From Night Markets to Nationwide Success: How E-Commerce is Changing Lives Across Malaysia

Behind every online purchase is a story of determination, resilience, and dreams realised. For many Malaysian entrepreneurs, platforms like Shopee have become catalysts for transforming humble beginnings into nationwide success stories. With robust logistics programmes and seamless nationwide connectivity, Shopee empowers local sellers to expand their businesses beyond traditional boundaries while providing buyers with unparalleled convenience, trust, and satisfaction.

Entrepreneurs like Muhammad Afiq bin Mohamad Arshad and Faizah Milin of A&F Berkat Borneo, Sarini Zainal Abidin of The Pastels Shop, and Suriana Ali Endut of Kimchi Suren Suria, are reaching new heights. Their inspiring stories highlight how  Shopee is helping to connect them with customers across the country by fostering community growth and bringing joy with every package delivered.

“Our mission is to support the dreams of sellers and meet the needs of buyers. Stories like those of Afiq and Faizah, Sarini, and Suriana inspire us to continue innovating and investing in solutions that make a positive difference in people's lives. As Shopee continues to expand its services and capabilities, we remain committed to fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the shopping experience for all Malaysians,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

A&F Berkat Borneo, founded by Afiq and Faizah from the Klang Valley, transitioned from selling dried produce and specialty goods  at local night markets to establishing a thriving online business on Shopee. In the past, the couple’s business was often affected by unpredictable weather and customer turnouts, making financial stability a constant struggle. Seeking a more reliable path, they turned to Shopee in 2018, where they experienced remarkable growth –  from RM80,000 in their first year to a projected RM500,000 by the end of 2024.

“We used to worry whenever it rained. Fewer customers meant less income, which made it challenging for us to support our family. Shopee has opened doors we never knew existed. Their logistics solutions have revolutionized our business, enabling us to efficiently deliver our products to customers across Malaysia. Now, even on rainy days, we can connect with key markets like Johor, giving us a more stable income that has truly changed our lives in ways we never imagined,,” said Faizah, co-founder of A&F Berkat Borneo.

Their expansion has benefitted not only their business but also elevated the shopping experience of their customers. Fatiha, a 35-year-old analyst from Kajang and frequent buyer from A&F Berkat Borneo, shared: “Shopee’s fast delivery consistently exceeds my expectations. I can always count on receiving good products that are ready to use, which is essential for my cooking. The convenience  and reliability keep  me coming back for more. I also appreciate the detailed product information and how easily I can reach out to Mr. Afiq through the chat function on Shopee for advice and recommendations. It truly makes the entire shopping experience effortless and enjoyable.”

A&F Berkat Borneo's success has also benefited suppliers from Kedah, Perak, Penang, and Johor. Increased demand has enabled these suppliers to expand operations, hire new staff, and invest in better transportation. Beyond scaling their business, Afiq and Faizah are also empowering housewives in their community by mentoring them on how they can earn side incomes through Shopee’s Affiliate Program, promoting  financial independence and contributing to the overall growth of their community.

Meanwhile, The Pastels Shop, founded by skincare enthusiast Sarini Zainal Abidin, leveraged Shopee’s logistics infrastructure to scale nationwide. What began as a local business has now grown to include a flagship store and a warehouse, creating over 70 part-time jobs, especially for residents in  areas such as Banting and Shah Alam.

"Shopee's robust and expansive logistics network was key to our growth, helping us scale our operations while contributing to local job creation," said Sarini. Despite their Klang Valley base, Shopee’s reach allowed them to penetrate competitive markets like the East Coast, effectively overcoming logistical challenges to deliver skincare products efficiently and reliably.

Customer trust has also been instrumental in their success. Hanisah, a 24-year-old student from Kuala Lumpur, shared: “Shopping on Shopee gives me peace of mind. I can easily manage and track my orders. My purchases from The Pastels Shop usually arrive within 1-2 days, and I love the 15-day free returns policy, which means I can return products with no questions asked if needed. It makes the whole experience even more stress-free.”

Hanisah, a loyal follower of Sarini since 2019, also enjoys engaging with the brand through Shopee Live. “The live sessions offer great insights and exclusive deals. While I love testing product formulas and textures in stores to find the right fit for my skin, I always choose to buy on Shopee for the great discounts and reliable delivery. It just makes shopping so much easier.”

Kimchi Suren Suria, a home-based kimchi business led by Suriana Ali Endut, also scaled rapidly through Shopee’s support. Suriana has adeptly navigated the complexities of shipping  perishable goods like kimchi to distant regions, including Sabah and Sarawak, turning logistical challenges into opportunities for growth.

"Shopee’s logistics network enabled us to ship our kimchi nationwide, even to remote areas," said Suriana. This strong logistical support not only broadens her customer base but also fosters meaningful connections with food enthusiasts across the country. This capability has helped her set her brand apart from others, enabling her to reach customers who previously had limited access to quality kimchi. Thanks to her improved earnings from Shopee, Suriana has also been able to invest in better equipment, improving production efficiency. The financial stability gained has also helped her to  secure a car loan, enhancing both her business operations and personal mobility.

As Malaysia’s leading e-commerce platform, Shopee continues to innovate and collaborate with key logistics partners to ensure faster, more reliable deliveries for sellers and buyers across the nation. With its On-Time Guarantee, Shopee promises timely deliveries and offers compensation for delays, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. From enabling rural sellers to reach new markets to transforming local businesses into nationwide success stories, Shopee remains committed to driving economic growth and creating opportunities for all Malaysians.

Learn more about Shopee’s On-Time Guarantee feature at https://shopee.com.my/m/on-time-guarantee