The Impulso Podcast

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast by Momentum Works, your go-to source for in-depth coverage of the latest developments in business and technology. 

In this edition of our weekly recaps, we delve into the latest headlines that are shaping the industry. From the appointment of GoTo's new CEO to Sam Altman's Asia tour, MissFresh's potential delisting, and the release of Momentum Works' E-commerce in Southeast Asia Report, we bring you the latest insights and analysis.

We kick off the episode by discussing the recent changes at GoTo, Indonesia's largest internet company. Following the resignation of CEO Andre Soelistyo, we explore the appointment of Patrick Walujo, the managing partner of Northstar Group, as the new CEO. As we delve into GoTo's challenges, we analyze the relatively small ride-hailing business in Indonesia and the competitive dynamics in the e-commerce sector. We also examine GoTo's financial situation and the steps they've taken to control costs and increase revenue. Additionally, we discuss the next steps for GoTo and offer insights on potential strategies they should consider moving forward.

Shifting our focus, we explore Sam Altman's presence in Asia. The CEO of OpenAI embarked on a world tour to escape the Silicon Valley bubble and gain a deeper understanding of global issues in AI. We highlight Altman's dialogue at Singapore Management University (SMU), where he engaged with developers, tech professionals, and industry players to discuss AI-related matters. We also touch upon his meetings with leaders like Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore and prominent business figures in Japan, South Korea, and India. We delve into Altman's perspectives on the regulation of AI, the importance of deploying technology responsibly, and the co-evolution of society and AI.

In a significant development, we examine the delisting situation faced by MissFresh, a Chinese e-commerce platform specializing in high-quality fresh food. We delve into the reasons behind Nasdaq's delisting determination notice and explore MissFresh's response, including their request for a hearing. We also highlight MissFresh's violation of a listing rule and their previous operational challenges, which resulted in the suspension of flagship instant-delivery services and employee layoffs.

As we conclude the episode, we share the exciting news following the release of Momentum Works' E-commerce in Southeast Asia Report. We address questions raised by the media, providing insights into the report's methodology and the factors behind TikTok Shop's remarkable growth. We also explore the contributions of different countries in Southeast Asia to this success and unravel the secrets behind TikTok Shop's rise.

Happy listening!

Materials referenced:

E-commerce in Southeast Asia 2023

https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2023/

What does a new CEO mean for GoTo?

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-does-a-new-ceo-mean-for-goto/

Apples to apples: Benchmarking Shopee, Grab, GoTo and other major tech platforms

https://momentum.asia/product/apples-to-apples-making-sense-of-and-comparing-key-data-metrics-of-major-tech-platform-companies/

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast by Momentum Works, your go-to source for in-depth coverage of the latest developments in business and technology. 

In this week’s in-depth episode, we give you a sneak peek into the content of Momentum Works’ Ecommerce in Southeast Asia report, available to download from tomorrow. Our special guest and Head of Insights for Momentum Works, Vion Yau, breaks down the need-to-know for the state of ecommerce in the region.

Has the industry plateaued since the return of in-person shopping and rising inflation worldwide? Spoiler alert: it has not. Why? And, more importantly, how much exactly has it grown? Vion has the numbers for you. CEO and founder of Momentum Works, Jianggan Li is back with more insights into what the key players like Shopee and Lazada have been doing, and why JD and Shein decided to take a break from Indonesia. Plus, hear about Shopee’s grand plan to own the delivery process, and more.

We tried our best to pry some topline numbers out of Vion for you, and it worked. Find out what the once booming industry was worth two years ago, and how that has changed to date. Learn about the differences between the market size in 2020 and 2022, and how players like Tik Tok Shop have established themselves and contributed to the growth. Also, dive into which companies did not pull their weight over the last two years, and what their plans are to turn that around.

To conclude this episode, we talked about the different scenarios that could shape the future of the ecommerce industry, and the answers will shock you. Understand what the ramifications of war would be, and how the geopolitical landscape plays a hefty role in the fate of ecommerce. What are the best, normal, and worst case scenarios? We have all the answers and more here for you on this episode of the Impulso podcast.

Materials referenced:

Food delivery platforms in SEA (2023)

https://momentum.asia/product/food-delivery-platforms-in-southeast-asia-2023/

Apples to apples: Benchmarking Shopee, Grab, GoTo and other major tech platforms

https://momentum.asia/product/apples-to-apples-making-sense-of-and-comparing-key-data-metrics-of-major-tech-platform-companies/

Who is Temu?

https://momentum.asia/product/who-is-temu/

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast by Momentum Works, your go-to source for in-depth coverage of the latest developments in business and technology. 

In this week’s episode, we dive into the latest headlines that have been shaping the industry. From Sequoia's (not too unexpected) split to Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) announcements, the SEC lawsuit against prominent cryptocurrency platforms, and Temu's expansion into Europe, we cover it all.

We begin by providing a quick background on Sequoia, the renowned venture capital firm. Discover their influential role in funding and nurturing groundbreaking startups and delve into the motivations behind their recent split. Uncover the driving factors and the timing of this decision, and explore the potential impact it could have on the startup ecosystem.

Shifting gears, we turn our attention to Apple's highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference. We unravel the main takeaways from the event, highlighting the exciting announcements that are set to shape the future of Apple's ecosystem. From the introduction of Vision Pro and its supposed game-changing features, we uncover Apple's motivation in releasing a headset so much later than its tech conglomerate counterparts. It doesn’t seem to be for sales, so what is it? Additionally, we explore the competitive landscape and the implications for Apple's rivals.

Next, we delve into the SEC lawsuit that has cast a spotlight on major cryptocurrency platforms, namely Binance and Coinbase. We delve into the underlying basis of the lawsuit, dissecting the concept of securities and its relevance to the cryptocurrency industry. Explore the founders' perspectives and opinions on the matter, as well as the potential implications for the broader crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

In an exciting development, we shift our focus to Temu's expansion into Europe. Uncover the essence of Temu, a trailblazing company that has been making waves in the industry, and explore their journey towards topping the charts in Europe. Discover the factors that have contributed to their success and their unique approach to disrupting traditional industries.

As we conclude this episode, we offer a glimpse into the future. Get ready for the launch of the Momentum Works Ecommerce report next week, where we delve even deeper into the latest trends and insights in the world of online commerce. Stay tuned for this highly anticipated report that promises to provide valuable insights into the ever-evolving business landscape.

Resources referenced in today’s episode:

Temu now tops charts across Europe, North America and ANZ:

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/temu-now-tops-charts-across-europe-north-america-and-anz/

Regulation of Web3 in 2023

Part 1: https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/regulation-of-web3-in-2023-part-1-macro-logics-and-anatomy-of-mismanagement-of-web3-companies/

Part 2: https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/regulation-of-web3-in-2023-part-2-what-goes-through-a-regulators-mind/

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast,  your go-to source for in-depth coverage of the latest developments in business and technology. In this episode, we delve into the world of Tesla, its leader Elon Musk, and his profound connection to China. From Tesla's performance in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market to Elon Musk's recent visit and the impact on various aspects of Tesla's operations, we leave no stone unturned.

In case you missed it, check out last week’s E04, where we first explored Elon Musk's presence in China.

Delving into the heart of the episode, we uncover the details of Elon Musk's itinerary during his visit to China. Who did he meet? What insights were gained from these interactions? We share exclusive information about Musk's engagements, shedding light on the potential collaborations and future prospects for Tesla in China.

The Chinese EV market takes centre stage as we dive into the latest May sales numbers. Explore the market dynamics, emerging trends, and the competitive landscape in one of the world's largest automotive markets. We examine how Tesla is faring in this highly competitive arena, analysing its sales performance, market share, and customer reception.

One of the highlights of Musk's visit was his speech at the Tesla factory. You get to hear his words firsthand, and decide for yourself what his almost emotional tone of voice means. 

Transitioning to his other endeavours, we consider Elon Musk's engagement with Twitter, both while in China, and otherwise. Is Musk inspired by WeChat, China's ubiquitous social media platform? We delve into his potential motivations and share an intriguing quote that sheds light on this aspect. Additionally, we examine the differences between Twitter and WeChat in terms of customer base and market positioning.

As we delve deeper into Elon Musk's various ventures, we touch upon his other companies, such as SpaceX and Starlink. Discover how these ventures align with Tesla's mission and explore the interconnectedness of Musk's visionary projects.

Tune in to The Impulso Podcast your favourite source for business and technology analysis; stay informed, stay engaged, and stay ahead of the curve. We’ll see you later this week for our Friday weekly recap episode.

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

Seeing the Unseen: Behind Chinese Tech Giants' Global Venturing

https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Unseen-Behind-Chinese-Venturing-ebook/dp/B0BFJYPB6T/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2NLA4IYDT5YAO&keywords=seeing+the+unseen&qid=1685466121&sprefix=seeing+th%2Caps%2C539&sr=8-4

Why was Elon Musk Really in China?

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/why-was-elon-musk-really-in-china/

Welcome back to the Impulso podcast, the show that keeps you up to date with the ever-evolving world of business and technology. In this episode, we delve into this week’s top of mind subjects. From the widespread emulation of Temu's groundbreaking business model to Elon Musk's recent visit to Beijing and the attention-grabbing statement signed by prominent figures in the AI space, we bring you perspectives from the ground.

Join us as we explore the profound influence of Temu, a trailblazing company that has become the one to copy. We'll delve into the rising trend of businesses attempting to replicate Temu's success and the impact it has on the competitive landscape. Discover how Temu has disrupted the ecommerce industry and paved the way for a new kind of business.

Next, we turn our attention to Elon Musk and his visit to Beijing. Uncover the reasons behind Musk's trip and its implications for the future of electric vehicles, self-driving cars, and production speeds. We'll analyze the significance of Musk's engagement with Chinese officials and the driving metaphors that emerged from his visit.

In a thought-provoking segment, we examine the newest statement that highlights the risks associated with the ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). We'll discuss the key concerns raised by influential figures in the AI field and the potential consequences of unchecked AI development. Delve into the ethical and societal implications of AI and explore the need for responsible innovation in this rapidly evolving domain.

Stay connected to the Impulso podcast as we bring you the most fascinating stories, trends, and insights from the world of business and technology.

 

Materials referenced in this episode:

Who is Temu report

https://momentum.asia/product/who-is-temu/

What exactly are TikTok, Shopee, Lazada all trying to copy from Temu?

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-exactly-are-tiktok-shopee-lazada-all-trying-to-copy-from-temu/

Shanghai Auto Show

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/we-went-to-shanghai-auto-show-and-saw-a-red-ocean-of-chinese-evs/

Momentum Works at Income Innovfest

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7068829480261218304/

Previous Web3 related reports

https://momentum.asia/product-category/industry-focused/web-3/

In our first in-depth episode, we dive deep into the captivating story of Alibaba, China's e-commerce behemoth, and unravel the details behind its most significant restructuring to date. Join us as we explore Alibaba's remarkable rise to prominence, from its humble beginnings as a B2B online marketplace to becoming a global powerhouse that transformed China's digital landscape.  

Along the way, we closely examine the leadership of Alibaba's visionary founder, Jack Ma, and the impact it has had on the company; no discussion about Alibaba would be complete without exploring the enigmatic leadership of its founder, Jack Ma. 

As we evaluate Alibaba's future prospects, we'll delve into the potential opportunities and risks it faces in the ever-evolving Chinese and global markets. We'll walk through Alibaba's expanding presence in sectors like cloud computing, logistics, and digital entertainment, and we'll analyze the impact of increased regulatory scrutiny and the company's ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape.

We'll then dissect the details of Alibaba's historic restructuring. Our analysis will shed light on the reasons behind the restructuring including growing competition, and strategic considerations when one conglomerate is being pulled in several different directions due to a variety of business models under its umbrella. We'll unravel how this restructuring aims to streamline Alibaba's operations, bolster corporate governance, and position the company for future growth.

Join us as we make sense of Alibaba's biggest restructuring in history and delve into the intriguing leadership of Jack Ma. Discover the contextual backdrop behind Alibaba's rise to success, gain insights into the motivations driving its restructuring, and explore the possibilities that lie ahead.

Tune in to the Impulso Podcast for more insightful episodes like this one, and stay connected with us as we continue to unravel the fascinating worlds of business and technology.

 

Articles and books referenced:

What key lessons can organisations learn from Alibaba’s restructuring? 

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-key-lessons-can-organisations-learn-from-alibabas-restructuring/

Alibaba CEO talks about reasons behind its biggest restructuring in history 

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/alibaba-ceo-talks-about-reasons-behind-its-biggest-restructuring-in-history/

[Seeing the unseen] Our thoughts on Alibaba’s major restructuring

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/seeing-the-unseen-our-thoughts-on-alibabas-major-restructuring/

[Seeing the unseen] What did Jack Ma say in his first TV interview in 1995?

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/seeing-the-unseen-what-did-jack-ma-say-in-his-first-tv-interview-in-1995/

Seeing the Unseen: Behind Chinese Tech Giants' Global Venturing

https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Unseen-Behind-Chinese-Venturing-ebook/dp/B0BFJYPB6T/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2NLA4IYDT5YAO&keywords=seeing+the+unseen&qid=1685466121&sprefix=seeing+th%2Caps%2C539&sr=8-4

Welcome back to "Impulso," the podcast by Momentum Works where we explore the latest trends, breakthroughs, and stories from the worlds of business and technology. In this exciting second episode, we explore Meituan’s expansion into Hong Kong with KeeTa, Grab’s co-founder stepping down and what it means for the tech giant, Alibaba’s most dramatic restructuring in over 2 decades, and everyone’s favourite beverage: bubble tea.

We begin with the context of Meituan; a company that has pivoted its direction too many times to count before landing where it is today. Though it has worn many masks, Meituan hasn’t really ventured out of China since its founding in 2010, so its debut in Hong Kong has been top of mind this last week as the company enters the pond previously dominated by well-established Foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Our attention then turns to the recent announcement of Grab’s cofounder, Tan Hooi Ling, stepping down from her role as COO. We discuss what this means for the company’s future, and what tangible impact this change will have internally. This brings us to the wider question of founders and the companies they start; when it is time to say goodbye, what do we say goodbye to with them?

Another founder who has been in the news lately, is that of the biggest ecommerce company in the world; Alibaba’s Jack Ma. Since his return to China, the company has announced its largest restructuring in over two decades - the split of the singular Alibaba into six independent companies, each focused on a sector or subsidiary of the former whole business, with its own CEO, board of directors, vision for the future, and IPO plans. There is so much to talk about with regards to the motivations behind this change, the context in which it occurred, and the speed at which its being carried out, that we barely scratched the surface. For more on this, stay tuned for our first in depth episode coming to you next Wednesday at 8am (GMT+8) for more.

Before we say goodbye, we would be remiss to not mention Momentum Academy (Momentum Works’ corporate academy arm) and their new immersive bubble tea program. The bubble tea market in Southeast Asia is almost a USD$4 billion one, and Momentum Academy is taking you behind the shaker of a bubble tea store, and into its strategy.

"Impulso" offers an engaging blend of insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions to keep our listeners informed and inspired. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business professional, or simply curious about the latest developments, this episode will leave you craving more knowledge and understanding in the dynamic realm of business and technology.

 

For more information, here are the reports and articles we mentioned in the episode:

 

Meituan’s launch in Hong Kong:

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/meituan-officially-launches-in-hong-kong-will-they-overtake-foodpanda-and-deliveroo/) 

 

Alibaba’s restructuring - key lessons for organisations:

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-key-lessons-can-organisations-learn-from-alibabas-restructuring/

 

Alibaba’s restructuring - the reasons behind the shift:

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/alibaba-ceo-talks-about-reasons-behind-its-biggest-restructuring-in-history/

 

Meituan case study on finding business clarity:

https://momentum.asia/product/meituan_finding_business_clarity/

 

Bubble tea report:

https://momentum.asia/product/bubble-tea-in-southeast-asia/

Momentum Works and Cento Ventures hosted an online sharing session entitled “On stranger tides: Southeast Asia Tech Investment in 2023 ” to give you the inside perspective on trends in tech investment, and what to expect for the rest of 2023 as well as the next five years.

Cento Ventures’ Dmitry Levit and Momentum Works’s Jianggan Li hosted the sharing in four chapters:

1. What turning point has arrived in 2022?

2. Is Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem on the way to collapse as we are led to believe?

3. Who has been proven right after years of ridicule and being half forgotten?

4. What are the new rules of the game going to be?

 

Read our report here: https://momentum.asia/product/on-stra...

Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Impulso," the podcast by Momentum Works where we explore the latest trends, breakthroughs, and stories from the worlds of business and technology. In this exciting debut, we delve into the first-quarter reports of two prominent tech companies, Sea and Grab, examine the fascinating advancements in Generative AI, and take a closer look at Luckin Coffee's ambitious expansion into Singapore.

First, we tackle the Q1 reports of Sea and Grab, two influential players in Southeast Asia's rapidly evolving tech scene. We dissect their financial performance, strategic moves, and market outlooks, providing our listeners with valuable insights into the growth trajectories of these leading companies. 

Next, almost 6 months since ChatGPT's release, we dive into the captivating world of Generative AI, an emerging field that is revolutionising various industries. We discuss the latest developments, and ethical considerations surrounding this cutting-edge technology, including Sam Altman's recent congressional hearing.

In the latter part of the episode, we turn our attention to Luckin Coffee, a Chinese coffee chain that has made waves with its rapid expansion and innovative business model. We examine Luckin Coffee's bold move into Singapore, analysing the challenges it may face in a highly competitive market dominated by established players.

"Impulso" offers an engaging blend of insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions to keep our listeners informed and inspired. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business professional, or simply curious about the latest developments, this episode will leave you craving more knowledge and understanding in the dynamic realm of business and technology.

For more information, here are the reports and articles we mentioned in the episode:

Our thoughts on Grab's Q1 2023 results: https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/our-thoughts-on-grabs-2023-q1-results/

Our thoughts on Sea's Q1 2023 results: https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/our-thoughts-on-sea-groups-2023-q1-results/

Apples to Apples: Benchmarking Shopee, Grab, GoTo and other major tech platforms:  https://momentum.asia/product/apples-to-apples-making-sense-of-and-comparing-key-data-metrics-of-major-tech-platform-companies/

Apples to Apples 2.0 Benchmarking Major Tech Platforms Updated With Q4 And FY 2022 Results: https://momentum.asia/product/apples_to_apples_2-0/

Off the record: The future, by ChatGPT: https://momentum.asia/product/off-the-record-the-future-by-chatgpt/