By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 23: The Ministry of International Trade and eCommerce (MITeC) has called upon the public, especially youths, to participate in its inaugural `eCommerce Shoutout 2018’ that is happening from Dec 1 to 2 at Borneo 744 in Bintawa here.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, said this event had received an overwhelming response, with more than 1,000 people having signed up.
“We want more people to come and join this programme that aims to promote eCommerce and technopreneurship to Sarawakians, mainly the youths, as an income generation in the digital era,” he told a press conference at his ministry’s office in Baitulmakmur Building here today.
Assistant Minister of e-Commerce Datuk Naroden Majais, permanent secretary to the ministry, Kameri Affandi, as well as representatives of partners of the programme, including Digi, eWallet Boost, MaGIC and eSports, were present.
This programme, Wong highlighted, would provide the platform for the public to learn from eCommerce experts and inspiring technopreneurs from within and outside Sarawak on what is required to succeed in business, especially online business.
“It will enrich, develop and nurture our people to move forward and be part of the eCommerce and technopreneur community, which is seriously booming and growing with speed,” he emphasised.
Citing figures from the National eCommerce Council, Wong shared that the eCommerce industry in Malaysia was projected to reach RM93 billion by end of this year.
“Online business is a global trend and more so in the future. My ministry is actively creating awareness, disseminating knowledge and to train as many entrepreneurs, particularly the younger ones, to go online.
“There are about 15 million online shoppers in Malaysia. Online shopping is a very common and popular thing nowadays. So those who intend to start a new business and want to increase their business activities should put their attention in eCommerce as well,” he advised.
On the growth of eCommerce in Sarawak, Wong said it was difficult to gauge the extent of its reach in terms of numbers, but it was definitely “big” because everyone would go online to shop nowadays.
Naroden added that eCommerce was beyond online business, which is exactly the theme of the Shoutout programme.
“When we talk about eCommerce, it includes a lot of things, such as the supply chain, packaging, promotion and marketing, advertising as well as products from factory to the end users,” he elaborated.
eCommerce is very successful notably in China, with industry players like Alibaba, he said of the government’s aspiration to emulate that success.
“Malaysia, and particularly Sarawak, can be successful in the eCommerce sector as well, which is why the people should learn more to take advantage and thrive in this industry.
“Young people who love technology should use it to help themselves and improve their lives, particularly in business,” he advised.
The eCommerce Shoutout is expected to be launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Programmes in the eCommerce Shoutout include business seminar, live sale workshop, startup riff off, live hackathon, eSports tournament, exhibition, clinic and mentoring.
There will also be six main activities, namely (1) Power Talk to share knowledge on e-Commerce and technopreneurship; (2) MaGIC mentorship on digital marketing and business planning, (3) eSports on Championship for Mobile Legend and Rules of Survivor; (4) Techxibition on IT and eCommerce related apps and innovation; (5) Hackathon, which is a collaborative computer programming for a duration of 48 hours to produce technology solutions and ideas for eCommerce in Sarawak; and (6) Samarahan Apps Challenge, where 60 students will present their innovative problem-solving mobile applications.
More information about eCommerce Shoutout 2018 can be obtained from the website at www.ecommerceshoutout.com. — DayakDaily
