Nicole Wei, a 36-year-old resident of Kampung Simee in Ipoh, has turned her passion for making jelly mooncakes into a charitable endeavor that has lasted for over a decade. Balancing a full-time job at a tile shop, Wei dedicates her evenings and weekends to producing homemade jelly mooncakes in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, with a portion of the proceeds supporting local children’s charities.

Each month leading up to the festival, Wei begins her preparations in late August, accepting orders until September 25. Her jelly mooncakes are offered in two sizes: boxes of 12 mini pieces or sets of four larger pieces. Production capacity varies, with Wei able to complete roughly 10 boxes of mini mooncakes in an hour, while the larger sizes take about two hours for 10 boxes. Despite her full-time employment, she typically works on the mooncakes from around 6 p.m. until 8 or 9 p.m., sometimes continuing until midnight when demand is high. Her weekend schedule is equally rigorous, with early mornings often devoted to order fulfillment.

Wei’s mooncakes present a departure from the traditional baked or dense varieties commonly associated with the festival. Instead, she specializes in jelly mooncakes made with yoghurt and fresh fruit. Flavors include mango, blueberry, and mixed fruits featuring dragon fruit, mango, grape, and longan. She developed her recipes independently, relying on trial and error to perfect the offerings. Wei has also experimented with local flavours such as gula melaka and cendol.

The jelly mooncakes’ appeal lies in their lighter texture and smaller portions, which Wei highlights as lower in fat and healthier due to the inclusion of fresh fruit. This aspect has attracted a diverse customer base, including some from as far away as Singapore. While older consumers tend to prefer traditional mooncakes, Wei notes that some have grown to appreciate the softer, less sweet alternatives she creates.

A significant driver for her efforts is the charitable component. For every box sold at RM28, Wei donates RM3 to support orphanages, providing essentials such as milk powder and food to children in need. Her nine-year-old daughter, Kwong Zhi Qi, assists in the preparation process, particularly with the mixed-fruit varieties, making the endeavor a family affair.

Through her work, Nicole Wei combines cultural celebration with community support, demonstrating how a personal hobby can foster goodwill and provide aid through an enduring tradition.