Supporting SMEs: How Seller Communities Are Driving E-Commerce Success in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — After nine years of searching and several failed ventures, business owner Mohd Zaid Othman finally discovered his passion for making scented candles.

In 2019, he launched Lampu Cherita, a home scented candle store. But his enthusiasm soon turned to frustration as he grappled with the complexities of e-commerce and the challenges of being a first-time seller.

Determined to stand out, Zaid turned to Shopee for the support and expertise he needed.

Through the e-commerce marketplace, Zaid gained access to free online training that gave him the essential skills and knowledge he needed to transform his business.

The curriculum covered key areas such as sales, marketing and operations, offering practical strategies to drive traffic, increase conversions and manage inventory.

In addition to these courses, Zaid’s knowledge deepened with the help of a group of certified trainers and successful sellers he met through the Shopee Xperts program.

Their guidance proved groundbreaking, enabling Zaid to adopt best practices and leverage the platform’s tools more effectively.

With the practical advice of these experienced professionals, Zaid made significant improvements to his business operations, which brought tangible results and put Lampu Cherita on the path to success.

When Zaid got involved with the ShopeeUni Facebook group, a thriving seller community, he also discovered an invaluable support network.

The group became a source of inspiration and advice for him, helping him stay ahead of industry trends and face challenges with fresh perspectives. The group’s collaborative environment was a key factor in his development and success.

However, Zaid’s journey was not without difficulties.

In 2021, a devastating flood hit, causing RM100,000 in damages to his home business. However, in the face of this adversity, the response from the Shopee community was nothing short of extraordinary.

Vendors and customers rallied around him, offering crucial support and helping clean up the damaged space. “Their help during the most difficult times lifted a heavy burden from me and reminded me of the incredible bond we had forged. The experience deepened my gratitude and commitment to giving back,” Zaid recalls.

This show of solidarity and generosity has shown the tremendous strength and unity of the e-commerce community, which has strengthened Zaid’s determination to rebuild and continue on his path.

Motivated by gratitude and armed with the knowledge he had gained, Zaid stepped into his new role as a mentor. He actively participated in the ShopeeUni Facebook group, sharing motivational messages, practical tips, and advice on using Shopee tools. His insights on marketing strategies, customer engagement, and product optimization quickly earned him respect in the community.

“Having faced the challenges of running a business myself, I am deeply grateful for the support I have received. Now, I find great satisfaction in helping others succeed with the same guidance and encouragement that lifted me up. Supporting my community is my way of giving back and helping others grow just as I have,” Zaid said.

In 2022, Zaid’s contributions were officially recognized when he was selected as one of 17 Shopee Bintang Members. This honor marked his transition from successful seller to mentor under the Shopee Bintang Komuniti program.

Zaid has connected with other vendors at both online and offline events, sharing his knowledge during monthly Facebook Live streams.

He stressed the importance of continuous learning, adapting to new trends and the value of Shopee Xperts and Shopee University resources.

Zaid’s story is proof that community support and continuous learning can change the face of e-commerce.

With Shopee’s resources and the unwavering support of other sellers, he was able to turn his initial struggles into a thriving business and a platform to help others succeed.

Local support through strategic partnerships

For Shopee, growing Malaysia’s digital economy is about more than just providing tools and supporting a vibrant seller community; it’s about creating effective partnerships that increase support for local SMEs.

Recognizing that collaboration with government agencies and key stakeholders is critical, Shopee is strengthening its role in empowering sellers through strategic partnerships with government agencies.

Programmes such as Pupuk@Shopee, run in partnership with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), aim to train and support rural online sellers through Shopee University classes conducted at MCMC’s rural internet centres.

These activities generated sales of 55 million ringgit for 29,000 local vendors, increasing their average daily earnings by 22 per cent year-on-year.

In addition, as part of the OKU Celik digital program, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Communications, 500 domestic OKU merchants had the opportunity to learn how to navigate the digital marketplace through training sessions conducted by Shopee.

“At Shopee, our commitment goes beyond providing tools. We believe in cultivating a thriving community to help our local merchants succeed in the digital age.

“We strive to unleash their full potential and drive Malaysia’s digital economy by providing essential resources to SMEs and building a strong merchant community. By working together, we can create lasting impact and empower our entrepreneurs,” says Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.