From Fugeelah to Yellow House KL, these social enterprises empower refugee artisans, cooks and more in Malaysia
Whether shopping for gifts, ordering a meal, or treating yourself or a loved one to a beautiful set of handmade earrings, there's a growing movement among Malaysians to support local businesses and enterprises. For those willing to spend on local brands, many options exist for conscious consumers who consider sustainability, fair trade practices, and ethical labour when making their purchases.
Related: 5 Chic Gift Ideas to Empower Women and Kids in Malaysia
The rise of social enterprises supporting refugees in Malaysia is an excellent example of this. As of May 2023, the UNHCR has registered 181,300 refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia. Addressing the livelihood needs of this vulnerable community in Malaysia, Tatler friends like Deborah Henry, Sasibai Kimis and others have devoted their careers to running businesses that empower and support refugees in various fields, from fashion to food. Here are five social enterprises in Malaysia to support founded by inspiring women.
Kneading Peace
Kneading Peace is a training cafe, charming bakery and creative space in Melaka. It is a social enterprise under Same Skies, an international non-profit organisation that supports refugees and asylum seekers, founded by humanitarians Julia Frei, Bradley Short and Laura O'Neill. Offering chocolate tarts, focaccia bread, paninis, homemade jams and spreads and more, the cafe sells baked goods made by refugee partners and trainees participating in its two-month baking training. The shop is currently closed till July 20 due to the latest training programme.
Fun fact: The volunteer coordinating officer of Kneading Peace, Zahra Rezaei, is an Afghan refugee who has lived in Malaysia since 2018 and was one of the first participants of Kneading Peace's enterprise training programme.
37, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Melaka | sameskies.org/bakery