Brother International Malaysia partners with PWD Smart FarmAbility to provide organic regenerative vegetable terrariums to special needs schools, promoting sustainable farming and better nutrition. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity and enhance community well-being through regenerative agriculture.
14 May 2024 – Brother International Malaysia, a leading provider of innovative printing, labelling, and sewing solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with PWD Smart FarmAbility, a multi-award-winning social enterprise, to address food insecurity and empower communities through regenerative agriculture.
As part of Brother Malaysia’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company is sponsoring 40 organic regenerative vegetable terrariums, known as HOPE Boxes, for four special needs schools in the Klang Valley region. The schools—SMK Telok Gadong, SK Telok Gadong, SK Taman Gembira, and SMK Dato Hamzah—will benefit from improved soil health and better nutrition for their students, particularly those who are malnourished or suffer from non-communicable diseases.
Regenerative agriculture, which avoids synthetic fertilizers and harmful chemicals, promotes healthier farming practices and better health outcomes. This initiative aims to make nutritious food and essential food-growing skills accessible to vulnerable communities, alleviating their financial burdens amid rising food prices.
The PWD Smart FarmAbility team conducted a workshop for teachers and students from these schools, equipping them with practical skills in regenerative soil management. This training aims to foster self-sufficiency, healthier communities, and a healthier planet.
Mr. Tsutomu Takaki, Managing Director of Brother International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration for positive change: “By supporting regenerative agriculture, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for all.”
Dr. Billy Tang, paraplegic farmer and Founder and CEO of PWD Smart FarmAbility, expressed excitement about the partnership: “This collaboration with Brother Malaysia extends our reach and empowers more communities with the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.”
The HOPE Boxes initiative addresses key sustainability issues such as food insecurity, soil health improvement, climate change mitigation, and carbon sequestration. It also aims to reduce malnutrition, soil exhaustion, water wastage, agricultural runoff, and harm to biodiversity.
Mr. Tsutomu Takaki reiterated Brother Malaysia’s commitment to community well-being: “Businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve. This initiative demonstrates our dedication to making a positive impact in Malaysia.”
This partnership showcases how corporate responsibility and innovative farming practices can collaboratively foster healthier, more sustainable communities.
