YYS meets MEDC Minister to discuss collaborations

6 April 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

KOTA KINABALU: The Student Volunteer Foundation (YSS), led by its Executive Director, Dr. Wan Ahmad Hazwan Daud, had a meeting with the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC), Datuk Ewon Benedick, yesterday to explore potential collaborations between YSS and agencies under the Ministry.

Dr. Wan Ahmad expressed that they are also seeking the Minister's support for the implementation of the "Our Heritage Programme: Student Volunteer Mission to Sabah 2024," scheduled to take place in the Kadamaian, Kota Belud, and Penampang areas in September 2024.

He shared, "Based on our discussion, the Minister agrees that the volunteer program should have a significant impact and involve volunteers from various IPT (Institut Pengajian Tinggi) institutions, including public universities, private higher education institutions (IPTS), Malaysia Teacher Education Institutes (IPGM), Polytechnics, and Community Colleges from all over the country. To be held in Kadamaian and Penampang ."

“Following the discussion, it was agreed that all agencies under MEDC and relevant government agencies will actively engage in dissemination of information to the public regarding the efforts and initiatives that have been implemented and will be carried out, particularly those related to MEDC.”

According to him, YSS had collaborated with agencies under MEDC previously, such as Bank Rakyat, Bank Rakyat Foundation, SME Bank, and the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia.

“However, the visit will further strengthen existing collaborations and explore collaboration with other agencies under MEDC,” he said adding that he was grateful to the Minister for accepting his visit.

Meanwhile, Datuk Ewon Benedick expressed his enthusiasm for the foundation's plan to organise programmes in Penampang and Kadamaian this year. He supported the implementation of these upcoming programs and expressed his hope that they would successfully achieve their objectives.

He also encouraged collaborations between the foundation and agencies under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC) to effectively carry out volunteer programmes in partnership with the public.

The Student Volunteer Foundation (YSS) is a fully government-owned entity under the Ministry of National Unity in Malaysia.

YSS was launched in 2012 under the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), which was previously known as the Ministry of Higher Education, and its functions were transferred to the Ministry of National Unity on December 3, 2022. YSS is committed to promoting volunteerism through national unity and integration among the Malaysian people.

Since its establishment in 2012, YSS has conducted 60 impactful volunteer missions primarily in Sabah, Sarawak, and Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. YSS collaborates with strategic partners to implement projects benefiting low-income households and other disadvantaged groups. The organization has trained 1,796 Student Volunteers in immersive environments where they learn through experiential-based experiences during missions.

Alumni have ongoing opportunities for personal development and leadership. YSS's theme "Volunteerism as the Pillar of Unity" underscores its commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who actively participate in volunteer work for societal benefit. The organisation aims to instill compassion, responsibility, and empathy in youth towards humanitarian issues at both local and global levels.