E-commerce

AI boom lifts outbound travel as Singapore, Apac economies splurge abroad

Japan, South Korea and China see strong inbound travel amid demand for pop culture tourism

Quick commerce allows food delivery platforms to give riders more jobs outside the lunch and dinner rushes.

In S-E Asia, can quick commerce become a key growth driver for food delivery platforms?

This approach improves rider utilisation rates and could catalyse subscription services

Sogo malls, especially the flagship Causeway Bay one, have long been among Hong Kong’s prime retail destinations.

Hong Kong’s Sogo Mall operator seeks HK$8 billion loan refinancing

Lenders have paused earnings checks for Lifestyle International as it seeks to refinance

In the US, the UK and Australia, shoppers switch brands easily – making pricing, trust and visibility key for South-east Asia’s direct-to-consumer brands, according to Meta’s new report.
BRANDED CONTENT

Price, trust and proof: The pillars SEA brands need to crack US, UK and Australian markets in 2026

Meta’s new report identifies the strategic shifts regional direct-to-consumer businesses must make to win over skeptical shoppers in these mature markets

As customers pay e-commerce platforms, and the platforms take a commission, the onus of service should also extend to the platforms.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR

E-commerce platforms selling insurance products should also hold a duty of care

Insurance products are not as simple as everyday gadgets

China’s online retail leader aims to connect Taobao, Alipay, travel service Fliggy and Amap to the Qwen app starting on Thursday.

Alibaba takes major step to link Taobao shopping to main AI app

The newly integrated functions are now available for public testing in China

MSIG is supportive of MAS’ efforts to strengthen governance over digital advertising, says the writer.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MSIG implements rigorous internal controls aligned with MAS’ regulatory expectations

WE REFER to a recent article published by The Business Times (E-commerce platforms such as Shopee expand into insurance amid tighter regulatory scrutiny, Jan 12, 2026).

Insurance distribution in Singapore is governed by the Insurance Act, which defines who may act as an insurance agent and the requirements they must meet, the GIA said.

E-commerce platforms such as Shopee expand into insurance amid tighter regulatory scrutiny

Questions around governance and oversight of the digital sales channels come into sharper focus

JD.com has also sought to raise at least US$1 billion through an equity-linked bond sale.

JD.com weighs raising 10 billion yuan in debut dim sum bond sale

Dim sum bonds are attractive to some Chinese tech firms because of their lower financing costs

Since 2025, Beijing raised scrutiny of retail after Alibaba, JD and Meituan spent billions on delivery subsidies.

China targets online commerce battles in latest regulatory salvo

The new rules also require them to protect consumers and user data