Sunway Desa Mentari Programme
The Sunway Desa Mentari Programme shines as a beacon of innovation and community empowerment amidst Malaysia's rapid industrialization. This pivotal initiative reflects a profound commitment to ensuring equitable progress, particularly for urban populations grappling with displacement and urban ghettoization challenges.
As a cornerstone of the Selangor Zero Squatter programme, Desa Mentari's transformation focuses on elevating living standards through affordable housing, thereby creating a nurturing environment for health, education, and economic prosperity. Despite facing historical hurdles such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential services, the Sunway Desa Mentari Programme is poised to turn these challenges into catalysts for comprehensive community development.
The journey of revitalizing Desa Mentari has unveiled a complex web of interrelated challenges, including employment scarcity, social issues linked to educational and job opportunities, ageing infrastructure, and limited stakeholder collaboration. These obstacles have historically hindered investment and growth, contributing to a cycle of poverty and inequality.
However, the Sunway Desa Mentari Programme, enriched by insights from thorough assessments and the dedication of Sunway University alongside various stakeholders, embarks on a strategic mission to dismantle these barriers. By aligning efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), the initiative promises not only to address immediate concerns but also to lay the groundwork for long-lasting prosperity and well-being.
Objectives
The Sunway Desa Mentari Programme aims to revolutionize the Desa Mentari locality in Malaysia, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by its urban-poor community.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Sunway University, partnering Universities, the Sunway Group, other corporate entities, government agencies, and community organizations.
It focuses on improving living conditions and quality of life through a comprehensive approach encompassing education, research, and community development.
The Sunway Desa Mentari Programme is guided by a comprehensive primary objective designed to bring about positive transformation within the Desa Mentari community. Its key goals include:
Understanding Challenges
Employing evidence-based approaches to gain a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by the Desa Mentari community, forming the basis for targeted interventions.
Collaborative Solutions
Collaborating with the community, local governments, and stakeholders to develop solutions that not only address immediate concerns but also align with the broader framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Student Community Engagement
Offering students unique opportunities to actively contribute to social development, providing a platform for them to play a significant role in real-world problem-solving and cultivating the next generation of socially responsible leaders.
Education-Led Research Platform
Establishing a dynamic education-led research platform to drive public policy initiatives, incorporating innovative solutions and educational strategies tailored to the specific challenges faced by urban poor communities like Desa Mentari.
Research and Innovation
Nurturing a culture of research and innovation to ensure a sustainable approach, with the aim of developing novel solutions that address the evolving needs of the Desa Mentari community.
Transnational Networks
Fostering transnational research-led education and learning networks, extending the program's impact beyond local boundaries to address challenges faced by developing communities worldwide.
