KUALA LUMPUR, 16 JUNE 2025 – I had the pleasure of attending the Women in Export (WiEX) Forum 2025 at Menara MATRADE, and let me tell you — the energy in the room was electric. From policymakers to pioneers, everyone was there for one mission: empowering Malaysian women entrepreneurs to break into international markets.
The forum, organised by MATRADE, brought together key voices from the public and private sectors. Among them was Shopee Malaysia, who presented game-changing strategies for enabling women-led businesses to expand globally through e-commerce.
During the session “Mengakses Pasaran Global melalui Platform Digital,” Shopee’s Head of Business Development, Saovanee Chan-Somchit, spoke with passion and purpose. Her message was clear — digital platforms like Shopee aren’t just a convenience; they’re lifelines for many women entrepreneurs navigating complex business and personal landscapes.
What stood out most was Shopee’s commitment to meet sellers where they are, especially those juggling caregiving roles or venturing into business for the first time. Through platforms like the Shopee International Platform (SIP) and MY-SG Direct, women now have structured yet flexible tools to tap into the regional market, especially in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
SIP, for instance, allows Shopee to handle logistics, payments, and customer service — freeing up women entrepreneurs to focus on product growth, marketing, and vision. Today, over 30,000 Malaysian sellers are using SIP, with 20,000+ daily orders fulfilled across borders. That’s not just numbers — that’s impact.
For those ready to go independent, MY-SG Direct offers full control over storefronts, pricing, and promotions. It’s perfect for brand builders who want creative freedom, backed by logistics and integrated campaign support. Over 5,000 sellers are now active through MY-SG Direct, and daily orders have surpassed the 10,000 mark!
And the results? Phenomenal. We heard real-life stories that deeply resonated. Like Karen Ng of AUDIO KING, who grew her revenue 10X in just six months after joining MY-SG Direct. Or Purani Selvaratnam, founder of Joey & Mom, who expanded to Singapore while managing motherhood and business — all from right here in Malaysia.
One of the most heartwarming stories was that of Sheryn Chin, who started her baby food business from home. After facing roadblocks on other platforms, she turned to Shopee and soared. Her success didn’t just stop with her; she’s now a certified Shopee Xpert, guiding other women to grow, too.
As I sat listening, I felt so proud to be part of a generation where resilience meets technology. These women are proof that with the right support, our local businesses can thrive beyond borders — without sacrificing identity, values, or family.
The forum was graced by some of Malaysia’s top leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul, alongside Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil from HAWA. Together, they launched the Women Exporters e-Directory, a tool set to elevate the global visibility of Malaysian women-led brands.
Shopee reaffirmed its commitment to partner with MATRADE and other local agencies to expand structured digital solutions for MSMEs. Their roadmap includes more resources, mentoring, and data-driven tools to ensure no woman is left behind.
As the digital economy continues to evolve, events like WiEX remind us why platforms, partnerships, and people-first mindsets are essential. Here’s to seeing more Malaysian women conquer global markets — confidently, sustainably, and proudly.
