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Commenting on the results, Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director, Shopee said, “The campaign benefited over 2.9 million Malaysians who utilised the vouchers to improve their health as well as homes, and purchase daily essentials for their household. Meanwhile, the campaign created first-time online shoppers who on average went on to make four additional purchases on Shopee within the campaign period despite the relaxation of the movement control order back then. This data suggests that beyond economic impact, the initiative was also successful in driving digitalisation.”
SMO is an e-commerce initiative by the Ministry of Finance (MOF), with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) tasked at driving the campaign from now till 31 December 2021.
Ho added that Shopee is pleased to be co-funding the campaign yet again to support the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy and develop local micro, small and medium enterprises. “Our primary focus in business is to empower local communities and sellers through hyper localised approaches and make e-commerce for everyone. Hence, a programme like SMO is definitely aligned with our mission and we are committing in Ringgit and Sen.”
Whilst spurring domestic consumption is the short term aim, the long term objective of SMO is to shift more consumers online and encourage online shoppers to make a conscious choice of supporting local sellers. To assist the Government in achieving these objectives, Shopee is taking a three-pronged approach for the SMO campaign this year.
Firstly, there will be attractive rewards in the form of discount vouchers, Coins Cashback and free shipping subsidies for Malaysian consumers when they support and spend with local sellers bearing the “ShopMalaysia” tag.
Secondly, Shopee seeks to generate footfall and cashflow back to brick and mortar retailers such as F&B players, convenience stores, pharmacies and more through cashback and discounts of more than RM3. This can be found in the Deals Near Me in-app portal when consumers purchase ShopeePay Vouchers from 1 sen and redeem with ShopeePay.
Thirdly, this year’s SMO will also feature added support for sellers to export and unlock new markets. Shopee will be doing this via Shopee International Platform (SIP), its end-to-end cross-border initiative that covers logistical, payments, and customer service arrangements for homegrown sellers at no extra cost. For the Malaysian brands and sellers who have found success abroad through SIP, the e-commerce platform will be offering special perks such as discount vouchers, Coin Cashback vouchers, and free shipping rebate for their customers.
On the export programme, Ho shared that many small Malaysian retailers and traders have benefited from the thematic campaigns that Shopee runs overseas. “Malaysian Halal products, coffee and even automotive parts are highly sought-after overseas. Additionally, local brands like Kluang Coffee, Elianware and Fipper too have found a new following in Singapore via SIP. Therefore, we are excited that MOF and MDEC have included an export element in SMO this year as we believe this added assistance will further improve local sellers’ competitiveness. We will also do more by placing special emphasis on promoting products that are locally manufactured for greater impact to the Malaysian economy.”
Surina Shukri, Chief Executive Officer, MDEC said “MDEC holds steadfast to its resolve to equip and enable Malaysian businesses to navigate and thrive through these business unusual times. With strong support from the Government and effective public-private collaborations, we aim to further catalyse the growth of eCommerce in Malaysia and of equal importance, sustaining livelihoods and jobs in the process. Together, we can accomplish the goals of MyDIGITAL and place us firmly on-course towards Malaysia 5.0; a globally competitive digital nation, anchored on inclusivity, sustainability and shared prosperity, firmly establishing Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.”
As SMO coincides with the Shopee 7.7 Mid Year Sale, Malaysians are in for an upsized treat. Apart from the SMO perks, Malaysians can also enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend required, 120% Coins Cashback, 7.7 million vouchers and gain savings of up to 77%. There will also be games where users can earn from a pool of 27 million Shopee Coins and win a PlayStation 5 during the 7.7 Mid Year Sale happening till 7 July.
For more information on the Shop Malaysia Online campaign, visit https://shopee.com.my/m/smo2021
Source: Shopee(Press Release)
