In Malaysia, we're proud to have spearheaded a truly unique upcycling workshop in collaboration with MAYBANK, a leading bank in the country.
Here at Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ), our mission is to empower women through sewing, and this partnership allowed us to not only strengthen bonds among employees but also make a meaningful impact on a noble cause.
Unique Team-Building Workshop:
Sustainability At Its Core
It all started with a simple yet powerful idea – to directly impact our community through the platform of KTJ. Through deep discussions with the MAYBANK Legal Team, it became evident that they sought something different, something with lasting impact.
Previous endeavors, while well-intentioned, often fell short of creating the meaningful change we all desired. Learning from these experiences, KTJ proposed a new approach, one centered around sustainability.
Tailored Support For Empowerment
Rather than offering blanket solutions, we delved into the specific needs of our tailors.
We discovered that while many already possessed sewing machines, they lacked essential materials, tools, and equipment necessary to truly flourish in their craft.
With a budget in hand, KTJ carefully selected deserving tailors to receive sponsored machines and tools tailored to their individual needs.
Materials ready to be upcycled
The Power of Hands-On Learning
The culmination of this generous sponsorship came to fruition on the 17th of August 2023, as KTJ and the MAYBANK Legal Team joined forces to organize a transformative team-building workshop.
However, this wasn't your typical corporate affair. Instead, the spotlight shone on our tailors, who took center stage as trainers, sharing their skills and talents in an empowering manner.
The Maybank team hard at work in upcycling discarded materials into useable products - trained by the tailors of KTJ
Bridging Worlds Through Upcycling
As MAYBANK employees immersed themselves in the art of sewing, guided by our skilled tailors, a profound exchange occurred.
Beyond the needle and thread, a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by lower-income women in Malaysia emerged.
Through this unique blend of team building and social responsibility, a sense of pride and purpose blossomed within the MAYBANK team.
Impact Beyond the Workshop
The stories shared by our tailors – Kak Azie, Kak Suganthi, and Kak Enid – served as testaments to the transformative power of our platform.
From generating substantial income to crafting intricate costumes, each tailor showcased the immense potential within our community.
Their journeys not only inspired but also humbled us, reaffirming our commitment to empowerment and community building.
Kak Suganthi and Kak Azie - our two tailors cum trainers.
Conclusion: Sewing the Seeds of Change
Through this collaboration, MAYBANK not only strengthened its team dynamics but also demonstrated its commitment to social impact and sustainability. This partnership serves as a testament to the growing trend among companies to integrate purpose-driven initiatives into their corporate activities.
As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the profound impact that meaningful collaboration can have on individuals and communities alike. Stitch by stitch, we are weaving a tapestry of empowerment and opportunity, one that holds the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Join us as we continue to sew the seeds of change through upcycling workshops and collaborative efforts. Together, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.