Australian e-commerce to embrace AI, hyper-personalisation, and innovative payment solutions amid increasing fraud challenges in 2025.

In Short

The Australian retail and e-commerce sector is set for significant changes, with retailers adopting AI and data analytics to improve customer experiences and tackle rising fraud rates. Innovations like self-checkout and all-in-one platforms are streamlining shopping, while a focus on hyper-personalisation and unified operations is expected to emerge.

The Australian retail and e-commerce sector anticipates significant changes in the coming year. Retailers are exploring new trends and strategies to adapt to this evolving landscape.

E-commerce firms are increasingly utilising AI and data analytics for enhancing customer experiences and fraud prevention. By 2025, an emphasis on hyper-personalisation is expected to deepen as retailers leverage extensive customer data.

Hayley Fisher, Country Manager, Adyen Australia and New Zealand shares her research and insights into the current state of this retail revamp.

The recent peak season highlighted a surge in online shopping, with AusPost delivering over 100 million packages, indicating a growing shift towards health, fitness, and gardening products.

One notable trend is the advancement in queue-busting technologies. Companies like Uniqlo are implementing self-checkout services, while others are adopting mobile payment solutions. These innovations are aimed at reducing transaction times and improving the overall shopping experience.

Another trend is the rise of all-in-one platforms, where marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy enable both small and large retailers to streamline order management and payments efficiently. Despite challenges in AI adoption due to data fragmentation, retailers are encouraged to unify their online and offline operations for optimal customer engagement.

Retailers are also focusing on countering rising fraud rates, which reportedly increased 29% year-on-year in Australia. Recommended measures include implementing network tokens, enhancing authentication processes, and leveraging AI for real-time fraud detection.

Adyen’s local Sydney team offers support for retailers looking to enhance their e-commerce operations and combat fraud effectively.

Emmilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring journey highlights resilience in overcoming life-threatening health challenges and her mission to help others.

In Short

Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, has faced severe health challenges since childhood but remains resilient and determined to inspire others through her book, podcast and beyond. She emphasises a positive mindset and actively engages with her medical team while supporting her family during her journey.

Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, shared her journey through numerous health challenges starting from childhood.

Born with kidney disease, she had a kidney removed by age two and lived on one kidney until major complications arose at seventeen, requiring a bladder reconstruction and a kidney transplant at twenty-one.

However, shortly after her transplant, she faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at twenty-two. Following remission, she discovered rare EBV-driven smooth muscle tumors.

Over the years, Emmilia dealt with various medical issues, including a tumour requiring a craniotomy and a severe bout of sepsis that led to a coma.

Despite these obstacles, Emmilia demonstrates remarkable resilience, emphasising a positive mindset and a strong desire to survive. She actively engages with her medical team, focusing on treatments and timelines, determined to keep moving forward.

Her support system includes her husband and family, and she also plays a reassuring role for them despite her struggles.

Emmilia views her health challenges not as defining elements but as aspects of her life alongside her ambition to inspire younger individuals facing similar issues.

Through her book, & podcast she aims to provide guidance and support for others.

You can find her podcast on social media platforms and her website, ammeliaosullivan.com. Emmilia’s story is a testament to fighting spirit and the pursuit of life goals despite adversity.

Mental health support needs increased funding and resources to combat stigma and ensure affordability in Australia.

In Short

Demand for mental health support is rising in Australia, hindered by affordability, resource shortages, and stigma. Shehara Fernando, CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, calls for equal prioritisation of mental health services and systemic changes to improve access and reduce stigma.

The demand for mental health support continues to rise as affordability, resource shortages, and societal stigma present significant hurdles.

Shehara Fernando, founder and CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise mental health services on par with physical health care in Australia. High out-of-pocket costs hinder access, with current Medicare rebates often inadequate for ongoing therapy and specialised treatment.

Resource shortages, particularly of psychologists and psychiatrists, must be addressed through increased training of healthcare professionals and the expansion of telehealth options, which can reach rural populations effectively. Fernando emphasised the need for tailored services for diverse groups facing unique mental health challenges.

Overcoming societal stigma, especially among men, remains critical. Statistics reveal only 15% of Australian men with mental health conditions seek help, with a substantial number dropping out of treatment. Fernando urged public figures to speak openly about mental health, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.

Crowned Cross Healthcare aims to deliver quality mental health services and encourages individuals to connect through their website and social media for support and resources. More systemic changes and discussions are vital for improving mental health care access.