Digital Economy in Focus

"When Everything Else Stumbles"

Digital Economy refers to the economy that is formed by businesses and markets that use digital technology. 2020 Covid-19 pandemic affects industries from healthcare, education, infrastructure etc. I don't have to attach any statistics to that, simply look at the news and see how different countries' stumble. Some countries perform better than the others depending on how much digital economy is present in their DNA.

Photo credits to 'Media from Wix'

Before this year entered, we're like walking on sunshine, living on our normal state. But change is constant and this time around - we are ALL tested - I don't mean mass swab testing. That's what life is: a test of either patience by being stuck and unable or; test of stressing to rapidly cope up and be able.

The social distancing measures lead us to depend more on technology. "New norm", that's how they commonly call it. If it can be done online, do it online. It is on top of everybody's guidelines or policy making list.

Business models need to pivot to survive or simply accept bankruptcy. It's a sad truth and heartbreaking to see permanently closed establishments that has been part of our daily lives. But not all, there are some who still manage and some that turned the challenge into advantage. Here are some of the platforms I encounter:

1. Deliveroo is a food delivery service containing lists of restaurants and fast foods around the community. Convenient one stop shop that does not need to visit individual websites anymore. Physical establishments can maximize their affiliation to this app service by uploading images of the food they serve. They are also rated based on the customer feedback.

2. Lazada is an e-commerce company that is part of Alibaba Group. I am searching for indoor gym equipment at Decathlon website but items were sold out so I ended up scrolling at Lazada's gallery.

3. Google, Facebook and YouTube. These 3 giant search engines and social media company requires no introduction, they simply continue operation.

4. Zoom video communications company are not only used by offices for effective teleconferencing. This are also used for webinars.

5. Tiktok video sharing app is on the rise for entertainment purposes. The month long quarantine and lock down imposed made this a common outlet for many people.

Photo credits to 'Media from Wix'

While Digital age sets into dusk is the dawn of Quantum era. That will be reliance to artificial intelligence and computations. A reminder that we MUST future-proof or even pandemic-proof our business, career or anything we are into. Refrain from judging young generations, maybe they are more fit in today’s setting and we are the ones who need to adapt. Are we on separation anxiety, still hopeful that we could go back to the way we were before? We are free to choose: act ahead or be left behind. Stay safe and stay relevant.