Yayasan Hasanah (“Hasanah”) is an independent grant-making organisation that strives to create positive change for the social impact and environment sectors in Malaysia. Through grants awarded to our various partners nationwide, Hasanah catalyses transformation in five key areas namely Education, Community Development, Environment, Arts & Public Spaces, and Knowledge.
Since the establishment of Hasanah in 2015, through our partners, Hasanah has impacted more than 2.9 million individuals from all walks of life. Some of Hasanah’s various efforts include boosting economic opportunities for the B40 group, Orang Asli community, people with disabilities, and arts and culture performers, as well as honing the skills and leadership of educators, in addition to strengthening access to mental health facilities for students in schools.
Beyond ringgit and cents, Hasanah collaborates with various stakeholders, develops the capacity of partners and communities, and instils the spirit of advocacy.
Hasanah is the impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad (“Khazanah”), the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia. Hasanah was set up as an independent entity on 1 July 2015, building on nine years of Corporate Responsibility (CR) efforts previously driven by Khazanah.
As we embark on the tenth edition of our annual report, I am filled with profound gratitude and optimism. This milestone signifies a decade of impact with Yayasan Hasanah, and I take pride in witnessing its transformation from a donation-driven CSR unit of Khazanah Nasional Berhad into a recognised philanthropic institution.
Looking back at 2023, we witness the fruits of our labour in organisational growth, programmatic impact, and realising individual aspirations.
In The Hasanah Report 2023, we unveil the breadth of our dedication to fostering transformative change across Malaysia. Through our diverse initiatives, we strive to empower communities, nurture the potential of our youth, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
As we embark on the tenth edition of our annual report, I am filled with profound gratitude and optimism. This milestone signifies a decade of impact with Yayasan Hasanah, and I take pride in witnessing its transformation from a donation-driven CSR unit of Khazanah Nasional Berhad into a recognised philanthropic institution.
Reflecting on the past year of 2023, the world has seen challenges that tested our resilience and determination as humans. From navigating the persistent socioeconomic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, to addressing conflicts and unrest in some parts of the world, along with the urgent crisis of climate change, the road ahead may seem uncertain.
However, it is during adversity that our true strength, innovation, and hopefulness emerge, especially when we stand together. This holds true for Yayasan Hasanah and our collaborators nationwide, each bringing their unique strengths and capabilities to unite in our mission.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Finance of Malaysia, the Hasanah Board of Trustees, our partners, our stakeholders, and last but not least, our Hasanah team led by Dato’ Shahira Ahmed Bazari, for the unwavering support throughout our journey. Your collaboration and partnership have been crucial in our collective efforts to create positive changes for Malaysians. It has also strengthened our foundation, shaping us into a trusted partner and ally in the third sector, dedicated to impactful solutions.
It is promising to witness numerous projects across Malaysia that have transformed dreams into tangible realities, with their effects rippling on a significant scale. By empowering local agripreneurs, who play a vital role in national food security, and by enhancing literacy rates and the well-being of youths — the pillars of our future — each individual’s hopes and dreams contribute to our overarching aspiration for the nation’s betterment.
As Hasanah celebrates our tenth year, we not only acknowledge the achievements, but also the enduring partnerships that have propelled us forward. It is through collaboration that we achieve meaningful impact, and I am hopeful this support will continue to flourish in the years ahead.
Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof
Chairman, Yayasan Hasanah
Year after year, compiling The Hasanah Report always leaves room for reflection. The lessons gathered over the past year is a culmination of a decade of dedication alongside our partners in the third sector. Looking back at 2023, we witness the fruits of our labour in organisational growth, programmatic impact, partnerships and courageous leadership.
Spotlighting trailblazers, stereotype-breakers, and courageous dreamers – we forge new possibilities together. As more of our youth step up for the causes they believe in, they shape our collective future narrative, which inspired the theme of our report this year on “Reinventing our Future: Harapan Tanpa Sempadan”.
Our journey has been marked by the pursuit of impactful social innovations that view solutions as part of a larger puzzle, rather than isolated pieces. This approach is exemplified by various initiatives throughout our journey as Malaysia’s leading impact-based foundation. One such example is the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards (HGTA), a prize philanthropy mechanism, which honour local textile artisans, celebrating excellence in the craft, while integrating them into mainstream industries, paving a pathway for commercial potential, and simultaneously contributing to the creative economy at large. Similarly, our efforts in mental health within schools have fostered various models, empowering students, educators, and parents to address the hidden epidemic and challenge mental health stigmas.
I must also extend special recognition to the numerous community leaders who have emerged through our programmes, such as the Temiar community in Perak, that with the leadership of the Tok Batin, have transformed their village into an ecotourism destination, creating sustainable income opportunities. Additionally, the increased involvement of youth across various impact areas—from education to community development—underscores their potential to shape Malaysia’s future.
As Hasanah continues to champion collaboration, we have also witnessed greater diversity in our partnerships, engaging localised stakeholders to deliver nationwide impact programs. Hasanah is privileged to witness a growing number of stakeholders seeking collaboration—an indication of our foundation’s trust capital anchored on competency, transparency and accountability. We value these partnerships as opportunities to extend reach, scale our impacts, share knowledge, and deepen our collective understanding of pertinent issues.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, Hasanah’s Board of Trustees, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, our network of social purpose organisations, government agencies, private sectors, and, of course, the Hasanah Squad for their invaluable contributions.
Even as the seasons shift, our purpose remains steadfast, and I trust this shared commitment will endure.
Together, let’s continue forging new possibilities for a progressive, hopeful Malaysia. May it inspire us all.
Dato’ Shahira Ahmed Bazari
Managing Director & Trustee, Yayasan Hasanah