KUALA LUMPUR, 18
SEPTEMBER 2024 — 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.