If there are heroes who revolutionized the way people live and work in Southeast Asia, Gojek and Grab come to mind. The two tech startups started as motorbike and car ride-hailing services in 2015. Now, they are super app models that offer a wide range of services beyond ride-hailing.
Gojek was founded by Nadiem Makarim in 2009, inspired by his daily routine of riding an ojek or bike-hailing to work in Indonesia. Nadiem proposed an online ride service that is available whenever customers and drivers need it.
The application was established in 2015 as the company received a huge investment. Today, Gojek is available in more than 207 cities across four countries in south-east Asia.
In a similar timeline, Grab was first launched in 2012 in Malaysia by Anthony Tan as a taxi-booking mobile app. Originally named "MyTeksi", the application has now expanded its services to Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. By early 2016, the company rebranded as "Grab" with a redesigned logo.
When They Started
When both companies were introduced to the public, traditional taxis and public transportation were still very much conventional and inaccessible. The launch and implementation of the service have created innovation to a more convenient and affordable alternative, channeling both drivers and passengers.
In addition, the two platforms have created more job opportunities for drivers, delivery partners, and merchants. GOJEK contributed Rp 44.2 trillion to the Indonesian economy in 2018. Meanwhile, the contribution of Grab Partners reached Rp 48.9 trillion.
Since then, they diversified their offerings to include food delivery, logistics, and digital payments. Their carpooling and ride-sharing services also helped improve urban mobility by reducing traffic congestion.
Read also: Beware Gojek and Grab, AirAsia to Launch a Ride-hailing services Too
More Than Just A Ride-Hailing App
As suggested by their super-app-based, Gojek and Grab have offered more solutions to transport not only people but also food, stuff, and other one-stop services.
They also provided their own digital payment platforms to facilitate cashless transactions while promoting the growth of the digital economy and the cashless era. It became accessible for people to access financial services, especially in underserved areas.
Safety features and background checks are also established to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers. They have leveraged AI and machine learning to optimize operations and improve user experience.
Both Grab and Gojek have campaigned and invested in electric vehicle initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation. They also campaigned to support local businesses by building partnerships with other emerging start-ups and tech businesses. This means hyperlocal services like grocery delivery, pharmacy delivery, and cleaning services were also developed and introduced to the application.
Future Tech Giants
Reaching 10 years after its first official establishment, Grab and Gojek continue to bring innovation to advanced technology and sustainable initiatives.
It may be possible that autonomous vehicles will make their debut in their services, which could revolutionize transportation and logistics. Both companies are likely to prioritize eco-conscious initiatives, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Even though they may be marked as competitors to each other, Grab and Gojek continue to innovate and invest for the better lives of people in Southeast Asia. Their one-decade dedication keeps inspire other start-up who focuses its service on public well-being as well.
