By

Sharon Joanes Anak James

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 December 2025 – The Institute of Social Science Studies (IPSAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with a private non-governmental organisation (NGO), Ahsana Kuala Lumpur (Ahsana KL), organised the Kasih Putra Community Service Programme with Ahsana Kuala Lumpur Welfare Home. The programme aimed to provide care, support and assistance to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly female residents of Ahsana Welfare Home, which is recognised as the first welfare home in Malaysia dedicated exclusively to the care of women with special needs since its establishment in 2021.

Ahsana Welfare Home in Puchong is fully managed by Ahsana KL, a private NGO that provides shelter, intensive care and safety for individuals with special needs. The operation of the welfare home relies entirely on community support and contributions. Currently, the home accommodates 23 residents aged between four and 70 years old, comprising individuals with various special needs, including visual and hearing impairments, Down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. The establishment of this centre aims to nurture greater independence among residents, equip them with vocational skills, and enhance their self-confidence so that they are better prepared to interact positively and confidently within society.

The programme also served as a platform to foster a more structured and effective volunteerism culture among IPSAS members in particular, and the wider UPM community in general. In addition, it contributes to community empowerment through the voluntary involvement of UPM experts working closely with the community to ensure shared development and well-being. The initiative further provides much-needed support to PWDs at welfare homes who face limitations in care and financial resources.

The programme was jointly organised by the IPSAS Industry and Community Networking Committee and the IPSAS Welfare Club. Contributions from IPSAS included both dry and fresh food items as well as daily necessities, which are expected to help ease the operational burden of the welfare home while fulfilling the basic needs of its residents.

Contributions to Ahsana Welfare Home were received through several channels, including:

• Donations from IPSAS and UPM staff through the distribution of the “Jom Kongsi Rezeki Bersama Rumah Kebajikan Ahsana” poster;
• Direct monetary contributions to the welfare home’s bank account via QR code and bank account number;
• Cash donations for the purchase of cooking ingredients and kitchen necessities;
• Contributions through the SARA Rahmah donation box using MyKad for the purchase of essential items;
• In addition to basic necessities and food supplies, other donated items included a television set and a digital Al-Quran for the residents’ use; and
• Previously, funds were also raised through the sale of artwork created by the residents, generating approximately RM300 during a seminar programme organised by IPSAS.

All these contributions are expected to benefit the welfare home residents while strengthening community ties and collaboration between IPSAS, UPM and the welfare home.

The highlight of the programme was the symbolic handover of donations officiated by YBhg. Professor Dr. Haslinda Abdullah, Director of IPSAS, accompanied by Puan Nurul Akhtar Kamarudin, Chairperson of the IPSAS Welfare Club, Encik Din bin Ayup, several IPSAS staff members, and two IPSAS industrial training students. The donations were received by Puan Ana Atikah, Administrator of the Ahsana Welfare Home Association, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude and happiness for the contributions and close cooperation extended by IPSAS in ensuring the success of the programme.

The programme continued with a friendly engagement session with the residents, during which volunteers enjoyed afternoon refreshments together, featuring special treats such as spaghetti carbonara and Tropicana Twister juice brought to enliven the atmosphere. This was followed by the presentation of souvenirs to the PWD residents as a gesture of appreciation and to further bring joy to them. These activities served as a meaningful medium to strengthen bonds, togetherness and unity between the volunteers and the residents. The programme concluded with a photography session to capture memorable moments and symbolise the close relationships forged throughout the event. It is hoped that these bonds will continue to grow stronger, reflecting IPSAS’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities while providing opportunities for shared generosity.

The Kasih Putra Community Service Programme is expected to continue in the future as a sustained effort to strengthen the relationship between institutions of higher learning and the community, while contributing to the well-being of vulnerable groups in society.

Date of Input: 19/01/2026 | Updated: 13/03/2026 | alyarahim