ONTO GREENER PASTURES

From ecofriendly fashion to forest restoration, these trailblazers are proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand

- STUART DANKER

It’s tough enough pursuing the path of entrepreneurship, but doing so sustainably adds another challenge to the works. Not for these Malaysians.

Augustman sat down with the leaders of three companies from different industries who’d earned their chops in their respective fields. And we learned all about their journey towards more sustainable practices.

We also discovered how their efforts are bettering the country (and the world), and how they’re paving the path for future generations to do the same.

STICKING THEIR FOOT IN THE DOOR OF SUSTAINABILITY

Yoke & Theam is a footwear company and the brainchild of two sisters, Yokie Theam and Theam Yoke Sin. For them, stepping into this industry was a natural thing, as their family has practised this vocation for three generations now.

That’s a long time to pursue something, so it’s safe to say that the brand is built upon a solid foundation in footwear. However, being sustainable hasn’t always been on Yoke & Theam’s agenda, and the sisters are looking to change that through their latest Eco Line collection, which has environment preservation in mind.

“Part of the reason why we’re exploring a more sustainable path is because we’ve been reading up a lot on the subject,“ Yoke Sin says. “And a lot of women have been spearheading these movements for a greener Earth. So we’ve been inspired enough that we thought of seeing how we can be part of this movement as well.”