BY LISA NGUI LEE HUA
IN recent years, a new generation of entrepreneurs has emerged to redefine and reshape the business landscape in the Land of Hornbills, Sarawak.
This group of entrepreneurs had succeeded in proving that businesses can be financially viable while being socially responsible.
They are the altruistic social entrepreneurs who have demonstrated that a successful business can achieve positive social influence along with financial gain while delivering economic progress to the society and country as a whole.
What is Altruistic Social Entrepreneurship?
Altruistic social entrepreneurship is a business practice that blends the individualistic intention of chasing profit with a selfless spirit of upholding and improving society’s wellbeing.
It is a form of altruistic capitalism that does not only assess all human actions based on profit-orientated goals but manages to prove that both profit and purpose can co-exist.
Indeed, altruistic social entrepreneurs are the innovative business owners who attempt to establish new benchmarks for ethical business practices by associating their company strategy with their social goals.
Unlike traditional businesses, they ensure that a connection is built to link businesses with compassion by generating a positive social impact in the form of an inclusive income system, more stable and sustainable job opportunities, reducing or minimising the negative impact on the environment, and progressing towards a fairer and equal distribution of the economy’s wealth.
Empowering Altruistic Social Entrepreneurship through Government Initiatives
In Sarawak, under the leadership of our visionary Premier, we are fortunate to have a government that cares for its people.
As our beloved state continues its journey towards achieving a developed status by 2030, the role of altruistic social entrepreneurs has become even more significant and crucial.
Recognising the significant influence of altruistic social enterprises, the Sarawak government has launched the SE*Hebat Sarawak Blueprint in 2022, a comprehensive framework that outlines four strategic thrusts and 31 key strategies to create a vibrant ecosystem that supports altruistic social entrepreneurship, in accordance with the federal government’s Social Enterprise Action Framework 2030 (SEMy2030).
Encompassing four vital areas such as policy and regulation, financing solutions, infrastructure and human capital, as well as information knowledge and networks, this blueprint laid a strong foundation for the growth of altruistic social entrepreneurship in Sarawak.
Trailblazers of Change: Altruistic Social Enterprises Making a Difference
Let us take a look at a few outstanding altruistic social enterprises that have made noteworthy contributions in improving the socio-economic status of local communities.
For instance, Tanoti has expanded from a small workshop to an award-winning enterprise that employs over 600 artisans across 25 communities while preserving the ancient art of songket weaving.
The Ranee Artisan Gallery, initially a small gift shop, has grown into a thriving business supporting various charities, NGOs, and independent artisans, helping rural people to earn extra income of up to RM10,000 per year through craft projects.
In addition to creating jobs, both Tanoti and Ranee contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of resilient communities.
Pepper Labs is another inspirational accomplishment that we cannot leave out. Setting a benchmark for an impactful and sustainable business model, Pepper Labs has served as an inspiration and role model for aspiring altruistic social entrepreneurs across Malaysia and beyond.
Founded in 2015, the company has evolved from its initial venture, Masala Wheels, into a multi-faceted organisation driving social transformation through economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Pepper Labs has pioneered an innovative approach that combines capacity building, employment opportunities, and micro entrepreneurship support for marginalised communities.
This ground-breaking strategy has earned the company international recognition, winning the ASEAN Business Awards 2021 for Inclusive Business.
Besides, Pepper Labs has achieved success with initiatives like Dapur Digital, which empowers women in low-income communities to become food entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, its pioneering achievement of transferring full ownership of Masala Wheels, one of its enterprise restaurants, to a group of former beneficiaries exemplifies how altruistic social enterprises can create meaningful and long-lasting positive impact on society.
A Better Tomorrow
As we move forward, it is hoped that the success of Sarawak will be measured not only in ringgit and cents but also in the number of lives that we improved and the different communities that we managed to transform.
By upholding the principle of “doing well by doing good,” the altruistic entrepreneurs of Sarawak can help bring positive impact by making the state’s economy more inclusive and sustainable for all while pursuing business success.
Furthermore, educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities could play a crucial role in fostering altruistic social entrepreneurship by integrating social entrepreneurial knowledge into their programmes and courses to effectively instil the value of altruistic social entrepreneurship in students — our future leaders.
We might also raise public awareness about the significance of supporting altruistic social enterprises.
This would allow us to build a society that understands, embraces, and supports altruistic social enterprises that give precedence to beneficial social impact over personal monetary gain.
Wisdom from the Guru
Altruistic social entrepreneurship beautifully echoes with the wisdom of Kazuo Inamori, Japan’s legendary “God of Business,” who has touched countless lives with his belief that true success in life derives from practising altruism rather than self-interest.
Through his own journey, Inamori demonstrated to us the transformative power of being altruistic—we can bring success and happiness to everyone around us, including ourselves.
Indeed, the success story of Inamori is a powerful and heartening reminder that business acumen and compassion can walk hand in hand for the benefit of all in a world where many businesses prioritise profits above all else.
● Lisa Ngui Lee Hua, School of Business, Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
