Wiki Impact, Malaysia’s first online platform for the impact industry launched Wiki Impact 100, a campaign to celebrate and highlight Malaysian changemakers who are doing meaningful and valuable impact work.
In a world that idolises celebrities and capitalists, Wiki Impact 100 offers a fresh take on an exciting generation of changemakers transforming society and our environment for the better. It is hoped that these changemakers will inspire many more to rise up and make a difference.
In a recent study and a report by the British Council on the state of social enterprise in Malaysia, there are over 20,000 social enterprises and 82,675 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) filling the gap in serving different layers of society and solving some of the most pressing issues in the nation. But how many can we name? This is why the first list of 100 changemakers cast light on the impact industry as they represent various social enterprises, non-profits, foundations and associations doing solid impact work at the ground level.
The 100 changemakers who made the final cut on the inaugural list underwent a well-researched selection process. The evaluation criteria necessitate each changemaker to demonstrate a credible presence in the impact space, exhibit commitment to their work through years and depth of service, showcase collaboration with others and communicate
their work and the communities they serve in an effort to raise awareness.
The panel of three judges comprising of well-respected and notable personalities in the impact industry provided insights and feedback prior to the finalisation of the list. They are; Dato’ Shahira Bazari, managing director of Yayasan Hasanah, Dato’ Kathleen Chew, Group, legal counsel of the YTL Group and programme director of YTL Foundation and Nicholas Khaw, head of research of Khazanah Nasional and co-head of Dana Impak.
In an effort to be holistic and inclusive in the selection, 10 categories were created, with a minimum of five changemakers in each category. The categories include animal welfare, environment, education for all, healthcare for all, gender equality, poverty alleviators (job creation and social services), social justice, youth empowerment and impact influencers.
This inaugural celebration sets itself apart from other coveted lists as it covers a wide spectrum of categories and galvanises the impact industry as a community of people who are problem solvers and a testament of hope for Malaysia.
As we celebrate these 100 changemakers in 2022, Wiki Impact is already gearing up for the year ahead where we hope to uncover many more changemakers who are doing amazing and solid impact work. The campaign is open for nominations where the public can recommend as many changemakers who deserve the spotlight.
