In Cambodia’s Kandal province, Tith Somnang’s story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of inclusive entrepreneurship. A father of four, Somnang faced immense challenges after developing a physical disability from a medical mishap during infancy. Despite these obstacles, he refused to let his circumstances define him.

A Life of Hardship and Limited Options

Somnang once had a stable career in real estate, but the pandemic forced him to close his business. With no stable income, he turned to sugarcane farming, hoping to provide for his wife, children, and elderly mother. However, without formal business training, Somnang struggled to grow his small enterprise. His income remained stagnant, and financial stability seemed far out of reach.

Determined to turn things around, Somnang began seeking opportunities to upskill. That’s when he discovered the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme, a transformative initiative by Maybank Foundation aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs), caregivers, and marginalised communities.

Finding Strength Through R.I.S.E.

Joining the R.I.S.E. Programme was a turning point for Somnang. Through the training, he gained essential business and financial management skills that he had previously lacked. The modules were practical, actionable, and tailored for entrepreneurs like him who had little to no business background.

Key Lessons from R.I.S.E.:

  • Blue Ocean Strategy: Somnang learned how to identify untapped market opportunities. He diversified his business by adding a grocery store and retailing sugarcane juicers, creating additional revenue streams.
  • Value Proposition: Understanding customer needs was vital. He began renting out sugarcane juicers to aspiring vendors with flexible payment options, making it accessible for other low-income earners to start small businesses.
  • Financial Management: Tracking income and expenses was a game-changer. Somnang started setting aside USD 25 daily for savings, USD 100 monthly for his wife’s medication, and invested in a small stock of gold to secure his family’s financial future.

Building Resilience and Expanding Business Opportunities

Despite the initial success, Somnang knew that true financial security would require continuous growth. With the foundational training from R.I.S.E., he explored further ways to expand his business:

  • Diversifying Product Offerings: Beyond sugarcane juice, he added new products such as fresh produce and packaged snacks to attract more customers and generate steady income.
  • Strengthening Customer Relationships: He leveraged his language skills — speaking Khmer, Vietnamese, and Thai — to connect with a broader customer base and establish loyalty.
  • Community Outreach: By providing affordable juicer rentals and flexible payment terms, Somnang helped other aspiring entrepreneurs in his community start their own small ventures, creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment.

From Stagnation to Sustainable Growth

The impact of the R.I.S.E. training was immediate and significant:

  • Income Growth: Somnang’s income surged by 214% — from USD 1,500 to USD 4,721 monthly.
  • Job Creation: He now employs a fellow PWD and his son-in-law, providing them with stable jobs and financial independence.
  • Education Support: Somnang now funds his grandchildren’s English and Chinese classes, investing in their futures.
  • Community Impact: By renting juicers to aspiring vendors, he’s creating a pathway for others to earn a living while expanding his business network.
  • Healthcare Support: He uses his income to cover his wife’s hypertension medication, ensuring her health needs are met without financial strain.

Empowering Others, Empowering Himself

Beyond financial stability, Somnang’s journey highlights the ripple effect of inclusive business models. As a successful entrepreneur, he actively shares his knowledge with other PWDs and marginalised individuals in his community, encouraging them to explore entrepreneurial paths as he did.

“I want to show others that disability doesn’t mean inability,” Somnang said. “If I can do it, they can too.”

Aligning with ESG Strategies

Somnang’s success story is a powerful example of how economic empowerment initiatives like the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme align with broader ESG strategies. By fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, the programme not only lifts individuals but also drives sustainable economic development in underserved communities.

For corporates, partnering in initiatives like R.I.S.E. demonstrates how business resources can be leveraged for measurable social impact while aligning with broader sustainability goals. It is a clear opportunity to not only contribute to economic growth but also strengthen community ties and enhance corporate reputation.

Driving Impact Through Partnerships

At People Systems Consultancy (PSC), we’re proud to work closely with Maybank Foundation to implement initiatives that drive tangible social impact. By equipping entrepreneurs like Somnang with essential skills, we’re helping to transform lives, create jobs, and build resilient communities across ASEAN.

For corporates seeking to integrate impactful ESG programmes into their strategy, PSC offers targeted consultancy and programme development designed to empower marginalised groups and drive sustainable impact.

Learn More, Get Involved

Tith Somnang’s journey is a reminder that with the right support, even the most challenging circumstances can be turned into opportunities for growth. From a struggling farmer to a thriving business owner, his story underscores the transformative power of inclusive entrepreneurship.

🔗 Discover how the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme is creating real change in marginalised communities: https://www.maybankfoundation.com/index.php/our-impact/rise/rise-overview
🔗 Learn how PSC can help your organisation drive ESG impact through similar programmes: https://peoplesystemsconsultancy.com/