Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) recently honored Tzu Chi’s Kuala Lumpur and Selangor branch with the “2025 Malaysia Scroll of Honour Award – Outstanding Organisation for Urban Crisis Response.” This prestigious recognition, presented during the United Nations World Habitat Day celebration, acknowledges Tzu Chi’s sustained efforts in environmental protection, disaster relief, reconstruction, and its exceptional leadership in mobilizing community volunteers.

The award ceremony held on October 7, 2025, at Cyberjaya Semarak Hall, celebrated organizations and institutions that have made significant contributions to sustainable urban development and human habitat improvement. Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur and Selangor branch received second place in its category, with the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) taking first for its “Love Sungai Klang Action Plan,” significantly reducing waste and improving river quality.

Recognizing community resilience

Minister Nga Kor Ming (倪可敏), who also serves as the UN-Habitat Council Chairman, emphasized the critical importance of this year’s theme, “Urban Crisis Response.”

The theme for this year, ‘Urban Crisis Response,’ was chosen after careful consideration, and its timing could not be more appropriate. We are grappling with the impacts of climate change, economic shocks, geopolitical conflicts, and various natural disasters. These issues have forced millions from their homes and exacerbated social inequalities. We chose ‘Urban Crisis Response’ as this year’s theme because it is an urgent call to action for all nations globally.
— Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government and UN-Habitat Council Chairman

Minister Nga further highlighted that the challenge is not if crises will occur, but how communities prepare, respond, and overcome them. He stressed that transitioning from commitment to action is a shared responsibility for all urban residents, where even small contributions, like using eco-friendly bags or practicing waste sorting, play a role in shaping sustainable cities.

In an interview with Tzu Chi volunteers, Minister Nga praised Tzu Chi’s long-standing dedication to environmental protection, humanitarian aid, and post-disaster reconstruction. He noted that achieving a harmonious world and environmental sustainability is a shared ideal for humanity, and governments must balance people’s well-being with economic growth in pursuing sustainable development. The Minister expressed gratitude for Tzu Chi’s consistent support to the government in promoting environmental and green initiatives, and for its remarkable contributions to disaster prevention, relief, resource recycling, and educational outreach. He conveyed that the award serves as both recognition and encouragement, hoping Tzu Chi will continue to expand its positive influence and inject more positive energy into sustainable urban development.

A holistic approach to crisis

As urbanization accelerates in Malaysia, communities face increasingly complex challenges, ranging from climate-induced floods to industrial accidents. The UN-Habitat’s 2025 World Habitat Day theme, “Urban Crisis Response,” calls not only for rapid reactions but also for sustainable and inclusive strategies to ensure communities can adapt and thrive amid adversity.

Within this international framework, Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur and Selangor branch’s long-term actions stand as a significant model for Malaysia. Upholding its principles of compassion and service, Tzu Chi has developed a comprehensive and far-reaching model for urban resilience, demonstrating tangible results and impact:

• From Prevention to Reconstruction: Tzu Chi has established a holistic and systematic mechanism for relief and recovery. This includes pre-disaster preparedness, immediate response during crises, and long-term accompaniment for community recovery. This approach was evident during the Central and East Malaysia floods and the Putra Heights gas explosion.
• Environmental Protection as a Foundation: By building a nationwide network for environmental education and resource recycling, Tzu Chi helps mitigate climate-related urban disasters at their source.
• Inclusive Social Protection: Tzu Chi ensures that urban poor, disaster survivors, refugees, and stateless individuals are not overlooked, providing essential livelihood, health, and education support.
• Cultivating Volunteerism: The mobilization of a vast and dedicated volunteer force is a primary driver behind Tzu Chi’s swift and empathetic actions.

From immediate aid and care following disasters to promoting environmental education and community greening through recycling centers, Tzu Chi volunteers use gentle yet powerful actions to foster urban resilience. This transforms the concept of sustainable development into a tangible way of life for many.

The power of volunteerism

In 2025, the Malaysia Ministry of Housing and Local Government received eighty nominations across various categories, including government agencies, private enterprises, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, communities, and individuals, all recognized for their outstanding initiatives in sustainable urban development and crisis response.

The “Malaysia Scroll of Honour Award” was re-established in 2025 with three categories: Outstanding Organization for Urban Crisis Response, Excellence in Urban Crisis Response Leadership, and Community NGO Contribution Award, to acknowledge exceptional contributions in urban crisis response.

When Tzu Chi Foundation’s name was announced at the award ceremony, the hall erupted in applause. Jee Say Loo (俞自如), a volunteer who accepted the award on behalf of Tzu Chi, remarked, “This award does not belong solely to Tzu Chi, but to all volunteers who have dedicated themselves to environmental protection, disaster prevention, relief, and charitable services over the years. Their silent contributions are the crucial foundation that allows Tzu Chi to be seen.”

He further explained that the award recognizes organizations with outstanding performance in “environmental protection, sustainable development, urban crisis response, and community volunteer action.” He emphasized, “Whenever a disaster strikes, Tzu Chi volunteers mobilize immediately, providing everything from immediate aid to post-disaster reconstruction, accompanying communities every step of the way to regain their rhythm of life.” He stressed that Tzu Chi not only rebuilds environments but also rebuilds hearts, allowing the spirit of volunteerism to manifest through mutual assistance and care.

To be recognized on such an international platform is both an affirmation and a responsibility. Tzu Chi will continue to strive to embed environmental and sustainable principles deeply within communities and daily life. This honor belongs to every volunteer who contributes silently—because of you, the world is a better place.
— Jee Say Loo, Tzu Chi Volunteer

In 2025, Malaysia holds the rotating chairmanships of both ASEAN and the UN-Habitat Assembly. Tzu Chi’s recognition in this context symbolizes the vital role of civil society in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This award is an internationally recognized certificate and a mirror reflecting the spirit of Tzu Chi. It bears witness to the journey from a single seed of kindness to the collective good that transforms a city and a nation. In the realm of human habitat, Tzu Chi is not merely an organization that improves environments; it reminds everyone that the true meaning of “home” is a place where love, care, and sustainable hope coexist.

Written by Kong Siew Yen (江欣燕)