Here’s how Shopee is developing the next generation of data science and AI talent

Shopee, an online platform that connects shoppers and sellers across Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has become a formidable force in the growth of ecommerce data science and AI technologies.

The secret to its success? Its relentless determination to grow data science talent and skills in its home market of Singapore and beyond.

The ecommerce player’s business is heavily driven by big data, according to Pan Yaozhang, Shopee’s head of data science. She says the company is focused on improving user experience as well as enhancing internal processes to boost work efficiency and reduce costs, and data plays a major role in achieving these goals.

The heart of the business

Shopee’s sophisticated model relies on data to provide valuable recommendations for buyers – a system powered by AI technology embedded into its mobile app. The tech collates data on shoppers’ past browsing and purchasing patterns, and that information is used to push relevant products through Shopee’s Feed and Daily Discover features.

In a similar way, data provides Shopee’s brand partners with relevant insights to identify consumer behavior, which in turn supports vendors’ inventory management. This is especially helpful during major campaigns, such as the annual 11.11 and 12.12 shopping extravaganzas.

However, creating these platforms requires specific skills. To build the necessary infrastructure, Shopee has to ensure that it has the in-house talent to drive its ambitions forward.

“As an ecommerce company, data forms the heart of our business,” says Pan. “Hence, it is extremely crucial to have a strong data team as we scale our presence across the region.”

Pan Yaozhang, head of data science at Shopee / Photo credit: Shopee

Thrown into the deep end

Across all tech sectors, panic over talent crunches has been widely reported.

In the 2017/2018 Business Survey conducted by SGTech, 85% of firms said that despite improved revenues, manpower issues were proving to be their greatest challenge and could hamper further growth.

To address this issue, Shopee has taken several proactive steps to develop the next generation of data science and AI talent.

One approach has been to ensure that its employees are able to practice data science not only in theory, but as tools to be marshaled for real-world use.

Senior data scientist Shao Hongxin shares that he has worked on exciting projects that involve automating highly accurate translations of listing information. He’s now working on a way to embed the same technology into Shopee’s chat functions.

“Automating the translation services in chat functions helps to break the language barriers between sellers and customers, and can help to increase user satisfaction on both ends,” he says.

Hands-on learning experiences in the data science field are heavily emphasized. New members are encouraged “to be actively involved in live projects and try their hand at each aspect,” adds Pan.

Shao Hongxin, senior data scientist at Shopee / Photo credit: Shopee

Learning now, learning forever

Despite the value Shopee puts on real-world experience, educational opportunities lie at the heart of its efforts to foster data scientists and AI practitioners. It actively focuses on building environments where learning can take place – both inside and outside the company – by supporting educational programs and talent development.

“I’ve come to realize that learning doesn’t stop at graduation,” says Shao. “I continually pick up new information and approaches from on-the-job discussions, online resources, and community meetups. There is a constant reminder that one should always proactively find ways to learn.”

Pan explains that within Shopee itself, there’s a strong culture of continuous learning. As a result, personnel are encouraged to practice “advanced self-learning techniques” to stay “up to date with the latest data science platforms, tools, and techniques through training workshops.”

Shao shares that Shopee supplements its staff’s self-learning through both functional and general workshops, offering different tiers of training on a range of topics. “From data analytics and building powerful presentation decks to workshops on effective communication,” he says.

There are also more fun, ad hoc activities, such as fitness classes to foster a healthy work-life balance.

Shopee’s tech development advocacy goes beyond its own business. It has collaborated with educational institutions across Singapore to encourage the take-up of data science by students and teachers at all levels of study.

For instance, Shopee has run ecommerce workshops with Nanyang Polytechnic’s Singapore Institute of Retail Studies and non-profit organization Coding Girls to pique young people’s interest in the tech industry.

“We are committed to improving data literacy for a future-ready Singapore. Among the ways we do so is by equipping the public with relevant skills through strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders,” says Pan.

In early 2019, Shopee organized Singapore’s inaugural National Data Science Challenge, which saw 59 organizations and 5,000 people take part in a month-long coding competition. The challenge was designed to equip students and professionals with the technical skills and expertise to tackle real-world problems with data-driven solutions.

Shopee hosts workshops for students / Photo credit: Shopee

Caring through sharing

Shopee makes it a point to share its staff’s experiences and knowledge, thereby sparking more conversations about the potential for technology to solve real-world issues.

“There is a strong culture of information and knowledge-sharing within the team,” says Pan.

“The overall atmosphere is very supportive. When I first joined, I had many conversations with my seniors who had plenty of real world experience, which was very useful,” recalls Shao. “We also have Shopee interest groups that allow us to bond with our colleagues from other teams over common topics, while doing activities that we all enjoy.”

Positive experiences with his seniors have led Shao to a point where he himself can mentor young graduates and “other like-minded people in the field.” Those interactions continued to foster important knowledge exchanges and conversations that are crucial for the industry’s overall development.

Shopee is a prominent online platform that connects shoppers and sellers across Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Find out more about life at Shopee on its blog.