[Watch] Superapp secrets: Grab’s CFO on growth, AI, and Southeast Asia’s future

In the show, Oey discusses Grab’s growth, operations, and the Southeast Asian market, highlighting the region’s familiarity with superapps. “I might take a ride-hailing service in the morning, order food for lunch, schedule a grocery delivery, and pay for dinner—all within one app.”

Grab, initially a ride-hailing service, has grown into a multi-service platform spanning mobility, delivery, and financial services across eight countries and 800+ cities, with 44 million monthly users deeply integrated into daily life.

The superapp advantage

Oey emphasises Grab’s multi-service model, driving high user engagement and increasing customer lifetime value. “Users access multiple services daily, boosting growth across our core businesses,” he notes. Mobility and delivery revenues grew steadily, while GXS Bank achieved US$1.2 billion in deposits, serving underbanked populations in Malaysia and Singapore.

AI transforming Grab

AI is central to Grab’s operations, enhancing experiences for users, merchants, and driver-partners. Tools like the Merchant Bot have boosted merchant earnings and advertising spend by 24 per cent. For drivers, AI RideGuidance serves as a “co-pilot” for efficient navigation. Internally, AI-assisted coding tools and automated workflows have streamlined processes.

Growth opportunities

Oey outlines Grab’s focus on expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, diversifying offerings, and addressing the needs of Southeast Asia’s underbanked population, where 60 per cent remain underserved. He also stresses educating US investors on Southeast Asia’s US$200 billion digital economy and 5 per cent growth rate. “The more I explain this opportunity, the better investors understand Grab’s role.”