Akar Umbi Development Society

Akar Umbi Development Society is a non-governmental organisation established in 2021, headquartered in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Dedicated to collaborating with grassroots communities, Akar Umbi aims to end marginalisation and promote equal opportunities. Through people-development programmes and initiatives, the organisation works closely with local communities to foster empowerment and build stronger, more inclusive societies.

                                                          My Job Responsibilities

1. Community Research & Data Collection

Over the course of my internship, I conducted extensive research on grassroots groups such as refugees, stateless people, indigenous communities, and urban poor populations. I also researched the diplomatic policies and funding opportunities of different embassies, deepening my understanding of how a country's foreign policy aligns with national interests. For instance, I found that emerging developed countries like South Korea and Japan prioritise cultural exchanges (e.g., K-pop or traditional festivals) over human rights or labour issues, unlike Western nations that tend to engage more with NGOs for funding support.

In addition, I explored Malaysia’s philanthropic landscape by studying local charities and individual philanthropists, as well as CSR practices of domestic and international companies operating in Malaysia. This helped Akar Umbi identify potential partners and funding sources essential for a non-profit organisation dependent on donations.

I also conducted smaller, event-related research to inform programme planning. Prior to the World Refugee Day event  Xchange & Xperience in June, I investigated what activities other organisations were doing—whether online talks or offline gatherings—and their formats, to ensure Akar Umbi’s efforts were complementary and impactful. In the second half of 2025, as Akar Umbi launched a digital literacy project targeting PPR residents, I researched similar initiatives to identify gaps and ensure our work met actual community needs. In my final months, I focused on my capstone project researching Rohingya refugees’ social identity in Ampang Jaya, and I am preparing a handbook to help future interns quickly adapt to Akar Umbi’s work and values.

2.Project Support & Event Setup

Before every event, I assisted my supervisor and colleagues by conducting thorough research and preparation. Alongside research, I took on logistical responsibilities to ensure all aspects of the event were well organised. During the events, I ensured the venue was properly set up, equipment was ready, and activities ran smoothly from start to finish. After each event, I helped with cleanup and maintenance of the venue.

Additionally, I conducted follow-up research by gathering attendee feedback and transcribing recorded interviews into written form. This helped the team review information efficiently and plan subsequent steps. This hands-on involvement throughout the event cycle developed my organisational and leadership skills while ensuring projects were executed effectively and professionally.

3.Liaison & Networking

In my first two to three months (from late September), my coach Chen Li assigned me to assist external NGOs as a volunteer to gain hands-on community experience. One organisation was Suriana Play and Learn Centre, a daycare in Taman Desa Mentari serving local children—many born to Indonesian migrant workers without legal status, with limited access to formal education. The centre primarily supports Indonesian and Malaysian children from lower-income families, with some students from countries like Pakistan. Although we could not establish strong contact with parents during my time there, the staff accepted our interviews and shared valuable insights. Going forward, Akar Umbi’s digital literacy programmes targeting vulnerable groups will seek to collaborate with Suriana.

Another key partner is PSU (Project Stand Up), whose members are mostly Somali refugees living in Malaysia. Having grown up here, they face no language barriers and tend to be highly educated. These Somali, Yemeni, and Egyptian communities can bridge relations between refugees and local Malaysians. As PSU’s office in Wangsa Maju is inconvenient to reach, most communication has been online. Given their average age (early twenties) similar to mine, communication has been smooth. I attended several PSU events and formed strong friendships with some members. During the recent World Refugee Day event, our organisations collaborated again— combining strengths to ensure success. I played a central role in logistics and volunteer management, delegating tasks and stepping up during critical moments.

Beyond liaising with NGOs, I leveraged my position as a Taylor’s University student to build links between Akar Umbi and the university. I cooperated with lecturers in the International Relations department, including pilot-testing Akar Umbi’s newly developed card in class. I also recommended lecturers outside my field to my coach to broaden collaboration. On a broader scale, I reached out to multiple foreign embassies in Malaysia seeking sponsorships for Akar Umbi through diplomatic channels.