Singapore Telecommunications, or SingTel as it is known, has announced that it will expand the reach of Shopify in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. Canada-based Shopify is a noted e-commerce platform that aids individuals in setting up their online stores. Enterprising users in these aforementioned countries will be able to kickstart their dream online projects at rates starting from S$17 per month (approximately Rs 797). In addition to setting up their online stores, individuals will also be able to accept secure credit card payments for their goods and services.
SingTel is currently working with payment providers in these countries to make way for transactions in their local currencies by September. Soon, merchants will be able to put together their order fulfilment process and even benefit from the shipping rates. They will also receive local hotline technical support 24/7.

Coming soon to India
Mr Loo Cheng Chuan, SingTel Group Digital Life’s Head (LocalL!fe), said, “SingTel is excited by the tremendous growth opportunities in the eCommerce market. By 2015, 35% of internet users in the Asia Pacific region will make purchases online, and 30% of these transactions will be performed on a mobile device.”
In addition to these, SingTel says that it will offer merchants a range of optional services like search engine marketing, social network integration, inventory management and email marketing capabilities. These features, it explains, boost merchants’ online marketing efforts and make their storefronts better.
“Shopify is an affordable and fuss-free solution to help entrepreneurs in emerging markets to expand their reach in Asia and beyond. With more than 468 million mobile customers in 25 countries, SingTel is uniquely positioned to enable entrepreneurs to seize opportunities, not just in Singapore, but also in the region,” he said.
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