Our Work: Bridging the Sustainability Gap: Ant International's AR Experience at Singapore Fintech Festival 2024

Ant International: Inspiring Sustainability Through Immersive AR Travel Experiences.

Event: Singapore Fintech Festival 2024

Focus Areas: Eco-Conscious Tourism, Empowering Local Enterprises, Digital Innovation

Overview

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a call to action. But while awareness is growing, turning that awareness into tangible action remains a challenge. That’s where Ant International stepped in, partnering with our strategic partner The Next Practice to create something truly special.

At the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024, we unveiled an augmented reality (AR) experience designed to captivate, educate, and inspire. This wasn’t just another digital gimmick; it was an immersive journey that connected eco-conscious tourism with real-world impact, empowering participants to see the bigger picture of their choices.

Through cutting-edge technology and thoughtful storytelling, we showed how brands can go beyond raising awareness to actually motivating action—action that matters.

What We Created: A Journey Through Sustainable Tourism

Eco-Conscious Tourism

We invited participants to explore the breathtaking region of Sumbawa, Indonesia—virtually, of course. Choosing their own avatars, they dived into experiences like whale shark conservation, gaining an up-close look at the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

This wasn’t just about pretty visuals or passive learning. It was about making people feel the impact of eco-tourism: how it protects natural wonders, supports local communities, and fosters environmental stewardship.

Empowering Local Enterprises

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s about people too. That’s why we put micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the heart of the experience.

Through the AR journey, participants discovered how these businesses create jobs, preserve traditions, and build stronger local economies—all while embracing sustainable practices. The message was clear: supporting local enterprises is just as important as protecting the planet.

What Made It Work

1. Gamified Learning:

People learn best when they’re having fun. By introducing challenges and rewards, we turned complex sustainability topics into an engaging, interactive experience.

2. Phygital Magic:

The seamless blend of physical and digital elements brought sustainability to life in a way that felt real and memorable.

3. Practical Digital Solutions:

We showcased tools like mobile payments and green financing in action, proving that sustainability isn’t just an ideal—it’s achievable.

Key Takeaways

1. Phygital Experiences Stick

By making sustainability hands-on and participatory, we made it personal. People didn’t just learn—they felt connected to the cause.

2. Local Stories Matter

Highlighting the real-life impact of MSMEs and community-driven initiatives made sustainability relatable. It’s one thing to care about the planet; it’s another to see how your choices directly help others.

3. Gamification Works

Interactive elements made sustainability engaging, showing that learning about serious issues doesn’t have to feel like a lecture.

Why It Matters

This wasn’t just a cool event activation—it was a glimpse into what’s possible when technology and purpose come together. We created an experience that moved people, sparked conversations, and gave them tools to take action.

For Ant International, this wasn’t just about showcasing innovation—it was about showing leadership in sustainability. And for everyone who participated, it was a reminder that every choice—whether it’s how you travel or what businesses you support—can make a difference.

What’s Next?

The world needs more experiences like this: ones that don’t just talk about sustainability but bring it to life. Brands that embrace this approach have an opportunity to lead, not just in their industries but in shaping a better future for everyone.