Selangor E-Commerce Xccelerator Programme 2023 (ECX23) Wraps Up Successful Overseas Business Trip to Hangzhou, China

The Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) proudly announces the successful conclusion of an exclusive overseas business trip, part of the Selangor E-Commerce Xccelerator Programme 2023 (ECX23). The trip, which took place from 3 to 9 December 2023, featured five top companies from the programme: Pastels Group Sdn Bhd, Shapee Trading & Distribution (M) Sdn Bhd, Sonobee Ultrasound Sdn Bhd, Nori Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and Big Bath Sdn Bhd. These companies journeyed to Hangzhou, China, for a week-long mission of business expansion and learning.

This international mission aimed to uncover investment opportunities, broaden business networks, and imbue the top five companies with cutting-edge international e-commerce business strategies. Sidec facilitated business matching sessions in Hangzhou, connecting these Malaysian enterprises with key players in the Chinese e-commerce landscape.

Yong Kai Ping, CEO of Sidec, stated, "This mission was a golden opportunity for these premier Malaysian companies to gain exposure to international e-commerce best practices, scaling techniques, and insights into evolving into globally recognized brands. They also experienced a deep dive into Hangzhou’s innovative culture and networked with prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders, gaining unique insights and strategies.

Hangzhou, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of China," was selected for this mission due to its status as a major hub for e-commerce. This vibrant city is a focal point for international investments, home to 57 Fortune Global 500 companies, and the birthplace of Alibaba.

The trip included engagements with key figures in the e-commerce ecosystem, exploring areas such as the China Artificial Intelligence Town and various commercial facilities specialising in e-commerce, big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and chip design. The participants interacted with AI experts and had the chance to see over 1,000 innovation projects up close.

Key highlights of the visit included tours of:

The mission underscores Sidec's commitment to fostering international collaboration, enriching business networks, and equipping these companies with invaluable insights into the forefront of e-commerce innovation. This initiative not only reflects Selangor's dedication to nurturing local businesses but also positions the ECX23 programme as a trailblazer in catalysing global success for Malaysian enterprises.

Participant Testimonial

Reflecting on the experience, Eaugene Eau, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Shapee Trading & Distribution (M) Sdn Bhd, a participant in the program, shared, “It is an honour to join the first cohort for ECX23. What I learned from this trip is, I would like to change my mindset to a global mindset. I will no longer be looking at only Malaysia or South East Asia. Right now I’m looking at the global market. It seems like penetrating the global market is not so difficult with the help from Alibaba. So, we will leverage all the resources and aim to be a global brand. Thank you so much!”

This article is provided by Sidec

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