KUALA LUMPUR: AEON Bank (M) Bhd has partnered with SURI Inspirasi Sdn Bhd to launch the Sustainable. Reliable. Income (S.R.I.) programme, aimed at equipping youth and mothers from low-income communities with income-generating sewing skills.
The initiative, aligned with Bank Negara Malaysia’s iTEKAD social finance programme, targets 60 participants across three cohorts, each undergoing six months of training.
In a statement, AEON Bank said the programme, which began in March 2026, provides participants aged 18 to 60 with skills, tools and financial access to build sustainable livelihoods.
It focuses on individuals from financially challenged backgrounds, including single-income households and those with irregular income.
Participants will also contribute to the MySURi Seragam initiative, producing 1,000 school uniforms for students from low-income families, orphanages and charity homes, while earning additional income.
Training includes sewing, product development and Indigo Shibori tie-dye techniques using upcycled materials such as denim and linen. Graduates will be able to produce premium sustainable products for sale via SURI’s platform or consignment channels, with proceeds returned to participants.
To enhance market readiness, AEON Bank and SURI are collaborating with Zucchini & Co. to provide digital marketing and mobile photography training.
Upon completion, participants will receive portable sewing machines and undergo financial literacy training, including onboarding to AEON Bank’s digital app and guidance on cybersecurity and financial tools.
The S.R.I. programme marks AEON Bank’s second iTEKAD initiative, following its earlier GrowthStart programme, which engaged 65 female microentrepreneurs.
AEON Bank said the initiative reinforces its commitment to financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities towards economic independence.
