(From left) Siew Yong, Yeoh and Soon at the sustainable food security project in Bentong.
IN CONJUNCTION with Environment Month in June, Soroptimist International (SI) Region of Malaysia showcased its sustainable food security project in Bentong, Pahang.
The event, which took place about 80km from Kuala Lumpur, brought together volunteers to tackle an urgent world challenge, sustainable food security.
Sponsored by Heineken Malaysia Bhd and its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, Spark Foundation, the project is not just about feeding the hungry – it is about revolutionising our entire food system.
From production and distribution to consumption and waste management, this initiative aims to ensure everyone has access to nutritious, safe and sufficient food while preserving the planet’s biodiversity.
The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Highlighting the spirit of empowerment, the project has trained 10 Orang Asli families in vegetable cultivation and aquaponic farming.
These families are now poised to teach others in their community, fostering a ripple effect of sustainable practices.
The tilapia fish harvested from the aquaponic systems are not only consumed locally but also sold to nearby restaurants, boosting the socioeconomic status of these indigenous women.
“Investing in sustainable food security helps build resilient communities, supports economic development and promotes a healthier planet,” said SI Region of Malaysia president Soon Lay Ean.
“This approach supports several SDGs, particularly zero hunger, responsible consumption and production, and climate action,” she added.
The event was filled with engaging activities, including hands-on learning about growing ginger and ladies’ fingers, harvesting aquaponic vegetables such as sawi, spinach and long beans for a “farm to table” lunch, preparing beds for vegetable growing, and using natural pest control methods.
Additionally, Malaysia hosted three distinguished SI leaders, including Soroptimist International president Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, the first Malaysian to hold this global position, and Soroptimist International South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific president Joanne Yeoh.
Their presence underscored Malaysia’s significant role in the global volunteer movement.
