#JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0 brings together tech and celebrity power to empower SMEs

RHB Bank Bhd and Star Media Group (SMG) have joined forces once again to launch #JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0, an online platform that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) spread brand awareness as well as boost sales and revenue.

Back for its second iteration this year, SMEs can look forward to an even more exciting campaign as Belilokal 2.0 brings on board the dynamic, talented and charismatic celebrity actress, TV host, and entrepreneur Sazzy Falak as the brand ambassador for participating SMEs.

By simply registering their details on the RHB #JomSapot microsite (rhbjomsapot.my), SMEs are able to get a free video advertisement specially curated for their brand, products, and services. AI technology is also added to the mix, using voice and facial recognition software to recreate Sazzy Falak’s face and voice patterns to match the details provided by the SMEs.

A collaborative effort of RHB’s own #JomSapot and Star Media Group’s BeliLokal initiatives, #JomSapot Belilokal was started in 2022 to give SMEs a leg up after the pandemic and help the economy recover and thrive.

“SMEs are the backbone of the economy, and we are continuing these efforts, working together with partners such as RHB to help these businesses get back on their feet,” said SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang.

“One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is marketing, primarily from the aspect of cost and effectiveness,” Wang said.

“#JomSapot BeliLokal not only offers invaluable opportunities to market their products and services, but also leverages celebrity power to grab customer attention.”

“By partnering with Sazzy Falak, this campaign enhances their brand’s reputation with ‘star power’ – giving charm to the brands and helping them gain a competitive edge in the market,” she said.

With SMEs facing multiple macroeconomic headwinds, RHB’s SME banking head Yip How Nang notes that SMEs need help to stay on a growth trajectory.

“Our goal is to rally the nation to support local businesses by buying from SMEs. We have already helped over 8,000 business outlets that signed up with us since our campaign’s launch,” he said.

Participating SMEs need not have to pay fees for the bank’s assistance in the #JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0 campaign.

“Under this campaign, SMEs get to list their businesses on both RHB #JomSapot and SMG’s BeliLokal platforms at no additional charge,” said Yip.

Besides having Sazzy Falak as the face of their brand, RHB will be empowering SMEs with AI-driven promotional materials. ‘RHB will leverage on its huge customer base, and SMG on its extensive user database and media channels to enhance visibility and awareness of participating SMEs’ products and services.

“We have the tools to help SMEs manage cash flow besides providing them financial support. We can optimise the efficiency of their operations as well as assist in business digitalisation,” said Yip.

Wang added that #JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0 would feature the Awesome Lokal Guide that increases customer engagement and traffic for the participating SMEs.

“The Awesome Lokal Guide will be using location-based contextual targeting. This means that when a reader sees a #JomSapot BeliLokal advertisement and scans the accompanying QR code, he will be shown a list of local businesses on the platform that are within the vicinity,” she said.

Brand ambassador Sazzy Falak said, “As an entrepreneur myself, I can relate to the struggles that local businesses face. I understand how hard it can be to build and grow a business in today’s world. Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the multiple lockdowns, the business landscape has changed so much.”

“So I’m delighted to be partnering with RHB and Star Media Group in #JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0, as local businesses need all the help they can get in this competitive market,” she said.

Customers using RHB credit cards to buy from #JomSapot BeliLokal 2.0 merchants will earn rewards or cashback, as well as discounts when they spend on partner deals.