Shopee Malaysia announced the launch of the Shopee MSME Co-Lab, a new programme designed to strengthen collaboration with local stakeholders and better support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in navigating and succeeding in the digital economy. The Shopee MSME Co-Lab brings together MSME associations, ecosystem partners and other industry stakeholders to share insights, explore emerging opportunities, and co-develop practical solutions that empower small businesses to start and scale online.
Malaysia is the first Shopee market to activate the Co-Lab, recognising the strength and diversity of its MSME community, while also serving as a foundation for future learning and potential expansion across the region. As part of the programme’s launch, Shopee also formalised a collaboration with Advokasi Perusahaan dan Industri (API) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — marking the beginning of ongoing engagement with industry partners to support local entrepreneurs more effectively.
“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,” said Saovanee Chan-Somchit, Country Director, Shopee Malaysia. “Through this platform, we hope to strengthen partnerships and develop solutions that help more Malaysian businesses grow and succeed online.”
“This collaboration 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 selling more, it’s about building a more inclusive digital future together,” said Dato’ Fazli Nordin, Managing Director, Advokasi Perusahaan dan Industri.
One of the central aspects of the Shopee MSME Co-Lab programme is its focus on strategic dialogues and insights, bringing together MSME leaders and industry stakeholders to discuss their experiences, share perspectives on digital commerce, and identify evolving priorities and challenges. These conversations are designed to generate actionable insights that can help shape future initiatives and contribute to wider industry discussions.
Additionally, selected MSME partners will have the opportunity to access new features, tools, and strategic initiatives before they are widely released. The Co-Lab also serves as a collaborative platform, where Shopee can engage with partners to explore joint initiatives that benefit the broader Malaysian MSME community.
“Our vision is to be more than a platform–we want to be an active partner in shaping what’s next for MSMEs,” added Saovanee. “The Co-Lab gives MSMEs a voice in shaping the tools and experiences they need, while fostering stronger ecosystems built on mutual trust and shared progress.”
Shopee will onboard more partners under the MSME Co-Lab in the coming months, with ongoing engagements guiding future developments.