- aims to give MSMEs the ability to use electronic skills
- Parties will work together to bring together their expertise to help the region advance modern transformation
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Through a new collaboration with the Asean Foundation and the Asean Business Advisory Council ( Asean-BAC ), TikTok Shop is furthering its commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises ( MSMEs ) in Southeast Asia. This partnership brings the Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers ( SOAR ) Together initiative of TikTok Shop to the region, which aims to provide MSMEs with essential digital skills.
MSMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth, especially within underserved communities, as the foundation of Asean’s business. Through our relationship with the Asean Foundation and Asean-BAC, we are continuing our determination to advance these businesses by providing practical training in e-commerce, life marketing, online advertising, and business growth through the TikTok Shop platform, said Chanida Klyphun, director of Southeast Asia public policy at TikTok.
It is appropriate that we are launching this program during Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship in 2025 in support of the theme of” Inclusivity and Sustainability,” she continued with the intention of bolstering businesses and encouraging greater inclusivity and sustainable growth.
Through this partnership, TikTok Shop, the Asean Foundation, and Asean-BAC will use their complementary expertise to promote digital transformation and economic inclusion in the region. Through TikTok Shop, the program will provide customized support to the participating MSMEs, enabling them to grow both their local and regional operations and creative ventures.
This initiative also aligns with the Asean Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025, which aims to develop SMEs into globally successful and innovative businesses, and with the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025, which emphasizes information and communication technology ( ICT) as a key driver of regional economic and social transformation.
MSMEs continue to be a significant contributor to employment growth, income contribution, and economic resilience. Around 70 million MSMEs make up 97.2 % to 99.9 % of the total business establishments in Asean, accounting for roughly 70 million. Despite their significance, many MSMEs still face persistent challenges, including those relating to limited funding, business development skills, and market connectivity. These issues are issues that the SOAR Together programme aims to address.
The application process is open to eligible MSMEs in Asean countries. Participants will get access to targeted capacity-building workshops on digital business skills, in-depth analysis from TikTok Shop experts, hands-on live selling training, networking opportunities, and policy-making opportunities with other business owners, policymakers, and stakeholders from the region.
Here is more information about the Asean SOAR Together program. Business owners may apply here.