These Malaysian initiatives truly showed us that you’re never too young, or old to make a change in the community.
August marks a significant month for all Malaysians – it’s National Day!
via GIPHY
And what better way to beam the Malaysian pride by supporting and volunteering at these local Malaysian initiatives! Some of these initiatives may ring a bell, and some may not, but there is always one that would fit your passion while making a change to the Malaysian community.
It’s time the spotlights shine on these 5 driving forces that are making a positive impact on the community:
1. Projek57
Founded in August 2015 and with “Unity in Diversity” as the core of the social enterprise, Projek57 aims to help underserved youths in Malaysia by collaborating with organisations and educational institutions.
Projek57 has helped youths of the underprivileged community with hands-on retail training, job opportunities, and even providing scholarships to help fund for their studies.
One of Projek57’s infamous campaign is in their Unity Ribbon campaign. Each ribbon is uniquely made by underprivileged youths and proceeds will go back to the youths as well.
In conjunction with National Day, Projek57 is bringing back the “Unity Ribbon 2.0 Maka Kami Rakyat Malaysia” that will have you showing your Malaysian pride in all of its glory. Find out how you can participate through their website here.
2. PichaEats
Serving up next is this delicious local initiative, PichaEats (previously known as The Picha Project). Who knew making an impact is as easy as ordering food! With every purchase at PichaEats, 50% of sales will proceed to PichaChef who consists of mothers of refugee families. So far, PichaEats has helped over 100 individuals and helping a whopping 100% of families covering their basic expenses.
Make your orders on PichaEats website here!
3. EPIC
Acronym for “Extraordinary People Impacting Community”, EPIC highlights the importance of collaborative work and the impact it brings towards the community through EPIC DNA, a training arm, and EPIC Communities, who have started EPIC Homes that bridges the gap between the rural and urban communities.
Find out how you can volunteer through their website here.
4. Project Liber8
Working towards a #SlaveFreeMalaysia, Project Liber8 is a non-profit organisation that tackles issues of human trafficking and exploitation. A firm believer of public awareness, youth empowerment, technology, research and collaborations, it is not long until we can see a Malaysia free of enslavement with an initiative such as this!
For more information, follow Project Liber8 on their Facebook page here and Instagram here.
5. The Lost Food Project
The Lost Food Project isn’t just making an impact on the community, but also is bringing a positive change to the environment. The Lost Food Project, a food bank in Malaysia, collects surplus foods and provides it to those in need. Almost entirely operated by volunteers, the non-profit that was founded in 2016 has since provided 2 million meals to the community!
Join The Lost Food Project here.
6. The Nasi Lemak Project
The next time you spot these Nasi Lemak, you ought to know that it’s from a non-profit organisation – The Nasi Lemak Project! Founded in 2012, The Nasi Lemak Project is a social business selling Malaysian delicacies made from urban poor families in KL. The Nasi Lemak Project even has catering services to maximize their impact on the community.
Find out more information about The Nasi Lemak Project on their Facebook page here.
7. Refuge For The Refugees
Founded in 2012 by Heidy Quah and Andrea Prisha, when they were both just 18 years old, Refuge For The Refugees is a firm believer of education and aims to provide education to refugee children. Heidy Quah was also awarded the 2017 Queen’s Young Leaders Award for the impact she is doing on the refugee community here in Malaysia.
Find out how you can volunteer on their Facebook page here.
It all starts with that one step to bring a better change. What other local initiatives have you volunteered in before? Let us know in the comments!
Header image credits: The Lost Food Project | PichaEats | Refuge For The Refugees | Projek57 | EPIC
