TikTok and social commerce drive digital growth in Malaysia

The digital landscape in Malaysia is seeing rapid professionalization within the content creator and TikTok ecosystem. Chin Swee, founder of KamiSempoi, has navigated the transition of TikTok from a casual platform to a professional industry involving talent management, digital marketing, and live streaming studios.

Recent data highlights the growing influence of social commerce. An Ipsos Malaysia study indicates that 74 percent of Malaysians have browsed e-commerce platforms in the last six months, with 60 percent having made at least one purchase. TikTok Shop's usage among e-commerce buyers has risen significantly from 43 percent in 2024 to 62 percent in 2026. While Shopee maintains a lead at 71 percent, the gap is narrowing. The trend is particularly strong among youth, with 69 percent of TikTok Shop users aged 18 to 24 reporting purchases within a six-month period.