Retail Asia 2018 RA September.October 2018 (Online) | Page 43

E-COMMERCE
Retail SMEs who use e-commerce platforms see an average 15% increase in sales, while
logistics SMEs that use digital tools improve productivity by 10%-20% on average.
Harmonise domestic policies with
the principles outlined in the
ASEAN Framework for Personal
Data Protection and international
frameworks — keeping a balance
between protection and data flow.
n Enable seamless digital
payments domestically and
regionally. Develop digital payment
ecosystems by adopting frameworks
aligned with global standards that
provide flexibility for cross-border
integration.
n Broaden the region’s digital
talent base. Roll out digital upskilling
programmes for the workforce in
prioritised sectors, developing relevant
digital skill roadmaps with the help of
private sector partners.
n Foster entrepreneurship. Continue
to simplify existing and new regulatory
processes for SMEs — particularly
those around starting a business — and
simplify navigating digital regulations by
implementing an “SME burden test”.
n Coordinate actions across
member states. Designate a single
body, such as the ASEAN Coordinating
Committee on E-Commerce (ACCEC)
— extending its mandate beyond
e-commerce to oversee and coordinate
the delivery of all aspects of the Digital
Integration Framework.
Caesar Sengupta, general manager,
Payments and Next Billion Users
Initiative at Google, said: “At Google, we
believe that every SME has the potential
to be an online and a global business.
The Internet plays a transformative role
in spreading innovation and connecting
businesses to their customers. We are
committed to working with governments
and SMEs in South-east Asia to support
the development of the regional digital
economy.”
By prioritising digital implementation
in these critical areas, and facilitating the
sharing of best practices among member
states, ASEAN can quickly advance
towards becoming a leader in the global
digital economy. ra
Pomelo debuts in Malaysia
DIGITAL fashion brand Pomelo
recently announced its expansion into
Malaysia to further strengthen its
e-commerce presence in the region.
With this launch, fashion consumers
across Malaysia can access the brand’s
latest offerings on a dedicated Pomelo
Malaysia website and Pomelo App at
any time.
The Bangkok-based company
aims to meet the needs of the market
with its assortment of fashion
products, enhanced delivery services
and multiple payment options to
provide customers with the “best
possible online shopping experience”.
In addition to launching more than
100 new styles weekly, customers can
expect seasonal and festive collections
for Ramadan and Chinese New
Year, along with its sustainable line,
Purpose.
Recognising the importance of
a seamless and convenient online
shopping experience, Pomelo invested
in operations and logistics for speedy
delivery and easy returns across
Malaysia. For the first time, Pomelo is
introducing 700 drop-off locations in
the country, with plans of expanding
to nearly 2,000 locations — allowing
customers convenience when making
returns. Customers will get to enjoy
free returns all year round as well as
multiple payment options including
cash on delivery.
Since its launch in 2013, Pomelo
has continued to expand in South-
east Asia, with dedicated sites in
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand,
Indonesia, and Australia. The brand
also has an international site enabling
consumers to access its products in
over 50 countries across the globe. ra
Customers will get to enjoy free returns
all year round as well as multiple
payment options including cash on
delivery.
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