Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a pioneering child advocacy organisation, officially launched its YCK Ambassador Program today alongside “The Foundling”, the latest book by child rights advocate and YCK co-founder, Dr. Hartini Zainudin. The launch, officiated by the Honourable Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s commitment to child protection, inclusion, and participation. 

YCK has long been recognised by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development as a one-stop children’s centre that provides comprehensive care, protection, and advocacy for children in need including stateless, abandoned, and marginalised children. Its work is grounded in a holistic approach that bridges immediate support services with long-term empowerment strategies.

 This event and much of YCK’s continued efforts especially in the areas of education and child advocacy have been made possible through the generous and unwavering support of Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD). Since 2011, YSD has committed close to RM6 million towards YCK’s operations over five funding phases, enabling two core programmes: a home-schooling initiative for undocumented children and youth, and a structured after-school development programme for underprivileged Malaysian youth. To date, these initiatives have benefitted over 1,600 children and youth by providing access to education, safe spaces, and life skills development. Remarkably, 70% of YCK alumni have gone on to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. 

The launch of “The Foundling” and the YCK Ambassador Programme reflects the continuing evolution of this partnership moving beyond education access to supporting platforms that uplift children’s voices and leadership in matters affecting their future. 

“Our partnership with YCK over the past 15 years has been driven by a shared belief that every child deserves access to safety, education, and opportunity, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Puan Sri Normah Hashim, Governing Council Member of Yayasan Sime Darby. “We are proud to support YCK’s journey, from bridging literacy gaps to now empowering children as community ambassadors. It is heartening to see young advocates stepping up, not only to be heard, but to help shape the conversations that affect them. YSD remains committed to standing behind this important work.” 

“The Foundling” captures the lived experiences of children who are often rendered invisible children without legal identity, protection, or belonging. This literary work serves not only as a powerful testament of truth, but also as a call to action for structural reform and societal empathy. 

At the heart of today’s event is the introduction of the YCK Ambassador Program, a child-led initiative designed to amplify the voices of young people. The program equips selected children with leadership, public speaking and advocacy skills to actively participate in shaping conversations and policies that impact their lives. 

“As we continue to advocate for children’s rights, we must also ensure that children are not only spoken for, but are heard clearly and publicly,” said Dr. Hartini Zainudin. “The YCK Ambassador Program is our step forward in making this a reality.” 

YCK remains committed to advancing child participation in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and continues to work hand-in-hand with government agencies, civil society and the community to ensure that every child is protected, empowered and given a voice.