By Danial Dzulkifly
SUBANG JAYA, May 26 — Participants in the Top E-commerce and Merchant (Top ECM) Awards 2024 have achieved yet another significant milestone with total sales of RM109 million, making it the first time in the event’s nine-year history of recording sales to exceed nine figures.
Organised by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), this year’s event saw 516 merchants shortlisted, a 43.3 per cent increase from last year’s 360 merchants, which shows the event’s considerable impact on the national e-commerce landscape.
Delivering a keynote speech at the award ceremony last night, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh said that e-commerce has become a crucial driver of economic growth, contributing significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product.
“E-commerce provides a platform for local businesses, especially SMEs and micro-industries, to reach a broader audience beyond geographical limitations, thereby increasing their market reach and potential for revenue generation. It also fosters innovation and automation, encouraging businesses to adopt new technologies and improve their services and products.
“However, with these opportunities come challenges. One of the primary challenges faced by the e-commerce industry in Malaysia is the need for robust digital infrastructure.
“Ensuring reliable internet connectivity and cybersecurity is paramount in building trust among consumers and businesses alike. Additionally, there is a pressing need for continuous skilling and reskilling of the workforce to keep pace with the rapidly changing digital landscape,” she said at the awards ceremony at the Sunway Resort Hotel, here last night.
Also speaking at the event, state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Najwan Halimi said initiatives such as the Malaysia Top ECM Awards are crucial in highlighting and honouring the contributions of e-commerce players.
“The Selangor government is fully committed to fostering the e-commerce sector. Selangor is the largest contributor to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for approximately 24 per cent of the nation’s GDP.
“This remarkable contribution is driven by our robust infrastructure, strategic initiatives, and thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Selangor has also been recognised as the leading state in digital economy readiness, reflecting our dedication to supporting digital trade and innovation.
“Empowering our entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the digital economy is at the forefront of our economic development agenda.
“The Malaysia Top ECM Awards play a vital role in this mission, providing an invaluable platform for our entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, gain recognition, and equip themselves for future challenges,” he said.
Prestigious win
The Top ECM Award for this year was presented to Zucca Commerce Sdn Bhd. The online clothing retail company received a cash prize of RM10,000, a trophy, and a participation certificate.
In second place was Place SLL Machinery Hardware Sdn Bhd, and Descine Sdn Bhd won third place. They were awarded cash prizes of RM8,000 and RM5,000, respectively, along with trophies and certificates.
Zucca Commerce chief production officer Erica Yap said the company’s win signifies its customers’ trust in its products and customer service.
Their firm, which began operations only two years ago, specialises in selling female modest wear.
“This major win shows that our customers really believe in our brand and product.
“Even as a full e-commerce business, each time we go live to showcase our product, our hosts are quick to respond and answer any questions that they receive. I believe this level of attentiveness has helped us win people over and led to the award,” she said, adding that their live sessions on social media platforms and e-commerce platforms could reach up to an average of 4,000 viewers, especially when they offer special promotions.
The Top ECM Awards is a prestigious accolade presented by Sidec that began in 2015. For the past six years, Affin Bank Bhd has been the main sponsor of the awards.
The event features six specialised training sessions and industry visits to major e-commerce and digital marketing giants like Lazada, Alibaba, Securities Commission Malaysia, and Matrade. These sessions aimed to equip participants with the skills and tools necessary to excel in the competitive e-commerce environment.
Also present at the award ceremony were Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI chief executive officer Saipolyazan M Yusop, Affin Bank Bhd president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, SME Corp Malaysia chief executive officer Rizal Nainy, and Exporters Development deputy chief executive officer Mansor Shah Wahid.
