Ninja Van’s first digital summit “DIGeCONOMY 2022” underscored the need for stakeholders to come together and provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary tools to sustain their digitalization which happened amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the needs of SMEs continue to evolve, we, along with other players in the digital ecosystem, need to evolve alongside them,” said Martin Cu, country head, Ninja Van Philippines. “To do this, a customer-centric approach must be employed to be attuned to the changes in the landscape and consumer behavior, and assess how these can affect SMEs.”

Quoting the “e-Conomy SEA 2021 Report,” Ninja Van, a tech-enabled express logistics company providing supply chain solutions for businesses of all sizes across Southeast Asia, said the country is expected to have a 93% year-on-year surge in gross merchandise volume (GMV).

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“We are still on the path towards economic recovery, and our MSMEs need all the assistance they can get to pivot in the new normal,” Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Department of Trade and Industry.

DTI has conducted over 200 sessions attended by over 42,000 participants under its Jobs Training Pathway where participants learn more about e-commerce, e-payment, and digital marketing. It has also opened the Negosyo Center portal that aims to support digital transition among entrepreneurs.

“The pandemic gave us a picture of the level of readiness in the Philippines,” said Thermina Akram, executive director, GoNegosyo. “There is no other time to transition but now.”

The speakers also agreed that to be able to push for digital transformation, organizations should invest in talent development, digital infrastructure, and education on information security risks, given that as digital economy, transactions are made online.

Ninja Van Masterclass

Ninja Van offers a free business resource center that provides SMEs with actionable content ranging from bite-sized tips to in-depth business insights for aspiring and established entrepreneurs; and the Ninja Van Masterclass, a series of webinars that provides lessons on how to shape and improve brands to increase sales.

To increase connectivity and strengthen presence through relationship-building, the company engages with regional and provincial partners through the Ninja Van Caravan, which currently targets key areas in Bicol Region, Central Luzon, South Luzon, and the Ilocos Region. Ninja Van also has conducted roadshows with key shippers from different provinces and educated them about pricing benefits. Just recently, the company expanded in Cebu.

“Customer-centricity needs to be front and center now as we grow the digital economy. In order to build trust, we have to be able to resolve the concerns of our consumers,” said Vin Perez, COO, Ninja Van. “Making them happy and trusting is a big part of how we can drive forward this digital ecosystem.”