Triumphant: The Buzz of Blenders team with Walker and Azman (second and third from left, respectively) at the awards ceremony.
SOLVING real-life problems often requires securing funds.
As several teams of primary schoolchildren have demonstrated, they are just as capable as adults at devising and executing actionable plans – not just to earn money, but also to serve their community.
Faced with the pressing issue of their schoolmates contracting dengue, a team from SJK(T) Batu Caves, Selangor, started a social enterprise selling pani puri to fund the development of a mosquito-repellent garden at their school.
The Buzz of Blenders team’s ingenuity and commitment to community health impressed the judges of the Good SENS (Social Enterprise Network for Schools) National Dragons’ Den 2024 competition, earning them the coveted title of Best Overall Social Enterprise 2024 for their innovative solution.
A financial literacy initiative by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (Finco), the Good SENS programme drew the participation of over 60 primary school teams nationwide.
Only 11 outstanding teams, however, were selected to pitch their ideas live in Kuala Lumpur, as they vied for further investment.
Presiding over their showcases as judges were financial industry experts, comprising Public Investment Bank chief executive officer (CEO) Lee Yo-Hunn, Citibank Malaysia CEO Vikram Singh, and AmBank Group Group Corporate Communications & Marketing head Shazman Shahid.Finco CEO Clare Walker said the annual Good SENS programme is more than just a platform for young pupils to showcase their ideas – it’s a transformative journey that equips them with the skills, confidence and empathy to tackle real-world challenges.
“In addition to improving their financial literacy and learning how to run a business, they learn how to create meaningful change in their communities,” she said in a recent press release.
Rising to the occasion: Kampung Jero-Jero won the People’s Choice Award for their enterprise pitch.
This spirit of harnessing creativity and collaboration to transform real issues into opportunities for lasting change can also be seen in the runner-up team.
Drawing on their circular economy initiative, TH4 from SJK(C) Tong Hua, Sarawak, sourced food from low-income families, resold it to their peers, and used the proceeds to support an orphanage’s daily needs.
Their practical and sustainable business model demonstrated the potential of social enterprises to drive both economic and social change.
Team Cravings & Candles from SK Taman Bukit Indah, Selangor, took home the Special Dragons’ Award, sponsored by Public Investment Bank.
This team stood out for their innovative recycling idea: turning used cooking oil into eco-friendly scented candles.
Other notable teams included Serantau EcoCreators from SK Rantau Panjang, Selangor, and Kampung Jero-Jero from SK LKTP Maokil 2, Johor, who bagged the Outstanding Impact on Environment and Sustainability Award and the People’s Choice Award, respectively.
Serantau EcoCreators collected over 40kg of waste weekly, earning more than RM9,000 in profit, as their initiative turned waste into valuable products, including teaching materials and medals.
Kampung Jero-Jero sold preloved items to reduce waste disposal and open burning. Their pitch video received the most votes on social media.
Additionally, the programme recognised individual achievements.
Let’s do it: Team Cravings & Candles turning used cooking oil into eco-friendly scented candles.
The Outstanding Leader Award went to Muhammad Harif Danial Addiesuria from SK Peradong, Negri Sembilan, for his exceptional leadership.
Iris Shakeelah Muhammad Sharifuddin from SK Sultanah Asma, Kedah, took home the Most Effective Communicator Award for her persuasive communication skills.
Supportive facilitators were feted as well, with SK Parit Raja, Johor, teacher Nurkusnita Che Kamaruddin receiving the Best Teacher Award for her outstanding coaching and support, and Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad corporate responsibility manager Mad Rizal Abu Bakar receiving the Best Mentor Award for his dedication and guidance to the pupils.The awardees were presented with their awards at the Finco Annual Awards Ceremony 2024 held last month.
In 2024, the Good SENS programme engaged 380 primary school pupils, aged 10 to 12, from 37 schools nationwide, with support from more than 60 financial industry mentors.
These pupils had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in financial literacy by managing and operating their own social enterprises.
The programme is made possible by the collective funding and commitment of Malaysia’s financial industry, with 23 schools receiving support through Finco, while AmBank Group and CIMB Bank sponsored an additional 14 schools.
Finco chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said the financial industry has a responsibility to empower the next generation with the tools and knowledge to build a sustainable and inclusive future.
“By supporting these budding social entrepreneurs through mentoring as well as financial sponsorship, financial institutions contribute to fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and social impact that aligns with the values of our industry,” he said.
Launched in 2021, Good SENS is a collaboration with the Education Ministry’s Daily School Management Division. The programme’s implementation partners include the Social Enterprise Academy in Scotland and Retro-spective Discovery in Malaysia.
