The Rise of Digital Life and Why You Should Embrace It
When was the last time you paid for a meal in cash? How about the last time you flagged a cab down along the road? You probably don’t remember — that’s the beauty of digital life! In fact, if you’re reading this, you’re already living a digital lifestyle.
Being ‘digital’ means using #technology to achieve our goals, from simple everyday activities such as buying food, searching for information and completing work or study-related tasks. With just a touch on our mobile devices, digital technology enables us to live more connected, convenient lives.
To celebrate the digital lifestyle, we invited eight women illustrators across Southeast Asia, a region with one of the fastest-growing digital populations, to show us how they’re living the #digitallife locally.
“In Indonesia nowadays, anyone can easily start a business and make a living from the comfort of their home. I have seen many small businesses, workers and freelancers struggle during this pandemic. Going digital has become one of the key ways that industries have survived. In my piece, buyers and sellers are remain connected with each other, almost as if they are living side by side” — Kathrin Honesta, independent illustrator, Indonesia
In recent years, online shopping in Indonesia has experienced exponential growth and the number of online shoppers is set to double, according to Deloitte’s latest report: The Next Wave Emerging digital life in South and Southeast Asia. More: http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
“Thais use their smartphones to do everything, from paying bills to buying things via mobile banking or e-wallet. We hardly carry cash in our pockets as we mostly use our phones to scan QR codes or swipe our credit/debit cards.
“Food, groceries and shopping, ordered via mobile apps are very popular now. Even cab and bike transportation can be ordered via apps.” — Visansaya Loisawai, freelance illustrator, Thailand
In Thailand, half of online shoppers shop through social media, according to a Deloitte report on digital life in Southeast Asia. QR code payment has become one of the most popular payment methods in Thailand by 75% of customers, according to UnionPay and Nielsen. More: http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
“I really appreciate how digital tools and apps have helped create more seamless workflows, especially for freelance designers like myself. I often have to handle multiple tasks at once, from communicating with clients to researching and producing artwork.
“With mobile apps and the cloud, I’m able to do most of it on the go, without being tied to a desktop. It’s given me a whole new level of mobility and productivity and opened up new opportunities.” — Diane Ng Rose, freelance designer, Singapore
Digital life is thriving in Singapore. The city’s robust digital infrastructure and plethora of apps for all areas of living and working add to the richness of digital life, making it a ‘Digital Life Leader’ in Southeast Asia, according to Deloitte’s Next Wave report. More: http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
“During the pandemic, I saw influencers and independent creators from different ethnic backgrounds create inspiring content and make money out of it. I loved watching beauty gurus share their product reviews via livestreaming and I enjoyed the cooking videos by local chefs who shared their tips and tricks to make up for lost income. I also hosted livestreams to share my journaling tips to inspire others to pick up a new hobby.
“The beauty of Malaysia is our diverse, multiethnic makeup, which makes our digital content so rich and inspiring. Digital platforms bring us all even closer together. Digital life allowed content creators like myself opportunities for global collaboration, unhindered by distance, language and time. I wanted to celebrate that in my work.” — Gan Yi Qing, illustrator and content creator, Malaysia
In recent years, Malaysia has consistently improved service quality and technology infrastructure, making it a regional ‘Digital Life Leader’, according to Deloitte’s report on digital life in Southeast Asia. More:http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
“I found out that many famous museums around the world were open online during the pandemic. Many people who would never ever have had the chance of visiting some of these museums were now able to look at these artworks were able to do so right from their own homes. Many other types of content like documentaries and educational videos were also available via streaming. Entertainment and culture is very enriched by digital technology these days.” — Manasawii (Jane), artist and illustrator, Thailand
Films, videos, social media and music streaming are the top digital entertainment picks among young people in Thailand and the region, according to Deloitte. More: http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
“Our everyday lifestyle is are connected through all kinds of digital channels fromor communicating, shopping, transportation, work and more… My everyday shopping experience has been simplified and I’m now able to get products that are not available locally. Also, I rarely carry cash with me anymore since there are contactless payment options available.” — Marina A, visual artist, Singapore
Singapore has one of the most vibrant shopping scenes in Southeast Asia and it’s diverse digital life scenarios makes it a regional ‘Digital Life Leader’, according to Deloitte research. More: http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
“Online marketplaces in Indonesia are increasing rapidly and many people now shop online which shows the growth of our digital economy. With internet access and a smartphone or laptop, anyone can learn and see the beauty of Indonesia through videos or on social media.
“I think these digital platforms bring people from all over the world and Indonesians themselves closer to our cultural heritage and traditions.” — Erin Dwi Azmi ia, freelance illustrator, Indonesia
Under quarantine earlier this year, people experienced an unprecedented expansion of their digital worlds particularly with regards to online office access and education. In a recent Deloitte survey, almost half of Indonesian respondents said their use of digital services increased significantly. More: http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
“This is my ‘World of Music’. Under quarantine, many people were still able to have fun and relax at home by going online to watch videos, sing karaoke and listen to music. With social media platforms, we could continue spending time with friends through virtual parties — an activity I loved because it helped me feel connected whenever I was alone at home.” — MM, illustrator and graphic designer, Thailand Whether it’s social media, e-commerce, offline payment or game recharging, Thai people have a high degree of acceptance and enthusiasm for the digital economy, according to Deloitte. More: http://bit.ly/digitalSEA
E-Commerce, digital payment, social media, video streaming are just some of the digital life moments showcased by our eight women illustrators. What’s your digital life story? Share it and tag us to stand a chance to be featured on @alipay!
Big thanks to these talented artists for a great #digitallife collaboration💖: @kathrinhonestaa, @linghokkalom, @dianengrose, @yiqinggan, @manasawii, @mrn.a, @erindwia and @22mm.t!
