Empowering Environmental Sustainability Through Financial Literacy
After a long year working through the different learning stages of the Good SENS financial literacy programme, Team Herofinity from SK Parit Raja (Johor) achieved a well-deserved win when they bagged the ‘Best Product Award’ at the 2023 International Dragons’ Den. Competing against teams from Egypt, England, and Scotland, many of whom were older or whose first language was English, the team did an amazing job representing the Malaysian programme.
Their environmentally conscious business model involved repurposing used oil from their canteen operator and the community to craft eco-friendly soaps and candles. The judges noted that the team has a strong understanding of what a Social Enterprise should be, and they commended the extensive research involved in developing such a creative plan. They also praised the business plan for its comprehensiveness, covering every step of the value chain, evident in the team’s marketing, production, and sales process. Recognising the business’s potential for growth and scalability, the judges provided suggestions and expressed their eagerness to see the business expand.
By applying financial literacy concepts, the team was able to manage their income and expenditure well enabling their business to generate over RM 2,800 in revenue, which they invested in purchasing stainless steel oil filter equipment for the school’s canteen operator and a neighbouring community restaurant, in order to support a family in need.
Team Herofinity not only demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and creative problem-solving but also experienced significant personal growth and the development of skills which can have a long-lasting impact on their future academic and career success.
