WCT Holdings Berhad (WCT) celebrated the successful completion of its WCTGives ‘Threads of Hope’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative with a graduation ceremony for 20 female participants from B40 and vulnerable low-income communities.
Developed in collaboration with Grace Community Services (GCS) and children’s fashion designer and social entrepreneur Hazel and Nutz, the 11-week hands-on sewing training programme was designed to equip participants with practical, income-generating sewing skills while building their confidence, capabilities and financial resilience.
The initiative was supported by WCT’s contribution of approximately RM42,000, including the sponsorship of ten sewing machines, essential sewing tools and materials, with the sewing machines remaining at the GCS community centre to support continued skills development and future training initiatives.
Held at GCS headquarters in Klang, the weekly four-hour sewing lessons were conducted by Hazel and Nutz founder and programme trainer Hazel Loke, who was appointed as the programme trainer.
Participants were guided through foundational techniques such as pattern drafting, fabric cutting and sewing construction, before progressing to the completion of practical sewing projects.
Over the 11-week programme, participants completed a range of sewing projects, including drawstring bags, cushion covers, reversible tote bags, batwing blouses, basic skirts, aprons, upcycled denim bags, tissue pouches, scrunchies and other handmade items.
A budgeting and costing class was also conducted to give participants basic exposure to pricing and product planning. Together, the classes were designed to help participants develop practical skills to produce marketable items, should they choose to continue sewing and explore income-generating opportunities in the future.
The graduation ceremony marked an important milestone for the participants, who received Certificates of Completion in recognition of their commitment throughout the programme.
Participants also showcased their completed sewing projects and shared their experiences, reflecting on the skills, confidence and sense of achievement gained during their learning journey.
WCT deputy managing director Datuk Peter Chow said, “This initiative reflects our belief that meaningful community impact begins with creating opportunities for people to learn, grow and realise what they are capable of achieving.
“We are pleased to have supported a programme that gives participants the encouragement, tools and platform to take their next step with confidence. We hope this journey will continue to open doors for them in the future.”
Loke said, “Teaching this programme has been especially meaningful because it goes beyond sewing.
“The participants have also developed entrepreneurship, goal-setting and teamwork skills, while building meaningful friendships along the way.
“I have seen their confidence grow after every session, and that is what makes teaching so rewarding for me.”
As part of the initiative, participants also had the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills into practice through a pre-order sale of their completed sewing products to WCT employees, generating approximately RM2,555 in sales.
Beyond the amount raised, the sale gave participants first-hand exposure to producing handmade products for potential customers, while reinforcing their confidence in the value of the skills they had developed.
WCTGives ‘Threads of Hope’ participant Premesvery Thangappan said, “This programme has shown me that I am capable of learning and creating something with my own hands. I feel proud of what I have completed, and it has encouraged me to continue sewing and explore how these skills can help me earn an income in the future.”
WCTGives “Threads of Hope” forms part of WCTGives’ #WeCareTogether and #EducationForAll pillars, which support initiatives that strengthen community well-being, build capabilities and create more inclusive opportunities for underserved communities. Launched in 2022, WCTGives also advances environmental stewardship through its #AGreenerTomorrow pillar.
To learn more about WCTGives, visit www.wct.com.my/sustainability/wctgives
