BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) plans to expand the 'TikTok Shop Live Hub x TEKUN' (Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga or the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund) facilities nationwide to help more micro and small-scale entrepreneurs market their products through digital platforms.
Its Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, said there are currently 12 'TikTok Shop Live Hub x TEKUN' studios across six states, namely Sabah, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Kelantan and Penang, with the latest facility launched today in Bandar Perda.
He said the Bandar Perda facility comprises two live-streaming studios and a training centre, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn digital marketing techniques as well as use the facilities to promote and sell their products.
"Our plan is to have at least one facility in every state. So far, six states have such facilities, and we will strive to expand the services further, subject to the capacity and capabilities of TEKUN Nasional and KUSKOP.
"Most importantly, entrepreneurs will receive guidance and training on how to market their products through TikTok. We do not just want to provide them with capital. We also want to support them until they succeed in selling their products," he told reporters after the launch of the 'TikTok Shop Live Hub x TEKUN' in Bandar Perda today.
Also present were TEKUN Nasional chairman Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid and TikTok Malaysia Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships Nur Azre Abdul Aziz.
Sim, who is also Bukit Mertajam Member of Parliament, said the initiative, a collaboration between TEKUN Nasional and TikTok Shop, was important in helping small-scale entrepreneurs master TikTok Live, which requires specific techniques and strategies even among those already familiar with the application.
He said the studios were equipped with the necessary facilities and equipment, while entrepreneurs would also receive guidance on marketing and sales techniques specifically for TikTok Shop.
"To date, nearly 1,300 entrepreneurs under KUSKOP have leveraged TikTok Live and TikTok Shop, generating more than RM45 million in sales.
"This achievement proves that digital platforms can open up wider market opportunities for small-scale traders, including those who are just starting out or producing goods on a small scale from home," he said.
Sim also expressed his appreciation to TikTok for its RM250 million investment to support businesses in Malaysia, in line with the 'Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia' (Empower Malaysian Businesses) mission.
He said KUSKOP's efforts to empower entrepreneurs focused on three key areas: access to financing, expediting approval processes, and enhancing business skills and knowledge.
Commenting further on the Bandar Perda facility, he said the initiative was expected to benefit more than 10,000 entrepreneurs by enabling small-scale traders to reach a wider customer base through digital technology without having to open additional physical outlets or incur high operating costs.
He said that while many small traders previously depended on customers within the immediate vicinity of their shops or residential areas, e-commerce platforms now enabled them to reach consumers nationwide.
"KUSKOP will continue to promote collaboration between government agencies and industry players to help entrepreneurs secure financing, upgrade their skills and expand their market reach, enabling more small-scale traders to grow their businesses," he said.
Entrepreneurs can book the studios free of charge for two-hour sessions, allowing them to conduct live-streamed sales without having to invest heavily in setting up their own studios or purchasing equipment.
The soundproof studios are equipped with high-speed internet, more than 500 digital background options and various special effects for live broadcasts. Technical staff are also available on-site to assist entrepreneurs in using the facilities.
Entrepreneurs only need to bring their products to conduct live-streaming sales sessions.
The TikTok Shop Live Hub in Bandar Perda operates from Monday to Friday, between 10 am and 6 pm.
Entrepreneurs seeking further information on training programmes or wishing to book the studios can visit https://tiktokshoplivehub.com/ or follow the TikTok account @livehubmy.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
