All you need to know about WeChat’s Open Chatbot platform

Tencent, a leading provider of value added internet services in China launched its very own open chatbot platform for developers last September.

 

The open platform aims to provide a simplified process for developers to build chatbots. The application requires an easy 3 step process which is mentioned below :

 

Step 1 – The developer submits the access application where it is reviewed through a manual audit

Step 2 – Post approval, the developer can initiate building their own robots on the platform

Step 3 – Post development, another application has to be submitted for review and can be posted online once it’s approved

 

Over and above the user-friendly application process, the platform also provides a multitude of features that will give the developers an edge over other open robot platforms.

 

Here are a few of those features :

 

  • State of the art image and voice recognition that promises accurate identification
  • A better semantic understanding based on decades on technology and data accumulation
  • Robotic tools that enable dialogue customization
  • Easy access to statistical data and tools
  • Convenient review processes online

This platform has paved the way for development of different bots that can help the user book movie tickets, find restaurants nearby and even book cabs! In the era where technology is booming, a platform like this can definitely lead the path for improved chatbots and online services.

Thomas Cook Innovates on WeChat with KRDS for its launch in China

 

Thomas Cook, the prominent travel services company in the world has opened its doors in Shanghai. Thomas Cook wanted to raise awareness about the brand in the Chinese market and decided to do an innovative campaign during its launch event on September 6th attended by over 100 media professionals from China.

 

Social & Mobile Agency, KRDS Shanghai was roped in due to its sound WeChat expertise to assist with developing a WeChatVirtual Reality experience and a live game ‘Play Together’ (一起玩) to entertain attendees during the luncheon.

 

The Virtual Reality experience was created for the guests to enjoy beautiful locations and views with a VR headset inspiring them to travel while game would serve as an introduction to the story of Thomas Cook’s brand and history.

https://youtu.be/j7sm6FcC_bA

The game begins when users follow the brand, Thomas Cook on WeChat. A code is presented to them which redirects them to the game. The game then randomly pairs up two guests at the event and a question about Thomas Cook is displayed on the game. The player that answers the fastest among the two is awarded points and paired up with another guest. The other player that answered incorrectly is also paired up with a different guest. The scoreboard of the game was also broadcast live on the screen as the attendees paired up with each other in rotations.

 

The game was able to provide the media professionals an overview of Thomas Cook and its launch in Shanghai along with its journey to becoming one of the most renowned travel services companies in the world.

Billy Ko, Head of Marketing & Digital at Thomas Cook commented:

“Introducing a social game at the live event was a great way to liven the atmosphere and served as a fun element. The addition of the VR Experience also was a great way to introduce our brand to China and we thank KRDS for making it happen”

 

Aurélien Ferrie, General Manager, Greater China at KRDS Shanghai added:

Perfectly leveraging WeChat is key for any brand that comes to China. By creating both a unique VR experience and a live quiz on WeChat, Thomas Cook was able to show the market that they want to go beyond and translate their innovation on to the WeChat platform. We are proud to note their trust in KRDS and our WeChat expertise, to bring this ambition to life” 

WeChat owner Tencent beats Facebook in value and become Asia’s First $500 Billion company

Founded in 1998, Tencent, which is one of the biggest tech giants in China made its way to the Top 5 Biggest Firms in the World. It is now the first Asian company to be valued at over $500 Billion surpassing Facebook that was dominating the social media field.

 

 

The most successful app created by Tencent, Wechat, is said to have around 980 million monthly active users, with 38 billion messages sent daily. And the Youtube alternative in China, Tencent Video boasts of a huge subscriber base. Revenue from its gaming division, rose to 18.2 billion yuan  due to its fantasy role-playing hit “Honour of Kings”, which is expected to release in the United States next year.The company also holds 12% of the popular picture messaging app, Snapchat.

 

Tencent’s Hong Kong listed shares have doubled in value this year and on Tuesday the company’s value was estimated to be $523 Billion. This is followed by Tencent’s rivals in Asia, the AliBaba group (valued at $481 billion) and Samsung electronics (valued at $364 billion).

 

With the drastic surge in growth, Tencent will surely be making waves in the tech, gaming and social media sector next year.

Why a top French business school is launching on WeChat?

Toulouse Business School (TBS) increases its footprint in China and partners with KRDS, the WeChat agency, for its WeChat development.

 

Having entered the Chinese market a few years ago, and boasting a network of more than 1,500 Chinese alumni coming from all over the country, TBS is already a key player in its industry in China. So why this decision to open a WeChat account ?  

 

‘We want to get closer to our students, build tailor-made relationships with them and make sure we answer their questions in a timely manner. Following our conversation with KRDS, we now fully understand how we can leverage WeChat as a communication and servicing platform !’ says François Dean of Toulouse Business School.

 

As a matter of fact, besides enjoying weekly content posted on TBS’ WeChat account, students will also be able to ask any questions and receive instant and tailor-made replies directly on the platform!

 

For instance, questions about a specific program, an upcoming event, a professor, an alumni, tips to brush upon one’s curriculum, etc. All these pieces of information will be at finger’s reach for Chinese students.

 

“With one billion monthly active users in Q3 2017 as well as 12 million official accounts, WeChat is the must have tool for any brand wishing to expand its presence in the Chinese market and/or among a Chinese audience” adds Aurélien FERRIE, general manager of KRDS

 

In the top 10 Business Schools in France, with an executive MBA ranked in the top 100 in Financial Times 2017, TBS offers renowned and tailor-made undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as aviation, financial engineering, etc. Students can also choose between 5 TBS campuses : Paris, Toulouse, Barcelone, Casablanca, London !

To discover Toulouse Business School account, scan the QR in WeChat