SEEd.Lab innovation hub launches second cohort

  • Aims to address Malaysian social challenges within four domains
  • Chance to connect with fellow changemakers, access co-working space, monthly stipend

SEEd.Lab innovation hub launches second cohort SEEd.Lab, also known as Social Enterprise Education Laboratory, has officially kicked off its second cohort aimed at searching for entrepreneurial-driven social innovators seeking to better Malaysia. The social enterprise innovation hub is powered by Petronas and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

In a statement, it said SEEd.Lab plans to address specific social challenges within four domains: food and agriculture; health and hygiene; education and skills; and personal and financial security.

Each domain poses its own set of challenge areas based on current, validated pain points experienced by communities in Malaysia, it said.

“SEEd.Lab is a space for passionate individuals to convert their ideas into a business while contributing to Malaysia’s social and economic development. Our first cohort graduates, Teman Malaysia, Foodlab and Solvnex, have touched the lives of over 3,500 beneficiaries and counting,” said Aidonna Jun Ayub, programme manager of SEEd.Lab.

She noted that with Covid-19, there are immediate challenges to be addressed while economic and social implications continue to unfold.

She added that beginning last month, Teman Malaysia, a care companion service, has been conducting a Covid-19 vaccination assistance service for the elderly in seven cities across Malaysia.

“We hope these ventures will continue to create greater impact in shifting the needle for community transformations,” she said

SEEd.Lab was modelled around the TCS Digital Impact Square (DISQ) in Nashik, India that incorporates an end-to-end journey that spans over the essential stages of a start-up’s growth.

It takes the participants – dubbed as SEEd.ling – through the processes of ideating and crystalising their vision, developing and incubating solutions, as well as commercialising their social enterprise to grow and scale, said SEED.Lab.

SEEd.Lab also enables access to grant opportunities in assisting the ventures. After the 18- month programme, SEEd.lings will graduate as owners of their own social enterprises and continue to receive support for the subsequent 12 months, it added.

SEEd.Lab innovation hub launches second cohort “We believe that Petronas has a role to play in leveraging its expertise, experience and resources to contribute towards building a more equitable and sustainable society.

“SEEd.Lab is an innovation hub, founded on the intent to empower and equip passionate changemakers with the right tools and support in realising their ambitions to effect real change in Malaysia,” said Arif Mahmood, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Petronas downstream business and advisor of SEEd.Lab.

By leveraging Petronas and TCS’ network and expertise, SEEd.Lab plays a proactive role in building partnerships and opening doors to opportunities, including access to ready markets in accelerating the growth of the social enterprises incubated in the programme, he said.

SEEd.Lab welcoms 50 aspiring social innovators between the ages of 18- and 35-years-old, both individual and team applicants.

Successful participants will be able to connect with fellow passionate changemakers, have access to a co-working space and receive a monthly stipend throughout their time in the programme.

Find out more about SEEd.Lab and how to apply here.

 

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