Taylor's University Impact Lab Empowers B40 Malaysian Women Through Ibu.Niaga Project

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02 Jan 2024

3 Min Read

Taylor's Impact Lab (Eradicating Poverty)
IN THIS ARTICLE

Committed to “Leave No One Behind”, in response to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Taylor’s University Impact Lab on Eradicating Poverty launched “Ibu.Niaga”, a project aimed at empowering and enabling marginalised communities. Focusing on B40 Malaysian women, this transformative initiative seeks to improve lives by offering a pathway to economic and emotional freedom. 

 

In partnership with the ADUN (State Legislative Assemblies) of Seri Setia, along with sponsors Milores Sdn Bhd and Sricool Engineering, this project equips B40 women with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to launch successful enterprises and achieve financial independence.  

 

“B40 women in Malaysia face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic needs, emotional and social support, job opportunities, and upskilling courses. Gender disparities persist, with women aged 25-34 facing acute poverty gaps. We envision being able to actively empower them, aligning with our mission to eradicate poverty and restore dignity,” says Professor Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Director of Eradicating Poverty Impact Lab.

The Ibu.Niaga Project's Impact

Project beneficiary Amelyne Lee Kwee Hue expressed her delight saying: “It was a wonderful and fruitful experience for me to take part in this programme. I have learnt how to make pastries, create TikTok reels, and the students gave helpful opinions and ideas to promote my business. All the students and staff from Taylor Uni were so supportive.”  

 

Piloting in August 2022 as a "Womenpreneur" programme with 50 beneficiaries, the project was rebranded to Ibu.Niaga in March 2023 with 30 beneficiaries. The programme incorporated five modules involving 600 Taylor's University students. The project also conducted a two-day bazaar at the Taylor's University campus, which generated total sales of close to RM32,000!  

 

Through Ibu.Niaga, students learnt how to apply purpose-led learning to real-world problems. They gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by communities in need during the Needs Assessment, Bootcamp, and Bazaar phases of the programme.

Two Taylors' student chefs preparing food at an outdoor cooking demonstration

Nadia, a Psychology student participant shared: “I feel happy that this Impact Lab event happened as it was an eye-opening experience for me to learn and perhaps put myself in their position.”

 

Deputy Director Associate Professor Dr. Wan Puspa Melati Wan Abdul Halim points out that "Ibu.Niaga is not solely about 'hard skills’. We integrate psychology-related workshops, financial literacy training, social media marketing, and culinary skills development.” The project participants also gained access to a valuable e-recipe book containing 60 easy, healthy, and affordable recipes especially crafted for them by the Chefs and students from Taylor’s Culinary Institute. “ We're also proud to have received substantial moral and marketing-related support from well-known celebrities and social media influencers,” adds Dr. Melati.

 

“Ibu.Niaga is an amazing project. It was wonderful to see sincere smiles and feel real happiness coming from both ends,” says Malaysian singer Atilia Haron.

"Large diverse group of smiling Taylor's students posing for a group photo in a spacious outdoor area with a covered walkway

Taylor's University's Eradicating Poverty Impact Lab is committed to delivering innovative approaches to ending poverty and restoring dignity for those in need. For inquiries on collaborating with Taylor's University's Eradicating Poverty Impact Lab, contact us to explore future initiatives.
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