Dzuleira Abu Bakar
KUCHING: Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and Lazada Malaysia are giving Malaysian social enterprises (SE) a much-needed boost in a partnership that would see Malaysia’s leading eCommerce platform begin onboarding and promoting products and services of SEs registered with MaGIC.
The partnership is a part of MaGIC’s #buyforimpact campaign, which aims to promote a socially-conscious buying behaviour among the general public, while also encouraging more Malaysians to establish deeper connections with the social innovation ecosystem.
This new alliance will see MaGIC curate a list of over 10 social enterprises with products driving real change in their communities to be featured on Lazada’s eCommerce platform, including Komuniti Tukang Jahit, SevenTeaOne, Shop Includes by Dialogue in the Dark, Fuze Ecoteer, APE Shop, Silent Teddies, Foodbike, Chocolate Concierge, Masala Wheels, MYReader and Dreamr.
Lazada will subsidise their online startup cost, which includes the creation of store and product listings, free shipping and delivery services, training, and workshops. The eCommerce platform will also promote their products and services via customized campaigns and offer access to its digital marketing and advertising solutions. This will allow the local SEs to quickly establish themselves online and diversify their revenue streams.
MaGIC chief executive officer (CEO) Dzuleira Abu Bakar says the business disruptions and interruptions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the urgency and timeliness of the campaign.
“SEs are entities set up to drive positive change in our communities and the environment, if they do well we all do well. Which is why it is important that we band together to accelerate their growths during this period of uncertainty,” Dzuleira added.
“MaGIC has always been committed to supporting companies that innovate for the greater social good. Having Lazada Malaysia on board is very encouraging as it is driving more participation from private sector as they begin to recognise their crucial roles in encouraging and inspiring social innovation.”
Lazada Malaysia CEO Leo Chow noted that social entrepreneurs are battling at the forefront of this pandemic to serve the most vulnerable populations using their ingenuity to confront the social problems on the ground.
“These ‘Impact entrepreneurs’ are responding to this by reinventing new ways of doing business with a social purpose,” Chow said.
“Lazada is committed to helping them bounce back and thrive in this new recovery phase. We look forward to supporting and playing our part in their mission, at a time when they are needed more than ever.”
Since early August 2020, Malaysians have been able to purchase products made by social enterprises on Lazada via a special #buyforimpact page on its platform.
The range of products include items such as layered cakes (Ibupreneur) and arts & crafts (Eats, Shoots & Roots) made by marginalised communities, heirloom rice by Langit, t-shirts by environmental conservationists APE Malaysia, and arts and crafts produced by marginalised communities (Krayon Asia) and many more.
Ultimately, the partnership focuses on driving a new form of awareness in socially-conscious consumerism and shining a spotlight on the top social innovators making a change in our communities.
Throughout the month of September, #buyforimpact will run weekly features of on-ground and online activities, virtual SE related content, sharing sessions and product showcases by a line-up of SEs championing various causes.
Additionally, the campaign will run Demo Days for aspiring SEs to showcase their businesses to funding agencies and potential investors.
Each week in September will represent an exciting theme: September 12 to 17 – Buy for Environment week, featuring SEs that are selling products and services that are driving positive change for the environment; September 19 to 24 – Buy for Arts & Heritage week, featuring SEs driving awareness and preserving the local arts & heritage scene; and September 25 to 30 – Buy for Empowerment week, featuring SEs with products and services that empower local talent from underserved communities.