- TM Roh discusses the prevalence of foldable form factors, the Southeast Asian mobile market, and the effect of youth on innovation.
TM Roh expressed confidence in the continued worldwide adoption of foldable devices during a recent trip to Indonesia. He spoke on the mobile industry’s tendencies as well as Southeast Asia’s mobile market and how technology would influence the future.
Unfolding the Potential of Foldables
As the Galaxy Note Series did, TM Roh remarked that Samsung’s foldable phones have redefined what is possible in the industry and will keep establishing new standards in mobile technology.
“Foldables are transforming and reshaping the mobile market. As the pioneer and leader of the foldable smartphone category, we are focused on delivering incredible foldable experiences that enhance our consumers’ everyday lives,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile eXperience) Business. “We will continue to develop the unique advantages of the Galaxy foldables, such as viewing on a large screen using a compact and durable device, taking photos and videos in Flex mode, multitasking on split screens with an S Pen and enjoying a unique user experience with the new foldable form factor. We will also enhance the foldables experience through partnerships with industry leaders, such as Google, to support more applications and services for foldable devices.”
Foldable form factors are predicted to remain popular. Global sales of foldable smartphones increased more than four times in 2021 compared to 2020, above-market growth predictions by 3 times. Sales of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Z Flip3 5G in a single month exceeded the total sales of foldable phones in 2020, demonstrating the popularity of the Galaxy Z series and the growing demand for foldable smartphones.
Best-in-Class Mobile Experiences for All Smartphone Users
Expounding on Samsung’s mission to make the latest and best in mobile technology more accessible, he said, “For more than a decade, Samsung has played a key role in laying the foundation for a new generation of connectivity in 5G by working with local regulators and carriers in Southeast Asia. While 5G networks are still limited in this region, I’m committed to ensuring that consumers in this region are equipped to benefit from 5G connectivity as soon as the infrastructure is available. And I’m confident that Samsung’s 5G devices will be the first choice for users in Southeast Asia and Oceania, and across the globe as well.”
Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem, which is focused on its Galaxy smartphone line, is made possible in large part by 5G technology. The ecosystem facilitates smooth interactions between the smartphone and other devices, including as the Galaxy Watch and Buds range of products, and even gives Galaxy tablets a PC-like experience with Samsung Dex.
He said, “While we have consistently focused our efforts on improving the smartphone experience for users, we also recognize the growing demand for a connected lifestyle. We are continually innovating to improve and expand our ecosystem to bring more convenience to Galaxy users and to help them achieve their aspirations.”
He also referred to the region’s variety, which includes developing markets where Samsung continues to rely largely on mid-range smartphones.
“By having a keen understanding of our target consumers’ needs, we are able to maintain the affordability of our mid-tier smartphones while providing a great mobile experience as we focus on strengthening specifications of priority product features, such as the battery, memory, performance, and 5G capabilities. In addition, various features from the flagship smartphones, such as the enhanced cameras, and dustproof and water resistant, are extended to the Galaxy A series,” said TM Roh.
Shaping the Future with Innovative Sustainability Efforts
Samsung has been increasing its Galaxy for the Planet commitment and placing sustainability at the core of its innovations as it recognises the role it plays in harnessing technology as a force for good. “I always emphasize the importance of sustainability in every single thing we do, from the way we design, manufacture, and recover materials throughout the product lifecycle to protect our planet.”
He also emphasised how, through Generation17, Samsung has been working closely with a group of inspiring young changemakers who are dedicated to using technology to create for humanity and organise global communities. The 17 Global Goals are to be advanced through the global partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Two Generation17 Young Leaders from Southeast Asia and Oceania were first invited to participate in the global initiative in February of this year: Tamara Dewi Gondo Soerijo from Indonesia, the founder of a social enterprise that seeks to upskill refugee women, and Thuy Anh Ngo from Vietnam, the creator of a mobile app that notifies the elderly about physical and mental health.
The Southeast Asia and Oceania area, which has a large youth population, has witnessed a rapid rise in the growth of the digital economy, driven by the ambitions, life style, and technological know-how of young digital natives.
He said, “The reason we, at Samsung, must champion a more open world is that our future demands it. Our younger consumers want authentic, personal experiences as a way to express themselves and create new opportunities. We take pride in enabling a world where technology connects and inspires us all.”
For more information on the Galaxy Z series, please visit:
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold3-5g/
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip3-5g/