Panel Discussion: the Land and the People

onions talk panel discussion

The story of Biji-biji Initiative began with goals and dreams to inspire people to innovate their lives to live sustainably. 

One of the most important philosophies we have lived by was the power of collaboration and reimagining the way we view things such waste and consumption. 

We have come a long way since our days of working in an apartment and then at a house, eventually expanding to include different subsidiaries such as Me.reka and Biji Biji Ethical Fashion. 

This week, we were glad to be able to share our part of the narrative in a panel discussion with Juliana Adam, the CEO of Biji-biji Initiative, Zi Xiang, the co-founder of Langit and Christy Davis, the executive director of the Lien Centre for Social Innovation about working with communities, ecology, and care. The session was hosted by Fié Neo and is kindly supported by Stories of Asia.

The other narrative 

Cutting-edge technology and implementation of renewable energy, among others, are common solutions to our current climate emergency. 

Yet the panel pivoted on the notion of alternative methods and narratives focused on uplifting the underprivileged and underserved communities, who, as it may turn out, will be the ones most affected by climate change

The discourse focused on how jobs can be created with communities, for the communities, inspiring stories of how Langit and Beyond Bins came to be, and the power of social entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Listen to the podcast here.

Onions Talk is a podcast on hope and change making. Check out Onions Talk here.

Like this article? Why not share it

Keep Reading

Strengthening the Social Enterprise Ecosystem in Malaysia: SEAM’s Journey

Our journey in strengthening Malaysia's social enterprise ecosystem underscores the importance of aligning efforts and building partnerships. SEAM connects social enterprises with key players to amplify impact, fostering a cohesive ecosystem that supports their growth and uplifts communities that are marginalised, driving lasting positive change for Malaysia.

Building Impactful Businesses: The Social Enterprise Models Driving Change in Malaysia and Indonesia

Malaysia and Indonesia face pressing social and environmental challenges, and social enterprises are rising to the occasion. By combining profit with purpose, these businesses address issues like poverty, unemployment, and waste management while reinvesting profits into their missions. From empowering rural artisans to providing sustainable solutions, they exemplify impactful, financially viable models. With increasing support from governments and corporations, social enterprises are creating meaningful change and paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future in Southeast Asia.

Rising Stars: Shaping Education for the Future in Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, YSEALI alumni Krittanan Punch and YouEang Hoeurn are transforming education by tackling communication barriers and fostering inclusivity. Krittanan leverages his role as a lecturer to enhance language skills in Thailand, while YouEang champions educational equality in Cambodia through community and policy engagement. Their combined efforts exemplify the powerful impact of dedicated leadership on improving access to quality education and building a more equitable future.