These 10 M’sian ecommerce brands beat 1,000+ applicants to win Sidec’s ECM 2024 awards

For the ninth time, the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) has hosted its Malaysia Top E-Commerce Merchant (Top ECM) Awards to recognise top players in the local ecommerce space.

A total of 516 merchants were shortlisted this year, which is a significant 43.3% increase from the 360 participants in 2023.

These merchants underwent rigorous evaluation based on sales performance, business potential, and marketing innovation by a panel of respected judges from the ecommerce industry.

According to its press release, Top ECM this year had witnessed an exceptional increase in total sales, reaching an impressive Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) of RM109,569,850 with a total of 2,388,764 orders.

The Top 10 ecommerce merchants as chosen by Sidec brought home prizes from a pool of RM37,000.

1. Zucca Commerce Sdn Bhd

A modest fashion brand, you’ve probably seen Zucca Commerce on Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop. Its clothes are designed to be stylish, practical, and comfortable. 

With affordable pricing, the three-year-old company’s mission is to cater to the majority of Malaysia’s population by keeping its products accessible.

But what has helped the company grow is its leveraging of social commerce algorithms, SEO keywords, and live customer feedback. This in turn allows Zucca Commerce to curate clothing based on current trends or buying patterns.

During an interview with New Strait Times, Zucca Commerce’s co-founder, Erica Yap, explained that this helps to compare the sales and reviews between various items. From there, they can understand customer preferences and zone in on what to churn out.

Along with the title, a trophy, and a certificate, Zucca Commerce was also awarded RM10,000 in cash.

2. SLL Machinery Hardware Sdn Bhd

Deeming itself a hardware heaven, SLL Machinery Hardware is an Ipoh-based enterprise that provides both commercial and industrial supplies. 

The company was established back in 1983 and has a mission of being a one-stop centre for all things related to hardwares and furnishings. 

According to its website, its catalogue boasts over 35,000 items on retail. This includes products as small as door knobs and wall drills, to larger ones like saunas and swimming pools.  

Similar to Zucca Commerce, SLL Machinery Hardware was awarded RM8,000 on top of the other winner’s spoils. 

3. DESINCE Sdn. Bhd

Founded in 2016, DESINCE is a wholesale retailer providing fashion related products for both men and women. It was around this time that online shopping really took off in Malaysia following the emergence of now-popular platforms such as Zalora and Shopee.

The company carries fashion items from formal wear to casual wear, as well as accessories like socks and shoes. Based on its Shopee page, DESINCE has sold over 98,000 of its men’s plain formal shirts. 

To give shoppers a better experience, the brand has also expanded beyond ecommerce. It now has a walk-in boutique at Sungai Kapar Indah in Klang. 

The wholesaler was also awarded RM5,000 in cash alongside the title, trophy, and certificate from Sidec.

4. Color Blast Sdn Bhd

Based on its website, Color Blast claims itself to be a pioneering brand for “baju kebarung” in Malaysia. It’s a blend of the traditional baju kurung and baju kebaya. 

As such, you can find many baju kebarung designs for sizes XS up to 3XL. They’re also priced affordably for traditional garments and start from RM89 per set. Aside from that, the store sells other Muslim fashion items like hijab.

Customers can shop for its designs online through Shopee, TikTok Shop, and its website. Color Blast also has a physical store outlet in Shah Alam for those who prefer trying them on first. 

In its earlier years, the brand was a dropship business before it grew to become one of the top local manufacturers of Muslim garments.

5. JC Print & Office Sdn Bhd

Established in 2019, JC Print & Office specialises in printing and designing for corporate and commercial clients. 

This includes printing a range of office and lifestyle products, including (but not limited to):

It was started as a one-man show that grew into a thriving business with a group of over 30 talented individuals. According to its website, the company has gained a good reputation on ecommerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada for its services.

6. CARiNG eStore Sdn Bhd

The ecommerce brand of CARiNG Pharmacy, CARiNG eStore provides customers with quality pharmaceutical products. 

The well-known brand was opened by five pharmacists in 1994, all of whom were coursemates at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Its first outlet was in Taman Muda, Cheras. 

Since then, it has expanded to over 200 outlets nationwide. Similar to its offline retail stores, CARiNG eStore offers customers a wide range of healthcare products.

Home deliveries to West Malaysia are free for orders with a minimum spend of RM150.

7. Ashvertising Marketing Sdn Bhd

“We’re the Dreamers, the Creators, and the Strategists,” Ashvertising Marketing states on its website. Founded in 2016, this advertising firm is on a mission to bring their client’s stories to life through interesting campaigns.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find much else about the company online. 

8. JS Home Living Sdn Bhd

A Pekan Nenas-based company, JS Home Living (short for Jing Soon) is a manufacturer that also retails household articles. Its catalogue includes items like plastic food containers, plastic chairs, plastic drawers, and multi-compartment drawers. 

Besides the retail store, customers can find its products on Shopee through a different name called PLASTICMASTER.

The company was founded in 2017 by two university friends after they realised how big the ecommerce market in China was and wanted to jump on the trend.

9. We Concept Sdn Bhd

Located in Batu Pahat, Johor, We Concept is another brand that focuses on household furnishings. You’ll find items like sofas, cabinets, beds, and dining tables at its store.

With prices starting from RM30, the company offers free installation for areas in the Johor Bahru area. Those purchasing from its online sites like Shopee will be able to save more. 

10. PCIAB Global Sdn Bhd

The only pet-related company on the list, PCIAB Global seeks to lead the industry in premium quality pet products. 

Its profile on MauKerja states that the brand is driven to “continuously innovate and introduce new add-on products” to meet the evolving needs of pet owners. 

One of its brands is Nanovet, which provides pet products like food and supplements, grooming kits, smart feeders, and toys. The pricing is also in the usual affordable range, starting from RM17.

A launchpad for tomorrow’s ecommerce leaders

Aside from the top three winners, the seven other finalists were awarded RM2,000 each.

During the awards ceremony, Sidec’s CEO, Yong Kai Ping said, “The Top ECM Awards are not just about recognising today’s successes; they are a launching pad for tomorrow’s ecommerce leaders. Through this platform, we aim to inspire, educate, and elevate the standards of ecommerce practices across Malaysia.”

According to The Sun, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported a total income of the ecommerce sector showing an increase of RM1,099.7 billion in 2022. This is a 6% year-on-year growth compared to RM1,037.2 billion in 2021.

On that note, he stated that there needs to be a reassessment of existing policies and new regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer protection and fair competition moving forward.

To address these challenges, he mentioned that all industry stakeholders need to cooperate, adapt, and innovate to unlock the local ecommerce’s full potential. 

Featured Image Credit: Sidec