Technology

GenAI Enables Customer Experiences in APAC to Reach Their Full Potential

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2024

APAC companies are utilizing the power of GenAI to reshape customer experiences, according to research insights commissioned by Infobip

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global cloud communications platform Infobip has released a new report with research insights by leading analyst firm IDC. The new Infobip eBook titled “Unlocking the potential of GenAI in CX” takes a closer look at how GenAI is enabling businesses to scale their customer service operations and provide more proactive and impactful customer experiences. Generative AI (or GenAI) is already making waves globally as companies and brands begin embracing this cutting-edge technology.

It is anticipated that by the end of 2027, the proportion of AI investments across the APAC region in GenAI will increase from 15% to 29%. Several business functions are being prioritized for GenAI initiatives – among the top areas that C-Level Execs are looking into using GenAI are Operations (47%), Customer Experience (38%), and Marketing (33%). The report also highlighted that APAC business sectors that are adopting GenAI are also following a similar trend as global top adopters of GenAI, especially within the Transportation and Logistics (74%), Telco, Media and Entertainment (72%), Financial Services (59%), and Healthcare and Life Sciences (54%) sectors.

How GenAI Improves Customer Experiences

Business leaders have long recognized the importance of having superior customer experiences and improved operational efficiency, but they face numerous challenges that have prevented them from effectively carrying out their CX strategies. Among the top factors include the accelerated pace of tech adoption such as GenAI (33%), rising costs of CX transformation services (32%) and increased digital offerings from competitors (31%).

Leveraging GenAI-augmented solutions may just be the ticket for companies looking for a way out of their CX challenges. GenAI empowers customers to curate their own rich customer journeys and quickly troubleshoot problems while allowing businesses to scale and publish high-quality creations to multiple digital channels. GenAI is also capable of identifying patterns in unstructured data, automatically mapping them to be more understandable for businesses.

“Research shows that 69% of CEOs in APAC see AI as a significant opportunity for business growth and differentiation. At Infobip, we are helping businesses of all sizes leverage AI to transform customer interactions. We believe that GenAI will enable businesses to create fully automated flows, delivering welcome messages, product recommendations, and support —both before and after purchase — through a single automated conversation. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect increased customer satisfaction, better marketing and sales conversions, improved operations and lower customer support costs,” said Ivan Ostojic, Chief Business Officer at Infobip.

Slow Adoption Despite a Record of Successes

Despite the huge potential of GenAI to revolutionize customer experiences, only 18% of APAC businesses are still in the early stage of AI adoption while 64% have either leveraged AI or Machine Learning in selected use cases. Just 18% of APAC businesses have advanced AI/ML capabilities. GenAI’s slow adoption among organizations may be due to certain key challenges that need to be addressed first, such as regulatory compliance and security concerns.

“GenAI is set to transform how we design, implement, deliver, and scale customer experiences. In IDC’s June 2023 Future of Customer Experience Survey, 35% of CX executives believe that innovations like GenAI and Web3 will be most pivotal in shaping their future CX strategies. Amidst economic uncertainties and rising costs, businesses must focus on differentiating themselves through value-driven, empathetic customer experiences, to stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace” said Nikhil Batra, Senior Research Director, IDC Asia-Pacific.

Despite the slow rollout of GenAI, several brands have already seen success in integrating GenAI into their CX strategies, such as Apollo 24/7, India’s largest multi-channel digital healthcare platform. The brand leveraged Infobip’s Answers AI-powered technology to create a more personalized and seamless digital healthcare experience to improve overall customer experience. By enabling GenAI digital assistance, Apollo 24/7 saw faster problem resolution and a higher conversion rate through intelligent chatbots.

With GenAI technology quickly becoming more sophisticated and advanced, APAC brands investing in GenAI are poised to greatly stand out from the competition and drive business growth. Organizations interested in embarking on GenAI customer journeys must choose a seasoned and trained local tech solution partner that is well-versed in conversational customer experiences. Once organizations have cleared the initial hurdles of GenAI, both customers and clients can enjoy the best of everything that GenAI technology can offer.

To learn more about how GenAI is enabling businesses to provide more proactive and impactful customer experiences, download the “Unlocking the potential of GenAI in CX” eBook here.

About Infobip

Infobip is a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected experiences across all stages of the customer journey. Accessed through a single platform, Infobip’s omnichannel engagement, identity, user authentication and contact centre solutions help businesses and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications to grow business and increase loyalty. It offers natively built technology with the capacity to reach over seven billion mobile devices and ‘things’ in 6 continents connected to over 9,700+ connections of which 800+ are direct operator connections. Infobip was established in 2006 and is led by its co-founders, CEO Silvio Kutić, Roberto Kutić and Izabel Jelenić.

Recent award wins include:

Infobip named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) 2024 for the second year running (June 2024)Infobip named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies (March 2024)Infobip named a leader in the CPaaS Leaderboard, Juniper Research (March 2024)Infobip ranked as number one Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, in the inaugural MetriRank CPaaS Report from Metrigy (Dec 2023)Infobip named a leader in the CCaaS Leaderboard, Juniper Research (Dec 2023)Omdia Ranks Infobip as Leader for the second year running in its CPaaS Universe Report (Nov 2023)Infobip named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) 2023 (Sept 2023)Infobip named a leader in the Juniper Customer Data Platform Leaderboard Report (July 2023)Infobip named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) 2023 Vendor Assessment (doc #US50607923, May 2023)

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SOURCE Infobip

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

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SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

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SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.