MBSB’s management team together with the school students after distributing back-to-school packs at the Pusat Interaktif Belia launch in PPR Kampung Baru Hicom in Shah Alam. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
MBSB Bank (MBSB), in partnership with non-profit organisation Adab Youth Garage (AYG), is revitalising the youth interaction centre at Public Housing Project (PPR) Kampung Baru Hicom in Shah Alam.
Originally established as a hub for education and activities back in 2018, Pusat Interaktif Belia MBSB Bank will now offer expanded initiatives designed to empower children, youth and families in the surrounding community.
AYG chief executive officer Nizam Samsudin further elaborated on the organisation’s branches’ approach in providing children a safe space for informal lessons under the care of youth workers.
“Our goal is to help children learn and complete their homework, making sure they are ready and eager to attend school.
“We are not a school, but a space that supports going to school by ensuring students have the tools and confidence they need to succeed.”
Building on this sentiment, MBSB Bank Group chief executive officer Rafe Haneef reaffirmed his dedication to the community, emphasising their eagerness for development.
“This community shows a genuine willingness to grow and I’m proud to see the potential being realised here.
“This centre is crucial for our children, providing them with the right guidance and a safe space to develop their skills and prepare for future challenges,” he concluded.
MBSB will be providing full financial support this year to implement and assess its new educational and skill-building programmes.
Programmes and initiatives
To support this renewed mission, MBSB will fully finance the centre’s operations for the next year, ensuring the continuation of educational and skill-building opportunities.
These programmes include financial literacy workshops, tutoring in English and Mathematics, and digital marketing training – such as Canva design and TikTok for Business –to assist local entrepreneurs, particularly mothers, in developing and expanding new income streams.
In a bid to enhance community involvement, MBSB is also launching a volunteer programme that taps into the diverse skills of its employees.
Staff volunteers will share their expertise in career coaching, mentorship and professional development, providing participants with personalised guidance and support.
Community voices
The excitement surrounding the centre’s future was echoed by 16-year-old high school student and regular attendee at the centre, Shariah Roslan.
“Collaborating with a big company like MBSB brings new opportunities. I’m grateful for the programmes we’ve had, like the youth conference and the mini carnival.
“More importantly, the friendly atmosphere here makes it a second home for us.”
Adding a maternal voice, Khadijah Mohd Noor, 38, shared her perspective and concerns. Reflecting a sentiment common among many parents, the mother of five noted, “AYG has been a lifeline for my children.
“It provides them with a safe space to express themselves and develop confidence.
“I hope this centre continues to grow and protect our youth from negative social influences,” she remarked on the positive reinforcement and confidence boost it has had on her eldest son, in particular.
MBSB chief strategy officer Datuk Azlan Shahrim also commended the initiative and the residents’ drive.
“I’ve been impressed by the active participation of young people.
“It’s exactly what we hope to see. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the dreams of this community.
“Our goal is to support and help build a brighter future for the youth here.”
The initiative at Pusat Interaktif Belia MBSB Bank in PPR Kampung Baru Hicom is the first step in MBSB’s broader campaign.
Aligning with the Prime Minister’s Santuni Madani (Satu Kampung Satu Pemimpin) Programme, the bank aims to implement similar projects at PPR Desa Tun Razak in Cheras and Yayasan Chow Kit, establishing a network of revitalised community centres focused on comprehensive, long-term development.
