Also, mumstruly.com launches, Indonesia’s Fintech Centre, and BookMyShow’s Series D.
Alibaba Cloud partners with F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso – [Press release]
Cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group entered a strategic partnership with two-time Formula One (F1) world champion Fernando Alonso to digitise the latter’s karting business, according to a press release.
The partnership was struck through Alonso’s official global karting partner Yi Qian Communications in China and would enable Alibaba Cloud to use its cloud computing technology in existing karting and training venues in China to help gather and analyse data that would help team managers, coaches, and players gather deeper knowledge about their performance instantaneously and design training programs to accommodate for the unique physique of each individual.
Alibaba Cloud will also apply smart manufacturing capabilities to the company’s kart assembly plants in China to improve efficiency and support the establishment of unmanned intelligent assembly plants.
Additionally, Alibaba Cloud and Yi Qian Communications will co-organise a Tianchi Big Data Competition, a big data crowd intelligence platform that brings together global data experts to collaborate and compete in developing solutions for real world problems. Contestants will be provided with cloud computing resources and track records from Alonso’s karting schools for them to develop better karting training solutions to “discover the next Alonso”.
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“The sports industry has been increasingly applying cloud technologies in many ways, across areas such as wearable devices, training, tactical decision making, game operation as well as venue management,” said Alibaba Cloud Europe General Manager Yeming Wang. “Alibaba Cloud strongly believes in the potential of technology to empower sports, which is why we are excited to work with Mr. Alonso, who has inspired a lot of people in China to participate in karting. By leveraging our strong cloud, AI and IoT capabilities, karting lovers and operators in China will benefit from more effective training programs and smarter facilities, which will also play a part in helping to grow the sport in China.”
“I am fascinated by how technology can transform the sports industry and eager to bring the best technology to karting,” said Fernando Alonso. “By working together with Alibaba Cloud and Yi Qian Communications, we will be able to provide better training programs, manage our facilities more efficiently, so as to attract more participants to the exciting sport.”
Spotify investor leads US$100M funding in BookMyShow – [e27]
Mumbai-based Bigtree Entertainment, which owns and operates India’s leading online entertainment ticketing platform BookMyShow, announced today raising US$100 million in Series D funding led by TPG Growth.
BookMyShow is a leading entertainment ticketing platform that allows users to book tickets for movies, plays, sports and live events through its website, mobile app and mobile site and is now present in over 350 towns and cities across India.
OCBC Bank launches mumstruly.com – [Press release]
OCBC Bank today launched mumstruly.com, an online site and marketplace for mothers-to-be and mothers with children aged up to fiver years, according to a press release.
The site has a wide and carefully-curated range of relevant goods and services that include special paediatric or gynaecological services, a lactation televideo service with a consultant certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultants, baby and motherhood products, and wealth and protection solutions like deposit accounts, credit cards and insurance.
At launch, mumstruly.com carries products from six strategic partners namely, Robinsons, NTUC FairPrice, Singapore Medical Group, StarHub, Great Eastern, and telehealth startup Doctor Anywhere.
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“Having a video lactation consultation service is a quick and convenient way for mothers to get help and advice. Each year, the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group receives more than 2,000 calls and 800 e-mails from worried mothers looking for breastfeeding support. We know how stressful it can be when the little one is not feeding well, so mumstruly.com will be a perfect way to reach out to more mother,” said Athena Lee, CEO of Doctor Anywhere.
“We are delighted to collaborate with OCBC Bank to better serve the needs of the parent segment. As an innovative and customer-centric retailer, we always put the customer at the heart of everything we do,” said Group Marketing Director of Robinsons Group, Donna Chua. “mumstruly.com is a unique opportunity to better serve this group of customers by leveraging insights across the customer journey.”
Indonesia’s financial services authority to launch Fintech Centre – [Kompas.com]
The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) is set to launch a fintech centre in August, Kompas reported.
The centre is meant to encourage innovation and support research and development of fintech services in the country.
According to OJK Head of Digital Financial Services Innovation and Microfinance Development Triyono, the initiative is part of the government’s move in introducing fintech to the country. OJK also plans to introduce fintech study programme in universities.
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Anisa Menur Maulani contributed to the writing of this article.
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