By Danial Dzulkifly
PETALING JAYA, April 25 — Selangor’s digital economy initiatives have generated RM736.08 million in gross merchandise value (GMV) over the past decade, with RM500 million contributed by the Top E-Commerce Merchant (Top ECM) Awards.
Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping said the figure reflects years of ecosystem building through startup programmes and small and medium enterprises (SME) empowerment initiatives led by Sidec.
The state subsidiary has engaged with over 70,000 SMEs and startups since its formation in 2015.
[caption id="attachment_398835" align="alignright" width="392"]
Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping delivers his speech during the Malaysia Top E-Commerce Merchant Awards 2025 at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya on April 25, 2025. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“We are proud to announce a cumulative GMV of RM736.08 million. This is the result of years of ecosystem-building, empowering SMEs, and ventures in technology,” he said during the Top ECM Awards 2025 ceremony at the One World Hotel today.
This year’s Top ECM programme saw a record-breaking 1,060 applicants, with 511 merchants shortlisted. Collectively, they recorded RM158 million in sales over the last three months alone.
Looking ahead, Yong said the Top ECM Awards will introduce a new category focused on artificial intelligence (AI), spotlighting merchants who are integrating AI tools into retail tech practices, including digital marketing, human resources, and accounting.
The move is designed to help businesses adapt to emerging technologies and build future-ready enterprises.
“At Sidec, we do not believe in learning in a straight line from A to Z. Instead, we reverse the method, from Z to A. You must work, practise, compete, and chase new markets. That is how real growth happens.
“Next year onwards, we will focus more on retail tech. Being a top seller or livestreamer is not enough; we want to see AI integration across all business functions like human resources, marketing and accounting, among others.
“That is the future we are preparing for,” he said.
A key highlight of the Top ECM Awards 2025 was the “Livestream Battle”, held in collaboration with TikTok Shop.
Inspired by the TikTok Shop Bazar Raya Live Tanpa Henti 72 Jam, the event featured 40 merchants in 46 livestreams across five days, totalling 132 hours of live-selling.
The awards offered RM250,000 in prizes across four categories, recognising innovation, branding, community-building, and livestreaming excellence.
Desince Sdn Bhd was crowned Grand Winner, with NFH Boutique Gallery Sdn Bhd and Armila Berhad as runners-up.
TikTok Special Category winners included Golden Jaguar Jewellery, Classy Fabulous, Aafiyat Digital, The Raw International, and BGM Polo.
Sidec’s Rising Star Award went to Alphadu Legacy, Numom (M), and Niqa, while the Women Trailblazer Award recognised Zara Awliya (M), Shaz Garment, and Naza Beyond Ventures.
In the Selangor Category, Joielle Group, Sumatraa Industries, and Arwaa Food took top honours.
