At Grab, we serve millions of people daily as their everyday super app. From busy commuters and hungry office workers to hardworking driver-partners and merchants, so many people use our platform to book a ride, order food or make a living. They form the bustling social fabric of this region we call home: Southeast Asia (SEA).
With more than 350 million Internet users across SEA, and over 90% of them getting online primarily through their smartphones, our home of 640 million people is one of the most mobile-first Internet regions globally. We are all increasingly empowered by the Internet and it is changing lives.
We want to give you a peek into the lives of those who use our platform, and to hear their voices. What do their “everyday” look like: what are their highs and lows; how do they celebrate wins and overcome struggles?
That’s why we’ve launched Faces of Southeast Asia (FOSA), a new microsite that we hope will give you fresh insight into the this vast and diverse region, and how it is developing.
Read about Tanya Charlotte in Jakarta, who was one of the 61 passengers in a Grab ride when we crossed our 3 billionth ride mark recently. Her Christian faith is a cornerstone of her life. On the day we – and Tanya – celebrated 3 billionth rides, Tanya had taken a GrabBike from Paulus Church, where she worships every Sunday, to Sudirman Station. “Although I have to work on Sundays, going to church is something that cannot be missed, so I always take time out to worship. Paulus Church is the closest one to my workplace. It’s one of my must-go destinations every weekend.”
Get to know Mokhtar from Singapore, a GrabFood delivery-partner since we started operations in the city in May 2018. “Since I had a stroke several years ago, I couldn’t walk properly on my own or for long distances. I became reliant on a mobility device. As the sole breadwinner of my family of 5, I really needed to pick myself up. I needed to continue earning a salary,” he shared.
Being a delivery-partner has really worked out for Mokhtar. “The job is flexible and I can do it with my e-scooter. Consumers are generally very open and understanding of my condition. The merchants are also very kind, and many of them even help to arrange the food orders nicely for me on my e-scooter.”
Be inspired by Gerly from the Philippines, the wife of one of our driver-partners there. She attended a course on Shampoo and Bar (soap) Making, organised by Grab Misiskolar (Grab Academy for Wives), and is now selling her products through her sister’s store. “I’m happy that I can contribute and help my family with daily expenses. I’m also saving up for new investment opportunities,” Gerly said.
Tanya, Mokhtar and Gerly are just three of the many people we have had the privilege to serve. We are honoured to be making a positive difference in the lives of so many of you.
Read more great stories on Faces of Southeast Asia. Like us, be inspired by their big wins and little victories, and their collective grit and gumption.
Share your own inspiring stories with us too, via social media! Use our hashtag #FacesSEA.