Swipe Right on Gen Z: Banking, Buzzwords, and the Battle for the Next Big Thing
Download this thought leadership as we delve into the diverse attitudes and cultural streams shaping Gen Z’s worldview. From their complex psyche to the fluid nature of their identities, we explore how understanding these nuances can be the key to success for banking brands in an ever-changing landscape.
This thought leadership covers:
Gen Z’s complex psyche and the different attitudes and cultural streams of Gen Z
Why it is crucial to embrace the fluidity in an unpredictable future
Deciphering the intricate customer segments within Gen Z
The partnerships needed to thrive in a world of constant flux and platformication
ADA and Cycle & Carriage to Elevate Customer Experience through AI/NLP Integration
[Kuala Lumpur, 15 March 2024] – ADA, Asia’s largest independent Data and Digital Transformation company in Asia, is proud to announce its partnership with Cycle & Carriage, a premier automotive company catering to affluent and high-affluent segments throughout Malaysia, to integrate of AI/NLP technologies into its conversational engagement MarTech stack.
Cycle & Carriage and ADA Collaboration
Cycle & Carriage is a distinguished automotive company, established since 1899, serving the affluent and high-affluent segments across Malaysia. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled automotive experiences, Cycle & Carriage offers a wide range of premium automobile sales, services and products tailored to meet the discerning needs of its clientele.
The partnership between Cycle & Carriage with ADA marks a strategic move towards enhancing customer experience through the integration of AI/NLP technologies. This scope expansion demonstrates Cycle & Carriage’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and leveraging advanced digital solutions to better serve its clientele.
Mutual Trust and Strong Commitment for Customer Experiences
Throughout the partnership, ADA and Cycle & Carriage have forged a robust client-vendor relationship built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. ADA’s dedicated team has worked closely with Cycle & Carriage to understand their unique business needs and objectives, tailoring digital solutions to effectively address challenges and seize opportunities in the automotive market. This collaborative approach has enabled Cycle & Carriage to leverage ADA’s expertise in AI/NLP integration, automated customer service solutions, and data-driven marketing strategies, resulting in enhanced customer engagement, streamlined operations, and tangible business outcomes.
The Strong Journey & Accomplishment
The journey of ADA and Cycle & Carriage’s partnership has been marked by a series of key highlights and best practices that have set a new standard for digital transformation in the automotive industry. From the outset, ADA took a consultative approach, engaging Cycle & Carriage in workshops and consultation sessions to visualize practical business use cases and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. This proactive engagement laid the foundation for successful project delivery and paved the way for innovative solutions such as the AI/NLP integration and Conversational AI chatbot capabilities.
“The innovative solutions we’ve co-created for Cycle & Carriage have not only elevated customer experiences but also driven tangible results for their business. We eagerly anticipate building upon this milestone and fostering even greater collaboration to further propel Cycle & Carriage’s digital transformation.” added Januar Wismoyo, Managing Director of Customer Engagement Solutions, ADA
The relentless support provided by ADA’s team, coupled with their commitment to continuous innovation and exceptional customer service, has solidified Cycle & Carriage’s trust in ADA as a strategic partner for driving digital transformation and achieving business success in the evolving automotive landscape.
“We are incredibly grateful for ADA’s unwavering dedication and support throughout the WABA migration journey. ADA’s commitment to excellence and innovative solutions has truly elevated our customer experience and positioned us for success in the digital landscape. We look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater milestones together.” Stephen Tan, General Manager, Head of Marketing, Cycle & Carriage added.
Reaching new heights in unison
As partnership has yielded encouraging results, Cycle & Carriage aims to further leverage ADA’s expertise to enhance upsell and cross-sell opportunities, expand the coverage of CTWA campaigns, and maximize the impact of digital marketing and media services.
Cycle & Carriage will be the first client in CES to implement AI/NLP services with ADA. Through continued collaboration with ADA Marketing Service, Cycle & Carriage will increase the coverage and reach of CTWA campaigns, driving further business success using the latest in MarTech offerings.
ADA offers a comprehensive suite of services that empower enterprises and brands to bolster digital marketing, sales transformation, and data transformation across Asia. The company has a multi-faceted, data-driven approach that encompasses:
– Data Transformation Services: Drawing expertise from data analytics, data engineering, and Customer Data Platform (CDP) services, ADA helps brands make data-informed decisions, optimize data infrastructure, and manage customer data effectively for personalized and efficient marketing efforts.
– Marketing Solutions: This entails performance marketing, enabling clients to efficiently target consumers on platforms like social media, native ads, display ads, and search marketing. Additionally, ADA offers creative solutions tailored to boost user engagement and conversion rates. The segment also involves marketing technology transformation, which includes consultation on the implementation of managed services. These services equip brands to deliver outstanding customer experiences using advanced technology platforms.
– E-commerce Solutions: ADA assists brands with comprehensive store management, ensuring smooth operations on various platforms such as marketplaces, social channels, third-party messaging channels, and proprietary websites.
– Customer Engagement Solutions: Enterprises leverage these solutions to improve customer support. It facilitates real-time communication with consumers through channels like SMS, WhatsApp, and other popular messaging applications.
ADA maintains a robust presence in Asia with 12 offices spread across the region and employs approximately 1,400 professionals. The company’s dual headquarters are in Singapore and Malaysia. Notably, ADA’s shareholders include industry giants like Softbank, Axiata, Mitsui, and Sumitomo Corporation.
At Cycle & Carriage, we are driven by our passion to create people-focused experiences. We began an exceptional journey in 1899 in Kuala Lumpur and we are now a leading regional automotive group in Southeast Asia. Cycle & Carriage distributes, retails and provides after-sales services for passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Listed on Bursa Malaysia, Cycle & Carriage Bintang is one of the leading dealer groups for Mercedes-Benz passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as a dealer group of FUSO commercial vehicles in Malaysia. With an extensive network of 11 outlets across the country, we can always be relied upon for our sales and aftersales services. Cycle & Carriage Bintang has the largest network of Mercedes-Benz AG certified ‘Centre of Competence’ facilities in Malaysia for aftersales service. Cycle & Carriage Bintang is a member of the Jardine Cycle & Carriage Group. Cycle & Carriage. Exceptional Journeys. www.cyclecarriage.com.my
[Sri Lanka, 21 Dec 2023] – ADA, Asia’s largest independent Data and Digital Transformation company, proudly announced its great wins at the prestigious Effie Awards for its work in partnership with clients in Sri Lanka. The Effie Awards, a globally recognized symbol of marketing effectiveness, annually celebrate campaigns that showcase exceptional strategy, creativity, and measurable impact. In a resounding testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation, ADA secured gold, silver, and bronze honours across diverse categories.
Elevating Brands through Data-driven Creativity, and Precise Targeting
ADA won The Gold Effie Award in Media Category for their Data Driven approach to digital campaigns. Recognizing the need for a shift from authority-driven campaigns to peer-led discovery, ADA aimed to democratize the journey to success for every young individual. The idea was simple yet powerful: craft authentic, peer-driven content that champions self-reliance as the key to every youth’s self-empowerment.
Bringing this idea to life involved conditioning youth with unbranded drama, strategically retargeting them with branded calls-to-action, and ultimately achieving ground-breaking results. This recognition showcases ADA’s excellence in utilizing data as a powerful tool to drive successful marketing campaigns.
In the highly competitive Product & Services arena, specifically Non-Profit/Pro-Bono/Public Service, ADA has been honoured with the Silver Effie Award. This recognition highlights ADA’s dedication to bringing insights and data-driven digital campaigns to non-profit sector, supporting the ecosystem to make a positive impact on society in more efficient and targeted manner.
For its outstanding work in capturing the attention of a Speciality Audience, ADA won the Bronze Effie Award in Youth Marketing. Breaking traditional boundaries, ADA universal content strategy successfully democratized career guidance, reaching a diverse array of Sri Lankan youth like never before. This recognition not only reflects ADA’s ability to connect with the youth demographic but also underscores the organization’s creativity and effectiveness in reaching this audience.
Furthermore, ADA’s commitment to Positive Change and Social Good is evident in its receipt of the Silver Effie Award in the Positive Change-Social Good-Brands, Non-Profit category. This recognition acknowledges ADA’s efforts in driving meaningful change and making a positive contribution to both brands and non-profit causes.
ADA Earns Prestigious Effie Awards, Achieving Gold, Silver, and Bronze Accolades for Excellence
ADA’s Regional Head of Southeast Asia, Sanjini Munaweera, expressed gratitude for the esteemed recognition, stating, “Receiving the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Effie Awards is a tremendous honour for ADA. It is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team in delivering impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. These accolades motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in our industry.”
Arosha Perera, Director Communications of IESC YouLead added, “ADA’s innovative approach and precise targeting significantly contributed to the campaign’s effectiveness, proving that data-driven insights are the key to achieving remarkable results in the competitive media landscape. Their dedication to excellence and strategic brilliance have elevated our brand’s impact and resonance with our audience.”
ADA offers a comprehensive suite of services that empower enterprises and brands to drive data and digital transformation across Asia. The company has a multi-faceted, data-driven approach that encompasses:
Data Transformation Services: Drawing expertise from data analytics, data engineering, and Customer Data Platform (CDP) services, ADA helps brands make data-informed decisions, optimize data infrastructure, and manage customer data effectively for personalized and efficient marketing efforts.
Marketing Solutions: This entails performance marketing, enabling clients to efficiently target consumers on platforms like social media, native ads, display ads, and search marketing. Additionally, ADA offers creative solutions tailored to boost user engagement and conversion rates. The segment also involves marketing technology transformation, which includes consultation on the implementation of managed services. These services equip brands to deliver outstanding customer experiences using advanced technology platforms.
E-commerce Solutions: ADA assists brands with comprehensive store management, ensuring smooth operations on various platforms such as marketplaces, social channels, third-party messaging channels, and proprietary websites.
Customer Engagement Solutions: Enterprises leverage these solutions to improve customer support. It facilitates real-time communication with consumers through channels like SMS, WhatsApp, and other popular messaging applications.
ADA maintains a robust presence in Asia with 12 offices spread across the region and employs approximately 1,400 professionals. The company’s dual headquarters are in Singapore and Malaysia. Notably, ADA’s shareholders include industry giants like Softbank, Axiata, Mitsui, and Sumitomo Corporation.
ADA Partners with Databricks to Drive Business Value with Unified Data Analytics
ADA partners with Databricks to integrate scalable AI & Data, enhancing agility with ecommerce models, dynamic pricing, data marketplace, CDP & analytics.
Singapore, November 30, 2023 – ADA, Asia’s largest independent Data and Digital Transformation company, today announced they have partnered with Databricks, the Data and AI company, to drive business value by unifying data and artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership is centered around bringing best-in-class technology to help solve complex business challenges for ADA’s enterprise customers across 12 markets in APAC where ADA operates. Through this partnership, ADA will seamlessly integrate its data and AI expertise into Databricks, focusing on enhanced Ecommerce and Marketing Analytics.
In this strategic partnership, ADA will deploy its advanced Data and AI accelerators, tackling key challenges in the Ecommerce and Marketing sectors. This initiative includes bespoke data models for ecommerce, offering businesses critical insights and predictive analytics to refine their online strategies. ADA’s dynamic pricing model will enable real-time market adaptation, optimizing revenue potential. Additionally, ADA will enhance Data Marketplace offerings leveraging its proprietary XACT data and integrating services like Composable Customer Data Platform (CDP), demand forecasting, and price optimization. This provides a versatile framework for businesses to effectively utilize customer data for personalized engagement, underlining ADA’s commitment to equipping businesses with cutting-edge, data-driven tools on Databricks Platform.
Databricks Data Intelligence Platform built on top of the data lakehouse architecture helps organizations accelerate innovation by unifying data and AI teams with an open, scalable platform for all of their data-driven use cases. From streaming analytics and AI to business intelligence (BI), Databricks provides a modern lakehouse architecture that unifies data engineering, data science, machine learning and analytics within a single collaborative platform.
“The ability to uncover actionable insights from data has never been more important as enterprises look to adapt, innovate and better prepare for the future in this AI age,” said Greg Taylor, Vice President, Partners, APJ, at Databricks. “ADA has deep industry experience in creating value for both B2B and B2C organisations by leveraging data for applications such as customer acquistion and customer data clean rooms, to name a few. We’re excited to be working with ADA as they leverage the power of Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to help organizations solve their toughest problems with data.”
Srinivas Gattamneni, Chief Executive Officer of ADA, said: “We’re excited about our partnership with Databricks, a pivotal step in revolutionizing data and digital transformation in APAC. By integrating our Data and AI solutions with Databricks’ cutting-edge Data Inteligence Platform, we are actively redefining the future of data analytics and transformation. This alliance is a testament to ADA’s dedication not only to advancing AI-driven analytics but also to providing comprehensive data transformation services that enable businesses to navigate and excel in an increasingly digital world.”
About ADA
ADA offers a comprehensive suite of services that empower enterprises and brands to bolster digital marketing, sales transformation, and data transformation across Asia. The company has a multi-faceted, data-driven approach that encompasses:
Data Transformation Services: Drawing expertise from data analytics, data engineering, and Customer Data Platform (CDP) services, ADA helps brands make data-informed decisions, optimize data infrastructure, and manage customer data effectively for personalized and efficient marketing efforts.
Marketing Solutions: This entails performance marketing, enabling clients to efficiently target consumers on platforms like social media, native ads, display ads, and search marketing. Additionally, ADA offers creative solutions tailored to boost user engagement and conversion rates. The segment also involves marketing technology transformation, which includes consultation on the implementation of managed services. These services equip brands to deliver outstanding customer experiences using advanced technology platforms.
E-commerce Solutions: ADA assists brands with comprehensive store management, ensuring smooth operations on various platforms such as marketplaces, social channels, third-party messaging channels, and proprietary websites.
Customer Engagement Solutions: Enterprises leverage these solutions to improve customer support. It facilitates real-time communication with consumers through channels like SMS, WhatsApp, and other popular messaging applications.
ADA maintains a robust presence in Asia with 12 offices spread across the region and employs approximately 1,400 professionals. The company’s dual headquarters are in Singapore and Malaysia. Notably, ADA’s shareholders include industry giants like Softbank, Axiata, Mitsui, and Sumitomo Corporation.
Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 10,000 organizations worldwide — including Comcast, Condé Nast, Grammarly, and over 50% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to unify and democratize data, analytics and AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark™, Delta Lake and MLflow. To learn more, follow Databricks on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
JAKARTA – November 3, 2023 – In a resounding testament to their enduring partnership, Bank OCBC NISP and ADA are marking four years of continuous collaboration, defined by transformative achievements and the promise of an even more prosperous future.
A Four-Year Journey of Transformation
Over the span of four years, Bank OCBC NISP and ADA have transitioned from visionary partners into an unstoppable force in user acquisition. This remarkable journey has been fuelled by strong digital strategy from ADA and unwavering product innovation from Bank OCBC NISP. Together, they’ve not just adapted to change; they’ve molded it, redefining the way banking is experienced across key digital touchpoints of the user journey in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
One of the hallmarks of this partnership is the exceptional projects they have undertaken. The NYALA #SAVE20 Campaign, powered by Director Mix, not only garnered two prestigious awards from Youtube Works but also secured the bronze award for Excellence in Communication at the Marketing Excellence Awards in 2022.
A success story: Exceptional Results speak for themselves
Strategic audience segmentation, outcome-based campaigns, and a seamless user journey have been at the core of their success. ADA’s innovative strategies have set Bank OCBC NISP apart, driving market differentiation, data-driven decision-making, and customer-centric innovations.
The results speak volumes. By focusing investments on best-performing channels and maximizing outcome-based campaigns, the partnership achieved a remarkable 67% reduction in Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) compared to H1 2022. Moreover, their consolidated full-funnel marketing strategy delivered a staggering 72% increase in New-to-Bank (NTB) volume. The 2023 1st awareness campaign also witnessed a 7% lift in Brand Awareness, 7% lift in Ever Usage, and a 6% lift in Consideration to Purchase, based on BLS from Pulse.
Nurturing a Shared Vision for the Future
As they celebrate four years of success, Bank OCBC NISP and ADA are unwavering in their commitment to a shared long-term vision. This vision now encompasses fresh perspectives on innovation, enhanced customer engagement, and sustainable practices. It signifies their ability to remain dynamic and forward-looking in a rapidly evolving industry.
EVP Marketing and Lifestyle Business Division Head Bank OCBC NISP Amir Widjaya attested, “The #NYALACard campaign stands as a prime example of resounding success. This initiative played an indispensable role in our pursuit of accommodating the seamless demands of millennials and Gen Z, whether it be in their daily local transactions or during their globetrotting adventrues. Our collaboration with ADA’s team, consisting of not just capable but also unwaveringly dedicated experts, fostered a harmonious environment that propelled us steadfastly toward our objectives.”
As Bank OCBC NISP and ADA embark on the journey ahead, they do so with innovation, resilience, and a shared vision that promises to reshape the banking landscape, elevate customer experiences, and leave an indelible mark on the industry. This partnership is poised to thrive, inspire, and succeed for years to come.
About ADA
ADA provides services that enable enterprises and brands to drive top line growth through digital marketing and sales transformation across Asia. It operates three data-driven service segments:
Marketing Solutions: provides performance marketing, which enables clients to reach consumers efficiently on social media, native ads, display ads and search marketing; creative solutions to drive user engagement and conversation rates; and marketing technology transformation involves consultation on the implementation of managed services that enable brands to achieve superior customer experiences with technology platforms.
Digital Commerce Solutions: provide brands with end-to-end store management to fulfil enablement on marketplaces, social channels, third party messaging channels and owned websites.
Customer Engagement Solutions: used by enterprises to enhance customer support and communicate with consumers in real-time through SMS, WhatsApp and other messaging applications.
Data & AI: enables brands to unlock the power of data through data engineering, analytics, strategy and management for seamless problem solving and enhanced business outcomes.
ADA, which operates 13 offices across Asia with approximately 1,400 employees, was formed in 2018 and is headquartered in Singapore and Malaysia.
About OCBC
Bank OCBC NISP was established in Bandung in 1941 under the name Nederlandsch Indische Spaar en Deposito Bank. Bank has track record that is proven toughness. Established for more than 82 years, bank OCBC NISP is one of the 10 largest banks in Indonesia, and Bank OCBC NISP is one of the banks with the highest credit ratings in Indonesia, namely AAA(idn)/stable from PT Fitch Ratings Indonesia. In addition, Bank OCBC NISP is the first bank in Indonesia to receive environmentally and gender-based financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Bank OCBC NISP continues its solid performance and has the vision to realize customers’ aspirations by providing comprehensive financial service solutions.
It is reflected in the Bank’s assets reached IDR 245 trillion, an increase of 10% YoY in Semester I-2023. As of 30 June 2023, Bank OCBC NISP serves customers through 199 office networks in 54 cities in Indonesia. Furthermore, customers could conduct transaction through the Bank’s 491 ATM, more than 90,000 ATM networks in Indonesia, and connected to more than 600 OCBC Group ATM networks in Singapore and Malaysia. Bank OCBC NISP also serves customers through various digital channels, including mobile banking and internet banking – both for individuals and corporations. Bank always implementing a consistent and sustainable business strategy, accompanied by digital optimization.
Kuala Lumpur, 2 November 2023 – Axiata Digital & Analytics Sdn Bhd (ADA), today announced Mitsui’s investment of USD 58 million in ADA, facilitated through ADA’s holding company, Axiata Digital Services Sdn Bhd (ADS). Mitsui’s additional investment has established a watermark valuation of USD 550 million for ADA, reflecting the company’s continued growth and innovation in the digital and data transformation domain.
On the strength of the investment, ADA – the largest independent data and AI company in the region, spanning 12 countries across Asia – is set to broaden its digital reach and reinforce its commitment to advancing digital and data transformation in the region. Mitsui, a renowned Japanese conglomerate, has been working closely with ADS and ADA since their initial investment in 2019, and is now intensifying its efforts to deliver data and AI solutions to partners and clients in the APAC region. Following the investment, Mitsui’s stake in ADS will increase from 3.29% to 20%, resulting in an effective 12.69% stake in ADA.
Srinivas Gattamneni, Chief Executive Officer of ADA, said “Mitsui’s strong endorsement highlights our extraordinary growth story. We are excited about the prospect of deepening our collaboration with Mitsui to empower their partners with cutting-edge data, AI, and technology solutions. This partnership represents a significant step forward as we enter our next phase of growth, and we believe it will be an invaluable contributor to our journey.”
Vivek Sood, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Axiata, said “Mitsui has a strong and proven track record of bolstering innovative businesses in the fields of AI, data analytics and digital transformation. We are confident that broadening our strategic partnership will further enhance ADA’s expertise in AI and data analytics with Mitsui’s substantial business capabilities derived from a global portfolio. This is a significant step towards generating greater, long-term value for our stakeholders and in driving continued growth within this space. Consequently, this will enable Axiata to seize additional opportunities in the digital business realm while sharpening our focus on our core pillars, thereby enabling sustainable growth across our geographic footprint.
We also acknowledge the contributions of other shareholders within ADA, such as Softbank and Sumitomo, who have been instrumental in providing support and fostering synergies as ADA pursues its journey towards achieving unicorn status in the AI, data analytics and digital transformation space.
Toru Matsui, Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer of Mitsui & Co., Ltd, said: “The IT & Communication Business Unit has been executing a CRM strategy to develop digital marketing business clusters that contribute to our consumer-centric businesses and additional investment in ADS will strengthen this strategy in Asia. We look forward to collaborating closely with Axiata Group and ADS/ADA in order to contribute to the growth of ADA by accelerating the provision of its digital marketing solutions and data analysis services to our partners throughout the region.”
About ADA
ADA offers a comprehensive suite of services that empower enterprises and brands to bolster digital marketing, sales transformation, and data transformation across Asia. The company has a multi-faceted, data-driven approach that encompasses:
• Data Transformation Services: Drawing expertise from data analytics, data engineering, and Customer Data Platform (CDP) services, ADA helps brands make data-informed decisions, optimize data infrastructure, and manage customer data effectively for personalized and efficient marketing efforts.
• Marketing Solutions: This entails performance marketing, enabling clients to efficiently target consumers on platforms like social media, native ads, display ads, and search marketing. Additionally, ADA offers creative solutions tailored to boost user engagement and conversion rates. The segment also involves marketing technology transformation, which includes consultation on the implementation of managed services. These services equip brands to deliver outstanding customer experiences using advanced technology platforms.
• E-commerce Solutions: ADA assists brands with comprehensive store management, ensuring smooth operations on various platforms such as marketplaces, social channels, third-party messaging channels, and proprietary websites.
• Customer Engagement Solutions: Enterprises leverage these solutions to improve customer support. It facilitates real-time communication with consumers through channels like SMS, WhatsApp, and other popular messaging applications.
ADA maintains a robust presence in Asia with 12 offices spread across the region and employs approximately 1,400 professionals. The company’s dual headquarters are in Singapore and Malaysia. Notably, ADA’s shareholders include industry giants like Softbank, Axiata, Mitsui, and Sumitomo Corporation.
Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio covering a wide range of industries.
The company identifies, develops, and grows its businesses in partnership with a global network of trusted partners including world leading companies, combining its geographic and cross-industry strengths to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.
Mitsui has set three key strategic initiatives for its current Medium-term Management Plan: supporting industries to grow and evolve with stable supplies of resources and materials and providing infrastructure; promoting a global transition to low-carbon and renewable energy; and empowering people to lead healthy lives through the delivery of quality healthcare and access to good nutrition.
In pursuit of its vision to be The Next Generation Digital Champion, Axiata is a diversified telecommunications and digital conglomerate operating Digital Telcos, Digital Businesses and Infrastructure businesses across a footprint spanning ASEAN and South Asia.
The Group has controlling stakes in market-leading mobile and fixed operators in the region including ‘XL’ and ‘Link Net’ in Indonesia, ‘Dialog’ in Sri Lanka, ‘Robi’ in Bangladesh, ‘Smart’ in Cambodia and ‘Ncell’ in Nepal while ‘CelcomDigi’ in Malaysia is a Key Associate Company. Axiata’s regional digital business verticals comprise ‘Boost’ a fintech company, and ‘ADA’, a digital analytics and AI company. ‘EDOTCO’ is among the top 10 independent TowerCos globally, operating in nine countries to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services.
As a committed and long-term investor, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development; community outreach; as well as climate change initiatives. Axiata’s broader goal of Advancing Asia aims to piece together the best in the region in terms of innovation, connectivity and talent to drive digital inclusion and sustainable progress across our markets. Find out more at www.axiata.com
Singapore – ADA, region’s biggest independent digital transformation company, has announced the winners of the ADA Business Messaging Hackathon 2023. After a grueling 4-months, Team MedAI clinched the top spot, demonstrating an innovative AI-Powered WhatsApp Healthcare Platform that holds the potential to transform healthcare through WhatsApp & AI. Team Columbus and Team Inquisitor were awarded second and third prizes respectively.
Over 400 teams from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia took part in this year’s virtual hackathon which launched on July 17, focusing on developing and building innovative and scalable WhatsApp chatbot solutions for businesses.
The event was held virtually, and brought together teams of tech enthusiasts, AI engineers, software developers and student communities from universities such as Asia Pacific University, Binus University, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Universitas Indonesia, Singapore Management University and National University of Singapore. Impressively, most of the top 10 teams in the hackathon were made up of students. This underscores the vibrant talent and innovative spirit they bring, showcasing a bright and promising future in AI and technology.
ADA, pioneers in data and analytics, and a driving force of data, AI and tech lead transformation in Asia, are committed to building the innovative and active community among passionate digital talents in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia to accelerate conversational AI transformation on WhatsApp.
The solutions were evaluated based on the originality of their ideas, creative use of technologies, and viability from a business perspective.
Team MedAI’s winning solution, the MedAI Healthcare Platform uses AI models in healthcare to enrich their customer experience. They also use a WhatsApp chatbot to connect with customers and offer preliminary assessments. Patients can photograph a potential skin condition, upload it to the chatbot for an assessment, and schedule a doctor’s appointment. This innovative approach secured them a well-deserved prize of USD10,000.
Team Columbus’s Columbus AI, amidst intense competition, distinguished itself as the 1st runner up. This AI tool serves as an exceptional travel companion, reshaping travel journeys into accessible, delightful, and personalized experiences. Columbus AI showcased how the entire travel experience can be gamified through tour quests by working with local merchants in popular tourist destinations. Their significant achievement is recognized with a USD7,500 prize.
Amid a sea of inventive chatbots, Team Inquisitor’s conversational commerce solution – PurchasePal secured its place as the 2nd runner up. Have a birthday party coming and need help in buying all things necessary? Just chat with PurchasePal and it will recommend every item that you need, and picking up the best offers from e-commerce marketplace so you can complete the checkout and pay for your items seamlessly. PurchasePal stands out with its ability to streamline research, enable adaptive purchasing, and utilize AI for predictive procurement. Their remarkable feat comes with a prize of USD5,000.
“Inspired by the vast potential of WhatsApp chatbots solutions built with ADA’s Business Messaging Platform in the hackathon, I’m captivated by their transformative power in reshaping human-chatbot interactions. As conversational AI continues its march, I’m excited to see how it will continue to bridge gaps and make our digital experiences more user-friendly and efficient. Our aspiration for our AI-Powered WhatsApp Healthcare Platform is to uplift healthcare quality across both public and private healthcare, not just nationally but internationally as well.” said Hagid Chida, the leader of Team MedAI.
The judges, a panel of esteemed industry experts from Meta, ADA and GSMA were highly impressed by the innovative WhatsApp chatbot solutions presented in the hackathon.
“MedAI’s AI-Powered WhatsApp Healthcare Platform stood out as it is elevating innovation in healthcare and pharmacies, enhancing the patient experience and convenience on WhatsApp. Their integration of generative AI points toward transformation in both public and private healthcare, emphasizing the value of early patient care.” said Srinivas Gattamneni, CEO of ADA.
“Within messaging, billions of people and millions of businesses use our messaging services every day to connect. In fact, there are more than 600 million conversations between people and businesses on Meta’s messaging platforms. I am inspired and humbled to see how AI will supercharge Business Messaging and the quality of ideas that were presented to solve real-world problems & help businesses grow.
A majority of the top 10 finalists were student submissions, a good sign, and I believe we will continue to see even more innovative ideas in the future as we push boundaries on how technology can enhance human potential.” mentioned Nicole Tan, Country Director, Meta Malaysia.
“I was impressed by the high levels of interest and quality of entrants. It’s clear that developers who entered the awards are working on potentially transformative new digital services, using Generative AI and WhatsApp which can help tackle some of the main reasons behind the mobile usage gap: digital literacy and skills. I encourage all the participants to continue to explore and innovate using WhatsApp and Generative AI to make services more accessible and help build more inclusive digital nations.” mentioned Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA.
ADA wishes to thank all participating teams for their hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit. The success of ADA Business Messaging Hackathon 2023 is a testament to the evolution and transformation of conversational & generative AI on WhatsApp.
For more details about the hackathon, winning chatbots, or future events, please stay tune with ADA’s website or social media channels.
About ADA
ADA offers a comprehensive suite of services that empower enterprises and brands to bolster digital marketing, sales transformation, and data transformation across Asia. The company has a multi-faceted, data-driven approach that encompasses:
Data Transformation Services: Drawing expertise from data analytics, data engineering, and Customer Data Platform (CDP) services, ADA helps brands make data-informed decisions, optimize data infrastructure, and manage customer data effectively for personalized and efficient marketing efforts.
Marketing Solutions: This entails performance marketing, enabling clients to efficiently target consumers on platforms like social media, native ads, display ads, and search marketing. Additionally, ADA offers creative solutions tailored to boost user engagement and conversion rates. The segment also involves marketing technology transformation, which includes consultation on the implementation of managed services. These services equip brands to deliver outstanding customer experiences using advanced technology platforms.
E-commerce Solutions: ADA assists brands with comprehensive store management, ensuring smooth operations on various platforms such as marketplaces, social channels, third-party messaging channels, and proprietary websites.
Customer Engagement Solutions: Enterprises leverage these solutions to improve customer support. It facilitates real-time communication with consumers through channels like SMS, WhatsApp, and other popular messaging applications.
ADA maintains a robust presence in Asia with 12 offices spread across the region and employs approximately 1,400 professionals. The company’s dual headquarters are in Singapore and Malaysia. Notably, ADA’s shareholders include industry giants like Softbank, Axiata, Mitsui, and Sumitomo Corporation.
TOKYO, JAPAN – October 5, 2023 – ADA, the region’s largest independent data, artificial intelligence, and tech company proudly announces the opening of its latest office in Japan. As the powerhouse in data-driven solutions, ADA’s foray into the Japanese market underscores its ambition to be the leading digital and data transformation partner for clients in Japan.
This expansion signifies more than just a geographic move for ADA. With strong ties to Japan through its investors Softbank Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation, ADA is poised to solidify its footprint in the Japanese market by focusing on four major areas of client impact:
Analytics and Customer Data Platforms: ADA’s strength is delivering technology in tandem with operations. The company harnesses its capabilities in CDP, data analytics, data engineering, marketing, and more, operating side-by-side with clients to drive their digital transformation.
Best-In-Class Data & AI Technology Providers: ADA nurtures close-knit collaborations with premier data and tech platforms, notably Treasure Data, to enhance and optimize clients’ business outcomes.
Leveraging ADA’s Global Data & AI talent pool: With a team of 1,400 global talents, ADA promises to bring the best in machine learning, data analytics, performance marketing, and technology implementation expertise to the table.
Srinivas Gattamneni, CEO of ADA, expressed his excitement about the expansion, stating, “We aim to become the best partner for our Japanese customers in data and digital transformation. We nurture talent in the CDP, data analytics, and data engineering domains, and offer comprehensive data solutions. By fully leveraging the global team of ADA’s 1,400 members, we support our clients’ global expansion in areas such as machine learning, data analytics, performance marketing, and technology implementation.”
On a similar note, Yosuke Shigehara, Country Director of ADA in Japan, commented, “We are a growth partner working to transform our clients’ businesses by utilizing data. Our strength lies in the talent that has led data utilization in marketing over the years and the technical expertise we have cultivated in APAC. Moreover, through our strategic partnership with the SoftBank Group, we’re bringing tech partners like Treasure Data to Japanese market. We’re looking forward to amplifying the success of our Japanese clients.”
For businesses and organizations interested in learning more about ADA’s offerings or collaborating with its dynamic team, the new operations in Japan stands ready to foster connections, drive growth, and lead data-driven transformations.
About ADA
ADA provides services that enable enterprises and brands to drive top line growth through digital marketing and sales transformation across Asia. It operates three data-driven service segments:
Marketing Solutions: provides performance marketing, which enables clients to reach consumers efficiently on social media, native ads, display ads and search marketing; creative solutions to drive user engagement and conversation rates; and marketing technology transformation involves consultation on the implementation of managed services that enable brands to achieve superior customer experiences with technology platforms.
Digital Commerce Solutions: provide brands with end-to-end store management to fulfil enablement on marketplaces, social channels, third party messaging channels and owned websites.
Customer Engagement Solutions: used by enterprises to enhance customer support and communicate with consumers in real-time through SMS, WhatsApp and other messaging applications.
Data & AI: enables brands to unlock the power of data through data engineering, analytics, strategy and management for seamless problem solving and enhanced business outcomes.
ADA, which operates 13 offices across Asia with approximately 1,400 employees, was formed in 2018 and is headquartered in Singapore and Malaysia.
SINGAPORE – Independent agency partner ADA dominated the Mob-Ex Awards 2023 with a historic 10 wins, cementing its position as the fastest-growing agency in the region. Its haul of 2 Golds, 5 Silvers and 3 Bronzes spanned across mobile campaigns for clients in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, en route to winning the coveted Mob-Ex Southeast Asia Agency Champion title.
Blu by BCA Digital topped the chart with 2 Golds in Best App Install and Best Original Content for their #JadiWise campaign. Other notable wins include Silvers for Matahari Lebaran campaign (Best Mobile Campaign), BCA KPR Anti-Drama (Best Insight-Driven Mobile Campaign), TMRW UOB Thailand (Best Mobile Advertising Strategy & Best App Install Campaign) and Unilever Sri Lanka (Best Consumer Goods Campaign).
Other award-winning campaigns include Kopi Kenangan’s bronze for Best F&B Campaign, Japan National Travel Organisation (JNTO) for Best Hospitality & Travel Campaign as well as VF Group (Timberland) for Best Use of Promotion. These victories highlight ADA’s prowess in crafting effective, innovative mobile strategies for a diverse range of clients, underlining an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in mobile marketing.
Delivering meaningful business outcomes to clients
Faradi Bachri, ADA’s Regional Head of Marketing Performance reflected on the amazing wins, “For a 5-years old agency, we are incredibly proud of this remarkable achievement. ADA has always pride ourselves on delivering meaningful business outcomes to our clients and to be recognised for this feat in a prestigious award like Mob-Ex will only spur us to do better.”
ADA core strength comes from an outcome-driven approach that transcends traditional performance marketing. Other components of the digital ecosystem are seamlessly weaved into media strategies, ranging from data analytics, content, digital commerce solutions and cutting-edge marketing technology. This dynamic blueprint enables a customised and multifaceted approach that not only propels campaign performances but also forges impactful connections across all marketing efforts.
About ADA
ADA provides services that enable enterprises and brands to drive top line growth through digital marketing and sales transformation across Asia. It operates four data-driven service segments:
Marketing: provides Performance Marketing, which enables clients to reach consumers efficiently on social media, native ads, display ads and search marketing; Creative Solutions to drive user engagement and conversation rates; and Marketing Technology Transformation involves consultation on the implementation of managed services that enable brands to achieve superior customer experiences with technology platforms
Digital Commerce: provides brands with end-to-end store management to fulfil enablement on marketplaces, social channels, third party messaging channels and owned websites
Customer Engagement Solutions: used by enterprises to enhance customer support and communicate with consumers in real-time through SMS, WhatsApp and other messaging applications
Data & AI: enables brands to unlock the power of data through data engineering, analytics, strategy and management for seamless problem solving and enhanced business outcomes
ADA, which operates 13 offices across Asia with approximately 1,400 employees, was formed in 2018 and is headquartered in Singapore and Malaysia.
