The Social Innovation Convention (KIS) 2025 continued to serve as a national platform that celebrates and strengthens social innovation initiatives in Malaysia. Organised under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in collaboration with Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), the convention brings together social innovators, community organisations, policymakers, and the public to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and foster impactful collaborations.

KIS 2025 was held over three days from 16 to 18 October 2025 (Thursday to Saturday), from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., at GMBB Mall.

Exhibition Highlights

At the exhibition area, the So.Lokal handicraft booth (Booth B4, Ground Floor, Dewan Grey Box, GMBB Mall) showcased a variety of community-made craft products while also featuring the DIY Kit Magic Ruler, an innovative product that supports alternative sewing techniques. The Magic Ruler is recognised as a social innovation product that empowers individuals to create clothing without the need for traditional sewing methods.

Visitors were introduced to:

• Hands-on workshops demonstrating how to make clothes using glue instead of sewing
• Finished garments made using glue, which became a major attraction due to their uniqueness and practicality
• Sales of handicraft products alongside Magic Ruler workshops, creating an interactive and engaging experience

Among the main handicraft products highlighted were eco pouches dan batu seremban, which served as the flagship products. The booth received positive feedback from visitors and buyers, reflecting strong interest and appreciation for innovative, community-based products. The exhibition also featured participation from many organisations, showcasing the diversity and strength of Malaysia’s social innovation ecosystem.

Programme Highlights

Day One focused on sustainability, policy, and governance:

• Seminar on Sustainability and Environmental Innovation: Zero Waste Management – Turning Trash into Treasure: Dealing with Multi-Stakeholders
• Official Opening Ceremony of Social Innovation Convention (KIS) 2025
• Forum on Policy & Governance: From Policy to Progress – Mobilising Governance for a Social Innovation Future
• Seminar on Local Issues, Local Technology, Local Benefits: From Boardroom to Social Room – Bila Polisi Turun ke Tanah Bersama Laksana Inovasi Sosial
• Passport Giveaway

Day Two highlighted innovation, technology, and collaboration:

• Talk by Key Opinion Leader: Designing Beyond Borders – How Malaysian Innovation Walks the World
• Forum on Tacit Knowledge: Use of AI in Science, Technology & Innovation – Leveraging Tacit Knowledge
• Talk by Social Innovator: Inovasi Sosial & Kelestarian – Level Up Pelancongan, No Cop!
• Seminar on Collaboration, Innovation and Development in Thematic Sectors: HCD & Inovasi Sosial – Menjana Sinergi untuk Ekosistem Halal Berimpak
• Passport Giveaway

Day Three focused on community engagement and digital platforms:

• Knowledge Sharing Session: Boost Inovasi Sosial Melalui Media Sosial (MEDSOS)
• Forum on Community Innovation: Apa Cer? Cabaran Gila & Kisah Lejen Inovasi Sosial Komuniti
• Passport Giveaway

Conclusion

Social Innovation Convention (KIS) 2025 successfully strengthened the role of social innovation in addressing community needs, promoting sustainability, and encouraging collaboration across sectors. Through exhibitions, workshops, and knowledge sharing sessions, the convention demonstrated how innovation rooted in community and creativity can create meaningful social impact and improve quality of life.