The Asia School of Business (ASB) showcased top social enterprises at the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge Demo Day, an event by ASB’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) in partnership with Yayasan Hasanah, through the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund (HSEF), following its launch at the recent SEMAI Summit. Six social enterprises—Bionature Scientific Solution, Chipt, Jom MakCik Sdn Bhd, Popular Meadows, QuinTerra PLT, and SEA Intervention & Rehabilitation Centre (SEAcademy)—were recognized for their potential to make a meaningful impact. Each was awarded a minimum of RM50,000, along with access to the ASBhive Co-Working Space and opportunities to participate at the TBN Asia Conference in Singapore. 

The pitches were evaluated based on innovation, scalability, and impact. The high-quality presentations underscored the strength and dedication of these social enterprises. The judging panel included Asia School of Business Deputy Chief Executive Officer Professor Joseph Cherian; Yayasan Hasanah Head of Social Enterprise Stanley Siva; and Impact Invest and Co-Founder of Wiki Impact, Elisa Khong. 

Reflecting on the event, Professor Joseph Cherian remarked, “The innovative thinking and commitment displayed by all the finalists today demonstrate the potential of social enterprises to drive transformative change. At ASB, we are deeply committed to fostering innovation and engagement, and programs like ASBhive Hasanah Social Impact Challenge reflect our dedication to making a meaningful impact.” 

Puan Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Trustee & Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah, shared, “These social enterprises are stepping up to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in our communities. By partnering with ASB, we’ve been able to provide them with the support they need to grow and make a change.”  

“This aligns with the core of Hasanah, where our work under the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund (HSEF), supported by the Ministry of Finance, centers on a commitment to backing businesses that don’t just thrive but uplift those around them. Ultimately, our vision for HSEF extends beyond individual success to catalyze the development of Malaysia’s social enterprise sector, driving sustainable growth, enhancing social mobility, and fostering equitable wealth distribution nationwide. Through these efforts, we aim to position Malaysia as a leader in social innovation and sustainable development in the region and beyond. I’m excited to see how these initiatives will continue to drive meaningful change for a fairer, more sustainable future for our nation. 

Among the winners, Jom MakCik Sdn Bhd, QuinTerra PLT, and Bionature Scientific Solution stand out for their innovative approaches to real-world challenges, offering valuable insights into how social enterprises can create lasting change: 

Committed to social impact, Jom MakCik Sdn Bhd focuses on empowering women through transportation services, providing safe and accessible options for senior citizens while promoting female drivers. Sharing her thoughts on the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, Jom MakCik Sdn Bhd Co-Founder & CEO Dr Sazlina Kamaralzaman said, “This challenge has highlighted how our work impacts both users and their families. By offering care and companionship, we allow families to focus on their lives, knowing their loved ones are well cared for. The funding will help us enhance our system with identity verification, activity tracking, and a rewards program for women, improving transportation safety and empowering women financially.”  

QuinTerra PLT focuses on environmental sustainability by transforming food waste into nutritious products through methods like Black Soldier Fly larvae and aquaponics. Speaking on the impact of the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, QuinTerra PLT Co-Founder Jing Chen said, “The ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge has made me realize the far-reaching potential of social enterprises in addressing environmental and social goals. Thanks to this prize, QuinTerra can further reduce food waste, lower emissions, and turn waste into valuable resources for sustainable food production. We also aim to expand our circular economy model, providing fresh food and boosting food security in the community.” 

Bionature Scientific Solution blends natural ingredients with scientific research to create products that enhance well-being and promote environmental sustainability. Reflecting on the challenge, Bionature Scientific Solution Director Fatimah Suhaily said, “This challenge reaffirmed my belief in the power of businesses to create positive change. It’s not just about profit—it’s about making a lasting impact. Winning will help us grow our visibility, attract partners, and advance our mission of promoting health and sustainability.” 

In addition to the winning enterprises, other finalists showcased impactful solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges:  

• Chipt (winner): Introducing an innovative smart cup system that helps reduce single-use waste, fostering a culture of sustainability in both businesses and consumers. 
• Popular Meadows (winner): Advocating for a mindful approach to consumption, focusing on sustainable food production and distribution systems that benefit both people and the environment. 
• SEA Intervention & Rehabilitation Centre (SEAcademy) (winner): Providing tailored rehabilitation and training solutions for children and adolescents with special needs, helping them prepare for meaningful workforce participation and improving their quality of life. 
• Bam&Boo Enterprises: Combining traditional craftsmanship with eco-friendly design, offering a range of bamboo-based products that promote sustainable living and reduce reliance on plastics. 
• ENOKU: Dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces by offering employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, empowering them to thrive professionally while promoting diversity in the workforce. 
• Fix Stitch: Addressing fashion waste by extending the life of garments through high-quality repairs and alterations, encouraging sustainable consumption in the fashion industry. 
• Paper Box: Tackling food waste by connecting surplus food from businesses with consumers in need, ensuring that nutritious food doesn’t go to waste and reducing the environmental impact of waste. 

Driven by ASB’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), the success of the ASBhive Hasanah Impact Challenge highlights ASB’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem for social enterprises. By providing essential resources and connections, ASB empowers social entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.