Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Banking company RHB Bank and media group Star Media have teamed up to launch #JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0, an online platform that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) spread brand awareness as well as boost sales and revenue.
Said online platform, which is the second iteration of its kind this year, onboards celebrity actress, TV host, and entrepreneur Sazzy Falak as the brand ambassador for participating SMEs.
The platform was first conceptualised in 2022 to give SMEs a leg up after the pandemic and help the economy recover and thrive.
SMEs can get a free video advertisement specially curated for their brand, products, and services. AI technology is also added to the mix, using voice and facial recognition software to recreate Sazzy Falak’s face and voice patterns to match the details provided by the SMEs.
For Lydia Wang, chief business officer at Star Media Group, the platform not only provides SMEs opportunities to market their products and services, but also helps them to leverage celebrity power to grab customer attention.
“SMEs are the backbone of the economy, and we are continuing these efforts, working together with partners such as RHB to help these businesses get back on their feet. One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is marketing, primarily from the aspect of cost and effectiveness,” she said.
Wang added, “By partnering with Sazzy Falak, this campaign enhances their brand’s reputation with ‘star power’ – giving charm to the brands and helping them gain a competitive edge in the market.”
She also noted that the platform would feature the Awesome Lokal Guide which increases customer engagement and traffic for the participating SMEs.
Meanwhile, Yip How Nang, SME banking head at RHB Bank, commented that with SMEs facing multiple macroeconomic headwinds, these businesses need help to stay on a growth trajectory.
“Our goal is to rally the nation to support local businesses by buying from SMEs. We have already helped over 8,000 business outlets that signed up with us since our campaign’s launch. Under this campaign, SMEs get to list their businesses on both RHB #JomSapot and SMG’s BeliLokal platforms at no additional charge,” he said.
Lastly, Falak said, “As an entrepreneur myself, I can relate to the struggles that local businesses face. I understand how hard it can be to build and grow a business in today’s world. Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the multiple lockdowns, the business landscape has changed so much. So I’m delighted to be partnering with RHB and Star Media Group in #JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0, as local businesses need all the help they can get in this competitive market.”