Interview with Mr. Anthony Tan
Reporter: Good morning, Anthony Tan. Thank you for joining us today. As the co-founder of Grab, one of Southeast Asia’s leading technology companies, you have made a significant impact on the ride-hailing and delivery industries. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Grab?
Anthony Tan: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The inspiration for Grab came from witnessing the challenges people faced with transportation in Southeast Asia. Traffic congestion, safety concerns, and limited access to reliable transportation options were prevalent issues. We saw an opportunity to leverage technology to provide a solution that would improve the lives of millions of people. Our vision was to create a platform that not only offered convenient and affordable transportation but also addressed the broader mobility needs of the region.
Reporter: Grab has expanded its services beyond ride-hailing and now offers various services like food delivery, digital payments, and financial services. How did you identify these opportunities, and what has driven Grab’s diversification strategy?
Anthony Tan: Our diversification strategy stems from our desire to become an everyday super app that caters to the evolving needs of our users. We continuously listen to our customers and analyze market trends to identify areas where we can provide value-added services. For example, we recognized the increasing demand for food delivery services and saw an opportunity to leverage our existing logistics network and technology infrastructure. By expanding into these areas, we aim to offer a comprehensive ecosystem that simplifies and enhances the daily lives of our users.
Reporter: Grab has faced intense competition in various markets. How do you navigate these competitive landscapes, and what sets Grab apart from its rivals?
Anthony Tan: Competition is an inherent part of any industry, and we embrace it as a catalyst for innovation. Our approach to competition is two-fold. First, we focus on delivering an exceptional user experience by providing reliable and convenient services. Second, we differentiate ourselves by building strong partnerships and creating value for all stakeholders, including our driver-partners, merchants, and consumers. Additionally, our deep understanding of the local markets and our ability to adapt quickly have been key factors in staying ahead of the competition.
Reporter: Grab has made significant strides in the area of sustainability and social impact. Could you share some initiatives or projects that Grab is undertaking to contribute to a more sustainable future?
Anthony Tan: Sustainability and social impact are integral to Grab’s mission. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly practices. One initiative is our GrabGreen program, where we aim to have electric vehicles make up a significant portion of our fleet in the coming years. We are also actively exploring partnerships and investments in renewable energy and working towards carbon neutrality across our operations. Additionally, we have initiatives to support and empower our driver-partners, such as access to financial services and upskilling programs, which contribute to the social well-being of communities we operate in.
Reporter: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Grab, and how do you see the future of technology-driven services in Southeast Asia?
Anthony Tan: Our aspirations for Grab are deeply rooted in our mission to drive Southeast Asia forward. We want to continue being a key enabler of digital transformation in the region, unlocking new opportunities and improving the lives of millions of people. As for the future of technology-driven services in Southeast Asia, I believe it holds immense potential. The region is experiencing rapid digitalization, and technology will play a pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities here. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and remain committed to driving positive change through innovation and collaboration.
Reporter: Thank you, Anthony Tan, for sharing your insights and vision for Grab. It has been a pleasure speaking with you, and we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of Grab in Southeast Asia.
Anthony Tan: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing Grab and our mission. We are dedicated to our vision of improving lives and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. We appreciate the support, and we are excited about the future.
