KUALA LUMPUR: Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd (Alibaba) the world's leading e-commerce company based in China, has opened its first Southeast Asia office here, part of the company's strong commitment in increasing digital economy in Malaysia and the region.
In addition, the new office also marks a new phase of Alibaba's strategic partnership with Malaysia and the development of its first Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) facility outside China.
Alibaba's founder and executive chairman Jack Ma said Malaysia is the ideal location for Alibaba's new regional headquarters, part of the company's continued commitment with the Malaysian government in the digital economy.
The new office will be the local training center in enhancing young entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SME) in the digital economy.
"Alibaba is committed to improving the digital economy of Malaysian entrepreneurs who want to change their business concept in order to enhance their business internationally," he said at the launching event here today.
Also present was the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Meanwhile, Guan Eng said Alibaba's ongoing commitment would open up new investments, new job opportunities and boost the local economy.
He said the government also saw opportunities for SMEs to grow with the first eWTP facility outside China and the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ).
"Both platforms will further encourage young entrepreneurs and SMEs who are involved in e-commerce and increase their exports to Asian countries.
"The cooperation between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Cainiao, Alibaba's logistics branch, to form Cainiao - KLIA Aeropolis Sdn Bhd will also significantly increase the amount of cargo at KLIA.
"More importantly, this creates a bigger strategy to make Malaysia an e-commerce hub and logistics hub in Southeast Asia," he said.