Alibaba.com Supports Malaysian SMEs with AI Tools and Global Trade Partnerships

Alibaba.com is expanding its support for Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through AI-powered business tools, startup initiatives and partnerships aimed at helping local businesses enter international markets.

The company announced these initiatives at the B2B AI Seller Summit, co-organised with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in Kuala Lumpur on 16 October 2026. The event also hosted the Malaysian final of CoCreate Pitch 2026, marking Malaysia’s first participation in the global product-based startup competition.

The competition received more than 2,300 applications from local businesses, startups, aspiring entrepreneurs and student innovators, with 10 teams advancing to the final. Lettuboost took first place, followed by Global Cerah in second and Eartheories in third. The top three teams will have the opportunity to attend the CoCreate Global Summit 2026 in London this November.

With a total prize pool of RM500,000, the competition aims to help entrepreneurs develop their product ideas and prepare for business expansion.

Alibaba.com Introduces Accio AI Platform

A key highlight of the summit was the official Malaysian launch of Accio, Alibaba.com’s AI-powered platform designed to support business operations and cross-border trade.

Accio helps entrepreneurs with tasks such as market research, product planning, supplier sourcing and business development. Its agentic AI capabilities are designed to automate workflows across connected e-commerce platforms, allowing SMEs to manage operations without requiring programming skills or complicated technical setups.

The platform was also used by CoCreate Pitch participants to refine product concepts, identify potential suppliers and prepare their business pitches.

MATRADE Partnership to Support Halal Exports

Alibaba.com also formalised a collaboration with MATRADE through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on digital trade and export readiness. One of the key initiatives is a dedicated Halal Pavilion on Alibaba.com to showcase certified Malaysian Halal products to international buyers.

The initiative aims to improve the global visibility of local Halal businesses and create additional opportunities for Malaysian exporters to reach overseas markets.

Meanwhile, UOB Malaysia is supporting the broader effort by bringing its financial expertise and regional network together with Alibaba.com’s digital commerce ecosystem. The collaboration aims to help SMEs access financing solutions and digital capabilities as they expand internationally.

Through Accio, CoCreate Pitch and its local partnerships, Alibaba.com aims to equip Malaysian businesses with the technology, connections and market access needed to turn new ideas into globally competitive products.