Listening Transcript Unit 2 Activity 4 and 5 Page 61 68

Summary

In this podcast, Lao interviews Shri, a young social media influencer, who shares her journey from traditional sales promotion to launching an online business. Shri discusses her transition from cash-based to cashless payments, highlighting the convenience and benefits of using digital wallets and QR codes. Despite initial concerns about security and spending habits, she explains how e-commerce has shaped her entrepreneurial success. The podcast emphasizes the growing importance of e-commerce in a cashless society and the impact of technology on modern transactions. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the shift towards digital payments in today's economy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The podcast discusses the shift from cash-based to cashless societies, focusing on the role of e-money in online purchasing.
• 😀 Shri, a social media influencer, shares her experience of transitioning from personal use of social media to using it for e-commerce and online selling.
• 😀 The influencer describes how her online shop started after gaining a significant number of followers on social media during the pandemic.
• 😀 The use of QR codes for cashless payments is highlighted, emphasizing their convenience for quick transactions.
• 😀 Shri explains how she was initially cautious about using e-money and e-wallets due to concerns about security and the potential for funds to be siphoned off.
• 😀 The podcast discusses how physical money felt safer to some people, as they feared losing money through electronic payments.
• 😀 As society becomes more cashless, the convenience of digital payments is emphasized, although concerns about overspending also arise.
• 😀 Shri shares how moving to e-payments eventually led to a positive experience with her online shop, where she reaped the benefits of a cashless world.
• 😀 The conversation touches on the future of online shopping and how societies must adapt to the growing trend of cashless transactions to avoid falling behind.
• 😀 The podcast concludes by inspiring young entrepreneurs to embrace e-commerce platforms and shift away from traditional cash transactions for more efficient business practices.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the podcast episode?

The main topic of the podcast is about e-money as a means for online purchasing, and how social media influencer Sri transitioned from a cash-based society to using e-commerce and electronic payments.

How did Sri start her online shop?

Sri started her online shop in 2019 after resigning from her job as a sales promotion girl. She began selling products online through her social media account as she gained a large following.

What was Sri's early experience with money as a child?

As a child, Sri saved her pocket money in a special rooster piggy bank, where she collected silver coins, a habit that influenced her later decisions regarding money.

What concerns did Sri have about using e-money and electronic payments?

Sri was concerned that electronic payments and e-wallets might be unsafe, fearing that money could be easily siphoned off from her smartphone. She also worried about spending more money due to the convenience of cashless transactions.

How did Sri learn about QR codes and their function?

Sri learned about QR codes from a friend who works in a bank. She was told that when a QR code is scanned, the online system deducts the exact amount from the payer's e-wallet instantly, making transactions quick and convenient.

What were the main reasons Sri hesitated to switch to electronic payments?

Sri hesitated to switch to electronic payments because she felt that cash was safer, and she was unsure about how e-money worked on her smartphone. She also feared that using electronic money might lead to more impulsive spending.

What does Sri think about the transition from cash-based to cashless societies?

Sri believes that moving from cash-based to cashless societies is inevitable, and the benefits of electronic payments, such as convenience and speed, outweigh the fears associated with them.

How has Sri's social media following contributed to her business?

Sri's growing social media following, which reached over 700k, played a crucial role in her ability to start and grow her online shop, as it provided her with a platform to promote and sell products.

What did Sri mean by saying electronic payments eliminate the 'pain of paying'?

By saying electronic payments eliminate the 'pain of paying,' Sri means that using e-wallets and digital transactions removes the physical discomfort and effort involved in handling cash or waiting for change during transactions.

What is the overall message Sri conveys about the future of money and transactions?

Sri conveys that while money will continue to be a governing force in people's lives, the way society spends money will change as electronic payments become more prevalent. She believes that e-commerce platforms and cashless transactions will inspire other entrepreneurs to embrace digital business models.