logo
Shopee mobilises 2,000 affiliates, 80 brands to power 7.7 sale

Shopee mobilises 2,000 affiliates, 80 brands to power 7.7 sale

PETALING JAYA: Shopee recently hosted its largest affiliate creator gathering, bringing together over 2,000 affiliates and more than 80 brands at the latest edition of Shopee House.
The flagship physical event on June 21 was designed to strengthen ties between affiliates, brands and the Shopee ecosystem in the lead-up to its 7.7 Mid Year Sale.
The event focused on content-driven commerce and featured brands such as Kiehl's, La Roche-Posay, Kérastase and Maybelline, alongside local names such as Naelofar, The Pastels Shop, Al 'Ard, BateriHub and ZUS Coffee.
Attendees engaged in product demonstrations, content creation sessions and real-time learning opportunities to help enhance the local shopping experience.
Shopee said the initiative aims to help Malaysians shop 'Lagi Murah' and 'Lagi Cepat' this 7.7, while empowering creators with the tools and resources to build trusted, localised content.
CREATOR-LED COMMERCE
This June edition of Shopee House saw more than double the turnout of its February session, marking a key milestone in Shopee's commitment to creator-led commerce.
The programme included panel discussions, masterclasses, brand activations and a livestream matchmaking platform pairing affiliates with sellers for co-hosted broadcasts.
In a panel titled 'Content with Purpose', creators Muhamad Zaki Saidatul Akmal (Brozaki), Syakirah Al-Edrus (JoyahSiKepoh) and Fatimah Az Zahraa' Jamil (FHStore) shared insights into building trust with followers.
"It's not about going viral, it's about being real," said Brozaki.
"People follow you for who you are, and they buy when they trust what you say. With Shopee Live and Shopee Video, I can show real product experiences and that's what people connect with."
JoyahSiKepoh said: "Your content doesn't have to be perfect, just honest. Shopee makes it easy to share what I love using trackable product links, vouchers and the 'Shopee Lagi Murah' tag, so my followers can shop smarter and I can earn too."
FHStore added: "Even simple, everyday content builds momentum when you speak your customer's language. Shopee's tools make it easy to upload, tag and focus on the message."
In the Shopee Live Masterclass, livestreamer Norazlina Azmi (Mekallynashop) walked participants through a practical guide to campaign execution.
"You don't need a big team to succeed, just the right tools and the right rhythm," she said.
"Features like pinned comments, real-time vouchers and product tagging make it easy to guide viewers from interest to checkout."
Meanwhile, in the YouTube Masterclass, tech content creator Muhammad Najmi Abdul Rahman (TheKampungNerd) highlighted how creators can repurpose livestream content into long-form videos using FAQs and product reviews.
"You don't need fancy production to add value," he said. "If you listen to your audience and explain things clearly, even through a simple tutorial, that builds trust."
Shopee Malaysia head of marketing Tan Ming Kit said the event demonstrated the platform's long-term investment in content-driven commerce.
"As we head into the 7.7 Mid Year Sale, Shopee House reflects the next chapter of our investment in content-led commerce," he said.
"We're helping creators grow through programmes like the Content Creator Club, Livestream Ads Incentives and our new YouTube partnership, which lets affiliates turn videos and YouTube Shorts into fully shoppable content. Powered by our Affiliate Marketing Solution and driven by our commitment for Lagi Murah and Lagi Cepat, these initiatives give creators more ways to earn, connect with brands and help shoppers find unbeatable value from voices they trust."
Shopee's Affiliate Programme now includes more than 500,000 creators from diverse backgrounds, from students and stay-at-home parents to full-time streamers.
The Shopee House series forms part of the platform's broader strategy to cultivate a creator-powered digital economy.
As the 7.7 Mid Year Sale kicks off on June 25, Malaysians can expect real-time reviews, trusted recommendations and unbeatable value on Shopee Live and Shopee Video.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MCEF celebrates 50 years of empowering lives through education
MCEF celebrates 50 years of empowering lives through education

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

MCEF celebrates 50 years of empowering lives through education

KUALA LUMPUR:The Malaysian Community and Education Foundation (MCEF) will mark a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary on Sept 17. In conjunction with this golden jubilee and to reflect MCEF's commitment to supporting academically excellent students, MCEF is launching the Mendaki Scholarship — a new flagship initiative designed to provide financial support for academically outstanding and well-rounded young Malaysians who aspire to pursue or are pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses, covering computer science, medicine and health sciences, Artificial IntelligenceI/Machine Learning/Robotics at universities in Malaysia commencing with the 2025 academic year. The Mendaki Scholarship, valued at up to RM500,000 per student, will cover the full course fees, accommodation and living expenses for the duration of their undergraduate studies at leading Malaysian public or private universities. 'We are proud of our 50-year journey of service to the community,' said MCEF chairman Ken Pushpanathan. 'To mark 50 years of giving, we are launching the Mendaki Scholarship as a natural progression of our mission — a long-term investment in Malaysia's brightest talents and contributing towards a more equitable future growth of the nation. 'We've named this initiative the Mendaki Scholarship, from the Malay word 'mendaki', which means 'to rise' or 'to ascend.' This name reflects the spirit of the students we aim to support – those who rise against the odds, with ambition and resilience to succeed.' Since its incorporation in 1975, MCEF has been steadfast in its mission to uplift Malaysia's underserved communities by championing education as a key pillar of social progress. Over the past five decades, MCEF has disbursed more than RM152mil towards education, community development, social welfare and the arts. MCEF's key initiatives include support for: > 2,080 Malaysian undergraduates at overseas and local universities who have benefitted from interest-free study loans under MCEF's flagship Student Loan Scheme (SLS) since 1975; > 60,678 young children between the ages of five to six years who were provided early access to education under MCEF's Harapan Preschool Programme (2006 to 2019) which also provided teachers training to 3,586 teachers and teachers' aides including sponsoring some teachers to pursue tertiary education in early child development, before the programme was handed over to the government; > 2,581 secondary school students from underprivileged backgrounds who scored straight 7As in their UPSR examination were awarded annual scholarships up to SPM level under MCEF's Project Ilham (2008 to 2018) aimed at encouraging, guiding and inspiring these students. Annual camps were also held to foster personal growth, leadership and academic motivation; > Various indigenous groups, hard-core poor youths including the academically disadvantaged, marginalised communities, visually impaired individuals and women who have received financial assistance from MCEF's Community and Welfare grants to help them pursue vocational and life skills training; > Students and institutions in the field of creative arts — including dance, music, theatre and film. In line with MCEF's unwavering commitment to academic excellence, it continues to acknowledge and reward outstanding academic performance by converting SLS loans into full scholarships for graduates achieving first-class honours. Applications for the Mendaki Scholarship are now open to eligible Malaysians who have secured full-time undergraduate admissions or are currently pursuing their undergraduate courses at top Malaysian universities until Sept 15. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit

How Toyota's 'kaizen' innovation has driven generations
How Toyota's 'kaizen' innovation has driven generations

New Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • New Straits Times

How Toyota's 'kaizen' innovation has driven generations

TOYOTA'S presence in Malaysia spans decades, shaped by a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality and customer trust. At the core of the company's success is the Japanese philosophy of 'kaizen', which emphasises continuous improvement — a value that has quietly but powerfully influenced the way Malaysians drive. From its earliest models to today's advanced hybrid systems, Toyota's development process has consistently embraced change. However, rather than change for the sake of novelty, Toyota focuses on enhancing every detail, whether it be performance, safety or user experience. This mindset has been central to its growth, enabling the brand to stay relevant across generations while building vehicles that suit the shifting needs of its customers. A GLOBAL INFLUENCE ON KAIZEN While 'kaizen' is now deeply associated with Toyota, the roots of this approach trace back to early industrial breakthroughs. Inspired by Henry Ford's pioneering assembly line for the Model T, Toyota refined the method with its system of continuous, small improvements. This philosophy came full circle in the 1980s when Toyota helped General Motors revive its underperforming NUMMI plant in Fremont, California. Applying ' kaizen ', Toyota significantly improved quality and productivity, using mostly the same workforce. CARS THAT BECAME MILESTONES Fast forward to today, Toyota's story in Malaysia is reflected in the enduring appeal of some of its most iconic models. In 1968, Malaysians were introduced to the Toyota Corolla, which became one of the best-selling nameplates globally and locally. Its success stemmed from a focus on fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance and affordability. The Hilux, first launched in Malaysia in the 1990s, quickly earned a reputation for toughness. Initially designed for industrial and agricultural use, it has evolved to meet modern lifestyle demands while retaining the rugged reliability that defines the nameplate. Today, it remains one of Toyota's top-selling models, especially in rural and commercial sectors. In the 2000s, Vios entered the market as a compact sedan tailored to younger drivers and small families. Designed with urban mobility in mind, it offered a balance of efficiency, reliability and affordability. Over time, enhancements in safety features, design and drivability have made Vios a staple in many Malaysian households. The Camry, which gained prominence throughout the 2000s and 2010s, has long represented a step up in refinement. Aimed at professionals and executives, its evolution reflects Toyota's attention to comfort, safety and quiet engineering. These models — the Corolla, Hilux, Vios and Camry — differ in form and function, but share a common lineage rooted in practical innovation. Each iteration reflects Toyota's commitment to listening, improving and building vehicles that solve real-world problems for Malaysian drivers. According to a recent report, the Hilux, Vios and Corolla Altis consistently rank among Toyota's best-selling models in Malaysia, a testament to the brand's enduring trust and relevance in the market. ITERATION OVER INVENTION Rather than chasing fleeting trends, Toyota has continuously refined its vehicles through purposeful iteration, a core element of its ' kaizen' philosophy. Feedback from customers, engineers and on-the-ground usage has informed each enhancement, ensuring that updates are grounded in real-world needs. This approach is reflected in Toyota's multi-pathway strategy, which recognises that no single solution fits all markets. Instead of focusing on one powertrain type, Toyota offers a diverse range, from internal combustion to hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and even hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Safety, too, has advanced meaningfully. Through Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) — the company's suite of active safety systems — features like Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control are now offered across a wider range of models. These innovations reflect Toyota's belief that safety should be accessible, not a luxury. ADAPTING TO A NEW ERA Looking ahead, Toyota is once again evolving, this time in step with Malaysia's broader push towards environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality. In support of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint, Toyota Malaysia has introduced a growing range of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to offer practical, lower-emission alternatives for local drivers. Models such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric, Camry Hybrid and the recently launched Corolla Cross GR Sport Hybrid reflect this direction, combining fuel efficiency with refined performance. These vehicles are engineered to suit Malaysian roads and driving habits, making sustainable mobility more accessible without compromising reliability. Guided by Toyota's global vision of 'Mobility for All' and the commitment to 'Move Your World', each new model delivers purposeful innovation grounded in long-term value, trust and real-world relevance for Malaysians.

Spend now, stress later: The double-edged sword of buy-now-pay-later deals for Malaysians
Spend now, stress later: The double-edged sword of buy-now-pay-later deals for Malaysians

The Star

time2 hours ago

  • The Star

Spend now, stress later: The double-edged sword of buy-now-pay-later deals for Malaysians

Ever been caught off-guard by an unexpectedly large bill at the end of an online shopping spree? For seasoned shopaholics sticker shock is nothing new, but for some Malaysians who have just been introduced to the world of easy deferred digital payments, those readily accessible impulse buys (a few ringgit here, a few ringgit there) can quickly snowball into a financial burden. Faced with bills they simply ­cannot afford to repay, many then resort to taking out one personal loan after another to pay each ­subsequent debt off, inadvertently becoming ensnared in a vicious cycle of ever worsening debt. Posts about late payment notices, account freezes, and strategies to shuffle debt between various fintech creditors pepper a Facebook group centred around buy-now-pay-­later (BNPL) apps. In the same feed, anonymous users outline the debts weighing on them and the anxiety of working to pay them off, side-by-side with posts from others celebrating their new account getting approved or gushing about the next BNPL deal. According to Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das, a senior lecturer at the Taylor's University School of Accounting and Finance, such ­stories have become a dime a dozen in recent years, especially among young working adults and low-­income earners. From Paul Anthony's point of view, the rise in popularity of BNPL among Gen Z and Millennials has not been matched with a deeper understanding of the cost structure and the real consequences of late payments. — Taylor's University 'The growth of digital consumption, combined with the economic aftershocks of the pandemic, has led many to embrace BNPL and instant loans as a financial cushion. 'My biggest concern is that the use of BNPL is becoming habitual and normalised, rather than being viewed as a temporary support tool,' he says. The first half of 2025 alone saw RM9.3bil worth of recorded BNPL transactions, a 31% increase from RM7.1bil in the second half of 2024, according to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) warns that many consumers, drawn in by the accessibility of such services, may not fully grasp their consequences. 'Many Malaysians, especially young adults, may underestimate the long-term impact of using BNPL or quick loans. These services may seem ­convenient, but without financial literacy, they can easily become a debt trap,' the agency says. From Paul Anthony's point of view, the rise in popularity of BNPL among Gen Z and Millennials has not been matched with a deeper understanding of the cost structure and the real consequences of late payments. 'Many see it as a cost-free way to defer payments, unaware that missed instalments can trigger penalty fees. 'According to the Consumer Credit Oversight Board (CCOB), while 88% of users repay on time, the remaining 12% hold overdue debts amounting to a staggering RM121.8 billion. 'Of these users, 70% earn less than RM5,000 per month, making them highly susceptible to financial shocks,' he says. Similarly worried about the trend is Mohammad Ridzuan Abdul Aziz, an industry advisory panel member with the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU). He points out the generally low level of financial literacy among Malaysian consumers, alongside the low awareness of their rights as consumers. 'Borrower rights are not properly protected as the terms and conditions differ from one type to another type of lender, under the current (disjointed) regulatory framework,' he says, adding that most users are ­unaware of the common pitfalls related to BNPL providers. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan notes that while some BNPL creditors do not impose interest, others charge 1.5% a month, or equivalent to 18% annually, and some even have annual rates as high as 30%. (For context, credit card interest rates can only go up to a maximum of 1.5% per month, the equivalent of 18% per annum across the board, according to Bank Negara Malaysia.) Paul Anthony further notes a major rise in BNPL use for ­consumer items like electronics, clothing, and travel, rather than medical expenses or emergencies, which highlights a 'cultural shift toward borrowing for convenience rather than necessity'. He adds that the sheer ease of borrowing has served as a double-­­­edged sword in a way, obfuscating the burden of what will eventually need to be paid back. 'People often do not track how much they owe across ­platforms, which can lead to financial stress or even default. For many in the B40 group, even a small delay in income or unexpected expense can trigger a default chain reaction,' he says. Approaching regulation Mohammad Ridzuan believes that a major concern is how BNPL operators were previously not required to be licensed in Malaysia. Mohammad Ridzuan believes that a major concern is how BNPL operators were previously not required to be licensed in Malaysia. — APU This is something the government seeks to remedy with the passing of the Consumers Credit Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat last month. The Bill saw the formation of the Consumer Credit Commission (CCC), which now seeks to ­develop a code of ­conduct for credit practices, including those offered by BNPL apps, aiming to implement structured licensing and registration in unregulated ­sectors. As reported by The Star on July 22, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said that under the CCC's frameworks, BNPL providers are required to report the credit data of their customers to credit reporting agencies, such as Credit Tip-Off Service (CTOS), via a centralised database. AKPK says that it supports the move, stressing that they represent key steps in providing protections to Malaysians from unregulated and irresponsible lending practices. 'These frameworks will ­regulate BNPL, instant credit facility, and other emerging credit ­services that currently fall outside traditional financial ­regulations,' the agency adds. Alongside the regulatory move, Paul Anthony believes that there needs to be urgent attention given to consumer awareness and behaviour. 'Financial literacy among Malaysians, particularly within the B40 segment and younger demographics, remains low. Many do not fully understand the cost implications of BNPL or the importance of credit scores and repayment timelines. 'Without nationwide financial education campaigns and stronger financial capability building efforts, we risk repeating a cycle of compliance without comprehension. 'Furthermore, enforcement mechanisms must be robust and agile. For example, monitoring 16 BNPL providers especially as more emerge requires institutional capacity and data integration,' he says. Mohammad Ridzuan concurs: 'The current state of a ­disjointed non-bank consumer credit ­ecosystem that is governed and administered by three ­different ­ministries ­desperately needs to be revamped, realigned, and ­cautiously restructured, as it ­creates a regulatory arbitrage, ineffective supervision, and allows indiscriminate behaviour by the lenders towards their ­consumers. 'It puts consumers at a higher risk of not being adequately protected by the existing regulatory framework, and financially paying more compared to those who are using credit cards and/or obtaining loans from banks,' he adds. Paul Anthony further calls for transparency in the decision-­making process on future credit ceiling and interest caps, along with data privacy measures to ensure that the centralised credit data system is not misused. Credit challenges Other overlooked areas are the weak understanding of repayment terms and compounding fees, as well as a limited awareness on how BNPL is expected to impact ­credit scores, particularly with reporting to CTOS, says Paul Anthony. 'The persistent lack of clarity around fee structures and ­repayment obligations highlights a critical financial literacy gap, one that the new Consumer Credit Commission (CCC) must urgently address through focused ­public education and transparent provider practices,' he says. This is not to say that BNPL offerings are strictly something to avoid. As laid out by Mohammad Ridzuan, there are both positives and negatives. 'It is good for consumers who understand the terms and ­conditions of these credit ­facilities, their purposes, and it is commensurate with their capability to service the repayment obligations timely and diligently, as well as their rights from a legal perspective. 'However, it could be otherwise for consumers who failed to understand the legal terms and conditions, their rights, and are unable to repay timely and adequately.' Paul Anthony further notes a major rise in BNPL use for ­consumer items like electronics, clothing, and travel, rather than medical expenses or emergencies, which highlights a 'cultural shift toward borrowing for convenience rather than necessity'. — Pixabay Citing data from the CCOB task force, Mohammad Ridzuan ­further says that BNPL and instant loans are the most ­attractive to consumers who are not eligible for credit cards, those who need short-term cash management, and impulsive shoppers. Paul Anthony too believes that such ­fintech credit solutions could serve those with irregular income flows like gig ­workers, ­freelancers, or those in between pay cycles who might find ­themselves temporarily cash-­constrained. This is due to their level of accessibility, speed of approval, and minimal documentation in comparison to traditional bank loans. But this does not come without risk. 'Unlike traditional financial institutions, BNPL providers often lack stringent credit checks, allowing users to easily accumulate multiple short-term debts across different platforms ­without fully realising their total liabilities. 'This fragmentation increases financial vulnerability. Additionally, as BNPL delays the 'pain of paying', users can become psychologically detached from the actual cost, leading to chronic overconsumption, poor financial planning, and long-term indebtedness,' he says. Paul Anthony acknowledges that while such options can help with temporary liquidity gaps, they are not ­suited to the long-term, or for those without stable income or budgeting discipline. He adds that: 'The key issue is not the product itself, but how it is used and understood by the consumer.' Back on track When it comes to using these fintech credit options responsibly, Paul Anthony ­suggests treating them like any other form of debt, with 'careful planning of repayments, having discipline, full understanding of repayment terms, and limiting usage'. He recommends against engaging with too many BNPL platforms at the same time, as it can easily lead to confusion and result in financial strain, while also making sure to avoid missed payments to avoid penalties or damage to credit scores. 'If an individual is already ­juggling other debts, adding a new BNPL obligation can be risky. In such cases, it is wiser to pause and reassess financial ­priorities before proceeding. 'To stay on top of commitments, consumers are encouraged to use budgeting apps or financial planning tools to ­monitor all monthly obligations,' he says. Paul Anthony adds that anyone currently struggling with debt should start by taking stock of all their commitments, including the amount owed, the providers, repayment terms, and due dates. 'This comprehensive overview allows for better planning and decision-making. Once this is done, prioritise repayments, especially those with higher penalties or the potential to negatively impact your credit record. 'It is important to reach out to BNPL or loan providers to explore options for repayment restructuring, deferment, or even consolidation, which can ease the monthly burden,' he says. He also advises refraining from making new BNPL purchases or taking out any new loans during the recovery ­process, and instead to make adjustments such as revising budgets to 'cut non-essential expenses and ­redirect funds toward clearing existing debts' and 'cancelling unused subscriptions or reducing discretionary spending'. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ridzuan points to AKPK – which offers Malaysians free, confidential guidance on managing and overcoming debt – as another resource for those who need help with their finances. The agency also assists with renegotiating existing debts with licensed banks, and provides advice after restructuring ­personal debts. At the end of the day, however, he believes that it is up to ­consumers to be disciplined with their debt management. 'Without their willingness to improve their knowledge of ­personal finances, no external facilitation would be able to facilitate improvement in their debt management matters,' he says. He further advises to avoid spending beyond their means, noting that most consumers get into trouble due to the impulse to chase instant gratification. Paul Anthony's wish is for Malaysians to understand that borrowing is a liability, and that 'every sen borrowed must be repaid, often with additional costs'. 'The ease of access to credit today, especially through digital platforms, has blurred this line,' he says, stressing that a 'well-­managed loan can improve your financial position, but uncontrolled borrowing can be devastating'. 'It is not just about knowing the mechanics of BNPL or instant loans, it is about recognising when not to borrow. 'Empowering people with this mindset, especially from a young age, is the most powerful debt prevention tool we have,' he says.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store