The rhythmic clatter of the loom tells a story not just of heritage, but of hope, story brought to life by the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) programme, a flagship programme by Maybank Foundation. More than a community project, MWEW is a regional movement that artfully intertwines tradition, sustainability, and women’s empowerment across Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines. With a mission to preserve centuries-old woven textile techniques while championing financial independence, the programme uplifts women from underserved rural communities, equipping them with the tools to turn their craft into a livelihood. Rooted in eco-conscious values, MWEW supports every layer of the traditional woven textile supply chain, from mulberry, cotton and abaca farmers to the women weavers themselves, ensuring that both culture and the environment are honoured. At its heart, MWEW is more than just weaving. It’s about restoring dignity, fostering community, and threading new possibilities into the lives of women across ASEAN.

STRATEGY

Our Impact

Tapestry of ASEAN

Represented by the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) Beneficiary Countries

In support of the UNSDGs:

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• The Maybank Women Eco-Weavers Programme is endorsed by ASEAN as a programme that is aligned to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 via our participation at the ASEAN 50th Anniversary Celebration graced by the President of Indonesia, H.E. Pak Jokowi in 2017
• Bronze award recipient at the Global CSR Awards under the “Best Community Programme” in 2017
• Silver award recipient at the Global CSR Awards under the “Best Environmental Excellent Award” in 2018
• Gold award recipient at the Global CSR Awards under the “Best Community Programme” in 2019
• Achieved another milestone when a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the National Heritage Board of Singapore to work together to promote the art, culture and heritage of Southeast Asia in 2019
• Shortlisted in the Edie Sustainability Leaders Awards in 2018 & 2019, finalist in the “Social Sustainability & Community Development” category.