Klang: Twenty women from B40 and vulnerable low-income communities have completed an 11-week sewing training programme under WCT Holdings Bhd's (WCT) WCTGives 'Threads of Hope' corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme, conducted in collaboration with Grace Community Services (GCS) and Hazel and Nutz, was designed to equip participants with practical, income-generating sewing skills while building their confidence, capabilities, and financial resilience.
WCT stated that the initiative was supported by their contribution of approximately RM42,000, including the sponsorship of 10 sewing machines, essential sewing tools, and materials. These sewing machines will remain at the GCS community centre to support continued skills development and future training initiatives.
The weekly four-hour sessions were held at GCS headquarters in Klang and were conducted by Hazel and Nutz founder Hazel Loke. Loke guided participants through pattern drafting, fabric cutting, and sewing construction before progressing to practical sewing projects. Throughout the programme, participants created various handmade items such as drawstring bags, cushion covers, reversible tote bags, batwing blouses, basic skirts, aprons, upcycled denim bags, tissue pouches, and scrunchies.
A budgeting and costing class was also included to provide participants with basic knowledge of product pricing and planning, allowing them to understand how their sewing skills could potentially be turned into income-generating opportunities. WCT deputy managing director Datuk Peter Chow remarked that the initiative reflected the company's belief in creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and realise their potential.
Meanwhile, Hazel Loke noted that the programme helped participants develop skills beyond sewing, particularly in entrepreneurship, goal-setting, and teamwork. Participants also put their newly acquired skills into practice through a pre-order sale of their products to WCT employees, generating approximately RM2,555 in sales. This sale offered them firsthand experience in producing handmade products for customers and appreciating the commercial potential of their skills.
Participant T. Premesvery shared that the programme had boosted her confidence and inspired her to pursue sewing as a potential source of income. The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the participants' training, with each receiving a certificate of completion and showcasing their sewing projects produced during the programme.