Trend 1 - Growth and Usage of smart phones and mobile messaging
Many countries in the region have a penetration of smart phones and other mobile devices like iPads and other tablets. They are virtually hooked onto messaging apps like Facebook, WeChat, WhatsApp, Line and other platforms to communicate and share experiences. In fact, a lot of business users are conducting business via such platforms.
Trend 2 - Internet of Things
Countries like Singapore, Taiwan and China are rolling out interaction apps leveraging QR codes which have built in readers in these apps. This is being used for estate management and public services, customer interaction and information delivery at the point of need.
Trend 3 - Payment on Mobile
Further payment solutions are now available in many markets with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Many governments like in Singapore and China, are rolling out services in many markets to book appointments, pay for services, follow books, track applications, and the list is constantly being added to.
Trend 4 - Family Data Plans from Telcos
Telcos like SingTel have also rolled out family data plans to encourage more data usage amongst family members who don't currently use smart phones.
Trend 5 - Use Data to extend reach into the Smaller Cities and Rural Communities
Gone are the days of opening stores in new cities and townships. These days the remote consumer is as plugged in into the retail landscape as the urban dweller. Online shopping and interactive consumer experience with 3D views is fast becoming a viable option.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., the Chinese e-commerce emporium is exploring how virtual reality technology can be applied to its other services, including online games and video streaming.