Boost for social enterprises

SOCIAL enterprises, which are defined as not-for-profit (and hence social) organisations carrying out economic activities to improve financial, social and environmental well-being, are emerging as important employers in Malaysia.Their activities range from production and sale of handicrafts (Heart Treasures) and reusable sanitary pads (Blubear Holdings Sdn Bhd) to development of aquaponic systems for home and urban farming (Poptani) and modular home-building (EPIC Homes).

Currently, there are about 20,000 social enterprises in Malaysia, including those operated on a voluntary basis, with about 64% based in the Klang Valley.According to Social Enterprise UK, “Social enterprises trade to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment. They make their money from selling goods and services in the open market, but they reinvest their profits back into the business or the local community. And so when they profit, society profits.” (See https://bit.ly/2BuETlR)