Biji-biji Initiative

What Biji-biji Initiative does

Biji-biji Initiative is a Malaysian social enterprise founded in 2013 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur that operates as an impact ecosystem builder across Malaysia and ASEAN. The organisation delivers capacity-building programmes, ESG and sustainability training, and a circular economy initiative under four product pillars: Social Innovation Programmes (cohort-based mentorship and accelerator support), the ESG & Sustainability Leadership Programme (a 6-week blended course priced at RM 5,015 per participant with international certification from EUNEIZ University), the Future of Sustainability online learning platform (seven courses delivered through Mereka Academy covering ESG, civic engagement, impact reporting, and SDG integration), and Beyond Bins (community-led plastic recycling using shredder, extruder, and injection moulder equipment inspired by the Precious Plastic project, producing 100% recycled plastic corporate gifts).

Name

Biji-biji Initiative

Legal name

Biji Biji Design Sdn Bhd

Website

https://biji-biji.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Biji-biji Initiative is a Malaysian social enterprise founded in 2013 that delivers capacity-building, ESG training, and circular economy programmes across Malaysia and ASEAN, partnering with corporations, foundations, multilaterals, and government agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability Capacity-Building and Social Impact Services

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

akta.pro primary industry

Circular Economy & Sustainable Products (Reuse, Repair, Upcycling) (BPAGALAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Circularity Consulting & Program Management (EPR, Design-for-Circularity, LCA) (EUAIANAH)

Keywords

• Social innovation programmes
• ESG sustainability training
• Circular economy solutions
• Capacity building services
• Social enterprise development

Headquarters

HQ city

Kuala Lumpur

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Programme Fees: Revenue from capacity-building programmes including the ESG & Sustainability Leadership Programme (RM 5,015 per participant) and various training programmes. Also includes group enrollment discounts (30%) and scholarship provisions (35% for eligible organizations).
2. Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships: Partnerships with corporations for sustainability strategies, social procurement, co-branded campaigns, and funding of community-based initiatives aligned with ESG goals. Corporate clients include Alliance Bank, Petronas, Standard Chartered, and various international companies.
3. Philanthropic & Foundation Funding: Catalytic funding from foundations including IKEA Foundation, Yayasan Hasanah, Microsoft, and other development aid organisations to grow impact initiatives, scale programmes, and strengthen organisational capacity.
4. Ethical Products Sales: Sale of corporate gifts made from 100% recycled plastic through the Beyond Bins initiative, providing alternative income to engaged B40 communities.
5. International Development Funding: Funding from multilateral and bilateral agencies supporting regional development goals including UNDP, Asia Foundation, ASEAN Foundation, and US government initiatives like YSEALI.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Biji-biji Initiative designs and delivers social impact capacity-building programmes across three core areas (Social Innovation, Future of Sustainability, ESG Leadership) plus a flagship circular economy programme called Beyond Bins. It sells structured training programmes, certified leadership courses, and customised impact programmes to social enterprises, corporates, foundations, and government agencies across Malaysia and ASEAN, while generating supplemental income from ethical corporate gifts made of recycled plastic.

Product overview

Biji-biji Initiative operates as a social impact organisation offering a platform-plus-programmes architecture centered on four core pillars: Social Innovation Programmes (capacity building for changemakers), the ESG & Sustainability Leadership Programme (blended learning with international certification), the Future of Sustainability course platform (online learning with 7 distinct courses covering ESG, civic engagement, and impact reporting), and the Beyond Bins circular economy flagship programme (community-based plastic recycling and ethical products). These are complemented by a portfolio of 15+ named programmes delivered in partnership with organisations such as Microsoft, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, YSEALI/US Embassy, UNESCO-APCEIU, and Yayasan Hasanah, targeting youth leadership, environmental acceleration, AI skilling, and social enterprise development across Malaysia and ASEAN. Courses are delivered through Mereka Academy at academy.mereka.my, while programmes are delivered through direct partnership engagements documented in the portfolio section.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Beyond Bins: Flagship circular economy programme that tackles plastic waste issues whilst improving livelihoods of marginalised communities through small-scale plastic recycling.
• Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia (SEAM)

Products and services

• Social Innovation Programmes Capacity-building programmes that equip changemakers with structured learning, expert mentorship, funding pathways, regional networks, sustained support, and digital skills to scale their social impact. Targeted at social enterprises, NGOs, young leaders, and community organisations across Malaysia and ASEAN.
• ESG & Sustainability Leadership Programme A 6-week blended learning programme (online self-paced modules plus 2-day in-person workshop) that builds ESG integration capability for mid-level managers, sustainability officers, social entrepreneurs, and department heads. Eligible for HRDC claim in Malaysia and awards an international certificate from EUNEIZ University upon completion.
• Future of Sustainability Online Course Platform Online course platform hosted via Mereka Academy (academy.mereka.my), offering self-paced courses covering ESG fundamentals, civic engagement, strategic impact reporting, SDG integration, sustainable business practices, and pitch development. Delivered via individual enrollment, team enrolment, licensed course, or custom modules.
• Beyond Bins Circular Economy Programme Flagship circular economy programme enabling small-scale community-based plastic recycling using shredder, extruder, and injection moulder machines. Produces ethical corporate gifts made of 100% recycled plastic and generates alternative income for marginalised B40 communities. Inspired by the global Precious Plastic project.
• Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia (SEAM) Partnership programme with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship supporting Malaysian social enterprises through tailored mentorship and USD 400,000 in funding across two 12-month cohorts over four years.
• Microsoft AI Teach Malaysia Programme enabling an AI upskilling ecosystem with trainer empowerment in Generative AI, in-country and regional hackathons, and partnership with ASEAN Foundation for policy-level support. Targets educators, MSMEs, civil servants, and students.
• Microsoft Talenta AI Indonesia Joint initiative with Microsoft Indonesia and Kartu Prakerja to upskill 100,000 Indonesian youth (70% women) in AI, Data, and cybersecurity for future-ready jobs.
• YSEALI Summit 2023 Indonesia Summit highlighting YSEALI alumni impact with sessions on impact measurement, innovative financing, and branding for impact, including a small grants competition awarding USD 5,000 to 12 winners.
• YSEALI Game Changers Programme empowering 75 Southeast Asian game creators with leadership experience to produce socially conscious games, culminating in a four-day workshop in Kuala Lumpur with seed funding for top teams.
• YSEALI Boot Camp 2022 Ten-month civic engagement programme for Malaysian youth from four states (Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Pahang) with four phases including webinars, 2-day boot camps, 3-month mentorship, and finale.
• YSEALI Next Executive Steering Committee Programme enhancing collaboration among YSEALI mission alumni networks through regional gatherings, speaker programmes, and grants, with travel to regional summits.
• Yayasan Hasanah (YH) Environmental Accelerator Accelerator strengthening Perak state's environmental organisation ecosystem, aligned with Thrusts 1-3 of Perak's Sustainable Development Model by Yayasan Hasanah.
• UNESCO-APCEIU 9th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED Civic engagement programme for global youth leaders featuring mentorship, training on civic engagement framework, project management, and impact measurement, culminating in a live Facebook session.
• U.S. Embassy IdentiFAKE Media Literacy Programme Media and information literacy programme with workshops, competitions, and talks, including a 10-day exhibition and boot camps for students and educators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 836,000+ changemakers nurtured across Malaysia and ASEAN
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, key, core and minor.

• MicrosoftflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Microsoft for AI skilling initiatives including Microsoft AI Teach Malaysia, Microsoft Talenta AI Indonesia, and Microsoft Elevate national initiative. Microsoft provides funding, content, and platform support for digital skills programmes reaching educators, MSMEs, and civil servants across ASEAN.
• IKEA MalaysiakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-funding partner for SEAM programme supporting Malaysian social enterprises through tailored capacity building and mentorship.
• YSEALI (U.S. Mission to ASEAN)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative for youth leadership summits, boot camps, and regional programmes across ASEAN countries.
• Alliance BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership for sustainability strategies and ESG initiatives, including award recognition and SME support programmes.
• PetronascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership for sustainability initiatives and ESG-aligned community programmes.
• Standard CharteredcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership for sustainability and ESG initiatives in the banking sector.
• UNDPkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Nations Development Programme partnership for international development goals and sustainable development initiatives.
• Asia FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational development partnership for regional development goals, capacity-building, and cross-border programme collaboration.
• ASEAN FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ASEAN Foundation for regional capacity-building through educational exchanges and ICT promotion in education.
• British Council MalaysiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural and educational partnership for English language programmes, cultural exchange, and development initiatives.
• Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports for youth leadership development programmes and national initiatives.
• MaGICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre for social enterprise accreditation and innovation support.
• Taylor's UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to establish Taylor's Mereka Makerspace for maker education and alternative learning spaces.
• KUSKOPkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Malaysian Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives for digital economy development.
• INSKENcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with National Entrepreneurship Institute for startup ecosystem development.
• AVPNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional membership network connecting social purpose organisations with funders and knowledge partners.
• Social Value MalaysiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network for social value measurement and impact assessment.
• University MalayacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research collaboration, knowledge-building, and curriculum co-creation.
• Asia School of BusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for business education and research collaboration.
• PSPK Women Development CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Beyond Bins community partner focused on women empowerment, education, and rehabilitation. They run the first community-led recycling hub.
• BohomyscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegistered social enterprise partner for youth upskilling and income-generating opportunities through upcycling. Located at Central Market for plastic drop-offs.
• Micron TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology partnership for impact creation and digital skills development.
• SCENICkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal and state governance agency partnership for ecosystem development.
• Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government partnership for digital economy development in Sarawak.
• HRDC (Human Resource Development Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency partnership making programmes HRDC claimable for Malaysian organizations.
• Minca VentureskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based social impact enterprise partnership for ESG programme delivery with global reach across 190 countries.
• EUNEIZ University Vitoria-GasteizcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational certification partner for ESG & Sustainability Leadership Programme providing certificates upon completion.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL): Established global ESG and sustainability leadership education provider delivering executive programmes analogous to Biji-biji's ESLP, though at enterprise/university rather than mid-market tier.
• B Lab Global: Larger, established social/environmental certification body whose B Corp framework operates in the same 'verified social enterprise' space as Biji-biji's People and Planet First credentialing and WFTO Guaranteed membership.

Direct peers

• Common Objective: Fashion-industry social enterprise network that has recognised Biji-biji and shares its DNA as a sustainability and ethical-fashion capacity builder for social enterprises across regions.
• AVPN (Asian Venture Philanthropy Network): Asia-focused network connecting social-purpose organisations with funders and capacity builders; Biji-biji is a member and operates in the same social-investment ecosystem-architecture space.
• Social Value International: Global network for social value measurement and impact assessment, mirrored by Biji-biji's Social Value Malaysia partnership and the validated SROI methodology employed in their programmes.
• Plastic Bank: Operates community collection points for plastic waste while generating livelihood benefits for marginalised populations, a model closely aligned with Beyond Bins' B40 community plastic-recycling operations.
• Impact Hub: Global network of impact-driven hubs providing capacity building, accelerator programmes, and ecosystem support to social enterprises, mirroring Biji-biji's Impact Ecosystem Builder positioning across multiple geographies.
• Precious Plastic: Open-source small-scale plastic recycling movement whose machines and community-hub model explicitly inspired Biji-biji's Beyond Bins flagship, making it the closest technical and philosophical counterpart in community-based circular economy.

Regional players

• MaGIC (Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre): Malaysian government-linked social enterprise accelerator and IDEA Accreditation body that partners with Biji-biji on social enterprise development, sharing overlapping mandate in Malaysian impact-ecosystem building.

Emerging players

• HATCH.sg (Sustainable Finance / ESG training): Singapore-based emerging ESG and sustainability capacity-builder offering comparable content-led programmes and certifications to mid-career professionals in Southeast Asia, overlapping with Biji-biji's ESLP audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BijiBiji_KL
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@bijibiji.initiative
• Facebookfacebook.com/bijibijiinitiative
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bijibijiinitiative
• Instagraminstagram.com/bijibiji.initiative

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Biji-biji Initiative