Malaysian foundation empowers citizens to positively impact the nation

If you provide education and opportunities, you can change a person’s life. And, with that, you give them a chance to give back to the nation, says Siti Kamariah. Photo: Yayasan Hasanah

Giving someone an opportunity can change their life, says Yayasan Hasanah managing director and trustee Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki.

Speaking at a recent event, she reflected how a scholarship to a private boarding school changed the course of her life.

Siti Kamariah says when people feel good about their country, they are motivated to do better. Photo: The Star/Ming Teoh

"Growing up in a public housing community in Shah Alam, I never imagined I would one day be leading the country's impact-based foundation."

That opportunity opened new doors for her, taking her from Malaysia to Australia, the United States and back home - with a mission to uplift communities across the nation.

At the foundation, Siti Kamariah stands at the forefront of social transformation, leading initiatives on education, community development, environment and arts.

Yet, for her, the work is more than just programmes. It's about ensuring no child is left behind, women are empowered, heritage is celebrated and every citizen has the chance to thrive.

A thriving nation

“If you provide education and opportunities, you can change a person’s life,” says Siti Kamariah. “With that, you give them a chance to give back to the nation.”

Having lived and worked in multiple countries, she's seen how Malaysians strive to do good and represent their homeland with pride. That spirit of perseverance and ambition is just as strong in the villages of Sabah and Sarawak, as it is in urban Kuala Lumpur.

“I’ve seen firsthand how parents, no matter their background, want the best for their children,” she says. “They want them to grow up as respectable citizens, and contribute meaningfully to society. And that’s why our work at Yayasan Hasanah is so important.”

Under her leadership, the foundation works closely with communities, ensuring change reaches the grassroots.

Among others. the foundation has provided clean water and solar power in Royal Belum, Perak and empowered women farmers in Keningau, Sabah.

Stories of triumph

Siti Kamariah shares that a group of Orang Asli children represented the country in an international robotics competition, proving that talent knows no boundaries.

Similarly, rural children from Sabah and Sarawak have won national and international competitions, yet their achievements often go unnoticed.

“Malaysia needs more feel-good stories, because when you feel good about your country, you're motivated to do better," she says.

The foundation also helps in preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage such as the telepuk. Photo: Yayasan Hasanah

Beyond economic and social empowerment, Yayasan Hasanah is also preserving Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. One such initiative is the revival of telepuk, a traditional Malay textile gilding technique that's hardly practised today.

Movement for change

The foundation has impacted 3.75 million lives, awarded nearly 1,000 projects, and managed RM1.88 billion in funds.

Key initiatives across the states of Malaysia include education (teacher training in sex education; Jom Baca’s literacy support), community development (empowering women at Pasar Siti Khadijah, Kota Baru; mental health advocacy at PPR Batu Muda, Shah Alam), environment (marine ecosystem protection; sun bear conservation), arts (preserving kuda pacu dance), and humanitarian aid (clean water, solar energy, disaster relief).

 

Malaysia is a nation of people who strive, persevere and care, says Siti Kamariah. Photo: Yayasan Hasanah

“Malaysia is a nation of people who strive, persevere, and care," she says.

“When people say there’s no hope, I tell them – look around. People are trying, and making things better. And as long as we keep moving forward together, Malaysia’s future is bright.”

 

More info: www.yayasanhasanah.org