Amazon launches Prime membership in Singapore amid SE Asia push; stops free shipping option

E-commerce giant Amazon launched its Prime membership programme in Singapore on Wednesday, which offers free global shipping and access to video streaming, among other things.

amazon prime now in singapore
People pass a signage at Amazon's Prime Now fulfillment centre in Singapore 22 July 2017 (Edgar Su/Reuters)

E-commerce giant Amazon launched its Prime membership programme in Singapore on Wednesday, which offers free global shipping and access to video streaming, among other things.

Customers can now sign up for a 30-day free membership trial on Amazon's website, and pay an introductory monthly fee of S$2.99 if they activate their trial within a month from Wednesday.

Singapore will be the first country in Southeast Asia, and 16th globally, to launch Amazon Prime. Countries in Asia with the membership programme include India, Japan and China.

Another service available to Singapore's Amazon Prime subscribers is video streaming, which will allow members to stream or download popular movies and TV series via the Amazon Prime Video app on Android and iOS mobile devices.

E-commerce competitor Lazada had launched its own membership programme in April called LiveUp. Benefits offered include rebates and discounts for online supermarket RedMart, Netflix and Uber.

Hangzhou-based Alibaba also has a membership programme called the "88 Membership Club", which was launched this year.

Amazon on Tuesday stopped free shipping options to Singapore for qualifying items over S$168 were reported to be no longer applicable, media reported.

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