Getting an invitation from IOI Corporation Berhad to conduct our first workshop of 2026 was exactly the push we needed to get back to doing what we love — after Anna's maternity leave last year, it felt like the perfect way to kick things back off.
On the 11th of March 2026, we drove to IOI Corporation Berhad's office in Putrajaya to conduct a Used Cooking Oil Soap-Making Workshop for 32 members of their staff, in conjunction with IOI Earth Month 2026, themed "Upcycle 4 Better Future."
The session was held during lunch hour, with participants working in pairs across 16 sets of equipment. What made this one extra special was that everyone came with their own used cooking oil from home — already turning something they'd have otherwise poured down the drain into something genuinely useful, before the workshop even began.
We came equipped with 61 pieces of packaging materials in total — 17 UHT cartons, 17 medium-sized paper cups, 12 takeaway paper bowls, and 15 small-sized paper cups — all chosen with minimal waste in mind.
The Workshop
We kicked things off by introducing ourselves and sharing the story behind Soapan Santun. From there, we walked participants through the tools on their tables and went over the safety precautions. Any time that lye is involved, we always make sure everyone feels informed and confident before we begin.
We also covered a short theory segment on the cold process soap-making method, just enough for participants to understand the science behind what they were about to create.
Then came the demo. Anna took the lead, showing the group firsthand just how hot a lye solution gets when first mixed, and it was time for the participants to try their hands at making their first batch.
And from that point, the energy just took off. Pairs got to work on their batches with so much enthusiasm, and as things started coming together, we brought out the fun part — the toppings. Participants got to personalise their soaps with Upcycled Sifted Rice Flour, Lavender Flowers, Coffee Grounds, and Coffee Beans. Decorating quickly became everyone's favourite part, and nobody seemed in any rush to stop. Some participants even gathered leftover materials to start on a second batch!
Wrapping Up
To close things out, Anna brought along some cured household soap she had made earlier, and participants got to wash their own equipment with it. It was simply a full-circle moment that gives everyone a real sense of what their freshly poured soaps will eventually become.
We finished off with a group photo and an open FAQ session. This was exactly the kind of workshop that reminds us why we started Soapan Santun in the first place. And honestly? This was the best way to open our 2026. If you prefer to watch the video instead, check out this tiktok video here.
