On April 12, 2025, MYCorps Alumni and Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL), through the Department of Social Work, hosted one day conference titled “From Awareness to Action: Social Work for a Better Tomorrow,” in celebration of World Social Work Day. The event brought together social work professionals, community advocates, and students for meaningful discussions. Speakers shared real-life stories, field experiences, and the challenges they face working with diverse communities across Malaysia.
The day began with a powerful presentation by Ms. Jayamalar Samuel, Capacity Building Director at the All-Women’s Action Society (AWAM), on “Breaking the Cycle: Ending Domestic Violence.” Drawing on her experience, she explained the root causes of abuse, the struggles survivors face when seeking help, and the importance of survivor-centred responses. Her session stressed the need for ongoing public education, stronger laws, and community-based support to break the cycle of violence.
Next, Ms. Asha Singh, Advisory Committee member at Family Frontiers, presented a session titled “Preventing Child Abuse: A Collaborative Approach.” She spoke about the shared responsibility of protecting children, highlighting their vulnerability and limited ability to protect themselves. She stressed that adults must safeguard children’s rights and dignity and reinforced the need for cooperation in preventing child abuse.
Caseworker and community leader from Shelter Home for Children, Mr. Edward Dass shared his inspiring experience with the topic, “Inclusive Approach to Support Underprivileged Communities.” His personal story of transformation and how a second chance changed his life deeply resonated with the audience. He highlighted the importance of inclusion, empathy, and long-term community support in helping marginalised individuals.
This was followed by Ms. Jenny Pui, co-founder of Social Work Without Borders, who brought an international perspective with her talk on “Realities and Challenges Facing Refugees & Stateless Populations.” She used a thought-provoking analogy: “We always say we need to teach our clients how to fish. But what if there are no fish in the sea?” This powerful question prompted the audience to consider the limited opportunities for refugees and the structural injustices that must be addressed to provide meaningful support.
Finally, Mr. Sam Lim, Manager at Malaysian CARE, concluded the conference with a session titled “Exploring Addiction and Its Link to Mental Health.” He discussed the strong connection between mental health and drug use. He emphasised that relapse is a natural part of recovery and explained that setbacks are often part of the healing process. Recognising this as a common phase can help reduce stigma and support more compassionate, client-centred approaches in addiction recovery.
Throughout the day, the conference combined expert knowledge with real-life experiences, providing both valuable insights and personal connections. The event highlighted the important role social work plays in creating a more inclusive and supportive society.