Kakao introduced their new mobile-based platforms Kakao Work and KakaoTalk wallet at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD is a two-day online event discussing how small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) can manage the global digital shift. Under the theme, ‘Digital for SMEs Initiative,’ the participants aim to strengthen cooperation between government bodies and companies for business digitalization. At the OECD, Kakao was the sole official Asian partner company to participate, introducing multiple work solutions and tools.
Kakao Work and KakaoTalk wallet
“In order for SMEs to introduce and maintain remote work, they need an inexpensive and effective digital tool specialized for work,” said Kim Dae-won, Kakao Policy Team’s director. In line with the event’s theme, the South Korean mobile messaging operator introduced a specialized corporate messenger called Kakao Work. Developed by Kakao’s AI unit, Kakao Work combines KakaoTalk’s user interface with AI and cloud-based system and security technologies. Aside from being a work-related communication tool, Kakao Work features Kasper, an AI voice assistant capable of answering questions.
“The comprehensive work platform Kakao Work has high security, and anyone can use it quickly and easily,” added Kim. “It improved accessibility for SMEs by providing business management functions such as management, electronic payment, and AI assistant for free.” Last year, Kakao offered free trials of Kakao Work to users before commercializing and expanding its other subscription-based services.
Apart from the work-messaging platform, Kakao also introduced the KakaoTalk wallet. The KakaoTalk wallet is a digital storage enabling users to keep various digital copies of ID certifications. Using smartphones, users can access their various IDs including driver’s licenses, student and welfare cards, and other state-issued certifications. “As non-face-to-face goods and service transactions increase, the need to verify identity or qualifications has increased,” said Kim.
Kakao and the digitalization of local SMEs
According to Kakao, their new solutions strongly support the digitalization within work environments and optimize work tool efficiency and affordability. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, more local SMEs are starting to adopt a digital way of work. “If SMEs use Kakao’s identity and qualification authentication services, the efficiency of non-face-to-face transactions will be improved. We look forward to improving it,” continued Kim.
Moreover, Kakao’s local startup partner Jeongyookgak also shared how they dealt with the ongoing digital transformation at the OECD. “It is very important for large platforms to connect suppliers and customers in accordance with changing demands. Jeongyookgak was able to successfully respond to the changes through the Kakao platform,” said Sohae Lee, Jeongyookgak’s Chief Marketing Officer.
