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Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Business
- Tatler Asia
How AI is helping small businesses punch above their weight in emerging markets
Whether it's a craft brewery in Manila, a coffee roaster in Nairobi or a specialty grocery store in Bogotá, small and medium-sized business owners are now empowered to: Automate inventory and customer service Predict demand and manage stock Deliver hyper-targeted promotions Analyse customer behaviour in real time The agility of SMEs, which was once seen as a liability, is now a competitive advantage. While multinationals navigate bureaucratic layers, small businesses can pivot instantly, test new strategies and respond to data on the fly. In many of these regions, economies tend to be U-shaped, with large clusters of SMEs on one end, dominant enterprises on the other and very few mid-sized players in between. AI is now bridging that gap. A new data goldmine One of the most powerful enablers of this revolution is the recent explosion in digital data. For years, small businesses lacked the behavioural insights that gave large companies their edge. But today, the rise of digital wallets (like GCash in the Philippines, UPI in India, Pix in Brazil), e-commerce platforms and mobile-first apps has created a wealth of consumer data that SMEs can finally access. Above GCash digital wallet in the Philippines (Photo: Courtesy of Miguel Guerrero) This data, once non-existent, is now rich, real-time and largely untapped. Yet much of this data remains underutilised, showcasing a major opportunity for SMEs to unlock competitive advantage through better targeting and decision-making. With AI, small businesses can: Predict customer preferences Send personalised messages and offers Run data-driven marketing campaigns This kind of precision targeting was previously unthinkable for most SMEs. Now it's becoming the norm. Read more: Do you sound like ChatGPT? Research says AI is changing how we speak The connectivity boom Another game-changer is the acceleration of global internet access. In India alone, over 900 million people are connected to the internet, creating digital footprints, market insights and advertising potential that SMEs can now harness. Mobile-first ecosystems are rapidly connecting billions across Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa and unlocking new markets and demand. Above India's internet revolution (Photo: Courtesy of Miguel Guerrero) This wave of connectivity isn't just about access, it's about participation. More consumers mean more data, more commerce and more competition. And SMEs are perfectly positioned to seize the opportunity. Many emerging market businesses have a hidden edge: they're not burdened by legacy systems. Unlike Western enterprises weighed down by outdated infrastructure, these businesses can adopt AI from a clean slate—mobile-first, cloud-ready and fast to deploy. Governments are recognising this, too. Initiatives like the Philippines' Center for AI Research, India's Digital India and Brazil's Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA) are supporting SME adoption through funding, infrastructure and education. Read more: Why AI needs ethics now more than ever, and how this Filipino data scientist is making it happen Real stories, real impact The impact of AI is already visible across global markets. In Colorado, Taspen's Organics switched from broad targeting to Otis' precise AI targeting and achieved a 10x return on ad spend (ROAS) by reaching high-intent customers with tailored promotions. In Southeast Asia, GrabRewards leverages AI-powered gamification and personalised offers across a network of coffee shop partners. In India, Stylumia helps fashion brands minimise overstock through AI-based demand forecasting, markdown reduction and waste control In the Philippines, Triple i Consulting reports that AI is enhancing customer insights, service and efficiency for Philippine SMEs. These aren't isolated success stories; they're signals of a structural shift in how global business is done. Why emerging markets are poised to lead Emerging markets are becoming the leaders of the AI revolution. Here's why: Minimal legacy systems: Businesses can adopt AI directly, without needing to undo outdated systems. Mobile-first ecosystems: Customers interact with businesses through smartphones, making digital data collection seamless. Government support: Policy momentum is pushing digital transformation for SMEs. Massive data potential: Platforms like GCash, UPI, and Pix are creating behaviour-rich datasets at scale. In short, the infrastructure and conditions for SME success are already in place. It's just a matter of activation. Getting started with AI The best part? You don't need to go all-in from day one. SMEs can (and should) start small. Begin with a bottleneck: Is social media management draining your time? Are customer inquiries piling up? Is marketing guesswork eating into your budget? From there, identify an AI tool that solves that specific problem. Platforms like ChatGPT (copywriting), Canva (design) and Otis AI (advertising) require little training but deliver immediate results. Set a 90-day goal: Reduce response time, improve ad engagement or increase conversions. Measure, learn and scale. Read more: How to embrace AI without losing ourselves The future Is AI-powered and small-business-led We're living through a quiet but profound revolution where technology, which was once reserved for enterprise giants, is now democratised and decentralised. The AI-powered SMB revolution won't just reshape businesses in emerging markets; it may redefine global commerce. Because for the first time, scale and access are no longer prerequisites for success. Like the steam engine reshaped commerce in the 18th century, AI is reshaping it today. Only this time, the revolution is mobile, digital and global. What matters now is agility, intelligence, and a willingness to adapt. And in that race, SMEs finally have the tools to lead.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shruti Haasan calls 'Coolie' experience a 'beautiful kind of madness'
Actress Shruti Haasan has opened up about her exhilarating experience working on the upcoming high-octane film 'Coolie', calling it "a beautiful kind of madness." Known for balancing her edgy music persona with powerful roles on screen, Shruti said the film offered an environment that was both chaotic and deeply focused - a combination she thrived in. In a candid reflection on her time on set, Shruti shared, "There was always this buzzing energy behind the scenes. We did a lot of night shoots, which I personally like quite a bit, so that was quite relaxing for me. But yeah, there was a lot of things happening. Everyone was really focused on the work, and overall it was a really, really good energy." Shruti Haasan Praises Rajinikanth in 'Coolie': 'Shrewd, Sharp… and So Warm' Shruti, who seamlessly switches between her punk rock concerts and demanding film sets, found Coolie to be a natural fit for her dynamic personality. With its intense pace and immersive production schedule, the film demanded unwavering focus - something the actor welcomed wholeheartedly. "For me, this film felt like home turf - raw, real, and relentless," she said. "It was the kind of set where no one slept until the shot was perfect. That kind of drive is rare and energising." As Coolie inches closer to its theatrical release, Shruti's behind-the-scenes glimpse only heightens anticipation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo From the adrenaline-charged night shoots to the passionate teamwork, the atmosphere she describes paints a picture of a film that promises to be as gripping on screen as it was behind the camera. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth in the lead, Coolie has already generated considerable buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. With Shruti Haasan's infectious energy and enthusiasm now adding to the excitement, the film is poised to deliver a cinematic experience that's loud, intense, and unforgettable.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
The rise & fall of Buxar's feared criminal
1 2 Buxar: Murder convict Chandan Mishra, who was shot dead inside the ICU of Paras HMRI in Patna on Thursday, had built a fearsome reputation over two decades through his involvement in murder, extortion and kidnapping. A native of Sonvarsha village under the Industrial police station area in Buxar, Chandan was the son of Shrikant Mishra, also known locally as Mantu Mishra. Mishra's notoriety arose not only from the scale of his crimes but also from his audacity. Police officers said he was known to openly announce his intentions before acting. In one such instance in 2011, he allegedly told lime trader Rajendra Kesari, "I will kill you tomorrow," after the businessman refused to pay extortion money. Kesari was shot dead the following day. Mishra was later convicted for the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. During his most active years, Mishra formed an alliance with Omkarnath Singh alias Sheru Singh, a resident of Dullahpur, Balihar village. Together, they led the Chandan-Sheru gang, which became a dominant force in organised crime across western Bihar. The gang's activities drew sustained police attention and bounties of Rs 50,000 were announced for both Chandan and Sheru. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo However, internal divisions over finances and leadership caused a rift. Sheru eventually broke away and established his own gang, which later became known for its involvement in high-profile crimes, including the Ara Tanishq jewellery heist. Mishra remained a key figure in Buxar's criminal network despite serving time in several jails, including Buxar, Bhagalpur and later Beur Central Jail in Patna. Police records list over two dozen cases against him under various serious charges, including those under the Arms Act.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Water safety concerns continue in Janakpuri as CPCB detects E coli, faecal coliform in samples
New Delhi: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which collected fresh drinking water samples from five houses in Janakpuri's A Block on June 30, found faecal coliform and E. coli, indicating that water contamination remains unresolved. Earlier in May, CPCB had collected water samples and found that around 30%, or six out of 20 samples, contained E. coli and faecal coliform. According to standards, total coliform and E. coli should be completely absent in drinking water. National Green Tribunal (NGT) had criticised the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for failing to provide clean drinking water to residents. NGT is currently hearing a plea filed by Residents Welfare Association (RWA) of A1 Block, Janakpuri, which claims that the water supplied does not meet required safety norms. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi In its order dated May 30, NGT directed DJB to ensure the supply of uncontaminated drinking water to the affected residents through an alternative source until the contamination is addressed. The tribunal also ordered fresh sampling on June 30 by the CPCB at six households, with the report due by July 15. On June 30, CPCB collected water samples from five houses supplied by the DJB; residents of the sixth house did not permit sampling, so samples were taken from another house within the same block. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The report stated, "Total coliform and E. coli have been detected in all five samples. The Drinking Water Standards of the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500:2012) prescribe that total coliform and E. coli must not be detected in 100 ml of drinking water samples." The levels of E. coli ranged from 7.8 most probable number (MPN) per 100 ml to 280,000 units per 100 ml. The bench, headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, in its May 30 order, remarked, "It is unfortunate that this matter has been pending before the tribunal for over three months. Such a serious complaint regarding the supply of sewage-contaminated water, with detected total coliform and E. coli, has yet to be addressed by the DJB. They must be sensitive to the hardships faced by residents due to the lack of clean drinking water. "
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupam Kher recalls clash with Aamir Khan when the 'Lagaan' actor complained about him to Mahesh Bhatt during 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi': 'Mere andar ka NSD ka gold medalist jag gaya'
A amir Khan and Anupam Kher had shared screen space in 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi' which starred Pooja Bhatt also and was directed by Mahesh Bhatt. Kher played Pooja's father in the film. There was a disagreement between Kher and Aamir in the film because the latter didn't like the interpretation of scene. In a recent interview, while promoting his latest directorial, 'Tanvi the Great', Anupam Kher opened up on this incident. When asked if Aamir was upset with him during the shoot, Kher said during a chat with Siddharth Kannan, 'He wasn't upset with me, he disliked my interpretation of the climax scene. I play a man who tells his daughter to abandon her to-be husband and run away from the 'mandap'. In my imagination, only a man who is not in his senses would make such a suggestion, so I decided to play the scene comedically. Aamir didn't like it, apparently. So, he went and complained to Bhatt saab even though he was just an actor like me.' He added further, 'Bhatt saab told me what Aamir had said, and that's when mere andar ka National School of Drama ka gold medalist jaag gaya (my inner drama school gold medalist was unleashed). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo I asked Bhatt saab, 'You're okay with my performance?' He said he is, so I told him, 'Then let's continue as we were'.' In the same interview, Kher was also asked about this incident during a press conference wherein he told Mahesh Bhatt to leave. People thought that Kher was disrespecting him but the actor-director clarified his stance. He said, 'He is too important for me to disrespect him like that.' Kher had made his acting debut with 'Saaransh' which was directed by Mahesh Bhatt.
