Good Things

Here’s a good thing you need to know: Malaysia is taking bold steps to tackle learning loss and school dropouts with Program Anak Kita . With nearly half of 11-year-olds struggling to read and thousands of students missing out on their education, this initiative aims to rebuild the foundations of learning through a whole-of-nation approach. But how does it work, and will it be enough? In this epis...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: Native Discovery is redefining cultural tourism in Malaysia. This social enterprise began as an unlikely collaboration between an aspiring Orang Asli entrepreneur and a curious civil engineering student. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to create tourism ventures that uplift Orang Asli communities, preserve heritage, and break cultural stereotypes. Their...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: A Malaysian scientist, is developing a photocatalytic process to convert plastic waste into fuels and versatile chemicals, thus reducing the time for the decomposition of non-biodegradable plastics. We catch up with Dr Kong Xin Ying to find out what inspired her to pursue chemical engineering, and why she’s focusing her research on developing innovative soluti...

As the climate crisis deepens, it's easy to succumb to despair. But Steve Willis and Jan Lee, co-authors of Fairhaven, offers a different perspective—one rooted in ecological resilience, innovation, and actionable solutions. In this conversation, we explore the harsh realities of our environmental challenges while uncovering pathways to sustainable change. Can optimism coexist with the urgency of...

Sister Dorothy Amalia Laudi has spent the last 19 years building a brighter future for some of Sabah’s underserved children. Known for her compassionate work as a Franciscan nun, she runs 12 kindergartens in Tambunan and Paitan in rural Sabah, giving children the tools to succeed despite incredible odds. From raising funds for school supplies to ensuring teachers are trained, Sister Dorothy exempl...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: EWRF is an non-profit organisation that empowers the marginalised, the vulnerable and the impoverished by conducting programmes dedicated to the development of individuals, with a focus on children. This year, they have expanded to offer free counselling services. We speak to them, to find out more about what this counselling service offers. Image Credit: Talu...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: It’s the season of many wonderful things, and Grace Community Services, a non-profit organisation is continuing their tradition of hosting events for those in need. Their inaugural 'The Star of Christmas: No Child Left Behind' event and Annual Christmas Banquet aim to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, experience the warmth and mag...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: dogs don’t only provide companionship to humans, but also play important roles in helping us do various tasks, such as combat and search-and-rescue dogs, guard and protection dogs, as well as support animals. Dr Tho Lye Mun, dog trainer for the Malaysian Protection Sports Association, and Andrew Harmsworth from Canine Metropolitan Specialists, join us to shed...

Here's a good thing you need to know: kids are not just dreaming about a better world—they’re actively shaping it! It's Children's Day today, and we're celebrating young heroes making a difference in their communities, from creative musicians and artists to environmental champions. In this episode, you'll hear from two different groups, first eco-champions Tan Jhie Rei, Liong Jie Yee and Lee Wing...

Here's a good thing you need to know: Bike Commute Malaysia is a grassroots organisation of commuter cyclists and urbanists that has been advocating for safer street designs that support low carbon commuting options. Besides organising "bike kitchen" workshops, they are involved in promoting safe streets for school children and vulnerable groups. Justin Lee joins us, to talk about the work that hi...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: founded in 1971 by journalists and doctors, Médecins Sans Frontières also known as Doctors Without Borders has been continuously providing medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or even exclusion from healthcare. At a time when we’re seeing multiple humanitarian crises across the world, the role of humanitarian organisations l...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: Asma Khan is a chef who owns an all-female run kitchen called Darjeeling Express, a restaurant in London's Soho and sits on the London Mayor’s Business Advisory Board. You might have heard of her from as one of the figures profilled from the sixth season of the documentary series Chef's Table, where she discusses her journey from law to culinary. Asma Khan joi...

Here's a good thing you need to know: Kala, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice, is now a proud champion for patients and survivors. She is now working full-time with the Breast Cancer Welfare Association to honour the legacy of her aunt, who was also diagnosed with the disease, and has since passed on. On Good Things, we hear about Kala’s breast cancer journey, and how she went from b...

The Lost Food Project is making a huge impact in the fight against food waste and hunger in Malaysia. Founded by Suzanne Mooney, the organisation rescues surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to those in need, providing nutritious meals to underprivileged communities. It's World Food Day today, and this year's theme is "right to foods for a better life and a better fut...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: Dato M. Nasir is celebrating 45 years of contributions to the Malaysian music scene and his impact on the landscape since his debut in 1978. M. Nasir speaks with us to reflect on his journey through the decades, sharing his insights into his creative process, evolution of his music and the inspiration behind some of his most beloved songs. See omnystudio.com/l...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: International Literacy Day was celebrated last month, and this year’s theme is "Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace." So today, we’re speaking with Dr. Joseph Lo Bianco, an expert in all things language, to discuss how multilingual education can go beyond teaching new languages to promote mutual understanding, social c...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: An organisation in Bangladesh called Travelettes is aiming to empower women through travel. It is the first and largest female online travelling organisation in Bangladesh with over 75,000 female members, and they conduct workshops in schools in each district and talk about menstrual health, self defence, the liberation war & Bangladesh with female student...

Sumitha Shaanthinni Kishna is a passionate advocate for migrants and refugees in Malaysia, and the Founder and Director of Our Journey, an NGO committed to building a supportive migration system aligned with international standards. A practising lawyer since 2008, Sumitha is also the Chairperson of the Migrant Forum in Asia, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Bar Council Migrants and Refugees Commi...

Here’s a good thing you need to know: Two local cooperatives are on a mission to address a wide range of social, economic and environmental challenges. In a conversation that spans community, sustainability and skill development, we delve into the philosophies behind Kongsi Co-op and FRIENDS Craft Cooperative—two distinct cooperatives with unique missions. Kongsi Co-op is a community-owned enterpr...

Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram is a prominent Malaysian economist, academic, and public intellectual known for his extensive work in development economics and social justice. He has produced important scholarship on Malaysia's political economy, influenced discourse during the Asian financial crisis and even worked with the UN. This year, he was honoured at the Merdeka Award for Outstanding Scholas...

The Nicol David Organisation, founded by eight-time world squash champion Datuk Nicol David, and Mariana De Reyes, is dedicated to empowering young people through sports. The organisation focuses on nurturing talent and providing opportunities for underprivileged youth to reach their full potential. We speak to the co-founders. Image Credit: Nicol David Organisation See omnystudio.com/listener for...

The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom (IOC) was established in January 2016 by Anne Sivanathan, in response to parents' pleas for more resources and services for neurodivergent children. The philosophy behind IOC is simple - that all children benefit from outdoor learning, and that by integrating outdoor and indoor programs, an optimal environment for children's learning and development is created. We c...

Here’s a Good Thing you need to know: On July 28, seven cyclists completed an epic 900-kilometre journey from Miri to Kuching to raise money and awareness for cervical cancer screening. We spoke to one of the cyclists, 67-year-old Lau Huoi Seong, about what drives his passion for cycling and social causes, the philosophy of empathy, and what it means to age gracefully. Image Credit: Tom Wang,Shutt...

Here’s a Good Thing you need to know: SUKA Society is launching their Bahasa Ibunda Syllabus project, which has been developed by Orang Asal community teachers and will be used to teach children content and knowledge relevant to their unique culture and heritage, as part of the Empowered2Teach programme. We find out more from: Dinah, she’s a teacher and project trainer with Empowered2Teach and Sar...

Here’s a Good Thing you need to know: a trio of young Malaysians have developed wireless charging technology for satellites in space, including on the moon. The trio - Muhammad Kamil, Razlan Dhamir Hamdan, and Justin Lee - had represented Malaysia with this technology in the world’s largest start-up competition, the Startup World Cup 2023, and made it all the way to the semi-finals. Razlan Dhamir...