By Xavier Kong
Tiger has seen the future, and Tiger speaks for all. The future will be ruled by companies that provide no-fuss services through on-demand apps on handheld devices. Is Malaysia ready for this future?
The future has come, two-legs, and it comes in the form of that device in your hand! Well, Tiger has been going on a bit with the entire apocalyptic future shtick, but the future where everything can be done from a smartphone or tablet sounds like a good idea to Tiger.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, titled ‘There’s an Uber for Everything Now’, apps that provide concierge services, which basically serve as the middle person between customers and services, have evolved to be able to deliver almost anything to your doorstep, or wherever you may need it, whenever you need it.
As the article was set in San Francisco, which the author of the article called “the capital of Internet La La Land”, Tiger wonders how well this translates over here in Malaysia. Of course, the scale of comparison is currently different as, despite the rather unflattering title of the author’s article, there really are a large number of on-demand apps that serve San Francisco.
On the other hand, here in Malaysia, the more popular apps include the homegrown GrabTaxi, which has been growing across the region, as well as Uber, which has set up shop here as well. Other than that, there is also Foodpanda, which offers delivery services for food and deliveries usually arrive within an hour.
The focus seems to be on transport and food, and Tiger agrees with the priorities of Malaysians in this case.
However, the question still remains on Tiger’s mind. Is Malaysia ready for the influx of apps that provide any service that a Malaysian could require? Currently, what is available in the Malaysian market are apps that are connected to transportation and food, and Tiger can see their lure.
Personally, however, Tiger is of the opinion that Malaysia is not ready for this. As it is, change seems to be something that is hard to accept for many. The introduction of disruptive technologies into the established systems in Malaysia causes uproars, protests, and strikes, among other things (Yes, Tiger is looking at those taxi drivers who protested against Uber).
This resistance to change and unwillingness to accept competition, in Tiger’s opinion, actually further weakens the nation. The so-called jaguh kampung mentality just isn’t going to cut it anymore, especially in a world where globalisation happens with a single click.
Coming back to the point of new things, when is Malaysia’s turn to implement services like Luxe or Heal? Luxe is an on-call valet service that currently operates in five cities in the United States that offers valet parking at cheaper rates. Its business model involves negotiating deals with out-of-the-way car parks, and this allows it to charge cheaper prices. Imagine a service such as this in the heart of Kuala Lumpur!
Heal, on the other hand, “delivers” a doctor within an hour to your doorstep. House calls may not be something new to Malaysia, but remain something that is out of reach for most. Honestly, this particular service would actually be a good implementation in any country, as those who are ill may not always be able to get themselves to the doctor, but also do not qualify or warrant calling for an ambulance at the same time.
Apps such as these would certainly make life easier and more convenient, but when will it be Malaysia’s turn? Tiger does not know. Considering 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and its lack of transparency, as well as the rather messed-up implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), and Tiger honestly does not have high hopes.
The most recent fiasco with the implementation of GST on prepaid top-ups is, in itself, quite disheartening. However, that is a different story, one which can be found here.
But hopefully, one day in future, Malaysia will also become a country that is able to handle these changes and apps that provide their multitude of services. One day, Malaysia will be ready. Tiger can only hope that Tiger is not too old and grey to enjoy those times.
You must be logged in to post a comment.