Singapore: October 2014 – From rural Nepal to the metropolis of Singapore, there are creative ways to strengthen e-Commerce – and thus local communities. The Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG) is the largest internet platform in Asia. The group launches technologies and start-ups in frontier markets and is home to some of the most renown e-commerce brands in the region, such as Daraz and Lamudi.
APACIG invests in APAC and its people in order to support the rapidly evolving e-commerce market in the world’s most vibrant and dynamic region. They integrate the needs of the local economy into the business model. Products target community needs and logistics evolve according to the context. Processes, like payment on delivery, suit both economy and culture.
Here are some examples of the success the group and its sustainable effect on local communities.
The online marketplace Kaymu is operating throughout Africa and Asia. In order to operate effectively the company not only provides access to goods that would be out of reach, it also promotes infrastructure and development in remote communities. Rajeev Amatya, Country Manager, describes the contribution Kaymu makes – “Kaymu is one of the first e-commerce companies to come to Nepal with such a long term vision. Nepal full of opportunities and challenges. We don’t have proper street addresses, we have no easy online payment systems and no delivery companies that are handling e-commerce. Kaymu is solving problems that do not even exist in the USA or Europe.”
Myanmar there has only recently seen an influx of multinational companies. The online jobs platform Work.com.mm ensures that APACIG employees have the skills they need to flourish. They provide courses in everything from English, to inDesign and Business Negotiation. The courses are free and optional but weekly sign up sheets fill up fast. Technology and e-commerce is becoming the largest employment sector in Asia, and Myanmar is just one country whose population is eager to learn. Successful e-commerce in Asia and the Pacific requires knowledge sharing, a combination of sector expertise and on-the-ground know-how. .
Daraz, the largest e-commerce platform in Pakistan, turns their attention to local spaces. Daraz backed a group of Karachi artists to transform graffiti into street art. The project culminated with displays at the Karachi University’s Annual Carnival, which attracted over 27,000 visitors. The aim is to renovate run-down public places into positive environments and help spread awareness of social issues amongst young people. Investing in the communities of Asia and the Pacific is an integral aspect of growing a strong e-commerce market and ensuring sustainable development.
About Asia Pacific Internet Group:
The Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG), a joint venture of Rocket Internet and Ooredoo, is the leading internet platform in Asia, supporting some of the top internet companies in the region. Founded by Rocket Internet in 2014, the APACIG’s mission is to promote innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Asia Pacific, as well as to support the development of a vibrant online culture. The APACIG’s network currently consists of 10 companies, operating in 15 countries.