Sabah-based social enterprise Changgih Designs prides itself in giving customers and corporate partners a chance to take a little bit of Sabah home with them through a unique range of handmade gifts and accessories. Dedicated to empowering the local community, Changgih Designs crafts handbags, wallets, accessories, scarves, and clothing, with every product telling a story linked with the life and background of the Sabahan artisans who made them.

By supporting Changgih, you’re buying quality items and helping the livelihood of female Sabahan artisans who would otherwise have no opportunity to earn an income from their homes and support their families. The social enterprise’s recent clientele includes prestigious names like Tourism Malaysia Sabah and Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort. Changgih Designs pays fair wages to its artisans, with 10 per cent of the profits going solely to community development.

Learn more at changgihdesigns.com

The Asli Co. throws this challenge out to the world: “What if every gift you purchased gave back?” An accredited social enterprise co-founded by Front & Female Awards 2023 winner Lim Xin Yu, The Asli Co. is an accredited social enterprise that trains and works with Orang Asli mothers in Selangor, Pahang, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan to produce quality handmade products.

From beautiful hand-crafted soaps and hand-sewn crafts to hand sanitisers and pampering lavender eye pillows, The Asli Co. welcomes bulk and corporate orders as it gives these hard-working Orang Asli mums income and work that will go a long way towards supporting their families and putting their kids through school. Gamuda Land, Beauty & Co., and Deloitte Malaysia are just a few corporations among The Asli Co.’s happy clientele.

Learn more at theasli.co

Batik Boutique, an award-winning social enterprise, has worked closely with big names such as L’Oreal, Ikea, Sephora, and more. Its mission revolves around empowering marginalised artisans to craft beautiful, fair fashion, home goods, and accessories using traditional batik fabric. Collaborating with rural and urban batik artisans across the country, the social enterprise produces batik textiles on natural fibres, transforming them into high products that are ideal for door gifts, customised gifts, and more.

As a B Corp certified company, Batik Boutique produces corporate gifts and premiums that support local artisans, tailored expertly to the organisation’s budgets and branding requirements while leaving a lasting impression on their brand.

Learn more at batikboutique.com

Founded in 2014, Sarawakian social enterprise Catama Borneo is deeply engaged in revitalising traditional crafts and culture across Borneo. Since its inception, Catama has fostered collaborations with local communities, artists, and artisans to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary design. Over a decade, they've accumulated a rich resource catalogue, hosting entrepreneurship sessions for artisans using the British Council's Digital Craft Toolkit.

Catama Borneo has collaborated with Crunchy Handmades to introduce the Pamper Hamper, featuring exquisite handwoven baskets filled with locally sourced, eco-friendly skincare products celebrating Borneon heritage and artisanal excellence.

Learn more at catamaborneo.com

Founded by Melaka-raised entrepreneur Dayana Reza, Nyonya Kain aims to celebrate the versatility of batik fabrics sourced from Kelantan, using it to design and create articles of clothing as well as hair accessories and other collectables. Its goal is to eventually become a social enterprise, giving back to society by supporting various causes, including youth and entrepreneurship mentoring, female empowerment, animal welfare and more. From batik face masks and twilly scarves to clutches, tote bags and even customisable curated ‘care baskets’, Nyonya Kain's wares are bound to impress those who appreciate local craftsmanship.     

Learn more nyonyakain.com

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