Digital initiatives, SME centre for Chinatown businesses launched

Businesses will be educated on the benefits of e-commerce.

The Chinatown Digitalisation Committee has appointed digital platforms Chope and Qoo10 to help businesses in Chinatown bring their products and services online, developing new precinct-level digital initiatives.

The committee aims to help businesses adopt an online-to-offline strategy, build their digital presence to engage new customers, and use technology to optimise their physical stores. They will educate businesses on the benefits of e-commerce and collaborate closely to win new customers, both online and offline.

Chope and Qoo10 will provide dedicated support for digital marketing, outreach, onboarding, and training to interested businesses.

The committee is led by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and is supported by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and Chinatown Business Association (CBA)

“We are excited to launch new digital initiatives with our partners to enable Chinatown businesses to leverage digital capabilities and seize new opportunities. I encourage all businesses in Chinatown to capitalise on the support available to boost your business growth and deliver new experiences in Chinatown for your customers,” IMDA deputy chief executive Kiren Kumar said.

Meanwhile, ESG has also collaborated with SCCCI to set up a new SME centre, SME Centre@Chinatown, at Chinatown Point. The SME centre will assist businesses in digitalisation efforts and provide business advice in areas such as productivity, innovation, and internationalisation.

SME Centre@Chinatown is the 12th SME centre in Singapore and the third set up by ESG and SCCCI.

“These traditional and brick-and-mortar businesses will need to adapt and go digital to meet the ever-changing customers’ needs. The new SME Centre@Chinatown is conveniently located and will enable businesses within the precinct to easily access business advisory, solutions and initiatives to spark their transformation journey and rejuvenate the precinct,” ESG assistant CEO Chew Mok Lee said.