KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Pembangunan Artisans (PPA), a non-profit organisation aimed at providing help and support to local artisans, has achieved a total of RM1 million in sales since its establishment in 2020.
This was derived through PPA’s distribution channels that include an online platform, two retail outlets in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Eslite Spectrum at The Starhill, as well as bazaars.
PPA, which has a network of close to 1,000 artisans, is especially committed to assisting women entrepreneurs and needy communities by channelling all profits directly to the artisans.
To celebrate this milestone, a ceremony was held at Berjaya Times Square yesterday and officiated by women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri.
“I believe this event will serve as an inspiration, igniting a passion for entrepreneurship and encouraging more individuals, especially women, to venture into this dynamic sector,” Nancy said.
“I also would like to urge more private corporations to take up the mantle of support, to champion and uplift our local small businesses. Your involvement not only propels economic vitality but also nurtures a thriving ecosystem of innovation and collaboration,” she added.
In a statement, PPA pointed out that support from private entities and corporations was critical as more than 10% of total sales come from the corporate sector.
During yesterday’s event, 13 corporations including FMT Media, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, and Berjaya Times Square were recognised for their efforts in championing PPA’s “Jom Sapot Artisans” initiative, which aims to get corporations and small businesses involved in supporting women and communities.
Additionally, seven artisans were awarded for their excellent sales performance, among them Nyonya Kain, Memory’s Collection, and TiffinsMade with Luv.
“I am truly grateful that Nyonya Kain has received this recognition,” its founder, Dayana Reza, told FMT Lifestyle. “We have been able to give back to the community and be a role model in Malaysia.
“I hope more entrepreneurs can follow suit with the support of government initiatives and, importantly, PPA.”
To further their efforts of empowering women entrepreneurs, PPA also announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with the Khadijah International Waqf (L) Foundation (KIWF).
Waqf is a traditional Islamic concept that refers to the act of dedicating a property or sum of money to be used for a specific charitable or religious purpose in perpetuity.
The collaboration will see KIWF as a strategic partner in creating and modelling a waqf retail outlet, and securing financial and moral support from businesses and government agencies.
“In modern times, waqf has seen a declining role. With this collaboration, we aspire to revive the practice, especially in the retail space,” said KIWF chairperson Rohani Mohd Shahir.
She also shared that KIWF will be promoting products, such as keychains and batik, made by convicts from Penjara Wanita Kajang in PPA’s outlets.
During the ceremony, Rohani presented a memorandum of understanding to PPA board member Jade Lee to mark their collaboration.
Read more PPA stories and get to know its artisans by clicking here.