Spotting a niche market After the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, Savina Kaharuddin saw an opportunity and started producing bio-cellulose face masks and hand sanitizers in Malaysia. Her company, VNI Scientific Sdn Bhd, was already making eco-friendly cosmetics and personal care products but Ms. Kaharuddin soon realized that she could also help treat skin problems caused by wearing masks.
Sustainability and local ownership are two key challenges facing international development projects. Often, when a project ends and the implementing institution leaves, activities on the ground wind down, too.