SIROM x HEINEKEN Malaysia x Sokong: Sustainability Day 2025

Embracing Sustainable Living Through Aquaponics and Organic Composting

Kuala Lumpur, 14 June 2025 — In conjunction with United Nations (UN) Environment Day, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), HEINEKEN Malaysia, and Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini, proudly presented Sustainability Day 2025—a community-powered initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices and building more sustainable food systems.

Held at Good Growers Farm in Bentong, the event highlighted two practical and impactful approaches to sustainability: aquaponics farming and organic composting. These methods provide scalable solutions that empower communities to actively contribute to food security, environmental preservation, and climate resilience.

Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, educational demonstrations, and community dialogues, making it a meaningful day of learning, collaboration, and action. This effort reflects the spirit of the 2025 UN Environment Day theme:

“Our Land. Our Future. We Are #GenerationRestoration.”

“Sustainability Day is about more than awareness—it’s about action,” said Rebecca Lai, President of SIROM. “Aquaponics and composting provide scalable, low-carbon impact solutions to food waste, water conservation, and urban farming challenges. These practices demonstrate how communities can take charge of their own sustainability.”

Aquaponics, a method that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics, uses up to 90% less water than conventional farming and supports chemical-free, year-round food production. Meanwhile, organic composting transforms kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill use while enhancing soil health and biodiversity.

These practices directly support Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

“At Heineken Malaysia, we believe true progress begins at the grassroots. Our partnership with Soroptimist International since 2017 has been a testament to the power of community-driven change, where food security, sustainability, and women's empowerment come together to build resilient futures. Together, we're not just growing crops, we're cultivating opportunity and long-term impact,” said Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia.

The event embodies a shared dedication to inclusive, community-led climate action. As part of its Brew a Better World sustainability strategy, HEINEKEN Malaysia continues to invest in environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Puteri Afiqah Mazelan, Community & Marketing Manager of Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini, added: “At Sokong, we’re proud to connect changemakers and grassroots organisations who are doing the real work on the ground. Sustainability Day is a great example of how collective action—supported by strong partnerships—can spark long-term change.”

As a digital fundraising and impact platform, Sokong is committed to amplifying causes that matter—whether through community engagement, public awareness, or funding for environmental and social initiatives.

SIROM, a national body under Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific, continues to lead efforts in empowering women and uplifting communities through sustainable development and environmental education.

Sustainability Day 2025 is more than just a celebration of green practices—it is a reminder of what’s possible when communities, corporations, and civil society come together.

Hand in hand, HEINEKEN Malaysia, Sokong, and SIROM are planting the seeds of lasting change—one household, one garden, one community at a time.