Ethnic enclave Kampong Glam has launched five initiatives in its first phase in becoming Singapore’s first digitally-enabled neighbourhood.
The projects will help traditional businesses in the precinct navigate the digital economy, with about 150 merchants already benefiting from the transformation, according to a press statement by Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
The first phase of the neighbourhood’s transformation comprises five digital initiatives, including:
1) E-payments, for convenient transactions;
2) Digital map listings and virtual in-store tours, for improved merchant discoverability;
3) Augmented Reality–enabled navigational tool with digital marketing features, to help visitors navigate seamlessly through the neighbourhood;
4) Convenient, affordable shopping delivery services, so customers can “shop without shopping bags”; and
5) Integrated Point-of-Sale system, to help businesses become more efficient.
Led by IMDA, the neighbourhood transformation project is in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore, One Kampong Gelam (OKG) association and the Singapore Malay Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI).
“All businesses today, including traditional businesses, must digitalise to stay competitive in the digital economy. We are excited to collaborate with our partners to bring new digital options to Kampong Glam and enable more people to discover this gem of a neighbourhood," said Ms Jane Lim, Assistant Chief Executive, Sector Transformation Group, IMDA.
Businesses now have more tools to engage their customers with an integrated experience that unites the physical and digital, and be better positioned to seize growth opportunities in a fast changing business environment.”
It is aimed at strengthening the neighbourhood’s appeal and helping businesses become more productive through technology.
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for the Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency, has been appointed as special advisor to the Kampong Glam digital transformation project.
Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Communication and Information, added, “This launch of the Phase 1 initiatives is just the start. With the collective effort from the community, public and private sectors entering into mutually beneficial partnership, I am confident that merchants will adopt more innovative digital solutions, creating an even better visitor’s experience in Kampong Glam and improving their business opportunities."