More than 80 per cent of households shopped online last year; spent an average of $707 monthly online

The latest household expenditure survey released by the Singapore Department of Statistics on Thursday (28 Nov) showed that 82 per cent of local households made online purchases last year, higher than 60 per cent from 2017 to 2018. Chua Yeow Hwee, assistant professor of economics at NTU, said the increase in households engaging in online spending aligns with broader trends observed globally. It shows Singapore’s improved digital infrastructure, greater access to e-commerce platforms, and shifting consumer preferences. Furthermore, many people who households turned to online shopping during COVID retained the habit after the pandemic. Asst Prof Chua believes people can better compare prices and make optimal choices when shopping online. They can also plan ahead, reducing the tendency for impulsive shopping. “With more people transitioning to online spending, it is more important than ever to ensure digital literacy, so as to overcome fraud and security risks,” he said.

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