Are Southeast Asia’s Retailers and Customers Ready?

Retail, digital experts and investors from some of the biggest brands will be together for #Ready2018 in Singapore on 21 November. The retail and commerce industry event will witness participation from over 18 speakers and 200 CXOs at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. #Ready2018 aims to empower business leaders with the latest business strategies to be consumer-ready and uncover how technology is fundamentally transforming the e-commerce, startup and retail ecosystem in Southeast Asia (SEA).

With APAC’s 2 billion-strong internet users growing by 8% year on year, the region’s digital economy is projected to be worth US$1.12 trillion by 2021. Maya Hari, VP Asia Pacific at Twitter on her keynote, will discuss about preferences of the Millennial consumer who would make up most of these users. Recognizing the ongoing trends, experts will share views on the impact of an evolving connected environment on businesses and suggest ways in which brands can become consumer ready.

“As consumers, businesses and governments continually adapt to a digital world, the desire for tech-enabled solutions that improve traditional transaction methods, online business and financial services is proliferating,” said Aneesh Reddy, Co-Founder and CEO of Capillary Technologies. “At #Ready2018, we bring together speakers who have not only thrived in digital transformation but are also driving this change from the front. They are passionate about not just growth, but about building a better, easier, more vibrant future.”

Best-selling author and global investor, Dr. Jeffrey Towson from Peking University will be presenting on new developments for China’s retail and e-commerce ecosystem, and the implications for businesses beyond its borders. Attendees will get the opportunity to attend a uniquely curated Masterclass on digital CRM and loyalty, led by Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, COO of Capillary Technologies. Ganesh will be sharing on Capillary's experience in working with 400 global retail brands and how to create an omnichannel strategy for ROI and profitability.

"Digital is impacting brands in many different ways and the pace of change is accelerating", said Rajan Anandan, VP India & SEA, Google "I am looking forward to the discussions on how brands and retailers can shape the next phase of digital transformation."

Fellow speaker, Johan Vrancken, Managing Director at Singapore Nielsen added, “The speaker line-up will bring expertise and perspectives on digital disruption, as well as emerging topics around blockchain for business and digital loyalty for consumers among others. We are honoured and excited to have the brightest minds join us for a day knowledge-sharing, learning and engaging discussions in inspiring the businesses to take effective action.”

The drive to enable consumer readiness among business is shared by technology partners, Mindtree, SpurTree and Cloudcherry who would add value to the event with innovative showcases, sessions and masterclasses.

Conor McNamara, Head of Business Development APAC, Amazon Web Services would also be addressing the crowd with a session on Digital Transformation in Retail.

Other engaging points for discussion include integration of emerging technologies like blockchain into business and whether it’s just a buzzword or a disruption. The event would witness a panel discussion from experts on the latest trends and opportunities for businesses in an increasing volatile and uncertain ecosystem.