Meet the First Cohort

SEAM 1 was launched in September 2024 to bring together a pioneering group of impact-driven organisations in Malaysia, providing them with structured support to scale their social and environmental impact. Over the course of the programme, participating organisations received tailored guidance designed to strengthen their internal systems, refine growth strategies, and expand their reach within both local and corporate ecosystems. Through a combination of mentorship from IKEA co-workers as thought partners, workshops with industry experts, and targeted advisory sessions, Cohort 1 participants were able to address critical challenges in governance, operational efficiency, and revenue growth while remaining anchored in their mission and values.

SEries: Stories of Malaysian Social Enterprises

Across Malaysia, social enterprises are building businesses to address social and environmental challenges while putting people and communities at the centre.

Discover the enterprises creating impact where it matters most.

Watch the SEries playlist

Thought Partners

Each social enterprise is paired with a dedicated thought partner, an IKEA co-worker who works closely with the social enterprise to identify their specific needs and provide valuable advice on future support. This learning relationship is built on trust, collaboration, and shared learning, all aimed at enabling the social enterprises to effectively scale their impact.

SEAM 1 Journey

The SEAM Experience: Reflections from Our Ecosystem

Fredrik Engman

Brand Management Leader, Inter IKEA Group

It was an amazing experience to support Moms Village (Asia). They for sure make the world a little bit better and I feel blessed to have been part of their development. I also got a reminder of the importance of both doing good business and doing good for the people in the community.

Peter Ac

Partner Development Leader, IKEA Sweden

Working with Saving Graze was a great experience seeing a complete value chain at once and providing instant happines from improvements applied at speed.

Fanny Westlund

Sustainability Leader in Supply Chain Operation, IKEA Supply

For me being part of this programme was giving me so much energy. It was amazing to follow the journey of Batik Boutique and to see how they could take inspiration from IKEA concepts and ideas making them into reality in their local context. Refreshing to be able to work so hands on and close to the reality together with passionate people who cares for others.

Kanwarpreet Singh

Sustainability Leader, Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

For me being part of this programme as thought partner for upcycled was to pursue and learn more about ground realities about my new found passion on material circularity and sharing my experiences of material circularity while working on this topic at IKEA.

The Asli. Co, SEAM Cohort 1 Alumni

Beyond metrics and milestones, we would like SEAM and ISE to know that this journey has reinforced our resilience — both as founders and as an organisation. It reminded us that social entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth, humility, and courage as it is about scale and impact. Thank you for allowing us to push boundaries we may not have dared to on our own, and for exploring this journey alongside us.

Batik Boutique, SEAM Cohort 1 Alumni

This period with SEAM has been one of tremendous growth—both personally as a leader and organisationally as a team. The programme came at a pivotal moment for Batik Boutique, when we were navigating retail expansion, a major production relocation, and increased demand from both local and international customers. Having the support, structure, and mentorship from SEAM allowed us to move through this season with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Earth Heir, SEAM Cohort 1 Alumni

There were also unexpected outcomes from SEAM’s support. Positively, the credibility of being part of SEAM opened doors to conversations and partnerships that may not have been accessible otherwise. We also found ourselves better prepared and more confident when engaging corporates.