A new initiative aimed at empowering women from low-income backgrounds has been launched in Malaysia, focusing on culinary skills and business management through an innovative cloud kitchen model. The Dapur Digital initiative, spearheaded by Pepper Labs, is designed to support women micro-entrepreneurs from the B40 income group by equipping them with the necessary tools to start their businesses and achieve financial independence.
The program is a collaborative effort involving several key public and private stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Federal Territories Ministry, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), and Yayasan Hasanah. Their combined efforts aim to create sustainable income-generating opportunities for women, particularly those in the PPR (Program Perumahan Rakyat) or People’s Housing Programme areas of Kuala Lumpur.
Gevi Ananda Roe, CEO of Pepper Labs, highlighted the initiative’s focus on providing real, lasting opportunities for women entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds. “This program aims to equip participants with essential skills and provide pathways to financial independence upon completion,” she said.
The Dapur Digital initiative will offer hands-on training in both culinary techniques and business management, with a special emphasis on preparing participants for success in the growing food delivery industry. Five cloud kitchens have been established for this purpose, located in underutilized and vacant PPR units in Kuala Lumpur that have been renovated and outfitted with the necessary equipment for culinary activities. The cloud kitchen model is designed to lower operational and rental costs, enabling participants to focus on food preparation and delivery without the financial burden of running a traditional restaurant.
In addition to practical training, the program also includes educational partnerships with institutions like UNITAR, which will provide participants with micro-credential certificates in Cloud Kitchen Technology. These certifications are expected to enhance the participants’ qualifications and improve their visibility in the food technology sector, giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace.
The economic impact of the initiative is expected to be significant, with an estimated RM1.2 million in returns over the next two years generated through the operations of the cloud kitchens. This income will not only benefit the participants but also contribute to the local economy by supporting women-led businesses in the rapidly expanding food delivery sector.
Looking ahead, Pepper Labs plans to expand the Dapur Digital initiative to other areas in Malaysia, to reach more women entrepreneurs across the country. By scaling up the program, the aim is to provide even more women with the opportunity to gain skills, increase their economic independence, and contribute to Malaysia’s growing digital economy.
Through Dapur Digital, Pepper Labs is helping women from low-income backgrounds unlock their potential and build sustainable businesses, while also supporting the broader goal of inclusive economic growth in Malaysia.