Category: Featured in the Media

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.

Read the full article HERE.
Originally published by The Edge.

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.

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 MY.

KUALA LUMPUR (June 18): Over 400 smallholder farmers have achieved the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Independent Smallholder (ISH) 2019 certification under the P&G smallholders programme, according to the P&G Centre for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) Impact Report 2024. Another 400 ISHs are expected to be certified by the end of 2025.

Additionally, 306 certified ISHs have received a total of US$42,630 (RM200,949) in RSPO premium from 2021 to 2023 for their certified palm produce, states the report. Increased earnings as a result of certifications mean farmers are able to improve agricultural practices and serve local communities.

The P&G CSS programme was established by funding from Proctor and Gamble in 2018. It aims to facilitate the production of certified sustainable palm oil from ISH in the districts of Pontian and Batu Pahat.

CSS, which is housed in the Asia School of Business (ASB), ensures farmers adhere to local sustainability standards such as the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and facilitates certification towards the RSPO ISH 2019. The RSPO ISH 2019 comprises three phases, and may take a farmer up to 36 months to obtain certification.

To further support ISH farmers in their certification journey, Pertubuhan Tani Niaga Lestari Negeri Johor was established by CSS to achieve certification through RSPO and MSPO training. The training helps farmers improve the quality and yield of their oil palm and connects them to local and international markets.

However, achieving certification is not the end of the road, notes the report. Surveillance audits are conducted annually as RSPO certifications are valid for five years. The audits ensure that certified farmers and farms continue to address core sectoral sustainability concerns within the palm oil industry. This includes deforestation, fire, biodiversity loss, peat land drainage, forced labour and land tenure conflict.

The CSS’ continuous improvement programme supports ISHs in their annual surveillance audits to ensure the farmers maintain production of certified produce as well as continue being eligible for RSPO premiums. Good agricultural practices and best management practices training to all ISHs was introduced in 2024 by CSS.

Post-certification selected farms are also modelled as learning farms. The aim for learning farms is to provide a picture of a well-managed palm oil farm, operate as a learning and research centre and facilitate a smooth transition to sustainable agriculture.

Starting from nine farms in 2020, the programme has achieved 250 learning farms in the final quarter of 2023. CCS benefits from 19 control learning farms used for data collection and benchmarking for CCS research. Some key findings that resulted from the research include nutrient management, best farm management practices and yield intensification.

The analysis of data collected from the learning farms also provide insights on the economic and environmental value of growing certified and sustainable palm oil.

Originally published by The Edge.

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 Utusan Sarawak