Pos raya: The Maybank ASEAN Social Impact Grant (MASIG) pilot programme, implemented by Maybank Foundation in partnership with building design company SEAD, has successfully raised the income levels of Orang Asli residents in Kampung Orang Asli Pos Raya and Pos Poi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative, spearheaded by Maybank Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Maybank Foundation CEO, Izlyn Ramli, seeks to enhance the livelihoods of the Orang Asli communities through a renewable economy centered around bamboo products. This effort is supported by an investment of USD$50,000 (RM206,000) from Yayasan Maybank.
The programme emphasizes income-generating activities and the development of the bamboo supply value chain. This includes the production of sustainable building materials, furniture, handicrafts, and agricultural products. "To date, trained participants have recorded an average increase in monthly income of RM2,000, benefiting at least 30 households in both villages," stated Ramli during an event marking the conclusion of the Bamboo-Based Economic Diversification Programme with the Orang Asli Community in Pos Raya.
Ramli further noted that the programme, engaging 80 Orang Asli individuals across both villages, ran for 16 months starting from September last year. "We will continue to monitor the progress of the participants for another year to ensure they can generate income continuously," she added.
In his address at the closing ceremony, Maybank chairman Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa highlighted that while the MASIG programme began with a modest goal, it has made a significant impact by aiding the Orang Asli community in establishing sustainable growth, resilience, and empowerment. He emphasized that the initiative is rooted in Maybank Foundation's Social Impact Theory of Change and aligns with Maybank's broader vision of fostering meaningful social impact.
Zamzamzairani affirmed that the project was crafted to bolster community management and encourage varied income sources by equipping the community with essential tools, knowledge, and systems for long-term sustainability. "The lessons learned from this programme will guide and inspire us to improve future initiatives, ensuring continued benefits for communities across ASEAN," he concluded.