Meet Mohamed Nazri Prem Nasir, a youth volunteer with boundless energy. His journey into volunteerism began when he was 12, inspired by watching his father’s active involvement with NGOs and charitable organisations across Malaysia. That early exposure left a lasting impact, igniting a passion for service that continues to drive him today.
“Ever since then, I have aimed to do as much as possible for communities that need it the most. Each of those moments has proven that we can always come together to make a change in our society,” Nazri reflects.
That sense of purpose led him to RYTHM Foundation’s Volunteer Development Programme (VDP), an initiative designed to equip young volunteers with the tools to empower marginalised communities and drive sustainable change. The programme has made it easier for eager youths like Nazri to find avenues for volunteering in Malaysia.
Examples of Meaningful Volunteerism
When asked about the social impact projects he is involved in, Nazri names four:
Nazri led the “Edu-Plastic Cycle” project in Kuching, working with 16 schools to turn plastic waste into new products. He reframed waste as an opportunity, aiming to inspire practical, creative action in a region known for its rich biodiversity.
Building on that spirit of volunteerism, Nazri’s “Care for School” project shifted focus to mental health, blending art and culture as therapeutic tools. With 600 students across five schools, he introduced activities like batik-making and traditional dances to help students express emotions that words couldn’t capture.
Nazri’s sense of responsibility to protect communities also led him to create the “Say No Project” to tackle the growing threat of online grooming. He developed a curriculum at four schools to help students and parents recognise signs and protect against digital risks while encouraging open communication and support.
At Universiti Malaya, Nazri extended his impact through the Student Service Corps, where he worked to dismantle educational barriers for marginalised Indian students. Through workshops and mentorship, he equipped them with the tools to succeed and challenge systemic inequalities.
For those seeking inspiration on where to volunteer, Nazri’s journey with the VDP offers powerful examples of how to make a lasting impact.
Overcoming Challenges to Volunteer Work
Volunteering has its share of challenges, as Nazri discovered.
Language barriers among international volunteers require creative solutions, including multilingual support, visual aids, and multilingual teammates.
Balancing projects with his studies also demands careful planning and delegation. Securing funding can be challenging, pushing volunteers to seek grants and sponsorships and launch crowdfunding campaigns. Despite these hurdles, Nazri and his team adapted and persevered, finding ways to keep projects moving forward.
Driving Impact Where it Matters
For Nazri, the true impact of volunteerism goes beyond the tasks themselves—it’s in the moments that change lives.
It’s when he watched a young girl beam with pride after crafting her first bracelet from recycled plastic; it’s in the moment a 14-year-old girl confided in him about a troubling experience online and how the workshop gave her the courage to seek help.
Ultimately, Nazri acknowledges how volunteerism has profoundly impacted him as he shadowed his father’s volunteer work in Malaysian communities. “It was then that I saw a different side of how others in Malaysia lived.”
Throughout this experience, he realises where the actual value of social impact lies. “The genuine appreciation and enthusiasm from communities have reinforced my belief in the value of volunteering and its impact on individuals and groups. This emotional connection has made the challenges worthwhile and given me renewed hope and motivation for future endeavours.”
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in Malaysia. Like Nazri, you can become a youth volunteer and make a difference in the causes you care about. The time to act is now. Need help figuring out where to do volunteering work? Join RYTHM Foundation’s VDP by clicking here.
