Title: ChatGPT: An Essential Tool for Effective Communication When Trained Correctly
E.Ocean, founded by Syed Amir Jafri and his brother Syed Asif Jafri in 2008, recognized the need for improved communication platforms among sales teams, franchisees, and retailers. Their expertise in cloud-based communication solutions led them to create a mass communication platform that revolutionized interactions through SMS. Since then, E.Ocean has been developing innovative communication solutions for various organizations.
Despite lacking a background in technology, the Jafri brothers drew inspiration from visionary Steve Jobs, who had a profound impact on them with the release of the iPod. Syed Amir Jafri discovered that Jobs, like them, was fascinated by Star Trek and delved into Jobs’ journey, realizing that anyone could become a marketer. They obtained a Class Value Added Service (CVAS) license and started researching corporate organizations’ technology requirements, leading them to the realization that the ability to engage with a large consumer base was crucial. With SMS as the prevalent medium at that time, they created platforms that enabled businesses to interact with their customers effectively.
Summit Bank became E.Ocean’s first customer in 2011 when the company partnered with them to design an SMS-based service that facilitated prompt communication with customers. This gateway, powered by a single application programming interface (API), connected all telecoms to the bank. As their success grew, E.Ocean expanded their clientele to include many other prominent banks like Askari Bank, and partnered with well-known organizations such as TCS and Unilever.
In 2019, at the Mobile World Congress, the conversation surrounding digital communication platforms like WhatsApp and AI gained momentum. E.Ocean embraced this shift and became a WhatsApp for Business Meta Partner in 2021. They developed a digital platform that facilitated HBL’s WhatsApp for Business account, allowing users to carry out transactions seamlessly. This marked a significant turning point for them. E.Ocean’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements has positioned them as industry leaders.
E.Ocean’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond their core business, leading them to organize Momentum, a trade conference. Inspired by their experiences attending other prestigious tech expos and conferences, they launched Momentum in 2017. This annual event brought together startups, corporations such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon, as well as investors and corporate organizations. By covering the travel and lodging expenses of over 200 entrepreneurs from nearly 30 cities in Pakistan, E.Ocean provided a platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing.
Aside from E.Ocean, Syed Amir Jafri is also the co-founder of KistPay, which has a partnership with Google. This partnership enables KistPay to address the challenge of obtaining financing for smartphones in developing countries. By incorporating tracking technology called Lock Control, KistPay can provide underserved individuals with smartphones, enabling them to enter the digital ecosystem and contribute to true digital transformation.
Recent developments have seen E.Ocean integrate ChatGPT into the services offered by KistPay. ChatGPT, an AI-based chatbot, enhances customer service experiences on WhatsApp. This integration sets E.Ocean apart, as no other company has incorporated ChatGPT with WhatsApp in this manner.
While AI technologies like ChatGPT have the potential to replace human involvement in certain repetitive tasks, Syed Amir Jafri emphasizes that human intervention remains essential in many areas. For example, customer service often involves answering similar questions regarding account balances or branch locations. However, the architecture of ChatGPT and other AI platforms mirrors human patterns, making them valuable tools when trained correctly.
AI technologies like ChatGPT also offer numerous positive applications. They can provide unbiased responses and create a safe space for individuals to ask questions without fear of judgement, helping to foster inclusive and accessible learning environments. It is crucial, however, to strike a balance and regulate AI technologies to ensure ethical use and prevent any negative consequences.
Internally, E.Ocean fully embraces digital transformation. While many organizations struggled during the Covid-19 lockdowns, E.Ocean continued to thrive due to their digital infrastructure. With the necessary tools and connectivity, their digitally-enabled staff can work from anywhere, making E.Ocean a highly adaptable and resilient organization.
Looking ahead, Syed Amir Jafri envisions leveraging the strengths of both E.Ocean and KistPay to establish themselves as global players. By providing innovative solutions to global banks and telecoms, they aim to replicate the success they have achieved in Pakistan on an international scale. With their commitment to technological advancement and a customer-centric approach, E.Ocean and KistPay are poised to shape the future of digital communication and financial inclusion.
