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. As inflation climbed and daily expenses outpaced income, he found himself at a crossroads: continue struggling with the status quo, or take a leap into something new.

That leap came when he enrolled in the Maybank R.I.S.E. (Reach Independence and Sustainable Entrepreneurship) programme—a regional initiative by Maybank Foundation aimed at empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and marginalised individuals through inclusive entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Before R.I.S.E.: Working Against the Odds

Pokkhong’s handicraft business began as a passion project in 2014. With skills passed down through generations, he produced decorative and functional items, hoping to bring traditional Lao craft to a wider audience. However, business remained slow. The space he operated from was small, and his tools were outdated.
His physical disability added logistical challenges to an already difficult routine. Delivery of goods was tough to coordinate, especially for customers in nearby villages. During holiday periods or rainy seasons, foot traffic dwindled to almost nothing. He often found himself closing the shop early just to conserve energy and reduce costs.
Even so, Pokkhong was determined to support his family of five. He managed basic expenses, but dreams of expansion, savings, or renovation felt out of reach.

The Turning Point: Embracing a New Approach

Everything began to shift when Pokkhong joined the R.I.S.E. programme. Through a structured, module-based training approach, he gained practical tools and insights tailored specifically for small entrepreneurs like him. The programme focused not just on business skills, but on building confidence and unlocking potential.

Key lessons from R.I.S.E. included:

Customer Analysis: Pokkhong learned to identify his primary customers and adjust his offerings based on their needs. He began packaging items in more attractive ways and tailoring products for local events and festivals.

Operational Planning: He refined how he managed supplies and started offering delivery services to reach elderly customers, PWDs, and low-income households nearby.

Sales Strategies: He introduced seasonal discounts and “bundled” offers to attract more consistent sales. Importantly, he also leveraged word-of-mouth more effectively through satisfied repeat customers.

Financial Management: With new budgeting skills, Pokkhong began separating business and personal finances, saving more consistently, and planning ahead for slower months.

From Surviving to Scaling

The results came quickly. Within three months of completing the R.I.S.E. programme:

-His monthly income tripled, rising from LAK 2,000,000 to over LAK 6,000,000.
-He established an emergency savings fund, setting aside over LAK 1.5 million each month.
-He could support his two children with school supplies, meals, and daily needs.
-He invested in improving his shop layout and began looking at options to expand into a larger space.

What makes Pokkhong’s journey especially meaningful is how his success has rippled outward. He now trains fellow PWDs in basic handicraft techniques, hoping to build a small network of artisans who can supplement their incomes while preserving local traditions.
He also provides free delivery services to elderly customers and other disadvantaged community members, believing that small businesses should still play a role in serving the vulnerable.

A Broader Impact

Pokkhong’s story is just one example of how inclusive training and targeted support can spark sustainable change. For individuals with disabilities and those from underserved communities, access to programmes like R.I.S.E. means more than just financial growth—it brings dignity, autonomy, and purpose.

The Maybank R.I.S.E. programme, implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC), is active across Southeast Asia and is focused on helping people like Pokkhong gain the tools, confidence, and resilience to build better lives for themselves and those around them.
By merging business training with social purpose, R.I.S.E. not only uplifts individuals but contributes to broader community wellbeing and long-term economic inclusion.

Building Sustainable Social Impact

We at People Systems Consultancy (PSC) are proud to support Maybank Foundation in delivering the R.I.S.E. programme across the region. Our approach focuses on building customised solutions that align with corporate ESG strategies while driving meaningful impact for marginalised communities.

If your organisation is looking to empower underserved groups or incorporate inclusive entrepreneurship into your social impact goals, we’d love to explore how we can work together.

Let’s build the next success story—together.
🔗 Learn more about R.I.S.E.: https://www.maybankfoundation.com/index.php/our-impact/rise/rise-overview
🔗 Partner with PSC to drive impact: https://www.peoplesystemsconsultancy.com