Community Development
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation’s community projects are dedicated to uplifting lives by addressing the root causes of social issues and driving sustainable solutions.
Overview
The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme (SDMCOP), supported by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, aims to tackle urban poverty and design long-term universal solution that can be tailored to each country’s unique needs. Professor Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Sustainability at Sunway University, describes it as a story of two distinct ecosystems only two kilometres apart. On one side is the vibrant Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, and on the other, Desa Mentari, a once-promising low-income housing project now facing immense poverty challenges; a stark contrast between two worlds.
Our Challenges
Without a unified approach, community projects risk falling short of their goals. The Desa Mentari public housing project comprising 10 blocks of apartment buildings and home to 30,000 residents, finds itself in the midst of a poly-crisis.
In combating urban property, our researchers at Sunway University acknowledge the value of employing evidence-based approaches and focusing on identifying the 20% of solutions that will address 80% of the issues for resources to be allocated more effectively in achieving the greatest impact.
The Challenges Faced by the Desa Mentari Community:
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.
Limited youth recreational activities due to insufficient space increase susceptibility to anti-social activities and behaviour.
Security Threats – Hotspot for criminal activities. Dense and poor living conditions increase the potential of conflicts arising among diverse communities living in the locality.
Our Approaches
Creating Lasting Change
The effects of poverty extend beyond the personal experience of the individual or the family itself, it impacts society as a whole and hampers overall economic growth. The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme (SMCDP) adopts a multi sectoral team of experts and is a collaborative effort between the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, Sunway University, NGOs, government agencies, educational institutions, industry partners, civil society groups and the Desa Mentari community. It is our hope that the SDMCOP empowers, includes, and engages every member of the Desa Mentari community.
Research-Driven, Holistic and Community-Driven
As poverty remains a complex issue , our researchers engage with the community at all levels for a research-driven, holistic approach. The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme aims to develop a comprehensive database through extensive research within the community, focusing on long-term development. By harnessing this invaluable data, policymakers can formulate targeted strategies to address urban poverty and evaluate outcomes. This community development project holds the promise of transforming lives with the hopes of ending generational poverty, and inspiring similar initiatives globally.
4 key Focus Areas and Achievements
Education and Training
Research and Development: A Community Impact Project
Community Engagement and Development
Community Observatory Cohort Study in Various Areas
Water Quality and Impact on Health
Access to Healthcare Needs and Intervention: Mental Health
Children Milkbank Initiative: From Intervention to Policy
Demographics
Economic security
Health security
Education security
Physical security
Life satisfaction
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.
Give via Cheque/Bank Transfer
Donation by cheque, direct bank-in or bank transfer can be made to: –
Payee’s Name: Jeffrey Cheah Foundation
Bank: Public Bank Berhad
Account number: 3145533215
Swift Code: PBBEMYKL
For donations via cheque, direct bank-in or bank transfer, Payment Acknowledgment must be emailed to Rusnah Mohyiddin at rusnah@jeffreycheah.foundation together with the donor’s information as follows:
For individual donors:
- Email Subject: Donation for Community Development
- Full name as per NRIC
- NRIC number
- Correspondence Address
For businesses or companies:
- Business or Company name (as registered)
- Business of Company registration number
- Correspondence Address
For further enquiries, please contact Rusnah Mohyiddin at rusnah@jeffreycheah.foundation or call 03-5639 8818. Thank you.
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation reserves the right to allocate and utilise all donations in accordance with the Foundation’s objectives as outlined in its Constitution, and in alignment with Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967.