KOTA KINABALU: Best practices, ground realities, and collaborative solutions to Sabah’s key social priorities will take center stage at the inaugural Social Services Networking Forum 2025, here, on 11 December.
The forum is set to bring together voices from civil society, government agencies, and international organizations dedicated to strengthening social services and ensuring that no individual or community is left behind in the pursuit of a better quality of life for all Malaysians.
Organized by the Sabah Council of Social Services in collaboration with the UMS-UNICEF Communication for Development (C4D) Research Unit, the forum carries the theme “Bridging Efforts, Strengthening Communities.” About 100 presenters and participants are expected to take part.
Sabah Council of Social Services Executive Secretary Joeanne Lee said the forum will provide a platform for speakers to share ongoing initiatives and key challenges while jointly exploring opportunities to enhance the welfare of all communities in Sabah—including children and families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
“This is the first time we are organizing a forum of this nature, and we are excited to see how it can spark stronger connections, deeper insights, and collective action for social good in Sabah.
Beyond dialogue, the forum aims to inspire real collaboration. Participants from organizations registered under the Council will have the chance to explore effective volunteer management, discuss best practices, and co-create solutions in the areas they serve,” Lee said.
The Council, under the Sabah Ministry of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing, plays a central role in coordinating welfare voluntary activities, strengthening the quality of voluntary social work, and fostering greater community participation in volunteerism through partnerships with government, the private sector, and academic institutions.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Maria Chong, will deliver the keynote address. This will be followed by four forum sessions focusing on volunteer management in social services, inspiring healthy and active aging, positive parenting and child protection, and strengthening collaboration for disability employment and skills development.
The forum will conclude with a special hands-on session titled “Driving Social Behavior Change Communication: Impactful Program Planning for NGOs,” designed to equip organizations with practical strategies for creating meaningful community impact.
