MR GROUP, GIMmedia to build Malaysia’s first TikTok Academy for SMEs

Many retailers understand the need to go online, but often lack the know-how to do so effectively. To bridge this gap, MR International Group Sdn Bhd (MRG) and Gimmall (M) Sdn Bhd, better known as GIMmedia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop Malaysia’s first integrated TikTok Live Training and Consulting Academy (MG Academy) for retailers.

This joint initiative between MRG, Malaysia’s No.1 Retail Academy and GIMmedia, Malaysia’s No.1 TikTok Shop MCN (Multi-Channel Network), is designed to help local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the skills to sell, engage, grow through real-time commerce, while drawing customers seamlessly from online to offline.

Under this partnership, MR Group and GIMmedia will jointly lead the branding and marketing initiatives for the MG Academy. GIMmedia will provide professional trainers, consultants, and training programs, while the latter will be responsible for academy, consulting management and event operations.

Moving forward, all TikTok training programs conducted under GIMmedia will be fully supported and managed by MG Academy, ensuring professional coordination, delivery, and event execution across Malaysia.

Platform to boost retail performance

Marcus Chew, Director of MR International Group said this dedicated platform will focus on real-world outcomes that can directly improve sales and visibility for Malaysian retailers.

“Real-time commerce is no longer just an option, it’s where customer attention converts. By combining our brand engine with GIMmedia’s live-streaming expertise, we’re giving business owners a clear, executable path to results,” he added.

Meanwhile, GIMmedia Director Mike Seah said, “Our mission has always been to turn creators and businesses into success stories through live streaming. This joint effort allows us to extend that impact to thousands of SMEs, empowering them with the right tools, mindset, and strategies to succeed in the digital economy.”

No.1 TikTok Shop MCN

GIMmedia has been ranked the No.1 TikTok Shop MCN in Malaysia for 18 consecutive months since 2022, according to TikTok Shop Malaysia’s official Monthly MCN Agency Recognition Leaderboard.

MRG has conducted workshops for thousands of business owners across Malaysia through structured programes focused on improving sales, profitability, and management efficiency. Its training arm, MR Academy, has been recognised by ASEAN Records for achieving the highest number of paid enrollments by SME business owners in Mandarin-based retail transformation courses; with 4,002 enrollments across 60 programmes between 2022 and 2025.

The collaboration responds to a rising demand among local medium-small businesses for structured, practical sessions in live-commerce. With many traditional shops still adjusting to online platforms, MG Academy seeks to provide step-by-step, skills-based programmes tailored to this transition.

By pooling the expertise and resources, both companies aim to support SMEs in building hybrid business models that integrate both physical and online operations. 

Retailers interested in joining the upcoming TikTok Live Training & Consulting Cohorts may register with the MG Academy team to receive programme calendars and enrollment details.