Ngohub.asia - platform for NGOs

SOLS 24/7 Malaysia and 7-Eleven Malaysia launched ngohub.asia, an online platform to promote, connect and aid non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the country. Conceptualised by SOLS 24/7, a local humanitarian organisation, in support of 7-Eleven Malaysia Community Care Fund - ngohub.asia was created to become an all-in-one solution for non-profit organisations to promote and garner support for their respective causes.
CONGREGATING HEARTS
SOLS 24/7 Malaysia director Raj Ridvan Singh revealed that ngohub.asia was conceived from a desire to harness the power of online technology to connect NGOs with philantrophic individuals and organisations. It was the concept of convenience that convinced 7-Eleven Malaysia to jump on board SOLS 24/7 on the initiative. 7-Eleven Malaysia executive director U-Ming Tan said that with our "culture of convenience", ngohub.asia can become a conducive platform, not only for NGOs to promote and sustain their cause, but for Malaysians looking for avenues to contribute, whether by donating or volunteering.
Since the platform went live last week, about 100 NGOs have come forward to register, including Mercy Malaysia, My Harapan, SPCA and Free Tree Society of Kuala Lumpur. It has also attracted the interest of celebrities who are passionate about social work in Malaysia, three in particular who have been appointed ambassadors for the online platform- Aishah Sinclair, an advocate for the environment; model Thanuja Ananthan who is an animal activist; and Sarah Lian who is dedicated to community programme causes.
PLIGHT OF NGOS
Currently, there are 70,000 NGOs in the country championing causes thatneed more exposure and require assistance from the community.
As an NGO itself, SOLS 24/7 knows too well the challenges faced in defending and "fighting" for a cause. At the launch of ngohub.asia, Raj shared about the challenges that his father, brother and he (founders of SOLS 24/7) faced in getting the financial and material support to get started helping the less fortunate.
"Only after four years, as 'professional beggars', did we finally manage to convince our first major contributor to join us in our cause."
This influenced and gave basis for ngohub.asia's tagline: "Even Heroes Need A Platform". The catchline is meant to draw attention the "everyday heroes" who are the nation's NGOs and volunteers. "It also aims to give a voice to lesser known NGOs and welfare groups in rural areas and small towns."
"At the same time, we understand the importance of transparency and accountability ... the reason why we are working with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), to ensure that the NGOs we support are legitimate. Besides, the grants awarded to the NGOs will be jointly evaluated by a committee," Raj informed.
NEW-AGE SOLUTION
The rationale behind the establishment of ngohub.asia is to become the new-age solution toaddress key problems and various challenges faced by local NGOs in terms of getting exposure, finding volunteers, and obtaining financial or material aid. Only NGOs registered by ROS or The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) are featured on the platform.
WITH NGOHUB.ASIA, NGOS CAN:
* Receive grants and donations tailored to their needs.
* Reach out to potential volunteers and pledgers.
* Profile their organisation, promote their cause and gain wider publicity for events.
* Seek contact and collaboration with similar societies and associations.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
* NGOs are invited to register and build their profile on ngohub.asia.
* Volunteers can also register on the online platform.
* NGOs can post requests for materials and volunteers which the public (and organisations) can respond to by pledging material donations or time.
* NGOs can also apply for grants by publishing their cause and items needed for their projects.
* The grants will be awarded to the NGO with the more compelling or immediate need, after a joint evaluation by a committee.
ENCOURAGING VOLUNTEERISM
Ngohub.asia aspires to stimulate volunteerism in Malaysia. Now, Malaysians can express their philanthropic nature by donating their weekends or free-time to deserving NGOs by registering and searching through the database for a cause that speaks to them. Meanwhile, all contributions from the public to 7-Eleven Community Care Boxes via ngohub.asia will be channeled to provide monthly grants awarded to NGOs, subject to the committee evaluation.
This partnership between 7-Eleven Malaysia and SOLS 24/7 began in 2013, advocating free education in English, computer training and motivation skills via SOLS 24/7's Project 100.