Interactive Shopping Experiences Power MSME Success

The digital commerce landscape is evolving, where we see a huge shift in customer buying behaviour, particularly among Gen Z. Interactivity is at the forefront, reshaping the customer experience with livestreaming and shoppable videos leading the charge into a new era of dynamic shopping.

So, how has video changed the online shopping experience? And does it really have business potential for today’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)?

According to Kantar’s latest research commissioned by Shopee, The Future of Shopping: Engaging Generation Z Shoppers in the Digital Era, nearly 70% of Gen Zs in Southeast Asia consider e-commerce platforms the starting point for their shopping journey. They rely on these platforms to research their purchases, including watching product demonstration videos. Livestreams offer the ideal touchpoint for discerning shoppers by allowing sellers to conduct in-depth walkthroughs of how items work while addressing buyers’ questions in real-time.

The study also showed that eight in ten respondents said they seek engaging and entertaining experiences while shopping, further reinforcing the role of video content in their buying journey. This opens an excellent opportunity for MSMEs to showcase their creativity for a more interactive shopping experience while deepening their relationship with their customers.


Sambal Success with Round-the-Clock Livestreaming

Syukor Majid, owner of Kedai Abang Syukor, began his business journey by manufacturing and selling pre-mixed beverages and other products through traditional channels. After moving online in 2015, he needed a way to reach a wider audience and boost sales for his newly launched sambal line in 2023. Aware of the challenges in promoting perishable products, Syukor turned to livestreaming on Shopee, creatively differentiating his new line from the many other brands in the market.

His secret weapon? A revolutionary 24/7 live approach. This wasn't just about product demos; it was about constant customer availability, mimicking the convenience of your favourite pasar malam that stays open late. Unlike competitors with limited hours, Syukor was always "on" and ready to answer questions and chat with viewers. Syukor's engaging personality shone through the screen, fostering a loyal community through humour and real-time interaction. The result is a captivating and memorable livestream experience that translated into commercial success.

"Embracing a 24/7 livestream strategy has allowed us to connect with customers anytime," he says. "With Shopee's extensive reach and user-friendly interface, we’ve transformed our sambal line's visibility and sales.”

As a result of impressive sales and interest from buyers, Syukor grew his team to include seven hosts to help manage the demand and continue delivering high-quality content. Syukor became one of Shopee Live's top sellers, logging an impressive 155 hours of airtime per week. Over the first three months on Shopee Live, he made over RM 1 million, and his participation in Shopee’s double-digit sales campaigns achieved a 600% increase in sales thanks to strategic discounts and Shopee Live vouchers.

Recently, he sold over 60,000 packs of ready-to-eat dendeng during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, thanks to the support of his 300,000 loyal Shopee followers. By leveraging Shopee’s robust ecosystem, Syukor's products have also gained international exposure, reaching customers in neighbouring countries like Singapore. Encouraged by these results, he plans to open additional Shopee Live accounts to meet rising customer demands as he explores venturing into non-food products.

Livestreaming Transformed Sleepwear to Everyday Fashion

Bella Hazaha, a fashion entrepreneur from Terengganu, dreamt of shattering sleepwear stereotypes. Her vision? Cosy pyjamas that transitioned seamlessly from the bedroom to everyday wear, all while staying trendy, modest, and affordable. But reaching her audience with static images proved difficult. "Gone are the days of niche social media advertising," says Bella. She needed a platform that captured the essence of her brand: a space for real-time interaction and product demonstration.

Livestreaming became Bella's game-changer. "Shopee Live allows me to connect directly with customers. Live sessions transformed how customers experienced the brand. Viewers could see how pajamas transitioned into stylish outfits, ask questions in real-time, and enjoy a seamless checkout process,” she explains. Bella's approach went beyond product display. She handpicked and trained a team of eight lively hosts, turning them into brand ambassadors. These hosts fostered a genuine connection with viewers, ensuring every comment was addressed and a sense of community thrived.

Bella Hazaha Pyjamas skyrocketed to become a top seller on Shopee Live, exceeding 1,000 daily sales. The brand's success transcended the digital world, allowing Bella to open a physical office and warehouse to meet the booming demand. Shopee Live wasn't just a sales platform; it was the launchpad for Bella Hazaha's innovative take on sleepwear, transforming a bold idea into a thriving business.

Recently, Bella Hazaha Pyjamas began venturing into Shopee Video, seeing it as a tool to help promote her brand and increase visibility to her target audience. "It's fun to upload videos," she says, noting that while the initial results were more about engagement, she started seeing conversions shortly after.

Small Electronic Store 900% Growth Journey with Livestreaming

In 2020, Lee Chin Sun launched his dream: Allblue5367, a store brimming with cool electronics and gadgets. But starting small, with a warehouse the size of a studio apartment and just a handful of daily orders, Lee faced a challenge – how to grab attention in the vast online world? Text descriptions just weren't cutting it, especially for the tech-savvy Gen Z crowd.

Then, in 2023, Lee discovered a game-changer: Shopee's built-in livestreaming feature. This wasn't limited to showing off products. Lee turned his live streams into engaging demos, letting viewers see exactly how his gadgets worked and answering their questions on the spot. He even took feedback to heart, highlighting his top-notch after-sales service live, something viewers really cared about.

Lee's dedication paid off in a big way. Not only did his Shopee followers jump by 20%, but Allblue5367 snagged the prestigious title of "Shopee Super Seller Awards 2023: Super Electronic Livestream Seller" – all thanks to public votes! But Lee knew it wasn't just about the numbers. He kept viewers glued to their screens with creative content that provided entertainment beyond shopping. He offered sneak peeks into the warehouse, showed viewers how he brainstormed with his team, and even broadcasted live while on vacation - talk about dedication!

By 2024, Allblue5367's monthly sales was at a mind-blowing 900% compared to 2020, reaching a whopping RM1 million. Their warehouse had also grown to a massive 33,000 square feet.

Building on the Shopee Live success of Allblue5367, Lee intends to continue the shop’s e-commerce journey: "Our trust in Shopee's sales channel and the phenomenal success of Shopee Live excites us to explore their new feature, Shopee Video. It is a natural continuation of our growth strategy. Live streams have been fantastic for real-time engagement, and Shopee Video will complement this by allowing us to create bite-sized, informative product videos that customers can discover at their convenience."

Beyond Livestreaming - A Feature-Rich Ecosystem for MSMEs

“At Shopee, we understand that crafting the perfect online presence is crucial for MSMEs. Shopee Live and Shopee Video can help supercharge their e-commerce strategy, transforming their listings into dynamic experiences that build real connections and set their brands apart,” shared Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

While livestreaming and videos serve as powerful tools for MSMEs to boost their visibility and deepen their engagement with shoppers, having a robust ecosystem platform is also critical to ensuring the success of businesses. Kantar’s research also revealed that 68% of Gen Z respondents show a higher purchase completion rate on e-commerce platforms compared to other channels. It further noted that while shoppers take their time to conduct in-depth research for their purchases, a seamless return and refund process, along with next-day delivery services, emerge as top considerations for carting out​​.

In response to these evolving shopping behaviours and recognising the opportunity they present for MSMEs to further drive growth, Shopee recently introduced new programmes to enhance the shopping experience for Malaysians, such as Instant Delivery, Next Day Delivery, and the On-Time Guarantee to help ensure prompt deliveries, with the On-Time Guarantee even offering customers an RM5 voucher if an order arrives late.

In addition, Shopee also introduced a 15-Day Free Returns policy that allows users to return eligible items across all product categories for free within the 15-day period, offering a full refund for 'Change of Mind' returns with no questions asked. Additionally, Shopee’s best-in-class Return and Refund process can be completed within two days for payments via ShopeePay—significantly faster than the industry average of seven days.

These features make it easier for customers to make purchases without worrying about the hassle of returns and refunds or additional shipping expenses. Through these, Shopee supports businesses in building customer loyalty and sustainable growth. These features collectively empower Malaysian MSMEs to succeed in the competitive digital marketplace, leveraging Shopee's platform to their advantage.

"We're not just here to assist sellers on livestream. We understand how impactful these tools can be, but more importantly, we're here to offer comprehensive support to help these businesses flourish. Our strong ecosystem, with secure integrated payment systems and a network of logistics partners, ensures that," Tan added.


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Seafood & Carvery Night Buffet Dinner @ Le Meridien Putrajaya

Buffet lovers, there is a newly launched Seafood & Carvery Buffet at Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Putrajaya. Happening every Friday and Saturday night, the buffet dinner features a great selection of seafood such as sashimi, sushi, grilled seafood and fish, seafood on ice such as prawns, scallops, slipper lobster, and crabs as well as baked oysters and scallops. There is also a selection of appetizers such as kerabu, smoked salmon, cold cuts and a salad bar. 

There is also a new carvery section where you can enjoy beef wellington, roast lamb, chicken and whole salmon. Furthermore, you can find the usual Asian sections with Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes such as chicken rice, Nestum prawns, double boiled soup, rendang daging, asam pedas fish, lok-lok and more. End your meal on a sweet note with the wide range of desserts such as macarons, cheesecake, red velvet cake, creme brulee, choux pastry, cheese and many more.

Check out our YouTube video for some of the buffet highlights:

The Seafood & Carvery Night Buffet Dinner is available every Friday and Saturday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, and is priced at RM188 per adult and RM94 per child.

For more information or reservations, call 03-8689 6888.

Location: Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Putrajaya, Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City, 62502 Putrajaya, Sepang, Malaysia (located next to IOI City Mall).

Tel: 03-8689 6888

Website: http://www.lemeridienputrajaya.com

Parking rate: RM6 for first 3 hours, RM1 for subsequent hour.

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evian® Inspires Wellness Journey with The New ‘Live Young’ 2024 Sports Limited Edition Bottles

evian® Inspires Wellness Journey with The New ‘Live Young’ 2024 Sports Limited Edition Bottles

Esteemed French natural mineral water brand, evian®, has unveiled the ‘Live Young’ Sports Limited Edition bottles, commemorating three iconic sports – golf, tennis and sailing, kicking off an exclusive celebration for 2024.

Reflecting evian®’s Brand Promise to Live Young, this launch hopes to inspire and encourage everyone to get active and go on their own wellness journey. evian®’s mountain-made natural mineral water is sourced through 15 years of natural filtration through the pristine French Alps and the brand has been the partner of both athletes and sports events across the globe for over 30 years, including iconic tennis tournaments like the Grand Slams Wimbledon and the US Open. This season, evian proudly presents its ‘Live Young’ 2024 Sports Limited Edition bottles adorned in three chic designs. Each bottle epitomizes French elegance, featuring effortlessly stylish and aspirational elements. Renowned for his authentic and unconventional creations, Pietari at Studio Posti illustrated these Limited Edition Bottles, infusing them with the essence of the evian® brand. The designs showcase the iconic evian® three peaks mountain, rendered with dynamic compositions and dramatic shadows.

The three sports - golf, tennis and sailing - which were selected for the evian® Limited Edition Bottles are all iconic in its own right, each chosen for their elegant and sophisticated aesthetic. All three sports also emphasize a connection to the outdoors, mirroring evian®’s values of vitality, health and wellness.

evian® extends an invitation to all to partake in the celebration of a sport, outdoor adventure and the joie de vivre of living young. The 2024 Sports Limited Edition Bottles are available in evian® flagship 500ml bottles as well as a newly introduced 750ml sportscap bottle.

             

Bringing the thrill of sports directly to every consumer of the evian® 2024 Sports Limited Edition, evian® has also launched a global on-pack sports game. Participants can engage in three captivating online sports games by scanning the QR code on the bottles or visiting stayactive.evian.com on a mobile phone, with prestigious prizes up for grabs including an all-expenses paid trip to watch Wimbledon 2025 live, Wimbledon Duffel Bag and Wimbledon Sports Visor.

In addition, evian® is also bringing the sports excitement to Klang Valley with a dynamic physical experience! Malaysians are invited to a 5-day evian® roadshow happening at One Utama from 31 July to 4 August 2024. Activities at the roadshow includes ‘Spin the Wheel’ where customers purchasing RM38 or more of evian® products can win exclusive merchandise, alongside exciting games of mini golf and tennis.

#StayActive and rejuvenated with #EvianLiveYoung Limited Edition Sports Bottles today! Get your favourite Sports Bottle design or collect all 3 from all major supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. The evian® 2024 Sports Limited Edition is available until 30 September 2024, so get yours today while stocks last!

#evian #stayactive #liveyoung #evianliveyoung #youngtogether #stayhydrate

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Shopee Discovers 93% of Malaysian Women Seek Inclusive Muslimah Fashion

Shopee Discovers 93% of Malaysian Women Seek Inclusive Muslimah Fashion

74% of Shopee Users Prioritise Clothing Accommodating Age, Size and Body Type

 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan, is at the forefront of providing inclusive Muslimah fashion options for Malaysian women. Shopee’s Gaya Lagi Lit Inclusive Fashion Study revealed that a staggering 93% of respondents prioritise finding Muslimah and inclusive clothing options on the platform. This isn't just a preference – nearly all respondents (98%) expressed confidence in Shopee meeting their needs for this specific style. These findings solidify Shopee's position as the go-to destination for Muslimah fashion that caters to a wide range of styles and body types.

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents identified inclusive clothing that accommodates age, size, and body type as their top priority. Additionally, 16% seek modest clothing suitable for all activities, highlighting the need for versatile pieces that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. The remaining 10% expressed interest in sustainable materials and clothing designed for special needs, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of the evolving Muslimah fashion landscape.

“At Shopee, we recognize the deep desire among Malaysian women for Muslimah fashion that reflects their unique styles and empowers them to express themselves confidently. Our Gaya Lagi Lit Inclusive Fashion Study underscores this need, with 99% of our respondents emphasising the importance of finding options for diverse body sizes and styles. We're committed to empowering users with wider clothing ranges that celebrate all body types,” commented Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

The survey also revealed a strong sense of community and support for local Malaysian Muslimah fashion businesses. A remarkable 97% of respondents consider it very important to support local SMEs such as Ariana Exclusive, Desince, Garden Store, Hany Shop, Indah Pesona, Le’Fonse, Marvelry, Muslimin and Muslimah, and Syifa Exclusive, that prioritise inclusivity and diversity in their designs. This not only empowers local businesses but also strengthens the Malaysian fashion scene and economy.

Empowering Women Through Fashion: The #ShopeeHaul Gaya Lagi Lit Collection

Shopee's commitment to empowering Malaysian women through fashion extends beyond its core platform offerings. The recent launch of the 7.7 #ShopeeHaul Gaya Lagi Lit collection further exemplifies this dedication. This curated capsule wardrobe caters to a variety of styles and personalities, allowing women to express themselves confidently and dress for any occasion.

The collection features three distinct styles:

• Warna Lit Lit: The look for a bold and daring woman with a unique sense of style. It features statement pieces and encourages creative colour combinations to showcase individuality.

• Every Body Cantik: This look celebrates inclusivity and body positivity. It offers flattering silhouettes and versatile pieces that empower women of all shapes and sizes to feel beautiful and confident.

• Girl Boss: This embodies the spirit of the modern Malaysian woman – strong, independent, and driven. It features stylish and comfortable pieces perfect for work or everyday wear.

Malaysian women also turn to Shopee Live when looking for outfit inspiration and styling tips. A significant 86% of respondents consistently engage with Muslimah and inclusive fashion sellers and content creators on Shopee Live, discovering new ways to style their favourite garments and express their unique personalities.

Shopee's study paints a clear picture: Malaysian women seek a diverse and inclusive Muslimah fashion landscape. Shopee is demonstrably leading the way in this regard, offering a platform that caters to a wide range of needs and styles, along with collections like #ShopeeHaul Gaya Lagi Lit that empowers women to embrace their individuality and confidence. With this in mind, Shopee enhances the Muslimah fashion experience with faster deliveries (On-Time Guarantee) and convenient pick-up points (Shopee self-collection). Shopee’s hassle-free return policy (15 Days Free Returns, No Questions Asked*) empowers confident exploration of diverse styles.

Learn more about Shopee’s Muslimah and inclusive fashion offerings while shopping RM1 Super Seringgit Fashion Deals this 7.7 Mega Fashion Sale: https://shopee.com.my/m/7-7 

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Shopee and Ministry of Health Unveil Pek Kasih Mama Initiative

 Shopee and Ministry of Health Unveil Pek Kasih Mama Initiative

Shopee Mum's Club Empowers Mothers with Care Packages & Long-Term Support

Shopee Malaysia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), launched the Pek Kasih Mama CSR campaign today. This heartfelt initiative is dedicated to uplifting local communities through technology and providing essential support to mothers across Malaysia. The launch event, held at Dewan MPKS Puncak Alam, was graced by Minister of Health, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Bin Ahmad who personally distributed 300 of the care packages to mothers and expectant mothers. A total of 1,000 care packages have been pledged for this initiative.

Each Pek Kasih Mama package is thoughtfully curated to include essential baby and maternal care items, such as MOH-certified diapers, baby wipes, bath products, towels, breastfeeding necessities, and skincare products suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The remaining 700 care packages will also be distributed at various government events nationwide, including Program Madani Afiat.

The Pek Kasih Mama campaign signifies Shopee’s commitment to providing long-term support to mothers. Through this strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health, Shopee is helping increase access to affordable childcare and maternity essentials. At designated government events across the nation, QR codes will be strategically placed so mothers can seamlessly register for the Shopee Mum's Club, unlocking a myriad of benefits, such as members' exclusive vouchers and discounts, parenting content and deals, parenting tips and advice via Shopee Live sessions, as well as other features tailored to support them throughout their parenting journey.

At the heart of the Shopee Mum's Club lies a nurturing community that empowers mothers with expert-led education delivered through informative Shopee Live sessions and fosters a supportive environment where mothers can learn from one another's experiences. Shopee Live sessions have consistently provided valuable insights into various parenting topics through informative content from childcare professionals. These sessions have covered topics such as breastfeeding for working mothers, car seat safety standards, managing tantrums, color psychology for creating calming spaces, and choosing the right stroller. The Club will continue to host similar sessions through Shopee Live, featuring a diverse range of parenting themes allowing mothers to engage in open discussions and enrich their journey through parenthood together.

YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Bin Ahmad expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "The Pek Kasih Mama (programme) is a strategic collaboration between Shopee and MOH that reflects our shared commitment to supporting our communities. Hopefully it will help with the cost of living. Shopee Mum’s Club is a community that offers mothers access to education by experts. Their ‘Shopee Live’ sessions, which feature specialists in infants and young children care, offer valuable tips on various parenting topics. The (live) sessions also facilitate discussions that allow mothers to share and learn from each other.”

Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia, emphasised the company's dedication to making a meaningful difference by unlocking the transformative power of technology. "At Shopee, we’re committed to making e-commerce accessible and beneficial for all Malaysians, including helping increase accessibility to essentials. Our partnership with the government, exemplified by initiatives like Pek Kasih Mama in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, enables us to directly impact communities, especially mothers and families. Through essential care packages and the valuable resources of the Shopee Mum's Club, we aim to deliver both immediate relief and long-term support to mothers across Malaysia.”

Since its establishment in 2019, the Shopee Mum's Club has emerged as an invaluable pillar of support for mothers across Malaysia. From the start, its commitment to nurturing mothers has been reflected in the continuous investments through price subsidies and vouchers for childcare essentials. Offering a complimentary membership with exclusive benefits, including a special RM30 voucher for new members and an exclusive RM20 voucher for existing users*, Shopee aims to provide significant savings and convenience to all mothers. Through collaborations with leading baby brands, Shopee ensures access to quality products at affordable prices, conveniently delivered straight to mothers’ doorstep.  Join the community at the Shopee Mum's Club and experience the support and savings tailored to your parenting journey. Visit  https://shopee.com.my/m/mums-club. 

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Recipe: No-Wrap Hokkien Bak Chang 肉粽 (Glutinous Rice Dumpling)

Dragon Boat Festival is finally here, and during this festival, glutinous rice dumplings, also known as zongzi 粽子 or bak chang 肉粽 is a must-have. If wrapping these rice dumplings is not your forte, you would love this No-Wrap Hokkien Bak Chang recipe I am about to share. Not to mention how much quicker and time-saving this recipe is compared to the traditional wrapping method. 

In this No-Wrap Hokkien Bak Chang, you will still find all the usual suspects; the flavourful, sticky glutinous rice, gelatinous pork belly, creamy chestnuts, peanuts, Chinese mushrooms, salted egg yolk and Chinese sausage (lap cheong). A cake pan with a removable base is lined with bamboo leaves, then all the ingredients are layered in the pan and then steamed for 2 hours (3 - 4 hours if you prefer a softer consistency like your regular zongzi).

Wishing everyone a Happy Duanwu Jie!

You can buy all the dried ingredients here:
Italian dried chestnuts: https://s.shopee.com.my/4VHCMME9Tf
Bamboo leaves: https://s.shopee.com.my/9UfsIYG2NQ
Dried shrimp: https://shope.ee/2fnbGZmXGk
Pearl glutinous rice: https://shope.ee/4Uxm5mwqo4
White flower mushroom: https://shope.ee/A9ijTzj0GO
Chinese sausage: https://shope.ee/8pIGZOGADO
Shandong peanuts: https://shope.ee/10cHr0eM9p

Step-by-step instructions on how to make this easy No-Wrap Hokkien Bak Chang

𝐍𝐨-𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐤 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠
Recipe by Baby Sumo 

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time: 3-4 hours

Recipe makes  2 No-wrap Bak chang (each one serves 6 pax) OR 1 no-wrap bak chang + 10 traditional wrapped ones

Ingredients
1kg pearl glutinous rice
24 bamboo leaves (150g)
12-14 Chinese mushrooms
60g peanuts
18-20 dried chestnuts
50g dried shrimp
50g shallots
2 Chinese sausage
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
4 tbsp cooking oil
4 salted egg yolks, cut into quarters

Pork belly:
400g pork belly, marinate with:

1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
1tbsp  oyster sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp five spice powder
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Rice seasoning:
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp five spice powder
1/2 tsp white pepper

1 cup dried shrimp soaking water
2-3 cups mushroom soaking water

Day 1 (evening)
1. Soak bamboo leaves in cold water for at least 12 hrs. Rinse and clean each leaf before use.

2. Soak glutinous rice with 1 tsp salt and water overnight. Rinse 3-4 times, then drain.

3. Soak mushrooms overnight in 2-3 cups water. Remove stalks. Cut in half if too large. Reserve soaking water.

Day 2
1.Soak peanut, dried chestnut and dried shrimp for at least 4 hours.

2. Cut pork belly into 1.5cm pieces. Marinate with seasoning for at least 4 hours.

3. Heat 1tbsp oil in pan. Brown pork belly. Once browned, add 1/2 cup water and simmer for 20 mins. Add mushroom and another 1/2 cup water and simmer for further 20 mins. Add dark soy sauce. Stir well, remove and set aside.

4. Remove casing from Chinese sausage (lap cheong).Cut at an angle into 1/2 cm thick slices. Heat 1 tbsp oil in pan. Saute Chinese sausage for 3-4 mins until fragrant. Remove and set aside. 

5. Boil peanuts for 1 hour. Boil chestnuts for 20 mins.

6. Heat 3T oil in wok. Saute shallots until golden brown. Saute roughly chopped dried shrimp for 4-5 mins. Add rice, seasoning and 1 cup dried shrimp soaking water and 2 cup mushroom soaking water. Mix well and cook until liquid has been fully absorbed.

Assembling the No-Wrap Bak Chang:

1. Line a 20-cm cake pan with removable base with 5-6 bamboo leaves. Fill half the pan with rice and compact using the back of a spoon. Add filling (peanuts, chestnuts, Chinese sausage, pork belly, mushroom, salted egg yolk). Repeat and top with more rice, and filling.

2. Fold down the excess leaves, using it to cover the rice, then hold down using a small plate.

3. Steam over high heat for a minimum of 2 hours. If you want your rice to be softer like the traditional zongzi, then do not need to cover the top of the rice when steaming, and you can also steam for longer (3-4 hours).

4. Cool for 15 mins. Place cake pan on top of a tall glass, then slide down to remove the bak chang. Slice into 6-8 portions and enjoy! Any unfinished bak chang can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat the leftover bak chang, steam for 10 mins over high heat. 

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Recipe: Stir Fried Snakehead Fish with Ginger & Spring Onion

Snakehead Fish, also known as 生鱼 (sang yu) in Chinese or ikan haruan / toman in Malay is such an underrated fish. I personally love it cos it has no fishy smell and the flesh is so tender. It’s nice in porridge, steamed or stir fried like you see here with ginger and spring onions. Such a nice and easy recipe, cooks in under 15 minutes.

I bought the frozen slices from the supermarket, a 500g pack will yield 350g snakehead fish slices after defrosting.

Check out the step-by-step recipe here on YouTube:

𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 & 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Recipe by Baby Sumo

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 10 mins

Serves 3

Ingredients
350g snakehead fish slices
4 slice old ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp grated ginger
1-2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
1 tsp chicken stock powder
A few dashes white pepper
20g spring onion, cut into 1” lengths

1. Heat oil in wok over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger slices and grated ginger and saute for 2-3 mins until lightly golden and fragrant.

2. Add fish slices and saute for 2-3 mins, then season with Shaoxing wine, chicken stock powder and white pepper. Cook until fish flesh has turned white and opaque. Then, add spring onions and cook for a further minute. Serve with rice.

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Kerepek Seller Achieves 80% Sales Uplift with Shopee Live

Kerepek Seller Achieves 80% Sales Uplift with Shopee Live

Kerepek Azharfood Demonstrates the Power of Real-Time Engagement and Community Building

Recognising the growing potential of live streaming, Kerepek Azharfood, a traditional kerepek seller, embraced Shopee Live in October 2023 and has since established a strong presence. Their innovative use of Shopee Live to connect with viewers and their dedication to using high-quality ingredients fueled their online success, resulting in a remarkable 80% increase in sales within 6 months. Today, Kerepek Azharfood thrives online, boasting a loyal following of more than 100,000 followers on Shopee, a testament to their successful digital adaptation.

Kerepek Azharfood Redefined Engagement with Captivating Shopee Live Content

Kerepek Azharfood saw the limitations of a brick-and-mortar store and actively turned to live streaming. This strategic shift allowed them to expand their reach and connect with a wider audience through engaging online experiences. Mohamad Syahme Bin Azhar, Marketing Manager of Kerepek Azharfood explained, "We embraced live streaming and turned it into a powerful tool for customer engagement. We offered viewers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at our operations, showcasing the meticulous care poured into every product, from kerepek-making to packing." This transparency instilled confidence in their brand's dedication to quality. 

Kerepek Azharfood redefined online engagement by prioritising uninterrupted, always-on live streams. The Kerepek Azharfood team hasn’t taken a single day off from Shopee Live, streaming every day since they joined. Some sessions even extend to a remarkable eight hours, fostering deeper connections within their community. During their recent Ramadan live streams in March 2024, they captivated a record-breaking audience of 43,000 viewers, translating into a sales surge exceeding 600 orders from one Shopee Live session alone. This represents a remarkable 6 times order uplift compared to their non-peak season livestreams, solidifying the effectiveness of their approach.

Built Loyal Following Through Quality and Customer Focus

Kerepek Azharfood's commitment to quality resonated with customers online, building a loyal following. They prioritised customer feedback through recipe refinement and taste tests by sending out food samples to their customer whenever there’s a request. Their innovative packaging solutions ensured their delicate kerepek arrived fresh, with a transparent full-refund policy for broken kerepek deliveries. Recognising diverse customer needs, they offered a variety of kerepek sizes, from single-serve packs to party-ready options, strengthening their position as a leading Shopee Live seller. Kerepok Tortilla Nachos 1KG, their best selling product since 2018, has over 43,800 packets sold and a solid 4.9-star product rating from over 19,600 happy customers. Another best-seller, Kacang Gajus, averaging 1,900 packets sold monthly since launch, translated to a total of 9,100 satisfied customers. 

Kerepek Azharfood's dedication to quality and genuine customer interaction fueled a powerful word-of-mouth effect from their satisfied customers to their networks. Syahme mentioned, "We've always believed in using only the finest ingredients and maintaining the authenticity of traditional recipes. But it's the connections we build with our customers that truly sets us apart. We are so thankful that our customers share feedback and reviews for our products. With our community, we have managed to achieve over 270,000 positive ratings for our kerepek products!" This organic praise from happy customers played a significant role in building Kerepek Azharfood's loyal following. 

Kerepek Azharfood's success story exemplified how a traditional business can thrive in the digital age with foresight, customer focus, and a willingness to adapt.  Syahme encouraged other sellers, stating, "Don't wait for the ideal moment to start Shopee Live. Shopee is here to support you every step of the way." He added, "Shopee's user-friendly platform makes live streaming incredibly easy – with just one product listing, you can be live streaming directly in the app. No complex setup required!"  Syahme further highlighted that beyond its ease of use, Shopee Live offers a range of interactive features to keep viewers engaged, including polls, lucky draws, live-exclusive vouchers and coins.  These elements, combined with real-time comment sections and livestream reminders, ensured a dynamic and interactive shopping experience for both sellers and viewers.

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Recipe: Ayam Masak Merah

𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐡, translated as red cooked chicken, is a Malay dish whereby chicken is cooked with chilli paste (cili giling) and tomato puree. I usually make it with chicken fillet or chicken breast cos they cook quicker (and that's the cut my family likes eating). You can serve it with Nasi tomato and acar jelatah.. super yum!

Check out this YouTube video for step-by-step instructions on cooking ayam masak merah:

𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐡

Recipe by Baby Sumo

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 30 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients
400g chicken fillet or breast, cut into large chunks
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp cili giling
1 tsp chicken stock powder
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup Cirio finely chopped tomatoes / tomato puree
1/2 yellow onion
1 tomato, cut into 8
1/4 cup frozen peas
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
2 cardamom pods

To blend
3 cloves garlic
2 shallots
1/2 yellow onion
2 tbsp water

1. Marinate chicken with turmeric and salt for 10 minutes.

2. Place ingredients to blend in a blender or mini food chopper and blend until you get a fine paste. 

3. In a wok, heat oil. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 mins, until no longer pink and evenly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

4. Add cinnamon stick, star anise and cardamom pods and saute for 2 mins until fragrant. Add blended ingredients from (2) and saute for 4-5 mins. Add cili giling and saute for further 2-3 mins.

5. Add tomato puree / finely chopped tomatoes and season with sugar and chicken stock powder. Return cooked chicken back to wok and add onions, tomato and frozen peas. Cook for another 8-10 mins, until sauce has thickened. Serve with nasi tomato or nasi minyak, along with acar jelatah.

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