Architects of Diversity’s End of Year Dinner

Putrajaya, 12 December 2024 – INITIATE.MY attended the End-of-Year Dinner hosted by Architects of Diversity (AOD), an organisation that shares overlapping goals with INITIATE.MY in youth empowerment, capacity building, and digital rights. The End of Year Dinner brought together AOD’s staff, alumni, partners, and friends to celebrate AOD’s collective achievements, reflect on AOD’s journey, and envision the future of a more inclusive Malaysia. 

In his opening speech, Jason Wee, Executive Director of AOD, commended the dedication and passion of everyone who has contributed to AOD’s mission over the past year. He highlighted AOD’s inclusive strategies for fostering an appreciation of diversity in various settings, involving stakeholders from a range of backgrounds.

The dinner also featured remarks from two distinguished guests: YB Syahredzan bin Johan, Member of Parliament for Bangi, and YB Michelle Ng Mei Sze, State Assemblyperson for Subang Jaya. YB Syahredzan shared personal stories of growth while serving one of Malaysia’s most populous and diverse constituencies, emphasising the importance of breaking barriers and fostering understanding through daily social interactions. The event concluded with “Paint the Future,” a collaborative activity where attendees envisioned and illustrated the Malaysia they aspire to live in.

INITIATE.MY is committed to strengthening its partnership with AOD, particularly as part of the Luminate Foundation’s civil society network. Together, these organisations aim to promote the responsible use of technology and foster social cohesion.. Collaboration among civil society organisations is essential to addressing Malaysia’s pressing social challenges and building a more inclusive future.