Shopee Partners with Government Agencies to Empower Local Sellers with Regulatory Knowledge

Shopee Malaysia recently concluded its second Shopee Digital Platform Upskilling Summit, a pioneering initiative that equipped over 1,000 local sellers with essential regulatory knowledge. Collaborating with key government agencies, this five-part programme, the first of its kind in the industry, tackled the complexities of compliance, product authenticity, and consumer trust. The initiative aligns with the government's efforts to empower MSMEs and gig workers while fostering sustainable growth in Malaysia’s digital economy.

The summit’s first series introduced sellers to critical aspects of regulatory compliance. Experts from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) provided insights on business registration, the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) covered product certification, and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) addressed intellectual property protection. The Pharmaceutical Control Division (PCD) also shared guidance on beauty and skincare product regulations.

The second series delved into more complex regulatory challenges. The Ministry of Health (MOH) advised sellers on food advertising laws, while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) guided them through the intricacies of pricing and counterfeit goods regulations. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) focused on Halal awareness, educating sellers on certification processes and ensuring their products comply with Islamic dietary laws.

Md. Zaki bin Abd Samad, Head of Sector (Prevention), Enforcement Section at KPDN Selangor, expressed his appreciation for the summit, saying, “This event has been instrumental in bridging the gap between sellers and regulators. The hybrid format, which combines in-person sessions with online participation, allowed us to engage directly with sellers, answer their queries, and clarify complex regulations. This interaction helps sellers avoid legal pitfalls and enhances their ability to comply.”

Badruzzaman bin Abdul Rahim, Senior Principal Assistant Director, from MOH’s Food Safety and Quality Program highlighted the summit for its educational value, “This program is an excellent platform for Shopee sellers to gain a deeper understanding of food advertising regulations. It’s crucial that product labels and advertisements align with our laws. This session equips sellers with the knowledge they need to comply confidently, fostering a responsible and trustworthy marketplace.”

Participants also benefited from Shopee University sessions on increasing traffic, boosting sales, and optimising listings using advanced tools like ChatGPT.

Sellers who attended the summit shared their thoughts on the program. Bibi Farizona Mahdi, owner of Umairah Homemade Cakes on Shopee, remarked, “This program has been incredibly useful for understanding government regulations. The insights we gained are essential for navigating compliance and driving our business forward.” Wu Chih Ping, General Manager Local Sales of Chek Hup, a renowned Malaysian coffee brand added, “Shopee’s collaboration with government agencies has boosted my confidence in the platform. Their commitment to helping us understand compliance issues builds trust and equips us with valuable knowledge.”

Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia, emphasised, “Our commitment goes beyond providing tools for success. We recognise that selling online involves adhering to industry frameworks on business registration, advertisements, data protection, and payment regulations. By forging impactful partnerships with government agencies and stakeholders, we aim to strengthen the e-commerce ecosystem and empower local sellers. We strive to unleash their full potential and drive Malaysia's digital economy forward. Working together, we can make a lasting impact and support the growth of our entrepreneurs.”

The next series of the Shopee Digital Platform Upskilling Summit is expected to take place between November and early 2025. More information on upcoming sessions and collaborations with relevant authorities will be provided closer to the date.

Shopee Empowers Over 100,000 New Local Entrepreneurs in 2024

 

Shopee’s ‘Sayangi Malaysia, Jom Rai Lokal 2024’1 study reveals a significant milestone in the Malaysian e-commerce landscape: over 100,000 entrepreneurs joined the Shopee ecosystem in 2024. This substantial increase reflects the rising acknowledgement of e-commerce as a vital and sustainable business model in today’s rapidly changing digital market.

“The impressive growth of Malaysian entrepreneurs on our platform this year is a testament to their proactive embracing of digital opportunities. Shopee remains dedicated to providing local Malaysian businesses with the essential resources including Affiliate Marketing Solutions, third-party logistics services, and Shopee Live to thrive in today’s competitive e-commerce landscape. We are proud to play a part in the journey for local enterprises to broaden their reach, optimise their operations, and achieve growth in this ever-evolving economy,” said Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

Shopee Live has emerged as a powerful instrument for local entrepreneurs, with a 113% increase in new sellers live streaming in 2024. This rise shows Shopee Live's growing importance as Malaysia's go-to platform for live commerce. Local sellers recognise Shopee Live’s interactive features that facilitate direct customer engagement, allowing them to build stronger, lasting relationships. The platform’s ease of entry and real-time feedback mechanisms are proving crucial in helping businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace, create meaningful connections with their customers, and reach nationwide audiences. The adoption of Shopee Live as a key business strategy is clear, with local sellers conducting over 1.4 million livestreams and receiving more than 27 million unique comments from users this year. 

Petals Malaysia2, a Selangor-based hair care brand, joined Shopee in 2021 to offer sustainable, wudhu’-friendly, Made-in-Malaysia products tailored to local preferences. Before joining Shopee, their market presence was limited to retail outlets, restricting their exposure and visibility. "Shopee provided access to a vast online audience, significantly expanding our market reach," said Khairul Azman, Founder of Petals Malaysia. "Shopee Live has also transformed our customer engagement. Through live sessions, we directly interact with shoppers, answer their questions in real time, and effectively showcase our products. This immediate engagement builds trust and drives purchases. We also use live polls and Q&A sessions to involve viewers, gather feedback, and enhance the overall shopping experience." Petals has sold over 26,000 units of their best-selling halal hair dye ‘Hair Color Shampoo’ since 2021.

The study also highlights a 65% increase in Shopee Live sellers from Malaysia’s East Coast, reflecting the platform’s success in helping local businesses expand their reach across the country. This underscores Shopee’s commitment in helping entrepreneurs from less urbanised regions to grow with e-commerce. East Coast sellers are using Shopee Live to build brand loyalty and deepen customer engagement, helping the platform create more opportunities for aspiring business-owners across Malaysia. 

Shopee’s top 500 locally-owned enterprises have achieved an average of 50% year-on-year growth in 2024, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness in driving business expansion. This success highlights the strength of Shopee’s ecosystem and its role in helping sellers innovate and grow. The ‘Sayangi Malaysia, Jom Rai Lokal 2024’ study also shows Shopee’s commitment to supporting local businesses and growing the digital economy. Shopee continues to be an important partner for homegrown businesses, offering tools and services that help sellers achieve new levels of success.

1. Study Methodology: The “Sayangi Malaysia, Jom Rai Lokal 2024” study was conducted by Shopee Malaysia with year-to-date platform data up to 31 July 2024.

2. Petals Malaysia is a Selangor-based, 100% Bumiputera business that specialises in Muslim-friendly hair care products. Their products are approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) and HALVEC (JAKIM Panel Laboratory).