Community Development
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation’s community projects are dedicated to uplifting lives by addressing the root causes of social issues and finding sustainable solutions.
Overview
The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme (SDMCOP) by JCF aims to tackle urban poverty in Malaysia, across Asia, and to inspire global efforts. Though poverty challenges are universal, solutions can be tailored to each country’s unique needs. Prof Mahindheran Sanggaran Nair, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainability) at Sunway University, describes it as a story of two ecosystems just 2 kilometres apart. On one side is the vibrant Sunway City; on the other, Desa Mentari, a once-promising low-income housing project now facing immense challenges, a stark contrast between two worlds.
Our Challenges
Without a unified approach, community projects are prone to failure. The Desa Mentari housing project, which accommodates 30,000 residents in 10 high-rise buildings, finds itself in the midst of a poly-crisis.
JCF acknowledges the value of employing evidence-based approaches in combating urban poverty. It is crucial for us and our collaborative partners to concentrate on identifying the key 20% of solutions that will address 80% of the issues. This targeted approach is essential for maximum impact.
The Desa Mentari community faced many challenges:
Poor maintenance of buildings and facilities in crowded living areas.
Limited learning opportunities for vulnerable, poor, and undocumented children, leading to overall low education.
Health issues include lack of access to quality healthcare, poor hygiene and nutrition.
The major unemployment and low-income jobs in this community are due to low educational attainments, skills levels, and ICT literacy.
Lack of Business Opportunities – foster strong partnerships between government agencies, industries and the Desa Mentari community to strengthen the resilience and economic potential of the micro and SMEs in this community.
Youth recreational activities are limited due to insufficient space. Hence, they are susceptible to anti-social activities and behaviour.
Security Threats – Hotspot for criminal activities. Dense and poor living conditions have the potential to lead to conflicts among diverse communities living in the locality.
Our Approaches
The SDMCOP Initiative–Creating Lasting Change
Urban poverty extends beyond the mere absence of financial resources. The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme is a collaborative effort between JCF, Sunway University, NGOs, government agencies, educational institutions, industry partners, civil society groups and the Desa Mentari community. JCF believes that the SDMCOP Initiative should empower, include, and engage every member of the Desa Mentari community.
Research-Driven, Holistic and Community-Driven
Recognising the complexity of poverty, our foundation advocates for diverse solutions. In Desa Mentari, we engage the community at all levels for a research-driven, holistic approach.
Our foundation’s Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme aims to collect extensive community research in Desa Mentari, focusing on long-term development. By harnessing this invaluable data, policymakers can formulate targeted strategies to address urban poverty. Through closely monitoring and evaluating the outcomes, JCF and its valued partners, including prestigious universities, can create significant change with the SDMCOP initiative. This community initiative holds the promise of transforming the lives of Malaysia’s urban poor and inspiring similar initiatives globally.
Join Us in Restoring Hope
The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme is more than just a project. It is a partnership of many private-public organisations. We are rallying all Malaysians, businesses, and organisations to create a better future for the Desa Mentari community.
Restoring hope, revitalising Desa Mentari, and leaving a legacy of resilience, empowerment and transformation is something we can achieve together. The story of Desa Mentari will be one of renewal and rebirth of a trailblazing Malaysian community that has overcome urban poverty.