Support “Made in Malaysia” products and businesses, urges retailer

Summary

As Malaysia's Hari Merdeka approaches, Malaysian retailer Kelvin Long encourages citizens to support local businesses through the 'DROME Support Local' campaign initiated in 2019. Long emphasizes the importance of boosting the local economy by purchasing local products, eating at local eateries, and watching Malaysian films. He highlights the shift in perception towards local quality and uniqueness, with Malaysians increasingly proud to support homegrown talent and brands. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact, Long stresses the significance of backing local industries, sharing their stories on 'A Piece of Malaysia' website to inspire further support.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The Malaysian retailer is promoting a 'Buy Local, Eat Local, Travel Local, Watch Local Films' campaign as part of Hari Merdeka celebrations.
• 🇲🇾 Kelvin Long, owner of a Malaysian t-shirt and products business, initiated the 'Support Local' campaign in 2019 to encourage Malaysians to support local businesses.
• 📢 Awareness for the campaign was primarily raised through Long's own business, with an aim to make it a collective initiative with other local brands in the subsequent years.
• 💰 The campaign emphasizes the importance of contributing to the country by investing in the local economy through purchasing local products and supporting local businesses.
• 🍽️ The message encourages Malaysians to eat at local 'mama shops' and support local eateries instead of international fast-food chains.
• 🎬 Supporting local acts and watching local movies, such as 'Coco', is part of the campaign's call to action for celebrating Malaysian culture.
• 👕 There has been a shift in perception towards local products, with people now taking pride in unique and interesting locally made items.
• 🌟 Malaysians are increasingly rallying behind local brands, showcasing a newfound appreciation for local talent and products.
• 📉 The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Malaysia's economy, making the support for local products more crucial than ever.
• 📖 The 'A Piece of Malaysia' website was launched to share stories of local businesses, aiming to foster empathy and support for these enterprises.
• 🗣️ The campaign seeks to highlight the struggles and stories of local industries, believing that understanding their challenges will motivate people to support them.

Q & A

What is the 'Drome Support Local' campaign initiated by Kelvin Long?

The 'Drome Support Local' campaign is an initiative launched by Kelvin Long in 2019 to rally Malaysians to support local products and businesses. It aims to raise awareness and encourage consumers to buy local and support local acts.

How did Kelvin Long primarily promote the 'Drome Support Local' campaign last year?

Kelvin Long mainly promoted the 'Drome Support Local' campaign through his own business, which sells witty Malaysian t-shirts and products.

What is the significance of the campaign during Hari Merdeka?

During Hari Merdeka, the campaign is significant as it encourages Malaysians to celebrate their country by supporting the local economy, which includes buying local products, eating at local eateries, and watching local films.

What is the message Kelvin Long wants to convey this year with the campaign?

This year, Kelvin Long wants to emphasize the importance of contributing to the country by investing in the local economy, especially by buying local products and supporting local businesses, in light of the potential absence of parades due to the pandemic.

How has the perception of local products and businesses changed over the years according to Kelvin Long?

Kelvin Long notes that the perception of local products and businesses has shifted from negative to positive over the years, with people now taking pride in being unique and supporting local, interesting products.

What is the role of the 'A Piece of Malaysia' website in the campaign?

The 'A Piece of Malaysia' website plays a crucial role by sharing the stories of local businesses, their struggles, and their contributions to Malaysia's culture and heritage, encouraging people to support these brands.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the local industries in Malaysia as mentioned in the script?

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted local industries in Malaysia, with many businesses, including restaurants, having to close down due to the crisis.

What is the main objective of the 'A Piece of Malaysia' website in terms of local businesses?

The main objective of the 'A Piece of Malaysia' website is to provide a platform for local businesses to share their stories, challenges, and contributions, with the aim of garnering support from the public.

How does Kelvin Long believe the public can best support local businesses amid the pandemic?

Kelvin Long believes that the public can best support local businesses by getting to know their stories, empathizing with their struggles, and choosing to support their brands over international alternatives.

What is the broader goal of the 'Drome Support Local' campaign beyond promoting local products?

The broader goal of the 'Drome Support Local' campaign is to showcase the talented skills, world-class products, and cultural heritage of Malaysian businesses, and to foster a sense of pride and unity among Malaysians.

How does Kelvin Long view the current sentiment towards local products and the campaign?

Kelvin Long views the current sentiment towards local products and the campaign as very positive, with an increasing number of people embracing and taking pride in local products and the campaign's message.