WHAT began as a casual gathering among friends in 2011 has evolved into a nationwide movement.
Small Changes Malaysia, a youth-driven non-governmental organisation (NGO) was founded on a simple yet powerful belief – that even the smallest act of change can lead to lasting impacts.
More than a decade on, that conviction continues to guide its growing network of volunteers and changemakers.
From modest beginnings to mentoring over a thousand students across 13 states, the organisation has remained true to its core mission of bridging educational gaps and empowering underserved communities through student-centric and motivational programmes.
Building Bridges Beyond Peninsular Malaysia
President of Small Changes, Syafiq Jamali, explained that the idea behind the organisation’s initiation comes from the derived mission statement of bridging the educational gap and combating educational inequalities in the Malaysian communities of students and learners.
He said they named themselves ‘Small Changes’ following continued efforts and commitments in making a small and measured but meaningful differences that impact one community at a time.
“As we approach our 15th year, we are proud to have exceeded this through benefitting more than 1,000 students across 13 states nationwide. Our achievements thus far are fueled by the help of more than 500 selfless volunteers,” he said.
With the mission to eradicate educational inequality through carefully curated and students’ specific motivational programmes, Syafiq said these programmes teach students several important lifelong skills.
He said these include invaluable and meaningful lessons of financial literacy, emotional regulation skills, English empowerment pillars and professional development.
“Empowering students with these values and lessons are vital to ensure our vision provides every student with the same opportunities and the same starting point in their educational journey regardless of their background,” he said.
Having started their adventure and expansion to East Malaysia in 2023 with an overnight programme in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Syafiq said Small Changes intends to set their course higher and faster than ever.
Through this year’s ‘Ngembak Blaja’ Sarawak programme, he said they are hoping to set a foundation of community development that runs and is self-sustaining for years to come.
“This programme provides our beneficiaries with an optimal boarding experience that promotes their learning, and we think that athletic camps are very valuable. Even though the programme will only run for three days and two nights, we hope that participants will immerse themselves in the journey of self-educational empowerment,” he said.
Sarawak in Focus – Ngembak Blaja
Small Changes’ upcoming programme known as ‘Ngembak Blaja’ is set to take place on April 25 to 27 at Borneo Keranji Farm, Bau.
Project Director of ‘Ngembak Blaja’, Aiman Zakaria, explained that the programme’s name comes from the Iban language which translates to ‘let’s learn’ which is a powerful culturally rooted call to action that reflects the programme’s spirit.
He said it symbolises the journey of growth, education and empowerment that Small Changes wants to spark in the underserved communities.
“At its core, the camp focuses on building leadership and English communication skills, all framed through the 5Cs (Character, Competence, Connection, Caring and Confidence) of youth development. We are not just having a three-day event, but we are creating a launchpad for a long-term self-belief, purpose, and social mobility,” he said.
Aiman said a total of 65 Form 4 students from SMK Bako and SMK Paku will be participating in the programme.
With the help of Sarawak District Education Office, he said they identified students who demonstrate drive, resilience and leadership promise despite financial challenges.
“Our focus is on diversity, ensuring a good mix of academic performers, co-curricular contributors, and students from different gender, racial and religious backgrounds. These are young individuals who are ready for the next step, and we are here to help them take it,” he said.
Describing ‘Ngembak Blaja’ as anything ordinary, Aiman said students will experience engaging modules that combine fun, purpose and self-discovery.
He said they will be encouraged to set goals and build on their personal growth through interactive sessions and reflective activities.
“For ‘Ngembak Blaja’, each module is thoughtfully designed to build practical life skills, boost confidence in public speaking and strengthen students’ sense of self. Our aim is for every student to walk away not just inspired, but ready to be an inspiration in their schools and communities,” he said.
Aiman stressed that they are aiming for more than just improved communication skills through ‘Ngembak Blaja’ as they want to nurture changemakers.
He said the programme is designed to build self-awareness, resilience and a deeper sense of community.
“These students will be supported by experienced facilitators who serve as mentors, ensuring their learning continues even after the programme. By the end, we hope to see more students who speak up with confidence and return to their schools with fresh leadership energy.
“It is about lighting a spark that keeps growing personally and collectively,” he said.
A Volunteer’s Perspective: Grounded in Purpose
For Amiera Batrisyia, her goal when she joined Small Changes back in 2023 was to share personal experiences, inspire students to dream bigger and to show how their potential extends far beyond what they may see around them.
She said she has always loved volunteering as she views it as a way of giving back to others.
“I began my volunteering journey in high school, and later discovered Small Changes, where I have continued to grow and contribute through volunteering to this day.
“Often times, all it takes is for someone to believe in them and ignite that spark of motivation. I want to be that person who helps them realise that they can achieve more,” she said.
Referring to the saying ‘give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’, Amiera said it is not just about teaching knowledge but empowering students to create their own future.
“At Small Changes, we truly believe in the power of education and its ability to help students become the best versions of themselves,” she said.
While youth across Malaysia may share similar motivations in education, Amiera pointed out that there are a few notable differences.
For example, access to resources such as high-speed internet, structured training programmes and motivational camps are often more limited in East Malaysia.
“These disparities along with cultural and logistical differences can impact the way volunteering is approached and experienced. With that, Small Changes’ well-designed programmes suit the local context, respecting the language, culture and needs of East Malaysian communities,” she said.
The Bigger Picture
Small Changes Malaysia’s journey in Sarawak is only just beginning, with the upcoming ‘Ngembak Blaja’ programme set to mark a significant milestone in their outreach efforts across East Malaysia.
According to Syafiq, the team is already looking ahead, eager to return and deepen their impact in the region.
“We want to come back and bring more programmes to Sarawak, especially when the right sponsors and partners come in. We are only able to fund our trips to East Malaysia through our partnerships, and so we are actively seeking our next prospective partners and sponsors,” he said.
For Small Changes, this expansion is more than just a logistical plan – it is a commitment rooted in purpose and continuity.
Aiman pointed out that East Malaysia has always held a special place in the organisation’s vision.
“After a successful pilot project in Sabah, we witnessed the untapped brilliance of youth there, making Sarawak the natural next focus. There’s a clear need for more youth-centred educational platforms in this region, and we are here to help close that gap,” he said.
With their sights set on long-term community development, both Syafiq and Aiman hope that the seeds planted through ‘Ngembak Blaja’ will grow into meaningful, lasting change – one small step at a time.
