Kota Kinabalu: Best practices, ground realities, and collaborative solutions to Sabah’s key social priorities will be the focus of the inaugural Social Services Networking Forum 2025 on Dec 11.
The forum will bring together civil society, government agencies, and international organisations to strengthen social services and ensure no individual or community is left behind.
Organised by the Sabah Council of Social Services in collaboration with the UMS-Unicef Communication for Development (C4D) Research Unit, the event carries the theme “Bridging Efforts, Strengthening Communities.”
About 100 presenters and participants are expected.
Executive Secretary of the Sabah Council of Social Services, Joeanne Lee, said the forum will allow speakers to share initiatives, address challenges, and explore opportunities to enhance the welfare of communities, including children and families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
“This is the first forum of its kind, and we are excited to see how it can spark stronger connections, deeper insights, and collective action for social good in Sabah,” Lee said.
Participants will discuss effective volunteer management, best practices, and co-create solutions in the areas they serve.
The Sabah Ministry of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing plays a central role in coordinating welfare voluntary activities, strengthening voluntary social work, and fostering greater community participation through partnerships with government, the private sector, and academic institutions.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Maria Chong, will deliver the keynote address.
Four forum sessions will follow, focusing on volunteer management, healthy and active ageing, positive parenting and child protection, and disability employment and skills development.
The forum will conclude with a hands-on session titled “Driving Social Behaviour Change Communication: Impactful Programme Planning for NGOs,” equipping organisations with practical strategies for creating meaningful community impact.
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