The Star (20th December 2020)
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/12/20/msian-brands-on-next-level
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian brands and goods have further expanded their presence on the JD Worldwide platform under JD.com, China’s largest e-commerce retailer.
The launch of the JDmas Malaysia flagship store will see some 100 brands featuring close to 300 products such as food and beverages, cosmetics, fashion and accessories, toys and halal baby diapers among others.
Consumers in China can now buy durian products, birds’ nests, coffee, curries and paste, creams and other products with just a few clicks using JD’s e-commerce platform.
Among the Malaysian brands are Julie’s biscuits, F&N’s 100Plus, Ratu Tumis and Ezeefood’s curries, sauces and pastes, Yong Sheng gifts, Yogood healthfood, Dino Kelulut honey and Tualang honey from Bee Budz and Betu, Lennox birds nest and Vesbo’s birds nest porridge.
The store also features Tanamera, DIEM Duroil and Mase’s personal care products, Bae Bae diapers, Querenda batik fashion and Sun Ta range of toys.
The Malaysian flagship store launch recently was officiated by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who is the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the People’s Republic of China.
Tiong was represented by Samuel Lee, who is the chief executive officer of Malaysia China Business Council.
The event was witnessed through online live feed from Beijing by Malaysian Ambassador to China Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, JD.com vice-president Larry Lee and JD Worldwide general manager Frank Yu.
Also present at the launch were Malaysia Digital Economy Corp chief operating officer Datuk Ng Wan Peng and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation deputy chief executive officer Sharimaton Mat Saleh.
JDMas Commerce Sdn Bhd were represented by its chief executive officer Koay Wei Chin, managing director Datuk Bruce Lim, and directors Martin Ang and Chris Daniel Wong.
Tiong, in his speech, lauded the effort as “significant” because it was not the effort of a single company or two, but marked a venture of more than 60 Malaysian SMEs and mid-tier companies coming together as Malaysian brands to strategically venture into a significantly large and growing China market with its population of more than 1.3 billion people.
“I am fascinated and think you’ve hit the nail on its head by featuring Malaysia as a unique melting pot of various cultures with the Peranakan theme, and to feature the richness of Sarawak and Sabah as well, ” said Tiong.
Yu, through online stream from JD’s headquarters in Beijing, said the partnership with JDMas would ensure Malaysian brands reached Chinese consumers online and tap on JD Worldwide’s full suite of services including, marketing, consumer targeting and big data-driven analytics, logistics and warehousing, and financing.
In her speech, Ng praised retailers and brand owners that had gone the digital route.
“The opening of JDMas Malaysia flagship store is timely as it comes right at the back of the recently concluded Go-eCommerce Expo, an event that specifically focused on sharing the growing trend that is live streaming e-commerce.
“Similarly, cross-border trading is also fast growing as many retailers who recently joined the e-commerce ecosystem are now learning that the marketplace outside of Malaysia is massive.
“The opening of JDMas will further accelerate the acceptance and embracing of e-commerce among retailers as it provides a new platform for them to look into, ” said Ng.
Sharimaton meanwhile advised SMEs to overcome price competition by having very clear company value proposition.
“To distinguish your company from competitors is crucial to stand out and attract new customers for business growth.
“By providing a unique product or service, the company can focus on a smaller demographic to increase domain authority, ” he said.
Nushirwan also welcomed the great potential using JD’s platform.
The ambassador, however, wished for more non F&B brands to come forward to boost exports, since F&B only contributed to 3.5% of Malaysia’s total export value.
“Malaysia’s online has not evolved unlike competitors who have made great gains.
“China’s online market has evolved and has become sophisticated and discerning.
“Chinese consumers now demand premium products in terms of quality, design, branding, packaging and innovation.
“And they are willing to pay top dollar for these types of products. At the same time, Malaysian companies must invest to penetrate the Chinese market, ” he said.
