Changing lives: Swee Lin (left) and Swee May showcasing their products at their pop-up store in Isetan KLCC. — Photo courtesy of Humans of KL
PETALING JAYA: In a world that constantly embraces new trends and innovations, preserving traditional heritage can sometimes be a challenge.
For Lee Swee Lin, who founded ManekNya in 2022 with her sister Swee May, the art of handcrafting Nyonya beads holds a special place in her heart.
ManekNya goes beyond reviving the beauty of Nyonya beadwork. It also aims to empower underprivileged individuals by training them in the intricate craft and enabling them to generate income from their creations.
Swee Lin’s motivation to help others is reflected in a heartwarming encounter she recounted about an artisan who, after becoming a trainee, used her earnings to buy a cake for her children.
She said she was moved by this small act of kindness as it showed how something as ordinary as a cake could hold such significance for the less fortunate.
“For most people, cakes are just a normal delicacy. But for the underprivileged, it’s something special. Some of the trainees, who include stay-at-home mothers and single mothers, barely make ends meet, and they joined us to contribute to their families’ livelihood.
“Witnessing them earn some money through our social enterprise and being able to treat themselves to a simple cake – it truly touches me,” the 30-year-old said in an interview.
Swee Lin also said among her trainees were refugees from Myanmar, specifically from the Rohingya ethnic group, as well as people with disabilities.
By providing comprehensive training programmes, Swee Lin ensures that individuals who display skill and dedication can become artisans employed by ManekNya after an assessment.
At ManekNya, the working arrangement is flexible.
Understanding the responsibilities of many trainees and employees, who often happen to be mothers, Swee Lin and her team allow them to work from the comfort of their homes.
This arrangement not only provides convenience but also enables the artisans to deliver their handcrafted products at their own pace, she added.
ManekNya’s products primarily consist of shoes, bags and other lifestyle items, reflecting the artisans’ skills and creativity through beads and embroidery.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, ManekNya uses environmentally friendly materials.
While the beads are usually sourced from countries such as China and Japan, ManekNya also uses upcycled materials for its products.
“About 40% of the materials we use come from used clothes. We are striving to make the entire value chain more sustainable,” Swee Lin said.
This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also adds a unique touch to the handcrafted products, she added.
To extend its reach and impact, ManekNya also collaborates with several organisations, including local governments and councils.
Occasionally, the social enterprise also visits some low-cost residential areas to introduce underprivileged individuals there to the opportunities it provides, recruiting them as trainees.
The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, Swee Lin said, with many embracing the chance to learn a new skill and improve their livelihood.
In the future, she hopes to work with more organisations and successful local fashion designers.
Her goal is to showcase the reimagined Peranakan handicrafts to a wider audience, celebrating the rich heritage while incorporating contemporary elements.
By doing so, she aims to create a sustainable and vibrant future for Nyonya beadwork and, more importantly, uplift countless lives through the power of craftsmanship.
