Malaysia’s digital economy is increasingly being shaped by social media platforms, with TikTok alone estimated to have contributed RM20 billion in gross value added in 2025, supporting more than 147,000 jobs, according to the TikTok Malaysia Socioeconomic Impact Report 2025.
The report, launched today at the St. Regis Hotel by Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, highlights the real economic impact of digital participation beyond likes, shares and followers.
“Digital success must be measured by real economic value,” the minister said, emphasising that the platform helps businesses grow, boosts productivity, generates income and connects communities to new markets and opportunities.
Akmal noted that the Ministry of Economy works to ensure that emerging sectors such as the digital economy deliver measurable benefits for Malaysians, including stronger productivity, higher household incomes and better-quality jobs.
Efforts are coordinated across ministries to provide enabling infrastructure, skills programmes and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and digital talent nationwide.
According to the report, TikTok has helped onboard over 100,000 MSMEs, including those in rural and semi-urban areas, providing tools to engage customers, market effectively and manage operations sustainably.
Notably, 68% of respondents purchased products offline after discovering them online, illustrating how digital discovery can strengthen the physical economy through increased retail footfall and local brand growth.
The creator economy has also emerged as a significant contributor. Many content creators now operate as microentrepreneurs, producing consistent content and shaping consumer behaviour in ways that create tangible economic value.
The report highlighted millions of Malaysians earning income through TikTok’s LIVE features, with notable success stories such as influencer Khairul Aming, demonstrating how community trust and storytelling can translate into real-world economic participation.
Akmal stressed that while opportunities grow, so too does the need for responsible governance. A trusted digital ecosystem underpins sustainable growth, requiring transparency, ethical practices and protection against fraud.
He outlined three priorities for Malaysia’s next phase of digital economy development: deepening skills and capability-building, strengthening digital commerce infrastructure and safeguarding trust through accountability and clear disclosures.
“Platforms such as TikTok are showing that digital participation can translate into real economic value, by expanding opportunities for MSMEs, empowering creators and opening new pathways for income and entrepreneurship,” said Akmal.
The launch event was attended by representatives from TikTok Malaysia, the Ministry of Economy and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
