TikTok, connects entrepreneurs to larger audience

17 February 2025

PENAMPANG: TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform for businesses, offering a unique opportunity to connect with a large and engaged audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. While it requires a dedicated effort and a strategic approach, businesses that can create engaging content, understand their target audience, and leverage the platform's features can achieve significant success on TikTok.

With this in mind, the Minister of Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), Datuk Ewon Benedick, launched the first Live Hub TikTok Shop X TEKUN recently, in the TEKUN National Branch Office, Penampang Division.

The Minister said this initiative by the MADANI Government through the TEKUN National agency under MEDC will bring great benefits to micro-entrepreneurs, especially in this country.

Ruhie Kausar

Ruhie Kausar, a popular TikToker, agrees that the platform is an excellent way to sell products. She has made the switch from physical sales to online sales, and it's been a game-changer for her business.

"I've been on TikTok for two years, and it's been an amazing journey," she says. "I started by creating content, and then I saw an opportunity to sell my products, which feature Sabah's iconic pearls."

Ruhie's online store, @Ruhie on TikTok, offers a range of pearl jewelry, including bracelets, earrings, and rings. She collaborates with local entrepreneurs to create unique, Sabah-themed items. "Our customers come from all over Malaysia and even overseas, including the United Kingdom," she adds.

Regarding the online market, Ruhie notes that there's been a significant shift towards e-commerce in Southeast Asia. "Online business has soared in recent years," she says. When it comes to pricing, Ruhie explains that it depends on the item and market trends, but she strives to make her prices competitive.

Ruhie's company, Mutiara Asli Secantik Itu, is based in Alam Mesra, Kota Kinabalu. She invites customers to visit her physical store, but she's also happy to connect with them online through TikTok. With her success on the platform, Ruhie is proof that TikTok can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach and grow their businesses.

Eriy Dusun

Eriy Dusun, from Kg Nahirot, Tamparuli, has been selling traditional Tuhau food products since 2015. She now offers a variety of Tuhau-based preserves, including versions with salted fish and anchovies, as well as dried Tuhau.

"I actually didn't like Tuhau at first," Eriy admits, "and I wasn't interested in making Tuhau preserves. But my husband loves it, so I had to learn from my mother. I started making a lot of it, and began selling them to my friends. I started experimenting with different recipes, and soon I was selling to a much wider customer base."

"I started selling on TikTok, and I'm happy to say that I'm doing quite well. In fact, my products are reaching more customers than ever before. I now have clients all over Sabah and West Malaysia, which wouldn't have been possible without TikTok," she said giving two thumbs up for the media platform.

Irahmawati Anderas

Irahmawati Anderas runs her clothing business, specialising in items like baju kebaya, from her home. She primarily sells through TikTok, but also receives orders via WhatsApp. She offers local delivery depending on her availability.

Irahmawati launched her TikTok shop in 2023. While she has encountered challenges, such as incorrect sizing, she is able to resolve these issues. Sales volume is significantly higher through TikTok.

She believes TikTok is an excellent platform for entrepreneurs due to its wide reach and sales potential. She commended Tekun Penampang for establishing a TikTok studio, as she anticipates it will greatly assist aspiring TikTok entrepreneurs.

Saila Saidi

Saila Saidi, a craftswoman designs and creates jewellery from recycled plastic waste, transforming it into beautiful earrings and keyrings under the brand name "Lifetime Jewelry Design". She has been making these items for several years now, and is particularly passionate about repurposing materials.

She expressed her appreciation for the TikTok training she received in January of the this year at TEKUN Penampang. She found the sessions invaluable in learning how to market her products more effectively.

Regarding the TikTok studio at TEKUN Penampang, she commented, “I really liked the TikTok studio there, it’s got good lighting and a green screen.”

She hopes to be able to book another session there soon, but is currently waiting for an available slot. Whilst she can also film at home, she finds the studio environment at TEKUN Penampang much more conducive to producing high-quality content.

She wholeheartedly recommends TikTok marketing to other entrepreneurs, stating simply, "It's easier." She believes that TikTok offers a straightforward and accessible platform for reaching a wider audience.

Joid Phillip Lasimbang

For Joid Phillip Benedick Lasimbang, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Kampung Kiranau, business is the top priority. In his case, his focus is on the physical aspect of being a contractor.

His company, Thoracica Enterprise, specialises in construction. He was present at the launch of the first Live Hub TikTok Shop X TEKUN here, where he received a mock cheque for RM50,000 to signify the approval of his loan.

He expressed his gratitude to TEKUN and the Minister for the loan, and believes it will significantly aid his business in terms of both expansion and management.

Overall, the launch of the Live Hub TikTok Shop X TEKUN was well received and commended by entrepreneurs.