A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration, School of Management

Research Studies Project Report (M.B.A.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2000

E-commerce refers to business transactions over computer networks, including both private and public networks. It is a relatively small part of many countries' economies but now is growing rapidly. Since the promise of significant economic growth via e-commerce in a knowledge-based economy is high so is the importance of e-commerce in the public and private sector agenda. Many advanced countries see e-commerce as a potential engine of growth in the new economy. Many Asian countries realize the importance of e-commerce in the new economy too, but the adoption is slow and limited in scope due to many factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the development of e-commerce in Singapore and its policy implications for other Asian countries in promoting e-commerce development. Singapore is selected as a case study because it is one of the pioneers in Asia in the adoption of IT (Information Technology) and e-commerce. The study finds that Singapore, which developed the required infrastructure to conduct business on-line, is moving in full speed to taking advantage of e-commerce. The Govermnent of Singapore plays a vital and enabler role in promoting the adoption of e-commerce by businesses and the general public. Development of e-commerce in many Asian countries is uneven. Some are early movers; some are late comers but are trying to catch up; and another group of countries does not even realize the potential benefits of e-commerce. Many Asian countries can learn from the experience of Singapore to promote e-commerce in their respective countries. They include the role of national government as an enabler and promoter of e-commerce, public and private sector participation and co-ordination, development of sound e-commerce infrastructure, promotion and education and innovative approaches. In addition, international institutions such as World Bank, OECD, APEC, ASEAN and WTO can also play a crucial role in the conversion process in Asian developing countries.