Shopee Sellers in Malaysia Optimistic in E-commerce Opportunities for 2023

Shopee Malaysia released the first its three-part 2023 Consumer Trends series, “Adapting to Malaysia’s Digital Consumers in 2023 in January.

The first part of the report indicated that 63% of Malaysian sellers are optimistic about potential opportunities in the e-commerce sector for 2023. This includes sellers from Health and Beauty (71%), Toys, Kids, and Babies (69%), and Fashion and Lifestyle (66%).

The second and third parts, on the other hand, surveyed buyers and influencers in Malaysia. It is anticipated that the results will be issued within the next few weeks and will be used to identify the e-commerce and digital services that have the potential to stimulate resilience and relevance among businesses.

The survey was conducted among more than 1,000 marketplace sellers in Malaysia in December 2022. It was found that they are very excited about the main e-commerce trends that Shopee has perceived, including: 1) increased and savvier use of digital services, 2) growing adoption of digital services among consumers living outside big cities, and 3) the rise of younger, more purposeful buyers.

In terms of digital services, eight out of 10 sellers said they want to improve their technical and digital skills for buyers through product discovery, consideration, and purchasing online. Moreover, seven in 10 sellers expressed interest in expanding their customer base in Borneo this year.

In lieu of the increase in the number of younger buyers, 50% of sellers are looking into targeting value-based shoppers who show support for local goods via Shop Malaysia circle and Green Sellers via ShopeeGivesBack microsite.

The report also showed that 95% of sellers have plans to upskill themselves by taking advantage of free training courses offered by Shopee, particularly in the areas of marketing, operations, and sales.

"I am beyond excited for the marketplace sellers who have positive resolutions in 2023 to try new features and discover new opportunities,” Shopee Malaysia Head of Marketing Campaigns Kenneth Soh was quoted as saying.