- Invested US$ 407, 400 with regional Organizations to support vulnerable populations
- collaborated with SIrom on climate initiatives for underprivileged areas.
Heineken Malaysia Berhad ( Heineken Malaysia ) is attempting to positively affect the communities in which it operates. The brewer has long worked with like-minded participants to promote this work and has collaborated with them in this endeavor. With almost six years of operations in Malaysia, he has long sought to make lasting change that benefits the neighborhood areas.
Heineken Cares was established in 2021 as a reaction to the pandemic’s soaring need for assistance. Through the programme, Heineken Malaysia has invested US$ 407, 400 ( RM1.8 million ) in cooperation with several local NGOs to address the needs of vulnerable communities.
One of its most notable partnerships has been with the impressive group of women who have led diverse initiatives to support marginalized communities through mentoring and environmental projects.
The firm’s roots trace back to Kampung Gana, Sabah, in 2018, where Heineken Malaysia and Sirom introduced natural gardening on two acres of land, supported by a gravity-fed liquid system. This action promoted both well-being and economic resilience by empowering women in the community to sell surplus produce at local industry, as well as providing nutritious food.
” Our collaboration with Sirom has improved significantly since our initial collaboration with the Sabah project began in 2018.” Sirom has been a valuable companion, bringing not only their skills but also a thorough understanding of the societies they serve. Together, we’ve been able to go beyond short-term aid, to focus on making a long-lasting impact”, said Renuka Indrarajah ( pic ), Corporate Affairs and Legal director of Heineken Malaysia.
Band up to make a distinction
In 2021, this engagement extended beyond organic gardening. Heineken Cares and Sirom mobilized quickly to provide necessary foods and emergency care to the destroyed Kampung Jawa in the Klang Valley.  ,
Their target then transitioned to long-term lasting solutions in 2022, introducing other water systems and organic gardening in Long Tanyit, Sarawak, and Kota Marudu, Sabah. Through this, the societies were given the tools and training to develop endurance so that they could live independently. Women, in particular, found fresh roles as businesses, earning wages that improved their families ‘ livelihoods.
Bringing together for a common cause
In 2023, Heineken Cares and Sokong by Malaysiakini partnered to create a lasting effect in nearby communities, reflecting Heineken Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and society improvement. Their support was crucial to a Kampung Sg program in December 2023. Lebak, Bentong, Pahang, where Sirom led a task to enable the Orang Asli area through gardening farming, promoting self-reliance and green development.
We continue to have a positive effect wherever we are, staying true to our goal of fostering genuine community and creating a better earth, Renuka said.
Through the engagement, Sirom continued to expand their work, supporting more Orang Asli people in 2024. The efforts focused on tackling food insecurity, economic obstacles, and enterprising spaces, laying the groundwork for lasting change.
” Through Heineken Cares, we’ve been able to scale our efforts and achieve communities that often go unnoticed. Joanne Yeoh from Sirom said,” A simple act can assist those in need.
Cultivating desire: The rockmelon planting project
” At the heart of Kampung Sg. Lebak’s conversion is a thriving rockmelon land. This opportunity addressed vital issues like food uncertainty, lack of lasting incomes, and minimal entrepreneurial skills. Girls from the town took the lead, managing the land, tracking crops, and gradually transforming their roles from quiet participants to confident, ready farmers”. said Yeoh.  ,
The results speak levels. By August 2024, the community had generated US$ 8, 700 ( RM37, 000 ) in sales, with 15 % coming from fish farming—a testament to the project’s diversified approach.  ,
]RM1 = US$ 0.22]
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Beyond figures, the true impact was seen in the villagers ‘ growing confidence, especially among women. Working on the land has been more than simply a job, according to Nuar from Kampung Sg Lebak; it also serves as a sense of purpose. She appreciates having the hands-on responsibilities of farm life while earning money that helps her home. Every day brings new classes, and being an associate superintendent, she can continue teaching and guiding people.
Looking forward: Step two and the gardening development
Sirom is gearing up for Phase two, which will introduce hydroponics farming to further strengthen food safety, with the base set. This step aims to:
- Enhance incomes by providing regular pay to Kampung Sg Lebak farm workers.
- Promote children involvement with the Geran Agropreneur Muda offer.
- Promoting sustainability through the use of other animal feed sources like composting and composting in kitchens.
- By donating farming vehicles and saving rockmelon seeds, to promote self-sustainability.
- Improve community health by maintaining a constant source of wholesome meal.
” Alliances are the foundation of change. Cooperation with Heineken Cares and Sokong have provided essential sources, from funding to administrative assistance. For partnerships change benevolent efforts into lasting, effective change, ensuring that communities are not just fed but even empowered to grow independently”, Yeoh reflects.
Join the movement
Your support can help areas like Kampung Sg grow from a single plant, which every successful harvest begins with. Lebak. For every RM10 you donate, HEINEKEN Malaysia will add RM40, amplifying your influence and nurturing green future.
Join us today: https ://sokong .org/campaigns/heineken-cares-2024  , ,
Discover more about Heineken Malaysia’s conservation journey and how you can make a difference.