My Journey:
The Beginning of a Revolution 🚀
Nine years ago, my journey into the world of e-commerce began not with a grand vision, but as a simple, home-based business. My goal was to help local entrepreneurs navigate the confusing and often intimidating world of online commerce. In those early days, the industry was still finding its feet, and the lack of proper infrastructure made every step a challenge. I wasn't just offering a service; I was trying to solve a puzzle.
This experience, filled with technological hurdles and logistical nightmares, proved to be a priceless education. Every issue we encountered, my partners Paul Tan and Shawn Wong and I, became a valuable lesson. We were solving problems not for a business, but for a future we didn't yet know we were building.
Building an Empire: SVO Group Berhad 🏢
Our struggles became the foundation of SVO Group Berhad, which stands for Synergy Via Online. Inspired by Global advanced digital ecosystem, we realized we could create a platform that handled everything from logistics to marketing solutions. Our model is a unique blend of e-commerce, where our affiliates sell health supplements and beauty products on our digital platforms.
We've since grown into a global company with more than 2,500 affiliates and support staff, and our sales networks sell over 150,000 items per month in Malaysia alone, with an annual turnover of about US$50 million. This success isn't just about revenue; it's about building a powerful ecosystem and a digitally savvy team. We even require our staff to work in our physical offices in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor to foster a more systematic workflow and productive environment, a choice we made after a trial with remote work.
Celebrating Milestones, Building the Future 🚀
Winning 3 awards at the Asia E-Commerce Awards 2024 is more than just recognition — it’s a reflection of how far SVO has come on our mission to empower communities through digital commerce. These honors remind us that bold ideas, when driven by teamwork and innovation, can truly transform the industry.
Our journey hasn’t been about chasing trophies but about creating real impact. The GOLD awards for Best eCommerce Campaign (B2B) and Community-Driven Interactive Experience reaffirm our belief that businesses thrive when they connect deeply with people. The SILVERs for eCommerce Team of the Year and Best Use of AI/Chatbots highlight the strength of our team and the role of technology in shaping customer experience.
These wins give us the confidence to push even harder into the future. As e-commerce grows more competitive, we know the difference lies in how fast we can innovate, how well we can adopt AI, and how deeply we can build human connections. That’s why we’re investing in strengthening our ecosystem, nurturing talent, and expanding into new frontiers where digital commerce can create even greater value.
To our partners, customers, and team — thank you for walking this journey with us. These awards belong to all of you. The next chapter is about scaling new heights, exploring new markets, and continuing to shape the future of e-commerce together. 🌏✨
The Next Chapter:
SVO.AI and the AI Commerce Revolution 🤖
As we built SVO.AI, our mission remained the same: to make digital business accessible to everyone. But the world is always evolving. I saw a new wave on the horizon, one that many people felt anxious about: Artificial Intelligence. I knew that just as e-commerce was once intimidating, AI could feel like a barrier.
Instead of resisting this change, I chose to embrace it, and with my team, we built SVO.AI – the AI Commerce Co-Pilot System. This is the next phase of our mission. It’s not here to replace people; it’s here to empower them, providing the necessary tools to turn fear into mastery and unlock a future bigger than they ever imagined. SVO.AI is our commitment to staying at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring our community of entrepreneurs has every advantage in the market. This isn't just about business; it's about pioneering the future of commerce.
Justin Teow: From Struggling Startup to Global AI Commerce Pioneer
In the early 2010s, when digital commerce was a confusing maze, a determined entrepreneur named Justin Teow began his journey from a modest home in Malaysia. He saw the potential, but also the immense hurdles for local businesses trying to go online. Alongside his visionary co-founders, Paul Tan and Shawn Wong, Justin set out to demystify e-commerce.
They encountered every obstacle you can imagine: technological limitations, logistical nightmares, and a market deeply skeptical of online transactions. These weren't just problems; they were invaluable training grounds. Each setback became a lesson, forging a profound, real-world understanding of what it truly takes to build and scale a digital business.
This relentless drive to innovate, born from grassroots challenges, blossomed into something extraordinary: SVO Group Berhad.
