In order to adapt to the new normal and continuing to maintain their relevance, SMEs are required to seek alternative means to sustain their businesses throughout these trying times. Most would agree that eCommerce would be the most recommended approach, but for farmers or those who operate food stalls will still be wary of engaging this method due to lack of experience. Fortunately, that’s where the country’s leading eCommerce platform Lazada Malaysia steps in.
Prior to this, the company had already introduced various initiatives to help businesses grow on its successful online platform this year. In their continuing drive to help smaller businesses and in light of the current situation, Lazada has introduced the Pakej Kedai Pintar stimulus package with the aim of helping 50,000 SMEs to kick start their entry to online trade.
Opening The Door To New Opportunities
The Pakej Kedai Pintar stimulus package echoes the Malaysian government’s economic stimulus mission and pledges to support eCommerce entrepreneurs and SMEs. Lazada’s initiative not only provides benefits to SMEs, but also to smaller and independent businesses. Especially to those who were planning to set up stalls at Ramadan bazaars, given that the fasting month is just around the corner. Leo Chow, chief executive officer of Lazada Malaysia The company has allocated cash funding support starting with RM10 million for eligible SMEs, as well as other incentives such as free shipping services, access to micro loan facilities, and fixed weekly payments. On top of that, these businesses will also be guided by a dedicated support team to train and develop customised sales campaigns with them via Lazada University. Through this, Lazada is hoping that SME retailers that are new or have no prior experience in eCommerce can expect 100-percent of their costs of selling online covered. Furthermore, its widely successful online platform would prove to be a great stepping stone to allow these businesses to quickly diversify their revenue streams beyond traditional approaches where one in three Malaysians are Lazada users.
Noor Azmi Mat Said, chief executive officer, SME Corp
Saving Businesses And Jobs
Since March, Lazada Malaysia has aided more than 160 brands from various categories including fashion, beauty, groceries and more to open storefronts on their platform. Moreover, brands that previously sustained through brick-and-mortar approaches such as Senheng, Bata, Fujifilm, Triumph and Din Tai Fung have successfully pivoted their businesses to eCommerce through this. The company’s resolve not only aims to help businesses, but also to create new opportunities for the Malaysian workforce who are affected by the current situation. With the ever increasing demand for supply in online oriented sectors, the company recognises that the need for talents in certain fields are highly sought after. To help job seekers connect with job opportunities, Lazada Malaysia will launch a digital job fair page. To date, close to 50 companies in Malaysia will leverage on Lazada’s traffic to reach out to Malaysians seeking jobs during this time. The campaign is slated to launch in early May.
Surina Shukri, CEO of MDEC
The Time Is Now
From April to June, SMEs can sign up at the Lazada Malaysia official website and have 100% of capital costs waived. Capital costs refer to the services provided by the company, including delivery and shipping of parcels to customers, content development services, product listing and advertising.
Lazada Malaysia will work with SMEs to curate and list products for up to four months, participate in promotional campaigns, fulfill orders and analyse sales and traffic data. To enjoy these benefits and more, please visit their website via this link. This article is brought to you by Lazada Malaysia.
