KUALA LUMPUR: The Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme is supporting eight projects in its second cycle, with the goal of promoting positive change in the Merdeka 118 precinct.
Eleven of the 43 applications received during the programme's second cycle, which began in December 2022, were shortlisted for a thorough assessment by the technical advisory panel.
In the end, eight outstanding projects were chosen, which reflects the programme's goal of supporting community-impacting initiatives.
"As the Merdeka 118 development continues to reach new heights, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting our neighbours. Through the selected projects under this initiative, we have not only awarded grants to new projects but also sustained our support for existing projects from the first cycle to ensure their ongoing progress and success.
"From empowering individuals with employment opportunities to improving quality of life and celebrating our culture and heritage, we look forward to continuing these efforts for the development of the precinct and the wider communities. Together, we are creating a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone can flourish," said PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud.
The Merdeka 118 Community Grants programme was launched in June 2021 by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) in partnership with Think City Sdn Bhd.
One of the grant recipients since the initial cycle is the Smart Stingless Beekeeping Project by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). IIUM recently expanded their portfolio with a range of new stingless bee honey products, such as moisturising body lotion, juice, and honey chili sauce, in addition to kicking off training sessions on the production and packaging of these products.
Meanwhile, returning grant recipient YWCA KL remains committed to empowering young women through its skill development courses.
Another initiative aimed at empowering the communities, particularly from the public housing developments in the Merdeka 118 precinct, is an embroidery training programme by Swee Impact Consulting Sdn Bhd, also known as'manekNya'.
The programme also supported the publication of two books that highlight the rich history and unique culture of the Merdeka 118 precinct. This includes the translation of the Petaling Street Walking Guidebook from English and Mandarin to Bahasa Malaysia by Kaki Jelajah Warisan under the project 'Eat, Pray, Love' in Petaling Street and a book entitled 'Somewhere in the Kuala, a Children's Architecture Book' by Suburbia Office Enterprise.
A new grant recipient in the second cycle was Project Otai by Project Future Malaysia, which produces videos spotlighting traditional trades.
In line with Merdeka 118's efforts to support the arts in the local community, the Kampung Attap Collective continues its commitment to promoting local arts and solidifying Kampung Attap's status as a creative hub.