Empowering Single Mothers' Journey to Turn Passion into Profit through Yayasan Hasanah-Taylor's University WEDO Project

The Women Entrepreneurial Development (WEDO) project funded by Yayasan Hasanah Special Grant, spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of Ts. Dr. Salini Devi Rajendran, Senior Lecturer from Taylor's School of Food Studies and Gastronomy, has been a beacon of empowerment for 20 single mothers, nurturing their journey toward successful entrepreneurial skills & capabilities.

Yayasan Hasanah Special Grant is a funding initiative by Yayasan Hasanah, a foundation under Khazanah Nasional Bhd, a Malaysian foundation focuses on sustainable development and community empowerment. This grant aims to support innovative projects and initiatives that address critical social, economic, or environmental challenges in Malaysia. The Special Grant is often targeted towards specific areas of need identified by Yayasan Hasanah, and it typically provides financial assistance, capacity building support, and networking opportunities to selected grantees. The grant prioritizes projects with a high potential for impact, scalability, and sustainability.

The Women Entrepreneurial Development (WEDO) project at Taylor's University is a dedicated initiative aims at fostering the growth and success of women entrepreneurs. This project recognizes the vital role that women entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and social development. Through a combination of education, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, WEDO seeks to empower women to start and scale their own businesses, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development and gender equality.

The generous support and sponsorship from Dr. Oetker Nona (M) Sdn. Bhd has been the driving force behind this impactful endeavor, exemplifying their commitment to social responsibility and community development. Dr. Oetker is a German multinational company that produces baking powder, cake mixes, frozen pizza, pudding, cake decoration, cornflakes, birthday candles, and various other products. The company is a wholly owned branch of the Oetker Group, headquartered in Bielefeld, Germany. Their contributions, including essential baking ingredients from Oetkernona, have enabled the foundation for these aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their passion for baking into flourishing home-based businesses.

Under the expert mentorship of Chef Lecturers from Taylor's University, Chef Norhayati Hussin, Chef Mohamad Zamri Idris, and Chef Shahril Nizam Shamsudin, the participants have immersed themselves in a 12-week programme, mastering practical baking skills and crafting an array of delectable treats from buns and muffins to tartlets and cakes.

Beyond the culinary aspect, this project underscored the school's dedication to fostering independence, nurturing talent, and building a supportive entrepreneurial community. As the WEDO Project participants prepare to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, they will receive three months of ongoing monitoring and support from our dedicated project team.

This initiative not only empowered women but also served as a catalyst for resilience and transformation within our community, highlighting the profound impact of collaborative efforts in driving positive social change.