Google Day Asia: How to make it Big in the World Wide Web and discover why the “Philippines” is an opportunity

Makati became the convergence zone of top tech company Google and IT professionals in Asia last Friday, 3^rd August 2012. G-day happened first in the Philippines with Google’s Loren Shuster delivering the keynote for the event. Working in the country since 1995, he said that the “Philippines” has always been marked as the next big thing. “The reality is: the internet is here and the drivers are here. The Philippines is going to be one of, if not, the fastest growing market from a GDP perspective across Asia Pacific. The Philippines is an opportunity here and now for all collectively. That's why we're holding our 1st G-day in Southeast Asia particularly, in the Philippines” said Shuster.

He also gave a round of Trivia to engage with the crowd.

• What is the nickname of Google's search engine during the initial days of Larry and Sergey working on their Stanford engineering project (back in 1996)? 

       Answer: Backrub (Not to be mistaken as a massage parlor which it sounds like. 

     The name was changed in 1998 when the company was founded. With 14 years on 

     its track, Google is very young yet; it has changed Technology to better the lives of many).

• What is the meaning of Google?

        Answer: It's a number with a hundred zeros.

• What is the Informal corporate slogan of Google?

         Answer: Don't be Evil.

• What inspired the multi-colored Google logo?

       Answer: When the founders were working in the garage, they built a computer chassis out 

       of Lego. The multi-colored Lego inspired the Google Logo.

 Google Executive Loren Shuster delivers the Keynote

The talk narrated the big G’s timeline beginning from its birth on a rented Garage of Susan Wojcickis in Menlo Park, California. Established in 1998, the organization’s mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.  Shuster moved to discuss Google Glass (GG), a man-machine interface which makes information accessible right in front of your eyes.  Classified as the Google I/O extension in Asia, the event could have been more exciting if he did a demo of the GG in action.  “It is an incredible innovation. It sounds futuristic. It is here and now. In the next 24-36 months, I wouldn't be surprised if many people in this room started wearing Google glass.” said Shuster as he discussed about the product.

Shuster shifted to discuss about the current landscape in the region. He said that 2.3 Billion people are already online and over 1 Billion are across Asia Pacific representing over 29% market penetration.  “The numbers present huge opportunity for people to come online and engage online, to access info online and participate in their communities online “he added. Being one of the most exciting and dynamic region in the world, Google raises its flag and establishes its presence in the country. 

“The pace of Change is normal. It is something that we all need to adapt to in order to stay abreast of the latest technology opportunities that provide us the chance to enhance our businesses and our personal lives.” Shuster said.

What the future holds

Mobile is the Future. Photo Credit: Ohio State University

Shuster went on to discuss the figures in 2012 showing that there are over 5 Billion mobile devices globally.  Looking forward, Google expects this number to double. This means that a huge change is about to happen creating enormous opportunities and value.  The internet is at the heart of everything we do in our daily lives. It’s all about these 3 core areas: Information, Entertainment and Community.

Information sourcing today

Android Explosion

In retrospect 20 years ago, Shuster reminisced how we relied on local libraries, morning papers and encyclopedias. But, today, the vast majority of the information we use are sourced online.

“There are more Android activations happening compared to the number of babies born.  Every day, 4.7 Billion Google searches are made.” These are the reasons why mobile is perceived as a change agent in sourcing information.  The Tech stalwart expects to have more mobile and desktop searches in the next 24 months.  Shuster believes that importance should be given to mobility and business.

YouTube defines entertainment

YouTube

Back in 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 Billion. At present, more than 72 hours of video content is uploaded per minute. People YouTube videos having more control as to when, where and what to download.  People are now empowered to define entertainment at their own will.

Community Basics online

Apart from retrieving information, people are getting more connected online.  “There is a lot of sharing happening and there is also an explosion of content. As a result, consumers are starting to demand” Shuster said. These times are interesting since different platforms are accessible and available. The spotlight is lit towards content creators and businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and make something useful for people.

Why Google loves the Philippines

Internet penetration in the country is at 33%. Shuster emphasized the need for businesses to go beyond traditional media and consider online presence. In Southeast Asia, the “Philippines” has the highest usage of videos and the second biggest in the world to upload videos online.  Also, the number of searches made via mobile is outstanding. Shuster emphasized “Mobile has to be the center of all activities.”

How to make it Big in the Web

Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda. YouTube Star Sensation.

Digital platforms even the playing field for everyone to be successful online. So, what makes success online?  Google believes that the only limiting factor is creativity. There is a massive opportunity for businesses and individuals aspiring to make it big. A proven fact: Many became successful using the new media with the likes of Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda.

To illustrate where the trend is heading, Shuster said the Philippines is the first market in Asia where chrome is the number 1 browser.  President Aquino was the first world leader to be interviewed in YouTube. Google offers free SMS to Globe, Smart and Sun.  The big G’s big bets are: Android, YouTube, G+ and Google search.

Now, all the cards are down. What’s your online success story?