100 Children’s Reading Triumphs Ignite Literacy Revolution

20 April 2026

SUBANG JAYA: Projek BacaBaca celebrated the transformative literacy journeys of 100 young readers from its 2025 cohort, highlighting their progress and perseverance. These students from diverse schools and communities exemplify what happens when targeted support meets early determination.

In an era where early literacy underpins lifelong learning, Projek BacaBaca continues bridging critical gaps. Launched in 2021 by Taylor’s University School of Education, this research-driven initiative has strengthened English and Bahasa Melayu proficiency among children aged 6–9 across more than 20 schools.

The vibrant event united students, reading coaches, teachers, and partners to mark key milestones. Participants hailed from SK Bandar Sunway, SJK(T) Batu Ampat, SJK(T) Effingham, SJK(T) Ladang Sungai Choh, and SJK(T) Vivekananda. Highlights included a student reading showcase and awards ceremony graced by Dr Rusmini Ku Ahmad, Deputy Director General of Education (Policy & Curriculum), Ministry of Education.

Now in its sixth year, Projek BacaBaca has empowered over 700 children, achieving 100% literacy improvement across urban low-income areas, rural communities, Orang Asli settlements, and children with chronic health conditions. Backed by Mah Sing Foundation, Trinovik Labs, Twinkl Malaysia, and Yayasan Hasanah, these results reflect Malaysia’s commitment to educational equity.

Hema Letchamanan, Project Leader and Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University, emphasises collective purpose, “Projek BacaBaca began with one goal, to ensure every child reads at grade level regardless of background. It’s grown into a movement of educators, partners, and communities giving children a strong start. When a child reads confidently, endless possibilities open up.”

Reading gains foster confidence, curiosity, and independent learning, while instilling discipline, self-belief, and a genuine love of learning. Projek BacaBaca+ extends support to 11–12-year-olds from Chinese and Tamil primary schools, helping them master Bahasa Melayu (TP4–TP6) through face-to-face sessions for smoother secondary school transitions.

SJK(T) Ladang Sungai Choh students Nithiya Sri A/P Subramaniam and Kamala Devi A/P Mathavan showed extraordinary initiative. “I chose my own Bahasa Malaysia storybooks, recorded my reading, and sent them to my coach for feedback. For unfamiliar words, I used dictionaries and noted them down,” Nithiya shared. Their self-driven efforts underscore growing learner independence.

Projek BacaBaca has launched its 2026 phase and seeks reading coaches. “Our volunteers are the heartbeat of this work. Over five years, 500+ individuals have transformed young lives. I urge more to join us,” Hema said. The next intake begins May 2026.

Part of Taylor’s University Education for All Impact Lab, Projek BacaBaca welcomes volunteers from all walks of life to sustain this vital mission.