Thales eSIM Seminar: Driving Innovation and Collaboration in the Asian Market

 Digital Identity and Security Mobile eSIM IoT

Thales presented the inaugural Thales eSIM Seminar, Asian edition, in Bali from the 4th to the 6th of June 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the evolution of eSIM technology in the region. This groundbreaking event united major players in connectivity, device manufacturing, leading industry analysts, creating a collaborative and inclusive environment with the aim of igniting a revolution in the adoption and use of eSIM technology.

 

During the enlightening sessions, the significance of the Asian market was a prevailing theme. Pablo Iacopino, Head of Research at GSMA, shared an insightful perspective:

“Asia is a big and important market for eSIM, and there are two ways to look at this: the consumer perspective and the supply side of things. From a customer perspective, Asia is a big market for consumers, big market for IoT. In 2025, Asia Pacific, the region, will become the biggest market for eSIM. From a supply side of things, a number of OEMs are from Asia, so Asia has the opportunity, the scale, the power to drive eSIM adoption and eSIM innovation, not only in terms of devices but also in terms of use cases.”

 

As the event unfolded, the focus on practical case studies from industry leaders and telecom operators, such as Singtel and Globe, showcased the tangible benefits of eSIM technology in meeting diverse consumer needs and preferences. Industry leaders, telecom operators, and stakeholders came together, sharing experiences and strategies aimed at refining and expanding eSIM deployment plans. 

 

Singtel launched their eSIM service for travellers back in September 2023, with a focus on the tourist segment in Singapore. They aimed to offer convenience and security to tourists, allowing them to choose telecom services without having to queue at the airport.

“They could conveniently choose and pick up the plans they wanted at any given time. We wanted to offer various options and the flexibility to keep their local number, stay connected, and have access to online check-ins and subscriptions. It was all about giving our customers convenience and a memorable experience, making them feel that Singapore offers world-class digital services.” 

Stated Shilpa Aggarwal, Vice President of Product Marketing at Singtel.

Globe presented the prepaid market and their understanding of their customers' eco-conscious, digital-centric, and tech-driven lifestyle post-pandemic. They aim to enhance this lifestyle further through their transition to eSIM.  Givielle Florida, Prepaid Brand Head at Globe Telecom, emphasized the impact of eSIM adoption on their digital journey:

“We chose to launch the eSIM for Globe prepaid exclusively via GlobeOne app. GlobeOne is Globe's primary digital channel wherein our customers can buy promos, manage their accounts, earn and redeem their rewards, and even experience our engagement programs. What better way to actually experience the entire digital journey of Globe via eSIM as a starting point?”

These case studies demonstrated the tangible benefits of eSIM technology in addressing diverse consumer needs and preferences.
Mohit Agrwal, Counterpoint's Digital Transformation & IoT expert , also emphasized the revolutionary impact of eSIM on IoT, and its potential to be a game changer in the coming years in conjunction of the new standards:

“I think SGP 31/32 will be revolutionary for IoT” “ With the new standards coming in, it will impact and it will make it easy for the customers to move from one connectivity provider to another”.

The seminar also welcomed global perspectives, with industry insights from Verizon providing invaluable experiences from the mature eSIM market in the USA. Furthermore, ZTE showcased their efforts in the Chinese market, leveraging Thales solutions to drive eSIM adoption.
 
The culmination of the event was a dynamic workshop, igniting thought-provoking discussions aimed at fostering an environment conducive to boosting eSIM adoption in the region. This workshop laid the essential groundwork for a concerted push toward a future where eSIM becomes seamlessly integrated into the diverse tapestry of the Asian market. We would like to thank all the participants for their valuable contributions and active participation in making the seminar a great success!

“The seminar's emphasis on practical applications, global perspectives, and collaborative dialogue sets it apart as a primary platform for driving the eSIM revolution in Asia. ”
said Guillaume Lafaix, VP of Connectivity Solutions and Embedded Products at Thales.

 

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