2025 MATRADE eTrade & DMT Grants: How Malaysian Exporters Can Apply

1. What Are the eTrade and DMT Grants?

The eTrade Programme 2.0 and Digital Marketing & Training (DMT) Scheme are government initiatives by MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) to help Malaysian SMEs expand into cross-border eCommerce and strengthen their digital export visibility.

  • eTrade Programme (Onboarding Scheme) provides funding for new exporters (and some existing eTRADE 1.0 recipients) to onboard global marketplaces such as Alibaba.com and begin their export journey.
  • DMT Scheme supports digital-marketing campaigns, export advertising, and eCommerce training to build brand visibility in international markets.

For official details, refer to MATRADE’s eTrade Programme page and DMT eligibility criteria.

2. Who Should Apply for These Grants?

These grants are ideal for:

  • SMEs ready to export and seeking visibility on international marketplaces.
  • Manufacturers and trading companies selling Malaysian-made products or brands registered with MyIPO.
  • Businesses that already have a website or export-ready catalogue but need help reaching overseas buyers.
  • Bumiputera-owned companies preparing to scale into global markets.

If your business fits one of these categories, the eTrade or DMT grant can fund your export-marketing costs — from onboarding to digital advertising.

3. eTrade 1.0 vs eTrade 2.0: What’s the Difference?

Grant Type

Who It’s For

What It Covers

Funding Amount (Max)

Notes

Onboarding Scheme (under eTRADE 2.0)

New exporters or companies diversifying platforms.

Onboarding to global marketplaces (e.g., Alibaba.com) 

Up to RM 5,000 (one-time claim)

New exporters starting out

DMT Scheme (under eTRADE 2.0)

Companies with at least 6 months of eCommerce operation or export sales history

Digital marketing, export advertising, & eCommerce training

Up to RM 20,000

Ongoing exporters expanding reach

Both programmes require you to be a registered MATRADE member. You can register via MyExport.

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility

Check if you’ve received any previous eTrade grant through MATRADE’s Enquiry Link or by contacting MATRADE officers.

Step 2 — Register as a MATRADE Member

If you are not yet a member, fill out the Registration Form R1 (via MyExport portal). Processing usually takes 7 business days.

Step 3 — Activate your Alibaba.com account

Once payment and verification are complete, MATRADE will issue account-activation details. Activation takes roughly 7 business days; minisite design around 30 days.

Step 4 — Prepare required documents

Have these ready for upload:

  • SSM / SKM registration forms
  • Latest audited or management accounts
  • Annual Return (ROC) (Required for ROC/Company status)
  • Latest EPF statement
  • Product brochure & “Made in Malaysia” declaration
  • Screenshot of your Alibaba minisite after activation
  • See the official document checklist.

Step 5 — Submit your application

Login to the MATRADE portal to upload all documents. MATRADE reviews within 30 business days and will contact you if resubmission is required.

Step 6 — Receive reimbursement

After approval, reimbursement (up to the eligible amount) will be processed within 15 business days if all details are accurate.

5. DMT Grant Eligibility & Required Documents

To qualify for the Digital Marketing & Training (DMT) scheme:

  • Operate on the eCommerce platform for at least six months (or one year depending on guidelines update) OR have proof of export sales of not less than RM5,000 annually for at least one of the last two years.
  • Be registered with SSM / SKM / local authority.
  • Sell Made-in-Malaysia products or Malaysian-registered brands.
  • Be Malaysian-owned (≥ 60 %) and meet SME Corp’s SME definition.
  • Be a MATRADE member and complete the Exporters Readiness Assessment Test (ERAT).
  • Be a manufacturer or trading company.

Processing typically takes 30 business days, depending on document completeness.

6. Important Notes on Timelines and Reimbursement

Process Stage

Estimated Duration

MATRADE Membership Approval

~ 7 business days

Alibaba Account Activation

~ 7 business days

Minisite Design

~ 30 business days

MATRADE Application Review

~ 30 business days

Reimbursement (post-approval)

~ 15 business days

Always ensure that your documents, bank details, and proof of activity are complete to avoid delays.

How Trinity42 Can Help You

As a MATRADE eTrade partner and Malaysia’s longest-standing Alibaba.com channel partner, Trinity42 Digital Sdn Bhd assists exporters throughout the grant journey — from eligibility checks to execution.

Our support includes:

  • Grant Consultation & Eligibility Check – We review your company’s readiness and confirm which grant fits best.

     

  • Application Guidance – Assistance in completing MyExport registration and eTrade/DMT submissions.

     

  • Digital Export Execution – Set up your Alibaba Global Gold Supplier account, design your minisite, and run keyword-advertising (KWA) campaigns compliant with grant requirements.

     

  • Post-Grant Reporting – Documentation, analytics and reports required for reimbursement.

     

With 16 years of experience helping over 4,000 Malaysian SMEs export through Alibaba.com, we ensure you use every grant ringgit effectively.

If your business is ready to export and you want expert support with the MATRADE eTrade or DMT Grant, contact Trinity42 Digital Sdn Bhd today.

 

Start your export journey — we’ll guide you from application to global visibility.

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