KUSKOP expands cross-border e-commerce support for Malaysian SMEs

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SME e-commerce support

Highlights

Malaysia's Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives is expanding cross-border e-commerce support, helping SMEs enter international markets through platforms such as Alibaba.
Malaysian SME exports rose by more than 10% last year and now account for 15% of the country's total exports, demonstrating increasing global competitiveness.
SME Corp Malaysia signed memoranda of understanding with Uzbekistan's Entrepreneurship Development Company, Lazada Malaysia and the Construction Industry Development Board at the Enterprise 50 Export Conference 2026.

This article was translated from the original. Read the original version by our correspondent here.

Digital export support and market compliance

As reported by The Edge Malaysia, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Steven Sim Chee Keong said the initiative goes beyond simply listing products online, focusing on helping micro, small and medium-sized enterprises meet foreign market requirements and stand out amid intense competition.

He said the ministry wants to help Malaysian businesses leverage global e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba to bring local products and services to the world stage. The approach was also discussed with Alibaba during his recent visit to China, with emphasis placed on ensuring that cross-border e-commerce enables Malaysian businesses to sell overseas, alongside the entry of foreign products into the domestic market.

According to him, assistance related to permits, licences and other regulatory requirements will facilitate companies' entry into overseas markets, while promotional efforts are important to ensure their products are not overlooked among millions of competing offerings. SME Corp Malaysia will also provide knowledge, guidance and a support ecosystem, including helping smaller businesses understand and leverage free trade agreements.

Budget priorities and impact on the SME ecosystem

Sim said SME exports rose by more than 10% last year and accounted for around 15% of the country's total exports, an indication that the segment has the capacity to compete internationally. He stressed that businesses ready to export should not be left to struggle alone when entering overseas markets.

KUSKOP also remains committed to the ABCD framework, which covers productivity improvements, reduced bureaucracy, access to capital, and expanded access to domestic and international markets. For Budget 2027, the ministry prioritises securing more resources for businesses, lowering operating costs and improving government service delivery so that local companies can grow beyond economic challenges and compete more effectively in global markets.

The Enterprise 50 Export Conference 2026 also saw the exchange of memoranda of understanding between SME Corp Malaysia and three strategic partners: Uzbekistan's Entrepreneurship Development Company, Lazada Malaysia and the Construction Industry Development Board.

In our previous coverage of the contribution of the ICT and e-commerce economy to Malaysia's GDP in 2025, we highlighted that the sector contributed RM476.8 billion, or 23.5%, to the national economy, with ICT services and e-commerce continuing to grow. We also outlined the increase in ICT product exports and the persistently high trade surplus, indicating that the country's digital foundation is becoming increasingly robust in supporting business expansion into overseas markets.

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