Embracing Prosperity: How Local Entrepreneurs Turned Humble Dreams into Nationwide Success

With the Chinese New Year approaching, local entrepreneurs Wong from Sunspin and Bryan from FunFun.inShop highlight how e-commerce has become a valuable tool for small businesses to grow and adapt. Their journeys showcase the resilience, values, and determination that define Malaysia’s innovative spirit, offering timeless inspiration for anyone striving to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful growth.

Sunspin’s journey to healthier living, balanced family life, and business success
Husband-and-wife team Wong Yung Ming and Lee Sze Yee founded Sunspin in 2020 with a mission to make Konjac noodles and Black Garlic products more accessible to families like their own. As parents of two young children, the couple was inspired to promote healthier eating habits while building a stable future for their family.

Wong and Lee started their small business from their Johor home, selling to a small local network on a part-time basis. Their move into e-commerce transformed their business as they leveraged Shopee’s ecosystem, bringing nutritious products to families across Malaysia.

“We started engaging with Shopee Affiliates in 2024 and these local KOLs have supported us by driving new and repeat buyers to our store. In the last year alone, we consistently achieved a ninefold increase in daily orders during campaign days, thanks to these affiliates. We’re overwhelmed to share that we have sold over 80,000 items since joining Shopee, reflecting the trust families place in our products,” shared Wong, who left his IT career in early 2024 to focus on Sunspin full-time.

Their growth was further supported by the ‘Kempen Tani by Shopee’, a program aimed at empowering agropreneurs with the tools and resources to succeed in the digital economy. The couple attended ShopeeXpert workshops, took part in Shopee Live demos, and gained practical tips on increasing traffic and sales on the platform.

This Chinese New Year, the couple shared that true success means growing their business while enjoying quality time with their children. “Expanding our business while prioritising family has always been our goal. It’s rewarding to see how our efforts have brought both stability and precious moments with our family,” he shared.

From a small home experiment to FunFun.inShop’s multi-million Ringgit business
Before 2021, Bryan Ng, the director of FunFun.inShop, worked at a logistics company where he met several Shopee sellers who shared their experiences of building online businesses. “Hearing their stories gave me the confidence to give it a try myself,” Bryan recalls. During the Movement Control Order (MCO), he started small by uploading a few products to Shopee from his home. Orders started rolling in—at one point, up to 200 to 300 a day. “It was an eye-opener for me. What started as a small experiment quickly turned into something much bigger,” he shares.

By reinvesting profits gradually and staying focused on customer needs, Bryan scaled his small venture into a multi-million ringgit business. FunFun.inShop has experienced incredible growth, with sales increasing by 260% to over RM4 million in 2024 alone. Bryan credits this success to a combination of understanding market trends, maintaining competitive pricing, and using Shopee’s features like Shopee ads, livestreams, and campaigns to boost visibility and reach more customers. “These tools have been essential for helping us stay competitive and grow steadily,” he says.

What began as a small home-based operation has grown into a thriving business that’s making a difference. “I started with just a handful of products, and now we’ve built something that supports so many people,” Bryan reflects. Shopee Live has been especially impactful, allowing Bryan to interact directly with customers, showcase his products, and build lasting relationships. “This journey has changed my life for the better, and I’m so grateful for the platform that made it all possible,” he says with pride.

Entrepreneurs like Wong from Sunspin and Bryan from FunFun.inShop are proof of how e-commerce takes small ventures and transforms them into thriving businesses. Platforms such as Shopee, which celebrates its 10th year in Malaysia, are part of this development, providing tools and opportunities for businesses to navigate the evolving economy.

As Malaysia grows into a leading Southeast Asian digital hub, the stories of entrepreneurs like Wong and Bryan reflect a broader shift. With continued innovation and support, e-commerce is set to remain a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economic resilience, enabling small businesses to thrive while contributing significantly to the local economy.

First-Time Local Sellers and Brands Achieve a 30X Sales Uplift during Shopee's 12.12 Birthday Sale

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 December 2024 - Local sellers and brands shone brightly during Shopee Malaysia’s 12.12 Birthday Sale, with first-time participants achieving an extraordinary 30X sales uplift compared to an average day. This remarkable growth reflects their dedication to meeting customers' needs, as they leveraged Shopee’s full suite of features—including Shopee Live, Shopee Affiliate, vouchers, and more— to enhance engagement and connect with buyers nationwide. 

Malaysians' favourite local brands, such as Dr. Cardin, ELGINI MALAYSIA, Indah Pesona Concept Store, Panda Eyes Official Store, and Popi Official Store, generated some of the highest orders from their livestream sessions. Shopee Affiliates  further bolstered visibility for sellers, driving 1 in 4 orders for local businesses, including allblue5367, HYGR, and Panna Lab. They also posted over 1 million Shopee Videos, significantly boosting visibility for local sellers.

Malaysians enjoyed substantial savings during the campaign, with over RM400 million in savings achieved through Shopee’s Lowest Price Guaranteed. Additionally, over 51 million Shopee Coins were claimed on Shopee Live, highlighting consumer’s participation during the streams and the great value and shoppers could enjoy during the event.

The diverse product categories on the platform further reflect how Shopee successfully meets Malaysians’ needs and preferences. Health & Beauty (Skincare), Home & Living (Home Improvement), and Groceries & Pets (Household Supplies) emerged as the top categories during 12.12, underscoring the variety of products available to shoppers. Popular search terms included women’s sandals, powerbanks, baju kurung, iPhone cases, and women’s blouses, while the most purchased items ranged from Muslimah jerseys to makeup foundations, facial tissues, and ready-to-eat dendeng.

“As we celebrate Shopee’s 9th anniversary, the 12.12 campaign has been a meaningful way to close the year, reflecting our commitment to empowering local businesses and delivering great shopping experiences. This year’s success is a testament to the dedication of our sellers, the engagement of our affiliates, and the trust of our customers. We’re excited for our 10th year ahead, with even more exciting plans in the works. We truly appreciate the support of everyone involved and look forward to continuing this journey of growth and success together,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing & Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

The 12.12 campaign highlighted Shopee’s role in supporting local businesses and connecting them with buyers across Malaysia. Beyond the Klang Valley, cities like Johor Bahru, Kinta, Seremban, Kuantan, and Kota Bharu were among top contributors by orders,  reflecting Shopee’s commitment to reaching and serving Malaysians nationwide.

Unwrap RM12 Million Shopee Live Vouchers Daily at Shopee’s 12.12 Birthday Sale

 

Get ready for the grand finale of the year’s shopping festivities! Shopee’s 12.12 Birthday Sale starts from 26 November to 13 December 2024, it’s bigger and better than ever. This year’s celebration is packed with incredible deals, unbeatable prices, and exciting rewards, all designed to make your year-end shopping truly unforgettable.

Enjoy 90% Off Lowest Price Guaranteed on top brands like Beauty of Joseon, Case Valker, naelofar, PerySmith, Tefal, Vinda, Y.O.U., and Zoe Arissa. Whether you're craving the latest fashion finds, essential beauty products, or must-have home items, you'll find them all at unbeatable prices. Don’t worry – if you find these products at a lower price elsewhere, Shopee will refund you 3 times the price difference in Shopee Coins in return. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you're getting the best deals possible with Shopee.

Say goodbye to shipping costs with FREE Shipping with No Minimum Spend Vouchers available daily at 12AM throughout the 12.12 Birthday Sale. Enjoy effortless shopping and check out your cart while stretching your ringgit further.

This 12.12, we’re giving away RM12 Million Shopee Live Vouchers Daily! Get ready to claim 95% off Shopee Live vouchers, RM30 Off 12.12 Vouchers, 15% Coins Cashback vouchers, and Free Shipping vouchers all throughout the celebration. Users can stack platform vouchers and 12.12 Vouchers to checkout at an even lower price. Watch your favourite brands and enjoy massive savings now!

Snatch unbeatable RM12 Knockout Deals with incredible items priced at RM12 and RM112, for a limited time only on 11 and 12 December. The excitement kicks off on 11 December at 8PM and continues at 12AM, 12 December. But that's not all! Additional sessions will be held on 12 December at 12PM, 2PM, and 8PM, each with different special items up for grabs. Add to cart from 5 to 11 December and get your hands on a brand new Nintendo Switch OLED, Ogawa Retreax Ionic Contemporary Massage Chair, POP MART Labubu The Monsters, Samsung 65" Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV, and many more!

Get ready to celebrate Shopee’s biggest birthday bash yet. Win Up to RM12,000 Daily with Shopee Live 12.12 Kotak Hari Jadi! Gameshow in partnership with Maybank. Join the fun every day at 8PM from 1 to 12 December, hosted by the ever-entertaining Kak Lina Pom Pom and special celebrity guest stars (stay tuned to find out who!).

Participating is simple: tune in to Shopee’s official Shopee Mamak livestream, grab the ‘keyword of the day’, and send it along with your username to the Shopee Live WhatsApp number shown during the session. A lucky viewer will be randomly selected and verified for their chance to win the daily grand prize!

That’s not all! You can also win special prizes like Touch ‘n Go 1 Year Free Toll + RFID Tag worth up to RM75,000, Habib Gold Coins worth up to RM3,400 and so much more. Don’t miss this electrifying celebration! Be part of the fun, surprises, and exclusive rewards as Shopee gives back to YOU this 12.12 Birthday Sale.

 

Split your 12.12 purchases into 3-months 0% fee instalments when you use SPayLater. Don’t forget to claim and check out using SPayLater vouchers offering up to RM30 off to further save on your 6 and 12-month instalment plans. First-time users can also enjoy an RM15 off voucher when you activate your SPayLater today!

Save to RM120 off with SPayLater NEW Offline’s 1 sen vouchers this 12.12! Purchase vouchers for your favourite brands at just 1 sen, and enjoy savings at your favourite physical retail stores including: BHPetrol, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Senheng, and many more, only when you pay with SPayLater in stores.

Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and gear up for a shopping experience like no other. For more information, visit https://shopee.com.my/m/12-12 

Shopee 11.11 Big Sale: Lowest Price Guaranteed, Free Shipping, and RM11 million worth of Shopee Live Vouchers everyday

 

Be on the lookout for Shopee's annual 11.11 Big Sale as it is right around the corner! Get 90% off from brands such as Dr Cardin, Dazzle Me, Grace and Glow, PerySmith, Scott, Pureen, Baseus, Skintific and more as part of Shopee’s Lowest Price Guaranteed promise this 11.11. If customers find these products at a lower price on other platforms, Shopee will refund customers 3 times the price difference in Shopee Coins in return. 

Shopee Unveils 11.11 Big Sale Brand Ambassadors!

Shopee is thrilled to announce the star-studded lineup of internet sensation and savvy entrepreneur Dato Seri Vida, alongside the talented actor and singer Izzue Islam as the brand ambassadors for the highly anticipated Shopee 11.11 Big Sale! Fans won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity to see these icons in action on Shopee Live.

Join Dato Seri Vida on 10 and 11 November 2024, and catch Izzue Islam on 1 and 10 November 2024 on Shopee Live as they showcase must-have products, share their insider tips, and engage with fans in real-time. Expect thrilling interactions, exciting giveaways, and exclusive promotions that will elevate your shopping experience. Don’t miss your chance to connect with these beloved personalities and discover incredible deals during the biggest sale of the year!

Speaking of Shopee Live, 11.11 is also a voucher bonanza for livestream viewers! Everyday from 26 October to 13 November, enjoy an array of Rebate Vouchers, Cashback Vouchers, Free Shipping Vouchers, Shopee Live Vouchers and Seller Vouchers worth up to RM11 million daily when you shop on Shopee Live.

During the Shopee 11.11 Big Sale, enjoy Free Shipping with No Minimum Spend every day at 12am. This incredible offer allows shoppers to snag their favourite items without the worry of hitting a spending threshold, making it easier than ever to indulge in those must-have products. 

Unlock Up to RM1 Million in Cash or Prizes with Shopee Live!

Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the 11.11 Kotak Misteri Gameshow from 1 November 2024 - 11 November 2024! Shopee Live is offering a treasure trove of prizes worth an incredible RM1 million. Join us every day at 12 PM or 8 PM for your chance to grab amazing prizes! When the Shopee Live host calls, be the first to pick up your phone, pick one of six Mystery Boxes, and you could win the grand prize of RM11,000, or fantastic prizes like a Sony PS5, iPhone 15, gold bars, and more. This thrilling hour of excitement happens every day—don’t miss out on your chance to win big!

Don’t forget to set your alarm! The 12PM Fashion & Beauty Hours offer incredible discounts on your favourite styles, while the 8PM Shopee Live Hours feature a fantastic promotion of 90% off with a minimum spend of just RM1, capped at RM5, available on live orders every day at 8PM. Furthermore, join in the excitement of 12AM Mega Midnight Madness on 11 November. From 12AM to 1AM, you can snag exclusive vouchers and participate in the thrilling Tap & Win game every 10 minutes. 

This 11.11, customers are in for a treat as Shopee will also be offering special deals for Beauty Knockdown, Mum’s Club, Foodie & Pet’s Mart, and Shopee Supermarket throughout the campaign period. Customers can enjoy these deals now and checkout on 10 November 8pm onwards:

• Beauty Knockdown: Trending beauty devices such as Laifen Hair Dryer will be available from RM11 onwards, while brands such as PerySmith Hair Dryer, Skintific Skin Care, 3ce Make Up, Dazzle Me Makeup, You.os Makeup will be offering vouchers up to RM111 off, on top of exclusive Shopee deals.

• Mum’s Club: Exclusive Mum’s Club Member Vouchers worth RM150 off, plus RM11 breast pump, diaper bundle and toy, and baby stroller from RM111 onwards from - Babysing Stroller, Malish Breast Pump, V-COOOL Breast Pump, Nuby Digital Electric Breast Pump, VTech Toys, Momy Gold Bundle Diapers, Aiwibi Bundle Diapers, Mamakiddies Baby Car Seat 

• Foodie and Pet’s Mart: Get Okmaya Soft Tofu Stew Paste by Seonma via Shopee Mamak livestream, and RM1.10 and RM11.11 for your local favourite snacks. Get the best for your pets with an unbeatable RM0.11 deals from Purr & Paws Cat Stick, JJANGX3 Creamy Collagen Treats and EZPET Anti Flea Collar, plus an exclusive All-in-One Starter Pack worth RM11

• Shopee Supermarket: Exclusive RM11 K.O deals for grocery and home products from Samyang, Breeze, Ribena, Munchy’s and more.

Pay in 0% Instalments and further discounts with SPayLater!

Split your 11.11 purchases into 3-months 0% fee instalments when you use SPayLater. Don’t forget to claim and check out using SPayLater vouchers offering up to RM20 off to further save on your 6 and 12-month instalment spends! 

Slash RM22 off your bills with just 1 sen!

This 11.11, spend only 1 sen on SPayLater offline vouchers and save up to RM22 off when you pay offline. Purchase vouchers for your favourite brands at just 1 sen, and enjoy savings at your favourite retail stores including: Tealive, BHPetrol, Lotus’, Health Lane Family Pharmacy and many more, only when you pay using SPayLater in stores. Check out how these promos work and how to pay in-store today.

Renew your car Insurance with Shopee and bring home a Gold Bar!

From 1 to 30 November, renew your car insurance via the Shopee app and you can walk away with a freshly insured vehicle and stand a chance to win a Gold Bar worth RM28,600! Insure your car and win now!

Don’t miss out on the 11.11 Big Sale only at Shopee! For more information, visit https://shopee.com.my/m/11-11

From Night Markets to Nationwide Success: How E-Commerce is Changing Lives Across Malaysia

 Behind every online purchase is a story of determination, resilience, and dreams realised. For many Malaysian entrepreneurs, platforms like Shopee have become catalysts for transforming humble beginnings into nationwide success stories. With robust logistics programmes and seamless nationwide connectivity, Shopee empowers local sellers to expand their businesses beyond traditional boundaries while providing buyers with unparalleled convenience, trust, and satisfaction.

Entrepreneurs like Muhammad Afiq bin Mohamad Arshad and Faizah Milin of A&F Berkat Borneo, Sarini Zainal Abidin of The Pastels Shop, and Suriana Ali Endut of Kimchi Suren Suria, are reaching new heights. Their inspiring stories highlight how  Shopee is helping to connect them with customers across the country by fostering community growth and bringing joy with every package delivered.

“Our mission is to support the dreams of sellers and meet the needs of buyers. Stories like those of Afiq and Faizah, Sarini, and Suriana inspire us to continue innovating and investing in solutions that make a positive difference in people's lives. As Shopee continues to expand its services and capabilities, we remain committed to fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the shopping experience for all Malaysians,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

A&F Berkat Borneo, founded by Afiq and Faizah from the Klang Valley, transitioned from selling dried produce and specialty goods  at local night markets to establishing a thriving online business on Shopee. In the past, the couple’s business was often affected by unpredictable weather and customer turnouts, making financial stability a constant struggle. Seeking a more reliable path, they turned to Shopee in 2018, where they experienced remarkable growth –  from RM80,000 in their first year to a projected RM500,000 by the end of 2024.

“We used to worry whenever it rained. Fewer customers meant less income, which made it challenging for us to support our family. Shopee has opened doors we never knew existed. Their logistics solutions have revolutionized our business, enabling us to efficiently deliver our products to customers across Malaysia. Now, even on rainy days, we can connect with key markets like Johor, giving us a more stable income that has truly changed our lives in ways we never imagined,,” said Faizah, co-founder of A&F Berkat Borneo.

Their expansion has benefitted not only their business but also elevated the shopping experience of their customers. Fatiha, a 35-year-old analyst from Kajang and frequent buyer from A&F Berkat Borneo, shared: “Shopee’s fast delivery consistently exceeds my expectations. I can always count on receiving good products that are ready to use, which is essential for my cooking. The convenience  and reliability keep  me coming back for more. I also appreciate the detailed product information and how easily I can reach out to Mr. Afiq through the chat function on Shopee for advice and recommendations. It truly makes the entire shopping experience effortless and enjoyable.”

A&F Berkat Borneo's success has also benefited suppliers from Kedah, Perak, Penang, and Johor. Increased demand has enabled these suppliers to expand operations, hire new staff, and invest in better transportation. Beyond scaling their business, Afiq and Faizah are also empowering housewives in their community by mentoring them on how they can earn side incomes through Shopee’s Affiliate Program, promoting  financial independence and contributing to the overall growth of their community.

Meanwhile, The Pastels Shop, founded by skincare enthusiast Sarini Zainal Abidin, leveraged Shopee’s logistics infrastructure to scale nationwide. What began as a local business has now grown to include a flagship store and a warehouse, creating over 70 part-time jobs, especially for residents in  areas such as Banting and Shah Alam.

"Shopee's robust and expansive logistics network was key to our growth, helping us scale our operations while contributing to local job creation," said Sarini. Despite their Klang Valley base, Shopee’s reach allowed them to penetrate competitive markets like the East Coast, effectively overcoming logistical challenges to deliver skincare products efficiently and reliably.

Customer trust has also been instrumental in their success. Hanisah, a 24-year-old student from Kuala Lumpur, shared: “Shopping on Shopee gives me peace of mind. I can easily manage and track my orders. My purchases from The Pastels Shop usually arrive within 1-2 days, and I love the 15-day free returns policy, which means I can return products with no questions asked if needed. It makes the whole experience even more stress-free.”

Hanisah, a loyal follower of Sarini since 2019, also enjoys engaging with the brand through Shopee Live. “The live sessions offer great insights and exclusive deals. While I love testing product formulas and textures in stores to find the right fit for my skin, I always choose to buy on Shopee for the great discounts and reliable delivery. It just makes shopping so much easier.”

Kimchi Suren Suria, a home-based kimchi business led by Suriana Ali Endut, also scaled rapidly through Shopee’s support. Suriana has adeptly navigated the complexities of shipping  perishable goods like kimchi to distant regions, including Sabah and Sarawak, turning logistical challenges into opportunities for growth.

"Shopee’s logistics network enabled us to ship our kimchi nationwide, even to remote areas," said Suriana. This strong logistical support not only broadens her customer base but also fosters meaningful connections with food enthusiasts across the country. This capability has helped her set her brand apart from others, enabling her to reach customers who previously had limited access to quality kimchi. Thanks to her improved earnings from Shopee, Suriana has also been able to invest in better equipment, improving production efficiency. The financial stability gained has also helped her to  secure a car loan, enhancing both her business operations and personal mobility.

As Malaysia’s leading e-commerce platform, Shopee continues to innovate and collaborate with key logistics partners to ensure faster, more reliable deliveries for sellers and buyers across the nation. With its On-Time Guarantee, Shopee promises timely deliveries and offers compensation for delays, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. From enabling rural sellers to reach new markets to transforming local businesses into nationwide success stories, Shopee remains committed to driving economic growth and creating opportunities for all Malaysians.

Learn more about Shopee’s On-Time Guarantee feature at https://shopee.com.my/m/on-time-guarantee

Shopee Empowers Over 100,000 New Local Entrepreneurs in 2024

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 September 2024 — Shopee’s ‘Sayangi Malaysia, Jom Rai Lokal 2024’1 study reveals a significant milestone in the Malaysian e-commerce landscape: over 100,000 entrepreneurs joined the Shopee ecosystem in 2024. This substantial increase reflects the rising acknowledgement of e-commerce as a vital and sustainable business model in today’s rapidly changing digital market.

“The impressive growth of Malaysian entrepreneurs on our platform this year is a testament to their proactive embracing of digital opportunities. Shopee remains dedicated to providing local Malaysian businesses with the essential resources including Affiliate Marketing Solutions, third-party logistics services, and Shopee Live to thrive in today’s competitive e-commerce landscape. We are proud to play a part in the journey for local enterprises to broaden their reach, optimise their operations, and achieve growth in this ever-evolving economy,” said Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

Shopee Live has emerged as a powerful instrument for local entrepreneurs, with a 113% increase in new sellers live streaming in 2024. This rise shows Shopee Live's growing importance as Malaysia's go-to platform for live commerce. Local sellers recognise Shopee Live’s interactive features that facilitate direct customer engagement, allowing them to build stronger, lasting relationships. The platform’s ease of entry and real-time feedback mechanisms are proving crucial in helping businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace, create meaningful connections with their customers, and reach nationwide audiences. The adoption of Shopee Live as a key business strategy is clear, with local sellers conducting over 1.4 million livestreams and receiving more than 27 million unique comments from users this year. 

Petals Malaysia2, a Selangor-based hair care brand, joined Shopee in 2021 to offer sustainable, wudhu’-friendly, Made-in-Malaysia products tailored to local preferences. Before joining Shopee, their market presence was limited to retail outlets, restricting their exposure and visibility. "Shopee provided access to a vast online audience, significantly expanding our market reach," said Khairul Azman, Founder of Petals Malaysia. "Shopee Live has also transformed our customer engagement. Through live sessions, we directly interact with shoppers, answer their questions in real time, and effectively showcase our products. This immediate engagement builds trust and drives purchases. We also use live polls and Q&A sessions to involve viewers, gather feedback, and enhance the overall shopping experience." Petals has sold over 26,000 units of their best-selling halal hair dye ‘Hair Color Shampoo’ since 2021.

The study also highlights a 65% increase in Shopee Live sellers from Malaysia’s East Coast, reflecting the platform’s success in helping local businesses expand their reach across the country. This underscores Shopee’s commitment in helping entrepreneurs from less urbanised regions to grow with e-commerce. East Coast sellers are using Shopee Live to build brand loyalty and deepen customer engagement, helping the platform create more opportunities for aspiring business-owners across Malaysia. 

Shopee’s top 500 locally-owned enterprises have achieved an average of 50% year-on-year growth in 2024, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness in driving business expansion. This success highlights the strength of Shopee’s ecosystem and its role in helping sellers innovate and grow. The ‘Sayangi Malaysia, Jom Rai Lokal 2024’ study also shows Shopee’s commitment to supporting local businesses and growing the digital economy. Shopee continues to be an important partner for homegrown businesses, offering tools and services that help sellers achieve new levels of success.