Empowering Asean micro, small and medium enterprises on TikTok Shop

• Aims to equip MSMEs with digital skills
• Parties will combine expertise to advance digital transformation in the region

TikTok Shop is reinforcing its commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia through a new collaboration with the Asean Foundation and the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC). This partnership brings TikTok Shop’s Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers (SOAR) Together programme to the region, aiming to equip MSMEs with essential digital skills.

“As the backbone of Asean’s economy, MSMEs play a vital role in driving economic development, particularly within underserved communities. Through our partnership with the Asean Foundation and Asean-BAC, we are continuing our commitment to uplift these businesses by providing practical skills in e-commerce, live selling, digital marketing, and business expansion through the TikTok Shop platform,” said Chanida Klyphun, director of Southeast Asia public policy at TikTok.

“With the goal of future-proofing businesses and promoting greater inclusivity and sustainable growth, it is fitting that we are launching this programme during Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship in 2025, in support of the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’” she added.

Through this collaboration, TikTok Shop, the Asean Foundation, and Asean-BAC will leverage their combined expertise to drive digital transformation and economic inclusion across the region. The programme will offer tailored support to participating MSMEs, enabling them to enhance their operations and creative ventures both locally and regionally via TikTok Shop.

This initiative also aligns with the Asean Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016–2025, which seeks to transform SMEs into globally competitive and innovative enterprises, and with the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025, which highlights information and communications technology (ICT) as a key enabler of regional economic and social transformation.

MSMEs remain a critical force in employment generation, income contribution, and economic resilience. Across Asean, approximately 70 million MSMEs account for between 97.2% and 99.9% of total business establishments. Despite their significance, many MSMEs face persistent barriers such as limited access to financing, business development skills, and market connectivity—challenges that the SOAR Together programme aims to address.

Eligible MSMEs in Asean countries are encouraged to apply for the programme. Participants will benefit from targeted capacity-building sessions in digital business skills, in-depth insights from TikTok Shop experts, hands-on live selling training, and networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders across the region.

Further information on the Asean SOAR Together programme is available here Business owners may apply here.