Who wins in 2021, and why – Wired PR Lifestyle Story

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When I went abroad to study in 2018, digital wallets were less popular in Malaysia. I remember seeing stores support Alipay and Touch ‘n Go eWallet transactions, but it wasn’t open to use yet.
But when I returned home in late 2020, I was amazed to discover how e-wallets became incentives. So many refunds, discounts, rebates and coupons were offered.
I was overwhelmed with all the promotions and awards programs from different apps. So a question came to my mind: which app is best?
What is a super app?
The term “super app” was coined in 2010 by BlackBerry founder Mike Lazaridis, who defined it as a closed ecosystem for many apps. This means that a super app is basically an integrated app that offers a wide range of different services and offerings.
There are currently Malaysian primary applications that fall into this category Take it, Shop, Tap ‘n Go eWallet, Push, and recently airasia Super App.
These super-applications have entered the public consciousness by emphasizing a particular area; specifically, Grab was launched for the first time as a walk-in service, as a platform for Shopee online shopping, for Touch ‘n Go eWallet toll systems, Boost with its e-mail. -portfolio, and AirAsia is, of course, the most famous for being a famous airline.
As we know, however, one of the criteria for being a super application is that each of these applications must offer a wide range of services. Grab not only provides travel transportation, but also provides food, packages, groceries, and even home services, which you can pay for through its GrabPay wallet.
Shopee has also expanded beyond e-commerce to provide food and groceries, including its e-wallet.
Touch ‘n Go eWallet also works as a popular e-wallet that includes many other third-party services. Like Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Boost has also expanded its scope by offering third-party services such as online shopping, food delivery, insurance and even investment services.
And now, airasia has joined the Super App chat. The airline has heavily marketed the app as an “ASEAN Super App” in hopes of launching it in the region.
The company is making moves to buy Gojek’s Thai business and food distribution service DeliverEat Malaysian, and he has also started his own e-haling services Malaysian.

Incorporated into AirAsia, the Malaysian super apps marathon has become more serious than ever, and it’s sure to be worth seeing.
What is the best super-application in Malaysia and why?
Based on the scope, funding, and popularity of these super apps, there is one particular application that is race-leading: Grab the super app. How did we come to this conclusion?
Zone:
First, in terms of its core e-hailing business, Grab dominates the market. There are other companies on the market for rides, but it’s always Grab.
“Taking a Grab” has become synonymous with getting a ride. There are also specific points to pick up and pick up Grab cars across the country.
Grab has done his main business very well, and arguably the same cannot be said of all the other competitors.
On this solid foundation, Grab has grown even more to cover the tremendous bandwidth of services. The categories of services featured on their website include food, transportation, market, shipping, payment, air time, hotel, prizes, gifts and insurance.
Compare this to Boost and Touch ‘n Go eWallet, which are mostly used for wallet functions.
Downloads:
Sure, Shopee is also growing exponentially, but Grab has significantly more downloads.
Depending on the approximate number of installations in the Google Play Store, more than Grab has been installed 100 million while sitting on a figure over Shopee 10 million.
Both airasia Super App and Tap ‘n Go eWallet They also reported that they have more than 10 million downloads, and it has more than Boost 5 million downloads. Although these numbers do not accurately reflect the current usage rates for each application, the statistics are still noteworthy.
Brand:
Lately, Shopee is also strengthening its brand by hiring big names like Jackie Chan and K-Pop like TWICE and Blackpink to be its ambassadors.
That doesn’t mean Grab doesn’t focus on his brand and fame, though. Throughout the pandemic, Grab has made the decision to show support to communities through a variety of efforts.
According to the 2020 Social Impact Report, Donated $ 40 million to relief efforts in Southeast Asia, which helps people see themselves as friendly and supportive corporations.
Arguably, the Airasia Super App also has a very strong brand in Malaysia as well as being an eponymous budget company.
However, being well-known does not mean that it is well-regarded. AirAsia losses, for example AirAsia Japan’s defeat, can leave a bad impression that affects the use of its super application.
Funding:
According to Crunchbase, Grab has collected them in total $ 12.5 billion in financing. Shopee’s main company, Sea, has got it $ 8.6 billion.
But the fact is that Shopee and Grab are still not making a net profit. Shopee’s flagship company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2017, although Tencent is the main beneficiary of the Chinese technology giant’s listing.
The upcoming moves on the grab will also turn you into a global player. It is preparing to list U.S. shares after merging with the U.S.-listed Altimeter Growth Corp. This merger will allow Grab to focus on growth in Malaysia and beyond. From framework to brand financing: Grab has achieved everything.
With a solid foundation and plenty of support, Grab will no doubt be able to carry out his ambitious plans.
For now, other super apps aren’t quite close. It has TNG Digital RM3 billion (About $ 700 million) in financing, Boost Holdings reported $ 70 million. Crunchbas reported that AirAsia has full funding $ 145.7 million.
Right now, there seems to be more growth for Grab, which is why we would consider Malaysia as the top super app.
But who will say that no one will overtake on the road? Maybe Shopee will get ahead in the final round, or the airasia Super App will quickly flip despite the late game. So far, however, Grab is comfortably moving at a steady pace.
What is the app for you?
While Grab is winning this marathon of super apps, it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everyone. If you don’t usually send food or drive yourself anywhere, the many features that Grab offers can be overwhelming.
Maybe you want to use a simple wallet app. That’s what I thought at first, and that’s why I chose to download the Touch ‘N Go eWallet home for the first time. In America, super apps aren’t a thing yet, and they may never be.
There, Postmates is for food, to transfer money to Venmo friends and when you need to travel to Uber. I was used to that way of thinking, so it seemed strange to me to be so wrapped up in so many single applications.
Eventually, though, I started to see the appeal of making everything easier, especially when you’re rewarded with points.
Right now, I’m gradually accumulating my points on Grab to reach that excellent Platinum level that will get me a priority assignment, more discounts, and a quickened rate of return.
But sometimes I wonder how much energy and time I save using a single app. I mean, just go out for a couple of seconds and go to the app and go to another one. Is a super app really much more effective?
Are there super apps left to stay?
Sure, every sign says yes, but we all know that disruptive innovations can sometimes come without warning.
However, the ethos and ideas of super-applications follow well with the trends of our current society. These applications reflect a globalized and digitized reality where human beings want an integrated and facilitated experience.
But when it finally becomes clear that Grab — or any other super app — has won the marathon, what does that mean for us? Will we have to deal with the inconveniences of a monopoly? Discuss the evils of a huge corporation?
Well, even what the future holds will be one thing clear: this strong display of super applications has highlighted Malaysia’s innovative and economic capabilities, marking the beginning of a technological or innovative era in Malaysia.
And right now, we’re on Grab to keep setting an example to see if others will move forward soon.
- You can read more of our opinion articles here.
Featured Image Credit: Bloomberg / Forbes
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