Southeast Asia’s digital economy is growing rapidly, but businesses face a major challenge: how to engage customers with personalized, timely communication across diverse and fragmented markets. The solution? AI-driven, scalable communication tools that enable efficient and secure customer interactions.
The Challenges of Scaling Communication
In a recent interview with e27, Stephen Hamill, General Manager of CPaaS at 8×8, outlined the hurdles SEA startups face: limited IT resources, tight budgets, and the complexity of integrating communication tools. Despite these obstacles, the right tools can lead to substantial growth.
Real-World Impact: Scalable Communication Tools in Action
Scalable, secure, and user-friendly communication tools are already delivering impressive results. Take ShopBack, for example: by using 8×8’s SMS and WhatsApp solutions, they saw a 5x increase in engagement and 2-3x higher campaign results across APAC. In the case of Mangan.ph, automated SMS notifications led to a 25% boost in productivity and 35% higher customer satisfaction. The results speak for themselves – with the right communication tools, businesses can significantly enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.
The Future of Engagement: Predictive AI
Looking to the future, Hamill points out that predictive AI capabilities—such as predictive analytics and AI-driven chatbots—will become essential for businesses looking to engage proactively with customers. By anticipating customer needs and offering tailored solutions before a problem arises, businesses can build stronger customer loyalty and stay ahead of the competition.
Security Is Key
As AI-powered engagement grows, so does the importance of data security. Hamill stresses that businesses must prioritize secure, compliant platforms to protect customer data and build long-term trust in their brand.
Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, AI-powered communication can be the key to unlocking growth and delivering more meaningful customer experiences.

Read the full interview here and learn how scalable, AI-powered communication can transform your customer engagement strategy, or reach out to an expert at cpaas-sales@8×8.com to find out more.