Across Malaysia, women social entrepreneurs are rewriting the narrative. Far from passively waiting for change, they are actively shaping it. These women are visionaries, innovators, and community builders who are addressing social and environmental challenges head-on, making a profound difference in the lives of those around them. SEAM’s collaboration with social entrepreneurs stems from a deep belief in their transformative potential. Malaysia stands at a crossroads. Amidst growing social inequality, environmental degradation, and the ongoing challenges faced by communities that are marginalised, women-led social enterprises are taking the lead in forging a more equitable and sustainable future.
70% of the social enterprises in the SEAM programme are led by women.
Across diverse sectors, women-led social enterprises in the SEAM programme are accelerating action for positive change. Their impact ranges from creating job opportunities for mothers and providing safe spaces for vulnerable women to empowering marginalised artisans and building pathways for youth with disabilities to enter the workforce.
Women shaping inclusive futures
Building an inclusive future means unlocking the untapped potential within every individual and ensuring opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances — whether through employment, the chance to build their own businesses, or simply the ability to access essential resources. Businesses like LemmeLearn, Oupus Organics, Angel Community, and Moms Village Asia are leading the charge in empowering women to break free from the constraints of financial dependency.
Understanding the complexities that keep women in abusive marriages, Vatsala Nair Manoharan saw financial independence as the key to breaking these cycles. Believing that “women have the right to make their own decisions,” she founded Moms Village Asia to equip women with the tools to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship, ensuring they can step forward with confidence, dignity, and control over their futures.
Eileen Soon recognised the lack of opportunities for young people with disabilities. Through LemmeLearn, the team has created pathways for youth with autism to receive specialised training, gain employment, and integrate into the workforce. By building inclusive spaces, they are enabling young people to unlock their potential, ensuring they are seen, heard, and valued in the workforce.
Beyond skincare, Vellarry Maydelina Yong’s experiences of poverty and balancing work with childcare as a mother fueled her determination to empower women from marginalised groups in Borneo. Through Oupus Organics, she creates job opportunities and provides skills training while fostering a circular economy. “Facing poverty and the challenges of working while raising a child, I was driven to support women and mothers by equipping them with skills and opportunities for economic independence,” Vellarry shared.
Angel Community was formed by enthusiastic young women entrepreneurs, Jazz Tan and Desline Teoh, to lend a helping hand to single parents, the elderly, stay-at-home mothers, and B40 groups. Believing in the power of inclusivity and empowerment, they facilitate the sale of homemade food—whether as catering services or packed meals—to companies, associations, and individual customers, including families.
Revitalising heritage and craftsmanship
In the world of traditional crafts, women like Amy Blair of Batik Boutique and Sasibai Kimis of Earth Heir are preserving and revitalising heritage while providing opportunities for artisans and creating sustainable livelihoods through craft. Amy, who has lived in Malaysia for 10 years with her husband and three children, started Batik Boutique in response to a gap in the local tourism market and to support a local friend, a single mother struggling to make ends meet who happened to own a sewing machine.
Sasibai was inspired by childhood visits to India, where she witnessed the harsh realities of poverty. After pursuing a career in finance, she realised that true change required more than just money—it needed sustainable solutions. Motivated by her blessings, she was driven to make a difference. In 2013, she took a leap of faith, starting Earth Heir to enable artisans to enter the formal economy, empowering them and ensuring long-term impact.
Empowering communities through sustainability
Graze Market, founded by Clara Wan, focuses on reducing food waste by selling imperfect but still fresh fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded. Her motivation stems from her mother’s teachings about never wasting food, and her efforts now aim to make a global impact. “This is my mini solution to the bigger problem of food waste that requires support from many people and stakeholders,” said Clara. “And I do it because my mum taught me to never waste food on your plate.”
Breaking barriers through education and employment
The Asli Co., founded by Lim Xin Yu and Jason Wee, empowers Orang Asli women in Malaysia by offering sustainable income opportunities through the production and sale of handcrafted goods. Starting with just one mother crafting cement pots, the initiative has expanded to over 30 active mothers and a diverse product line. With this income, mothers can now purchase necessities for their children, afford school expenses, and, most importantly, provide for their families during challenging times. “The ladies work from the comforts of their homes, working flexible hours, yet they able to support their families and their children. We hope to work with more ladies in the future as we grow,” shared Xin Yu.
Building on the power of economic empowerment, Mak Aini’s story exemplifies how upskilling and community-driven initiatives can create lasting change. From the heart of Lembah Subang, she leads Upcycled with Pak Syam, transforming plastic waste into valuable products while equipping others with the knowledge and skills to do the same. Her journey began with a local training program where she mastered upcycling techniques and developed leadership skills, eventually taking charge of the operational site. Today, she not only oversees production but also runs outreach programs that provide income opportunities and promote environmental stewardship, reinforcing the impact of education and employment in uplifting communities.
Driving change through strong communities
These social enterprises do more than create jobs. They foster safe spaces, mentorship, and financial literacy, recognising that true impact extends beyond business success.
The women leading these ventures prove that change isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to build together. For anyone who has ever thought, “Someone should do something about this.” Maybe that someone is you.
