AFTER operating for nearly two decades, an established soup kitchen in Kuala Lumpur has received a makeover.
Signature International Bhd and Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) have unveiled what is being billed as a first-of-its-kind, corporate-led “2-in-1 Dual Food Distribution Kitchen and Empowerment Centre” combining food aid with skills development under one roof.
The revamped facility in Jalan Barat, off Jalan Imbi in the city, will support KSK’s daily meal preparation and distribution while doubling as a space for cooking, baking and other skills development programmes.
“For Signature, whose business has centred on creating functional living spaces for more than three decades, the project presented an opportunity to contribute its design, manufacturing, installation and project management capabilities,” said its chief executive officer Lau Kock Sang.
“The question before us was never whether we should help, but how we could contribute in the most meaningful way.
“That belief sits at the heart of Signature Cares (its corporate responsibility platform).”
The renovation entailed removing old kitchen counters and completely redoing the kitchen while adding extra storage and two ovens.
It took several months while KSK continued operating as usual.
“This revitalised centre will allow us to prepare and distribute meals more efficiently,” added KSK general manager Justin Cheah Kok Leong during the unveiling event.
Also in attendance were Signature brand ambassador Diana Danielle, KSK assistant general manager Natasya Pawanteh and Signature branding and customer engagement general manager Natasha Hashim.
The kitchen staff said they were now able to work more efficiently and bake, which was something they had not been able to do before this.
“This is my dream kitchen,” said a KSK staff named Maya who has served for eight years.
The partnership would also see both organisations explore future volunteer initiatives, community engagement activities and empowerment programmes.
Signature employees, known as Signatorians, also contributed essential dry food items to KSK’s Food Bank Initiative.
Lau hoped the centre would ultimately be remembered not only as a redesigned kitchen, but as a place where people can find “not only a warm meal, but renewed dignity” and “not only a new skill, but a new future”.
“Because that is how communities are transformed – not through a single act of generosity, but through opportunities that continue creating opportunities.”
