Tekun Nasional teams up with e-commerce platform to boost MSMEs

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (fourth left), KUSKOP secretary-general Datuk Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud (third left), and TEKUN Nasional chairman Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (fourth right) at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between TEKUN Nasional Managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adam Ghani (third right) and TikTok Shop Strategic Partnerships director Nur Azre Abdul Aziz (second left).

KOTA KINABALU: In a move to strengthen Malaysia’s e-commerce landscape, Tekun Nasional has teamed up with an e-commerce platform to launch a live studio hub in Penampang, Sabah – the first of 12 such studios to be set up nationwide.

The collaboration aims to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to digital marketing tools, financing and training to help them thrive in the online marketplace, said Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister said the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of local entrepreneurs by enabling them to leverage live-streaming sales as a business strategy.

Speaking at the launch here on Sunday (Feb 16), he described the initiative as a crucial step in strengthening the country’s e-commerce ecosystem, particularly in Sabah.

“This TikTok Shop LIVE Hub will act as a catalyst for digital business growth, creating more opportunities for (entrepreneurs) while fostering innovation among local content creators,” he said.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick had the opportunity to interact live with the audience at the TikTok Shop X TEKUN studio.

The initiative aims to set up 12 studios in six states and territories, namely Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Johor, Kelantan and Kuala Lumpur.

Strategic Partnerships at TikTok Shop Malaysia director Nur Azre Abdul Aziz said the company has a long-term commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs.

“Our investment of nearly RM3mil in developing and operating these hubs underscores TikTok Shop’s commitment to building an inclusive digital ecosystem that positively impacts the economy,” she said.

She added that the LIVE Hubs would expand to more states in the coming months to enhance support for MSMEs, helping them build stronger customer relationships and drive sustainable business growth through “shoppertainment”.

The collaboration has already provided local traders in Sabah with training in digital marketing, inventory management and live-streaming sales strategies.

These skills, combined with financial support from the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional), are aimed at helping entrepreneurs embrace e-commerce and scale their businesses online.