​​​ One Step at a Time

    Methodology 1 : Talent Activation: Placing Graduates in Education Innovation Roles

    As the saying goes, no two fingers are the same, and at SASTRA, we’ve proudly witnessed that truth in action. Among the many students involved in the HCDC initiatives, a number have stood out as truly exceptional: sincere, disciplined, hardworking, innovative, and resilient leaders who helped shape the vision on the ground.

    By 2019, despite numerous hurdles, we successfully established 2 out of the 14 targeted Human and Career Development Centers, a testament to the power of collective determination and localized leadership. Supported by a dedicated network of 275 volunteers, including teachers, alumni, board members, and stakeholders who continue to champion a shared mission. 


    However, like many grassroots initiatives, the journey hasn’t been without difficulty. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted our community-driven income streams, including water sales, resulting in reduced funding for HCDC school grants. Several on-ground activities were paused, but we used this period to strategically realign our approach and transition to blended learning delivery—a more sustainable model for the future.

    As we forge ahead, we remain deeply committed to innovation, job creation, and cultivating future social entrepreneurs who can carry the HCDC vision forward. With renewed momentum, we’re finding new pathways to sustain and scale this transformative work in Malaysian Schools.

    Thiyaga

    Rajan

    HCDC was developed with a clear mission: to expand the traditional counselling role by integrating reskilling and upskilling opportunities that better prepare students for their future careers and personal growth. The HCDC will continue towards Malaysian Education Blueprint 2026-2036.

    CSR Support Enables:

    • Skills-based volunteerism from company employees (e.g., resume clinics, mock interviews, digital upskilling)
    • Internships or school-to-industry bridges
    • Training future social entrepreneurs among alumni


    “Building the Human and Career Development Center at my school was a project that we must be thankful. As a counsellor, we got direct support from SASTRA by carrying out various activities and programs for our students and supporting the school in many ways.". Counsellor Looi Ah Chai , SMK Taman Ehsan, 

    SASTRA

    CSR Support Enables:

    • Multi-sector collaborations that link government, civil society, and industry
    • Shared innovation labs and co-branded impact storytelling
    • Data and reporting for ESG and CSR dashboards

    Looi Ah

    Chai

    Two methodologies was applied towards operations 


    • 1. To invest in fresh graduates or interns who can support to SASTRA mission by reskilling and upskilling them. 
    • 2. To invest directly on students  who can support to lead the mission in their schools.

    Our Challenges:  COVID-19

    SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
    Adopting an HCDC creates early exposure to career pathways, industry-relevant skills, and the entrepreneurial mindset students need to navigate a changing economy.

    The 1st Piloted School in Malaysia - 2013, Central Satellite School

    The 2nd Piloted School in Malaysia - 2015, Northern Satellite School

    THE HUB

    We were the first school in Malaysia to collectively pilot the implementation of HCDC concepts suggested by SASTRA. I believe the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013- 2025(MEB) allows any schools to collaborate with private sectors in the interest of our students. I am positive, with our shared vision we will continue to improve SMK Taman Ehsan students in line with the six aspirations as MEB. In addition, we are ready to transfer the knowledge to other schools. I am also very pleased to see SASTRA is supporting more rural schools with various partners. Keep it going SASTRA.” Madam.Patifah Shamsuddin, Past Principal SMK Taman Ehsan, Selangor.​

     HCDC Pilot Project Advisors 

    HUB

    Five Execution Stages for Transforming a School Counselling Department 

    Launched in 2014 as a social initiative pilot project, the Malaysian Schools Human and Career Development Center (HCDC) was designed to strengthen the role of secondary school counselling departments by repositioning them as dynamic Human and Career Development Centres. Rooted in the vision of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025, particularly under Shift 9—Partnering with Parents, Community, and the Private Sector at Scale.

    • We invite local champions : Members of Parliament, state agencies, district authorities, individual, and businesses,to take the lead by collectively funding the startup and operational costs of a Human & Career Development Center (HCDC) in an adopted school within their community and support the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2026-2036.

    This collaborative investment supports:

    ​

    • The establishment of a functional HCDC hub, including resourcing, training, and programme deployment
    • Hiring additonal teachers, interns to focus on HCDC project and intiatives
    • Co-brand campaigns and share impact stories across platforms
    • Aligned with national goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • The sustainability of student-led initiatives aligned with real-world learning and future workforce readiness
    • A long-term ecosystem where government, industry, and youth co-create solutions for social impact
    • Mitgating issues and transforming national schools.
    • Data driven reporting for SDG , ESG and CSR 

    Siti

    Salmiah

    ​Transforming the Malaysian Schools Counseling Unit to the Human and Career Development Centre 

    How CSR Can Accelerate the Adoption of Human & Career Development Centers (HCDC)

    The Adopt a HCDC initiative by SASTRA is a transformative, school-based model designed to equip Malaysian students with critical life, academic, and career skills while reshaping the role of school counselling departments into dynamic, future-focused development centers.

    Corporate partners play an instrumental role in advancing this mission by adopting schools, co-funding innovation, and participating in a long-term social impact journey that is deeply aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals:

    I never realized what a need in understanding the future of career that is out there in the world. Moreover, learning values and the necessary skills that we need. My involvement with my schools HCDC opened my eyes and heart to a whole world of people I can support!" Nagamei, University Malaysia Sabah -Volunteer”​

    1 School Adoption

    Programme Details

    To address these concerns, a Research Grant was secured to validate and operationalise a new model aimed at strengthening school counselling departments and bridging high school students with industry opportunities. The initiative also sought to reshape public perception of counselling centres, positioning them as Human and Career Development Centres safe, inspiring environments for all students.

    Recognizing the potential for systemic impact, the Ministry of Education Malaysia acknowledged the research and approved SASTRA to pilot its programme in select schools across all 14 Malaysian states—aligned with Shift 9 of the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013–2025), which emphasizes partnering with parents, communities, and the private sector at scale.

    Since 2017, SASTRA has strategically invested time and resources directly into students and alumni to strengthen the Human and Career Development Center (HCDC) model. The focus was to empower Learner Alumni as leaders and mentors, enabling them to share their knowledge and experiences with other students through the HCDC platform. Many alumni demonstrated strong commitment by returning to support their former schools, while others contributed flexibly as they pursued higher education. Several have become social entrepreneurs or received training to become future school counsellors, milestones made possible with continued support from SASTRA through the HCDC ecosystem.

    By early 2018, SASTRA transitioned its active role in schools to a supporting one, officially handing over the leadership and development of the HCDC to students and alumni. This shift was intentional : to instill a sense of ownership and sustainability among school communities, ensuring that the change they seek is driven from within. Since 2019, SASTRA has remained a supportive partner, ready to guide and assist schools and learners who are willing to take the lead in continuing the HCDC approach.

    Soonufat Supramaniam

    In 2012, a series of research studies highlighted pressing issues in Malaysia related to poverty, youth unemployment, and the lack of support systems for school-aged children. The studies specifically underscored systemic gaps within the national schooling system, most notably, the urgent need to reimagine the role of school counselling departments.

    The findings revealed that counselling units in many secondary schools were under-resourced, underutilized, and widely stigmatized as services for “problematic” students. With limited funding, staffing shortages, and insufficient programming, these departments were often unable to offer students meaningful guidance, industry exposure, or career support. As a result, many young people felt neglected, turning instead to peer groups or unsupervised spaces, some of which led them down harmful paths.


    “Having access to learn new things beside formal education is a challenge.  I am glad the HCDC project came to my school at SMK Taman Ehsan. I am now doing what I am passionate about and have learn to help others.  Kum Lum Chung, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College - Volunteer​

    CSR Support Enables:

    • Access to free learning resources and scholarship-based fellowships
    • Outreach in B40 school zones and high-need communities
    • Empowerment of youth leaders from fragile environments


    Driving Change Through Social Entrepreneurship Development

    Human and Career Development Centres

    SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
    CSR helps bridge opportunity gaps for underrepresented and underserved students in rural and urban low-income communities.

    HCDC  Investment

     SASTRA HCDC Pilot Operations Model to Remove Stigma in School Counselling Department (2014)

    ​Research Findings to Practical Operations as National Contribution

    SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
    SASTRA invites corporates to co-design scalable, locally-rooted, and globally-aligned education initiatives that benefit all stakeholders.

    Beneficiaries and Volunteers Views

    RM 155,000.00 Yearly

    SMK Lubok Buntar : Advancing the Shift 9 Vision in Kedah

    In early 2015, SASTRA set out to identify the next pilot school to champion Shift 9 under the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013–2025) in a new state. During outreach efforts in Kedah, SASTRA received an invitation, facilitated by a committed Teach For Malaysia (TFM) Fellow,to visit SMK Lubok Buntar, a school with strong leadership and a progressive approach to educational reform.

    The site visit confirmed that SMK Lubok Buntar embodied the characteristics of a potential Role Model school for Kedah. The school’s leadership demonstrated a clear understanding of the national education agenda and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with SASTRA as part of a shared Shift 9 initiative. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the school’s administration, faculty, and students laid the groundwork for launching the next phase of the Human and Career Development Center (HCDC).

    Although an unexpected change in leadership briefly delayed implementation plans, the incoming leadership team reaffirmed support for the project. With renewed endorsement, SASTRA began formalizing its collaboration with SMK Lubok Buntar to advance educational transformation through community and industry partnerships.​Read more

    Patifah Shamsuddin

    CSR Support Enables:


    • Development and delivery of life skills & career empowerment modules 
    • Capacity-building for teachers and school counsellors

    Pilot School

    "SASTRA has been a tremendous support for many students,particularly from rural schools in Kedah. The support provided has enabled these unfortunate students to work and go the extra mile to achieve competence in English and other activities. We fervently thank SASTRA from bottom of our hearts for being the backbone of the school project."  Cikgu V.Jessy Anne, SMK Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, Kedah.​

    SMK Taman Ehsan : A Pioneer in Educational Transformation

    Located in Kepong, Selangor, SMK Taman Ehsan became the first school in Malaysia to pilot Shift 9 of the Malaysia Education Blueprint, thanks to the progressive leadership of Madam Patifah Shamduddin. In 2013, even prior to the formal establishment of SASTRA, the school embraced the opportunity to reimagine student development in collaboration with both public and private stakeholders.

    Following extensive discussions, strategic refinements, and cross-sector cooperation, the pilot initiative gained strength as a joint effort. SMK Taman Ehsan led the way not only in Selangor but nationally, as the first institution to collaborate with SASTRA, the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), the State Education Department (JPN), and the District Education Office (PPD) to bring this new model to life.

    While many schools expressed interest in partnering with SASTRA, a focused approach was adopted, engaging one school per state to act as a “Role Model” for others in subsequent phases. This strategic decision was driven by both resource limitations and a commitment to ensure long-term sustainability and depth of impact in each location.​ Read more

    Ananda Devan

    ​SDG 4: Quality Education
    CSR contributions ensure the continuity of blended learning programmes, workshops, digital resources, and mentorship that help schools develop holistic student pathways, beyond traditional academic achievement.

    HCDC Project Aligned towards SDG 2025 - 2035

    Methodology 2 : Empowering Alumni Leadership Through HCDC

    ​Background Studies

    They came to us with open arms and big smiles, helping us to enhance and educating us about the importance of building the HCDC at our school. They have helped us so much!" I am confident to give it back. Kasih SofeA Helmi, Past Student SMK Taman Ehsan Selangor  

    " SASTRA has played an important role in building self - confidence amongst student especially in practicing  the use of English in everybody life. I am thankful for the support they have provided for the rural students and also supporting in creating a platform for them to explore further their passion. Thank You Cikgu Mr. Anuar Sany - SMK Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin., Kedah
     

    Empowering Communities, Ending Poverty, Shaping the Future

    To implement Methodology 1, SASTRA focused on identifying and recruiting unemployed graduates who demonstrated a genuine passion for contributing to school environments. Research at the time revealed that over 500,000 graduates remained unemployed, while many qualified teachers were either unable to secure placements due to limited funding or were reluctant to work in schools, often burdened by education loan repayments and disillusionment with the system.

    To validate the approach, SASTRA shortlisted graduates who expressed strong interest in working within schools. As a result, two full-time team members were hired and placed at SMK Taman Ehsan to execute the pilot project. In addition, internship opportunities were offered to expand participation and learning. The entire deployment—including salaries and programme expenses—was fully funded by SASTRA through the secured research grant, ensuring seamless execution without financial burden on the host school.

    The Research Methodologies and Pilot Model