KUCHING, 23 OCTOBER 2025 – The Sarawak Digital Mall (SDM) initiative marked a significant milestone today with the official launch of the TikTok Shop Live Selling Competition at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025. This competition is a key component of the two-year SDM programme, a joint initiative by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) in collaboration with TikTok Shop, designed to accelerate e-commerce adoption among local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak. The event featured speeches from key leaders and was followed by a gimmick launch and a plaque presentation to the Deputy Premier.
In his address, Yang Berusaha Dato Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC, highlighted the strategic importance of the Sarawak Digital Mall programme. “In our effort to elevate Sarawak’s economy through digitalisation, SDEC and MINTRED have initiated Sarawak Digital Mall (SDM), a two-year e-commerce development programme, in collaboration with TikTok Shop,” he stated.
Dato Sudarnoto further elaborated on the transformative power of e-commerce, noting, “We believe that e-commerce is not only about moving businesses online, but it is about creating opportunity, accessibility, and sustainable growth. By empowering our MSMEs with the ability to embrace e-commerce, we are ensuring that local businesses can expand their reach, strengthen competitiveness, and showcase Sarawak products on a broader stage.”
He concluded by affirming the competition’s role, “As we launch this TikTok Shop Live Selling Competition, let us remember that it is more than just a contest. It provides an incentive for our MSMEs to gain experience, build confidence, and discover new ways to grow their businesses.”
“Robust public-private partnerships are the foundation of an inclusive digital economy, and we are grateful for the government’s continued trust in TikTok Shop. We remain committed to our shared efforts to upskill and empower local MSMEs with accessible knowledge and tools to digitalise and grow. Through our e-commerce ecosystem, we hope to unlock the full potential of local MSMEs by enabling them to be discovered by our nationwide community of shoppers and build lasting homegrown brands,” said Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at TikTok Shop Malaysia.
In his officiating speech, Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in Sarawak’s economic landscape. He praised the collaborative effort between MINTRED, SDEC, and TikTok Shop, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing local entrepreneurs with the tools and platforms needed to compete in the digital age. He expressed confidence that such initiatives would unlock new economic opportunities and propel Sarawak-made products onto regional and global markets, directly supporting the state’s broader economic goals.
The Sarawak Digital Mall programme is structured over two years, beginning with Phase One: training and upskilling, followed by Phase Two: a digital campaign, and culminating in the Phase Three: Live Selling Competition launched today. This comprehensive approach ensures participating MSMEs are equipped with the necessary digital tools and skills to enhance their operational efficiency and market reach.
Aligned with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, initiatives like the Sarawak Digital Mall are pivotal in accelerating Sarawak’s digital transformation and building a resilient, future-proof economy.
The event concluded with a plaque presentation to Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan as a token of appreciation for his unwavering support for Sarawak’s digital economy ambition.