Monthly Archives: June 2025

In the heart of Champasak, Laos, Pokkhong Sengphachanh quietly ran a modest handicraft shop, creating traditional handmade items for the local market. Though his work carried deep cultural value, sustaining the business proved to be an uphill battle. A person with a physical disability, Pokkhong faced challenges that extended far beyond his small storefront: limited access to tools, rising material costs, and dwindling customer traffic were just some of the barriers standing in his way. For years, Pokkhong remained resilient. But like many small business owners in marginalised communities, he lacked the training and support systems that could help him grow. [...]

In Cebu City, Philippines, the story of Rocelito Jancinal is a powerful testament to human resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and the transformative power of inclusive support systems. A devoted father of four and a passionate farmer, Rocelito once lived a quiet, hardworking life. However, a devastating accident in October 2013 dramatically changed the course of his journey. The injuries he sustained left him paralysed from the waist down—an unexpected turn that brought physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Yet today, Rocelito is not only running a multi-venture enterprise but also empowering others in his community. Thanks to the Maybank R.I.S.E. programme and his [...]

In the quiet city of Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, a story of strength, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity is quietly unfolding. Novita Lidya Kumayas, a visually impaired single mother, has transformed her circumstances through resilience and training, becoming not just a successful entrepreneur but a catalyst for community empowerment. Her journey is one of many made possible by the Maybank R.I.S.E. programme, which empowers marginalised communities—including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers—across ASEAN through practical financial literacy training and inclusive entrepreneurship development. Before R.I.S.E.: A Life of Limitations Novita lost her sight to a severe fever during childhood. As a mother of [...]