Success Stories

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 [...]

In Keramat Wangsa, Kuala Lumpur, a mother’s journey from health challenges to entrepreneurial triumph reflects the transformative potential of inclusive social impact programmes. Nor Hashimah Binti Abdul Rahman, once a successful sales representative in a leading pharmaceutical company, saw her world shift dramatically when she was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. Forced to leave her corporate job, Hashimah turned to entrepreneurship. But with no formal business training, limited capital, and declining health, her venture into e-commerce was fraught with obstacles. Her breakthrough came in early 2024, when she joined the Maybank R.I.S.E. [...]