- Backed by industry partners, mentorship and global exposure to accelerate growth
- Supports SMEs in transitioning to digitally integrated, omnichannel retail operations
The Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) has announced the return of its flagship Selangor Retail Tech Xccelerator (Retail-X) Programme, with applications now open for its latest cohort.
Retail-X continues to support high-potential SMEs by equipping them with the tools, strategies and networks needed to operate in an increasingly digital retail landscape. The twelve-week accelerator programme is designed to help retail SMEs transition from traditional business models into digitally integrated, omnichannel operations.
Participants will gain access to expert mentorship, immersive workshops and hands-on adoption of key retail technologies, enabling them to build scalable, data-driven businesses. The programme focuses on practical implementation across areas such as livestream commerce, AI-driven customer engagement, data analytics, personalised marketing, smart inventory management and omnichannel integration.
Retail-X is supported by a network of ecosystem partners and industry players, including Affin Bank, AEON, Xendit, Plug and Play APAC, TikTok Shop, DHL, Perbadanan Nasional Berhad and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Participants will also receive guidance from industry mentors, including Low Ngai Yuen, managing director of AEON360; Goh Boon Peng, founder and CEO of Mystartr; Aizat Rahim, managing director of Borong (Dropee); Audra Pakalnyte, co-founder of First Move Fund; and Melvin Chee, CEO and co-founder of RPG Commerce.
Since its inception, Sidec claims that Retail-X has delivered three cohorts, supporting ten SMEs that have collectively generated US$46 million (RM180 million) in total GMV. Among its recent participants are ODC Food Industries Sdn Bhd, HTFU Restaurants Sdn Bhd, Laurels & Leafz Flora Sdn Bhd, ALFA Consortium Sdn Bhd, SpectacleX (M) Sdn Bhd and Mojomore (M) Sdn Bhd.
Retail-X focuses on five key sectors—fashion and lifestyle; health, beauty and wellness; food and beverage; home living and appliances; and social impact brands—ensuring targeted support and industry-relevant strategies. A key differentiator lies in its ecosystem integration, connecting participants with mentors, technology providers and investors.
Top-performing SMEs are given curated international exposure opportunities to Shanghai, China, with visits to companies such as ByteDance, Baozun, ChatPlus AI, SUNMI Group, LeapIn and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), providing insights into AI-driven commerce and scalable digital retail ecosystems. This is supported by Sidec’s World Stage Venture platform, which facilitates market access across innovation hubs, including Shanghai and Hangzhou.
“Retail-X reflects our ongoing commitment to future-proofing Malaysia’s SMEs by equipping them with the capabilities to navigate digital disruption. Retail is no longer just about physical presence; it is about creating seamless, data-driven experiences across multiple touchpoints,” said Yong Kai Ping, CEO of Sidec.
Applications for the latest Retail-X cohort are now open to retail SMEs, founders and operators seeking to accelerate growth and adopt new technologies. Retail businesses are encouraged to apply here.
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