The theme for The Hasanah Report 2024, The Strength of Small, is not new to us. It is written into the very pages of our nation — in history books that tell of the rakyat who fought for independence, and story books that celebrate the mighty wit of little Sang Kancil.
This report is an ode to these silent forces. To the purposeful acts, quiet hands and big hearts that continue to shape the future of Malaysia.
This one is for the everyday heroes.
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Pillars of Strength
Yayasan Hasanah’s work spans five key impact areas — Education, Community Development, Environment, Arts and Public Spaces, and Knowledge — through which we support focused, well-thought initiatives that can spark meaningful change.
Chairman's Message
Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof
Chairman, Yayasan Hasanah
The work we do at Yayasan Hasanah (“Hasanah”) involves investing in people. We take the long term view, prioritising sustainable and meaningful outcomes over short-term gains. For us, it is all about nurturing structural change, fostering resilience, and enabling communities to grow on their own terms.
Having close to 700 partners as our eyes and ears on the ground offers a unique vantage point: an elevated understanding of the nation’s needs and realities.
Managing Director's Reflections
Puan Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki
Trustee & Managing Director
This is the lens through which I have come to see our work at Yayasan Hasanah (“Hasanah”). Not as a series of standalone achievements, but as part of a larger, living system — where each deed has the potential to shape the whole.
In 2024, together we reached over 814,000 people via 214 new projects, welcomed 147 new partners and managed RM213.5 million in total funds.
2024 Impact Numbers
These numbers reflect not only outcomes, but combined effort and deliberate steps taken across pillars. They represent what is possible when civil society organisations, communities and governmental bodies work together.
Wider reach by 71.2% than 2023, largely contributed by mental health initiatives in schools and Arts For All Seasons (ArtsFAS) grant programme
(3.7 mil people since 2015)
Double the number of projects awarded and managed in 2023
(962 projects since 2015)
Almost triple the number of newly appointed partners in 2023
(674 partners appointed since 2015)
Stories of Change
Change doesn’t always arrive with fanfare. Sometimes, it is neighbours lending an ear without judgement; other times it is a teacher helping a child read after schooling hours. In this report, we celebrate those seemingly small gestures that in fact, move mountains.
The Mission to Save our Bornean Sun Bear
Once a victim of poaching, Itam the sun bear has a second chance at life at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, living life as one of over 40 rescued sun bears at the centre. His journey from traumatic human encounters, being rescued, and now released into the wild, mirrors the broader fight to save the world’s smallest bear species from extinction.
Breaking Tradition: Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah’s Digital Revolution
Weaving a Golden Legacy: The Revival of Telepuk in Terengganu
Mental Health Warriors of PPR Batu Muda
Everyday Heroes: The Malaysians Who Show Up in Times of Crisis
Breaking Taboos: Teachers Lead Kelantan’s Sexuality Education Revolution
Keeping A Traditional Dance Alive : An Homage to Kuda Pacu
Darkness to Light: Water Access and Solar Power Transforms Perak’s Village
Abbernaa: From Classical Dance to Policy Research
JomBaca: Driving Learning Recovery, Reigniting Dreams for Our Children
Partnerships and Special Funding
Our partnerships are shaped by a clear goal: to support those creating real change on the ground. Built on shared values and mutual trust, they reflect a commitment to long-term outcomes. Delivering impact at scale requires the right structure — and by aligning with those who have clarity of mission, Yayasan Hasanah ensures support reaches where it creates real, measurable change.
About Yayasan Hasanah
We are an independent grant-making, impact-driven organisation and Malaysia’s largest foundation. Having served the people and nation for a decade, we remain guided by our name (Hasanah means “doing good” or “good deeds” in Arabic) and by the spirit of collaboration that brings about meaningful, long-term positive changes.
