Zero to Hero Sewing & Sustainable Craft Program Year 2024
About the Program
The "Zero to Hero in Sewing + Natural Dye & Eco Printing Program" is a specialized community empowerment initiative jointly implemented by PPB Group Berhad and the Persatuan Seni Jahitan Kreatif Malaysia (PSJKM). Designed to support underserved communities, the program combines creative sewing skills, sustainable textile practices, and entrepreneurship development to create long-term economic opportunities for participants.
In 2024, PPB Group Berhad sponsored 50 participants from diverse backgrounds, including B40 households, single mothers, persons with disabilities (OKU), unemployed individuals, and aspiring micro-entrepreneurs. The program provided comprehensive hands-on training in creative sewing, natural dyeing, eco-printing, product development, and digital commerce, enabling participants to transform locally available and natural resources into marketable, value-added products.
Beyond technical skills training, participants received entrepreneurship coaching, online marketing guidance, and continuous mentoring to help them build sustainable home-based businesses and income-generating activities.
The success of the program highlights how targeted community investment can empower vulnerable groups to become self-reliant, financially independent, and active contributors to the local economy, while promoting sustainable practices through Natural Dye and Eco Printing techniques.
Impact Results
✅ 50 Participants Sponsored
✅ B40 Communities, Single Mothers & OKU Beneficiaries
✅ 6 Months of Continuous Mentoring
✅ RM177056 Total Income Generated by Participants
The results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining technical skills, entrepreneurship education, and structured mentorship to create sustainable economic opportunities and measurable social impact.
Target Cohort Selection & Banci (Census) Driven Process
To maximize socio-economic upliftment, we run a targeted census (banci) registration initiative alongside our principal sponsor, PPB Group Berhad, to meticulously select eligible participants for this fully funded cohort.
Syllabus Eligibility & Demographics targeted:- Individuals from B40 or low-income households eager to launch a sustainable, home-based artisanal business.
- Individuals seeking job displacement solutions, including retrenched workers, housewives, single mothers, youth, indigenous peoples (Orang Asli), and Persons with Disabilities (OKU).
6-Day Training Course + 2 Zoom Class
The curriculum blends 6 days of intensive, physical hands-on masterclasses at Puchong Utama with 2 days of online interactive evening classes (2 hours per session):
Material distribution, core project briefings, motivational ice-breaking, and an introduction to Natural Dye principles. Participants learn about dye-yielding plant extractions (Red, Yellow, Blue) and fabrics suitable for organic processing.
Boiling-based color extraction, custom color mixing with premium organic bases, indigo solution mixing, shibori folding techniques on pre-treated t-shirts, and video conferencing preparation.
A specialized digital evening module covering color fixation, washing care, and intensive fabric mordanting/treatment protocols for upcoming projects.
Eco-Printing specialty modules: tool selection, leaf preparation, fabric masking, advanced color blanket wrapping methods, iron sulfate treatments, and high-pressure steam processing on canvas bags and t-shirts.
Advanced modified Natural Dye applications directly onto canvas bags, and a boiling-method eco-print module on textiles.
Eco-print leaf pounding artistry techniques and definitive fixative processing guidelines to set natural organic colors.
Machine operations mastery: configuring state-of-the-art sewing setups, pattern-making, assembly processing, and sewing functional triangle pouches and upcycled t-shirt dresses using the newly dyed materials.
Digital E-Commerce deployment masterclass: complete online storefront setup instructions, product listing management, and smartphone macro-photography/editing workflows.
Product Showcase & Workshop Gallery
Examine the unique textile pieces, handcrafted items, and online entrepreneur store setups launched by our participants:
Post-Training Support Ecosystem
Graduates are instantly fully integrated into a robust, 12-month commercial ecosystem to guide their business venture:
6 Months of Dedicated Tracking
Regular performance evaluations and operational reviews to try our best to guide you through your initial commercial milestones.
1 Year of Premium E-Learning
Unrestricted access to our advanced Premium online crafting masterclasses to continuously refine your technical skills from home.
6,000 Free Learning Points
Course credits redeemable for physical advanced classes across any of our Epal Training Centers (Garments, Recycled Crafts, Home Decor).
Instant Store Deployment
A guaranteed 1-year merchant placement slot on The Tunku Azizah Handmade Market e-commerce network to capture immediate traffic.
Program Socio-Economic Impact
Eco-Friendly Income Innovation
By blending modern sewing with natural, organic dyes, participants learn to source low-cost plant materials, turning raw components into highly premium, sustainable designer assets.
Empowered Independence
By learning how to calculate exact overheads, control expenses, and photograph inventory independently, crafters break free from structural dependency on outside aid.
Direct Market Influx
Through our dedicated strategic infrastructure, we funnel regional target groups straight into active digital commerce, stimulating localized economies from home.
Trainee Sponsorship Value Breakdown
Every successful candidate chosen during our joint census selection receives a complete scholarship package which includes:
- All intensive physical/online training fees, raw textile materials, premium mordants, organic dye elements, meals, and an accredited certificate.
- Each participant receives a high-technology sewing machine and complete sewing toolkit. Upon completing the 6-day training, participants may take the equipment home to continue practicing and developing their skills. Full ownership of the sewing machine will be awarded after successfully completing the 6-month mentoring and monitoring program and passing the final assessment.
- 12 full months of online storefront management infrastructure and continuous virtual technical schooling support.
Partner With Sewing World /PSJKM: Support Micro-Entrepreneurship
Join hands with us to expand this initiative. We warmly welcome corporate sponsors, government bodies, and social enterprise funds to collaborate with us or fund upcoming sustainable craft batches alongside our strategic partners.
Get in Touch / Apply as a Corporate Partner