10/03/2025

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Women transforming e-commerce

KOTA KINABALU: From Sabah’s vibrant landscapes to digital storefronts, a new wave of women entrepreneurs is transforming e-commerce into a platform for heritage and empowerment. Through TikTok Shop, they are not just selling products but also preserving and sharing Sabah’s cultural legacy by bringing local crafts, natural treasures and traditions to a nationwide audience. The rise of digital commerce has enabled them to overcome geographical and societal barriers, while balancing personal commitments, reported Bernama. With the launch of the TikTok Shop Live Hub in Penampang, local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) now have o They bring to life Sabah’s heritage through TikTok Shop

Having shared his work on Instagram, he said he never anticipated that his creations would attract a dedicated fan base, particularly among hip-hop enthusiasts, adding that his fans were not just Malaysians but also from the US and Canada, Bernama reported. Encouraged by the positive response, he decided to quit his job in 2018 and pursue sculpting as his main source of income. “After committing to becoming a full-time sculptor, I worked hard to improve my skills and refine my artwork to meet customer demand.” He said his sculptures soon caught the attention of the very artistes he designs into contemporary apparel. Her jerseys feature intricate patterns with deep cultural significance, including the vinusak (traditional Dusun embroidery), corak linongkitan rungus (detailed Rungus weaving pattern), pua kumbu Sarawak (sacred Iban ceremonial textile) and tatu Iban Sarawak (traditional Iban tattoos symbolising identity and heritage). Elysiana said it started as a university project, but when she expanded it through TikTok Shop, her products went nationwide and her business grew into a million-ringgit enterprise which earned her the exclusive Star Shop badge for her innovative work and dedication to cultural preservation. The two women share a common thread which is the ability to adapt, innovate and connect. With the TikTok Shop Live Hub, more Sabah entrepreneurs now have access to resources, mentorship and cutting edge e-commerce tools, paving the way for a new generation of women-led businesses.

“It started in 2007 when I was just browsing videos for tutorials to see how sculpting was done. I tried it out and eventually developed a passion for it. “A year later, I apprenticed under a veteran in the field. From there, I was determined to create my own pieces,” he said, adding that he was working at a cinema at that time. Mohd Saifol said initially he sculpted figures of comic book superheroes from The Avengers movies, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Hulk. “I don’t just sculpt the body and face. I use special clay imported from China and I use my imagination to greater access to tools and support to build thriving online businesses. Entrepreneur Ruhie Rue has made a name for herself through her pearl business, RAA. By leveraging live-streaming and storytelling, she showcases the beauty of Sabah’s freshwater pearls to customers across Malaysia. She said she saw the potential of e-commerce early on and today, she has sold over 40,000 pearl accessories and earned the prestigious Star Shop badge, which is a symbol of excellence on the platform. However, Ruhie said success meant more than just impressive sales, adding that she prioritises community engagement, proving that authenticity and connection resonate deeply with online audiences. For Elysiana Jemaslin, an arts teacher turned entrepreneur, digital commerce serves as a bridge between tradition and modern fashion. Inspired by her university studies on cultural heritage, she weaves Sabahan and Sarawakian

Ruhie showcases the beauty of Sabah’s freshwater pearls through her collection of accessories. – TIKTOKPIC

Sculptor draws attention of international artistes KUALA LUMPUR: Sculpting clay figures has become a thriving business for young Malaysians, especially with the rising demand for popular animated and superhero characters among collectors. sculpting was sparked after he watched several vlogs which showcased the work of sculptors on YouTube. complete the figures with their outfits and accessories, including hats, shoes and sunglasses,”said the sculptor, who is also a breakdancer.

depicted and he was constantly busy when the orders kept pouring in. “When the artistes purchased my sculptures and posted them on Instagram and then their followers repost them, it gives my work free promotion,” he said, adding that he earned around RM10,000 for two to three figures sold. Mohd Saifol said he worked tirelessly to fulfill the orders, with each figure taking between two and three weeks to complete. He added that the process involved sketching the desired figure, creating a mould, sculpting and painting. He said although the demand now is not as high as it was during the pandemic, he is grateful that his livelihood has remained steady. “I can still earn between RM1,000 and RM5,000 per order. Although I

focus on hip-hop figures, some customers still request superhero figures, such as those from The Avengers. “I diversify my ideas by sketching the characters on my computer or iPad before presenting them to clients. “If they approve, then I begin working on the order,” he said, adding that his figures can be as tall as 61cm or two feet. Mohd Saifol said he also participates in exhibitions around KL to showcase his craft. He said the goal is not just to earn a profit but also to find personal satisfaction in sharing his talent with the public. “What is more important for me is being able to translate my ideas and talent into art. That is far more valuable.”

However, Mohd Saifol Zainal, 44, has carved a niche in the competitive market by sculpting hip-hop artistes. He said he crafts high-quality pieces that have even caught the attention of the artistes, many of whom have purchased his work. “My work gained recognition during the Covid-19 pandemic when my sculptures of House of Pain , Wu-Tang Clan (renowned American hip-hop groups) and rap artiste Snoop Dogg were sold. Some were even purchased by the artistes themselves.” Mohd Saifol, from Telok Panglima Garang in Selangor, said his interest in

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