Melvin Ng from Airalo on Travel, eSIM Technology, and Sustainability Insights at Digital Travel Summit APAC 2024

Published on August 28, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The travel industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in technology and changing traveller expectations. One company at the forefront of this technological transformation is Airalo, a leading provider of eSIM technology. Melvin Ng, the Senior Director of Partnerships APAC at Airalo, recently shared his insights on the innovations shaping the travel industry, the role of eSIM technology, and how digital solutions contribute to sustainability. This exclusive interview was conducted by Vidwat Keshan, Associate Editor at Travel And Tour World, during the Digital Travel Summit APAC 2024 in Singapore.

The Digital Travel Summit is an event that brings together travel industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the travel technology space. The 2024 edition, held in Singapore, focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital connectivity, and sustainable travel solutions. Melvin Ng provided valuable insights into how these trends are helping the travel industry move forward.

Progress of Digital Travel Summit APAC 2024

When asked about how the Digital Travel Summit APAC 2024 was progressing for Airalo, Melvin Ng expressed great enthusiasm. He described the event as an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to reconnect, exchange ideas, and learn about new developments in the travel industry. He highlighted how the summit created an environment for people to “catch up and meet new faces” while also providing insight into the latest market trends.

The summit allowed Airalo to showcase its eSIM solutions, which aim to improve connectivity for travelers while reducing environmental impact. “The event is a very good platform for the travel industry people to stay updated with the trends that are happening in the market,” said Melvin. According to him, the event also served as a venue for companies to share how technological advancements such as AI and digital tools can help the travel industry become more efficient and sustainable.

Supporting Innovation in Travel Technology

The Digital Travel Summit also focused on how technology is fostering innovation within the travel industry. Melvin Ng emphasized how Airalo has been contributing to the travel technology sector through the development of digital SIM cards, or eSIMs. This technology has revolutionized how travelers stay connected, eliminating the need for traditional physical SIM cards.

According to Melvin, the event serves as an essential platform where companies and travel professionals can explore advancements in the digitalization of the travel industry in the APAC region. With speakers discussing how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technologies are being implemented in travel services, the summit highlighted the future direction of the travel industry.

“It is one of those events where you can be here to understand what’s happening in the digitalization world in Asia-Pacific,” Melvin said. He further explained that the event allowed Airalo to showcase how technology like eSIM is helping the travel industry advance in terms of convenience and efficiency.

The Role of Airalo and eSIM Technology

Melvin took a moment to provide more details about Airalo’s products. “I’m from Airalo, and we are the biggest player in terms of the travel eSIM space,” he stated confidently. He elaborated on how eSIM technology, as a product, is relatively new in the market, but its benefits are already clear. Airalo aims to encourage more consumers and partners to jump on the eSIM bandwagon.

eSIMs eliminate the need for traditional SIM cards by allowing users to download a digital SIM profile onto their devices. For travelers, this means easy access to mobile connectivity without having to search for a local SIM card or pay exorbitant roaming fees. Melvin pointed out that Airalo’s goal is to share this innovative product with travelers across the globe, making staying connected while traveling a more seamless and enjoyable experience.

Contributing to Sustainability and a Better Future

One of the key aspects that Melvin Ng highlighted during the interview was how Airalo’s technology is contributing to sustainability in the travel industry. He noted that physical SIM cards require plastic to manufacture, which has a negative impact on the environment. “Generally, when people travel, they go to airports to buy physical SIM cards, which involves a lot of plastic usage,” Melvin explained.

Airalo’s eSIM technology offers a sustainable alternative by reducing the need for plastic SIM cards. This reduction in plastic usage contributes to creating a more environmentally friendly travel experience. “With our eSIM, we’re reducing the need for plastic, making the world a more sustainable place,” he added. The switch to digital SIM cards is part of the broader movement within the travel industry to adopt eco-friendly solutions and reduce the environmental impact of travel.

Challenges and Overcoming Barriers

No innovative technology is without its challenges, and Airalo’s journey with eSIM technology has been no exception. Melvin Ng shared some of the obstacles the company has faced in developing and popularizing their product. “The most important challenge that we have is to get people to know about the product,” he said.

Many travelers are unfamiliar with eSIM technology, and Melvin pointed out that there is often hesitation when trying out something new—particularly when it comes to staying connected in a foreign country. “When you’re out there in a new country, you want your network to work,” he explained. Ensuring that travelers feel comfortable using eSIM technology has been a priority for Airalo, which is why they have developed an intuitive user journey designed to make eSIM adoption as simple and hassle-free as possible.

To address these concerns, Airalo has focused on making their platform easy to navigate, providing clear instructions, and offering reliable customer support to help travelers through the setup process. By doing so, they hope to alleviate any fears associated with using eSIM technology and demonstrate its reliability and benefits.

Impact of Digital Travel on Future Travel Trends

Melvin Ng also shared his thoughts on how digital travel and emerging technologies will shape the future of the travel industry. He believes that the travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with technology playing a central role in enhancing travelers’ experiences. The widespread adoption of digital connectivity, such as eSIM technology, will enable travelers to have more control over their journeys, stay connected wherever they go, and enjoy a more seamless experience overall.

Airalo’s participation in the Digital Travel Summit APAC 2024 allowed them to showcase how their technology aligns with the evolving needs of modern travelers. As more people become comfortable with digital solutions, Melvin expects that eSIM technology will become a standard part of the travel experience, offering convenience, cost savings, and sustainability benefits.

The Digital Travel Summit APAC 2024 was a successful platform for Melvin Ng and Airalo to share their innovative solutions and discuss the future of travel technology. Through eSIM technology, Airalo is not only simplifying travel connectivity but also contributing to sustainability efforts by reducing plastic usage. The challenges in adoption are being addressed through education and user-friendly solutions, ensuring that travelers can embrace this digital revolution without hesitation.

With the travel industry increasingly focused on digital innovation and sustainability, Airalo’s eSIM technology is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of travel. Melvin Ng’s insights at the Digital Travel Summit underline the importance of embracing technological advancements to create a more connected, efficient, and eco-friendly travel experience for everyone.

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