The highly anticipated documentary, "Shopee Rai Lokal," debuted at the Shopee Super Awards 2023, hosted at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
A celebration of Malaysian entrepreneurship, the film showcases the incredible journeys of three local sellers who have triumphed on the e-commerce stage.
Kenneth Soh, Shopee's Head of Marketing, expressed, "This film is a tribute to Malaysian entrepreneurs. It underscores the message that behind the digital storefronts lie vibrant communities supported by our sellers, showcasing their intelligence, resilience, and values."
"Shopee Rai Lokal" serves as a compelling exploration of the challenges and victories faced by sellers in their quest for success in the online marketplace. Featuring the stories of Edward Wong from HomeDecoStore, Felicia Tan from Mamami Shoppe, and Mohd Zaid from Lampu Cherita, the documentary delves into their personal narratives of overcoming obstacles, starting small, and achieving sustained growth.
This groundbreaking documentary, Shopee's inaugural production in Malaysia, was created in collaboration with the acclaimed indie filmmaker Khairil M. Bahar. Known for his work in various film festivals and streaming platforms, Bahar brings a unique perspective to the narratives of these local sellers.
The documentary introduces the inspiring stories of the featured sellers:
Edward Wong of HomeDecoStore
Edward Wong, founder of HomeDecoStore, discovered his entrepreneurial passion on Shopee after the pandemic forced him to leave his job as a flight instructor. Self-taught in all aspects of his startup, Wong's journey led to the creation of a unique product: the HDS Sejadah Muka (prayer mat). Through engaging Shopee Live sessions, Wong transcends cultural barriers, incorporating customer preferences seamlessly into his designs. The success of his prayer mats symbolizes appreciation for Malaysia's cultural diversity and traditions.
Wong expressed his gratitude, saying, "The support and recognition we receive on Shopee are truly valuable, and this success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team."
Felicia Tan of Mamami Shoppe
Established in 2008 as a tribute to Felicia Tan's mother, Mamami Shoppe promotes a healthy lifestyle. Venturing into e-commerce in 2017 on Shopee, the company gained a wider audience and connected with health-conscious consumers across Malaysia. Mamami Shoppe's positive impact extends beyond its products, employing over 50% women and positively influencing the lives of approximately 30 locals, 20 local vendors, and their dependents.
Felicia Tan shared her experience, stating, "I feel so fortunate to have this emotionally intelligent team from Shopee come in and genuinely uncover our journey in transitioning from traditional to digital."
Mohd Zaid of Lampu Cherita
After a nine-year search for his true calling, Mohd Zaid of Lampu Cherita found his passion for candle making. Despite facing challenges such as floods and financial constraints, Zaid persevered, interacting with customers on Shopee and taking personalized orders on Shopee Live. Beyond running his business, he actively supports other sellers as a Shopee Bintang member.
Zaid reflected on his journey, saying, "It is my dream that every home in Malaysia will be filled with the scent of Lampu Cherita candles."
"Shopee Rai Lokal" is part of Shopee's commitment to spotlight local sellers and foster awareness for buying local. It represents Shopee's dedication to driving inclusion in the marketplace and utilizing technology to build communities.
The documentary serves as a testament to the resilience and success of Malaysian entrepreneurs, encouraging others to embark on their digital journey.
