KUCHING: Shopee has made 2024 a defining year for empowering local businesses and fostering community growth in Malaysia.
Through the Shopee Rai Lokal initiative, millions of buyers gained access to diverse and high quality products from over 1.8 million local entrepreneurs.
Additionally, more than 500,000 Shopee Affiliates boosted orders, reinforcing Shopee’s role as a catalyst for economic sustainability and digital transformation in Malaysia.
According to Shopee Malaysia marketing and business intelligence head Tan Ming Kit, since its launch in 2019, Shopee Rai Lokal has been the cornerstone of Shopee’s mission to celebrate and support local communities of users, entrepreneurs, and talents.
In 2024, Shopee enhanced its initiative by launching the Shopee Rai Lokal microsite, providing buyers with a dedicated platform to discover locally-made products and support their favourite homegrown businesses through exclusive vouchers and discounts.
“Shopee believes that providing our users with more opportunities to support our enterprising local sellers is key to driving Malaysia’s economic growth and fostering a resilient e-commerce ecosystem.
“By offering an enriched shopping experience, we connect consumers with the best of Malaysian products while empowering sellers with innovative tools, tailored education, and enhanced visibility to unlock their full potential and succeed in an increasingly competitive digital landscape,” he said.
Moreover, he said, the platform’s 500,000 Shopee Affiliates also played a critical role in enhancing the shopping experience for buyers.
“Affiliates brought products closer to consumers, creating engaging content and driving over 90 million orders through targeted content creation via in-app features such as Shopee Live and Shopee Video.
“To celebrate these achievements, Shopee also released its second instalment of the ‘Shopee Rai Lokal: Breaking Barriers Online’ documentary, spotlighting the success stories of several inspiring Shopee Affiliates who have transformed the digital economy within their local communities.”
In the Shopee’s 5-part Digital Platform Upskilling Summit ensured that sellers are better equipped to meet buyer expectations.
Tan noted that the programme equipped over 1,000 sellers with critical knowledge in regulatory compliance, product authenticity, and Halal certification.
“Partnerships with government stakeholders and agencies like the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) helped address industry challenges and strengthen consumer trust.”
Additionally, Shopee also collaborated with KPDN’s annual Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia (KBBM) campaign to highlight its commitment to promoting Malaysian-made products and supporting local sellers to thrive in today’s digital economy.
He noted that the campaign engages over 1.8 million sellers through a dedicated microsite and provides prime marketing assets, including vouchers and live streams, making it easier for buyers to discover and support Malaysian sellers.
Partnering with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) under the Best of Malaysia campaign, he stated that Shopee supported close to 3,000 Malaysian brands in growing their audience and expanding their reach to new markets in the Southeast Asian region.
By leveraging Shopee’s tools and programmes, he said that sellers were able to tap into cross-border opportunities, positioning Malaysian businesses as competitive players in the global e-commerce market.
“These partnerships with KPDN and MDEC highlight Shopee’s belief in collaboration as the key to scalable and sustainable growth within Malaysia’s digital economy and dedication to making it easier for consumers to support local.
“By working closely with government bodies and giving buyers access to well-curated microsites, exclusive deals, and exciting live- streamed content, Shopee provides a structured and supportive platform that empowers local sellers and communities to succeed, driving long-term growth and inclusivity.”
In light of building on its commitment to empowering local sellers and fostering growth, Tan said that Shopee also extends its efforts to uplift communities beyond the realm of e-commerce.
Through impactful community-driven CSR initiatives, he said that Shopee has reinforced its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Malaysians.
“The Pek Kasih Mama campaign, launched with the Ministry of Health (MOH), distributed care packs to underserved mothers across Malaysia, including in Sabah, Sarawak and Johor.
“Shopee further enhanced this initiative through the Shopee Mum’s Club – a virtual community that empowers mothers with expert-led education delivered through informative Shopee Live sessions.
“The club also helps foster a supportive environment for mothers to connect and learn from each other’s experiences. Additionally, the club provides valuable parenting tips, live content, exclusive vouchers, and tailored deals to support mothers throughout their parenting journey.”
Having said that, he assured that Shopee remains steadfast in its mission to enable local sellers and uplift communities through transformative initiatives.
“By empowering local businesses, talents, and buyers, driving inclusivity in e-commerce, and forging strategic partnerships with government bodies, Shopee continues to contribute towards impactful digital innovation in Malaysia.”
