When coronavirus lockdowns forced businesses to shut down and displaced millions from their jobs, Francesca Chia faced a daunting challenge. Within days of Malaysia implementing movement restrictions in mid-March of 2020, mirroring actions taken by much of the rest of the world, the 32-year-old entrepreneur based in Kuala Lumpur swiftly onboarded and secured employment for thousands of workers seeking alternative sources of income. As the co-founder and CEO of Goget, an on-demand work platform facilitating connections between businesses and consumers with verified gig workers for various flexible tasks such as deliveries, catering, and administrative duties, Chia was at the forefront of responding to the urgent needs arising from the pandemic.

Francesca Chia’s journey from a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group to the co-founder and CEO of GoGet epitomises the entrepreneurial spirit that drives change and innovation. Born out of a desire to bring flexible work solutions to Malaysia akin to those seen in the West, Chia, alongside her two co-founders, embarked on a mission to create GoGet, an on-demand marketplace connecting businesses and consumers with verified gig workers, known as GoGetters.

Since its inception in 2014, GoGet has become a transformative force, creating millions worth of job opportunities and significantly impacting Malaysia’s B40 segment, uplifting them to higher income brackets. Chia’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating the company through various accolades and milestones, cementing its status as a beacon of innovation in the region. While discussing GoGet’s solutions, she said, “The ability to give people opportunities to earn and allow them to be their own boss is powerful. We aim to ensure this is brought to as many people as possible”. 

Under her leadership, GoGet has achieved recognition on both national and international platforms, including prestigious awards such as the AIM 2020 Global Startups Champions League and Frost & Sullivan’s Malaysia Niche on-Demand and Last Mile Delivery Customer Value Leadership Award. Moreover, Chia’s commitment to financial inclusion saw GoGet emerge victorious in the UNCDF Finlab challenge, further solidifying its role in uplifting marginalised communities.

Francesca’s influence extends beyond the realm of entrepreneurship, as evidenced by her engagements with global forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and the World Economic Forum. As a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, Francesca has leveraged her platform to advocate for digital financing and the future of work, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and driving meaningful change on a global scale.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unusual challenges. Still, Francesca’s resilience and foresight propelled GoGet to adapt swiftly, onboarding a surge of new GoGetters seeking alternative sources of income amidst economic uncertainty. In a testament to her leadership, GoGet successfully closed a Seed Round and a Series A funding of US$2 million in 2020 alone, reaffirming investor confidence in its mission and vision.

Beyond providing gig workers with a means to earn income, Francesca envisions GoGet as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Through specialised training sessions and upskilling initiatives, GoGet empowers its workforce to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape, fostering a community of empowered individuals poised for success.

Francesca’s journey is a testament to entrepreneurship’s transformative power and visionary leadership’s impact. From her humble beginnings as a management consultant to her current role as a trailblazer in the gig economy, Francesca’s relentless commitment to driving positive change has reshaped the future of work in Malaysia and beyond.

As she continues championing gender equality, financial inclusion, and innovation, Francesca Francesca stands as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and change-makers worldwide. She embodies the ethos of the World Economic Forum’s mission to drive public-private cooperation for the global public interest. With GoGet leading the charge, the future of work is promising and inclusive, empowering individuals from all walks of life to seize opportunities and thrive in the digital age.

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