Satu Creative and Yayasan Hasanah empower Malaysian social enterprises to scale their impact

HSEF Equips Entrepreneurs to Grow Impact Locally and Beyond

Yayasan Hasanah Commits US$213,000 to Boost Social Enterprises in Central & Northern Malaysia in 2025

From the highlands of Sarawak to cutting-edge biotech labs and artisan workshops, three Malaysian social enterprises are demonstrating how purpose-driven businesses can create meaningful change. This progress is supported by the Ministry of Finance and Yayasan Hasanah through the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund (HSEF).

Implemented in partnership with Satu Creative, the fund nurtures and strengthens Malaysia’s social enterprise ecosystem by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and confidence needed to grow their impact.

Earthlings Coffee (Sarawak): Brewing Local Pride

Co-founded by Kenny Lee, Rave Sun Kwok, and Ronnie Kueh, Earthlings started as a coffee roastery and café in Kuching. It quickly evolved into a movement aimed at putting Sarawak coffee on the global stage.

With HSEF support, Earthlings Coffee has trained farmers, introduced sustainable practices, and strengthened the value chain — helping Sarawak coffee gain international recognition.

>”Sarawak coffee has a unique story to tell, and it deserves to be celebrated globally. With the support of Satu Creative and Yayasan Hasanah, we’ve been able to empower farmers, enhance sustainability, and share the richness of Sarawak coffee with the world,” said Kenny Lee, Managing Director of Earthlings Coffee.

Synbiozymes: Science for Sustainability

Co-founded by Hidayah Shahidan, Synbiozymes was established to transform years of biotechnology research into practical, real-world solutions. Focused on enzyme-based innovations to tackle industrial waste, the startup faced challenges bridging laboratory breakthroughs with market readiness.

With HSEF support, Synbiozymes accelerated R&D and piloted enzyme applications with industry partners, moving closer to commercialisation and environmental impact.

>”At Synbiozymes, our mission has always been to transform science into practical solutions for sustainability. The support from both Satu Creative and Yayasan Hasanah enabled us to accelerate our research and bring innovations closer to industry adoption,” said Hidayah Shahidan, Co-founder of Synbiozymes.

Complemen+ Candle: Lighting the Way for Mindful Living

For Amrit Muralidharan, founder of Complemen+ Candle, the journey began with a vision to create candles that are beautiful, eco-conscious, and socially impactful.

The brand employs B40 TVET graduates, vocational youth, and artisans, while using sustainable materials and promoting mindful living. With HSEF support, Complemen+ Candle expanded its artisan network, adopted eco-friendly production methods, and gained visibility in sustainability-focused markets.

>”Our candles are not just products. They represent livelihoods, sustainability, and a sense of community. With the support of Satu Creative and Yayasan Hasanah, we’ve been able to expand our artisan network and reach more people who value mindful living,” said Amrit, founder of Complemen+ Candle.

Driving Impact Through Partnerships

What inspires us most is how social enterprises like Earthlings Coffee, Synbiozymes, and Complemen+ Candle co-create solutions that nurture both livelihoods and planetary well-being. Their journeys remind us that purpose and innovation can go hand in hand.

>”With the support of Yayasan Hasanah, we are hopeful that more social enterprises can continue to innovate, scale their impact, and shape a future that is sustainable and inclusive,” said Azuar Zainuddin, CEO of Satu Creative.

At Yayasan Hasanah, we believe that even the smallest spark of an idea can shift entire systems when given the right support. From transforming industrial waste into new possibilities, to turning handcrafted candles into livelihoods for B40 youth, to helping farmers cultivate sustainably — these enterprises remind us that social change is not a one-off act of giving, but a reimagining of how we live and work together.

>”Social enterprises stand at the intersection of profit and purpose, and we are proud to be a partner in their journey to shape a more sustainable and inclusive Malaysia,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah.

Together, Satu Creative and Yayasan Hasanah are cultivating a stronger social enterprise ecosystem in Malaysia—one that empowers changemakers to scale their ideas, strengthen communities, and build sustainable futures.

As part of this commitment, Yayasan Hasanah has announced an allocation of US$213,000 (RM1 million) under the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund to support social enterprises in Malaysia’s central and northern regions in 2025.

Implemented in partnership with Satu Creative, the fund will provide purpose-driven entrepreneurs access to resources, capacity-building, and opportunities to expand their impact locally and beyond.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/startups/satu-creative-and-yayasan-hasanah-empower-malaysian-social-enterprises-scale-their-impact

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