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With the rise of crowdsourcing, startups and software developers can also crowdsource their quality testing in order to reach a wider variety of devices and situations

Businesses today are operating in an increasingly digital and mobile-centric world. Global internet penetration is now at 50 per cent, up 10 per cent from 2016, along with simultaneous growth in the ownership of smartphones. In fact, more people have access to the internet than to a toilet!

With consumers increasingly going mobile-first, it is hard for businesses to ignore the need for applications and software that work effectively both offline and online. The rapid digitalisation of enterprise operations has likewise spawned an ecosystem of remote and flexible working model through the gig economy. Gartner predicts that by 2018, 20 per cent of all enterprise application development will be conducted remotely.

A natural response to this is the rise of crowd testing or crowdsourced testing. Crowd testing basically connects testers from around the world to testing projects, by way of delegating necessary tasks to a community of testers on a secure cloud-based platform. Such a model maximises efficiency by tapping into a large pool of qualified testers to ensure high quality software.

Also read: Outsourcing software development can help accelerate product growth, but effective collaboration is necessary

Banks and telecommunications service providers, for example, are constantly under pressure to develop high quality, stable and optimised software or applications to reduce the risks of downtime. Crowd testing is the epitome of digitalisation in the gig economy, offering such businesses real benefits. Think of crowd testing as Uber for IT testing.

Reap the advantages of crowd testing

The appeal of crowd testing lies in its ability to replicate real-life conditions the application or software may be subjected to, with the testing conducted by real users in a virtual set-up – such as their homes or offices – using real devices, to yield nuanced results each time. For instance, a software that enables users to remotely control their television could be tested by testers on televisions at home using an Android and/or iOS mobile phone to change the volume, channel, switch on and off the television.

Businesses that are inclined to carry out traditional testing might not be able to fully replicate the varying and diverse conditions that the application or software may be subjected to during actual usage. Crowd testing addresses this limitation by tapping on a large community of testers from different places, using different technologies, operating in a variety of real-life environments.

By leveraging a pool of qualified testers with extensive training, domain specific knowledge and relevant experience, businesses are also guaranteed more reliable and accurate testing results. Engaging testers with domain specific knowledge also allows for domain specific tests to be undertaken. Furthermore, the crowd testers provide an external perspective, free of any organisational bias as the testers come from various backgrounds.

Quick turnaround time is another benefit. As the community of testers is spread across geographies and different time zones, the testing process happens round-the-clock with multiple testers working on a test-case simultaneously. This translates into a shorter testing process, allowing results to be delivered as soon as the next day, allowing businesses to go to market with their applications or software quicker.

What differentiates the crowd testing model is also the power of numbers. Thousands of dedicated skilled and vetted testers are within reach within minutes through crowd testing platforms; testing on a truly massive scale in a short time is now possible. Businesses can achieve higher testing precision, do away with in-house testing team to reduce staffing costs. This allows fixed cost savings to be reallocated to the development of applications or software, driving a higher return on investment (ROI).

Secure the process

Security is a common concern businesses have regarding crowd testing, but there are ways to mitigate risks. Ensuring a fully secured cloud-based sandbox for crowd testing is one way. This refers to a virtual space to test software or code securely.

Also read: Building community is essential to a successful crowdfunded campaign; Here is how we raised US$100K in under 5 days

Another measure is the use of a crowd testing platform which puts its pool of testers through stringent tests and background checks. The testers are vetted, evaluated and certified to ensure safety and integrity of the testing process.

Distributed workloads — the future of software development

In the era of sharing and gig economy, many businesses are looking for alternative services that make it easier for networks of people and organisations to transact directly. Middleman services are increasingly getting squeezed out. Software testing is no exception. With more testing professionals participating in the gig economy, there is now a larger talent pool for businesses to tap into for testing needs.

The evolution of crowd testing does not end here. Imagine how advanced technology — artificial intelligence and machine learning can potentially shape the future of crowd testing. Businesses will be able to streamline processes and boost efficiency by reducing the manpower required for many activities. While these technologies are still in their infancy, their potential could soon be maximised with the intervention of human expertise.

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The views expressed here are of the author’s, and e27 may not necessarily subscribe to them. e27 invites members from Asia’s tech industry and startup community to share their honest opinions and expert knowledge with our readers. If you are interested in sharing your point of view, submit your post here.

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KKDay provides consumers with over 6,000 travel experiences from 53 countries and 170 cities all over the world

KKDay, an online travel marketplace headquartered in Taiwan, has announced expansion into Malaysia with an aim to dominate the US$5 million travel and tourism market in the country.

According to the company, wanderlust for travel among Malaysians, a growing population and a thriving economy are among the key factors that KKday has chosen to expand into the country.

Also Read: Alibaba to facilitate cross-border e-commerce trade between Malaysia and China

“The expanding Malay and Chinese communities in Malaysia serve as the driving impetus for our expansion into the country. Much of Malaysia remains unrepresented in the global tourism market and the country’s growing population and thriving economy means that people will be more willing to spend on short escapes,” KKday CEO Ming Chen said. “Ultimately we wish to become the number one choice of tours and activities for Malaysian DIY travellers when they travel abroad.”

The CEO added that Islamic tourism will be playing a significant role in KKDay’s expansion. Islamic tourism is a part of KKDay’s agenda and it will be developing sightseeing tours and unique customer experiences exclusively catered to the needs of Muslim travellers. The multicultural and ethnic market of both Chinese and Muslim tourists offers the perfect environment for KKDay to grow, Chen opined.

The company officially debuted its online travel platform in Malaysia on April 19th with its #flywithpama campaign to Taiwan. A prize of 5-day, 4-night stay in Taiwan with three family members awaits the winner.

KKDay CEO Ming Chen

Launched in 2014, KKday is an e-commerce platform that allows users to connect with local tours from all over the world. The startup primarily focus on destinations in Asia but has also extended to Europe and America, providing travellers with over 6,000 travel experiences from 53 countries and 170 cities all over the world.

Also Read: 27 Asian startups that kick ass

Since launch, KKday also has expanded operations into Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Last December, KKday secured $7 million in Series A+ funding led by Singapore VC firm Monk Hill Ventures and AppWorks, with participation from Mindworks Ventures, Cathay Ventures and Substances Capital. Previously, the startup has raised US$4.5 million Series A from AppWorks and 91Capital in March 2016.

A travel industry veteran, Chen is also founder if eztravel.com.tw (acquired by Chinese travel agency Ctrip) and co-founder of startravel.com.tw (went public in 2008). In 2010, Chen took over ezfly.com and led the company to list in three years.

Image Credit: KKDay

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One of China’s largest shared workspace operators is set to launch in Singapore. Photo credit: Jodimichelle.

URWork, one of China’s most prominent co-working space operators, is starting its push for overseas expansion in Singapore. In July, URWork Singapore is expected to open its doors to startups and entrepreneurs, with a 640 square meter space at Launchpad@One North in the city’s One North science and tech district.

The company is partnering with Australian accelerator and innovation consultancy Collective Campus to bring its first shared workspace outside of China to life. Collective Campus has to date fostered more than 50 startups that have raised over US$10 million in funds.

The hook-up is intended to create collaboration opportunities for startups and larger businesses across southeast Asia, Australasia, and China.

“Our goal is to establish a global leading co-working space platform, to stimulate business interactions based on our membership community, and to encourage creative minds to make a difference in our dynamic environment”, said Mao Daqing, URWork’s founder and CEO, in a statement.

With Collective Campus on board, URWork Singapore will create “links among entrepreneurs who are keen to explore the China, Singapore, and Australia markets”, he added.

URWork has already been working with Singaporean companies since signing a memorandum of understanding with trade development body International Enterprise Singapore and local property giant CapitaLand last December. This partnership saw the three organizations collaborate to help Singaporean small businesses enter the Chinese market by offering co-working spaces, as well as business leads and advisory services.

URWork faces stiff competition in an increasingly crowded market. Silicon Valley-based WeWork, which is valued at US$16.9 billion, is a key rival, while there are dozens of smaller players in the Chinese co-working space sector, such as People Squared and Soho 3Q. The shared workspace segment is similarly crowded in Singapore, with both local and international providers like Collision8, The Great Room, The Hive, The Hub, and Spacemob vying for customers.

Currently, URWork is backed by Ant Financial and Sequoia Capital, among others, and has co-working spaces in cities all over China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xi’an.

Last month, URWork’s domestic competitor, New Space, announced that the two co-working space providers would merge. The combined entity has been tentatively valued at US$1.31 billion and has plans to operate 150 venues in 35 cities worldwide within the next three years.

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The company wants to build partnerships with more restaurants and expand to the city of Mandalay

Food2U, a Yangon-based startup, told DealStreetAsia it has raised a six-digit funding round with the intention of using the money to facilitate expansion plans.

Nay Min Thu, the Founder of iMyanmarHouse.com and an investor in Food2U, told DealStreetAsia that the investors are people from the real estate industry.

The company use the financing to grow within Myanmar — both to forge more partnerships with restaurants as well as expand to the city of Mandalay.

The company was founded in 2015 and works like the other food delivery startups that have cropped up across Southeast Asia. It has partnerships with companies like Pezzo, Mr. Wok and Bugogi Brothers. Users simply choose a restaurant, order their food and enter their address for delivery.

Also Read: Is Singapore tech ecosystem sustainable? Report shows half of startups operating at loss

The company does have some competition in the Myanmar food delivery space.

In August, 2016, the Burmese company YangonD2D raised a “cash injection” from the Founder of BOD Technology and Flymya.com, Mike Than Tun Win. While the amount of money was undisclosed, it did involve YongonD2D giving up 50 per cent equity to Than.

Thu told DealStreetAsia that the majority of the Food2U’s customers are local Burmese (although it does have an english option). According to the article, the startup completes 5,000 deliveries per month.

Product of its environment

Food2U and YangonD2D are examples of a theme in Myanmar’s tech scene. Because the industry is building itself up a practically non-existent internet infrastructure, foreign companies have avoided the country until recently.

This is changing (highlighted by Uber’s decision last week to launch in the country), but the result is that today there are a host of local companies that have grabbed business models from abroad and adapted them to Myanmar.

Also Read: Food delivery service YangonD2D gets cash injection from Myanmar’s local Internet company BOD Tech Co. Ltd

The food delivery battle is a good example as both companies are local, but also follow the same business model as foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Thu said that  Myanmar’s hot summer weather and heavy traffic are reasons he is optimistic Food2U can find a footing in Myanmar.

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Emtek Group acquiring Espay may smoothen up the way for Emtek-Ant Financial joint venture to enter the Indonesian e-money market

Indonesian media conglomerate Emtek Group has “quietly” confirmed the acquisition of two e-money providers Doku and Espay.

In its Q1 2017 financial report (and its previous Annual Report 2016), Emtek reported that it has acquired 50 per cent of shares in Doku’s holding company PT Nusa Inti Artha by October 2016 through its subsidiaries.

Emtek has also acquired 90 per cent of PT Espay Debit Indonesia Koe by January 2017. Both Doku and Espay owns e-money license from the country’s central bank Bank Indonesia.

DailySocial first reported Doku acquisition on October 10, 2016. By the time Doku neither denied or confirmed the report. It also continued to operate as its own company, with no mention of the exact value of the 50 per cent share acquisition.

Apart from e-money licensing, Doku also manages leading payment gateway service in Indonesia.

Also Read: Alibaba reportedly in partnership talks with Emtek Group, opens possibility of Bukalapak investment

Espay may serve as a bridge for BBM’s e-money platform

Espay owns the product uNIK which acquired its e-money licensing in 2016. After Go-Jek’s acquisition of MV Commerce, many big players believe in acquisition as the fastest route to acquire licensing compared to direct registration to Bank Indonesia. We still need to confirm whether a company (and its subsidiaries) are allowed to own two e-money licenses.

While we still have no information of what Emtek plans to do with Espay, there is a strong possibility that its e-money licensing may be implemented on the Blackberry Messenger platform, which it acquired last year.

Previously, Emtek has announced the formation of a joint venture with Chinese fintech giant Ant Financial, an Alibaba subsidiary, to build a payment system platform on BBM. BBM has gone through evolution to become “a platform within a platform” by joining forces with Bukalapak and other services, while building a news and game platform at the same time. The existence of a payments platform will complement this evolution.

The first quarter of 2017 report is yet to contain information on the setting up of the joint venture, and information of the acquisition of Kudo by Grab. Emtek owns 25 per cent of shares in Kudo.

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The article EMTEK Diam-Diam Konfirmasi Akuisisi 2 Penyedia Layanan E-Money, DOKU dan Espay was written by Amir Karimuddin and was first published on DailySocial. English translation and editing by e27.

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