KUALA LUMPUR: Khee San Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia and business owner Dr Paul Lim Pang Kiam to develop a digitalisation platform for independent sundry goods retailers.
The platform aims to help retailers adopt digital tools, prepare for e-Invoice requirements and improve operational efficiency and purchasing power.
Under the agreement, Khee San will sponsor and drive the programme, while the association will facilitate member participation, coordinate the selection of pilot retailers and suppliers, and represent members' interests in governance.
"The parties plan to establish a Malaysian private limited company to own and operate the platform, with Khee San as majority shareholder and responsible for day-to-day management," the company said in a Bursa Malaysia filing.
The platform is expected to integrate a retail management system and point-of-sale capabilities, e-Invoice and e-Vendor portals, as well as a group-buying Trading Hub that would pool orders from participating retailers to support bulk purchases and lower procurement costs.
However, the platform's detailed features and commercial arrangements remain subject to further development and definitive agreements.
The parties will also explore government subsidies, determine the pilot cohort and establish a special purpose vehicle, while negotiating definitive agreements covering commercial terms and data governance.
"The indicative roadmap envisages a pilot in months 1 to 6, broader Federation-wide rollout in months 7 to 12, and further scaling from year two, subject to planning and agreement," it said.
Khee San managing director Desmond Yong Loong Chen said the initiative would bring practical digital solutions to independent sundry goods retailers, including tools to improve daily operations and facilitate collective purchasing.
Lim, who originated the programme concept and brought the parties together, said a phased approach would allow the parties to test the model before any wider rollout.
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