SOLS Foundation and SAGEMAKER ASIA PLT (“SAGEMAKER”) have been selected as the latest beneficiaries of Yinson Holdings Berhad’s (“Yinson” or “the Group”) flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) programme, Yinson4Youth (“Y4Y”). Each organisation was awarded a RM50,000 grant, along with mentorship from Yinson professionals who will provide the beneficiaries with guidance and support throughout the course of their projects. The grant award ceremony was held today at Yinson’s Global Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, attended by representatives from Yinson’s CSR committee, SOLS Foundation, and SAGEMAKER.
This year, Yinson received a significantly higher number of applications nationwide, making the evaluation and shortlisting process even more competitive. As the programme enters its second cycle following a promising pilot run last year, Yinson remains committed to empowering youth-led initiatives that address critical societal and environmental challenges that align with Yinson’s sustainability focus areas.
Driving community change through renewable energy and education
SOLS Foundation’s initiative, ‘The Kampung Energy and Education Access Project’, seeks to address the pressing issues of energy instability and limited financial literacy within the Indigenous Community, also known as the Orang Asli in Malaysia. These challenges significantly hinder socio-economic progress and community development. The project will focus on alleviating energy poverty in Kg. Tompesel, Pahang, through sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life for the Orang Asli.
Key activities include the distribution and installation of solar home systems to provide clean and affordable lighting solutions for households, coupled with on-site educational workshops. These workshops aim to equip the community with essential financial literacy skills, including budgeting, expense tracking, scam prevention, and digital safeguarding. This initiative will also be supported by Yinson’s renewables business, Yinson Renewables, to ensure successful implementation.
Empowering marginalised women through entrepreneurship
SAGEMAKER’s project, ‘Building Community-Based, Innovative, and Tech-Enabled Cottage Businesses’, is dedicated to transforming the economic prospects of 100 women-led households in B40 marginalised communities. At the heart of the project is the establishment of three new community hubs in Dengkil, Shah Alam, and Puchong – expanding upon an existing hub in Ampang. These hubs will serve as creative and collaborative spaces where women can participate in hands-on workshops focused on crafting, designing, and creating sustainable products. Participants will also receive digital marketing and e-commerce training, helping them adapt to the digital economy and expand market reach for their handcrafted, educational, and eco-friendly products.
By fostering an inclusive cottage business ecosystem and equipping these women with entrepreneurial skills, product development support, and market access, SAGEMAKER is creating economic opportunities while strengthening community networks. The initiative blends social impact with scalable business solutions, empowering marginalised women to build sustainable livelihoods and drive meaningful change.
Yinson CSR Committee Chairman Chai Jia Jun said, “We are incredibly proud to witness the growth of Y4Y and the impactful work being undertaken by this year’s grant recipients, SOLS Foundation and SAGEMAKER. These initiatives embody the spirit of innovation and determination needed to drive meaningful change in our communities. Yinson remains committed to empowering young changemakers who are working tirelessly to address critical societal and environmental challenges in Malaysia.”
Yinson Group Head of Corporate Sustainability, Dr Renard Siew shared, “At Yinson, we believe in the power of youth to drive meaningful change. The notable rise in both the quality and quantity of applications reflects the passion of young changemakers to address critical societal and environmental challenges. The selected initiatives closely align with Yinson’s sustainability focus areas, in particular SDGs 5, 7, and 8, which champion gender equality, access to affordable and clean energy, and the promotion of decent work and economic growth. We are proud to support these youth-led solutions and remain committed to empowering the next generation of leaders in driving positive and lasting impact.”
Sarvaiswarya Sivarajah, SOLS Foundation Senior Manager said, “At SOLS Foundation, we believe energy access is fundamental to education, safety, and economic growth. Thanks to this grant, we will not only be able to install solar home systems in Kg. Tompesel but also equip the community with knowledge to sustain them, ensuring lasting impact. By partnering with Yinson and their volunteers, we are paving the way for a future where no community is left without power.”
Maizatul Kamal, SAGEMAKER Chief Executive Officer shared, “From the beginning, our vision was to create a movement that empowers a community of strong, creative mothers whom we called the Sagemakers, to produce high value, handcrafted, educational, and socially impactful merchandise. With Yinson’s support, we can build an inclusive business ecosystem where our Sagemakers can turn their craft into real commercial offering. Most importantly, we are nurturing a skilled, capable, and self-sustaining community where we succeed together.”
The Y4Y programme underscores Yinson’s dedication to fostering impactful, youth-led solutions that address key societal and environmental challenges. Through partnerships with visionary organisations like SOLS Foundation and SAGEMAKER, Yinson aims to continue to inspire meaningful change across Malaysia.
