Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society(3)

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society

In a country where less than 10% of the population holds credit cards, implementation of e-payment system on mobile devices served as a game changer for the leapfrog of the mobility market. As users can make payments within their balance in the mobile wallet, overall access to mobility services was considerably upgraded. 

In other words, mobility services in Indonesia became more and more prevalent with no concern for possession of cash or credit cards. It goes without saying that such spread of mobility services accelerated by actualization of e-payment on mobile gadgets has raised the expectation of a cashless society in Indonesia. 

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society(2)

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society

As snowballing amount of investment continues to rush in, anticipation has been getting bigger that the local mobility market will fulfill its growth potentials in a maximum level. Huge success of two mobility startups in Indonesia can be partly attributed to the introduction of e-payment methods to their applications. 

For example, after purchasing a few electronic wallet-related startups, Go-Jek added Go-Pay, an e-payment function to its application in April, 2016. In contrast, Grab announced official business partnership with OVO, an electronic payment platform backed by Lippo Group and have it transplanted to mobile application in December, 2016.

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society(1)

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society

In tandem with the e-commerce, fintech and online travel areas, mobility service has been often acclaimed as the leading trailblazer of the Indonesian digital economy. It is due to the rapid development of the mobility industry mainly triggered by ever-intensifying rivalry between Go-Jek and Grab, two and only decacorns in Southeast Asia.

Beginning from the desperate idea of improving chronic traffic congestions in urban districts, both Go-Jek and Grab have risen to their fame as supper applications inevitable for daily lives of the Indonesian people, young generation in particular.

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(4)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia

In this regard, it is no wonder that Indonesia has been through hottest startup craze in Southeast Asia over the last decade. Starting from the e-commerce field followed by sectors like the co-working space, the mobility and the fintech services, young and ambitious startups have been playing crucial roles in taking initiatives to bring digital technology into designing customized solutions in a local context. 

As Bari Arijono stressed throughout his book, 'Indonesia Digital Nation', digital transformation has been widely undergoing all over major industries in Indonesia.

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(3)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia 

It seems that Indonesia has caught eyes of the global investment industry more actively than Singapore in the regional competition of startup waves. A growing number of venture capitals and startup incubators sense exceptional business opportunities of Indonesia especially in terms of the market size. 

In fact, as the world's biggest archipelago with 17,000 or so islands, Indonesia has little choices but to rely upon online or mobile platforms to have more people advantaged from the convenience and efficiency of the digital economy.

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(2)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia

These advantages of the two countries, namely Singapore in quality way and Indonesia in quantity way, have been exercising salient powers in generating most notable startups in the region. 

The fact that 8 out of 10 unicorns in Southeast Asia are headquartered either in Singapore or in Indonesia proves the significance of the two countries in the developments of the digital economy.

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(1)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia

Among 11 countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore and Indonesia has been viewed as spearheading the advent of the digital economy across the region. It is little doubt that Singapore is the financial and technological hub of Southeast Asia with its delicately developed free-market economy. 

Blessed with the world's 4th largest population of around 260 million people, Indonesia takes approximately 40% of the total GDP of the Southeast Asian economy.

 

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(4)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

This could explain why global investment experts have been paying closer attention to this area where the youth covering roughly half of the whole population are climbing on the brand new era of the digital economy. 

In this sense, it may not be too much to say that a rosy outlook on the startup fad in Southeast Asia is likely to be maintained for the time being.

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(3)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

Why startup markets in Southeast Asia have been much spotlighted? Hugh growth potential in the region would be singled out above all things. The number of internet users in key countries of Southeast Asia like Myanmar and the Philippines has been mounting the fastest on the planet. 

There is eye-catching prediction that a whopping 480 million people almost nearing the entire inhabitants  of the European Union will be fairly accessed to internet in Southeast Asia by 2020.

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(2)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

According to Tech in Asia, startups in Southeast Asia were awarded with as much as $10.9 billion in investment in 2018. This figure is over 30% higher than the total startup investment of $7.9 billion in 2017. 

This is far startling because investment in Southeast Asian startups failed to reach even $1 billion in 2013. Consequently, 10 unicorns  have been emerged in the region. VNG, an online game platform in Vietnam and Go-Jek, an Indonesian application-based ride-hailing service provider are renowned digital players.

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(1)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

Startup boom deserves to be named as one of the hot issues in Southeast Asia these days. Startup markets across Southeast Asia have been rapidly gaining momentums. 

As a matter of fact, locally born leaders of the digital economy such as Grab in Singapore which acquired the Southeast Asian business unit of Uber in early 2018 have been credited for redrawing the conventional industrial map in the region. 

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society(4)

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society

As a result, financial environments without coins and bills have been realizing inch by inch. For instance, it is commonly observed that IT-savvy youngsters enjoy full benefits of a cashless society with Go-Jek or Grab on a daily basis. 

Of course, cashless society is still at its infant stage. A life without cash may not ring a meaningful bell to those staying in less-developed parts of Indonesia. However, hopes are higher than ever that a cashless society primarily enabled by unprecedentedly fast expansion of mobility services will surely advance the national dream of digital Indonesia into reality.

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society(3)

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society

In a country where less than 10% of the population holds credit cards, implementation of e-payment system on mobile devices served as a game changer for the leapfrog of the mobility market. As users can make payments within their balance in the mobile wallet, overall access to mobility services was considerably upgraded. 

In other words, mobility services in Indonesia became more and more prevalent with no concern for possession of cash or credit cards. It goes without saying that such spread of mobility services accelerated by actualization of e-payment on mobile gadgets has raised the expectation of a cashless society in Indonesia. 

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society(2)

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society

As snowballing amount of investment continues to rush in, anticipation has been getting bigger that the local mobility market will fulfill its growth potentials in a maximum level. Huge success of two mobility startups in Indonesia can be partly attributed to the introduction of e-payment methods to their applications. 

For example, after purchasing a few electronic wallet-related startups, Go-Jek added Go-Pay, an e-payment function to its application in April, 2016. In contrast, Grab announced official business partnership with OVO, an electronic payment platform backed by Lippo Group and have it transplanted to mobile application in December, 2016.

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society(1)

Spread of mobility service and Indonesian cashless society

In tandem with the e-commerce, fintech and online travel areas, mobility service has been often acclaimed as the leading trailblazer of the Indonesian digital economy. It is due to the rapid development of the mobility industry mainly triggered by ever-intensifying rivalry between Go-Jek and Grab, two and only decacons in Southeast Asia. 

Beginning from the desperate idea of improving chronic traffic congestions in urban districts, both Go-Jek and Grab have risen to their fame as supper applications inevitable for daily lives of the Indonesian people, young generation in particular. 

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(4)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia

Starting from the e-commerce field followed by sectors like the co-working space, the mobility  and the fintech  services, young and ambitious startups have been playing crucial roles in taking initiatives to bring digital technology into designing customized solutions in a local context. 

As Bari Arijono  stressed throughout his book, 'Indonesia Digital Nation', digital transformation has been widely undergoing all over major industries in Indonesia.

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(3)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia

A growing number of venture capitals and startup incubators sense exceptional business opportunities of Indonesia especially in terms of the market size. In fact, as the world's biggest archipelago with 17,000 or so islands, Indonesia has little choices but to rely upon online or mobile platforms to have more people advantaged from the convenience and efficiency of the digital economy. 

In this regard, it is no wonder that Indonesia has been through hottest startup craze in Southeast Asia over the last decade.

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(2)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia

These advantages of the two countries, namely Singapore in quality way and Indonesia in quantity way, have been exercising salient powers in generating most notable startups in the region. The fact that 8 out of 10 unicorns in Southeast Asia are headquartered either in Singapore or in Indonesia proves the significance of the two countries in the developments of the digital economy. 

It seems that Indonesia has caught eyes of the global investment industry more actively than Singapore in the regional competition of startup waves.

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia(1)

Global eyes on startup fever in Indonesia

Among 11 countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore and Indonesia has been viewed as spearheading the advent of the digital economy across the region. It is little doubt that Singapore is the financial and technological hub of Southeast Asia with its delicately developed free-market economy. 

Blessed with the world's 4th largest population of around 260 million people, Indonesia takes approximately 40% of the total GDP of the Southeast Asian economy. 

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(4)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

This could explain why global investment experts have been paying closer attention to this area where the youth covering roughly half of the whole population are climbing on the brand new era of the digital economy. 

In this sense, it may not be too much to say that a rosy outlook on the startup fad in Southeast Asia is likely to be maintained for the time being.

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(3)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

Why startup markets in Southeast Asia have been much spotlighted? Hugh growth potential in the region would be singled out above all things. The number of internet users in key countries of Southeast Asia like Myanmar and the Philippines has been mounting the fastest on the planet. 

There is eye-catching prediction that a whopping 480 million people almost nearing the entire inhabitants  of the European Union will be fairly accessed to internet in Southeast Asia by 2020.

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(2)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

According to Tech in Asia , startups in Southeast Asia were awarded with as much as $10.9 billion in investment in 2018. This figure is over 30% higher than the total startup investment of $7.9 billion in 2017. This is far startling because investment in Southeast Asian startups failed to reach even $1 billion in 2013. 

Consequently, 10 unicorns  have been emerged in the region. VNG, an online game platform in Vietnam and Go-Jek, an Indonesian application-based ride-hailing service provider are renowned digital players.

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia(1)

Recent startup boom across Southeast Asia

Startup boom deserves to be named as one of the hot issues in Southeast Asia these days. Startup markets across Southeast Asia have been rapidly gaining momentums. 

As a matter of fact, locally born leaders of the digital economy  such as Grab in Singapore which acquired the Southeast Asian business unit of Uber in early 2018 have been credited for redrawing the conventional industrial map in the region. 

Should Go to a College?(6)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Expectation on the first graduates of two meister high schools in February of 2013, 'Suwon Hi-tech High School(Industrial-educational collaboration)' and 'Wonju Medical Instruments High School(Differentiation)' is high. These schools would be especially important to those parents whose kids soon advance to high schools. 

It is a still long way to go. But from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope stories of these schools will surely spread to all over the country. In doing so, this book can serve a timely opportunity to have the society slept on the significance of all-pervading academic cliquism-inflation and desirable models of vocational education in Korea.

Should Go to a College?(5)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

5 other high schools were finally selected and introduced to this e-book along with Bubsung High School. Foundation principles and goals of these schools are all different. In addition, these 6 schools aren't yet to be called best vocational schools in Korea. 

However, there's no doubt these schools have enhanced unique education programs to bring up young talented resources. 'Bubsung High School(School Enterprise)', 'Seoul Girls' Commercial High School(Personality Education)', 'Suwon High School for Agricultural Science(Customized Education)' and 'Induk Technical High School(Internationalization)' are special high schools where the Korean public should exemplify.

 

Should Go to a College?(4)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

After my article was released, Korean media professionals rushed to Bubsung High School to cover them into their own and even Japanese business start-ups came to Korea to benchmark the school. My story's sudden fame brought me a great confidence as well. 

My book was born based upon these backgrounds. Since Bubsung High School, I have pondered over how to engage myself in other cases of exemplary special high schools and meister high schools.

Should Go to a College?(3)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Bubsung High School's story is something more than good news. I was obligated that the public has a right to appreciate this trivial, but meaningful success story. 

In fact, the story imminently showcased a negative impact from Korean hakbulism(academic cliquism) which resulted in discrimination and alienation against graduates of special high schools and fierce competition in resume management to college graduates, I believe.

Should Go to a College?(2)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

The online shopping mall launched less than a year ago has monthly revenue of 10 million Korean Won could be surprising news to anybody. In other words, it was such a great news source that could quench thirst of curious journalists like me who's been longing for something unique to write. 

My visit to Bubsung High School turned out to be a great anecdote. When I paid a second visit to the school 8 months later, Bubsungmall even reached revenue of 100 million Korean Won per annum.

Should Go to a College?(1)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Back in spring in 2009 I was still a journalist. I had a dinner with professionals from an IT solution firm which built online shopping malls for special high schools in Korea. Discussions and chats related to a special high school named 'Bubsung High School' were brought upon to these folks. 

It is located in Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do where it boasts the largest production of dried yellow corvinas in Korea. Teachers and students of Bubsung High School, via online shopping mall called 'Bubsungmall', sold dried yellow corvinas and other local products nationwide.

Should Go to a College?(6)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

These schools would be especially important to those parents whose kids soon advance to high schools. It is a still long way to go. But from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope stories of these schools will surely spread to all over the country. 

In doing so, this book can serve a timely opportunity to have the society slept on the significance of all-pervading academic cliquism-inflation and desirable models of vocational education in Korea.

Should Go to a College?(5)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

'Bubsung High School(School Enterprise)', 'Seoul Girls' Commercial High School(Personality Education)', 'Suwon High School for Agricultural Science(Customized Education)' and 'Induk Technical High School(Internationalization)' are special high schools where the Korean public should exemplify. 

Expectation on the first graduates of two meister high schools in February of 2013, 'Suwon Hi-tech High School(Industrial-educational collaboration)' and 'Wonju Medical Instruments High School(Differentiation)' is high.

Should Go to a College?(4)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

My book was born based upon these backgrounds. Since Bubsung High School, I have pondered over how to engage myself in other cases of exemplary special high schools and meister high schools. 5 other high schools were finally selected and introduced to this e-book along with Bubsung High School. 

Foundation principles and goals of these schools are all different. In addition, these 6 schools aren't yet to be called best vocational schools in Korea. However, there's no doubt these schools have enhanced unique education programs to bring up young talented resources. 

Should Go to a College?(3)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Bubsung High School's story is something more than good news. I was obligated that the public has a right to appreciate this trivial, but meaningful success story. In fact, the story imminently showcased a negative impact from Korean hakbulism(academic cliquism) which resulted in discrimination and alienation against graduates of special high schools and fierce competition in resume management to college graduates, I believe. 

After my article was released, Korean media professionals rushed to Bubsung High School to cover them into their own and even Japanese business start-ups came to Korea to benchmark the school. My story's sudden fame brought me a great confidence as well.

Should Go to a College?(2)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

The online shopping mall launched less than a year ago has monthly revenue of 10 million Korean Won could be surprising news to anybody. In other words, it was such a great news source that could quench thirst of curious journalists like me who’s been longing for something unique to write. 

My visit to Bubsung High School turned out to be a great anecdote. When I paid a second visit to the school 8 months later, Bubsungmall even reached revenue of 100 million Korean Won per annum.

Should Go to a College?(1)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Back in spring in 2009 I was still a journalist. I had a dinner with professionals from an IT solution firm which built online shopping malls for special high schools in Korea. Discussions and chats related to a special high school named 'Bubsung High School' were brought upon to these folks. 

It is located in Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do where it boasts the largest production of dried yellow corvinas in Korea. Teachers and students of Bubsung High School, via online shopping mall called 'Bubsungmall', sold dried yellow corvinas and other local products nationwide.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(12)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

Education, particularly vocational education and a subsequent industry-school collaboration model has been my main area of interest ever since I started to work at Maeil Business Newspaper, Korea's No.1 business daily. 

Succeeding TAFEs in Australia, vocational education system of Germany and Scandinavian countries would be my next target for exploration on this issue.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(11)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea 

My e-book on the Korean vocational education system, mainly featuring 6 exemplary high schools including Induk Technical Highschool and Seoul Girls' Commercial Highschool was published last June. Titled 'Should Go to a College?', the book has been provoking nationwide sensation so far. Please find the attached cover page and English summary as additional documentary evidence.

Now I'm communicating with a Japanese publishing agency, 'CUON(www.cuon.jp)' to have my e-book published in Japanese language soon.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(10)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

If my project is accepted and valued in an extensive way, movement to adopt parts of the outputs into real governmental policies for better vocational education in Korea is expected. 

Both paper book and e-book in Korean will be published within 6 months after completion of the project. Following 'Should Go to a College?' last year, this book would mark the sequence of my intensive research on the issue of the vocational education system in Korea.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(9)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

If my project turns out meaningful and inevitable to enhance the quality of vocational education in Korea, there will be huge media coverage on my project, myself and the AKF. As a former journalist, I'll make the best use of my network on the media sector. 

The number of Korean vocational high schools, parents and students, related institutions and even government officials visiting Australia to learn how to efficiently improve vocational education system will be significantly increasing.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(8)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

Among the colorful merits, what I want to research most is TAFEs' industry-school collaboration model. One excellent example is Kangan Institute of TAFE's cooperative relationship with nearby automobile industries like GM and Toyota in Melbourne. 

This productive and realistic approach to vocational education has been widely known to increase Australia's clout in the global society. Needless to say, it will mean a lot to the Korean vocational education system and related parties.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(7)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

They warn that if the outdated vocational education system in Korea keeps failing to comply with the voices of the real world, national competitiveness will be shrinking as well. The reason why my e-book, 'Should Go to a College?' was published last year is in close line with this serious message. 

Now my eyes are on the advanced vocational training system in Australia. Represented by TAFEs, Australia has been providing well-established vocational education service to students. It is no wonder that Australia is often cited to have one of the best vocational education systems in the world. 

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(6)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea 

As a consequence, vocational training at the high school or higher education level hasn't been properly developed. Rather, vocational education schools have been regarded as places for less smart students and thus haven't provided timely and practical training to meet industries' ever-changing need. 

However, time is shifting rapidly. The corporate sector as a whole is strongly asking industry-oriented vocational education.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(5)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

In Korea, as many as 70~80% high school graduates advance to colleges or universities for their higher education. Many of them just sticks to colleges regardless of their dreams or aptitude. It is mainly because they have not been welcomed and respected by others without a bachelor's degree. 

Partly originated from the Confucian culture, a college degree has guaranteed job security and decent income in the Korean society. That's why most parents push their kids to go to a college even though their sons and daughters aren't interested in an academic career.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(4)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

Then Australian engagement with Korea will become more lively and mutual relationship between the two countries will surely go further. 

In that education is an inevitable element of any society, this project will bridge those Koreans not familiar with the leading vocational education system to Australia even in the social and cultural context. In this regard, I have no doubt that my project will best serve the goals of the AKF.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(3)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

Vocational training at the secondary and higher education level in Korea has stayed less estimated for a long time. It has a long way to go in both hardware and software aspects. If my research contributes to awaken the Korean society of the significance of up-to-date vocational education and come up with actual changes, I'll be happily taking any troubles to complete this project. 

By introducing the sophisticated vocational education model of TAFE, public awareness of Australia in Korea will be expected to be higher.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(2)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

Then I will catch strengths of the system and deliver essential implications to the Korean vocational education sector, which falls way behind the Korea's recent economic competitiveness in the global market. 

Active visits to schools(named below) and industries with cooperation, in-depth observation of classes, detailed interviews with experts of schools and governmental bodies along with local students will be key activities of my project.

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea(1)

Industry-school collaboration model of TAFE's vocational education in Australia and its implication to Korea

Australia has been acclaimed as one of the best providers of high quality vocational training at the secondary and higher education level. TAFE(Technical and Further Education) has been at the center of such advanced vocational education system in Australia. 

What distinguishes TAFEs most is that TAFEs have established solid cooperative relationship with industries over decades. Through this project, I sincerely hope to see the systematic vocational training on the spot and learn lessons from the industry-school collaboration model.

The establishment of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(11)

The establishment of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

Worries are prevailing that South Korea is way behind not only the running Japan but also the flying China. Other major players including Australia, America and the North Europe don't sit idle as well. 

Prediction is that the ASEAN may play a crucial role of the last resort to save South Korea suffering from chronic weak growth. Needless to say, systematic and long-term approach is desperately needed in the unprecedented era of the AEC.

The establishment of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(10)

The establishment of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

South Korean business people navigating new growth chances have unanimously pointed out that Japanese business presence is dominant in the region. Moreover, China is speeding up recently by utilizing its extensive networks across the region. 

China has maintained robust retail and wholesale channels in most part of the ASEAN since around the 16~17th century when the Western forces first embarked on their rush to Southeast Asia. Unlike competitors heading forward, South Korea is often regarded encountered with shabby circumstance. 

The establishment of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(9)

The establishment of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

In doing so, physical barriers will be torn down and regional exchanges and trades will be fairly accelerated. This will also gear up the possibility of the realization of the AEC overcoming the concern that the AEC blueprint 2025 may remain a mere declaratory gesture. 

As a matter of fact, a global war without guns has been underway to attract the ASEAN actively stretching itself to the world. For instance, Japan has been striving to enhance its clout on the AEC by devoting itself to investment on the infrastructure and key industries.