Latest news with #AnneAntah
Daily Express
13-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
YIM targets more Sabah grassroots social innovations
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: YIM Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh - pix Bernama Kota Kinabalu: The Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM) is ramping up efforts to identify and support more grassroots social innovations in Sabah to foster a sustainable local innovation ecosystem. YIM Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh said the innovation foundation, established under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), serves as a platform to discover, develop and match grassroots innovations with development funding. 'Our mandate is to find innovations with social, economic and environmental impact, and then support their growth through targeted funding,' she said. She said YIM differs from other organisations in its focus on applying technology to social innovation models that deliver tangible benefits to communities. 'Any business or model that incorporates innovation and contributes meaningfully to society falls within our scope,' she added. YIM recently partnered with the Ministry of Economy to pilot a project aimed at helping grassroots innovators commercialise their products and build more sustainable ventures. Eleven innovators were selected nationwide, including four from Sabah, each receiving RM80,000 for project implementation over 12 months. 'The pilot began in June last year and concluded last month. The outcomes so far are promising. YIM provided support ranging from equipment and training to sustainable product development,' she said. The foundation will conduct a six-month impact review covering business growth, profitability and contributions to local economies. Among the Sabah-based innovators supported is Anne Antah, founder of Chanteek Borneo, which produces ethnic-inspired accessories and apparel suitable for both formal and everyday wear. Other recipients include Joardy Mardeko, who created the Coconut Patty Burger made from high-fibre coconut pulp, as well as Sariyaman Sabur, developer of cassava-based nuggets rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre as a healthy alternative. YIM also helped revive an aquafarm in Kundasang that was affected by the 2015 earthquake, redeveloping it using modern aquaculture and hydroponic systems. 'We're also collaborating with universities to develop innovations that don't yet exist in Malaysia, from the research phase through to commercialisation with real social impact,' Sharmila said. YIM is currently working with Universiti Malaysia Sabah on a mountain hiking-related innovation, with details to be announced once finalised. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
App to boost safety of Mt Kinabalu climbers
Sharmila (centre) showcasing high-quality, innovative batik shirts produced by Anne Antah (right), founder of Chanteek Borneo Sdn Bhd. KOTA KINABALU (July 12): The Malaysian Foundation for Innovation (YIM) is currently collaborating with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to develop a smart application aimed at enhancing the safety and experience of mountain climbers. YIM chief executive officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh said the project, initiated last year, is expected to be completed in 2026 and will result in a first-of-its-kind product in the Malaysian market. 'This application will create a new experience for climbing enthusiasts, especially those lacking formal training or stamina,' she said when met here yesterday. She said the innovation is designed to address common challenges faced by climbers, such as health issues or getting lost due to lack of internet connectivity. 'This equipment will ensure accurate tracking of the climber's location, provide real-time health updates, record the route taken, and offer many other features,' she added. Sharmila also revealed that the technology has helped identify a new 40-kilometre climbing route that passes through several villages, providing economic opportunities to local communities. 'The route doesn't lead up to Mount Kinabalu itself, but offers breathtaking views of the mountain and has the potential to become Sabah's next tourism gem,' she said, adding that the location is currently not open to the public, although some climbers have already explored it. YIM, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, has been actively supporting local innovation through various programmes and funding initiatives. According to Sharmila, the foundation has helped numerous innovators nationwide develop market-ready products with high value-added potential, some of which have entered both local and international markets. 'We currently have 11 participants under this programme, including several from Sabah,' she said, noting that each participant receives a grant of RM80,000 to grow their business. She highlighted the success of one participant, Anne Antah, founder of Chanteek Borneo Sdn Bhd, who has made a name for herself through the design of textiles featuring ethnic Sabah motifs and other handcrafted items.
