Kelantanese, Alumni of Sultan Ismail College Kelantan (SICA), Business Management/Administration, IT Competency Cert, Certified Written English Professional US. Has participated in many seminars/conferences (local/ international) in the capacity of trainer/lecturer and participant.
Affiliations :- Council/Network Member of Gerson Lehrman Group, Institute of Quality Malaysia, Auditor ISO 9000 IRCAUK, Auditor OHSMS (SIRIM and STS) /EMS ISO 14000 and Construction Quality Assessment System CONQUAS, CIDB (Now BCA) Singapore),
* Possesses almost 30 years of experience/hands-on in the multi-modern management & technical disciplines (systems & methodologies) such as Knowledge Management (Hi-Impact Management/ICT Solutions), Quality (TQM/ISO), Safety Health Environment, Civil & Building (Construction), Manufacturing, Motivation & Team Building, HR, Marketing/Branding, Business Process Reengineering, Economy/Stock Market, Contracts/Project Management, Finance & Banking, etc. He was employed to international bluechips involving in national/international megaprojects such as Balfour Beatty Construction/Knight Piesold & Partners UK, MMI Insurance Group Australia, Hazama Corporation (Hazamagumi) Japan (with Mitsubishi Corporation, JA Jones US, MMCE and Ho-Hup) and Sunway Construction Berhad (The Sunway Group of Companies). Among major projects undertaken : Pergau Hydro Electric Project, KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, LRT Tunnelling, KLIA, Petronas Refineries Melaka, Putrajaya Government Complex, Sistem Lingkaran Lebuhraya Kajang (SILK), Mex Highway, KLIA1, KLIA2 etc. Once serviced SMPD Management Consultants as Associate Consultant cum Lecturer for Diploma in Management, Institute of Supervisory Management UK/SMPD JV. Currently – Associate/Visiting Consultants/Facilitators, Advisors/Technical Experts for leading consulting firms (local and international), certification bodies including project management. To name a few – Noma SWO Consult, Amiosh Resources, Timur West Consultant Sdn. Bhd., TIJ Consultants Group (Malaysia and Singapore), QHSEL Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.
Among Nik Zafri’s clients : Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd, (MRP II, Accounts/Credit Control) The HQ of Royal Customs and Excise Malaysia (ISO 9000), Veterinary Services Dept. Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Aspects of Project Management – KLCC construction), Corporate HQ of RHB (Peter Drucker's MBO/KRA), NEC Semiconductor - Klang Selangor (Productivity Management), Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia (ISO 9000), State Secretarial Office Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), Hidrological Department KL (ISO 9000), Asahi Kluang Johor(System Audit, Management/Supervisory Development), Tunku Mahmood (2) Primary School Kluang Johor (ISO 9000), Consortium PANZANA (HSSE 3rd Party Audit), Lecturer for Information Technology Training Centre (ITTC) – Authorised Training Center (ATC) – University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) Kluang Branch Johor, Kluang General Hospital Johor (Management/Supervision Development, Office Technology/Administration, ISO 9000 & Construction Management), Kahang Timur Secondary School Johor (ISO 9000), Sultan Abdul Jalil Secondary School Kluang Johor (Islamic Motivation and Team Building), Guocera Tiles Industries Kluang Johor (EMS ISO 14000), MNE Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. Kota Tinggi Johor (ISO 9000 – Construction), UITM Shah Alam Selangor (Knowledge Management/Knowledge Based Economy /TQM), Telesystem Electronics/Digico Cable(ODM/OEM for Astro – ISO 9000), Sungai Long Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Bina Puri Group) - ISO 9000 Construction), Secura Security Printing Sdn. Bhd,(ISO 9000 – Security Printing) ROTOL AMS Bumi Sdn. Bhd & ROTOL Architectural Services Sdn. Bhd. (ROTOL Group) – ISO 9000 –Architecture, Bond M & E (KL) Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9000 – Construction/M & E), Skyline Telco (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Knowledge Management),Technochase Sdn. Bhd JB (ISO 9000 – Construction), Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM – ISO 9000 & Internal Audit Refresher), Shinryo/Steamline Consortium (Petronas/OGP Power Co-Generation Plant Melaka – Construction Management and Safety, Health, Environment), Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Negotiation Skills), Association for Retired Intelligence Operatives of Malaysia (Cyber Security – Arpa/NSFUsenet, Cobit, Till, ISO/IEC ISMS 27000 for Law/Enforcement/Military), T.Yamaichi Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. (EMS ISO 14000) LSB Manufacturing Solutions Sdn. Bhd., (Lean Scoreboard (including a full development of System-Software-Application - MSC Malaysia & Six Sigma) PJZ Marine Services Sdn. Bhd., (Safety Management Systems and Internal Audit based on International Marine Organization Standards) UNITAR/UNTEC (Degree in Accountacy – Career Path/Roadmap) Cobrain Holdings Sdn. Bhd.(Managing Construction Safety & Health), Speaker for International Finance & Management Strategy (Closed Conference), Pembinaan Jaya Zira Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9001:2008-Internal Audit for Construction Industry & Overview of version 2015), Straits Consulting Engineers Sdn. Bhd. (Full Integrated Management System – ISO 9000, OHSAS 18000 (ISO 45000) and EMS ISO 14000 for Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Consulting), Malaysia Management & Science University (MSU – (Managing Business in an Organization), Innoseven Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 MSPR8 – Awareness and Internal Audit (Construction), ISO 9001:2008 and 2015 overview for the Construction Industry), Kemakmuran Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 - Signages/Wayfinding - Project Quality Plan and Construction Method Statement ), Lembaga Tabung Haji - Flood ERP, WNA Consultants - DID/JPS -Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plan - Prelim, Conceptual Design, Interim and Final Report etc., Tunnel Fire Safety - Fire Risk Assessment Report - Design Fire Scenario), Safety, Health and Environmental Management Plans leading construction/property companies/corporations in Malaysia, Timur West Consultant : Business Methodology and System, Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya ISMS/Audit/Risk/ITP Technical Team, MPDT Capital Berhad - ISO 9001: 2015 - Consultancy, Construction, Project Rehabilitation, Desalination (first one in Malaysia to receive certification on trades such as Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination and Project Recovery/Rehabilitation), ABAC Centre of Excellence UK (ABMS ISO 37001) Joint Assessment (Technical Expert)
* Has appeared for 10 consecutive series in “Good Morning Malaysia RTM TV1’ Corporate Talk Segment discussing on ISO 9000/14000 in various industries. For ICT, his inputs garnered from his expertise have successfully led to development of work-process e-enabling systems in the environments of intranet, portal and interactive web design especially for the construction and manufacturing. Some of the end products have won various competitions of innovativeness, quality, continual-improvements and construction industry award at national level. He has also in advisory capacity – involved in development and moderation of websites, portals and e-profiles for mainly corporate and private sectors, public figures etc. He is also one of the recipients for MOSTE Innovation for RFID use in Electronic Toll Collection in Malaysia.
Note :
Disclaimer: The following reflects my personal opinion and interpretation, based on open sources available both internationally and domestically. The information presented here is considered to be in the public domain. However, readers are encouraged to refer to the original sources for accuracy and context. The author bears no responsibility for any inaccuracies, misinterpretations, or consequences arising from the use of this content.
1.0 Growth Trajectory
1.1 Market Expansion
In 2023 alone, Malaysia's e-commerce market reached approximately $10.2 billion, marking a 12.2% increase from the previous year.
Projections indicate that by 2028, the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%, reaching $15.7 billion.
2.0 Mobile Commerce Surge
The rise in smartphone usage has propelled mobile commerce, with mobile transactions accounting for over 50% of all online transactions. This trend is expected to continue, emphasizing the importance of mobile-optimized platforms for retailers.
3.0 Key Developments
3.1 Government Initiatives
The National eCommerce Strategic Roadmap (NESR) has been pivotal in promoting e-commerce adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Between 2016 and 2023, approximately 1.51 million SMEs embraced e-commerce, enhancing their market reach and operational efficiency.
3.2 Alternative Payment Methods
In 2023, alternative payment solutions, including digital wallets and bank transfers, accounted for 35.7% of e-commerce transactions. This shift reflects consumers' preference for convenient and secure payment options.
4.0 Impact on the ASEAN Region
Malaysia's e-commerce growth significantly influences the broader ASEAN market. Among them :
4.1 Regional Trade Enhancement
The expansion of Malaysia's e-commerce facilitates increased cross-border trade within ASEAN, promoting regional economic integration and providing consumers with a wider array of products.
4.2 SME Empowerment
E-commerce serves as a crucial export enabler for ASEAN-6 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Notably, 90% of these MSMEs reported that they would not be able to export without e-commerce platforms, underscoring the sector's role in regional economic development.
Conclusion
From 2023 to 2025, Malaysia's retail and e-commerce sectors have undergone substantial growth, driven by technological adoption, supportive policies, and changing consumer preferences. This progression not only bolsters Malaysia's economy but also contributes to the economic dynamism of the ASEAN region.
HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BECOMES A GAME CHANGER IN RESHAPING MALAYSIA’S RETAIL AND E-COMMERCE SECTORS
1.0 AI and Digital Transformation in Malaysia's Retail and E-Commerce
1.1 Enhanced Customer Experience
Malaysian e-commerce platforms are leveraging AI to personalize shopping experiences. For instance, Lazada utilizes AI combined with Augmented Reality (AR) to offer personalized skincare solutions, allowing users to analyse their skin and receive tailored product recommendations.
1.2 Operational Efficiency
AI-driven tools are streamlining operations. Shopee's AI chatbot, Sophie, managed 18 million chats in 2023, resolving 80% of cases without human intervention, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing operational costs.
1.3 Fraud Detection
Payment platforms like iPay88 employ AI to monitor transaction patterns, enabling real-time fraud detection and ensuring secure online transactions.
2.0 Government Initiatives
The Malaysian government is actively fostering AI development. In December 2024, it established the National Artificial Intelligence Office to spearhead AI policy and regulation, aiming to position Malaysia as a regional AI hub.
3.0 Impact on the ASEAN Region
3.1 Economic Growth
AI is projected to boost Southeast Asia's GDP by 10% to 18% by 2030, translating to nearly $1 trillion.
3.2 Digital Integration
ASEAN countries are increasingly adopting digital technologies, enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration. Initiatives like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement aim to standardize electronic processes, facilitating seamless digital trade across member states.
Conclusion
In summary, AI and digital transformation are pivotal in advancing Malaysia's retail and e-commerce sectors, contributing to economic growth and fostering deeper integration within the ASEAN region.
Day 1 and 2 of the ASEAN Financial Innovation Summit organized by CT Asia took place at the M Star Hotel and Resorts. The event provided valuable insights as I listened to esteemed financial, technical, and governance experts, both local and international, discussing topics ranging from the future of Accounting, Banking, ESG, ERP, International Trade, to the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence.
