INITIATE.MY Strategic Planning Retreat 2024

Putrajaya, 26 – 28 April 2024 – INITIATE.MY organised a three-day Strategic Planning Retreat with its team and close local and international partners. The primary aim was to foster bonding and networking, deepen understanding of the organisation, promote growth, and express appreciation for the support and contributions received throughout the years.

Beyond reflecting on past achievements, the retreat served as a proactive environment for shaping the trajectory of the organisation for the next five years. The retreat featured a series of activities involving the Board of Experts and researchers, who delivered presentations on navigating various critical areas. These areas included Malaysian sociopolitics, online extremism, security sectors, and the global arena. Discussions also focused on how INITIATE.MY can enhance its data sharing and publication practices and diversify its sources of funding.

The retreat has also fostered genuine connections among participants. A carefully crafted itinerary of team-building exercises and networking opportunities cultivated bonds within the INITIATE.MY community. These interpersonal connections not only amplified the collaborative spirit within the organisation but also laid the groundwork for future endeavours.

At the end of the retreat, INITIATE.MY and it members affirms their commitment plan from 2024 – 2028 through 5 key strategies;

1. Enhancing research and development and advocacy publication. 

INITIATE.MY will expand research on both violent and non-violent extremism, strategically plan impactful publications, leverage existing datasets for stakeholder engagement, and explore monetization opportunities for diverse audiences.

2. Maintaining collaboration with Malaysian authorities to democratise the security sector through Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government approaches. 

INITIATE.MY will strengthen ties with Malaysian authorities, advocating for modernised policies and civil society involvement while expanding expertise and leverage relationships with foreign embassies and law enforcement for information sharing, implementing successful CSO-Police partnership strategies.

3. Engaging a broader range of stakeholders to enhance organisational impact.

INITIATE.MY will diversify outreach efforts by targeting youth, gender populations, and underserved regions, utilising local languages and collaborating with communities. The organisation will engage lawmakers and youth-focused entities to drive systemic change and garner support for PCVE initiatives.

4. Diversifying the organisation’s financial resources for long-term sustainability.

INITIATE.MY will diversify its funding sources by pursuing grants, exploring alternative business models, monetizing expertise, and collaborating with trade councils, chambers of commerce, and government entities.

5. Enhancing the organisation’s engagement in regional networks for broader impact, learning, and solidarity.

INITIATE.MY will strengthen its financial sustainability by joining relevant networks, forging partnerships with the corporate sector for CSR initiatives, and actively participating in international events for cross-border learning and resource sharing.

In the midst of a challenging political landscape, INITIATE.MY remains committed to fostering a cohesive and inclusive Malaysian nation while addressing the threats posed by both violent and non-violent extremism.