The Asia-Pacific region is at the forefront of the global business-to-business (B2B) eCommerce revolution, driven by rapid digital transformation and the increasing adoption of digital procurement solutions. The region’s eCommerce market is projected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.74% from 2023 to 2032, reaching USD 121 trillion in revenue.

Similarly, as the scientific solutions industry experiences exponential growth, businesses are seeking more efficient, transparent, and seamless procurement methods. DKSH Business Unit Technology’s LabShop is poised to lead this transformation by offering a localized, customer-centric digital marketplace that sets new benchmarks for efficiency and accessibility in the scientific community

Fast-Growing B2B eCommerce in Asia Pacific

The APAC region already dominates the global B2B eCommerce landscape, accounting for nearly 80% of worldwide transactions. This digital acceleration is transforming buyer expectations.

Kerina Loo, eCommerce Manager at DKSH Business Unit Technology, emphasized the increasing demand for consumer-like online experiences in B2B transactions.

“As digital transformation accelerates, B2B buyers now expect a seamless, instituted online purchasing journey like B2C platforms. This trend is prompting suppliers to enhance their digital interfaces, improve customer service, and provide a frictionless online experience,” said Loo.

She added: “We’re seeing a major change in B2B customers’ behavior. Many buyers now start their journey online rather than offline, researching product features, comparing options among competitive brands, and engaging with suppliers via online chat before making decisions.”

The region’s fast-evolving industrial landscape and rapid technological adoption have made digital procurement a strategic priority for businesses across sectors. With a growing demand for more customer-centric scientific solutions and digital-first procurement experiences, the region’s B2B eCommerce ecosystem is poised for unprecedented expansion and innovation.

Demand for More Customer-Centric Scientific Solutions in APAC

Aligned with the booming eCommerce sector, the scientific solutions industry in the Asia Pacific is experiencing robust growth as the laboratory equipment market rises from USD 31.2 billion in 2024 to USD 74.6 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 10.2%.

Key growth drivers include increased funding in scientific research, the booming pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and the rise of industrial activities in emerging markets such as India, China, and Southeast Asia.

James Hsu, Senior Manager of Business Development for LabShop at DKSH Business Unit Technology, noted that digital procurement is becoming essential for the sector.

“With increased funding and the increasing pace of new laboratory construction projects, organizations are relying more on eCommerce platforms for efficient, on-demand access to scientific equipment and consumables,” said Hsu.

He added: “Online shopping reduces emails, touchpoints, and provides transparent price comparison for making decisions. Asian customers are well acquainted with online shopping in everyday life and expect

more of the same benefits in the lab. We are also seeing growing interest from suppliers in Europe and the US, who are keen to list their products on the LabShop to test market demand and fast-track their entry into the APAC market.”

Understanding B2B eCommerce Platforms

In response to these transformative trends, DKSH Business Unit Technology has developed LabShop, a one-stop digital marketplace tailored to meet the evolving needs of laboratory customers. Designed with customer convenience at its core, it empowers scientific communities to procure essential products more efficiently.

Zheng Xiong, Product Owner from Group Digital Product, emphasized LabShop’s localized approach and technological integration.

“LabShop is designed to meet the evolving needs of laboratory customers across Asia Pacific, offering a seamless user experience with advanced functionality, and integrated digital systems,” said Zheng.

Launched across 11 markets in record time, the platform is rapidly evolving to become a one-stop B2B eCommerce platform that delivers seamless digital purchasing experiences for our customers. The platform is on track to integrate with DKSH’s ERP, CRM, and Product Information Management System, creating a unified digital ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency and customer convenience.

Beyond backend system integration, LabShop is continuously improving its user interface to offer a smoother, more intuitive customer journey. Recent enhancements include an advanced filter function that helps customers find products faster and more easily, along with promotion modules that enable more attractive and personalized deals.

Zheng remarked: “Looking ahead, we are exploring ERP-to-ERP integration in select markets, allowing customers to automate purchasing processes directly from their procurement systems, taking convenience, efficiency, and collaboration to the next level.”

By addressing the unique needs of B2B customers, LabShop enhances efficiency, improves customer engagement, and delivers greater value to laboratory communities across the region. Explore how DKSH Technology is revolutionizing lab procurement today.

Sources:

• https://www.inkwoodresearch.com/reports/asia-pacific-b2b-ecommerce-market/?srsltid=AfmBOork0RY-KyfHxwW2Cj2fmejlb7q99RkKlazJ6D38iAhCoqK7cYT8&utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.statista.com/markets/413/topic/458/b2b-e-commerce/#statistic2
• https://www.statista.com/markets/413/topic/458/b2b-e-commerce/#definition
• https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/laboratory-equipment-market?utm_source=chatgpt.com