You’ve probably heard of Alibaba, but have you observed how it’s changed the way people do business in Southeast Asia? If you’re not familiar with Alibaba, it’s about time you started paying attention. 

Over the past few years, Alibaba has evolved into more than just an e-commerce platform. It’s now a backbone of a thriving ecosystem that’s changing how entrepreneurs do business in this region. For instance, Alibaba’s International Digital Commerce arm (which includes Lazada in SEA) is forecasted to grow by ~17% in the coming years and will represent a rising share of Alibaba’s overall revenue. 

Alibaba Cloud recently established new data centers in Malaysia and plans to launch additional ones in the Philippines to better serve local demand and also reduce latency. All these could happen because Alibaba blended global scale with local adaptation. From small startups to large companies, they have managed to create a space where businesses can grow and expand globally.

But what makes Alibaba an opportunity hub? And how can you, as an entrepreneur, take full advantage of the opportunities it presents?

Let’s break it down.

AliExpress and Lazada: E-Commerce Platforms for Different Needs

These two are probably the most familiar Alibaba offerings you’ll see, but they each serve a different purpose in eCommerce.

AliExpress is great if you’re looking to start a business on a budget. Perhaps you’re selling gadgets, clothes, or beauty products. AliExpress allows you to easily source these products at prices that are tough to beat. The best part is that you don’t need to buy in bulk to get started, which is a huge relief for smaller businesses.

Owned by Alibaba, Lazada is an e-commerce platform that’s tailored specifically to the Southeast Asian market. It offers local entrepreneurs everything they need to sell their products, from logistics support to marketing tools. And with Lazada’s massive reach, local businesses can expand quickly, tapping into markets they might not have been able to access otherwise.

Local beauty brands, for example, have exploded in popularity due to Lazada’s platform. They’ve been able to connect with customers across multiple countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, all thanks to Lazada’s wide customer base and sales events like 11.11 Singles’ Day, which draws huge crowds. Lazada makes it possible for small businesses to reach the kind of visibility they might’ve only dreamed of.

In 2021 alone, Lazada reported a 130 million annual active consumer base, with a stunning 80% growth in just 18 months. Additionally, Alibaba invested $378.5 million into Lazada to further boost its regional presence.

Alibaba Cloud: Powering Growth with Digital Infrastructure

Behind every successful e-commerce business is a reliable digital infrastructure, and Alibaba Cloud is exactly that. It keeps everything running smoothly, whether you’re managing inventory or handling high traffic.  

Another interesting part is that Alibaba Cloud doesn’t only offer basic hosting services. It gives you access to advanced tools like data analytics and artificial intelligence, which can help improve everything from marketing to customer experience. 

Alibaba Cloud continued to expand in 2025 by launching a third data center in Malaysia and a second in the Philippines. The expansion is proposed to cater to the growing demand for cloud services in Southeast Asia, where e-commerce businesses are scaling quickly.

Alipay: Driving Seamless Digital Payments

In Southeast Asia, digital payment methods have become the norm, and Alipay is one of the most widely used platforms. It’s more than just a way for customers to pay, but also a way for your business to easily accept payments from people all over the world. 

Alipay makes cross-border transactions simple, which is a huge win for businesses looking to expand their customer base. The platform integrates with your store, takes care of all the payment processing, and lets you focus on growing your brand without worrying about currency exchange or payment issues.

Alibaba’s Ecosystem: An All-in-One Business Solution

Ecosystem sets Alibaba apart from other platforms. They don’t only sell products or find suppliers. Alibaba provides entrepreneurs with everything they need to run their businesses smoothly. From cloud computing to payments and logistics, Alibaba offers an all-in-one solution that helps businesses scale quickly and efficiently.

And it doesn’t stop there. Alibaba provides you with a combination of free and paid resources to help you scale up in digital marketing, operations, and e-commerce. While it does offer valuable complimentary training, such as its Netpreneur courses and some educational content, this isn’t a completely free service. New users can leverage certain free features to get a taste of the platform, but scaling up an online business typically requires further investment in the broader ecosystem of tools and services.

How to Leverage Alibaba for Your Business

Now that we’ve explored how Alibaba influenced Southeast Asia’s e-commerce, what’s in it for you? How can you leverage these platforms to your advantage?  

1. Source Wisely with AliExpress

If you’re in retail, AliExpress is a friend. Start by finding a reliable supplier with solid ratings, and focus on building strong relationships with them. You’ll be able to source products at a fraction of the cost compared to local suppliers, giving you the flexibility to offer competitive prices without compromising your margins.

2. Get Your Products to a Wider Audience with Lazada

Don’t just stop at local markets. Take advantage of Lazada’s regional reach. Listing your products on Lazada puts your brand in front of millions of Southeast Asian consumers, whether they’re in Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines. Lazada’s integrated payment and logistics solutions mean you don’t have to worry about the backend; just focus on what you do best: growing your business.

3. Use Alibaba Cloud for Scalability

If you’re ready to scale, Alibaba Cloud is reliable to support the backend. Need an AI-powered tool to predict your next bestseller? Check. Want to analyze your data and improve customer targeting? Alibaba Cloud is suitable for any entrepreneur serious about scaling up.

4. Take Advantage of Regional Sales Events

Alibaba is known for its epic sales events like the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival. These sales events are a goldmine for any entrepreneur looking to boost sales, acquire new customers, and increase brand visibility. By participating in these events, you tap into a wave of eager shoppers looking for great deals, and your products could become the next big thing in the market.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alibaba in Southeast Asia?

There’s no doubt that Alibaba’s influence in Southeast Asia will continue to grow. The company’s platform simplifies cloud services, payment systems, and logistics networks. As an entrepreneur in Southeast Asia, the key is to stay flexible and open to these opportunities. 

Entrepreneurs like you are already making these tools work. They’re sourcing products faster, reaching new customers, and leveraging data to drive decisions all within Alibaba.

The question isn’t about whether you should use these tools. It’s about how quickly you can start implementing them to push your business forward. The resources are already here. It’s time to take action and leverage them for growth.