MDEC launches Go-eCommerce Onboarding and Shop Malaysia Online campaigns to help local businesses

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has launched its Go-eCommerce Onboarding and Shop Malaysia Online (SMO) campaigns as part of the Belanjawan 2021 (National Budget) initiatives. MDEC said that as the lead agency, MDEC will execute the campaigns through a public-private co-funding model. 

Under Belanjawan 2021, the Malaysian government will inject an incentive package worth RM200 million. It aims to support Malaysian businesses from various sectors to onboard onto eCommerce and ePayment platforms to enhance their sales capability in eCommerce and help boost their sales. Under the SMO campaign, the government will give away incentives such as discounts, rebates and shipping vouchers to the Rakyat to encourage more online purchases from local businesses. A further RM100 million has also been allocated to assist local businesses to onboard onto the eCommerce platform via the Go-eCommerce campaign.  

The Go-eCommerce Onboarding and SMO campaigns aim to reduce operation costs and ensure businesses leverage on new opportunities, as well as strengthening the agility and resilience of local businesses. It also seeks to increase consumers’ confidence to buy from local producers and businesses, ensuring that Malaysian businesses remain viable and competitive. 

Both campaigns are scheduled to run from now until 31 December 2021, and are projected to benefit around 300,000 local businesses, with 50,000 being newly onboarded. Total Gross Merchandise Value is targeted to exceed RM1 billion, generating 10 million transactions. 30,000 women entrepreneurs are also expected to benefit from this initiative to further push the inclusivity needle.   

According to a media release statement, this year’s allocation is an increase from the previous year which saw RM140 million being injected, which resulted in over RM1.87 billion worth in sales for both the PENJANA stimulus package 2020's Go eCommerce and SMO. The release also said that sbout 8.2 million consumers shopped through the PENJANA SMO campaign in 2020, benefitting an estimated of 200,000 Malaysian merchants whereas the MSME Onboarding  campaign recorded approximately 33,000 new Micro SMEs and SMEs that onboarded on various eCommerce platforms. 

A total of 32 eCommerce partners will be participating in the two campaigns, include à la carte (revenue monster), Beep by Storehub, Boost, Delivereat, Dhause, Dropee, eRomman, EZAssist, Fave, Food Market Hub, Foodpanda, Grab, iBeli, Instant eStore, JDMas, Jocom, Kravve, Kumoten, Lazada, Lokein, Mpay, PGMall, PrestoMall, Maybank, SenangPay, Shopee, Shopline, SiteGiant, Subplace, Touch 'N Go eWallet, Wonderfly and Zalora. 

Surina Shukri (pictured), CEO, MDEC said that the digital economy represents a main driver of growth for the nation. She added that the increased allocation this year to further provide the impetus for the growth of eCommerce and its ecosystem is in line with the goals of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL). “Facilitating local businesses to go digital and online will ensure that they are able to  future-proof against potential aftershocks. By supporting Malaysian businesses, we will also ensure jobs and livelihoods are sustained,” added Surina.

Aiza Azreen Ahmad (pictured), chief digital business officer, MDEC also said that MDEC is “fully committed to equip and enable Malaysian businesses to navigate and thrive through these business unusual times.” With the support from the government, MDEC aims to catalyse the growth of eCommerce in Malaysia, with the goal for the country to be the largest market in ASEAN by 2025.

The MDEC has been actively supporting Malaysians and local businesses this past year. Most recently in April, the agency launched its #SayaDigital (I am digital) Movement.The campaign this year focused on four components, namely training young people to become “Geng #SayaDigital” volunteers, creating awareness through digital literacy activities, conducting digital readiness assessments, and providing basic digital skills training to the community. It also allocated an additional RM14 million in grants to 70 SMEs and start-ups in the same month, following an initial RM2.35 million handout earlier in February. These initiatives are in line with its “Reinvent” agenda, which MDEC chairman Rais Hussin said was crucial to inject new, fresh ideas, enthusiasm and skills.

Related articles:
MDEC's #SayaDigital movement aims to benefit 10,000 Malaysians
MDEC allocates RM14m in grants to 70 SMEs and start-ups
MDEC appoints chief digital business officer as part of 'Reinvent' agenda
MDEC welcomes minister's call for transparency and integrity in year-end message