KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian youths are redefining what work and enterprise can look like in the digital age through content creation, livestreaming, affiliate marketing and digital entrepreneurship on TikTok and TikTok Shop.
Economy Minister, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, said young Malaysians are not just consuming digital content, but they are creating it, innovating through it, and building businesses around it.
“Their creativity, confidence and adaptability are vital strengths as Malaysia competes in a rapidly evolving global economy,” he said at the recent launch of TikTok Socioeconomic Impact Report 2025.
Akmal Nasrullah said the report, prepared in collaboration with the consulting firm Kearney, provided clear evidence that digitalisation is no longer optional and is already part of our everyday reality.
He noted that the study estimated that TikTok’s ecosystem contributed RM20 billion in gross value added (GVA) to Malaysia’s economy in 2025 and supported 147,000 jobs across businesses, creators, and related industries.
“It lowers barriers to entry, opens access to wider markets, and allows Malaysians from all walks of life to participate in and benefit from the modern economy,” he said.
Akmal Nasrullah said this is fully aligned with the direction of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which places strong emphasis on social mobility, talent development, digitalisation, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) scaling, and future-facing economic transformation.
“This also includes opportunities linked to the digital economy, green economy, blue economy, circular economy and silver economy to diversify youth income sources,” he said.
Akmal Nasrullah said the report also highlighted how TikTok and TikTok Shop content creators are turning talent and passion into a profession, building brands and sustainable income streams, while suppliers, service providers and ecosystem partners grow alongside this digital expansion.
At the same time, he said established businesses, rural entrepreneurs and community-based enterprises are also leveraging digital platforms to improve competitiveness and access new opportunities.
“This inclusive participation is exactly what we seek to strengthen under the 13MP,” he said.
Akmal Nasrullah said that under the 13MP, Malaysia aims to accelerate high-value and high-growth sectors, deepen MSME digital adoption, and equip people with future-ready skills.
He said the country stands at an important turning point in its development journey.
“Our future will be shaped by how well we embrace innovation, strengthen our digital capabilities, and unlock the full potential of our people. When Malaysians create, Malaysia will grow,” he added. – BERNAMA
