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Alibaba’s Taobao could be a hidden dragon in Singapore’s e-commerce space

The platform has been making moves to grow its market share, including launching its English version for users here

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Benjamin Cher

Benjamin Cher

Published Wed, Dec 25, 2024 · 05:00 AM
    • Singapore’s comparatively friendlier approach to cross-border trade, its majority Chinese population who are largely fluent in Mandarin, and its strong currency are some factors in Taobao's favour.
    • Singapore’s comparatively friendlier approach to cross-border trade, its majority Chinese population who are largely fluent in Mandarin, and its strong currency are some factors in Taobao's favour. Illustration: Midjourney, Adobe Stock and Simon Ang, BT

    RECENT developments have been shaking up the e-commerce space in Singapore, with industry watchers suggesting that the shuttering of marketplace Qoo10 could signal the start of consolidation in the sector.

    Meanwhile, one e-commerce contender has been quietly making moves here, and taking small steps to grow its market share.

    In September, Alibaba’s e-commerce marketplace Taobao launched an English version for users in Singapore.

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