Asia ICT

The Philippine authorities have worked to develop the digital economy in recent years, prioritising strengthened internet service provision and a more competitive telecoms market. This proved to be fruitful after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, which saw an increased reliance on online services and digital technologies during...

In an effort to promote social distancing and restrict the movement of people during the Covid-19 pandemic, retailers selling hardware, clothing and electronics were mandated to close during the Philippines’ strictest lockdown phase. However, grocery and convenience stores, as well as delivery services, were deemed essential businesses and...

Business process outsourcing (BPO) was disrupted by fluctuations in demand and restrictions on the mobility of workers during the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are signs that new engines of growth are emerging that could bode well for the longer-term development of the sector.

After years of exponential growth, South-east Asia’s super apps were forced to reassess their business models due to measures to contain Covid-19, with many refocusing their priorities as they plan for the post-pandemic world. In recent years super apps – online or mobile platforms that combine multiple services into one portal – have sought...

The laying of two subsea fibre-optic cables – one international and one domestic – are among the recent and promising ICT developments in Papua New Guinea. There is optimism that these will help expand access and reduce costs in rural areas, which are home to over 80% of the country’s 8.6m-strong population. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen...

In keeping with its position as the largest economy in ASEAN, Indonesia is expected to eventually capture the largest share of rising consumer and enterprise revenues as a result of 5G deployment. A study by global management consulting firm Kearney suggests that the technology could lift consumer revenue across the region by 6-9% before 2025...