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.
