PAPAR, SABAH - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 November 2025 - Shopee Malaysia, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Brazil, today launched its Shopee Rai Lokal Jelajah Komuniti in Sabah, as part of the Consumers Consultative Council's Semarak Konsumerisme Programme in Papar. The initiative aims to equip rural and semi-urban communities with practical digital skills, enabling more Malaysians to participate in the online economy and improve their livelihoods through e-commerce.

Held as part of the Semarak Konsumerisme programme, the initiative was attended by YB Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. Shopee Rai Lokal Jelajah Komuniti supports the programme's theme, “Kita Pengguna, Komuniti Sejahtera,” by promoting responsible consumerism and digital participation at the community level.

YB Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living said, “We welcome programmes like the Shopee Rai Lokal Jelajah Komuniti, which support the government's goal in strengthening digital participation among communities. Empowering rural entrepreneurs and consumers with the right knowledge and digital skills is key to building an inclusive and sustainable economy. Through efforts like this, we can ensure that more Malaysians benefit from the opportunities of the digital era.”

Now in its seventh year, Shopee Rai Lokal has supported over hundreds of thousands of sellers and aspiring entrepreneurs across Malaysia, with a continued commitment to uplifting local communities. This year's Jelajah Komuniti edition will reach even more participants, delivering expanded offline and online training across Malaysia, through the end of the year, helping Malaysians grow their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital economy.

Unlike other training programmes, Shopee Rai Lokal emphasises community-driven, hands-on guidance to help participants set up their Shopee stores and begin selling with greater ease and confidence. The training modules cover key areas such as product listing management, customer engagement, and the use of digital tools including AI-powered smart selling features, campaign tools, and real-time analytics, to help participants build a strong online presence and unlock new opportunities for sustainable business growth.

Saovanee Chan-Somchit, Country Director of Shopee Malaysia, said, “At Shopee, we are committed to making digital education accessible to everyone, especially communities in underserved areas. Through programmes that cover online entrepreneurship, digital tools, and emerging technologies, we help Malaysians build the skills they need to grow in the digital economy. Sabah is one of the first stops for the Shopee Rai Lokal Jelajah Komuniti, where vibrant communities can tap into these opportunities. By empowering small businesses and local entrepreneurs, we aim to foster stronger livelihoods and a more connected and inclusive society.”

During the Papar session, attendees also had the opportunity to engage with Shopee Bintang, a network of Shopee's top seller ambassadors. These experienced sellers shared their personal journeys and offered practical tips to encourage more Malaysians to explore e-commerce as a means of income generation.

One Shopee Bintang from Sabah, Emilhan Mohkhtar, founder of KitaShop Sabah, shared, “Starting my online business with Shopee allowed me to support my family and reach customers far beyond my hometown. I am proud to be able to give back by sharing what I have learned with others in my community.”

An attendee, Yong, said, “I have always wanted to start my own business but did not know where to begin. This programme opened my eyes to the opportunities that selling online can bring. Listening to the Shopee seller's stories showed me that it is possible for us to grow and earn through e-commerce. I am excited to learn more and hopefully start my own journey soon.”

Shopee Rai Lokal Jelajah Komuniti will continue its nationwide outreach in the coming months, focusing on areas with strong potential for digital growth. Each session is designed to be practical, inclusive, and rooted in the community — helping participants overcome common barriers to starting their e-commerce journey and strengthening their ability to generate income online.

This initiative is part of Shopee's broader commitment to empowering MSMEs across Malaysia through holistic and sustained support. Beyond the Jelajah Komuniti, Shopee continues to empower MSMEs nationwide through its RM50 million Shopee Rai Lokal MSME Growth Package, which provides sellers with training, digital tools, and incentives to scale their businesses. Participants can also build on their learning through Shopee University, a free platform offering structured modules and expert-led sessions that have helped thousands of sellers deepen their digital capabilities and grow with greater confidence.

This year also marks Shopee's 10th year in Malaysia —a decade dedicated to empowering and upskilling MSMEs nationwide.

“Empowering local small businesses is key to building stronger communities,” Saovanee added. “By helping more Malaysians take part in the digital economy, we hope to create lasting, inclusive impact — from Sabah to every corner of the country.”

As Shopee continues its journey to uplift communities through technology, initiatives like Shopee Rai Lokal Jelajah Komuniti reaffirm its long-term commitment to making the digital economy more accessible and inclusive for all. By empowering local entrepreneurs with the right tools, knowledge, and support, Shopee aims to help more Malaysians build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to a digitally connected nation.