KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — Of the many celebrities that graced the Shopee Super Awards 2023, two stood out for their dazzling good looks, exceptional talent and undeniable star power.

Malaysia’s top singer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin was thrilled to win Shopee Super Celebrity award for the first time and be a part of the recent grand affair, held at The Majestic Hotel KL.

"I got to meet more influencers in person, who I’ve only previously seen on social media,” said Siti Nurhaliza, looking radiant in a blush pink ensemble.

"I’ve had business dealings with Khairul Ming before but we never met until tonight. It’s inspiring to meet these young creative people and I’m happy because we’re all on the same platform.”

As a big Shopee fan, she confessed to finding it somewhat addictive. "It’s dangerous, isn’t it?” she said, adding that once she starts shopping, it’s hard to stop.

"Other people can stick to their planned list of items to buy but I can’t seem to do that, but of course, it makes shopping much easier and more convenient. I can always get what I want there.”

While her favourite things to buy are kitchenware and storage containers for the fridge, her five-year-old daughter Siti Aafiyah Khalid can’t get enough of makeup and pretty press on nails.

"She’ll say to me: ‘Add to cart, Ibu’,” said Siti, who thanked Shopee for helping her grow her business as a beauty entrepreneur with brands SimplySiti and BeauSiti.

Confirming a big concert next year, she said if everything goes to plan, she will make the announcement soon.

Fans can also look forward to new products from her beauty brands, including more fragrances.

"I’ve just launched my new album but I haven’t gone all out in promoting it because I’m focused on my business and raising funds for the Palestinian people through my Nurjiwa Foundation.”

She added that helping those in need is what makes her the happiest. "At this point in my life, it’s no longer popularity I seek but instead, giving back to society. I want to make a difference.”

This year, she was able to reach her target goal of more than RM1 million for those affected by Covid-19, floods and the Gaza conflict, which she raised from concerts under the Nurjiwa Foundation.

Like Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Jovian Mandagie also enjoys buying stuff on Shopee.

"I like to cook, so I buy a lot of kitchenware from Shopee,” he said, adding it’s so much easier to keep clicking than go scouting around, place to place.

As a first-time Shopee Super Celebrity award winner, he said it’s an honour to be recognised as they’re selective.

Jovian, who launched his own ready-to-wear line in 2012, has a huge following as one of Malaysia’s top designers.

"Keeping up with the latest trends is the biggest challenge of ready-to-wear, because it changes every day,” he said.

"Meeting the demands of Gen Z is not easy and as a Gen Y, I sometimes struggle to understand what they want. So, to serve Gen Z, we have to hire Gen Z, it’s as simple as that.”

Since the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago, he’s diversified from strictly a fashion brand to lifestyle brand that offers essential items like face masks.

"The most exciting thing next year is the launch of our beauty and skincare products,” he said. "We’ll also have our annual collections and collaborations but our own line of beauty and skincare is a first for us.”

Siti Nurhaliza and Jovian were among seven celebrities who were awarded at the Shopee Super Awards 2023, one of the most important events in the e-commerce industry.

Over 500 guests, made up of Shopee sellers, partners, celebrities, influencers and affiliates turned up at the glittering event to honour the achievements of key figures in Malaysian e-commerce.

Calling all of them superstars for pushing the boundaries on innovation and delivering consistent quality, Shopee Malaysia’s head of marketing Kenneth Soh said they are testament to the win-win relationship between online communities driving economic inclusion on e-commerce and Shopee’s role in enabling that.

"You truly demonstrate not just how hyper-localised e-commerce has become, but also how inclusive e-commerce can be in building local communities,” he said in his speech.

He added that this year Shopee welcomed 98,000 new sellers and took advantage of their seller support programmes like Shopee University, Shopee Seller Summit as well as KOL and Influencer Masterclasses.