TikTok Shop continues its commitment to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through its latest collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), bringing TikTok Shop's SOAR Together Program (Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers) to empower MSMEs in Southeast Asia.

"As the backbone of ASEAN's economy, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises play a vital role in economic development, particularly in underserved communities. We are proud to continue our longstanding commitment to empower MSMEs through this new partnership with the ASEAN Foundation and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council that will elevate MSMEs with practical skills in e-commerce, live selling, digital marketing, and business expansion using the TikTok Shop platform. With an aim to future-scale businesses and foster greater inclusivity and sustainable growth, it's very apt that we are launching this program during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, supporting the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability'.” - Ms. Chanida Klyphun, Director of Southeast Asia Public Policy, TikTok.

Supporting MSMEs from underserved communities, including those led by women, youth and minority groups

TikTok Shop, the ASEAN Foundation, and the ASEAN BAC will collaborate on leveraging relevant expertise to drive digital transformation and economic inclusion for MSMEs, providing tailored support and resources to help participating MSMEs rapidly advance their businesses and creative endeavors on TikTok Shop within their own markets as well as regionally, enabling growth and sustainable development.

MSMEs play a crucial role in employment generation, income contribution, and local economic resilience. Across ASEAN, there are approximately 70 million MSMEs, accounting for between 97.2% and 99.9% of total establishments. Despite their significant presence, MSMEs often face challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate business skills, and insufficient market linkages, which can hinder their growth and sustainability.

We welcome all interested MSMEs operating in ASEAN countries to apply for the program and seize opportunities such as tailored digital business skill capacity training with in-depth insights from TikTok Shop experts, hands-on learning experiences, with a strong focus on live selling through TikTok Shop, and networking engagements with aspiring ASEAN MSMEs, policymakers, and stakeholders.

More details of the ASEAN SOAR Together program can be found HERE. Interested business owners can also apply HERE.

Empowering MSMEs from all walks of life.

TikTok Shop gives people a place to translate the excitement of discovering unique products and sellers into impactful transactions that spark joy for both buyers and sellers, all without leaving the app. We’re dedicated to empowering small businesses and creators by providing tailored support and resources and fostering a community of growth and inclusivity through this program. The ASEAN SOAR Together program is another major step in TikTok’s ongoing efforts to address the unique needs of small businesses and creators in Southeast Asia.

The ASEAN SOAR Together program is also aligned with the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025 that aims to transform SMEs from domestic players into globally competitive and innovative enterprises by 2025, as well as the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 that recognises Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a key driver in ASEAN's economic and social transformation.

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Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation said "At the ASEAN Foundation, we are always looking for meaningful ways to support communities across our region. This partnership with TikTok Shop and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) is one of them—by helping MSMEs, especially those led by women, youth, and underserved groups, gain digital skills and market access, we’re supporting their growth and contributing to a more connected ASEAN. It’s not just about business—it’s about inclusion, empowerment, and giving everyone a fair shot in today’s digital economy. Collaborations like this help ensure no one is left behind as we build a resilient, people-focused ASEAN Community.”

Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) said "This partnership between TikTok Shop, the ASEAN Foundation and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) represents a critical step in empowering our region's MSMEs. As the apex private sector body for ASEAN, we recognize that MSMEs form the cornerstone of our economies yet face significant barriers to digital adoption. This program delivers practical digital, e-commerce, and live selling skills complemented with regional market access where they will create maximum economic impact. In addition, by prioritizing women entrepreneurs, youth-led businesses from underserved communities, we are ensuring digital transformation serves as a catalyst for equitable and sustainable growth across this region. The ASEAN SOAR Together program exemplifies how targeted public-private collaboration can transform policy aspirations into tangible economic outcomes that strengthen ASEAN's competitiveness in the global digital economy."