TikTok Shop Partners With ASEAN Foundation, ASEAN-BAC to Empower MSMEs in the Region

The partnership introduces a new program that seeks to support MSMEs from underserved communities, including those led by women, youth, and minority groups. 

According to data from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the region is home to 70 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With a mission to empower these businesses, TikTok Shop has partnered with the ASEAN Foundation and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) to launch the ASEAN SOAR (Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers) Together program. 

The program aims to empower 50 selected MSMEs across the ASEAN by providing tailored support on how to handle a digital business, enabling them to thrive and stand out in the global economy. The collaboration will leverage relevant expertise to drive digital transformation and economic inclusion for MSMEs.

This will provide the necessary support and resources to help participating MSMEs rapidly advance their businesses and creative endeavors on TikTok Shop not just within their own local markets but also regionally.

“As the backbone of the ASEAN’s economy, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises play a vital role in economic development, particularly in underserved communities,” said TikTok Director of Southeast Asia Public Policy Chanida Klyphun.

“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.” 

Klyphun added, “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.’”

What to expect from the ASEAN SOAR Together program

Participating MSMEs will receive training on digital business skills and managing TikTok Shop, and gain insights from TikTok Shop professionals, particularly on topics such as e-commerce strategies, branding, content creation, and financial management to strengthen their business operations.

In addition, the selected MSMEs will also get to participate in interactive training sessions and a Business Challenge to apply what they learned from the training. Top performers will receive an award of up to $1,000 (approximately PHP 57,000) of advertising/promotional coupons. In addition, they may potentially be selected to participate in the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2025. 

Top performers will likewise gain the opportunity to showcase their businesses at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2025 (ASEAN-BIS 2025). 

Who is eligible for the program? 

The ASEAN SOAR Together program is looking for MSMEs that demonstrate strong potential in the following:

• Digital Readiness 
• Business Potential 
• Creativity and Innovation
• Commitment to Participate
• Social and Economic Impact
• Readiness to Participate in the Business Challenge

MSMEs interested to join the ASEAN SOAR Together program must meet the following qualifications:

• Officially registered and operates a business within an ASEAN Member State
• At least one C-Level team member is a national of one ASEAN Member State
• Fully committed to participate in the program
• Have existing products or services suitable for online selling, ideally already generating sales. If otherwise, the applicants should be willing to develop them
• Possess basic digital literacy and demonstrate a willingness to adopt digital tools and technologies to enhance their operations
• Have an interest in selling on TikTok Shop and live selling. Ideally have an existing TikTok and TikTok Shop account. If otherwise, the applicants are expected to be willing to create one as part of the program requirements
• Have the willingness to learn and produce TikTok content to sell products or services, enhance brand visibility, and increase customer engagement
• Strong commitment to learn for business improvement, expansion, and long-term sustainability
• Ideally, have a founder or C-level executive with strong English proficiency to participate effectively in the programme, or a designated representative who can communicate proficiently in English

Special consideration will be given to MSMEs coming from underserved communities, including those led by women, youth, and minority groups. Special consideration will also be extended to MSMEs that meet the following criteria:

• Have a mission that creates meaningful socio-economic impact
• Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably with a focus on addressing food security and nutrition (SDG 2), fostering inclusive economic empowerment (SDGs 1, 5, 8, 10), and promoting sustainability (SDGs 12 & 13)
• Promote inclusivity and diversity
• Empower marginalized communities
• Foster inclusion and participation of People with Disabilities (PWDs) within the socio-economic community

Deadline of application is on April 30, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Jakarta time (GMT+7). Interested MSMEs can apply through this link.