optic WiFi, satellite television and a DVD player. There is even an X-Box games console to keep the kids (young and old, alike) entertained while you slip out to the spa for some much-need pampering.
Speaking of spas, Shiva Samui’s spa is just the place to rejuvenate with an assortment of full treatment packages. The Total Bliss package is one you’ll never forget–steam, body scrub, Thai, oil, back-neck-shoulder or Prakop massage. But that’s not all. It includes a foot, head or facial massage, and a manicure or pedicure, culminating in three hours of an utter full-body makeover. If that’s a bit extravagant, the services are offered à la carte. You can even get selected service delivered to your villa.
When you travel to a tropical island, we know it’s all about the beach. We’ve told you already that Chaai Haat sits on the white sands just steps away from the Gulf. Obviously, there’s swimming and sunbathing to be had. But if you want more recreation, you’ll receive VIP treatment at Shiva Samui Beach Club, just a short walk down the beach. Shiva has all the toys to entertain the gang. There’s equipment for snorkelling, paddle boards, and kayaks to explore the clear calm waters of the reef. Or enjoy the soft sands with beach volleyball, beach football, or cricket. Need a little more exercise? Check out the full gym facilities and take some Muay Thai lessons. Mountain bikes are available for island exploration and yoga on the beach is a great way to start the day. A free children’s club for the little one’s enjoyment will give you the time to relax and unwind.
If we haven’t mentioned your favourite pastime in this extensive list, the Shiva Samui Concierge is ready and available to arrange whatever you wish. Want an afternoon yachting trip, reef diving, or a guided waterfall hike? We’ll be happy to arrange that for you.
Baan Chaai Haat is the perfect accommodation for a fabulous vacation with all the comforts of home–truly a once in a lifetime experience of which many dream but only a few make it happen.
Gystilyn O'Brien 