Teman: Providing Care Companionship in an Ageing Malaysia

Historically, Malaysia’s multigenerational way of life meant that one’s later years were naturally spent surrounded by family — a practice rooted in filial piety and communal responsibility. Today, while the values remain, the realities have shifted as families urbanise, become smaller, or move abroad.

With 7.7% of the populace over 65 years old, Malaysia is now an ageing society by the United Nations’ definition.

On a national level, the Economic Outlook 2025 acknowledges this demographic shift, outlining plans to go beyond healthcare to include social activities for the elderly alongside lifelong learning.

Complementing this, the 12^th Malaysia Plan sets out to elevate the caregiving profession, promote healthy eating and introduce virtual consultations, all pointing towards a more inclusive environment for older persons to not only live but thrive in.

Caring for the Elderly, Redefined

An increase in ageing population means traditional care structures are also transforming. New forms of support are emerging to meet the needs of older persons without compromising dignity or autonomy.

Teman MY Ventures PLT (Teman), a recipient of Yayasan Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund is one such service provider. The platform connects clients with care companions called Temanions.

CEO and founder, Nurul Ezzati Mohamed Nasir explains how the business idea came to her during the pandemic. “Many senior citizens were unable to reach their family members due to movement restrictions. At the same time a large number of people had been retrenched from their jobs and were looking for ways to earn an income.” Matching these two needs led to the founding of Teman.

This aligns with the eligibility requirements of HSEF. Josselyn Tan Yong Qi from Yayasan Hasanah’s Social Enterprise team explains that recipients are selected based on social mission and revenue traction. “We want to know how their business model create impact while still making money…we want them to be able to sustain while making a difference in society.”

“Funding from Hasanah came at the right time as we’re now getting enquiries from all over Malaysia. We hope to use this fund to strengthen our Temanion pool,” says Eazzati who plans to expand the currently Klang Valley-based service to Ipoh and Johor Bahru.

Teman offers an alternative to defaulting to institutional care or relying solely on family. Some examples of services include accompanying clients on hospital appointments, assisting with errands and caring for them at home. “This ensures they get home safely, are safe in their own homes and more importantly, not leading a sedentary lifestyle and empowered to do daily activities,” Ezzati says.

In essence, Teman offers the possibility of ageing in place: continuing to live at home, on their own terms, with support that respects their independence and choices.

Funding from Hasanah came at the right time as we’re now getting enquiries from all over Malaysia. We hope to use this fund to strengthen our Temanion pool.”

Nurul Ezzati Mohamed, CEO Teman MY Ventures PLT

More than a Service Provider

Since inception, the platform’s database has grown to 200 Temanions, 60 of whom like Afiq Hakimi bin Sengari, are actively serving the social enterprise’s 500 clients. “The criteria to be a Temanion is patience and passion. Skills can be trained but these two qualities are essential to performing duties well ”, says Ezzati adding that matching a client to a suitable companion is a challenge at times.

This is the strength of Teman’s approach — grounded in relationships, shaped by small details, and held together by quiet consistency.

We meet Afiq before his session at senior citizens Julia and Shah’s house. The day begins with him reversing his car into their compound, making it easier for them to get in when they go out to run errands. Every step is handled with this level of attentiveness. There is no hospital appointment today but later he will bring Shah to lunch. Some days he also drops Julia off to buy groceries. He spends about two to three hour sessions with them six days a week.

“We’re very grateful for the help that we get. It has been a great experience because we never knew people could come to the house and help us in the ways that they have,” says Julia, who has limited mobility since undergoing hip replacement.

Afiq says in his previous jobs he mainly interacted with the younger generation. “You have to be patient as things take time, and when something unexpected happens you have to be in control of your emotions…We will all become old; I always remind myself that the care I offer others should reflect the care I wish to receive when I’m older.”

In Good Hands

Although the concept was initially foreign to them, Julia and Shah’s children placed their trust in Teman during a point when they were desperate for a solution — their father who is diagnosed with dementia went missing for seven hours after driving out alone. Melbourne-based Nigel Shahnon Hime stumbled upon this service on social media when he and his sister who lives in London were looking for caregiving solutions.

Three years on, the service has become indispensable for them. Temanions Afiq and Azeem have become familiar faces for their father, offering a sense of comfort and routine. They hope it will help more families in similar situations.

For families separated by distance, Teman offers what few others can — consistency, care, and peace of mind.

Too often, ageing is cast in grayscale, spoken of in terms of burden, decline, loss. But new forms of support are reshaping how we approach ageing — more honest, more human, and responsive to what people need most.