Here, I am compiling a list of important milestones for e-commerce industry in Malaysia.

If you refer to the milestones below, things start to heat up in recent years. Truth to be told, we rely significantly on foreign players to invest into our market. Perhaps local businesses or investors will rather invest into something else rather than e-commerce (which requires long term ROI), haha!

I think there are 3 waves in terms of consumers uptake or market competitiveness:
- Post 2001: Now everyone can fly!
- Post 2011: Coupon madness and group buying war.
- Post 2012: Marketplace (platform) war?

Do leave a comment, and let me know if anything important missing from the following...


1998

The incorporation of Lelong, arguably the biggest local e-commerce company, before the "intrusion" of foreign companies.

2001

The launch of AirAsia online ticket booking site, thereafter many are braving themselves by entering their credit card details online to purchase budget air tickets.

2004

eBay launches service in Malaysia - ebay.com.my.

2005

Mobile88 launches iPay88, Malaysia's no.1 online payment provider to date.

2009

Lelong launches its B2C shopping mall - Superbuy.

PayPal starts supporting Ringgit Malaysia and withdrawal to local banks.

2010

AirAsia launches its megastore - a B2C shopping mall.

Pos Malaysia launches its B2C shopping mall - PostMe.

2011

Groupon enters Malaysia by acquiring Groupsmore.

Gmarket enters Malaysia, quietly launching a local site.

Everyday.com.my acquired by South Korea's #1 group buying site - Ticket Monster.

Malaysia first ever E-Commerce Fair organized by Lelong.my.

Yamato from Japan introduces Ta-Q-Bin service in Malaysia, offering cash on delivery and chilled / frozen goods delivery.

PayPal officially opens global operations center in Malaysia.

Newegg (US largest Internet retailer after Amazon) enters Malaysia.

2012

Rocket Internet launches its Zappos-wannabe fashion site in Malaysia - Zalora.

Everyday.com.my is being officially rebranded to LivingSocial Malaysia.

Gmarket Malaysia is being officially rebranded to Qoo10.com.my.

Rocket Internet launches its Amazon clone in Malaysia - Lazada.

The launch of MOLPay, offering cash payment via 7-11s.

(I will keep updating from here onwards...)