As Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025, the conversation around digital transformation and economic inclusivity is gaining momentum. At the centre of this shift is Terence Siau, Country Head of Sea Ltd Malaysia, the parent company of Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce platform, Shopee.
Having worked across multiple international markets, Terence brings a global lens to regional opportunities. Now based in Kuala Lumpur, he is focused on shaping ASEAN’s digital economy, with a strong emphasis on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
“Digitalisation isn’t just about technology, it’s about inclusivity,” says Terence. “We need to focus on three pillars: digital accessibility, financial inclusion, and digital education.”
Sea Ltd, through Shopee, has become a key enabler in this ecosystem. The company has rolled out several initiatives to lower the entry barrier for MSMEs and rural entrepreneurs. One of its flagship programmes is Shopee University, which offers a wide range of free training modules in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese. These courses cover sales strategies, online marketing, operations, and platform tools, equipping sellers with digital skills essential for growth.
Since transitioning online in 2020, Shopee University has empowered over 148,000 sellers across Malaysia. Offline, it has reached over 600 participants through in-person bootcamps and another 650 sellers via community engagement events. The platform also holds daily online classes, reinforcing its commitment to continuous learning.
“Education multiplies impact. When MSMEs learn how to market themselves digitally, access online payment systems, and understand data, their business potential grows exponentially,” Terence explains.
He believes ASEAN is well-positioned to lead in digital integration, with Malaysia playing a crucial role due to its relatively robust digital infrastructure, supportive public policies, and growing talent pool. “The government plays a key role in enabling cross-border trade with business-friendly regulations, while the private sector provides the solutions.”
ShopeePay, another Sea Ltd initiative, is an example of how fintech solutions can drive financial inclusion. The platform helps bridge the gap for underserved communities who may not have traditional banking access.
Terence also emphasises the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure effective digitalisation. “Only through joint efforts can we address gaps in infrastructure, digital literacy, and financial access.”
Beyond commerce, Terence is committed to holistic leadership. He sits on several advisory boards, including startups, universities, and a soon-to-be-launched digital bank. He also mentors fintech innovators through Bank Negara Malaysia’s regulatory sandbox, fostering responsible innovation in the financial sector.
“We must build an ecosystem that is inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable. Empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs is not just good business, it’s essential for regional growth.”
As ASEAN prepares for deeper digital integration, voices like Terence’s highlight the critical intersection of innovation, inclusivity, and infrastructure. Through its initiatives, Sea Ltd is not only shaping the e-commerce landscape but also helping define the region’s digital future.
