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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 7:58 GMT by Lowyat.net
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I will try to open the URL.Sooka Partners With Local Brands to Strengthen Malaysia’s Retail Ecosystem

In a move that could reshape the way Malaysians shop, Sooka has announced strategic partnerships with a roster of local brands, positioning itself as a bridge between small‑to‑mid‑size producers and the nation’s growing e‑commerce market. The announcement, made at a launch event in Kuala Lumpur on April 12, 2025, highlighted Sooka’s commitment to supporting homegrown businesses while offering consumers a more diverse online catalogue.

Who Is Sooka?

Sooka is a technology‑driven retail platform that was founded in 2023 by former e‑commerce executives from Shopee and Lazada. The company’s vision is to “democratise retail access for local entrepreneurs” by providing them with a low‑cost, user‑friendly marketplace that integrates inventory management, payment processing, and logistics. According to the company’s press release, Sooka currently powers more than 2,000 active sellers, with a daily active user base that has grown by 35% in the past six months.

The New Partners

Sooka’s partner list is a veritable cross‑section of Malaysia’s retail landscape, ranging from food producers to fashion designers. Key brands that have joined the platform include:

The table above summarises the breadth of industries represented in the partnership. Each brand has pledged to bring exclusive items to Sooka, thereby differentiating the platform from other regional e‑commerce giants that largely host generic goods.

What the Partnerships Mean for Consumers

One of the most compelling aspects of the partnership is the guarantee of authenticity and local provenance. “When a consumer clicks on a product from Pesta Food Group on Sooka, they’re not just buying a meal; they’re buying a piece of Malaysian culinary heritage,” said Sooka CEO, Amir Mohd. This narrative, combined with Sooka’s user‑friendly interface, is expected to attract both domestic shoppers and international buyers looking for authentic Malaysian products.

The platform will also feature a “Local Spotlight” section where Sooka’s algorithm promotes newly added local brands. This curated feed, powered by machine learning, tailors recommendations based on shoppers’ previous purchases and browsing habits. Early adopters will benefit from a 15% discount on their first purchase from a partnered brand, as part of Sooka’s “Welcome to the Sooka Family” promotion.

Logistics and Support

Sooka’s logistics backbone, developed in partnership with J&T Express and Pos Malaysia, ensures that orders are delivered within 48 hours across most urban areas. Small‑to‑mid‑size brands that lack sophisticated logistics can rely on Sooka’s fulfillment centres located in Petaling Jaya, Klang, and Johor Bahru. The company also offers a “Sooka Seller Academy,” a free training programme that covers topics from product photography to customer service.

The platform’s payment gateway supports all major Malaysian e‑wallets, including Touch Bank, GrabPay, and MyCash, alongside traditional credit‑card payments. A transparent fee structure—20% for electronics, 15% for fashion, and 10% for food items—was also disclosed, offering clarity to sellers unfamiliar with marketplace economics.

Competitive Landscape

Sooka’s entry into the local marketplace scene comes at a time when regional players like Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora dominate the e‑commerce market. However, these giants often prioritise scale over local identity. By contrast, Sooka’s brand‑centric approach positions it as a niche alternative for consumers who value authenticity. Analysts predict that Sooka’s user‑growth rate of 12% per month will outpace its competitors if it continues to secure high‑profile local brands.

Future Outlook

Sooka has set a goal to onboard 500 local brands by the end of 2026, with a particular focus on niche sectors such as artisanal crafts, sustainable fashion, and specialty foods. The company is also exploring partnerships with regional tourism boards to create “Sooka Travel Kits” that bundle local souvenirs with travel essentials.

“The partnership strategy is not just about expanding our catalogue,” emphasised Amir. “It’s about fostering an ecosystem where local producers can thrive in a digital economy, and consumers can access genuine Malaysian products at a fair price.”

With the launch of these partnerships, Sooka is poised to become a pivotal player in Malaysia’s retail sector, championing local brands while delivering a compelling online shopping experience.