Alliance Bank and SURI Launch Upcycling Empowerment for Langkawi’s Single Mothers

In a world where sustainability and economic empowerment are increasingly intertwined, Alliance Islamic Bank Berhad (Alliance Islamic Bank) has joined hands with SURI Inspirasi (SURI) to launch the MAH-SURI Lifestyle Project. This innovative initiative is rooted in upcycling empowerment and is specifically designed to uplift underprivileged single mothers in Langkawi. By equipping them with creative skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, the project aims to foster long-term financial resilience and sustainability, providing these women with the tools they need to generate income and lead better lives.

The MAH-SURI Lifestyle Project is a community-driven endeavor that forms part of Alliance Islamic Bank’s broader strategy of creating a positive social impact. With its focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the project seeks to bring financial empowerment to single mothers who struggle with economic hardships, allowing them to take charge of their futures.

Alliance Bank and A Community-Centric Approach to Social Good

Alliance Islamic Bank has long been committed to promoting the sustainable development of local communities in Malaysia. Through various initiatives under its social impact strategy, the bank has actively supported underserved groups, particularly in fostering financial inclusion. A key component of this strategy is the SocioBiz initiative, a Shariah-compliant social funding platform aimed at empowering communities through entrepreneurship. The platform encourages investment in social good by offering the underprivileged access to resources and knowledge that can help them sustain their well-being over the long term.

The collaboration between Alliance Islamic Bank and SURI exemplifies this approach. By focusing on upcycling empowerment, the project combines environmental consciousness with social responsibility, aiming to create a lasting impact on the lives of Langkawi’s single mothers.

SURI’s Mission: Empowering Women Through Upcycling

SURI is a social enterprise founded with the mission of supporting B40 single and underprivileged mothers who face financial struggles. The organization offers these women opportunities to improve their livelihoods through employment support programs. By providing access to training in Creative Sewing Techniques, Design, and Product Development, SURI helps them build marketable skills that can lead to sustainable income.

The MAH-SURI project takes this mission further by expanding SURI’s reach to Langkawi. Here, single mothers will not only learn new skills but will also become part of a larger movement toward sustainability. The project is built around the concept of upcycling – the process of transforming discarded materials into valuable products. In this case, the women will learn to upcycle discarded hotel bed sheets, turning them into innovative fashion items and other marketable products.

Why Upcycling Empowerment Matters

At its core, upcycling empowerment is about giving new life to both people and products. The MAH-SURI initiative exemplifies this by providing single mothers with the opportunity to generate income through creative and sustainable means. Upcycling not only addresses environmental concerns by reducing waste but also offers these women a chance to build their businesses and achieve financial independence.

The project aligns with global efforts to promote a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and materials are reused in innovative ways. By teaching Langkawi’s single mothers to upcycle discarded textiles, the MAH-SURI project contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry while creating a pathway for these women to improve their economic standing.

This fusion of social and environmental impact is what makes the MAH-SURI project stand out. It’s not just about helping women earn a living; it’s about empowering them to become agents of change in their communities, all while promoting sustainability.

Langkawi’s First Sustainable Handcraft Brand

One of the unique aspects of the MAH-SURI project is its focus on creating Langkawi’s first locally conceived sustainable handcraft brand. This brand, supported by the Langkawi Development Authority, will serve as a platform for the women involved in the project to showcase and sell their upcycled products. From sustainable fashion items to handcrafted goods, the brand will emphasize the importance of responsible consumption and production, in line with global sustainability goals.

By turning discarded hotel linens into valuable products, the project addresses two key issues at once: waste reduction and financial empowerment. This dual focus not only supports the women involved but also contributes to the broader community by promoting sustainable practices.

Supporting the MAH-SURI Project

To ensure the success of the MAH-SURI project, Alliance Islamic Bank has set a target to raise RM70,000 in funds. These funds will be used to procure essential equipment, including industrial and portable sewing machines, dedicated laptops for design purposes, and a locally engineered Flexsilk attire printing machine. This equipment will enable the single mothers participating in the project to produce high-quality, marketable products that can be sold both locally and internationally.

The bank’s commitment to this project is part of its broader efforts to enhance the lives of disadvantaged communities in Malaysia. By focusing on upcycling empowerment, Alliance Islamic Bank is not only helping these women achieve financial independence but also promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.

A Holistic Approach to Financial Resilience

The MAH-SURI initiative is more than just a financial empowerment project – it is a holistic approach to building resilience in vulnerable communities. The training and support provided through the project are designed to help single mothers in Langkawi develop a sense of self-reliance and confidence in their ability to provide for their families.

“At Alliance Islamic Bank, we focus on enhancing the lives of our communities through empowerment and sustainable solutions,” said En. Rizal IL-Ehzan Fadil Azim, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Islamic Bank. “This collaboration with SURI aligns with our mission to alleviate the challenges of disadvantaged communities by providing entrepreneurial skills and focusing on sustainability.”

The project is also aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By addressing these goals, the MAH-SURI project aims to create lasting positive change for both individuals and the environment.

Moving Beyond Charity: A Focus on Income Generation

One of the key principles behind the MAH-SURI project is the belief that long-term sustainability comes from income generation rather than reliance on charity. As SURI’s founder, Pn. Salena Ahmad explained, that the goal is to shift the mindset away from charitable handouts and toward financial independence.

“SURI aims to eliminate the notion of charitable handouts. Instead, we are focused on providing these mothers with sustainable income-based opportunities through employment support programs. As they work and earn a living, it not only improves their financial standing but also positively impacts their families,” she said.

This focus on income generation is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty that many single mothers face. By equipping them with marketable skills and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, the MAH-SURI project is giving these women the chance to take control of their futures.

Alliance Islamic Bank’s Broader Commitment to Social Responsibility

The MAH-SURI project is just one of many initiatives that Alliance Islamic Bank has launched as part of its commitment to social responsibility. Over the past three years, the bank has raised approximately RM1.7 million to support various community development projects. In FY24, the bank aims to donate RM1 million through initiatives like SocioBiz and disaster relief efforts such as The Flood Relief Assistance Programme, which provided over RM50,000 worth of necessities to 200 households impacted by the flood crisis in Johor.

Through these efforts, Alliance Islamic Bank continues to demonstrate its dedication to promoting social good and sustainable economic growth. The MAH-SURI Lifestyle Project is a shining example of how upcycling empowerment can transform lives and create lasting change. As the project moves forward, it is set to provide single mothers in Langkawi with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to build a better future for themselves and their families.

In conclusion, the MAH-SURI project is more than just an initiative to support single mothers – it is a blueprint for how upcycling empowerment can drive sustainable, positive change in communities. By combining financial resilience with environmental sustainability, the project offers a powerful model for social impact that can inspire similar initiatives across Malaysia and beyond.