Juniper
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.
