Trend Spotlight: The New Opportunities of Digitalisation

Each month, Weber Shandwick’s Trends in Two Minutes bulletin outlines three trends impacting businesses throughout Asia Pacific. With Trend Spotlight, we share some of the individual trends highlighted. Today, exploring the push for greater digital infrastructure throughout the region.

The shift to ecommerce prompted by the pandemic has been well-documented. As noted in a previous edition of Trends in Two Minutes, more than 50% of consumers in markets like India, Vietnam, and even China embraced online shopping for the first time in the wake of lockdowns and quarantine practices.

Similarly, the need for decentralised (and heavily digitalised) workplaces throughout 2020 has been significant. As was also covered earlier in the year, such work-from-home arrangements have been integral to the containment strategies (and success) of countries like Singapore.

However, as 2020 continues to rapidly expand and reshape digital needs (for business, consumers, and governments), many governments throughout the region are accelerating their digital transformation with infrastructure investments to meet fast-evolving requirements during the crisis era.

The Australian government has announced a US$2.49 billion upgrade process for its national broadband network, for example. Singapore has relaunched the government LifeSG mobile app to encourage citizens toward digital transactions. The new app allows citizens access to over 40 government e-services.

Similar initiatives have also been announced in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, and the Philippines. For brands and businesses, these accelerated digitalisation pathways represent a wealth of opportunity – and a reminder to reevaluate one’s digital strategies to meet the rapidly-evolving customer and stakeholder expectations surrounding digital experiences.

For more trends and insights, subscribe to Weber Shandwick’s monthly Trends in Two Minutes bulletin.