Their products, which range from simple items such as lanyards and namecard holders to laptop pouches and corporate merchandise, have even penetrated the global market, according to KTJ founder and chief executive officer Yap Sue Yii.
Yap was inspired to set up KTJ by her mother, Ng Yin Mei, a 65-year-old housewife whose dedication to charity work left a lasting impression on her.
“My mum is very hands-on and loves DIY projects. When I was young, she always brought me along when she did her charity work,” Yap told Bernama during a recent event to celebrate KTJ’s fifth anniversary.
Inspired by her mother’s efforts to help other women, Yap set out to create opportunities for those she affectionately calls “kakak-kakak” to earn extra income while balancing their household responsibilities.
At its core, KTJ’s mission is simple: to empower women, including single mothers and housewives, by giving them a way to contribute financially to their families.
“When we started, we did not know exactly what we wanted to do, but we knew we wanted to empower the B40 community. We eventually realised many of the women had sewing skills, so we decided to secure corporate orders and upskill them with the right training,” Yap explained.
This training is conducted in-house, where each woman’s abilities and craftsmanship are assessed. If, for instance, a tailor is proficient in sewing namecard holders, she might be trained to make more complex items like pouches or laptop sleeves, which offer higher earning potential.
From a small group of five women when KTJ first started in 2018, its members have since increased to over 340, with 50-60 tailors actively involved at any given time. Many have achieved significant financial gains, with some earning up to RM35,000 over several years with KTJ.
The enterprise’s success is largely thanks to its strong partnerships with corporate clients, who account for 80% of its sales. Yap said these clients typically request unisex, lightweight products that are ideal for events and corporate gifts.
KTJ has also expanded to international markets, receiving orders from countries like Singapore, Japan and Dubai.
“Our clients love that these items are easy for international delegates to take home. We work hard to stay competitive. If prices are too high, clients cannot support us long-term, but if they are too low, we cannot sustain the community,” Yap noted.
Crafting the future
The enterprise aims to achieve RM1 million in sales by the end of this year, said Yap, who is optimistic about reaching the target. She added that KTJ has also set its sights on expanding to more international markets by the third quarter of next year.
In line with the growing demand for sustainable products, they are further exploring the idea of upcycling to align with corporate environmental, social and corporate governance goals. Yap envisions transforming unused materials into functional items, such as corporate merchandise, to further KTJ’s sustainability mission.
Asked about the future, she shared her vision of establishing KTJ as a global brand, offering handmade products around the world.
“Our products don’t have to be exclusively Malaysian. They can reflect themes from different countries while still supporting local communities,” she said.
Indeed, KTJ’s impact extends beyond providing side income: B40 women have the chance to gain financial independence, boosting their self-esteem and giving them a sense of purpose.
The ripple effect spreads across their families, with children witnessing their mothers contributing to household income.
“For many of these women, it’s not just about the money. It’s about being able to say, ‘I did this. I earned this.’ It changes how they see themselves and how their families see them,” Yap concluded.
Learn more about Komuniti Tukang Jahit via its website.