While we continue to witness the growing impact of social enterprises in Malaysia, the Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia (SEAM) programme, in partnership with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, and with the support of IKEA Malaysia proudly welcomes the first cohort of 10 selected social enterprises.
Get to know them!
1. The Asli Co. empowers groups that are marginalised, including persons with disabilities, single mothers, and the elderly, by supporting business development in catering food services.
2. Batik Boutique offers skills training and income opportunities to over 400 artisans, including refugees and low-income women, impacting 1,700 beneficiaries.
3. Earth Heir supports artisans and preserves cultural heritage, promoting sustainability through training, and mentoring.
4. Graze Market addresses food insecurity and reduces food waste by rescuing surplus produce. Through their work, they also support communities from lower-income groups and smallholder farmers.
5. Jiwa Asli Organik supports Orang Asli communities by providing skills training in sustainable farming, transitioning them from forest reliance to organic agriculture. They have trained 25 Orang Asli, with 17 engaged in chicken farming.
6. LemmeLearn provides vocational training and employment opportunities for adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities children and youth, partnering with businesses to offer practical training, internships, and employment.
7. Moms Village Asia empowers women, especially from the lower-income groups and single mothers, through initiatives that promote financial independence.
8. Oupus Organics creates eco-friendly skincare using Borneo’s resources, equipping communities that are underprivileged with flexible jobs and skills training.
9. The Asli Co. empowers Orang Asli women by creating sustainable income through handcrafted goods, benefiting over 30 mothers across 8 villages and generating RM2.5 million for the community.
10. Upcycled by Fuze Ecooter inspires communities by transforming plastic waste into valuable products. They aim to upcycle 15,000kg of plastic by 2025 while providing sustainable income opportunities for the needs.
Empowering social enterprises to scale
The selected social enterprises will embark on a one-year programme focused on scaling their impact through tailored mentorship, business support, capacity building, and funding. Over the coming months, they will engage in personalised mentorships with IKEA co-workers, who bring relevant expertise to address each of their unique needs. As Juliana Adam, CEO of Biji-biji Initiative, highlighted, “SEAM is designed to support social enterprises across Malaysia, especially those uplifting people from marginalised communities. Our goal is to support you to create lasting, sustainable change.”
SEAM is a three-year partnership, divided into two cohorts, aiming on empowering social enterprises to drive positive social and environmental change for vulnerable and communities that are underserved. Malcolm Pruys, Retail Director of IKEA Malaysia, stated, “At IKEA, our vision extends beyond our stores and products; it’s about making a meaningful impact on the communities where we operate.”
A more sustainable and inclusive future
Through SEAM, we are committed to bridging the gaps in resources, support, and networks that social enterprises in Malaysia often face. By supporting them, SEAM aims to facilitate in strengthening the social enterprise ecosystem in Malaysia, fostering a more resilient and sustainable environment for social enterprises to thrive. Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship BV, expressed, “We’re happy to see the large interest in SEAM. Congratulations to the selected social enterprises! We look forward to supporting your efforts in scaling social impact in Malaysia.”
Together with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, our commitment goes beyond supporting social enterprises. We are actively working to strengthen and build a resilient social enterprise sector in Malaysia, with a continuous dedication to “Scaling Impact for Lasting Change.” As we begin this journey, we look forward to the positive changes ahead, and hope that our collective efforts will contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for Malaysia.
Learn more about SEAM and follow the journey of these incredible social enterprises at www.programs.biji-biji/seam
