KUALA LUMPUR, 15 August 2025 — The much-awaited third edition of The Hasanah Forum 2025 (THF2025) returns on 14 and 15 August, bringing together over 900 of Malaysia’s leading voices and changemakers for two days of urgent and forward-looking dialogue to strengthen national resilience.
Themed “Philanthropy that Listens: Bridging Intent with Intervention,” THF2025 explores how philanthropy, policy and grassroots leadership can converge to produce long-term solutions to Malaysia’s most pressing challenges—from climate action and education equity to social trust, cultural preservation and inclusive development. The forum was graced by YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II of Malaysia, who delivered his Opening Address.
“Civil society plays a key role in strengthening Malaysia’s resilience. Therefore, the Forum offers an opportunity to leaders in civil society, government, philanthropy, academia, and the private sector – to listen with intent, move with urgency and act with integrity,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Managing Director and Trustee of Yayasan Hasanah.
“As Yayasan Hasanah reaches our tenth year of catalysing positive change toward a more progressive and inclusive Malaysia, we continue to do so with the support of the government — including the Ministry of Finance — and through close partnerships with key stakeholders. Importantly, over the decade, we’ve come to see that giving—whether through philanthropy, policy, or corporate responsibility—must evolve into an act of listening. Philanthropy, then, is not merely a form of aid, but a tool to surface community needs and guide more responsive, grounded solutions. It’s one of many ways a nation can govern more consciously, with its people at the centre.
“This Forum, therefore, is pivotal in bringing together multi-sectoral leaders from all over the country to jointly discuss approaches that shift from traditional charity models to more collaborative, justice-oriented and community-led solutions,” she added.
Grounded Changemakers: Spotlighting Social Champions Advancing Real Solutions
The Hasanah Forum brings together changemakers closest to the issues—individuals whose lived experiences shape their efforts to protect nature, defend rights, and improve lives within their communities. In the spotlight, among this year’s speakers are:
- Lara Ariffin, Co-Founder and President of RIMAU, which safeguards the endangered Malayan tiger while employing the Orang Asli as rainforest protectors in Perak, for individuals such as;
- Shakri Wahab, Team Leader of the AP Korbu Patrolling Team, RIMAU
- Dr. Louisa Shobhini Ponnampalam, Co-Founder and Executive Director of MareCet, who leads marine mammal conservation through innovative sonar technologies
- Indigenous artist-activist Shaq Koyok who uses his canvas to spotlight, preserve, and honour Orang Asal heritage
- Firzana Redzuan, Founder of Monsters Among Us, which addresses systemic child abuse through youth-led advocacy
- Chuah Ee Chia, Co-Founder of Iskul Sama DiLaut Omadal, who champions an alternative school for the undocumented Bajau Laut community in Sabah
- Stevens Chan, visually impaired Founder of Dialogue Includes All, who is building platforms for disability empowerment and visibility
- Alina Amir, CEO and Co-Founder of ARUS Academy, who is transforming how students and teachers engage with learning across Malaysia
Some of these organisations are recipients of the Hasanah Special Grant – an initiative jointly funded through the Ministry of Finance (MOF)’s Matching Grant, under the Belanjawan 2025 and part of the government’s the broader efforts to raise the floor under the GEAR-uP Programme, aligned with the Ekonomi MADANI framework.
The Age of Asia in Philanthropy — Listening, Learning, and Leading Together
The Forum also centred on the Asian perspective, with a suite of regional and global speakers including Dr. Ririn Salwa Purnamasari, Senior Economist from The World Bank; Dr. Gabriel Leung, Director of The Institute of Philanthropy; Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and CEO of Temasek Foundation; Masato Seko, Senior Director of the Nippon Foundation; and Antonio G. Lambino II, President of Ayala Foundation — all senior leaders bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in creating systemic change through bold collaborations.
Also sharing their insights drawn from decades of leadership, Prof. Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director of Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, and Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Trustee of WWF discussed how strategic partnerships between communities, corporations, and the government are key to long-term resilience. Adding to this global-regional-local exchange was Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and global advocate for inclusive development.
“As Malaysia’s largest impact-based foundation, Yayasan Hasanah carries a unique responsibility — to champion national priorities while staying deeply connected to the pulse of the nation, understanding the lived realities of Malaysians, and reaching them through our trusted network of partners. Bridging intention with intervention will be key in strengthening national resilience,” she added.
Since its inception in 2021, The Hasanah Forum has grown into Malaysia’s premier gathering for social impact — a space where changemakers across sectors come together to turn dialogue into action. Hosted by Yayasan Hasanah, the impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional, the Forum carries a bold mission: to bridge national priorities with community realities.
“We’re especially heartened by the surge of youth participation this year — a powerful signal that Malaysians are ready to lead change with urgency and purpose,” said Siti Kamariah.
In addition to thought-provoking Panel Sessions, also featured are a vibrant Impact Marketplace and Cultural Workshops showcasing purpose-driven enterprises, alongside dedicated Networking Pods and Partners Community Dialogues that have been designed to foster collaborations.