A recent survey conducted by e-commerce platform Shopee of 11,850 Malaysian sellers indicated that e-commerce appears to be creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs regardless of age, gender and geography.
35.4% of overall respondents rely on the platform as their second or third source of household income, making an average of RM2,750 per month on the platform alone. Half of the total respondents operate 100% online.
Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director of Shopee commented that the survey findings show that e-commerce helps create equal opportunity, better livelihoods and has the capacity to play a larger role in shaping the modern workforce.
The study further shows that 72% of new entrepreneurs created by e-commerce were women, generating RM3,950 on average a month offering health, beauty and fashion products. Meanwhile, 70.7% are within the 18 to 35 age gap - of which a third of these respondents are Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate holders. However, due to their enterprising spirit they rake in an average of RM6,000 a month.
On the other hand, rural sellers are capitalising on the e-commerce platform to provide nationwide supplies of hometown specialties such as keropok lekor, kek lapis, ikan bilis Pangkor, belacan and more. These sellers are able to earn an average of RM3,200 in sales monthly.
Ho explained that Shopee is “focused on making e-commerce for everyone by creating opportunities and meaningful shared experiences for sellers and buyers. We want every persona and business to be able to benefit from the growth of e-commerce.”
Therefore, Shopee is dedicating 11.11 towards creating stronger shared experiences, deepening its commitment in uplifting local communities through 11.11 Big Charity, Shopee’s first regional charity Drive. In Malaysia, Shopee is partnering with charity organisations such as Malaysian AIDS Foundation to raise awareness and donations for people living with HIV including underprivileged children.
What do you think of e-commerce?
Are you a consumer? Would you consider turning to e-commerce as a source of income?
By: Catalina Hubbard
