Transforming PPR Spaces into 5-Star Cloud Kitchens: A Breakthrough in Sustainable Community Entrepreneurship.
Kuala Lumpur, October 24, 2024 – Pepper Labs, an accredited Malaysian social enterprise, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative, Dapur Digital, to support B40 women micro-entrepreneurs from the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) communities. This initiative transforms underutilised PPR units in Kuala Lumpur into fully equipped cloud kitchens, providing women with the tools, training, and business knowledge to thrive in the digital food economy.
Funded by the Ministry of Finance through Yayasan Hasanah, and supported by the Department of Federal Territories and private sector partners, Dapur Digital exemplifies the public-private-philanthropic collaboration model. This effort aligns with Malaysia’s push for inclusive digital policies under the Malaysia Madani framework and the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Supporting Business Growth with Cloud Kitchen Technology
Dapur Digital equips participants with access to five-star cloud kitchens, modelled after the commercial success of cloud kitchens in the F&B industry. The initiative offers more than just culinary training; it provides comprehensive business coaching, guiding participants through product development, digital marketing, and food tech platform management.
By leveraging cloud kitchens, the women entrepreneurs avoid high rental costs, enabling them to focus on online food delivery services. Pepper Labs CEO Gevi Ananda Roe emphasised that the core vision of this cloud kitchen initiative is to empower women micro-entrepreneurs from marginalized and low-income communities, particularly those living in PPR areas, by providing them with sustainable income opportunities. “This initiative not only equips them with the necessary skills through our comprehensive training program, but also offers a clear pathway to financial independence upon their ‘graduation,’ enabling them to thrive as entrepreneurs in the digital food economy,” she explained.
“Dapur Digital is aimed at supporting our target group of women micro entrepreneurs with hands-on coaching and comprehensive training in operating a cloud kitchen behind-the-scenes and moving into the frontline crucial element of selling, just like any commercial restaurant would – minus an actual restaurant space or costs of rental,” says Gevi.
In collaboration with UNITAR, participants will receive micro-credential certificates in Cloud Kitchen Technology, enhancing their culinary expertise and visibility on digital platforms. This technology-focused approach integrates IoT solutions, cloud technology, and food tech tools—fostering sustainable entrepreneurship from the ground up.
Aiming for Long-Term Impact and Economic Growth
Dapur Digital builds on Pepper Labs’ successful initiatives, including Masala Wheels and Mobilefood.my, which also promote employment and capacity-building for marginalised communities. Co-founder Ir Kuhan expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential:“We anticipate generating an economic return of around RM1.2mil in two years from the digital leverage of our collective five cloud kitchens. And moving forward, we are hopeful in expanding this initiative to more areas and scaling it to reach out to more women beneficiaries,”
Kuhan highlights that the initiative aligns with national goals for sustainable economic growth. This program supports Malaysia’s commitment to reducing poverty and increasing digital participation, ensuring that marginalised communities, even those in urban and remote areas, are not left behind.
Dapur Digital is not just about starting small businesses—it is about fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Participants are encouraged to build viable businesses that fit around their family schedules, ensuring work-life balance. This isn’t just a business venture; it’s an opportunity for women to transform their skills into profitable businesses while still providing for their families.
For more information on Dapur Digital or to explore partnership opportunities, visit: [https://linktr.ee/dapurdigital]
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