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On 12 and 13 June 2024, the ASEAN Research Center (ARC) at the Asia School of Business (ASB) held its two-day ASB-UNHCR Conference on Refugee Studies and Forced Displacement 2024. This annual conference, hosted in collaboration with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to presenting and expanding the availability of academic literature on refugee studies and forced displacement. This year’s conference featured a special focus on bilateral learnings of refugee contexts between Brazil and Malaysia, facilitated through a special knowledge exchange with the Embassy of Brazil in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are proud to welcome everyone here to the fourth iteration of this event. As academics, it is incumbent upon us to fill in the existing gaps in knowledge around these critical social issues,” said Prof. Sanjay Sarma, the Chief Executive Officer, President, and Dean of the ASB. His welcome address to the audience of approximately 200 individuals in the Khazanah Auditorium at the Asia School of Business concluded with a brief moment of silence in recognition of the ongoing human rights crises leading to forced displacement around the world, from the Middle East to Sudan.

 

The conference was attended by a international network of academics, policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, and members of the refugee community to discuss critical developments in refugee rights, and to share their knowledge about existing mechanisms available to improving the lives of refugees on a global scale. 

Across both days, there will be research presentations from ten academics, including representation from the United States, Bangkok, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam. Each day of the conference will conclude with a walkthrough poster presentation from 17 contributing researchers, and a bazaar featuring the work of 20 refugee entrepreneurs selling handmade crafts and food products.

This year’s conference received special support from the Brazilian Embassy, who facilitated two special learning sessions on their innovative approach to refugee policy.

H. E. Ary Norton de Murat Quintella, Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia addressed the crowd as part of the opening proceedings. “The countries of Latin America, just as the ones in Southeast Asia, are mainly developing, middle income countries. As such, they face constant challenges to ensure the proper and full implementation of their refugee policies, taking into account the fiscal and political constraints for government action in emergent economies.” He delivered an impassioned speech on the importance of “continuous dialogue and the exchange of experiences and good practices” between Global South countries, and stressed the importance of addressing the possible economic causes of forced displacement, not just the symptoms.

“While refugees are often forced to leave their possessions behind, their creativity, skills, and qualifications stay with them,” said Mr. Thomas Albrecht, the UNHCR Representative in Malaysia, stressing the importance of refugee rights. “Being a refugee is a circumstance – it is not who a person is. … We have seen countless examples here in Malaysia itself of refugees able to use their talents and passions to not only uplift their lives, but whole communities.”

Dr. Pedro Cicero, the General Coordinator of the Brazilian National Committee for Refugees (CONARE) delivered his flagship presentation on Brazil’s innovative approach to refugee inclusion. He delved into the nation’s unique prima facie refugee policy, under which individuals are granted the presumption of inclusion with a simplified asylum process.
Dr. Cicero’s remarks about the importance of treating refugees with dignity were echoed by Ms. Comfort Wobil Brima, a representative from the West African Refugee Community in Malaysia. She spoke movingly about the realities faced by refugee youths in particular: “Do they have security? Who do they cry to? Do they get a daily meal all the time? These are questions that most teenagers within the refugee community, especially those who are unaccompanied minors, ask on a daily basis.”

In concluding the proceedings on the first day, ARC’s Faculty Director, Prof. Melati Nungsari, reminded the audience of the importance of academic interventions in resolving social change. 

She said, “New forms of media, social and otherwise, provide us with unprecedented access to the realities of people facing forced displacement and human rights violations worldwide. Despite the negative perceptions that many Malaysians have about refugees, the findings of the research show that it is possible for these attitudes to change for the better. Events like these serve as spaces for reflection and collaboration, through which academics and the public alike can arrive at new approaches and ways of thinking.”. Bringing together researchers from different countries and various interests, the first day of the conference featured research presentation sessions built around the theme of Intervention Mechanisms. 

Dr. Tan Sok Teng of the National University of Singapore (NUS) presented her work researching the impact of social capital on the healthcare services available to Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. From the Refugee Emergency Fund (REF), Dr. Norliza Nordeen used the work done by REF to highlight many of the financial challenges faced by refugees when accessing healthcare. Lastly Dr. Melati Nungsari, Faculty Director of the ARC presented her own research on stereotypes from the general public to understand Malaysian perceptions of refugees.

On the second day of the conference, there were further presentation sessions themed around Policy Implementations and Social Attitudes. The session on policy implementations showcased Dr. Samina Khan’s (University Kebangsaan Malaysia) research on how climate change impacts refugees, Dr. Mary Rose Geraldine A. Sarausad’s (Asian Institute of Technology) analysis of Thailand’s national screening mechanism, and an overview of the Bangkok Principles by Dr. Lily Song (Otago University). From a social attitudes perspective, Dr. Kimberley Kong (Universiti Sains Malaysia) presented her research about the early childhood education of refugees in Malaysia, and Dr. AKM Ahsan Ullah (University of Brunei Darussalam) explored questions around the international response to refugees from Gaza.

The two-day conference came to an end with a film screening and panel discussion featuring independent filmmaker Laura Low, refugee representative Asiya Arian, and Prof. Melati Nungsari. Their insightful reflections about how mass media can affect our perceptions of refugees brought a human touch to the academic discussions, especially when accompanied by a screening of “Still in Motion,” a short film by Laura Low that explores themes of human resilience, faith and survival from the perspective of two Rohingya refugees.

The ASB and ARC are most grateful to all attendees, researchers, and partners for their invaluable contributions to this meaningful event as yet another step towards developing our collective understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and forcibly displaced persons. We extend a special thanks to the diplomatic community in attendance, including the Ambassadors of Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Spain, and Venezuela.

ENDS

Malaysia’s social entrepreneurship movement has untapped potential due to low awareness and cohesion. To address this, PurpoSE Malaysia and the Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED) Malaysia have developed the Social Enterprise Malaysia Amplifying Impact (Semai) Summit.

The highlight of this year’s summit is the launch of the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, in partnership with Yayasan Hasanah. The programme offers RM250,000 in grants to support social enterprises that focus on education, community development and the environment.

The grants aim to support social enterprises at both the seed and growth stages, providing accessible funding to enhance their capacity. This initiative is designed to sustain operations, boost fundraising efforts and raise public awareness of social innovation and scale solutions for positive social and environmental impacts. Applications for the grants opened on June 27 and will close on July 31.

The summit is organised by Asia School of Business in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, PurpoSE Malaysia and CSED.

The Semai Summit is a community-led movement dedicated to advancing social entrepreneurship, from grassroots initiatives to wide-reaching stakeholder involvement. The movement aims to create a supportive ecosystem for local and Malaysia-based social entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing, collaboration and access to resources.

For more information on the Semai Summit, visit iec@asb.edu.my.

Originally published by The Edge

The Asia School of Business (ASB) recently kicked off the SEMAI Summit aiming foster learning, support, and networking among key players in the social enterprise ecosystem.

The summit, organized by ASB in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, PurpoSE, and the Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED), was inaugurated by the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, YB Datuk Ewon Benedick.

PurpoSE Co-founder & Managing Partner, Wan Dazriq noted that, “Malaysia as a nation has vast potential that has yet to be properly unlocked with respect to the social entrepreneurship movement. From an ecosystem-building standpoint, government support through accreditation, grants, and incentives are already in place. What is lacking are the mass awareness, understanding, and cohesion in the Malaysian social entrepreneurship space. This is what we aim to bridge – the gaps in awareness and buy-in from private and public sector stakeholders through the SEMAI Summit movement.”

ASBhive Impact Challenge Partnership with Yayasan Hasanah

A key highlight of this year’s SEMAI Summit was the launch of the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, in partnership with Yayasan Hasanah. This initiative offers RM250,000 in grants to support social enterprises that are focused on education, community development, and the environment.

The grants aim to support social enterprises at both the seed and growth stages by enhancing their capacity with funds that are easier to access. This initiative is designed to sustain operations, improve fundraising efforts, increase the public’s awareness of social innovation, and scale solutions for positive social and environmental outcomes. Applications for the grants were opened on June 27 and will close on July 31.

Yayasan Hasanah Head of Social Enterprise, Stanley Siva said, “Yayasan Hasanah is dedicated to empowering social enterprises and driving their scalability through the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund. We are committed to expanding our capacity-building efforts through strategic partnerships, network development, and active support for the social enterprise ecosystem in Malaysia. Our collaboration with the Asia School of Business on the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge is a testament to our dedication to broadening our reach and amplifying our impact in this sector.”

ASB Deputy CEO Professor Joseph Cherian added, “ASBhive is our commitment to play a part in the development of social enterprises in Malaysia and thread into the myriad of issues confronting societies across the world. ASBhive may not be able to solve all the world’s social problems. But we endeavour to make a difference through our efforts as we host action-based Social Innovation Challenges that tackle urgent global issues but with a keen focus on making a local impact. Our collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah, through the ASBhive Social Impact Challenge provides grants to Social Enterprises aiming to scale their impact and attain sustainability”

The SEMAI Summit brought together representatives from corporations, government agencies, and social entrepreneurs, making it a meaningful opportunity for diverse sectoral engagements and innovation, and driving forward the social enterprise agenda in Malaysia.

Originally published by Disruptr 

KUALA LUMPUR: Lebih 400 pekebun kecil telah mencapai Pensijilan Pekebun Kecil Rundingan Meja Bulat Minyak Sawit Mampan (RSPO) di bawah Program Pekebun Kecil P&G, demikian menurut Laporan Impak Pusat P&G Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari (CSS) 2024.

Asia School of Business dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata seramai 400 lagi pekebun kecil persendirian dijangka akan menerima perakuan itu menjelang akhir 2025.

Program Pekebun Kecil P&G adalah kerjasama antara Asia School of Business, P&G, dan Temasek Foundation yang bertujuan untuk menggalakkan amalan pertanian yang mampan dan baik, serta memudahkan pengeluaran minyak sawit mampan yang diperakui daripada kalangan pekebun kecil persendirian di daerah Pontian dan Batu Pahat di Johor.

Laporan itu juga menyatakan bahawa 306 pekebun kecil yang diperakui telah menerima premium berjumlah US$42,630.00 (lebih RM200,000) pada 2021-2023 bagi hasil sawit mereka yang diperakui, sekali gus meningkatkan mata pencarian mereka.

“Melaksanakan amalan pertanian yang baik menggalakkan pengurusan sisa dan kimia yang lebih baik dalam kalangan pekebun kecil, termasuk menggunakan baja.

“Pusat Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari juga telah membantu penubuhan Pertubuhan Tani Niaga Lestari Negeri Johor, yang menyaksikan keahlian meningkat kepada lebih 700 pekebun kecil,” kata kenyataan itu.

Program ini juga telah membangunkan kurikulum ringkas tentang amalan pertanian yang baik dengan Pusat Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari telah melatih 1,972 pekebun kecil tentang amalan pertanian dan pengurusan sejak Julai 2022.

Malaysia merupakan pengeluar minyak sawit kedua terbesar di dunia dengan lebih 275,000 pekebun kecil, yang secara kolektif menyumbang kira-kira 17 peratus daripada jumlah kawasan tanaman kelapa sawit negara.

Originally published by Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Lebih 400 pekebun kecil telah mencapai Pensijilan Pekebun Kecil Rundingan Meja Bulat Minyak Sawit Mampan (RSPO) di bawah Program Pekebun Kecil P&G, demikian menurut Laporan Impak Pusat P&G Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari (CSS) 2024.

Asia School of Business dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata seramai 400 lagi pekebun kecil persendirian dijangka akan menerima perakuan itu menjelang akhir 2025.

Program Pekebun Kecil P&G adalah kerjasama antara Asia School of Business, P&G, dan Temasek Foundation yang bertujuan untuk menggalakkan amalan pertanian yang mampan dan baik, serta memudahkan pengeluaran minyak sawit mampan yang diperakui daripada kalangan pekebun kecil persendirian di daerah Pontian dan Batu Pahat di Johor.

Laporan itu juga menyatakan bahawa 306 pekebun kecil yang diperakui telah menerima premium berjumlah US$42,630.00 (lebih RM200,000) pada 2021-2023 bagi hasil sawit mereka yang diperakui, sekali gus meningkatkan mata pencarian mereka.

“Melaksanakan amalan pertanian yang baik menggalakkan pengurusan sisa dan kimia yang lebih baik dalam kalangan pekebun kecil, termasuk menggunakan baja.

“Pusat Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari juga telah membantu penubuhan Pertubuhan Tani Niaga Lestari Negeri Johor, yang menyaksikan keahlian meningkat kepada lebih 700 pekebun kecil,” kata kenyataan itu.

Program ini juga telah membangunkan kurikulum ringkas tentang amalan pertanian yang baik dengan Pusat Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari telah melatih 1,972 pekebun kecil tentang amalan pertanian dan pengurusan sejak Julai 2022.

Malaysia merupakan pengeluar minyak sawit kedua terbesar di dunia dengan lebih 275,000 pekebun kecil, yang secara kolektif menyumbang kira-kira 17 peratus daripada jumlah kawasan tanaman kelapa sawit negara. 

Originally published by Berita Harian and Utusan Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: Lebih 400 pekebun kecil telah mencapai Pensijilan Pekebun Kecil Rundingan Meja Bulat Minyak Sawit Mampan (RSPO) di bawah Program Pekebun Kecil P&G, demikian menurut Laporan Impak Pusat P&G Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari (CSS) 2024.

Asia School of Business dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata seramai 400 lagi pekebun kecil persendirian dijangka akan menerima perakuan itu menjelang akhir 2025.

Program Pekebun Kecil P&G adalah kerjasama antara Asia School of Business, P&G, dan Temasek Foundation yang bertujuan untuk menggalakkan amalan pertanian yang mampan dan baik, serta memudahkan pengeluaran minyak sawit mampan yang diperakui daripada kalangan pekebun kecil persendirian di daerah Pontian dan Batu Pahat di Johor.

Laporan itu juga menyatakan bahawa 306 pekebun kecil yang diperakui telah menerima premium berjumlah US$42,630.00 (lebih RM200,000) pada 2021-2023 bagi hasil sawit mereka yang diperakui, sekali gus meningkatkan mata pencarian mereka.

“Melaksanakan amalan pertanian yang baik menggalakkan pengurusan sisa dan kimia yang lebih baik dalam kalangan pekebun kecil, termasuk menggunakan baja.

“Pusat Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari juga telah membantu penubuhan Pertubuhan Tani Niaga Lestari Negeri Johor, yang menyaksikan keahlian meningkat kepada lebih 700 pekebun kecil,” kata kenyataan itu.

Program ini juga telah membangunkan kurikulum ringkas tentang amalan pertanian yang baik dengan Pusat Untuk Pemilik Kecil Lestari telah melatih 1,972 pekebun kecil tentang amalan pertanian dan pengurusan sejak Julai 2022.

Malaysia merupakan pengeluar minyak sawit kedua terbesar di dunia dengan lebih 275,000 pekebun kecil, yang secara kolektif menyumbang kira-kira 17 peratus daripada jumlah kawasan tanaman kelapa sawit negara.

Originally published by The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) — Over 400 smallholder farmers have achieved the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Independent Smallholder Certification under the P&G Smallholders Programme, according to P&G’s Centre of Sustainable Small-owners Impact Report 2024. 

In a statement today, Asia School of Business said another 400 independent smallholders are anticipated to be certified by end-2025.

The P&G Smallholders Programme is a collaboration between Asia School of Business, P&G, and Temasek Foundation, which aims to promote sustainable and good agricultural practices, as well as facilitate the production of certified sustainable palm oil from among independent smallholders in the districts of Pontian and Batu Pahat in Johor. 

The report also highlighted that 306 certified smallholders have received a total of US$42,630.00 (over RM200,000) in premium in 2021-2023 for their certified palm produce, increasing their livelihoods.

“Implementing good agricultural practices promotes better waste and chemical management among smallholder farmers, including using and applying fertilisers. 

“The Centre of Sustainable Small-owners has also facilitated the establishment of Pertubuhan Tani Niaga Lestari Negeri Johor, which saw membership rise to over 700 smallholders,” the statement said.

The programme has also developed a simplified curriculum on good agricultural practices with the Centre of Sustainable Small-owners having trained 1,972 farmers on agricultural and management practices since July 2022.

Malaysia is the second largest palm oil producer globally with over 275,000 smallholders, who collectively account for about 17 per cent of the country’s total oil palm planted area.  

Originally published by Bernama

As part of our quick founder questions series – or QFQs – we spoke to Chor Chee Hoe, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qarbotech, about photosynthesis, nanotechnology, and adaptability.

What was the catalyst for launching Qarbotech?
The catalyst for launching Qarbotech was the need to address the pressing global challenges of food security and climate change. Prof. Suraya Abdul Rashid’s research into photosynthesis enhancers revealed a unique opportunity to significantly boost crop yields and resilience. The potential of this technology, combined with the urgent need for sustainable agricultural solutions, inspired the founding of Qarbotech in 2018. When I was doing MBA at Asia School of Business, I had an opportunity to work with Prof. Suraya Abdul Rashid from Universiti Putra Malaysia on an academic project. We worked synergistically, and the chemistry between us was great. Then, she invited me to be the co-founder of Qarbotech to bring her research into commercialisation. Since then, we have made good progress for Qarbotech.

Tell me about the business – what it is, what it aims to achieve, who you work with, how you reach customers and so on?
Qarbotech is a pioneering nanotechnology and agritech company specialising in the development and manufacturing of photosynthesis enhancers. Our flagship product, QarboGrow, is a biocompatible organic compound that enhances photosynthesis efficiency, leading to increased crop yields, shorter growth cycles, improved fruit quality, and greater resilience to drought.

Our aim is to revolutionise agriculture by providing innovative solutions that promote sustainable farming practices, mitigate climate change, and ensure global food security. We collaborate with farmers, agricultural businesses, research institutions, and government bodies to implement our technology across various agricultural sectors.

We reach our customers through a combination of direct sales, partnerships with agricultural distributors, and online platforms. Our marketing strategy includes demonstrations, workshops, and collaborations with agricultural organisations to showcase the benefits of QarboGrow.

How has the business evolved since its launch? When was this?
Since its launch in 2018, Qarbotech has made significant strides in product development, commercialisation, and market penetration. Initially focused on gathering data and testimonials from home gardening customers, we have since expanded our product range and market reach.

Key milestones include the commercialisation of Harvast for the home gardening segment in 2020, the formulation and launch of QarboGrow in 2022, and various awards and recognitions, such as the Tech Planter Malaysia and Asia awards, and significant investments from Glocalink Singapore and 500 Global.

Tell us about the working culture at Qarbotech
At Qarbotech, we foster a collaborative and innovative working culture. Our team is driven by a shared commitment to sustainability and excellence. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Our culture emphasises respect, integrity, and a passion for positively impacting the world.

How are you funded?
Qarbotech is funded through a combination of grants, investments, and awards. We have received market validation grants, angel investments, and funding from venture capital firms such as Glocalink Singapore and 500 Global. We have also won several innovation challenges, providing financial support and industry recognition.

What has been your biggest challenge so far and how have you overcome this?
Our biggest challenge has been scaling our technology from lab research to commercial application. This involved extensive field testing, data collection, and product refinement to ensure effectiveness and safety. We overcame this challenge by partnering with research institutions, leveraging funding opportunities, and maintaining a customer-focused approach to product development and feedback.

How does Qarbotech answer an unmet need?
Qarbotech addresses the unmet need for sustainable and effective agricultural solutions that enhance photosynthesis. Traditional farming methods often overlook the potential of optimising photosynthesis, focusing instead on soil and nutrient management. Our technology shifts the focus to the leaves, significantly boosting photosynthetic efficiency, which translates to higher yields, improved crop quality, and greater resilience to environmental stressors.

What’s in store for the future?
The future for Qarbotech includes expanding our market presence in Southeast Asia and beyond, further refining our product range, and developing new applications for our nanotechnology. We aim to form strategic partnerships with global agricultural leaders and continue our commitment to research and innovation. Our long-term goal is to be at the forefront of sustainable agricultural technology, contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability.

What one piece of advice would you give other founders or future founders?
One piece of advice for other founders or future founders is to remain resilient and adaptable. The journey of building a startup is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Stay focused on your vision, be open to learning from failures, and continuously seek feedback from your customers and stakeholders. Building a strong network and fostering collaborative partnerships can also provide invaluable support and opportunities for growth.

And finally, a more personal question! What’s your daily routine and the rules you’re living by at the moment?
My daily routine involves starting the day with a clear focus on priorities and goals. I dedicate time to strategic planning, team meetings, and engaging with our partners and customers. Continuous learning is also a key part of my routine, whether through reading, attending industry events, or exploring new innovations.

The rules I live by include maintaining a balance between work and personal life, staying committed to our mission of sustainability, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration within the team. I believe in leading by example and staying true to our values of integrity, innovation, and impact.

Chor Chee Hoe is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qarbotech.

Originally published by Maddyness

Kuala Lumpur, 1 July 2024 – The Asia School of Business (ASB) kicked off the SEMAI Summit on June 27, 2024. The summit aims to foster learning, support, and networking among key players in the social enterprise ecosystem.

The summit, organized by ASB in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, PurpoSE, and the Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED), was inaugurated by the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, YB Datuk Ewon Benedick.

PurpoSE Co-founder & Managing Partner, Wan Dazriq noted that, “Malaysia as a nation has vast potential that has yet to be properly unlocked with respect to the social entrepreneurship movement. From an ecosystem-building standpoint, government support through accreditation, grants, and incentives are already in place. What is lacking are the mass awareness, understanding, and cohesion in the Malaysian social entrepreneurship space. This is what we aim to bridge – the gaps in awareness and buy-in from private and public sector stakeholders through the SEMAI Summit movement.”

ASBhive Impact Challenge Partnership with Yayasan Hasanah
A key highlight of this year’s SEMAI Summit was the launch of the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, in partnership with Yayasan Hasanah. This initiative offers RM250,000 in grants to support social enterprises that are focused on education, community development, and the environment.

The grants aim to support social enterprises at both the seed and growth stages by enhancing their capacity with funds that are easier to access. This initiative is designed to sustain operations, improve fundraising efforts, increase the public’s awareness of social innovation, and scale solutions for positive social and environmental outcomes. Applications for the grants were opened on June 27 and will close on July 31.

Yayasan Hasanah Head of Social Enterprise, Stanley Siva said, “Yayasan Hasanah is dedicated to empowering social enterprises and driving their scalability through the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund. We are committed to expanding our capacity-building efforts through strategic partnerships, network development, and active support for the social enterprise ecosystem in Malaysia. Our collaboration with the Asia School of Business on the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge is a testament to our dedication to broadening our reach and amplifying our impact in this sector.”

ASB Deputy CEO Professor Joseph Cherian added, “ASBhive is our commitment to play a part in the development of social enterprises in Malaysia and thread into the myriad of issues confronting societies across the world. ASBhive may not be able to solve all the world’s social problems. But we endeavour to make a difference through our efforts as we host action-based Social Innovation Challenges that tackle urgent global issues but with a keen focus on making a local impact. Our collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah, through the ASBhive Social Impact Challenge provides grants to Social Enterprises aiming to scale their impact and attain sustainability”

The SEMAI Summit brought together representatives from corporations, government agencies, and social entrepreneurs, making it a meaningful opportunity for diverse sectoral engagements and innovation, and driving forward the social enterprise agenda in Malaysia.

The summit is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, PurpoSE, Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED) and  Asia School of Business.

For more information on the SEMAI Summit, please contact iec@asb.edu.my.

End.

About Social Enterprise SEMAI SUMMIT
The Social Enterprise Malaysia Amplifying Impact (SEMAI) Summit is an inception and collaborative effort driven by Purpose Malaysia and Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED) Malaysia, a community-led movement dedicated to advancing social entrepreneurship from grassroots initiatives to wide-reaching stakeholder involvement. SEMAI’s ambition is to make Malaysia’s social entrepreneurship sector ‘great again’ by fostering an environment where innovative and impactful enterprises can thrive within a whole ecosystem and nation’s support. SEMAI aims to create a supportive ecosystem for local and Malaysian based social entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and access to resources. True to its name, SEMAI signifies ‘sowing’ or ‘seeding,’ reflecting our commitment to gathering and collecting value today for a fruitful and sustainable future in social entrepreneurship.

To know more please visit, https://www.asbhive.edu.my/se-semai/

About ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge
The ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, in partnership by Asia School of Business and Yayasan Hasanah, is set to provide RM 250,000 worth of grants to social enterprises, focusing on education, community development, and the environment. The grant aims to support social enterprises at both seed and growth stages by offering easier access to funding to enhance organizational capacity and capabilities. This initiative will help social enterprises sustain their programs, improve fundraising efforts, raise public awareness about social innovation, and scale their solutions for positive social and environmental outcomes. Applications opened on June 27 and close on July 31.