Kuala lumpur: Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking to penetrate the China market need to adapt their products, packaging, and marketing strategies to local preferences to improve product acceptance and competitiveness. China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange (CAMEX) international marketing director Philip Chong emphasized the importance of these adaptations to meet the changing needs of Chinese consumers, including their growing preference for healthier products and the culture of purchasing goods as gifts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chong highlighted that in China, consumers are increasingly health-conscious, recommending companies to reduce sugar content in their products for better acceptance. He also advised resizing products for daily use or gifting, which aligns with local practices. Packaging is crucial as many Chinese consumers buy goods as gifts, necessitating tailored appearance, size, and quality.

Chong noted that adapting products to local market requirements has proven effective, with several Malaysian products, such as biscuits, downstream durian products, and chocolate, successfully entering markets in cities like Shanghai and recording good sales performance. He pointed out Malaysia's advantage in the cocoa industry, with high-quality cocoa raw materials attracting Chinese consumers. Malaysian coffee products also show potential for further growth in China.

Emphasizing storytelling, Chong said promoting Malaysian products with a strong cultural background is essential. Products rooted in Malaysian culture might not be immediately understood by Chinese consumers, necessitating clear explanations of production processes, traditions, and cultural stories to facilitate understanding and appreciation.

Chong also advised that packaging materials and product designs should comply with Chinese market standards. He remarked that Malaysian SMEs could leverage the CAMEX platform, which provides resources to help businesses expand, including trade and business associations, banks, and law firms offering services like resource matching, foreign-language translation, company registration, and AI-based product packaging.

CAMEX hosts 18 pavilions showcasing trade and local cultures, including those of ASEAN countries, offering a platform for Chinese businesses to explore overseas markets and for foreign businesses to enter the China market. The Malaysia Pavilion incorporates cultural elements like traditional Malaysian stilt-house architecture and colorful batik in its design, highlighting Malaysia's identity and character.