In Melaka, Malaysia, a recent exchange between Ever Delicious Food Industries Sdn. Bhd. and AFA Technologies Sdn. Bhd. showcased how businesses can integrate sustainability and compassion into their core operations. These companies, led by entrepreneurs inspired by Tzu Chi's principles, shared their journeys in prioritizing environmental protection and employee well-being, fostering an "Economy of Goodness" where economic growth aligns with ecological responsibility.

A Journey Towards Green Manufacturing

Ever Delicious Food Industries, a biscuit manufacturer founded in 1992, has undergone a remarkable transformation towards sustainable practices. Their commitment has earned them numerous accolades, including the Melaka Chief Minister Award and national SME awards, alongside recognition in the green business sector. The company was also selected for a pilot program by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) for the "13th Malaysia Plan Sustainable Transformation" project, highlighting their leadership in sustainable development.

The company's management team detailed their efforts, from implementing robust environmental, safety, and health management systems to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. They actively contribute to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by continuously optimizing their work environment.

A factory tour revealed practical applications of their green initiatives. A rainwater harvesting system significantly reduces water consumption for external cleaning. Solar power provides hot water for cleaning machinery and employee uniforms, leading to substantial savings in energy and costs. The company also practices comprehensive recycling, with proceeds benefiting an employee welfare fund. Food waste is ingeniously repurposed: some is transformed into eco-enzymes for natural cleaning, which employees can take home, while production line food waste feeds animals, achieving a zero-food-waste goal for the entire factory.

These initiatives have not only reduced operating costs and carbon footprint but also positioned Ever Delicious as a leader in green policy, attracting government incentives and enhancing customer trust in international markets.

Yo Bee Kiow (劉渼嬌), the Managing Director, affirmed the benefits of this approach: "Without environmental awareness, my company would not have achieved its current thriving state. We are not only expanding our production line but also planning to build a second factory entirely as a green building, achieving environmental friendliness and efficient resource utilization. I see the benefits that the Economy of Goodness and sustainability bring!"

Compassion in Corporate Culture

Yo Bee Kiow's journey into sustainability began in 2007 after attending a Tzu Chi Entrepreneurs' Retreat in Taiwan. Witnessing the scale of industrial pollution at a recycling station, she returned to Malaysia determined to implement waste sorting, recycling, and conservation efforts at her factory. Her personal commitment extended to volunteering at Tzu Chi's recycling station, deepening her understanding and resolve.

Beyond environmental efforts, Yo Bee Kiow integrated Tzu Chi's altruistic philosophy into her business by prioritizing employee welfare. Noticing employees struggling with meal preparation, she began personally cooking vegetarian meals for them. During hot weather, she provided unlimited homemade herbal tea to prevent heat-related illnesses. She also regularly inspected dormitories to improve living conditions for migrant workers and invited them to participate in Tzu Chi prayer events for spiritual comfort. Employees are encouraged to practice generosity through voluntary donations when enjoying the factory's vegetarian meals and by participating in Tzu Chi recycling activities.

Yo Bee Kiow credits Tzu Chi volunteer Mei-Chen Su for her guidance. She particularly embraced Master Cheng Yen's "purity begins at the source" concept, which emphasizes reducing waste, recycling resources, and minimizing consumption. "The concept of 'purity begins at the source' has benefited me for a lifetime, inspiring endless sustainable actions," she shared in 2011 when she became a certified Tzu Chi Commissioner. "Tzu Chi provides continuous learning opportunities, expanding my knowledge to integrate into the business. Both rationality and empathy, systems and warmth, must be balanced for myself and the company to grow together."

She added, "The company operates in a sustainable manner, focusing on production, consumption, and resource conservation. We also hope to educate and influence employees and upstream/downstream partners, expanding our impact layer by layer. Sustainability cannot stop; businesses need social responsibility, and everyone must practice personal responsibility to protect Earth's resources."

Collaborating for a Sustainable Future

AFA Technologies initiated the exchange visit to learn from Ever Delicious Food Industries' achievements in ESH and sustainable development. Ai-Chun Fan, General Manager of AFA Technologies, noted her company's upcoming participation in the government's "Solve 4 SME" program.

"Inter-company exchange helps businesses expand cooperation, support each other, and collectively achieve sustainable development," Ai-Chun Fan stated, expressing her hope to host a return visit. Nurfadilah AB Karim, an HR employee at AFA Technologies, found the visit insightful, particularly learning about transforming food waste into eco-enzymes for cleaning, a practice she plans to adopt at home.

Yo Bee Kiow highlighted the synergy: "AFA Technologies, a technology company manufacturing machinery, is an upstream supplier to us, a traditional food industry. This creates a complementary upstream-downstream partnership, combining traditional industry with modern technology to promote ESG and social enterprise development. Through public exchanges, we can encourage more businesses to join the sustainability movement, forming an Economy of Goodness."

Ai-Chun Fan emphasized their company's commitment to plant-based diets as an effective environmental protection measure. "Our company also continues to promote vegetarianism, integrating Tzu Chi's environmental philosophy and the mission of harmonious coexistence with Earth into our business operations," she said. She admired Yo Bee Kiow's dedication to personally preparing vegetarian meals for her employees, showcasing genuine care and commitment.

Faezah Binti Suboh, Operations Manager at Ever Delicious Food Industries and an environmental engineering graduate, found that her academic knowledge truly connected with practical application after joining the company. She realized how every company policy aligns with the UN SDGs. For instance, the solar energy system reduces carbon footprint, with data clearly showing the equivalent number of trees planted. Inspired by the company's culture, she now practices strict waste sorting, prioritizes vegetarian meals, uses eco-enzymes, and composts food waste at home, influencing her family to adopt similar changes.

Even the refreshments at the exchange meeting reflected the sustainability ethos, featuring no single-use packaging, only vegetarian options, and natural fruit teas. This consistent commitment to environmental principles, from factory operations to meeting details, underscores their dedication.

A Collective Path Forward

Yo Bee Kiow believes that education is fundamental to sustainability, fostering environmental awareness from a young age to build collective consensus. She envisions this influence spreading from employees to their families and friends, integrating these values into daily life and society. The involvement of the younger generation, exemplified by Mei-Chen Su's son, Tan Ching Khang (陳靖康), now CEO of AFA Technologies and a Tzu Chi volunteer trainee, is seen as crucial for influencing more young entrepreneurs. This intergenerational commitment promises to gather greater collective goodness, forming a virtuous cycle that truly paves the way for a sustainable future.

Written by Yen Yu-Chu (顏玉珠)

Source: 跨企業交流 共創善經濟永續路