Lotus’s Malaysia and KPDN Support Local SMEs Through JOM MALAYSIA 2026

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Lotus’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) are continuing their efforts to support homegrown businesses through JOM MALAYSIA 2026, an initiative aimed at helping Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand their market reach and strengthen their competitiveness in the retail industry.

Launched at Lotus’s Ampang on 22 October 2026, the programme highlights the importance of providing local entrepreneurs with opportunities to bring their products into established retail channels while developing the capabilities needed for long-term business growth.

The launch was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Rohaizi bin Bahari, Undersecretary of the Distributive Trade and Business Division at KPDN, alongside Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director of Corporate Services at Lotus’s Malaysia.

Lotus’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership at the launch of the JOM MALAYSIA 2026 campaign, held at Lotus’s Ampang on 22 October 2026.

Helping Malaysian SMEs Grow Beyond Retail Shelves
Previously known as Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia, the initiative was repositioned by KPDN as JOM MALAYSIA in 2026, reflecting a renewed focus on promoting locally made products while supporting the businesses behind them.

As part of the launch, appointment certificates were presented to new Lotus’s suppliers, marking an important milestone for local businesses looking to expand their presence in the modern retail market.

The programme also recognised outstanding SME suppliers for their achievements in sales growth and delivery performance, highlighting the importance of product quality, operational consistency and reliable supply in maintaining successful retail partnerships.

With 71 stores nationwide, Lotus’s Malaysia provides local businesses with access to a wider customer base while working alongside suppliers to improve their product standards, operational readiness and supply capabilities.

For smaller businesses, entering a major retail chain can be an important opportunity to increase brand awareness and reach customers beyond their existing distribution channels. However, sustaining that presence requires careful planning, consistent product quality and the ability to meet retail requirements.

These include packaging specifications, inventory management, delivery schedules and adapting to changing consumer preferences, all of which play an important role in building long-term relationships with retailers.

Lotus’s Malaysia Strengthens Its Commitment to Local Entrepreneurs
According to Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director of Corporate Services at Lotus’s Malaysia, supporting SMEs is about more than simply providing space for their products on supermarket shelves.

“Behind every Malaysian product is an entrepreneur with an ambition, employees building their livelihoods and families whose futures are connected to that business. Supporting local SMEs means investing in people and the potential of Malaysian businesses.

“Our role goes beyond providing shelf space. We want to help entrepreneurs build the capabilities and confidence to grow, because when our suppliers succeed, our customers benefit from greater choice and value, while our business becomes stronger alongside them,” she added.

This approach reflects Lotus’s broader efforts to develop sustainable partnerships with local suppliers, helping entrepreneurs navigate the requirements of modern retail while creating more opportunities for Malaysian products to reach consumers.

From left to right: Representative from Profes Lipid Sdn. Bhd.; Puan Siti Rohani Omar, Head of Domestic Trade Development Section, Selangor State Office, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN); Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Lotus’s Malaysia; Representative from Suito Poteto Sdn. Bhd.; YBhg. Datuk Rohaizi bin Bahari, Undersecretary, Distributive Trade and Business Division, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN); Representative from Pawslifestyle Sdn. Bhd.; Neil Gurusamy, Chief Operating Officer, Lotus’s Malaysia; Representative from Durio PPE Sdn. Bhd.; and Encik Mohd Helmi bin Abdul Halim, Senior Assistant Secretary, Logo Barangan Malaysia, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), at the symbolic presentation of certificates to Lotus’s new suppliers during the launch of the JOM MALAYSIA 2026 campaign at Lotus’s Ampang on 22 October 2026.

SME Empowerment Seminar Helps Entrepreneurs Navigate Modern Retail
Beyond providing access to retail shelves, Lotus’s Malaysia continues to invest in entrepreneur development through its SME Empowerment Seminar, which entered its third edition in 2026.

Held under the theme “Unlock Your Potential – Mastering Business Growth for SMEs”, the seminar focuses on equipping local entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to strengthen their businesses and prepare for opportunities in the modern retail sector.

Each edition has attracted more than 150 participants representing over 80 micro-enterprises, offering insights into branding, product quality, supply consistency and the commercial expectations of major retailers.

The programme complements Lotus’s supplier engagement initiatives by helping business owners better understand industry requirements, identify areas for improvement and develop stronger operational foundations.

For emerging entrepreneurs, this knowledge can be particularly valuable when transitioning from smaller-scale operations to supplying established retail chains, where maintaining product availability and consistent quality is essential.

JOM MALAYSIA 2026 Carnival Showcases 20 Local Entrepreneurs
As part of the campaign, a four-day JOM MALAYSIA 2026 carnival was also held at Lotus’s Ampang, featuring products from 20 local entrepreneurs.

The carnival gave participating businesses an opportunity to showcase their offerings directly to shoppers, introduce their brands to new customers and gather feedback on their products.

For local entrepreneurs, interacting with customers provides useful insights into purchasing preferences, product presentation and pricing, which can help guide future business decisions.

Such activities also create opportunities for Malaysians to discover homegrown brands and explore the variety of products developed by local businesses.

By bringing these entrepreneurs into a familiar retail environment, the carnival supported the campaign's wider objective of encouraging greater visibility and market opportunities for Malaysian products.

Building Long-Term Opportunities for Malaysian Businesses
The collaboration between Lotus’s Malaysia and KPDN demonstrates how government initiatives and private-sector retail expertise can work together to strengthen the local business ecosystem.

While national campaigns help encourage support for Malaysian-made products, established retailers can provide entrepreneurs with the market access, commercial experience and operational guidance needed to expand their businesses.

Through JOM MALAYSIA 2026, both organisations continue to focus on helping local SMEs develop stronger foundations for sustainable growth while offering consumers greater access to Malaysian products.

For shoppers, the initiative also serves as an opportunity to discover and support homegrown brands, recognising the entrepreneurs and businesses behind the products available in stores.