Websites go local.
9 February 2000
Computer Times
English
(c) 2000 Singapore Press Holdings Limited
Local website, AsiaOne has hit more than 1.15 million page views a day, less than three weeks after it was re-launched.
This is significant bearing in mind that the total local population is about 3.7 million. This indicates that Singaporeans are avid surfers.
Besides, more than 18,000 surfers have signed up for Asiaone's free e-mail service, said a spokesman for AsiaOne which is the Internet arm of Singapore Press Holdings.
The Auction Asiaone site seemed popular: About 4,000 items were handled, 2,000 users registered and 3,000 bids processed (See Going for a song on this page).
Growing local interest has also spurred the appearance of more websites as the Web culture takes off in Singapore.
Last week, the World of Sports launched its portal, eWorldofSports.com, which will help the company "accelerate its expansion plans", said Mr Danny Tan, managing director of World of Sports.
"We expect that we will double to 50 outlets from 25 by the end of this year," he added.
Explaining how this will work, he said that a pure online e-commerce website targeting consumers will not work in Singapore because of the small size of the island where everyone can get to shops easily.
Online carrots
"To motivate our customers to combine both virtual and physical shopping, we have come up with a series of incentives that our customers will find hard to resist and which the market will find hard to match.
"For example, customers who shop online will be able to order unreleased exclusive and limited edition items. They will also receive a loyalty dollar equivalent value which can be used at our retail outlets.
"Our website brings our store into our customer's home to allow window shopping in his own time. At the same time, this virtual store will motivate customers to visit any one of our outlets to test, try and collect the items they ordered and redeem their vouchers."
Another website that was launched is DOML Singapore, a retailer of handheld digital devices. At www.doml.com.sg, a comprehensive suite of solutions that include hardware, software, peripheral add-ons, accessories and online services are showcased.
In the near future, the site will also develop a wireless application protocol (WAP)-enabled portal which will allow users of handheld digital devices to establish a wireless and reliable connection to the Internet.
Also set up recently is the first portal for women by local start-up VeryWoman.Net.
At www.verywoman.net, surfers can get a free e-mail service, participate in discussion forums, view online classifieds and browse the contents of a localised content e-zine.
In addition, there is a wide selection of articles covering topics such as food, shopping, work and society.
Said Mr Robin Chee, 24, co-founder and chief technology officer: "We are planning to add more personalised applications such as shopping budgeters, personal organisers and web building tools."
At present, the company is in the process of signing up merchants to launch an Online Shopping Mall in three to six months time.
Chief executive officer Wong Yu Hsiang, 24, said this online shopping mall will be different from others in that it will have niche merchandise for women.
Co-founder and chief operating officer Phyllis Poh,22, hoped that this website will give women "a much deserved chance to voice their views and opinions".
And for those who want a forum for the exchange of ideas, a discussion website at www.sgforums.com enables local surfers to do just that.
They can contribute their views and ideas on any topic that interests them.
The forum also provides a means with which homesick overseas Singaporeans can use to chat with their friends.
Membership is free to all. Free forums are also offered to webmasters or Web designers who want to add interactivity to their websites.
sgForums.com is designed and operated by 18-year old Jason Ling of Jeyel Technologies.
Going for a song
Do your bit for charity. Go to auction. asia1.com.sg and you can bid for Dutch tulips from the well-known Gardens of Keukenhof.
The bid price starts from $1 a bouquet.
All bidders for the Dutch tulips will get a chance to win one of three travel packages for two to Koh Samui. Auction AsiaOne members can also send a customised Vcard to their loved ones.
Said Mr James Heng, AsiaOne's chief operating officer: "This promotional offer will give Singaporean surfers a refreshing change from the traditional Valentine's Day roses. And with the starting bid price set at $1, with no reserve price set, it also offers surfers a chance to buy tulips at a sharp discount from market prices."
To bid for a tulip, all you have to do is to go to the site, register for free and start bidding immediately.
(c) 2000 Singapore Press Holdings Limited.
