In Cambodia’s bustling capital of Phnom Penh, Choun Lay’s story is one of persistence, innovation, and the strength of community support. A woman with a physical disability due to polio, she has turned the challenges of her early life into a platform for empowerment, thanks to her resilience and the support of the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme, implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC).

Life Before Entrepreneurship

Choun Lay, now 33 years old, lives with her mother and three siblings. Contracting polio at the age of five left her physically disabled, requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Despite her disability, Choun Lay worked full-time for an NGO that trained Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in technical skills, including handmade crafts and essential workplace soft skills.

Though she was gainfully employed, her income was not enough to meet her family’s basic needs. With only one sibling employed, the financial pressure weighed heavily on her. She often dreamed of starting her own business to supplement her earnings, but a lack of clarity and confidence held her back. With no knowledge of business management, no experience in entrepreneurship, and little time outside of her job, it felt like an impossible leap.

“I wanted to do something more for my family, but I didn’t know where to start,” Choun Lay shared.

A Turning Point with Maybank R.I.S.E.

Her turning point came when she joined the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme — an initiative by Maybank Foundation, implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC). R.I.S.E. aims to support inclusive entrepreneurship by providing practical training and financial literacy skills to individuals from marginalised communities, particularly PWDs.

The training gave her the clarity and direction she needed.

Building the Foundations of a Business

Choun Lay applied the knowledge from the programme to turn her skill in handmade crafts into a focused business.

Key takeaways from her R.I.S.E. experience:

  • Business Ideation: Through the Profiling Module, she realised her paper flower-making hobby could be turned into a viable small business.
  • Customer Understanding: Using the Customer Value Proposition Module, she analysed her market to improve her products based on customer wants and needs.
  • Financial Literacy Training: The Financial Management Modules taught her how to manage her finances better by separating personal and business expenses, budgeting for emergencies, and making informed business decisions.
  • Marketing: The Social Media Marketing Module showed her how to present her handmade flowers online, using well-angled photographs to enhance product appeal and attract customers through platforms like Facebook.

Impact After R.I.S.E.

The outcomes were immediate and measurable. Within six months:

  • Her monthly income grew from USD 0 to USD 330, a 330% increase, creating consistent revenue where none existed before.
  • She now contributes to her household expenses, including USD 150 for her mother’s maintenance medicine.
  • She has achieved financial independence, no longer relying on her siblings for basic expenses.
  • She saves USD 10 monthly as part of her emergency fund.
  • She has begun training other PWDs to create paper flowers, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
  • She advocates for sustainability by promoting the use of scrap paper and corn husks in her designs.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Action

Choun Lay’s story is a testament to the power of inclusive entrepreneurship. It highlights how social impact programmes like Maybank R.I.S.E., when implemented effectively, provide not just financial results but also emotional empowerment and social transformation.

Her success is also a reflection of the role of organisations like People Systems Consultancy (PSC). As the implementing partner of Maybank R.I.S.E., PSC has designed and delivered holistic entrepreneurship and financial literacy programmes tailored for marginalised groups across ASEAN. Their curriculum focuses on real-world applications, sustainable small business strategies, and long-term empowerment.

“It’s not just about earning. It’s about contributing. I feel proud I can help my family and support others like me,” said Choun Lay.

The Ripple Effect

As a woman entrepreneur with a disability, Choun Lay is setting a powerful example. By upskilling, taking control of her finances, and mentoring others, she is building a community where resilience and empowerment go hand in hand.

Her journey reflects several core tenets of the Maybank R.I.S.E. messaging house:

  • Entrepreneurial Resilience: Demonstrating the strength to overcome adversity.
  • Financial Inclusion: Gaining access to financial tools and skills.
  • Community Upliftment: Giving back by training fellow PWDs and supporting her family.
  • Regional Impact: Reflecting the ASEAN-wide impact of the Maybank R.I.S.E. programme.

Learn More, Get Involved

Choun Lay’s transformation from full-time employee to confident businesswoman shows what is possible when we invest in inclusive, impact-driven programmes.

Maybank Foundation’s R.I.S.E. Programme, implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC), continues to prove that with the right skills and guidance, communities can uplift themselves sustainably.

If you represent a corporate or organisation looking to build impactful entrepreneurship programmes, People Systems Consultancy (PSC) can work with you to design sustainable, high-impact solutions.

Let’s build more stories like Choun Lay’s—together.

🔗 Discover more about Maybank R.I.S.E. and People Systems Consultancy.