On September 7, 2024, over 250 Indonesian SMEs gathered at Hotel Royal Kuningan in Jakarta for the Ninja Xpress Cross-Border Masterclass, a full-day session designed to help them enter the Malaysian and Singaporean markets.
With billions of dollars worth of Indonesian products being imported into Malaysia and Singapore each year, the opportunity for SMEs to expand is massive. However, many still struggle with common challenges:
- Not knowing where to start
- Concerns over logistics and customs processes
- Uncertainty about how to attract international customers
This event, featuring experts from the government, digital marketing, and logistics industries, provided SMEs with the knowledge and tools to begin cross-border trade.
Here’s what you missed.
1. Government Support Exists—But Many SMEs Aren’t Using It
Indonesian SMEs contribute only 14.4 percent of the country’s total exports, despite making up the majority of businesses in Southeast Asia. Many businesses don’t realize they can benefit from government-backed initiatives to make international expansion easier.
At the event, Yogia Prihartiny, Head of SME Partnerships at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, emphasized the need for businesses to be more proactive in leveraging available resources.
What this means for SMEs: Government export assistance programs exist—business owners just need to tap into them. These programs provide training, funding, and logistical support to help SMEs access international markets.
2. Digital Marketing is the Key to Winning Over Customers in Malaysia and Singapore
Expanding beyond Indonesia isn’t just about shipping products—it’s about getting the right customers to buy from you.
Aldo Rambie, Head of Industry at Meta, explained to attendees how Indonesian brands can successfully market their products to buyers in Malaysia and Singapore through targeted digital campaigns.
What this means for SMEs: Running Facebook and Instagram ads targeted at Malaysian and Singaporean audiences is an affordable and effective way to test demand and increase brand awareness.
3. Logistics and Shipping Don’t Have to Be Complicated
A major concern for SMEs looking to export is the complexity of shipping, customs clearance, and delivery costs.
At the masterclass, Andry Mulyono, VP of Business Development at Ninja Xpress, explained how SMEs can streamline their logistics processes to make exporting easier and more cost-efficient.
Attendees learned:
- How to lower shipping costs
- How to avoid common customs mistakes
- How to choose the right shipping partner
What this means for SMEs: Partnering with the right logistics provider can take the headache out of international shipping, letting you focus on growing your business.
4. Real SMEs Are Already Doing It – Here’s How
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from businesses that have already successfully expanded beyond Indonesia.
Yudha Trisna, Founder and CEO of Lincah.id, shared how his business now ships over 5,000 packages per month to Malaysia and Singapore—all thanks to the right logistics strategy.
What this means for SMEs: Breaking into new markets is possible, but having the right strategy and logistics partner is key.
84% of Attendees Had Never Exported Before—Here’s How Ninja Xpress is Helping
For many, this event was their first step into cross-border trade. To support them, we launched the Free Trial Parcel Program, offering eligible SMEs three free shipments to Malaysia or Singapore.
By eliminating financial and logistical barriers, this program gives SMEs a risk-free way to test international markets.
This event is just the start. Ninja Xpress is here to provide logistics solutions and support to help SMEs expand beyond Indonesia.
Ready to take your business global? We’re here to help—let’s get started.
For partnership or collaboration, reach us at reg-xb-enquiry@ninjavan.co.
