Malaysia, September 13, 2024 - Shopee Malaysia recently concluded its second Shopee Digital Platform Upskilling Summit, a pioneering initiative that equipped over 1,000 local sellers with vital regulatory knowledge. In collaboration with key government agencies, this pioneering five-part program is the first of its kind in the industry, addressing the complexities of compliance, product authenticity, and consumer trust. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to empower MSMEs and gig workers, fostering sustainable growth within Malaysia’s digital economy.
The summit's first series focused on the fundamental aspects of regulatory compliance. Experts from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) shared insights on business registration, while the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) discussed product certification. Additionally, the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) addressed essential aspects of intellectual property protection, and the Pharmaceutical Control Division (PCD) provided guidance on regulations for beauty and skincare products.
The second series explored more intricate regulatory challenges. Representatives from the Ministry of Health (MOH) offered advice on food advertising laws, while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) guided participants through the complexities of pricing and counterfeit goods regulations. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) focused on Halal awareness, educating sellers about certification processes to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
Md. Zaki bin Abd Samad, Head of Sector (Prevention), Enforcement Section at KPDN Selangor praised the summit for its role in bridging the gap between sellers and regulators, saying, “This event has been instrumental in fostering direct engagement with sellers, allowing us to address their queries and clarify complex regulations. This interaction not only helps sellers avoid legal pitfalls but also enhances their compliance capabilities.”
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 provides an excellent platform for Shopee sellers to understand food advertising regulations. It is crucial that product labels and advertisements comply with our laws, and this session equips sellers with the necessary knowledge to navigate these requirements confidently, fostering a responsible 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, underscored the company’s dedication to supporting sellers. “Our commitment extends beyond providing tools for success. We recognize that selling online requires adherence to industry frameworks regarding 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, helping them reach their full potential and advance Malaysia's digital economy. 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.
