ASEAN IB Awards : Empowering Communities and Cultures

As a Bali-based premium tea company, we have embarked on a remarkable journey that combines community empowerment, female involvement, and a commitment to sustainability. We are delighted to receive a prestigious nomination for the ASEAN IB Awards, a testament to our dedication to fostering a sustainable business model that promotes collaboration and celebrates cultural diversity.

The ASEAN IB Awards is an esteemed recognition presented to businesses within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region that demonstrate exceptional innovation, social impact, and sustainable practices. It celebrates enterprises that go beyond traditional business models to empower communities, preserve cultural heritage, and foster environmental stewardship.

This recognition brought immense joy and pride to the team. To be acknowledged for our efforts in community empowerment and sustainability validates our commitment to creating a positive impact beyond mere profits. It definitely boosts our motivation to continue the journey towards making a difference in the lives of people, especially in our community, and for the Mother Earth.

Community empowerment has become an essential part of our business model. We source our raw materials from local tea gardens, initiated and collaborate with PKK (Pembinaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga) or Family Welfare Programme. This programme was born in Bandung 1957 during the ‘Home Economic’ seminar, and ever since has developed into a national organsation under Ministry of Home Affairs. This approach not only fosters social inclusion but also ensures the preservation of cultural traditions passed down through generations and add economic value to their household.

PKK is often motorised by women due to its commonly practiced role as the housewives. In Balinese culture, women have long played essential roles in various aspects of life, including the art of crafting tea. We have completely embraced this aspect cultural aspect "oddly" by actively involving local women artisans in the tea-making process. These skilled women artisans contribute their expertise in handcrafting tea blends, adding a distinct touch to each brew. Our vision of sustainability goes hand-in-hand with community and female empowerment. We recognize the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental well-being and women play an essential role in this movement.

This award inspires us to tap our neighbourhood countries, the ASEAN region. We share a rich cultural and historical background, making it an appealing market for collaboration. We see the potential for cross-cultural exchanges and partnerships within ASEAN. This is more than just promoting our products and our values in the market. We dream that we can replicate our business model and value propositions in others region. 

We  believe that sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources can foster mutual growth and create a stronger sense of regional unity. Quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, we believe “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Kementerian Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah (KemenkopUKM) / Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs of The Republic of Indonesia for its unwavering support to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM). It goes without saying that the support has been instrumental in nurturing our growth as a socially responsible and sustainable enterprise.

This milestone with the ASEAN IB Awards exemplifies the power of community empowerment, female involvement, and sustainability in creating positive change. Let’s take a deep breath, appreciate this moment.

This is a long journey, and exciting, journey for us. We are driven by our commitment to fostering cultural diversity, collaborating with the ASEAN market, and acknowledging the support of KemenkopUKM highlights their dedication to making a meaningful impact on people's lives and the environment.

We would like to honor our cultural heritage and preserve the beauty of traditional craftsmanship and become a beacon of sustainable business practices. Let’s raise a cup tea with us!

With Love,
Ni Made Roni