AdminWhat began as a simple act of heartfelt giving during Ramadan and Hari Raya has evolved into a transformative platform empowering women home bakers from the Lembah Subang and Seri Pantai People’s Housing Project (PPR) communities.
Through Cadbury Dairy Milk’s Kuih Raya Dari Hati programme, these women have transitioned from informal home-based baking to becoming professionally certified micro-entrepreneurs, building more secure and independent livelihoods for themselves and their families. The initiative reflects a significant shift from seasonal festive support to a long-term empowerment model aimed at strengthening women’s economic resilience.
Today, the community comprises 20 dedicated home bakers, each contributing skill and pride to their creations. In December 2025, participating women completed certification under the Ministry of Health Malaysia in food safety and handling, ensuring their products comply with national hygiene and safety standards.
The certification marks a key milestone. Beyond formalising their businesses, it opens new pathways for credibility and expansion in an increasingly competitive marketplace. For many, the recognition symbolises validation of years of informal effort carried out quietly from their kitchens.
Going digital and expanding market reach
To further accelerate growth, Cadbury is spotlighting the specialty creations of the programme’s two lead bakers on the Shopee platform via the Cadbury Official Store. Products such as Cadbury Kuih Kapit and Cadbury Double Chocolate Cookies are now available to a nationwide audience, allowing Malaysians to enjoy and gift treats crafted with purpose.
The move into e-commerce creates a sustainable income stream that extends well beyond the festive season. It also signals a broader digital inclusion push, enabling women from underserved communities to compete in Malaysia’s fast-growing online marketplace.
Sarasvathy, 48, who leads the PPR Seri Pantai group, described the journey as transformative. “I never imagined we would have progressed this far. This would not have been possible without the support of Cadbury and my team members. For us, it’s not just about the income – it’s about being able to dream bigger and turn those dreams into reality. I feel truly blessed that I can now support my daughter in pursuing higher education.”
Nur Sharzi Bashar, 41, who heads the PPR Lembah Subang group and has operated her home-based business for over two years, reflected on her progress. “This experience has changed my life in ways I never imagined. Achieving financial independence has given me peace of mind, especially during Raya. I can now provide a consistent income, travel comfortably with my family, and plan confidently for the future.
“With Cadbury’s support, I was able to bring my business online, creating new opportunities not just for myself, but for other women as well. Being able to uplift others while striving for greater heights is something I am deeply grateful for.”
Building a Sustainable Platform for Women
Beyond income generation, Kuih Raya Dari Hati has evolved into a platform for confidence-building, leadership development and resilience, particularly among women and single mothers navigating rising living costs. Several participants have assumed mentoring roles, reinforcing a cycle of shared growth and collective progress.
The initiative operates under the broader umbrella of Mondelēz International’s community efforts. In March 2024, the campaign expanded through #MDLZPrihatin, a long-term collaboration between Mondelēz International (Malaysia) and MyKasih Foundation to support underserved families.
Mei Sin, Marketing Lead for Malaysia & Singapore at Mondelēz International, underscored the programme’s long-term ambition. “We’ve always believed that real impact comes from enabling people to grow beyond the moment. Over the past two years, we’ve seen these women transform from home bakers into confident micro-entrepreneurs – gaining certification and building sustainable businesses, and discovering that as they grow, there is always more to give. With generosity at their core, they continue to share their knowledge and skills, uplifting others in their communities. This marks an important milestone as we continue to build a longer-term platform that supports women’s economic empowerment beyond festive seasons.”
Since its inception in 2021, Kuih Raya Dari Hati has championed sincerity and kindness during Ramadan and Raya. As the programme broadens its scope to explore new skills, partnerships and pathways, it signals a model of corporate-community collaboration that extends well beyond festive goodwill — embedding empowerment as a lasting impact.
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