As Malaysia prepares to celebrate Merdeka Day and Hari Malaysia, the spirit of unity and independence once again comes into focus, reminding Malaysians of the importance of respecting diversity and moving forward together as one. It was this very spirit that inspired the birth of Projek57 a decade ago. Founded in 2015, the social enterprise has dedicated itself to fostering hope and inclusivity while empowering underprivileged communities, particularly the Orang Asli youth.
At the heart of Projek57’s efforts has been its commitment to education. The organisation’s first preschool, established in Pos Pasik, Gua Musang, Kelantan, opened its doors to about 15 children from the Orang Asli community and has continued to grow. The school’s curriculum emphasises learning through play and social interaction, with local teachers guiding young learners to build a strong foundation before entering primary school. Building on this milestone, Projek57 is now close to completing its second preschool in Kuala Betis, also in Gua Musang, which is expected to be ready within the next two months.
With the support of partners such as Prudential Ampri Cleanroom Services (PACS), Projek57 has been able to construct safe and nurturing learning spaces that include not only quality education but also nutritious daily meals for the children. Co-founder Syed Sadiq Albar expressed his gratitude for the continued support, saying, “It is heartening to see the impact of our collective efforts and spirit of hope still strong in our 10th year. These preschools will give disadvantaged children, no matter their background, an opportunity to thrive and break the cycle, which can be tougher for young Orang Asli. A good start in learning will open doors to knowledge, build self-confidence, and spark the belief that they can shape a better future for themselves and their community.”
The preschool model, designed to be practical and scalable, is one that Projek57 intends to replicate across more Orang Asli settlements in the future. Funding for these initiatives comes primarily from the Projek57 Education Fund, supported by sales of its well-known Unity Ribbons, T-shirts, and other merchandise. Beyond fundraising, these items have become symbols of solidarity, worn proudly by Malaysians nationwide. Co-founder Collin Swee highlighted this ripple effect, noting, “Our T-shirts and Unity Ribbons are far more than wearable items for a worthy cause. When you wear our merchandise, it creates opportunities. It helps underprivileged Malaysians who handmake our Unity Ribbons earn a living, supports children in Orang Asli communities gain an education, and contributes to other community needs. We hope more Malaysians will join us in support of unity this Merdeka and Hari Malaysia.”
One shining example of Projek57’s impact is the story of Jorita Rosman. Beginning as a sales trainee with the organisation in 2018, Jorita went on to secure a scholarship through the Projek57 Education Fund, completing her pre-university studies at Saito University before graduating with a degree in Business Management. Determined to give back, she returned to her village in Kuala Betis and began teaching preschoolers in her own home. Once Projek57’s new preschool in the area is completed, she will officially lead its first intake of students, continuing the cycle of education and empowerment.
Over the past ten years, Projek57 has sold more than 30,889 T-shirts and around 400,000 Unity Ribbons, raising over RM500,000 in donations through merchandise sales and special collaborations, including the Yusof Majid art initiative. These contributions have gone directly into education projects and community support programmes, proving that small acts of support can collectively create lasting impact.
As Projek57 marks its tenth anniversary, its mission remains clear: to nurture unity and hope while providing tangible support to underserved communities. With every ribbon tied and every T-shirt worn, Malaysians are not only celebrating diversity and independence but also actively shaping a better future for generations to come. For more information, visit www.projek57.com or follow Projek57 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.