How does a data scientist explain their job to their young kids?

Jia Chen, the head of data science, integrity, at Grab, says this: “We are building machines that make decisions on a daily basis. For example, ‘do we need to bring an umbrella today?’ For this, we need to work with a lot of information to make predictions.”

The fourth episode of Grab’s technology podcast, Grab a Seat, is all about making the abstract idea of data science more accessible.

 
Efficiency needs data

Host Ankit Vengurlekar is in conversation with Chen and Serene Ow, who heads the data science team dealing with all things fulfillment.

Read more: Grab launches new tech podcast series, Grab a Seat

That means, Ow’s team deals with all kinds of data that can help “make Grab driver-partners’ jobs more efficient,” she says. “Where should they go to get the next job? How do we reduce idle time, so they don’t miss out on earning opportunities, or waste fuel driving around aimlessly?”

Data science goes into creating heat maps based on supply and demand that help driver-partners navigate to areas of a probable supply surge ahead of time.

Data science in action

Ow and Chen get into more examples of practical data science applications at Grab, and there are plenty. Making sense of millions of user reviews, for example, or automating the process of recognising street names and street signs from photos, to help improve Grab’s map data.

Read more: How Grab uses AI to generate more precise delivery instructions

Of course, it’s not all just technical conversation. Grab a Seat’s host manages to tease out Chan and Ow’s relaxation routines post screen-time, and do 30-second elevator pitches on the spot.

Check out the full episode to find out how that went. On YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Komsan Chiyadis

GrabFood delivery-partner, Thailand

Komsan Chiyadis

GrabFood delivery-partner, Thailand

COVID-19 has dealt an unprecedented blow to the tourism industry, affecting the livelihoods of millions of workers. One of them was Komsan, an assistant chef in a luxury hotel based in the Srinakarin area.

As the number of tourists at the hotel plunged, he decided to sign up as a GrabFood delivery-partner to earn an alternative income. Soon after, the hotel ceased operations.

Komsan has viewed this change through an optimistic lens, calling it the perfect opportunity for him to embark on a fresh journey after his previous job. Aside from GrabFood deliveries, he now also picks up GrabExpress jobs. It can get tiring, having to shuttle between different locations, but Komsan finds it exciting. And mostly, he’s glad to get his income back on track.