KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has proposed that the Digital Kitchen initiative be institutionalised as a cooperative to ensure its long-term sustainability and viability as a social enterprise.
He stated that his ministry, through the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), is ready to assist in realising this vision.
“I believe there is a need to institutionalise the Digital Kitchen initiative so that more support and resources can be channelled into it.
Therefore, I propose that the Kampung Limau Digital Kitchen be made the pioneer for the establishment of a Digital Kitchen Cooperative, which can then serve as a mentor for other Digital Kitchens,” he said during the launch of Kampung Limau Digital Kitchen.
Also present were Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry, Rahman Mohd Din; Managing Director of Pepper Labs, Thanaselan Rajendran; Chief Executive Officer of National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), Viviantie Sarjuni, along with other senior officials from agencies and the ministry.
Empowering Women Through Digital Kitchens
The Digital Kitchen is a social enterprise initiative by Pepper Labs, aimed at empowering urban women entrepreneurs in housing communities around Kuala Lumpur. The model promotes collective economic self-reliance, leveraging digitalisation in business governance, especially in marketing.
To date, 15 Digital Kitchens have been established across the Klang Valley, including in Lembah Pantai, Wangsa Maju, Setiawangsa, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Seputeh, and Titiwangsa.
Ewon emphasised that his ministry and its agencies would help ensure the sustainability of this initiative, including facilitating the establishment of a Digital Kitchen Cooperative.
“Digital Kitchen is not just a development project—it is a symbol of hope for the B40 group, particularly single mothers, youth, and housewives, enabling them to earn income through cooking skills supported by digital technology and e-commerce platforms,” he said.
He added that in 2024, five pilot Digital Kitchen projects had been implemented with impressive results, achieving cumulative sales of over RM1.2 million as of June 2025.
“This proves that when the people are given space, opportunities, and guidance, they are capable of achieving success.
“As a result, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced additional funding under Budget 2025 to establish 25 more Digital Kitchens nationwide,” he said.
Inclusive Entrepreneurial Support
Ewon highlighted that the ministry continues to implement a wide range of initiatives to empower micro-entrepreneurs and low-income groups, including:
- BizME (by SME Corp)
- RAKYATpreneur 6.0 (by Bank Rakyat)
- Entrepreneurial training by INSKEN
- Be Your Own Boss (by PERNAS)
- Ikhtiar Financing Scheme (by AIM)
- MySMELady 2.0 (by SME Bank)
He also noted that private sector collaboration plays a crucial role in supporting the initiative, including:
- Maxis – providing digital training
- Brahim’s – supplying sauces and food pastes
- Media Prima – offering branding support
- PPB Group – contributing bakery equipment
“This synergy between the public and private sectors is what will ensure that Digital Kitchens remain competitive and sustainable.
“With holistic implementation, we can produce more digital micro-entrepreneurs who will contribute to the country’s GDP growth and help close the digital divide, in line with the MyDIGITAL aspirations,” he said.
Ewon also urged the Kampung Limau community and Digital Kitchen participants to fully utilise the platform as a source of income, learning, collaboration, and future-building.
“With support from the government, private sector, NGOs, and the community, I believe Digital Kitchen can become a symbol of Malaysian people’s capability to be independent, competitive, and successful in the future digital economy landscape,” he concluded.