EhaiLEARN: empowering drivers through English

Unlike individuals who have the luxury of studying English in a relaxed setting over coffee, e-hailing drivers often lack the time and energy for traditional language learning methods due to long working hours spent navigating the roads. Many of these drivers face persistent challenges in improving their English proficiency, particularly through conventional classes or textbook-based learning materials, which do not cater to their schedules or learning needs. This language barrier poses a significant problem, especially when drivers interact with international passengers, leading to miscommunication, poor customer experiences, and ultimately, lower service ratings. To address this issue, EhaiLEARN was developed - a mobile English learning application specifically designed for the unique needs of e-hailing drivers. Built using the Thunkable platform, EhaiLEARN enables flexible, on-the-go learning through features such as commonly used conversational phrases, gamified activities to boost engagement, and real-time communication support to aid drivers during live interactions. The app is tailored to fit seamlessly into the mobile-centric lifestyle of e-hailing professionals, ensuring usability even during short breaks or waiting periods between rides. A freemium business model supports future scalability and sustainability, offering both free and premium features to accommodate different user needs. Preliminary testing and feedback from users have been overwhelmingly positive, indicating improved confidence and willingness to communicate in English. However, further enhancements are required to ensure optimal functionality in low-bandwidth environments—a common issue in certain driving zones. EhaiLEARN shows strong potential not only as a practical educational tool but also as an innovative entrepreneurial product that supports professional development and service excellence in Malaysia’s growing e-hailing industry.