Kota Kinabalu: The State Government called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and voluntary welfare bodies to adopt evidence-based and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term financial sustainability and greater impact in the delivery of social services.
State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Permanent Secretary Datuk Maria Chong, made the call during her keynote address at the inaugural Social Services Networking Forum 2025, organised by the Sabah Council of Social Services (MPMS) in collaboration with the UMS-Unicef Communication for Development (C4D) Research Unit in here.
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Chong said many voluntary welfare organisations continue to face financial constraints and operational management challenges, with most still reliant on traditional and limited funding sources.
Concerns over transparency and trust also weaken their chances of securing larger or long-term funds.
“Social service NGOs need to start thinking seriously about evidence-based programming that allows for effective implementation and monitoring of activities. Data that shows impactful programmes convinces donors to provide future funding,” she said.
Chong urged NGOs to move away from internal competition and instead strengthen strategic collaboration, noting that joint initiatives are often seen as more credible and attractive to corporate funders.
She highlighted the need for stronger volunteer engagement, proposing mentorship models that allow young volunteers to develop leadership skills by managing smaller projects.
She identified three priority areas requiring immediate collaborative action: active and healthy ageing, positive parenting and child protection, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Chong noted that Sabah is expected to become an aged society by 2029, underscoring the urgency of preparing systems and support structures that enable older persons to live actively and with dignity.
She emphasised that building strong, resilient families through consistent parenting support is vital in reducing the risk of child neglect and abuse.
On disability inclusion, Chong said society must shift from perceiving persons with disabilities as beneficiaries of aid to recognising their potential as contributors through skills training, entrepreneurship, and the removal of social and physical barriers.
Earlier, Sabah Welfare Services Director Jais Asri called on participants to cultivate new partnerships in volunteer coordination, sharing of best practices and designing community programmes that reflect current needs.
“I hope this forum enriches us with knowledge and opportunities for collaboration,” he said.
The forum drew about 120 speakers and participants, including representatives from MPMS, the UMS-Uniced C4D Research Unit, and Sabah Unicef.
