The Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and Lazada Malaysia have joined hands to give Malaysian social enterprises a much-needed boost. This comes at a crucial time with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting businesses and people’s livelihoods. The partnership sees the leading e-commerce platform onboarding and promoting products and services of social enterprises registered with MaGIC.

The public-private partnership is part of MaGIC’s #buyforimpact campaign, which aims to promote socially conscious buying behavior among the general public, while also encouraging more Malaysians to connect with the social innovation ecosystem.

Lazada will feature a MaGIC-curated list of over 10 social enterprises including Komuniti Tukang Jahit, SevenTeaOne Shop, Includes by Dialogue in the Dark, Fuze Ecoteer, APE Shop, Silent Teddies, Foodbike, Chocolate Concierge, Masala Wheels, MYReader, and Dreamr.

As part of the partnership, Lazada will subsidise their online startup cost, including the creation of the store and product listings, free shipping and delivery services, training, and workshops.

That aside, Lazada will promote their products and services via customised campaigns as well as offer access to its digital marketing and advertising solutions.

MaGIC chief executive officer, Dzuleira Abu Bakar said, “Social enterprises are entities set up to drive positive change in our communities and the environment if they do well we all do well. Which is why it is important that we band together to accelerate their growths during this period of uncertainty. MaGIC has always been committed to supporting companies that innovate for the greater social good. Having Lazada Malaysia on board is very encouraging as it is driving more participation from the private sector as they begin to recognize their crucial roles in encouraging and inspiring social innovation.”

“Social entrepreneurs are battling at the forefront of this pandemic to serve the most vulnerable populations using their ingenuity to confront the social problems on the ground. These ‘Impact entrepreneurs’ are responding to this by reinventing new ways of doing business with a social purpose. Lazada is committed to helping them bounce back and thrive in this new recovery phase. We look forward to supporting and playing our part in their mission, at a time when they are needed more than ever.” said Leo Chow, chief executive officer of Lazada Malaysia.

Since early August 2020, a range of products made by social enterprises have been available on Lazada via a special #buyforimpact page. Products include layered cakes (Ibupreneur) and arts & crafts (Eats, Shoots & Roots) made by marginalised communities, heirloom rice by Langit, t-shirts by environmental conservationists APE Malaysia, and arts and craft produced by marginalised communities like Krayon Asia, and many more.

Throughout the month of September, #buyforimpact will run weekly features on-ground and online, host virtual social enterprise-related sharing sessions, and product showcases that champion various causes.

The campaign will also run Demo Days for aspiring social enterprises to showcase their businesses to funding agencies and potential investors.

Here is what’s happening throughout September:

  • 12-17 September – Buy for Environment week, featuring social enterprises selling products and services that drive positive change for the environment.
  • 19-24 September – Buy for Arts & Heritage week, featuring social enterprises that drive awareness and preserving the local arts & heritage scene.
  • 25-30 September – Buy for Empowerment week, featuring social enterprises with products and services that empower local talent from underserved communities.

For more details on MaGIC’s #buyforimpact campaign, visit mymagic.my.

Check out the social enterprise products on Lazada – https://s.lazada.com.myu/s.YMAue.

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