Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Microsoft offers free keyboard and Surface Pen with select Surface Pro 6

    Microsoft offers free keyboard and Surface Pen with select Surface Pro 6

    It’s been raining sweet deals of late at Microsoft and third-party retailers like Best Buy on both 2018’s Surface Pro 6 and fifth-gen models released the previous year, but if you don’t want to make any processing power compromises, today’s the day to pull the trigger and score a discount of up to $259.

    Five different Surface Pro 6 variants are currently eligible for a pair of cool freebies on their manufacturer’s official US e-store. If you’re wondering what this fast five has in common, the answer is actually quite simple: a state-of-the-art 8th Generation Intel Core i7 chipset. That makes this tablet a very worthy replacement for essentially any conventional laptop out there, so it’s definitely fitting (and nice) that Microsoft lets you bundle these powerhouses with a keyboard and Surface Pen at no extra cost.

    You can get the complimentary stylus in your favorite color from a quartet of options including black, platinum, cobalt blue, and burgundy, while the gratis keyboard can be an older Surface Pro Type Cover model, normally worth $129.99, or a newer, fancier Signature Type Cover in platinum, blue, or burgundy, which separately fetches $159.99. All in all, after also taking the $99.99 retail value of that productivity-enhancing Surface Pen into consideration, you’re looking at maximum savings of around 260 bucks.

    Of course, you’ll have to cough up a pretty penny to get a Surface Pro 6 with Intel Core i7 inside in the first place and qualify for the two extremely valuable and popular gifts. We’re talking at least $1,499 if you can “settle” for a 256GB SSD/8GB RAM configuration and up to a whopping $2,299 for a Windows 10 tablet/laptop hybrid pulling out all the stops, with 16 gigs of memory and a full 1TB of storage space.

    The most “affordable” model on sale today is available in black and platinum paint jobs, while the costliest version can only be purchased in platinum. Finally, black and platinum models with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage will set you back $1,899 a pop in combination with a pen and keyboard that you need to add to your cart before checking out.

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  • Apple Music for Android update brings a slight redesign

    Apple Music for Android update brings a slight redesign

    Judging by the reviews left by Android users on Apple Music’s page in the Google Play Store, the app isn’t on par with the iOS version. However, it looks like Apple is making efforts to make the users experience as satisfying as possible.

    The latest update released today brings a slight redesign of the Browse tab and support for more devices. The update adds a new Browse tab that was initially made available on the iOS version of Apple Music.

    The Browse tab contains more editorial highlights which are supposed to make it easier for Apple Music users to find playlists and new music they might like. With the new tab, starting to play music becomes a breeze as it removes a few clicks previously needed.

    The second major change included in the update is support for Chromebooks. If you own one, you’ll now be able to access Apple Music from Chrome OS. Last but not least, Apple mentions that it squashed some bugs as well, so expect fewer issues with the app after you download the update.

  • TV+, News+, Oprah+, Arcade, Apple is on a War trip

    TV+, News+, Oprah+, Arcade, Apple is on a War trip

    After issuing a plethora of new hardware on the hush-hush lass week with simple press releases, starting from new iPads and finishing with AirPods 2, Apple reserved the stage today entirely for its new adventures in content and media. Multimedia.

    It took on cable and Netflix with the upcoming Apple TV channels and TV+ subscription streamer. Game streaming and distribution platforms like Steam or Google’s upcoming Stadia will face the formidable Arcade undertaking. News aggregators and standalone publishers now have another potentially huge platform to consider – News+.

    In one fell swoop, Apple wiggled its way right smack in the center of the news and entertainment industry, moving swiftly from a hardware to a content creation focal point. None of these newfangled Apple services can take on the established players on its own just yet, though.

    While News+ may give you access to 300+ magazines, the most it managed to sign up were the LA Times and WSJ – hardly the a la carte news buffet it envisaged for its freshest offspring. Ditto for the Arcade gaming platform, and the TV+ original video content streamer. The numbers they will start with are a far cry from the established competition in the fields.

    What Apple seems to be betting on, however, is the cumulative power of the platform it has, and the stickiness that will come from offering most everything that your heart desires in the world of infotainment we all live in day in and day out. Once you go that Apple rabbit hole, it imagined, it will be hard to break up with your iPhone, iPad, Mac or even a Samsung smart set with the new Apple TV app on it.

    The ability to have your movie, TV channels and shows, newspaper, magazines, or games access folded into one Apple nexus could certainly sound appealing for many an Apple device owner. If the giants of the competition aren’t worried for their own turfs, Apple’s cumulative assault on the media and content business as a whole seems to have started tonight, and with $250 billion war chest, the folks.

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  • 180 degree reversal by YouTube

    180 degree reversal by YouTube

    A report published says that YouTube has decided to do a 180 degree turn and is backing away from producing original programming. The Google-owned video streamer has canceled plans to develop some new comedies and dramas that it would have streamed to paid YouTube Premium subscribers. By doing this, YouTube is admitting defeat in a battle with other video streamers like Netflix and Amazon Prime to reap profits from original shows.

    Netflix has done quite well by showing its own fare like Orange is the New Black, Fuller House, Stranger Things, House of Cards and more, Amazon Prime has had some big hits including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The show, about a married Jewish woman living in New York in the late 1950’s who becomes a stand-up comedian after her husband leaves her, won four Emmy Awards last year including Best Comedy Series.

    Anonymous sources say that YouTube has canceled shows like Origin, a science-fiction program, and comedy Overthinking with Kat & June. In addition, YouTube is no longer listening to pitches for scripted shows that require a huge budget. The report comes on the same day that Apple has unveiled its video streaming service that will include original programming that cost the company over $1 billion to produce. And while Google has enough cash to match Apple when it comes to paying for such programming, YouTube generated more than $15 billion in ad sales last year without offering high-priced original shows.

    The change means that YouTube Premium will turn to music-related content with some programming from established YouTube stars. As a result, the original scripted shows left on YouTube will be available for free, including the one big original hit that YouTube has had, Cobra Kai. This show takes the Daniel LaRusso-Johnny Lawrence feud from 1984’s Karate Kid movie and updates it to modern times. The appeal of the show is helped by the fact that the original actors (Ralph Macchio and William Zabka) recreate their roles as Daniel and Johnny, respectively. There have been two seasons of the show and negotiations are underway for a third season.

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  • Docomo trials drone-based tower inspection in Indonesia

    Docomo trials drone-based tower inspection in Indonesia

    Japan’s NTT Docomo and Indonesian tower provider PT Solusi Tunas Pratama (STP) have commenced a trial in Indonesia involving the use of drones to inspect telecom towers.

    During the pilot of the Docomo sky for Tower Inspection service, the companies will use drones to photograph base stations and telecom towers and transmit the information to a command center in real time.

    The system is based on an operational drone-based tower inspection system developed by Docomo for use in its own network across Japan. It is designed to support the Docomo sky ground control station app for assistance in inspection tasks and remotely piloting the drones.

    For the trial, Docomo will provide its cloud-based platform for operational support and data analysis for faster and more accurate tower inspections.

    According to the companies, the trial service is well suited to markets including Indonesia, where rapid urban development is resulting in the construction of tall buildings and transport infrastructure that can interfere with radio propagation from telecom towers.

    The two companies hope to test the technology in other locations and facilities before launching a full-scale commercial service later in the first half of the year.

  • Sunways Malls Welcomes the Cashless Revolution

    Sunways Malls Welcomes the Cashless Revolution

    Ever since Bank Negara embarked on a 10-year roadmap to move towards a cashless society, the ever growing trend of cashless transactions has been increasing and is popular amongst the Gen-Y and Millennial Generation. Sunway Malls took the initiative to bring in leading e-wallet companies such as Boost, FavePay, GrabPay, Maybank QRPay, Touch ‘n Go Pay, and WeChat Pay for exclusive face-to-face sessions with retailers at a closed door conference held at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.

    No longer do you need to carry around cash and credit cards as your mobile phone can do the paying! Numerous e-payment players in the market have emerged and is providing shoppers with better deals and convenience.

    Benefits of e-payment:

    • Enhances shopper experience
    • Increased sales
    • Quick and convenient

    “As the payment market continues to evolve, it is imperative that we stay abreast with development of cashless payment to cater to new consumer demands”, said H.C Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Malls & Theme Parks.

    Retailers who attended the conference were treated to a detailed and in-depth look at how cashless transactions would benefit their business and increase their sales through intimate small group discussions with the five e-wallet companies. To date, close to 35% of retailers across Sunway Malls are using some sort of e-wallet payment at their outlets and the malls hopes to increase this number to cater to the ever growing trend of cashless payments.

    The conference keynote was presented by Mr. Peter Schiesser, Group Chief Executive Officer of Payment Networks Malaysia (PayNet), Malaysia’s premier payments network and central infrastructure for financial markets. Mr. Deep Chowdhury, Client Service Director (Consumer Insights) from Nielsen Malaysia spoke on the topic of ‘Cash or Cashless? Malaysia’s Payment Landscape’ and shared insights on current Malaysian purchasing and spending behaviour in the retail industry and beyond.

    Over 350 brands attended the conference which was also Sunway Malls’ annual Business Partner Meeting to receive the latest updates on the current market outlook and upcoming plans for each mall.

    Sunway Malls is gearing to be amongst Malaysia’s largest mall owner-operator as existing projects and those in the pipeline now stand at 7.7 million sqft NLA and that figure is planned to be increased to 10.2 million sqft NLA by 2020.

    The malls are:-

    Sunway Pyramid, Bandar Sunway

    Sunway Velocity Mall, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

    Sunway Big Box Village, Johor Bahru (opening 2019)

    Sunway Putra Mall, Kuala Lumpur

    Sunway Carnival Mall, Penang

    Sunway Citrine Hub, Johor Bahru

    Sunway Giza, Kota Damansara

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  • Fujitsu wins upgrade contract in US

    Fujitsu wins upgrade contract in US

    Three wins for three vendors plus some quantum security worth a look:

    Fujitsu Network Communications is helping US-based Midwest Fiber Network with a network upgrade. MFN, which is a consortium of nine RLECs in Iowa, is deploying 200GbE based on Fujitsu’s 1FINITY S100 layer 2 switch and Virtuora Network Control Solution. The upgrade will boost capacity for MFN’s member companies, both in an immediate sense and in terms of future expansion.

    Nokia has won a deal down in East Africa. Liquid Telecom’s Kenya subsidiary has announced a two year deal with Nokia that will see it deploy a 100G DWDM regional network. Initially that will mean 500Gbps connectivity to data centers and landing stations in not just Kenya but also inland to Rwanda, Uganda, and DR-Congo. The upgrade will be powered by Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch.

    Juniper Networks has announced an expansion of its relationship with LINE Corporation, making it the company’s networking vendor of choice. LINE’s instant messaging application has some 164M active monthly users around the Far East. The infrastructure supporting that app now includes Juniper’s MX960 routers in Tokyo, Osaka, and another unspecified overseas location.

    And on Tuesday ADVA said its FSP 3000 is part of the UKQNtel transport network.  Along with BT, ID Quantique, and the universities of Cambridge and York, the company has put together a quantum key distribution link over a 120km route between BT’s Adastral Park hub and Cambridge.  ADVA’s Ensemble Controller is managing the infrastructure as well.

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  • US FCC’s 24-GHz auction passes $1.5b in bids

    US FCC’s 24-GHz auction passes $1.5b in bids

    Round 29 of the US FCC’s 24-GHz auction closed Wednesday with $1,592,755,155 in gross proceeds, with the nation’s biggest cities garnering millions of dollars in bids. New York topped $41 million and Los Angeles tallied over $31 million.

    It’s the little town of Van Horn, Texas, that’s setting the record so far for price per MHz-POP, at just over 10 cents as of the end of Wednesday.

    But wait a minute. Van Horn, a town with a population of just over 2,000, is about 118 miles northwest of El Paso—seemingly in the middle of nowhere if you’re not from there. Its total price as a market so far is just $63,000. So, what gives?

    What’s happening is bidders appear to be moving into some of these smaller markets in parts of western Texas and Iowa to “park” (i.e., maintain) their eligibility even while reducing exposure in top markets that are increasingly expensive, according to Sasha Javid, COO at The Spectrum Consortium. He told – that “maintaining eligibility is important as carriers seek to optimize their portfolio of licenses nationwide.” Javid is tracking each round of the auction on his website and sending daily updates via email.

    The strategy is perfectly legal and just a part the auction process. “It’s just a cheap place to maintain a little bit more eligibility,” Javid told.

    Much of the auction process is secretive—there are anti-collusion rules and bidders can’t talk to one another, for example. The FCC isn’t releasing the names of the winners of the 28-GHz or 24-GHz auctions until both are concluded. But as a data analyst, Javid can glean some insights into the trends he’s observing.

    The 24-GHz auction kicked off on March 14 and unlike its predecessor, the 28-GHz auction, it includes many more markets, both big and small. Much of the 28-GHz spectrum was already controlled by Verizon before that auction even launched last year; it ended up raising just $700 million.

    Auction 102 is following the “clock phase” format, which enables participants to bid on between six or seven 100 MHz generic blocks within the FCC’s designated Partial Economic Areas (PEAs) across the country, in a series of successive bids. The 28-GHz used a standard multiple round format.

    However, Javid, a former chief data officer to the FCC’s Incentive Auction Task Force, said he still believes that using Auction 101 for a price per MHz-POP comparison is fair even as total proceeds in Auction 102 appear to be flattening over the past few rounds.

    “This would have Auction 102 close at roughly $2.5 billion,” he said. “From a timing perspective, we are probably talking another 2 weeks and up to a month should bidding prove to be more robust than expected or if a few products remain contested. It is safe to say, however, that Auction 102 will have a far shorter ‘long-tail’ than Auction 101,” which was not a clock auction.

    Under these assumptions and assuming a relatively straightforward assignment round, “we are likely looking at mid-May to June for an end to the quiet period,” he said.

    All of this is prefaced by the fact that it’s very difficult to predict exactly how any auction turns out. It depends on a lot of things, like carrier budgets and the intensity of competition over the most coveted products. Even the auction design can affect the results. “It’s a guess,” he said. One fact that Javid said is clear is that “nationwide bidders want more than 2 contiguous 100 MHz blocks.”

    All this is happening as the FCC gears up for yet another millimeter wave auction later this year. At its April 12 meeting, the commission will consider teeing up the upper 37-GHz, 39-GHz, and 47-GHz spectrum bands, making it the third major spectrum auction to take place in 2019.

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  • HKBN, TVB extend partnership to enterprise segment

    HKBN, TVB extend partnership to enterprise segment

    Hong Kong fixed line operator HKBN and broadcaster TVB have expanded their strategic partnership to the enterprise market, offering business customers coupons offering discounts on each other’s services bundled with a contract.

    Under the collaboration, business customers of both companies will be eligible for discounts worth up to 50% of their total service contract for digital marketing and telecommunications services respectively.

    For example, enterprises subscribing to dedicated HKBN solutions with a contract sum of HK$100,000 ($12,739) will receive a coupon worth up to HK$50,000 for settling advertising fees on the myTV SUPER and Big Big Channel marketing channels.

    Likewise, subscribers to the marketing and advertising plans will be granted a coupon worth up to 50% of the value towards newly subscribed HKBN enterprise solution services.

    The myTV SUPER OTT platform is the largest in Hong Kong with over 7.3 million registered users. TVB’s ad booking manager allows businesses to advertise on the channel for a fee as low as HK$1,000.

    Big Big Channel meanwhile provides on-stop video marketing solutions, ranging from video planning and production to delivering contents to the Big Big Channel app.

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  • SP Telecom offers direct connection to Google Cloud

    SP Telecom offers direct connection to Google Cloud

    SP Telecom, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Singapore Power group, has become the first network service provider in Singapore to announce support for Google Cloud Partner Interconnect.

    With the agreement SP Telecom, a fiber network provider which builds its network using the passive infrastructure of Singapore’s national power grid, will allow customers to connect to Google Cloud Platform globally.

    The connectivity will be enabled by SP Telecom’s Cloud Interconnection Service to enable direct connectivity to Google Cloud, while taking advantage of SP Telecom’s network infrastructure.

    SP Telecom will provide direct connectivity from customers’ facility to Google Cloud’s points of presence at the Equinix SG3 or Global Switch Singapore data centers.

    SP Telecom VP of product management and business line IT Tan Choon Chai said SP Telecom’s network infrastructure being built on diverse paths that run along the Singapore power grid provides  a reduced risk of network interruption from a power outage or active equipment failure.

    “Today’s rapidly digitizing environment has called for businesses to turn to cloud platforms to support their business needs. SP Telecom is pleased to partner with Google Cloud to bring more flexible and convenient connectivity options to help enhance business operations,” he said.

    “Coupled with our in-built network diversity capabilities, customers can be assured of a network infrastructure which provides resilient network connectivity capable of withstanding risks of network interruption.”

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  • Docomo to expand overseas 5G trials

    Docomo to expand overseas 5G trials

    Japan’s NTT Docomo has arranged with partners in the US, Israel and Japan to collaborate on 5G trials in Guam, with the aim of verifying 5G-compatible systems and equipment for business solutions.

    Under the collaboration, NTT Docomo will provide the 5G test network, while solution partners will provide 5G-based products and services for use by testing by local field partners.

    These field partners comprise the electricity utility Guam Power Authority, the University of Guam, local wedding services provider ARLUIS Wedding Guam and United Airlines Guam.

    The Guam Power Authority will test 5G VR training solutions provided by Israel’s Humaneyes Technologies, as well as 5G monitoring with AI technology developed by Aegis Systems.

    The University of Guam office of IT will test a 5G AI-based robot system for identifying examinees from PLEN Robotic, and 5G monitoring with AI technology from US-based Smart Home Sentry.

    ARLUIS Wedding Guam will test a 5G multi-screen video live streaming solution from AMATELUS, while the United Airlines Guam Marathon Organizer will test a series of 5G drones, tourism, sports photo upload and 5G robotics solutions.

    Docomo also announced that it has opened a new 5G Open Lab in Guam, its first center outside of Japan for testing and verifying 5G technologies.

    A number of Japanese and overseas companies have already announced an intention use the facility to collaborate on cross-border 5G testing in partnership with Docomo.

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  • DJI Introduces DJI Terra To Capture, Visualize And Analyze Drone Data

    DJI Introduces DJI Terra To Capture, Visualize And Analyze Drone Data

    DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today introduced DJI Terra, a new software tool that transforms drone data into digital 3D models and maps for easy analysis and decision making. DJI Terra enables businesses and organizations using DJI drone technology to capture, visualize and analyze aerial images for a wide variety of applications across the public safety, construction, infrastructure, agriculture and film industries.

    “As the leader in the commercial drone industry, DJI continues to develop accessible and easy-to-use hardware and software solutions that help organizations transform their operations with drone technology and gain a competitive advantage in their industries,” said Sunny Liao, Director of Enterprise at DJI. “As an all-in-one mapping and modeling solution, DJI Terra makes it simple and efficient to extract value from drone data, generating conclusions and recommendations across multiple use cases from crash reconstructions to critical infrastructure inspections as well as agriculture field mapping and construction site modeling.”

    Automatic Flight Planning and Data Capture

    DJI Terra helps commercial drone pilots quickly plan automated flights with several easy-to-use options based on the area or objects they’d like to capture and the type of map or 3D model they’d like to create. It features three mission planning types:

    • Area – Capture a specific area quickly and easily by drawing a custom polygonal flight zone on a map. DJI Terra automatically generates efficient flight path options based on the area selected.
    • Waypoint – Create dynamic custom flight paths through an area or around objects using waypoints and adjustable parameters like aircraft altitude, speed, heading, gimbal pitch and angle. For more complex missions that require high attention to detail, the 3D Flight Visualization feature enables the design and simulation of missions on existing 3D models.
    • Oblique – Capture a rich data set by automatically flying the same route multiple times. Each flight automatically adjusts the angle of the camera to capture new details, giving an extra crisp 3D model of the object or asset from multiple angles.

    Real-time Mapping and Detailed 3D Models

    With real-time mapping capabilities, DJI Terra allows drone pilots to quickly generate 2D orthomosaic maps as the drone flies, ideal for time-sensitive missions where situational awareness is critical and decisions need to be made in minutes. DJI Terra’s fast processing capability also creates sharp and realistic representations of any environment through detailed 2D orthomosaics and 3D model reconstructions used for industrial applications like reconstructing vehicle crashes, tracking progress on construction projects or conducting large-scale critical infrastructure inspections on bridges and roadways.

    Easy Data Analysis

    In addition to map and model creation, DJI Terra helps users analyze data and generate instant insights with easy-to-use analysis tools that provide a variety of measurements including linear distance, surface area and volumetric estimations. To improve team communication and reporting throughout ongoing projects, annotation labels can be edited and shared. For detailed site inspections and accident reconstruction situations, DJI Terra’s photo inspection tool lets users closely examine every photo used to create the model so they can pinpoint and highlight critical elements.

    Availability

    DJI Terra is available today for purchase through authorized DJI Enterprise resellers worldwide and is compatible with Windows PCs and all current DJI Phantom 4 Series drones.

  • EON and Aurora unveil special Songkran promotions Offering 10 months of 0% interest on gold and diamond loans

    EON and Aurora unveil special Songkran promotions Offering 10 months of 0% interest on gold and diamond loans

    Ms. Saranya Pipoppinyo (middle), Vice President of Marketing at AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited, together with Ms. Lapatlada Ruetivarangkoon (left), Vice President and Mr. Anirut Srirungthum (right), Vice President Business Development of Aurora Design Company Limited unveils two summer promotions for AEON Member Card and AEON Credit Card holders through the AEON Happy Pay and AEON Happy Plan services. The first promotion is 0% gold loan installment for up to 7 months, starting from April 12th-14th, 2019. For the second promotion, customers will be able to take on a “Diamond loan” with 0% interest rate for up to 10 months, starting today until 30th April, 2019 at all Aurora Gold and Jewelry branches nationwide.

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  • Pomelo Fashion leads with Purpose, first permanent line where sustainability meets tech

    Pomelo Fashion leads with Purpose, first permanent line where sustainability meets tech

    Fast fashion omni-channel retailer Pomelo became the first Southeast Asian online fashion brand to launch a permanent sustainable line, Purpose. Following the successful launch of its first standalone Purpose collection in 2018, the brand will launch three collections this year featuring pieces crafted entirely from ethically sourced fabrics, including organic cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative, and natural color dyes.

    From production to packaging, the Purpose line intentionally incorporates eco-friendly practices. Purpose pieces are made exclusively in factories that have undergone an independent audit by Pomelo to ensure that its products are made in humane and safer working conditions. Customers will also receive their Purpose products in packaging that uses 60% less plastic.

    Commenting on the importance of building a sustainable fashion future, David Jou, CEO of Pomelo Fashion says, “Pomelo’s Purpose collection is so named because it provides us with a meaningful opportunity to lead the way by bringing sustainable materials and processes to the fashion industry and the increasingly eco-conscious consumers in the region.” To this end, the Purpose collection is made from organic fabrics and colors, and will also incorporate cruelty-free materials such as vegan suede and recycled shell buttons.

    CLOSING THE LOOP

    To round out its sustainable offerings, Pomelo will also provide a free clothes pickup service that customers can access by scanning the QR codes stitched into their Purpose products with the Pomelo app on iOS and Android. Clothes can also be dropped off at collection boxes in Pomelo’s offline stores. All collected clothes are then redistributed to underprivileged partner communities in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

  • Capillary Technologies Announces Continued Business Momentum in Southeast Asia

    Capillary Technologies Announces Continued Business Momentum in Southeast Asia

    Capillary Technologies, a leading provider of CRM and digital retail solutions, announced results for 2018 that show significant year-over-year business momentum. The company highlighted many significant developments that contributed to its most successful year since its entry into Singapore in 2012. In 2018, the company posted a record 100% growth from sales of its omnichannel retailing and CRM software in Southeast Asia. From its headquarters in Singapore, Capillary has established a growing presence in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, servicing more than 14 million customers regionally and over 450 brands such as Courts in Singapore, Caring Pharmacy in Malaysia. With over 10 million monthly transactions across 1,400 regional stores, global revenues witnessed an exponential increase of 55% in 2018.

    Solving the region’s retail challenges with AI technology

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been growing by leaps and bounds amongst Southeast Asian retailers. According to a recent report on artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia, more than 24,000 AI-related papers have been published in the Southeast Asia region, with Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand accounting for 86% of the output.

    To help brands realise the full potential of AI and machine learning, Capillary launched several AI-powered solutions: VisitorMetrix, Personalized Campaigns and Instore AI. These innovative products help brands to access accurate and real-time data on visitors and integrate it with transaction data.  Retailers can get insights on store staff effectiveness, power hours, conversion rate, and campaign effectiveness among others. Moreover, personalised analysis of each customer’s needs, preferences and motivations empower retailers to create an ‘offline clickstream’ of data which can be used to provide relevant recommendations and a highly engaging shopping experience.

    Abhijeet Vijayvergiya, President & Managing Director, Global Accounts and APAC, Capillary Technologies said, “Capillary is delighted with the results that we have achieved in Southeast Asia for 2018. The regional retail industry is moving towards providing personalised and seamless experiences to the ever-changing digital consumer. With greater AI implementation, we will see brands capturing more and more data on consumer behavior and preferences across multiple channels to start building individual profiles for each consumer. We are proud to work alongside these online and offline retailers to deliver superior experiences.”

    Leading brands tap on Capillary to drive customer engagement

    In Southeast Asia, Capillary Technologies has partnered with leading brands such as Bata, a leading shoe retailer, to strengthen its omnichannel CRM strategies. “To really improve our brand-customer relationships, we feel it is imperative for us to find ways to walk and talk with our consumers across the various channels they use in their buying journey. The engagement had to be consistent, connected and seamless across platforms,” said Roberto Longo, President – Asia Pacific, Bata on the brand’s objectives for its CRM initiatives. With Capillary, Bata was able to achieve 2.2 times higher returns from targeted campaigns in Singapore and registered 57 times more ROI from Facebook campaigns in Malaysia. In other markets as well, the brand has seen 10 times increase in ROI from its overall CRM investments.

    One of Singapore’s leading F& B chains, TungLok Group recently partnered with Capillary to drive digital customer loyalty and personalised engagement. As a result, TungLok Group experienced a 350 percent increase in sales and a 139 percent increase in loyalty sales. Carolyn Tan, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications at TungLok Group said: “TungLok Group takes immense pride in serving its customers a high-quality experience at every touch point. With Capillary, we extended this beyond our restaurants and outlets. Their inputs on who to target, when and with what offer has been key to improving customer relationship and in turn, contribute to our growth.”

    Ready for 2019

    Capillary Technologies is preparing for even more significant growth in 2019 with the aim of achieving 70% growth globally. In February 2018, it announced an approximate US$20 million funding raised from investors, including its existing investors, Warburg Pincus and Sequoia Capital. This was followed by another round of funding led by Warburg Pincus in October later the same year. Plans are also officially underway for expansion into Vietnam and the Philippines by the end of 2019.

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