If you ask Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, what sets Mydin apart from other hypermarkets, he’ll tell you it’s more than just affordable prices or a diverse product selection — it’s the soul of the brand, one that’s deeply woven into the Malaysian way of life.
For him, Mydin isn’t just a business; it’s a legacy. It’s a story of resilience that began with his father, Mydin Mohamed, selling goods by the roadside — a small yet determined start that would one day blossom into Malaysia’s largest homegrown hypermarket chain. From those humble beginnings, Mydin has cemented itself as a Malaysian brand that understands the pulse of the people.
Fast forward to 2025, and Mydin has just opened its 70th outlet in Kulim, a long way from its first hypermarket in Subang Jaya in 2006, which propelled the brand into national prominence. But what truly sets the retail giant apart isn’t just its rapid expansion, but its unwavering commitment to being a champion of local brands, a reflection of Malaysia’s cultural identity, and for many – an essential part of daily life.
The Heart of the People
Mydin embodies what it means to be a truly Malaysian hypermarket. At a time when multinational chains dominate the retail space, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to affordability and diversity. But it’s not just about competitive prices. Mydin has always been a staunch supporter of local businesses, giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the platform they need to flourish.
When you step inside a Mydin store, you’ll find everything from daily necessities such as Malaysian snacks and handcrafted naan bread to an extensive range of traditional clothing like baju kurung, all locally sourced. The shelves are lined with products that tell the story of Malaysia’s cultural heritage and industrious spirit. For conscious consumers who prefer supporting homegrown brands, Mydin is a natural choice.
“You’ll be shocked at the range and quality of our local products – it’s really good,” Datuk Wira Ameer says with a knowing smile. “We’re not just about selling products. At Mydin, we want Malaysians to remember that their traditions, as well as the country’s local brands, are worth celebrating.”
Blending Digital with Tradition
When it comes to digitalisation, Datuk Wira Ameer’s views may seem conservative, but his approach is pragmatic rather than trendy. Indeed, Mydin was one of the pioneering adopters of self-checkout, being the first to introduce self-scanners in Malaysia. However, rather than replacing traditional checkout tills with self-service kiosks, he believes the human touch is core to the shopping experience. It’s one of the reasons he was hesitant about bringing Mydin onto eCommerce, which he felt was embraced out of necessity rather than preference.
Despite his initial reluctance, he now sees online platforms like Lazada as an extension of the Mydin brand – an opportunity to expand its reach beyond physical stores, allowing customers to browse, compare prices, and discover products.
“Many people still want to see, touch, and examine products in person,” he explains. “But platforms like Lazada serve as a gateway for consumers to discover what we have to offer before coming to our stores to see the full range for themselves.”
Trust in the Age of Online Shopping
Mydin’s partnership with LazMall is a testament to this balance. Datuk Wira Ameer understands that one of the biggest hurdles for online shopping in Malaysia is trust. Many consumers prefer brick-and-mortar stores, where they can assess product quality firsthand and avoid the risk of buying counterfeit goods. Partnering with Lazada to launch a branded store on LazMall was key in reaffirming Mydin’s reputation in the digital space.
By tapping into LazMall’s trusted seal of authenticity, quality, and high service standards, Mydin offers customers peace of mind – knowing that even if they can’t visit the store, they are shopping for the same original products, backed by guaranteed delivery and a 30-day return policy. In many ways, LazMall serves as a bridge, seamlessly connecting Mydin’s digital presence with its physical stores.
Doing Good for Raya
With Ramadan and Raya just around the corner, Mydin is gearing up for the festive season – one of its most important and busiest times of the year. In the past, the company has led a range of initiatives to celebrate this season of giving, reflection, and community. From distributing over 45,000 packs of bubur lambuk to supporting numerous charitable efforts, Mydin has consistently gone beyond retail to make a meaningful impact.
This year, Mydin is stepping up with its Berkat Ramadan campaign, offering extensive promotions both in-store and online on a wide range of products, from premium dates sourced from Palestine and Egypt to Raya must-haves like songkok, samping, and kuih muih.
The company is also running its Mydin Prihatin campaign, a collaboration with suppliers to collect CSR funds from every purchase made with participating brands. These efforts aim to raise funds for various social causes, furthering Mydin’s commitment to community welfare. The synergy between in-store campaigns and online promotions, like Lazada’s 3.3 Epic Raya Sale from March 2 (8pm) to March 5, offers shoppers exclusive Raya assortments from Mydin at unbeatable prices.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
Despite Mydin’s success, Datuk Wira Ameer remains grounded. His vision for the brand has always been clear: Mydin will always be about people – understanding their needs, supporting local industries, and staying true to Malaysia’s cultural fabric. His approach to business isn’t about chasing fads; it’s about sustainability, both in the retail sense and in the way Mydin contributes to the local economy.
As digitalisation continues to shape the industry, Mydin will adapt – but on its own terms, in a way that makes sense for its customers. And as the brand grows, so too does its promise — to remain accessible, affordable, and deeply Malaysian.
“Shopping isn’t dead; it’s evolving,” he says, reflecting on the future of brick-and-mortar stores. While Mydin will never replace the physical shopping experience with eCommerce entirely, shopping online with Lazada is the first step in discovering what makes this homegrown hypermarket – truly our own.
