Platforms like Grab, Go-Jek to drive next wave of economic growth

Singapore

COMMERCIAL platforms such as Grab, Carousell and Go-Jek will drive the next wave of global economic growth, according to Will Gaybrick, chief financial officer (CFO) at Stripe, one of the world's most valuable payments technology startups.

In a recent interview with The Business Times, he said Grab is an example of platforms that play an "increasingly powerful and important role in the global economy". The Singapore-based transport and payments company has enabled "more commerce to happen", particularly in South-east Asia.

Earlier this week, Grab said it would acquire the South-east Asian business of its San Francisco-based rival Uber, taking over the latter's transport and food delivery operations. If the merger materialises, the enlarged Gra…