Taman Tugu’s People Library session showcases stories of empowerment and inclusion in local communities. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
TAMAN Tugu in Kuala Lumpur hosted a knowledge-sharing event aimed at bringing people together through real stories and experiences.
Its People Library session for 2026 provided a natural and inclusive setting for participants to engage with speakers.
Titled “Real Stories, Real Impact,” the first series of the year featured speakers from social enterprises and purpose-driven initiatives who opened up about their journeys, challenges and impact of their work.
The speakers included PichaEats co-founder Suzanne Ling, and Yap Sue Yii, chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Komuniti Tukang Jahit, a social enterprise that teaches women to sew quality corporate gifts and tourist souvenirs around their family’s schedule, while coaching them to create original products.
The audience also heard from Nurul Ezzati Mohamed Nasir, CEO of Teman Malaysia which provides care services for the elderly, and Teach for Malaysia which aims to empower children’s potential through quality education.
Teach For Malaysia was represented by CEO Chan Soon Seng as well as representatives Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass and Joanna Destiny Francis.
Ling: Sharing stories humanises the people behind our work.
Each speaker shared insights into their work, focusing on how social impact is shaped by people, purpose and persistence.
Through stories of empowerment and inclusion, the discussions showed how access to opportunities and care has improved livelihoods in underserved communities.
Taman Tugu project director Fizulin Mohamed Zin said People Library was inspired by Denmark’s Human Library, where speakers acted as living books and shared their stories.
People Library, held since 2019, aims to promote change, empathy, reflection and understanding, she said.
“We want stories from people who have faced hardships and obstacles in their lives because these experiences are relatable.”
Fizulin described the People Library venue as unique because not many sharing sessions were organised outdoors.
“It is rare to see people having talks in parks, and we wanted to implement new ideas to activate the park.
“Taman Tugu is not just a place promoting health or the environment, it is also a space for learning.”
Taman Tugu’s activities are based on the park’s three pillars – environment, wellness and health, and community.
“We have also hosted other activities highlighting these three pillars such as Nature Education Programme, yoga sessions, Childrens Day activities and nature journalling workshops.”
Yap: We are growing alongside children of our tailors.
Meanwhile, Ling highlighted that PichaEats was started to ensure refugees had a sustainable income.
“But we became more than that as we also became their support system.
“I believe sharing these stories is important because it humanises the people behind our work.”
Yap shared: “What we don’t see behind the scenes is that we are also growing alongside the children of the tailors.
“Watching their mothers work inspired them and they have also picked up sewing themselves.”
