Why ChatGPT Shows Different Supplier Results in Malaysia
Have you noticed that every time you ask ChatGPT to recommend suppliers in Malaysia, the answers are never exactly the same?
Don’t worry — it’s not a bug. It’s actually how AI works.
In this article, we’ll explain why ChatGPT gives different supplier recommendations each time, and how you can make its results more consistent.
(Originally published on SME Malaysia)
🧠 ChatGPT Doesn’t Use a Fixed Supplier List
Unlike online directories such as Newpages.com.my or SSM Malaysia, ChatGPT doesn’t have its own supplier database.
When you ask it to “recommend suppliers in Malaysia,” the AI will generate answers based on general knowledge and online data available at that moment.
That means the results can change every time you ask — because it’s not pulling from a fixed source.
🔄 AI Is Built on Probability, Not Fixed Rules
ChatGPT’s brain works like a prediction engine.
It doesn’t “know” one single correct answer. Instead, it predicts what text or company name is most likely to appear next.
That’s why one session might show “ABC Trading” while another shows “XYZ Enterprise.”
Both could be valid suppliers, but they appear due to probability, not a fixed list.
🌍 Web Results Keep Changing in Malaysia
If you’re using ChatGPT with browsing turned on, it searches the internet live.
Since search engine rankings change daily, new suppliers might appear while others disappear.
So, the different results are actually a sign that ChatGPT is reading fresh data — not reusing old answers.
⚙️ Temperature Settings Affect Variety
Every AI model has a “temperature” setting — it controls how creative or stable the response will be.
Low temperature (0.2) → More consistent, repeated answers
High temperature (0.8) → More creativity, more variation
ChatGPT’s default setting encourages natural and varied answers — which is why you won’t always see the same supplier list.
🗣️ Your Prompt Also Changes the Output
How you ask makes a big difference.
Compare these two questions:
“Recommend suppliers in Malaysia”
“List 10 verified packaging suppliers in Johor with websites”
The second one gives ChatGPT clearer instructions — and more accurate, repeatable results.
💡 Tips to Get More Consistent Supplier Results
To make ChatGPT’s answers more reliable, follow these easy steps:
✅ Use detailed prompts
“List 5 verified plastic packaging suppliers in Selangor, Malaysia with website links.”
✅ Ask for a fixed format
“Show company name, location, website, and short description.”
✅ Turn on browsing mode
Let ChatGPT search real data instead of using old training info.
✅ Double-check with local directories
Verify using trusted sites like:
✅ Reuse the same prompt
If you want consistent answers, use exactly the same wording next time.
🧭 Final Thoughts
ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool — but it’s not a supplier directory.
Think of it as your smart assistant that helps you discover new suppliers, not your final source of truth.
For more insights on AI, business growth, and digital tools for Malaysian SMEs, visit
👉 SME Malaysia
