What do you mean by Projects For Happiness?

Projects for Happiness is an initiative for all undergraduates in Malaysia to design grassroots projects - anywhere in Malaysia - which promote happiness and address the root cause of poverty and poor education. We encourage applicants to use their creativity to design projects and employ innovative techniques for engaging project participants in ways that focus on education and poverty eradication. Through a competition on over 100 campuses, projects will be selected for funding at a maximum of RM10,000 each. We hope to encourage student initiative, innovation and entrepreneurship by finding creative ways to bring people better education and promoting economic opportunity among socioeconomically challenged communities. In general, projects should be building blocks for a sustainable model. The overall program is intended to be nationwide in scope and impact.

Who is funding this and why?

Projects for Happiness is created through the generosity of My Starfish Foundation (formerly known as Khind's Starfish Foundation). The founder, Mr. Cheng Ping Keat is the Executive Chairman of Khind Holdings Berhad, a manufacturer and marketer of consumer and industrial electrical products. The Company has been involved with various charitable initiatives in the country. The objectives of the My Starfish Foundation will be reflected through Projects for Happiness in the hope that it will spark the 'spirit of volunteerism' amongst young adults to recognize that helping the less fortunate and making a small but important difference to their lives is a worthy cause.

Who are the beneficiary institutions?

Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) CRMY is a non-profit cancer research laboratory researching cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment programs to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) SCCS is an NGO that specialises in supporting cancer patients and their families. It provides counselling for cancer children, buddy programs, palliative support, monthly financial subsidies, medical treatment not covered by the government and transport subsidies.

Who is eligible to design a Project For Happiness?

Undergraduates in any Malaysian university are eligible to apply. We welcome both group and individual submissions.

What are the themes of Projects For Happiness?

There are six categories of themes in this project: Helping the Underprivileged Community Quality Education Arts and Culture Environment Protection Animal Welfare Racial Harmony Poverty eradication and education shall be targeted to those under privileged groups that aim at improving their living conditions, creating jobs and providing education opportunities for the needy. Cultural and performing arts shall organize, carry out, facilitate or support initiatives or measures in connection with promotion of culture, arts or heritage.

How does the funding for these projects work?

Funding per project is a maximum of RM10,000. My Starfish Foundation welcomes projects of a larger nature that may require more funds, but on the basis that these projects are able to source for additional funding of their own through other sources of collaboration or from other donors.

How does a student (or group of students) make a proposal?

To be considered, a student (or group of students) must upload an infographic that describe the project to Instagram and prepare a written statement which describes the project (who, what, where, how) including expected outcomes and prospects for the future impact (not to exceed two pages) as well as budget (one separate page). All written project proposals require a heading to include the following=>name of the participating institution, name of all student participants, the title of the project, dates of the projects, location where the project will be performed. Proposals should include pre approval of all involved parties and organizations involved in the project. The two page proposals and one page budget should be submitted electronically via the official website of the Khind Starfish Foundation. Students with queries may direct them to the foundation.

How are these proposals submitted and judged?

Selected project proposals will be called for presentation in the judging session. Students need to prepare powerpoint slides for their pitching presentation to a panel of judges. Final review and approval of all recommended proposals from individual campuses rests solely with the Khind Starfish Foundation Panel which will then award funds to each applicant with successful project(s).

How will the grants be awarded?

Recipients who have been preselected during judging session to receive the grant from Khind Starfish Foundation, must on their own recognisance raise a minimum 15% of their targeted amounts for their projects as a criteria for receiving funding from the Foundation. Final selection of projects to receive funding from The Foundation will be at the sole discretion of the panel judges. Please note that the minimum 15% must be raised from at least 10 individuals.

What is the timetable for proposals and decisions?

At the end of June in the calendar year, details of the universities' participation are finalized. The Projects for Happiness will be launched and students may begin to apply through the official website of Starfish Foundation by the designated deadline. Final decisions on all shortlisted projects will be delivered by Khind Starfish Foundation panel. Only shorrlisted projects will be called for pitching presentations in the judging session. All project owners who succeed in pitching during the judging session shall begin their fundraising in order to be entitled to the grant. All project funding and relevant agreements signed by the recipient of projects. Grant payments to the project owners will be made after all agreements have been received by the Khind Starfish Foundation. Final reports submission in December. All project owners will need to present their work at Final Presentation Day organized by the Foundation at the end of the year after completion of the project.

What is required for each project's final report?

Each funded project must submit a final report to the My Starfish Foundation office online no later than 1st Dec. The final report form can be downloaded from the MSF website. It also includes a separate one page accounting of the funds expended using the budget form provided on the website. Final Report will be posted on My Starfish Foundation Website.

What is final presentation day?

Final Presentation will be organized by My Starfish Foundation at the end of the year via Facebook Live. The purpose of this presentation is for students to showcase their projects to the public. Students will need to prepare material for the presentation including PowerPoint presentations, 3 mins video, and photos. The exact date of the presentation day will be informed to the involved students.

What are the special criteria of Project For Happiness?

In view of the COVID19 pandemic, Project for Happiness has pivoted our direction that all the participant's projects for submission are required to include online or online related elements.

FAQs

Projects for Happiness is a nationwide, student-led initiative for undergraduates in Malaysia to design and implement grassroots community projects that promote wellbeing while addressing the root causes of poverty and poor education. Through a competitive selection across over 100 campuses, selected projects receive funding of up to RM10,000, along with support to encourage innovation, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable impact within socio-economically challenged communities.

Who is funding Projects for Happiness 2.0?

Projects for Happiness was initiated through the generosity of My Starfish Foundation. The Foundation was established by Mr. Cheng Ping Keat, Executive Chairman of Khind Holdings Berhad, a Malaysian manufacturer and marketer of consumer and industrial electrical products with a long-standing commitment to charitable and community initiatives.

For Projects for Happiness 2.0, My Starfish Foundation is proud to partner with the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation (MSEF) to further strengthen the programme’s reach, impact, and sustainability. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing youth-led social innovation and fostering a strong culture of volunteerism and social responsibility among young adults across Malaysia.

Why is crowdfunding required?
Crowdfunding helps teams:

Validate public interest in their idea
Build accountability and responsibility
Learn fundraising and communication skills
Demonstrate commitment before grant release

What happens if we do not meet the crowdfunding target?
Teams may be given a short extension or coaching support. If the target is still unmet, grant disbursement may be delayed or adjusted.

Can crowdfunding include in-kind contributions?
Yes. In-kind support (materials, services, venue, expertise) can be counted if properly documented and approved.

When will the grant be disbursed?

Grants of RM3,000 to RM10,000 per project are awarded after the approved projects completed a crowdfunding component (x%), and created an account at MSEF MIVA platform.

Can the grant be used to pay allowances or stipends?
No personal allowances are allowed. The grant should primarily support project activities, materials, logistics, and community-related costs.

What expenses are not allowed?
Expenses such as personal honorariums, luxury items, unrelated travel, or non-project-related purchases are not permitted.

When does the programme start and end?
PFH 2.0 runs on an annual cycle from January to November, covering application, learning workshops, proposal evaluation, project implementation, and final presentations.

Can we apply if our project has already started?
Yes, provided the project is still in its early stages and has not received major funding. You must clearly explain the current status in your proposal.

Can a student join more than one project team?
Students may only be a core member of one PFH-funded project at a time.

Do all team members need to attend the workshops?
At least two core representatives from each team must attend all compulsory workshops. Other members are encouraged to join where possible.

Do we need a confirmed community or NGO partner before applying?
It is encouraged but not mandatory at the application stage. However, community consent must be obtained before implementation.

Can projects be conducted on campus?
Yes, if the project meaningfully benefits a wider community and aligns with PFH focus areas.

Can projects involve multiple communities or locations?
Yes, as long as the scope remains realistic and manageable.

What if the community withdraws during implementation?
Teams must inform PFH immediately. Adjustments or alternative plans may be approved.

Will PFH help connect us with NGOs or community partners?
Where possible, PFH may facilitate introductions, but teams are encouraged to take the lead in building partnerships.

What reports are required during and after the project?
Teams must submit:

Progress updates
A final report
Financial documentation
A short outcome video

What happens if a project cannot be completed as planned?
Teams should notify MSF early. Adjustments may be approved, provided there is transparency and accountability.

Are there consequences for misuse of funds?
Yes. Misuse of funds may result in grant termination and future disqualification.

Who owns the project materials, content, or data created?
Students retain ownership, while MSF & MSEF may use materials for reporting, learning, and promotional purposes.

Will participants receive certificates?
Yes, certificates are provided to teams who successfully complete the programme.

Can PFH projects be used for academic credit or SULAM requirements?
Possibly. Students should check with their respective institutions.

Will outstanding projects receive additional support or exposure?
Selected projects may be featured in exhibitions, media coverage, or partner platforms.

Can projects continue beyond PFH funding?
Yes. PFH encourages sustainability, but continuation is not mandatory.

Is there an application fee?
No. PFH 2.0 is free to apply.

Can international students participate?
The programme is primarily for Malaysian undergraduates. International students may participate as team members, subject to approval.

Will projects be featured on PFH or partner platforms?
Yes, PFH may highlight projects for learning, reporting, and advocacy purposes.

Who do we contact for questions or support?
Please contact the PFH Secretariat via email or official contact number.

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FAQs

Do we need a confirmed community or NGO partner before applying? It is encouraged but not mandatory at the application stage. However, community consent must be obtained before implementation.

Do we need a confirmed community or NGO partner before applying?
It is encouraged but not mandatory at the application stage. However, community consent must be obtained before implementation.