Business as usual is no longer fast enough: digital disruption has transformed the way we work, earn and consume.
The way we work is being changed dramatically by the opportunities that innovation and technology bring to our lives. The pandemic not only made working from home a reality, but also accelerated the growth of the gig economy, especially in south-east Asia, where more than half of the workforce are now engaged in informal work.1 When coupled with ever more efficient mobile connectivity and the accessibility of smartphone technology, this has helped drive mobile internet consumption across Asia, where digital platforms and super apps have become an increasingly integral part of daily life.
Technology has also transformed the way the value of work in the gig economy is calculated and remunerated, while placing new demands on fintech and financial services, which are now competing in a market that demands near real-time payments. The picture becomes even more complex in the booming sectors of content creation, social media and gaming, or when platforms are global and funds need to be transferred to influencers, creatives or highly skilled technicians across borders.