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It’s about to get much easier for digital nomads traveling around Asia to find the perfect productive spot. With deskhop launching in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, it has never been easier to book a desk wherever you are for exactly how long you need, even at short notice.
The Birth of deskhop
At the heart of deskhop’s mission is its founder, Andrew Williams, a seasoned digital nomad himself with over eight years of firsthand experience navigating the remote work world.
He started working in coffee shops, hotel lobbies, beach bars, and coworking spaces around the world, and always encountered the same problems: loud and distracting environments, no 24/7 access, and poor subscription flexibility. This fueled the creation of deskhop.
He was still working as a full-time consultant when he started sketching our business plans in the evenings and mapping user flows on the weekends, leading to an MVP for deskhop. The app lets remote workers browse and book a variety of desks in different coworking spaces without having to sign up for an expensive membership. Book and pay for exactly as long as you need, and even book last minute.
But William’s vision went beyond an app to creating a community for people who want to design a lifestyle around working remotely while traveling the world. This is Remote Tribe, a content resource for current and future digital nomads and other location-independent professionals.
Deskhop has quietly been building its network of connected coworking spaces, with locations in Canada and Turkey, before the push into Asia. While the network of connected spaces is still modest, with the strategic launch into Southeast Asia, we expect more spaces to join over the coming months, creating a significantly useful service.
Asia: The Next Frontier for Flexible Work
The choice of Asia for this major launch is no accident. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing an unprecedented boom in its coworking market. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, this sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 15–16% through 2027. This phenomenal growth is a direct reflection of the global embrace of remote work, the rise of the gig economy, and an increasing appetite for agile workspace solutions.
“As a digital nomad and remote worker for over eight years, I’ve seen firsthand how fast this way of working is expanding,” said Williams. “Remote work is no longer a niche — it’s the future of work. People want freedom and flexibility without the friction of long-term commitments. deskhop was built to give them just that.” This statement encapsulates the core philosophy behind deskhop: to remove the friction and commitment associated with traditional workspace solutions, thereby empowering the nomadic lifestyle.
The global statistics further underscore the urgency and relevance of deskhop’s offering. A Statista study reveals that over 28% of full-time employees worldwide now work remotely at least part of the time, with hybrid models becoming the norm for many companies. The global coworking market itself, valued at $16.8 billion in 2023, is projected to reach a staggering $24 billion by 2028. As work continues to decentralize, platforms like deskhop are not just convenient; they are becoming essential infrastructure for the modern workforce.
Flexibility on Demand
For digital nomads, the ability to find a desk easily and at a moment’s notice is not merely a convenience; it’s a lifeline. One day might see you working from a tranquil beachside café, the next might demand a professional, quiet space for an unexpected client video call or an urgent deadline. Traditional coworking memberships, often requiring monthly contracts or pre-purchased packages, aren’t always compatible with this dynamic way of life.
Deskhop solves this perennial problem by offering true flexibility. Users can book desks by the hour or by the day, paying only for the time they actually need. There are no burdensome monthly memberships, no complicated subscriptions, and no long-term commitments. This “pay-as-you-go” model is a game-changer for those who need maximum agility in their workspace arrangements.
Imagine being in a new city, an unforeseen meeting crops up, or a crucial project requires a focused environment. With deskhop, a productive workspace is just a few taps away. The instant booking feature, accessible through an easy-to-use web and mobile interface, means securing a desk literally takes seconds. This agility empowers digital nomads to maintain their productivity and professionalism regardless of their location or immediate needs.
Unlocking Asia’s Digital Nomad Hotspots with deskhop
deskhop’s launch in Asia strategically targets some of the most popular and rapidly growing digital nomad hubs, understanding that these cities are already magnets for location-independent professionals.
Singapore
Known for its cutting-edge infrastructure, robust economy, and high standard of living, Singapore offers a sophisticated environment for digital nomads. While generally more expensive than its Southeast Asian counterparts, its efficiency and connectivity make it an attractive base for those seeking a professional and well-equipped workspace. And yes, it is true, the importation and sale of chewing gum is banned in Singapore as part of efforts to keep the streets clean.
Thailand
A perennial favorite among digital nomads, Thailand boasts a fantastic blend of affordability, vibrant culture, and a well-established infrastructure for remote work. Chiang Mai has long been hailed as a “digital nomad capital” due to its low cost of living, strong community, and abundant coworking spaces. Deskhop already has coworking spaces connected in the bustling capital of Bangkok and the beach paradise of Phuket. New visa opportunities mean that it is now easier for digital nomads to stay in Thailand for longer.
Malaysia
Offering a compelling mix of modern cities and natural beauty, Malaysia is another prime destination. Deskhop’s expansion here will undoubtedly benefit digital nomads in Kuala Lumpur, a metropolitan hub with excellent connectivity, a diverse food scene, and a growing number of coworking spaces. Malaysia has not only launched a digital nomad visa but is collaborating with Airbnb to ensure that a range of excellent short to medium-term accommodation options are available.
The Philippines
With its stunning islands, friendly locals, and relatively low cost of living, the Philippines is increasingly attracting digital nomads. deskhop’s presence will make finding suitable workspaces easier in cities like Manila and Cebu City, which offer a balance of urban amenities and access to beautiful natural surroundings. A new digital nomad visa was launched in 2025.
The Future of Flexible Work
In an era where remote work is no longer a temporary trend but a fundamental shift in how we approach our careers. Solutions like deskhop are not just innovative; they are indispensable. By removing the barriers of long-term commitments and simplifying the process of finding on-demand workspaces, deskhop empowers digital nomads and remote professionals to truly live out the promise of location independence.
