EVER since Covid-19 pandemic caused countries to implement lockdowns, there has been an urgent need for businesses worldwide to pivot their transactions towards online sales in order to reach consumers.
To assist Malaysian businesses – most of which are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – in persevering and surviving during those lean months, The Star and RHB Bank collaborated to establish #JomSapot BeliLokal programme.
The joint-effort, launched in February last year, aims to provide SMEs with a new platform that helps boost their businesses, by leveraging on RHB Bank’s many financial offerings and Star Media Group's (SMG) extensive media readership.
SMEs that sign up are listed on the #JomSapot BeliLokal platform with their products and services published in digital, print and radio across The Star, mStar and 988FM to reach a broader audience.
The collaborative platform also provides end-to-end support to businesses, which includes RHB Bank facilitating the merchants in managing customer payments with ease through DuitNow QR via the RHB Reflex Mobile App.
This helps SMEs drive brand visibility and awareness for their products. For three companies, joining #JomSapot BeliLokal took them on different journeys with varying outcomes.
Better awareness
BetterGoods International Sdn Bhd faced a problem with awareness as it represents and distributes foreign products that are less commonly found sold in Malaysia – specifically innovative products.
“We need to create awareness and sort of educate the general public about the ‘product’s new features or functions’,” said BetterGoods International co-founder and director Michelle Choo.
BetterGoods International markets Enozo from the United States, the world’s first patented stablised aqueous ozone technology that helps eliminate most harmful bacteria and viruses; and Anveerus from Hong Kong that produces copper-woven fabrics into products, such as face masks.
The company took part in the 988FM Facebook live selling event by #JomSapot BeliLokal and managed to sell about RM15,000 worth of products.
“We received queries during the live selling on the same Facebook posting, we answered and the viewers turned to become our customers. We sold quite a number of the products as well,” said the company’s other co-found and director TB Teh.
Choo said, “SMEs need help in challenging times not only for monetary financing from financial institutions like RHB Bank but also with platforms like #JomSapot BeliLokal that promotes their businesses.
“They also need exposure from media companies like The Star using #JomSapot BeliLokal as a vehicle to reach the mass public,” Teh added.
Support for households
Ex-banker Jade Lee created a portal with her ex-colleagues to provide space for local artisans to showcase their wares. Called Artisan Haven, she had set it up as a pro bono, not-for-profit enterprise, backed by the Persatuan Pembangunan Artisan that she founded in 2019.
“We help to expand the distribution of artisan homemade and handmade products,” Lee elaborated. “We started with 30 people, but today, about 1,000 have registered.”
She was impressed with the mStar Instagram (IG) live selling event host, who she said showed a lot of interest in the Penan handmade products, soaps made by the Orang Asli, eye pillows and more.
Lee said #JomSapot BeliLokal provided a starting point for Artisan Haven and even enhanced brand recall for purchasers. She quoted a Malaysian Department of Statistic report that mentioned that about 1.36 million or 10.6% workers make up the Informal Sector.
“They contribute to homemade, handmade products. What is likely going to happen, as in other countries, this sector may contribute a lot more because it can actually help sustain household incomes. We have to help this sector grow, be able to sustain and stand on its own.”
Local speciality
Healthy lifestyle store Signature Market aims to upgrade Malaysian lifestyle by making the best wholesome products affordable and accessible to consumers. “Today’s world trend is about customising towards niche local needs,” shared marketing manager Rachel Saw.
She said there are now more choices than ever for the consumers and that is great progress. As local companies understand their consumers better they stand out by offering better customer experience.
“Adding to that an inflationary environment, consumers are choosing value, giving local enterprise the upper hand,” Saw added.
RHB Bank charted a 21% growth in credit and debit cards spending on #JomSapot BeliLokal merchants since the economy opened up post-lockdown. It shared that over 8,000 business outlets operated by SMEs have signed up since the launch.
The bank offers various financial solutions and can advise SMEs on matters concerning digitalising or funding their businesses.
If you are interested in being part of RHB Bank’s #JomSapot or need solutions in business financing, visit rhbgroup.com.
