Rakuten Viber, one of the leading messaging apps in the world, has partnered with Globe myBusiness and GCash in providing micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their customers with a safe and efficient way to complete transactions through QR codes.

These QR codes have been first made available for merchants on FoodPH, Viber’s very own food directory. Through this partnership, FoodPH merchants can make online food orders more convenient for their buyers. To receive payments, they can simply send their GCash QR code to their customers, who can easily scan the code using the GCash app to pay for their orders. New FoodPH merchants can get their own GCash QR code upon signing up, while existing ones can do the same via a link that’s provided to them via the bot.

“We’re extremely excited to roll out this new feature on Viber, especially now that people are still encouraged to stay at home amid the ongoing pandemic. With QR codes, both our FoodPH partner merchants and their customers are now able to seamlessly transact with each other. As we’ve made the experience as convenient as possible, it encourages customers to support local businesses and order their food from MSMEs,” says David Tse, Senior Director, Rakuten Viber. “And we’re proud that we’re doing this with Globe myBusiness, which is the country’s leading partner for MSMEs, and GCash, which is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines with at least 30 million subscribers. Our Viber users deserve no less.”

“Globe myBusiness has always been committed to providing entrepreneurs with digital solutions and know-how to help them succeed in their ventures. We believe in partnering with Viber, which became the messaging app of choice for online shopping during the pandemic. That’s why we have encouraged our subscribers to enlist in Viber’s FoodPH, as it will help them maximize their reach and improve their customer service.” says Maridol Ylanan, Marketing and Strategy Head , Globe myBusiness.

“GCash used to generate QR codes only for bigger businesses to help them streamline their point-of-sale transactions. Along with Viber, we have realized that MSMEs, especially food businesses that have been hardly hit by the pandemic, will also greatly benefit from this feature,” says Fred Levy, Chief Commercial Officer, GCash. “Globe and GCash take the security of our users seriously. That’s why we couldn’t be happier that we are partnering with Viber, which is one of the most secure messaging apps in the world, in offering QR codes to FoodPH merchants.”

Launched in December 2020, FoodPH is Viber’s official food directory where users can search for a specific type of food, a certain cuisine, or look for a dish based on location. Merchants that are part of the community are carefully sourced by Viber, with some of them listed through Globe MyBusiness. Globe myBusiness subscribers who will register will enjoy a few perks like appearing in the first page of search results once they’re verified. To further encourage users to buy local, Viber FoodPH is featuring some food merchants within the bot,  making it easier for them to complete their Lunar New Year or Valentines’ Day spread at home.

Viber’s latest partnership with GCash comes after the messaging app announced last year that it was planning to turn the messaging app into an all-in-one app, moving towards fintech by making in-app payments available to everyone. That’s why Filipinos have more to expect from this latest partnership as both are aiming to fully integrate GCash into Viber for easier payments and more within the year.

A new IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) study revealed a top challenge for many surveyed CEOs over the next few years is managing an “anywhere” workforce. CEOs of outperforming organizations – those who were in the top 20 percent for revenue growth of those surveyed – are prioritizing talent, technology and partnerships to position their companies for success post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Empowering Employees in the Hybrid Workplace

IBM’s annual study found the majority of CEOs surveyed reported empowering a remote workforce was their top priority during 2020. Half of outperforming company CEOs surveyed said managing a remote “anywhere” workforce is a top leadership challenge over the next few years, compared to 25 percent of underperformers, companies in the bottom 20 percent for revenue growth of those surveyed.

“The COVID-19 pandemic challenged many leaders to focus on what’s essential, like their people,” said Mark Foster, senior vice president, IBM Services. “Many employees’ expectations of their employers have significantly changed. The ‘anywhere’ workforce can require leaders to provide agile technology, to adopt more empathetic leadership models that prioritize employee well-being and to champion flexible and inclusive cultures.”

In addition, 77 percent of outperforming company CEOs surveyed report they plan to prioritize employee well-being even if it affects near-term profitability, compared to 39 percent of underperformers, reflecting that the surveyed leaders of top organizations are heavily focused on their people in this moment.

IBM recommends that leaders consider carefully the longer-term challenge of a hybrid work environment, which can include things like providing employees with digital, cloud-enabled tools for collaboration, preventing employee burnout or sustaining company culture with focus on diversity and inclusion.

• Voluntary Attrition: In a related IBV survey of more than 14,000 global consumers, one in four employees surveyed reported they are planning to change employers in 2021, citing the need for a more flexible work schedule or location as a top reason why.
• Diversity: Only 17 percent of CEOs surveyed ranked diversity and inclusion among the most important organizational attributes for engaging employees.

Scalable and Flexible Technology Foundations

The IBV study also revealed that the majority of CEOs surveyed see technological factors among the most important external forces that will affect their business in the next few years, following the massive disruptions of 2020.

Across the board, surveyed CEOs said Cloud, AI and IoT were the top technologies that they believe can deliver benefits for their business. However, outperforming company CEOs surveyed said technology foundations were the top challenge at double the rate of underperformers.

Growing Importance of Partnerships

Outperforming company CEOs are also more focused on partnerships, according to the IBV study. 63 percent of outperforming CEOs surveyed said partnerships have become more important for driving business performance while only about half as many underperformers said the same. Based on the results of this study, IBM’s thesis is that outperforming company CEOs are narrowing their focus to what they do best and relying on partners and ecosystems for access to broader ideas and innovation opportunities.

In addition, IBM notes that as many leaders increasingly see how their organizations can help address interconnected global issues like climate change, ecosystems may be able to play a pivotal role in driving lasting change. 

The IBV study includes recommendations from IBM for how leaders can seize this moment to reset and focus on what may be essential for success: choosing flexible and scalable technology platforms like an open hybrid cloud, investing in the holistic well-being of their people, and partnering to win with an open innovation approach.

The new normal has shown how attractive digital payments are. Apart from promoting safety because it is contactless, this method of paying is convenient, fast, and has low processing fees. The growing demand has encouraged businesses to implement this service in order to serve their customers.

Xendit is a leading Indonesian financial technology company that provides payment solutions, empowers businesses to send and accept payments. They also place 64th in Y Combinator’s 2021 top company valuation list. It is considered the simplest, most credible, trusted, and innovative partner that works hand-in-hand with businesses as they go on their digitalization journey.

“Xendit is a gateway unique to Southeast Asia. As a regional neighbor, we understand the local market and culture, which makes it easier for us to work with traditional businesses and startups. Today, we serve local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), some of Indonesia’s largest tech startups, and many of the world’s largest businesses,” says Yang Yang Zhang, Managing Director of Xendit.

Below are some ways Xendit makes digital payments easier for businesses and customers:

1. Bill customers conveniently. Businesses can focus on growing their business because Xendit can automatically bill customers through xeninvoice. The service can customize invoices by adding the business logo, a personalized message, and brand colors. The invoices can be sent to customers via a unique payment link  so businesses can accept payments easily. 
2. Receive payments in real-time. Customers can settle payments within minutes. xenpayments lets customers pay through leading transfer methods such as direct debit, credit and debit cards, retail stores, installment plans, and e-wallets. Businesses also have access to a web-based dashboard to see and download detailed financial reports. 
   Additionally, Xendit simplifies the refund process through xenpayouts, so customers can enter their preferred payment details and redeem their money without giving their bank account details. 
3. Scale easily. Xendit has created a seamless infrastructure to streamline complex payment flows so businesses can concentrate on building what matters. xendisburse can automate payouts to customers, employees, and suppliers any day of the week, even bank holidays. Through xenbatch, they can create up to 10,000 disbursements in one go. Moreover, those looking to expand can apply for xencapital, a fast and flexible financing program that allows businesses to grow.
4. Protect your business from fraud. Online payments can open businesses and customers to fraud, but Xendit minimizes the risk through xenshield. The in-house fraud detection system uses machine learning to assess credit card transactions and make a recommendation on the risk level. A payment can be preemptively blocked if it is judged to be too risky.
5. Online training and webinars. Xendit also works to educate both customers and partners  to better understand not only it’s range of products and services, but key economic trends and current developments that help businesses and executives better understand their digital transformation journey. The webinars for 2021 commence on February 5 with“Business X Future: How to Thrive in the Digital World”, where Xendit will educate different business owners about the power of  laying the groundwork of their financial infrastructure using Xendit and connecting them to the desired future of businesses in the Philippines. The webinar is free and can be watched live at 5:00 pm via Zoom. Click the link to register: http://bit.ly/XenditPHWebinar1.

“Digital payments are now more seamless with Xendit. Allowing digital payments to thrive in the Philippines offers so much more than convenience: it allows the country to make financial inclusion felt by all and push for innovation at competitive costs. Xendit is the most advanced payment system, yet makes the process secure and easy for everyone,” says Yang Yang.