Call for participants | The Star

New programme guided by industry experts to empower and strengthen 10 M’sian social enterprises

BIJI-BIJI Initiative and Ikea Social Entrepreneurship hope to empower marginalised communities across the nation through their newly launched Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia (SEAM) programme.

During the launch, programme lead Yumi Chia said SEAM aimed to bolster 10 Malaysian social enterprises through a pool of USD200,000 (about RM940,000).

“The programme contains three main focus areas, which are empowering social enterprises, strengthening the social enterprise ecosystem and empowering communities through capacity building.

“Through the programme, participants can leverage on guidance from industry experts and Ikea co-workers, community connections as well as various growth opportunities,” she said.

Chia also said the programme was mainly looking for Malaysian social enterprises that advocate for circular economy and waste management, renewable materials and sustainable agriculture, raw materials and reforestation, aquaculture and marine conservation as well as inclusive employment.

“However, we also welcome enterprises which focus on other advocacy causes,” she added.

Also present were Biji-Biji Initiative group chief executive officer Rashvin Pal Singh and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry policy and international relations division (inclusive entrepreneurship section) deputy secretary June Suhaila Saran.

Rashvin hoped that the programme would garner more public support for causes initiated by Malaysian social enterprises.

“This programme seeks to establish meaningful partnerships with social entrepreneurs, government agencies and corporations for policy support and procurement purposes,” he said.

“We hope the public will not only support social enterprises by purchasing their products, but also advocate for their business models and causes.”

June Suhaila said social enterprises were the driving force behind innovation and progress.

“The ministry is committed to supporting and expanding social enterprises across Malaysia as they offer solutions that not only generate economic value but also leave a lasting positive impact on the community,” she said.

The government was actively supporting social enterprises through a multilevel accreditation system under the Malaysia Social Entrepreneurship Blueprint 2030, she said.

“As of May 27, our database has 42 aspiring, 224 basic and 20 accredited social enterprises.

“While the figures may seem small, they represent a significant step towards a better collaboration between the government and social enterprises to address social challenges.

“The government has also introduced various incentives such as tax exemption to encourage businesses to adopt the social enterprise model,” she added.

To be eligible for the 12-month programme, SEAM applicants need to undergo four phases of evaluation which will last until Aug 15.

In the first three phases, applicants are required to pass an eligibility assessment and submit their business growth plan.

Shortlisted applicants will undergo a virtual due diligence chat with SEAM’s selection committee in the fourth phase.

Social enterprises that are registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia or Registrar of Societies for at least two years with the purpose of solving social issues are encouraged to apply.