CONTEXT

Maybank Foundation has been entrusted to positively impact communities in the markets that Maybank operates. As we expand across ASEAN, our goal is to make a positive and distinctive difference to the communities across the region, enhancing goodwill and reputation of Maybank. We believe that this would be able to create better differentiation at the regional level and create bigger impact to communities.

There is a lack of effective economic empowerment programmes for disabled and disadvantaged communities within Malaysia and the ASEAN region. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) need an array of organisations to champion their cause and R.I.S.E. is an economic empowerment programme designed to support disadvantaged communities, particularly PWDs to increase their income and become financially independent.

The programme involves regular training covering practical topics in running a business, such as financial goals, operational planning, budgeting and tracking, and sales and customer analysis.

In addition to capacity building, a structured mentoring system is put in place, making sure the entrepreneurs receive continued support and knowledge transfer from skilled Maybank volunteers.

 

STRATEGY

The R.I.S.E. programme is designed to train, coach and mentor participants to develop their entrepreneurial skills resulting in higher income levels thus improving their overall standard of living. The key features of the program include:

 

The training will enable participants to build innovative sales strategies into their business ideas, enhance business management skills and augment client acquisition and retention, resulting in greater financial independence. Resulting in businesses, which are more resilient.

Building on the momentum from Phase 1 of the programme, we embarked on R.I.S.E. 2.0, at the end of 2019, where the programme is now split into 3 tiers; R.I.S.E. Premium, R.I.S.E. Standard and R.I.S.E. Basic.

Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, R.I.S.E 2.0 sought to innovate by conducting online training for the participants to ensure that no one gets left behind. We provided access to Internet and devices to the participants to ensure that they are able to attend the virtual training and continue learning. When and where lawful, the R.I.S.E programme conducted the physical training in countries such as Laos and Malaysia.

 

OUTCOME

 

R.I.S.E. Overall Results by Country

*Cambodia Mentoring started in December 2023, figures to be updated.
*Figures for Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Laos are updated as of February 2024

 

In support of the UNSDGs: