AdminWCT Holdings Berhad (WCT) has completed its WCTGives “Threads of Hope” corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, with 20 women from B40 and vulnerable low-income communities graduating from an 11-week sewing training programme.
Developed in collaboration with Grace Community Services (GCS) and Hazel & Nutz, the programme aimed to provide participants with practical sewing skills while supporting confidence-building, financial resilience and potential income-generating opportunities.
Training builds practical sewing and business skills
Held weekly at GCS headquarters in Klang, the four-hour sessions were conducted by Hazel Loke, founder of Hazel & Nutz and the programme trainer.
Participants learned basic techniques including pattern drafting, fabric cutting and sewing construction before progressing to practical projects. These included drawstring bags, cushion covers, reversible tote bags, batwing blouses, skirts, aprons, upcycled denim bags, tissue pouches and scrunchies.
A budgeting and costing session was also included to introduce participants to basic product pricing and planning.
WCT contributed approximately RM42,000 towards the initiative, including 10 sewing machines, sewing tools and materials. The machines will remain at the GCS community centre for continued skills development and future training.
Datuk Peter Chow, Deputy Managing Director of WCT, said the initiative reflected the company’s focus on creating opportunities for people to develop their capabilities.
“We hope this journey will continue to open doors for them in the future,” he said.
Participants gain experience through product sales
The programme also provided participants with an opportunity to apply their skills through a pre-order sale of completed sewing products to WCT employees, generating approximately RM2,555 in sales.
Hazel Loke said the programme extended beyond sewing, with participants also developing entrepreneurship, goal-setting and teamwork skills.
At the graduation ceremony, participants received Certificates of Completion and showcased their finished projects.
Participant Premesvery A/P Thangappan said the programme encouraged her to continue sewing and explore how the skills could support future income opportunities.
“I feel proud of what I have completed, and it has encouraged me to continue sewing and explore how these skills can help me earn an income in the future.” she said.
WCTGives “Threads of Hope” forms part of the company’s #WeCareTogether and #EducationForAll pillars, which focus on community well-being, capability building and inclusive opportunities. Launched in 2022, WCTGives also includes #AGreenerTomorrow, which focuses on environmental stewardship.
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