Co-living operator Hmlet expands in Japan, appoints new CFO, CTO
Hmlet, Singapore-operated co-living startup today announced it is adding 168 rooms within five new properties across Tokyo. The collection of properties is split into studios, private one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, accompanied by common spaces to foster a sense of community.
Centrally situated and close to public transport, the properties are located in Sengoku, Iwatomocho, Takadanobaba, Sangenjaya as well as the famous Harajuku area. Hmlet Japan also introduced new ways to provide hassle-free living through a tailored-to-members’ requirements monthly fees, while furnishings, utilities, and maintenance can be customised.
In addition to Japan’s expansion, the startup has also appointed Rajive Keshup as its CFO, and Pramodh Rai as its new CTO, effective June 1.
Rai was previously SVP, Product & Technology in the company will now lead Hmlet’s technology platform buildout, data governance efforts and drive business efficiencies.
In Keshup’s new role as CFO, he will continue to lead the finance, accounting, investments, corporate strategy, legal teams, and be responsible for securing and maintaining supply-side relationships with landlords or developers.
Also Read: Singapore’s co-living startup Hmlet enters Japan, to sign 1,000-plus rooms in next 6 months
Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Standards Council introduces new e-commerce guidelines
Under Technical Reference 76, Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council have announced new e-commerce guidelines to help build trust and transparency in online transactions.
Also Read: Singapore unveils two initiatives to help 12,000 people learn about AI
Rachel Peng, founder of Shopavision, a B2C hybrid shopping media platform that automates the connection between brands and consumers, lends her insight:
“The new guidelines may be a barrier to entry for small businesses as well as individuals who own micro-businesses when it comes to digitalisation. It would also be challenging for online marketplaces to ensure that all merchants on their platforms abide by these guidelines,” said Peng.
“However, these guidelines, in general, are good practices that will serve to protect consumers who shop online as it will also enable online merchants to build better trust with their customers. This is key to running a successful e-commerce business,” Peng added.
In the report by The Straits Time, Lucas Tok, a marketing and retail lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic, said the launch of the standard is “a step forward for the industry as a whole”.
“While it may take some time for businesses to adopt these practices, given that some have only just started their digital platforms, the guidelines will help them develop a customer-centric approach,” he said.
Meanwhile, merchants on Shopavision also commented on the matter. Janson Chan, CEO of merchant Mushroom Kingdom said that the guidelines are a good checklist that can help merchants who are not familiar with e-commerce get started. “It may actually help them with certain blind spots when it comes to transacting with customers online. By presenting information clearly, it is likely to help online merchants in their business as customers will have fewer questions about a certain product and more ready to make immediate purchases,” said Chan.
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Image Credit: Hmlet
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