Malaysia's digital revolution is booming, but not everyone's invited. Partnering with education innovators, Mereka, the Hong Leong Foundation set out to become champions for the underprivileged by bridging the digital divide and empowering unemployed and underemployed graduates from the  B40 communities with the critical skills they need to thrive. This is a strategic investment in Malaysia's future, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the digital age.

A Synergetic  Partnership for Digital Empowerment

Mereka, long recognised for our innovative approach to education and collaborative platform, plays a pivotal role in this partnership.  Our meticulously crafted Future of Work curriculum aligns seamlessly with the Hong Leong Foundation's goals, offering learners a practical path to success in the digital world. 

Its three-phase approach, combining e-learning modules, real-world virtual project placements, and comprehensive impact tracking, has significantly improved participants' proficiency in critical digital literacy areas, especially digital entrepreneurship and career advancement. The program's success is further underscored by the remarkable outcomes achieved, demonstrated through improvement in employability and income among participants.

Investing in Futures: A Curriculum Tailored for Real-World Success

The Hong Leong Foundation and Mereka partnership goes beyond bridging the digital divide; it empowers individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy. The premise of this is built on two distinct pathways:

• Digital Entrepreneur Path: Equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to launch and excel in freelance careers or the gig economy.
• Digital Career Path: Providing targeted training to navigate career transitions and help individuals advance within existing fields.

Each module addresses both immediate and future needs, delving into critical areas like personal branding, financial literacy, and career mastery. This two-pronged approach ensures participants receive relevant and impactful education, tailored to their current proficiency levels and professional aspirations. 

The following metrics evidences the programme's effectiveness:

• 72 learners successfully completed the programme, gaining valuable digital skills and enhancing their employability.
• 56 participants secured new or improved employment, leading to a 35% reduction in unemployment among programme graduates.
• Average income increased by a remarkable 195%, rising from RM74,000 to RM144,000, highlighting the programme's direct contribution to economic well-being.

These metrics paint a clear picture, that our program is successfully transferring knowledge, transforming lives and powering economic growth. By equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the digital age, the program serves as a springboard of opportunity for those previously disadvantaged by the digital divide. 

Empowering Individuals, Enhancing Futures

Together, the Hong Leong Foundation and Mereka aren't merely dreaming of a digitally empowered Malaysia – we are making it a reality. Our Future of Work initiative paves the way for individuals like Melanie Liew, Chew Han Hoong, and Farah Rafiqa, helping them thrive in the digital age.

• From hesitant learner to confident freelancer, Melanie Liew
  “I have enjoyed what I have learned during my Project Placement. As the mentor herself is a freelancer too, her experience sharing was very beneficial to me. I do feel ready to put all the knowledge I accumulated into practice, and at the same time, I do feel like there is more that I can still learn.”

• Finding passion and purpose, Chew Han Hoong

“Before the program, I was switching between different industries and doing odd freelancing jobs. None of these opportunities allowed me to connect my passion with my work. I had a valuable Placement experience where my dedicated supervisor at the startup helped me push my creative limits in doing what I'm passionate about. Thanks to FOW and my supervisor, I now have more confidence in pursuing the life I love.”

• From unemployment to full-time success, Farah Rafiqa

“Previously I was unemployed when I joined the Future of Work programme by Mereka. Through Project Placement and Office Hours sessions, I gained the confidence to try freelancing or find a part-time job. I finally landed a full-time job as a Graphic Designer in September 2023. As for my future plan, I want to finish my UX design course in Coursera sponsored through Mereka’s partnership with Google Gemilang.”

These aren't isolated cases; they are powerful testaments to the program's effectiveness. By equipping individuals with the necessary digital skills, we drive a ripple effect across Malaysia, fostering a more inclusive, skilled, and competitive digital economy.

Mutual Benefits: Learners and SMEs Collaborate

The Future of Work initiative also creates a symbiotic relationship between learners and SMEs, facilitating a Virtual Project Placement effort that's been mutually beneficial. The program connects the learners with SMEs across various industries, allowing them to apply their digital skills in real-world settings. This partnership enables the SMEs to support their digital transformation efforts while offering learners hands-on experience and real-world skill application.

Here is what they have to say:

• Vivy Khoo, Founder of The Waymaker Legacy
  “The team did very well in communication, arrangement and allocate the suitable talents to match our needs. They are also very thoughtful and constantly improving the process and keeping everyone in the loop. Overall, we appreciate what Mereka is doing. [They] Have been a great help!”

• Nicholas Chong, Operation Manager of Hikari Studios
  “Definitely a great way to explore talents as working with freelancers is always a challenge, especially giving them the freedom and trust to submit deliverables without enforced working hours.”

• Mohalila Jubli, Data Analyst Executive of Smart Roots

“Love the idea of the placement especially when it allows both parties to have knowledge transfer and a conducive environment to be free for the talents especially to express their creativities.”

These testimonials highlight the broader impact of the initiative. By fostering collaboration and bridging the digital divide, we’re not just shaping individual futures – it's propelling Malaysia's digital transformation.

Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce, Together

At Mereka, our drive to expand the digital literacy mission is fueled by your vision and resources. We're dedicated to serving the underserved and ensuring equal access to skills required to thrive in the digital age and to face future challenges head-on.

For partners like the Hong Leong Foundation, or others seeking to join our cause, we offer more than just a service; we’re inviting you to collaborate in a future brimming with opportunity and innovation.

Let's connect, and together, we'll craft pathways to success in the digital world for your teams and communities.

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