Bernard and Anne visiting the clothing exhibition at Chanteek Borneo.
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 10): Chanteek Borneo Sdn Bhd has celebrated the success of its Inclusive Business (IB) Project on Sabah Ethnic Motif Designs, which has trained and empowered 40 “Mama JaRum” — skilled seamstress housewives from across Sabah — as production partners for ethnic-patterned textile products.
The closing ceremony, held at the Chanteek Borneo Gallery in Bandar Putra, was officiated by SME Corp Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok and attended by SME Corp chief executive officer Rizal Dato’ Nainy.
According to Chanteek Borneo managing director Anne Antah, the company’s journey began in 2018 when it received funding under SME Corp’s High Impact Programme 6 (HIP6) – Inclusive Innovation, enabling it to pioneer the printing and production of Sabah-patterned fabrics in Malaysia.
“This inclusive business model aligns with ESG goals — benefiting the community, increasing productivity, and preserving local culture. We rise by lifting others,” Anne said.
The Mama JaRum Project has achieved zero defect rates after intensive training, with productivity increasing by up to 200%. As of 31 July 2025, a total of RM112,103.40 has been paid to participants as sewing wages.
Although the official project has ended, all Mama JaRum members will continue as Chanteek Borneo’s production partners for another four years through the Level-Up Mama JaRum 2.5 programme.
In his remarks, Bernard described the initiative as a model of success under the Inclusive Business Value Chain Development Initiative (IB-VCDI).
“Since its launch in 2022, two Principal Inclusive Business Companies from Sabah have been appointed, with 140 participants benefiting — the highest in Malaysia. This proves the determination of Sabahans in seizing opportunities,” he said.
He noted that the model merges business profitability with social impact, empowering women, the B40 income group, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and rural communities.
SME Corp has also introduced initiatives such as the Adopted Village Programme — with Kampung Putaton in Penampang as a pilot project — alongside the Tunas Usahawan Belia Bumiputera (TUBE) programme and business mentoring for alternative financing.
“Congratulations to Chanteek Borneo and all Mama JaRum participants. You have proven that Sabah-made products can penetrate the global market,” Bernard said.
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