Empowering Rural Communities, One Harvest at a Time

Originally published on Malaysiakini by Michelle Nandini. Published: Feb 20, 2025

Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) is on a journey to make a positive impact in the communities where it operates. With nearly six decades of operations in Malaysia, the brewer has long strived to create lasting change that benefits the local communities and has collaborated with like-minded stakeholders to drive this effort.

In 2021, HEINEKEN Malaysia launched its HEINEKEN Cares programme in response to the calls for aid at the height of the pandemic. Through the programme, HEINEKEN Malaysia has invested RM1.8 million in collaborations with several local NGOs to address the needs of vulnerable communities.

One of its most notable collaborations has been with Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), a remarkable group of women who have carried out several projects to help marginalised communities through environmental and upskilling projects.

The partnership’s roots trace back to Kampung Gana, Sabah, in 2018, where HEINEKEN Malaysia and SIROM introduced organic farming on two acres of land, supported by a gravity-fed water system. This initiative did more than provide nutritious food; it also empowered women in the community to earn additional income by selling surplus produce at local markets, fostering both well-being and economic resilience.

"Our partnership with SIROM has come a long way since it began in 2018 with the project in Sabah. SIROM has been an invaluable partner, bringing not just their expertise but a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Together, we’ve been able to go beyond short-term aid, to focus on making a long-lasting impact,” said Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs and Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia.

Band Together to Make a Difference

In 2021, this collaboration extended beyond organic farming. When floods devastated Kampung Jawa in Klang Valley, HEINEKEN Cares and SIROM mobilised swiftly, delivering essential meals and emergency care packages to affected families.

Their focus then transitioned to long-term sustainable solutions in 2022, introducing alternative water systems and organic farming in Long Tanyit, Sarawak, and Kota Marudu, Sabah. Through this, the communities were equipped with the tools and knowledge in building resilience to thrive independently. Women, in particular, found new roles as entrepreneurs, earning incomes that improved their families' livelihoods.

Uniting for a Shared Goal

In 2023, HEINEKEN Cares and Sokong by Malaysiakini partnered to create a lasting impact in local communities, reflecting HEINEKEN Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and community upliftment. Their support played a key role in an initiative in December 2023 at Kampung Sg. Lebak, Bentong, Pahang, where SIROM led a project to empower the Orang Asli community through aquaponics farming, promoting self-reliance and sustainable growth.

“We strive to continue making a positive impact where we operate, staying true to our purpose of brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world,” added Renuka.

Through the collaboration, SIROM continued to expand their efforts, supporting more Orang Asli villagers in 2024. The initiatives focused on tackling food insecurity, economic barriers, and entrepreneurial gaps, laying the groundwork for lasting change.

"Through HEINEKEN Cares, we've been able to scale our efforts and reach communities that often go unnoticed. A small gesture can go a long way to help those in need," shared Joanne Yeoh from SIROM.

Cultivating Hope: The Rockmelon Farming Project

“At the heart of Kampung Sg. Lebak's transformation is a thriving rockmelon farm. This venture addressed critical issues like food insecurity, lack of sustainable incomes, and limited entrepreneurial skills. Women from the village took the lead, managing the farm, tracking harvests, and gradually transforming their roles from passive participants to confident, capable farmers.” said Joanne.

The outcomes speak volumes. By August 2024, the community had generated RM37,000 in sales, with 15% coming from fish farming—a testament to the project's diversified approach.

Beyond numbers, the real impact was seen in the villagers' growing confidence, particularly among women. For Nuar from Kampung Sg Lebak, working at the farm has been more than just a job—it’s a source of pride and purpose. She’s grateful to earn an income that supports her family while enjoying the hands-on activities of farm life. Every day brings new lessons, and being an assistant supervisor, she can continue learning and guiding others.

Looking Ahead: Phase 2 and the Aquaponics Expansion

With the foundation laid, SIROM is gearing up for Phase 2—introducing aquaponics farming to further enhance food security. This phase aims to:

• Improve livelihoods by offering regular wages to Orang Asli farm workers at Kampung Sg Lebak.
• Encourage youth participation through the Geran Agropreneur Muda grant.
• Promote sustainability by introducing alternative animal feed sources like kitchen waste composting and vermiculture.
• To boost self-sustainability by saving rockmelon seeds and allocating planting tanks.
• Enhance community health with a steady supply of nutritious food.

"Partnerships are the backbone of change. Collaborations with HEINEKEN Cares and Sokong have provided vital resources, from funding to logistical support. Such partnerships transform charitable efforts into lasting, impactful change, ensuring that communities are not just fed but also empowered to thrive independently," Joanne reflects.

Join the Movement

Every thriving harvest starts with a single seed—and your support can be that seed for communities like Kampung Sg. Lebak. For every RM10 you donate, HEINEKEN Malaysia will contribute RM40, amplifying your impact and nurturing sustainable futures.

Join us today: https://sokong.org/campaigns/heineken-cares-2024

Discover more about HEINEKEN Malaysia’s sustainability journey and how you can make a difference.