Gojek Plans to Expand in S’pore But Declined to Comment About Rumours of Merging With Grab

When you think about ride-hailing services, most of us think of a particular G-word.

Grab.

From transportation and food deliveries, Grab has a lot that you need in a single simple app.

But competition might become steeper for Grab as yet another G-word company is also planning to expand their business locally.

This time, we’re talking about the Indonesian platform Gojek.

Gojek Plans “Strategic Investments” to Grow Business in S’pore, Including More Drivers and Services

Looks like Gojek is looking to be the first one you think of when you think of ride-hailing services starting with G.

And the company’s co-CEO, Kevin Aluwi, has said to look forward to it.

In an attempt to make a good, lasting impact in Singapore, he said the company was going to make some smart investments this year.

Some include:

  • Support measures and incentives for drivers
  • Launching new transport products to bring more benefits to customers and drivers
  • Dedicated features to book taxis and large vehicles

In order to promote the growth of the regional business, Gojek will also continue to expand its talent pool for tech in Singapore.

They’ll also launch new features through services and new products adaptive to the local market.

Mr Aluwi stated that he was also very excited about their upcoming plans.

Growth Looking Strong in 2021

COVID-19 had many different industries take a huge blow financially.

But services like Grab and actually managed to still do alright during the pandemic, managing to almost bounce back nearing the end of last year.

Mr Aluwi feels the pandemic is actually accelerating the growth of said digital industries.

“This is positive for a company like Gojek, as our mission, and the growth potential of our business [has] always been contingent on the ongoing success of the digital economy.”

He noted that that company’s grocery business went up by seven times last year.

By December 2020, they were almost back to where they were revenue-wise in March that year.

He said Gojek will focus on helping small merchants move online and enhancing its payments and financial services.

Investing and growing their market outside of Indonesia would be a key focus too.

And while Gojek was successful early on in Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand, Mr Aluwi feels more can be done.

“We will be focusing on unlocking that potential this year,” he promised.

The Great Battle: Grab vs Gojek

We know, the question is on some of our minds.

What about their competition with Grab?

To that, Mr Aluwi said Gojek stepping up would introduce more “choice and competition” to the market.

No comment was made on topics such as the previously rumoured merging with Grab.

What he did say, however, was that Gojek will focus on being a trustworthy platform which will continue to provide high-quality services.

Mr Aluwi also mentioned Gojek would continue to introduce services strategically in Singapore.

Currently, grocery and food delivery services from Gojek aren’t in Singapore yet, unlike Grab.

But as of now, the future is looking up for this new competitor in the field. Looks like Grab will have to watch its back for the newly-expanded G-named giant in town.

Feature Image: Sino Images Studio / Shutterstock.com