ALIBABA.COM EXPANDS AI TOOLS TO EMPOWER MSMES IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND

Alibaba.com, a prominent global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform under the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, is reinforcing its commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide by scaling its artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Announced in conjunction with MSME Day, the initiative aims to enhance trade opportunities and diversify the supplier network, a statement said on 28th June.

In a move ahead of MSME Day 2024 on 27th June, Alibaba.com revealed that around 30,000 businesses had already leveraged its AI tools, driving increased efficiency and global reach.

This aligns with the seventh anniversary of the United Nations MSME Day, which highlights the crucial role of MSMEs in achieving sustainable development goals and their global economic contributions.

Alibaba.com president Kuo Zhang, who participated in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Global Review of Aid for Trade, emphasised the necessity of including MSMEs from underdeveloped nations in the AI revolution.

He highlighted that among the top 20 countries utilising Alibaba.com's AI tools, about half are developing nations, reflecting the platform's broad international reach and commitment to inclusive growth.

“As a key player in the private sector, Alibaba.com has been privileged to collaborate with international agencies like the United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC) over the past 25 years, supporting MSMEs globally.

“We are now focusing on expanding our global supplier base to 100,000 suppliers in the next three years, essentially creating a global supply chain by, and for, MSMEs through AI,” said Zhang.

A recent survey by Alibaba.com found that 25-30% of MSMEs on the platform use AI tools daily.

“These tools have led to a 37% increase in product exposure, thereby boosting business opportunities,” he said.

Furthermore, he said 70% of the optimisation suggestions provided by the AI tools have been accepted by the MSMEs, demonstrating the practical benefits and trust in these advanced solutions.

Vietnam's Hanh Sanh Co Ltd deputy managing director Sieu To shared his positive experience: “Using AI has helped automate our store on Alibaba.com, saving significant time and effort.

“For many business owners new to e-commerce, AI tools are a compelling reason to join the platform,” he said.

Italy's Deltha Pharma chief executive officer Maria Francesca Aceti said: “Among the first Italian businesses on Alibaba.com, I always had faith in our quality Italian supplements.

“The platform has helped me expand my business beyond Europe into China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Ghana,” Aceti said.

Dagmawit Abebe, owner of Ethiopian coffee brand Kedemt Coffee, highlighted the transition from traditional brick-and-mortar to e-commerce.

“Platforms like Alibaba.com are vital in overcoming local market challenges and expanding our reach globally,” Abebe said.

Alibaba.com's strategic plans include expanding support for MSMEs in developing countries.

It aims to onboard 100 MSMEs from Africa onto its platform this year.

Additionally, out of 500 global events and seminars planned for suppliers this year, 300 will be hosted in developing nations, providing crucial support and opportunities for growth.

The platform is enhancing its digital supply chain by connecting MSMEs with diverse global suppliers.

Buyers can now source products from specialised clusters in regions like Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.