Small actions, big impact: Yayasan Hasanah celebrates everyday changemakers
June 10, 2025
ReHAK is a not-for-profit organization providing sexual and reproductive health services to women, men and young people in Kelantan.
In a country brimming with quiet heroes, Yayasan Hasanah, the impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, continues to spotlight the meaningful efforts of everyday Malaysians working to transform lives. The Hasanah Report 2024, themed “The strength of small: Small efforts, big impact”, showcases the growing strength of local communities and organizations committed to nation-building.
Among them is Teman, a caregiving startup combating elderly loneliness through trained companions, and Vanilla Impact, a social enterprise in Sibu providing jobs for vulnerable communities while building a sustainable vanilla industry. In Kelantan, teachers from ReHAK - a not-for-profit organization are challenging cultural taboos with inclusive sex education, and has worked with organizations across the nation to boost learning recovery among children, supporting mental health, and empowering micro-entrepreneurs—especially in marginalized communities. These initiatives are just a few of the many supported by Yayasan Hasanah, which has become a powerful catalyst for positive change. A legacy of impact since 2015 Since its establishment in 2015, Yayasan Hasanah has reached over 3.7 million lives through strategic grants and partnerships in education, community development, environment, arts, and public spaces. In 2024 alone, the foundation impacted 814,563 individuals—a significant leap fueled by a surge in social enterprises and civil society organisations stepping up post-pandemic. “The number of new initiatives we supported doubled, and our new partners tripled. It’s a clear reflection of how more communities are actively contributing ideas, effort, and local knowledge,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Trustee and Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah. She emphasized Hasanah’s evolving role: “Our work isn’t just about disbursing grants. It’s about building a sustainable, equitable future by collaborating with partners willing to step in and step up. Hasanah acts as a catalyst, convenor, and collaborator—bringing people, ideas, and resources together to ensure lasting change.” Celebrating Hasanah Impact Day 2025 The release of the report coincided with Hasanah Impact Day 2025, where changemakers across diverse sectors gathered to exchange knowledge and explore future collaborations. Attendees learned about funding opportunities such as the Hasanah Special Grant (HSG), Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund (HSEF), and Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS), made possible through the continued support of the Ministry of Finance (MoF). “We are pleased to share a collection of stories representing the heartbeat of Malaysia — where small acts, when amplified, contribute to shaping a better nation,” said Siti Kamariah. Environmental stewardship and conservation In 2024, Yayasan Hasanah’s environmental impact included rehabilitating 41 hectares of forest land, diverting 27 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills, and promoting the Perak Sustainable Development Model on the world stage at COP29 in Azerbaijan. The foundation also partnered with the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, supported training for fishers deploying dolphin-safe nets, and advanced conservation practices across land and sea. Reviving arts and heritage Malaysia’s cultural identity was given a fresh breath of life through the preservation of heritage arts. Yayasan Hasanah supported the revival of telepuk, a traditional gold leaf textile craft once nearing extinction. Through exhibitions, publications, and royal patronage, telepuk has found renewed relevance among younger generations. Support was also extended to preserve the Kuda Pacu dance of the Bajau community, ensuring these cultural gems continue to thrive in the modern age. Advancing rural infrastructure and resilience Infrastructure grants brought clean water to 5,086 individuals, solar electricity to 3,306 people, and trained 557 community members to maintain these systems in rural areas. Through its partnerships with the GLC/GLIC Demi Rakyat dan Negara (GDRN) coalition and disaster relief programs, Yayasan Hasanah expanded humanitarian aid to communities facing natural calamities. A platform for thought leadership and learning As a thought leader in regional philanthropy, Yayasan Hasanah also hosted five ILMU Hasanah sessions in the past year, offering insights on sustainable leadership, mental health resilience, and social impact measurement. These knowledge-sharing forums empowered changemakers with the tools needed to create deeper, more sustainable change. The foundation’s voice was also heard at the Asia Philanthropy Congress (APHIC), where it contributed to discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Asian philanthropic landscape. |
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