IMDA, Singtel, DBS launch new 99%SME platform to strengthen SMEs' omni-channel capabilities

SINGAPORE (Jan 11): The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singtel and DBS today jointly announced that they have launched a new 99%SME e-commerce platform to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) merchants easily adopt digital technologies and provide their customers with omni-channel experiences.

This new platform complements the 99%SME campaign, co-founded by Singtel and DBS, to help SMEs adopt digital technology to grow their businesses and supports IMDA’s existing plans to boost the digital capabilities of Singapore’s retail sector.

The capabilities of the new 99%SME platform includes increased visibility of SMEs’ stores with Geo-location based search feature; more convenience for consumers; business insights to help make better decisions; and offering a buyer’s and seller’s mobile application to improve user-centric experience.

With the new 99%SME platform, SMEs are able grow their customer base using both their offline and online presence though the platform’s omni-channel and retail features.

Online customers will be able to have a “last-mile” delivery option, allowing them to self-collect their purchases from the nearest store. This enables SMEs to upsell and cross-sell to online customers who walk into their stores and collect their merchandise.

Consumers will also be able to find the most relevant SME store and product based on their search query that will be recommended by the platform.

In addition, SME merchants can use the platform’s business insights and reports to better understand sales performance of product categories and help them plan their product mix to optimise sales and inventory.

There is no charge for SMEs to list their products or services. Participating merchants can also freely use the platform’s library of common copyright-free product images and details to list their products and services more easily.

Merchants on the 99%SME platform will have access to DBS’ B2B e-marketplace, which enables SMEs to sell their products and services to large corporations. The e-marketplace also allows merchants to access supply chain connections, financing, and payment solutions that are usually only open to large enterprises

Jane Lim, assistant chief executive, sector transformation group of IMDA says, “Dedicated platforms such as the 99%SME platform can help them digitalise and compete more effectively in an increasingly connected and globalised market. Residents will benefit too as they will be able to search and buy products more easily from their neighbourhood retailers, whether they shop offline or online.”