History and evolution of HardwareZone.com.sg since 1998

HardwareZone.com.sg began in August 1998 as an online magazine founded by five engineering students from the National University of Singapore: Lee Choon Yau, Eugene Low, Poh Swee Hong, Ang Chi Hoe, and Jereme Wong. Initially, it served as a platform for computer enthusiasts to discuss hardware and software news. Within two years, by 2000, it had grown significantly, attracting around two million page views monthly and evolving into a popular IT portal.

The founders planned to expand HardwareZone into a full-fledged portal and even considered launching an initial public offering (IPO), which would have made them the first undergraduates in Singapore to do so. However, this IPO did not materialize.

In 2006, HardwareZone was acquired by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) for S$7.1 million. This acquisition included not only the website but also several magazine titles published by HardwareZone, such as HardwareMAG (HWM), GameAxis (focused on computer games), and PHOTOVIDEOi (digital photography magazine).

Today, HardwareZone operates as an IT-oriented internet portal offering features like IT price lists for multiple countries, technology feature articles, and forums covering a wide range of topics. It is managed by Hardware Zone Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SPH Media.

In summary, HardwareZone evolved from a student-run online magazine into a major IT portal and media brand through rapid growth in the early 2000s and strategic acquisition by a major media company in 2006.