Market Trends of Malaysia E-commerce Industry
Government initiatives supporting the increased adoption of digital solutions
- The government introduced the SME Digitalization Grant to encourage digital adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative provides financial assistance for SMEs to invest in digital solutions and technologies, including e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, and inventory management systems. The grant has been instrumental in helping SMEs embrace e-commerce and enhance their competitiveness in the digital marketplace.
- According to the Malaysian Finance Ministry, the digital sector generated 22% of Malaysia's GDP in the previous year. By 2025, more than 500,000 additional jobs are anticipated to be developed. As a result of such developments, the government consciously works with the private sector to promote the use of digital services by consumers and to support small businesses with incentives and support.
- The administration presented an eight-point action plan. Some alternatives are rearranging current economic incentives and lowering non-tariff barriers (consumer protection, cross-border, e-Fulfillment). Others include strategically funding chosen e-commerce companies and promoting national brands to advance international e-commerce.
- One of the government's other objectives is to encourage MSMEs to use advanced technology and e-commerce. Additionally, digital free trade zones were established to promote international e-commerce and improve MSMEs' access to capital.
- Furthermore, through agencies like Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the government has established programs to nurture and support the growth of e-commerce businesses. For instance, the eTRADE Program provides funding and capacity-building assistance to local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance their e-commerce capabilities. This program aims to increase the number of local businesses participating in e-commerce and promote their visibility in the global market.
- The Digital Economy Blueprint, launched recently, sets the direction for Malaysia's digital transformation across various sectors, including e-commerce. It outlines strategies and initiatives to drive digital adoption, promote talent development, enhance digital infrastructure, and create a supportive regulatory environment. The blueprint aims to propel Malaysia's digital economy forward and position the country as a regional hub for e-commerce and digital innovation.
Consumer Electronics Segment Accounts for Significant Share
- According to the Malaysian Department of Statistics, the value of manufactured consumer electronics in Malaysia in the previous year was roughly MYR 38.59 billion (USD 8.61 billion). The sales value of manufactured consumer electronics has changed throughout time. However, e-commerce has played a critical role, with regular people increasingly purchasing things through internet platforms.
- Through consumer electronics, technology can improve people's lives. The advent of Industry 4.0 has accelerated the development of novel and sophisticated consumer goods, increasing demand for smarter consumer goods that incorporate advanced technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and AI (artificial intelligence).
- Smartphones, household appliances, computers, laptops, and other consumer electronics such as television, game consoles, wearables, and so on are examples of consumer electronics. With the increasing number of product launches in the consumer electronics sector, e-commerce is becoming increasingly popular for acquiring consumer electronics.
- With advantages such as door-to-door shipping and cheaper logistical costs for suppliers, there has been a surge in demand for e-commerce in consumer electronics. Furthermore, because companies are constantly inventing new products, e-commerce for consumer electronics will likely grow.