The ASEAN Foundation, in collaboration with TikTok Shop, has launched the ASEAN SOAR (Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers) Together program.
This initiative aims to empower 50 selected Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across ASEAN by providing tailored support in digital business that enables them to thrive and stand out in the global economy.
As the backbone of ASEAN’s economy, MSMEs account for 97.2% to 99.9% of businesses and contribute significantly to job creation and financial stability. Despite their vital role, many MSMEs face significant challenges in adapting to the digital landscape, such as limited access to digital tools, low market visibility, and a lack of structured business strategies.
Without the necessary skills and support, many MSMEs struggle to establish a strong online presence and scale their business.
To address these issues, the ASEAN SOAR Together program provides MSMEs with practical skills in e-commerce, live selling, digital marketing, and business expansion using the TikTok Shop platform.
By combining hands-on training and networking opportunities, the programme equips ASEAN MSMEs with the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world and helping them strengthen their market positioning to achieve sustainable growth.
The ASEAN SOAR Together is implemented with the following objectives to foster sustainable growth to its participating MSMEs
- Empower MSMEs in ASEAN ‒ Support the growth of MSMEs, with a particular focus on youth and women entrepreneurs, by providing essential knowledge, tools, and experiences.
- Enhance Digital and Live Selling Skills ‒ Equip MSMEs with the necessary skills to succeed on TikTok Shop, with a strong emphasis on live selling as a key driver for business growth.
- Strengthen E-Commerce Capabilities ‒ Provide comprehensive training on TikTok Shop operations, including e-commerce fundamentals, shop management, and promotional strategies, enabling MSMEs to optimize their online presence.
- Foster Regional Economic Growth ‒ Through collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation, empower MSMEs with entrepreneurial skills and digital literacy, opening new opportunities for economic advancement in the ASEAN region.
The programme promises tailored capacity building for MSMEs in the form of training on digital business skills and TikTok Shop. It allows opportunities to learn directly from TikTok Shop professionals who provide insights into e-commerce strategies, branding, content creation, and financial management to strengthen their business operations.
Additionally, selected participants will take part in interactive training sessions that provide a hands-on platform to apply their skills in optimising TikTok Shop and TikTok Live operations. They will gain insights into effective live selling strategies and leverage influencer/affiliate marketing to boost sales.
They will also gain insights into TikTok Shop’s policies and common violations to help them navigate platform regulations and mitigate potential risks. This knowledge will support participants in maintaining a compliant and trustworthy online presence that allow sustainable business growth.
Business Challenge
After completing the capacity building phase, participants are required to take part in a Business Challenge to apply what they learned from the training. Top performers will be awarded up to USD 1,000 of advertising/promotional coupons and potentially be selected to participate in the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2025. The Business Challenge will allow them to test and refine their strategies in a real-world setting and give them the chance to gain exposure among ASEAN policymakers, global leaders, investors, and key stakeholders.
Additionally selected participants will gain access to a platform where MSMEs can connect, collaborate, and share experiences with like-minded entrepreneurs across the region.
All interested social enterprises are required to apply the programme by completing the application form on the following LINK by 30 April 2025.
