Shopee MSME Co-Lab launched, strengthen collaborations with MSMEs

12 July 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Shopee Malaysia has announced the launch of the Shopee MSME Co-Lab, a new initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration with local stakeholders and better supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in navigating and thriving within the digital economy.

The Co-Lab brings together MSME associations, ecosystem partners, and other industry stakeholders to share insights, explore emerging opportunities, and co-develop practical solutions that enable small businesses to establish and expand their online presence.

Launched in conjunction with this year’s Shopee Seller Summit, the programme signifies a significant milestone in Shopee’s ongoing commitment to fostering MSME digitalisation in alignment with national priorities such as the MADANI Economy Framework and Budget 2025.

As part of the programme’s inception, Shopee formalised a collaboration with Advokasi Perusahaan dan Industri (API) through a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the start of ongoing engagement with industry partners to support local entrepreneurs more effectively. Malaysia is the first market to activate the Co-Lab, acknowledging the strength and diversity of its MSME community, while also laying the groundwork for future learning and potential expansion across the region.

Saovanee Chan-Somchit, Country Director of Shopee Malaysia, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "The Shopee MSME Co-Lab is part of our ongoing commitment to listen, learn, and work more closely with MSMEs to build a more inclusive and supportive digital ecosystem.

Through this platform, we hope to strengthen partnerships and develop solutions that help more Malaysian businesses grow and succeed online." Key elements of the Co-Lab include strategic dialogues and insights, where industry leaders and stakeholders discuss experiences, emerging trends, and challenges faced by MSMEs, with the aim of generating actionable insights for future initiatives or broader industry discussions.

Additionally, selected MSME partners will gain early access to new features, tools, or strategic initiatives, providing valuable feedback to inform ongoing development. The programme also serves as a platform for collaborative partnerships, facilitating potential joint initiatives that benefit the wider Malaysian MSME community.

Dato’ Fazli Nordin, Managing Director of API, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "This partnership with Shopee allows us to bring the voices and needs of MSMEs directly into the room with decision-makers and platform innovators. It's not just about increasing sales; it’s about building a more inclusive digital future together."

The Co-Lab reinforces Shopee’s dedication to supporting small business communities through capacity building, platform enhancements, and deeper engagement with ecosystem partners. Launching in Malaysia presents an exciting opportunity to deepen local collaboration and explore innovative ways to assist MSMEs, with insights that could shape future regional efforts.

Saovanee added, "Our vision is to be more than just a platform—we aim to be an active partner in shaping the future for MSMEs. The Co-Lab provides a voice for MSMEs in developing the tools and experiences they need, while fostering stronger ecosystems built on mutual trust and shared progress."

Shopee plans to onboard additional partners to the MSME Co-Lab in the coming months, with ongoing engagement guiding future developments.