On 30 July 2026, ASBhive, representing Asia School of Business, attended the Konvensyen Ekosistem Perusahaan Sosial (KEPS), a four-day convention bringing together social enterprises, funders, corporates, and policymakers all working toward the same goal, building a stronger, more resilient social enterprise ecosystem in Malaysia. 

The day carried extra significance, opening with recognition from YB Steven Sim, Malaysia’s Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, who named Asia School of Business as one of 10 Malaysian organizations committed to social procurement, including everyday choices like sourcing corporate gifts from social enterprises. Notably, ASB was the only university on that list. 

The recognition didn’t stop there. Through ASBhive, ASB was also named one of the few organizations actively funding social enterprises, on the back of its flagship Impact Accelerator Program. Funded by TBN Asia, the program disbursed RM150,000 in direct capital to 3 social enterprises this year, helping them grow their impact. 

Representing ASB on the day was Deputy Dean Dr. Melati Nungsari, who has long championed the organization’s mission of connecting social enterprises with the capital, capacity, and market access they need to grow. Receiving the cheque on behalf of one of the accelerator recipients was Mr. Lai from Seven Tea One, a social enterprise that produces handcrafted teas while providing employment to individuals on the autism spectrum and their mothers. 

Recognition aside, the numbers tell their own story. In just six months this year: 

• ASB has procured over RM100,000 from social enterprises 

These aren’t just budget line items. Every ringgit spent this way is a vote of confidence in social enterprises building livelihoods and solving problems in their communities. 

The day also brought a proud moment closer to home: ASB alumnus Ganesh Muren of Saora Industries received the Anugerah Khas Menteri Perusahaan Sosial. Since founding Saora in 2014, Ganesh has worked to bring clean, safe drinking water and solar power to rural and Orang Asli communities across Malaysia developing low-cost, solar-powered water filtration systems that have reached families who previously had to travel hours just to buy bottled water. It’s a fitting reminder that the ecosystem ASB is helping build is also one it has helped grow talent for. 

Beyond the recognition, the day was filled with learning, forums, and shared journeys, each one digging into a different piece of the social enterprise puzzle. Several discussions centered on powerful success stories from social enterprises like Tonibung and Bestobu, who spoke candidly about the challenges of building a mission-driven business and the wins that came from persistence and community support. These stories served as a reminder of why it matters for corporates to procure from social enterprises in the first place. Other sessions turned to the question of capital, exploring how social investment can be mobilized to scale social impact and what it actually takes to move money toward enterprises solving real problems. 

The final forum was moderated by Redza Shahid, who led a discussion on financing, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, the three pillars needed to strengthen Malaysia’s local social enterprise ecosystem. 

The day wrapped up at 5:30 pm, having covered nearly every angle of what it takes to build a thriving ecosystem. 

Days like KEPS 2026 are a reminder that this work takes all of us: enterprises with the courage to keep going, funders willing to take a chance on impact, and institutions willing to change how they spend. We are proud to play a small part in that story, and look forward to doing even more. 

Thank you to KEPS for the recognition, and to the corporate partners and the portfolio of social enterprises whose work made this achievement possible. None of it would have been possible without you!