Exercise 1: Research_Ivy Mae Elizabeth Roland 0139166

 

NGO INTRODUCTION

1.     What is the name of the NGO?

The official registered name of the NGO is Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Grace Klang Selangor Darul Ehsan. However, it is more commonly known as Grace Home Klang as seen in its Facebook page and official website.

 

2.     What is this NGO about?

As the official name implies, Grace Home Klang is a home shelter dedicated to maintaining its resident’s general wellbeing. The organisation supports elderly individuals who are homeless, abandoned, neglected, or without remaining family support, as well as providing a safe environment where residents can live comfortably in their later years. Beyond just a shelter, the home offers food, clothing, medical care, and emotional and spiritual support ensuring that its residents experience compassion, wellbeing, hope and dignity in their final stage of life (Grace Home Klang, n.d.a).

 

3.     Where is the NGO headquartered or based?

Grace Home Klang is located in Pandamaran, Port Klang, Selangor. Its official address is: No. 925, Jalan Sekinchan, Pandamaran, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. The location is in a residential and semi-industrial area within Port Klang, Selangor that is known for its working-class population with decent access to public amenities like Pandamaran Health Clinic which is only about a 5-minute drive away from the organisation. This makes the location a practical area for the NGO’s operation.

4.     How does this NGO benefit the community?

Grace Home Klang caters to the welfare of elderly people in need by fostering a loving and inclusive community for them. This organisation helps reduce elderly homelessness and neglect and raises public awareness about the importance of caring for the aging population that may help promote a more compassionate and socially responsible society.

 

5.     How does the NGO operate on a day-to-day basis?

Grace Home Klang provide the elderly with basic needs including lodging, food, clothing and medical care. Dedicated staff also make sure that they are happily occupied and engage them in new hobbies, wholesome activities, light workouts and even take on simple, everyday responsibilities.

 

6.     How many residents are there currently in grace home?

Currently there are over 30 residents from varying backgrounds such as abused women, aged and stranded, depressed, and widows who have no one to turn to and no place to stay.

EVOLUTION JOURNEY

1.     When was the NGO first established?

Grace Home Klang was unofficially established around the 1980’s as a rented house in Port Klang. It was the first of such homes in Malaysia at that time. In 1996, it was formally registered as a non-profit charitable organization in line with the government regulations and officially known as Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Grace Klang.

 

2.     How did the NGO begin?

In the 1980s, A man named Henry K. Pillai was living in the village of Pandamaran in Port Klang. One day, Henry came across an elderly Indian man sleeping on the road of a five-foot way. The man grabbed Henry’s leg and told Henry that he was going to die, and he had no family to bury him. He asked Henry if he would promise to bury him when he died.

After that, Henry took him home, gave him a bath, looked after him and fed him. Sometime later, Henry took the man to the general hospital for an eye cataract and leg operation. The man eventually recovered to full health and lived for more than six months with Henry before he passed.

Other people began showing up to seek help. Dr. Henry came across several elderly people living in the Chinese cemetery, amongst them were women in their 70s to 80s from China. They were brought to Malaysia when they were little children to work as servants and later as nannies. In their old age, they no longer had anyone else to turn to, no place to live and were living at cemeteries with no means of supporting themselves.

Dr. Henry decided to rent a house in Port Klang and these women were taken in and cared for. Here began the story of Grace Home. A volunteer, Mrs Ng Charm helped care for these residents and she eventually became the first matron of the home (Dr. Henry Pillai, n.d.)

 

3. What major milestones has the NGO achieved?

Since its founding, Grace Home Klang has been a refuge for more than 2,000 homeless, rejected and neglected individuals (Grace Home Klang, n.d.b). Furthermore, Grace Home has gained recognition by various local bodies and NGOs for their work in elderly welfare and holistic care. Some notable ones are The Selangor Social Welfare Department and The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Malaysia. These acknowledgements are proof of the organisations credibility and commitment in upholding their cause (Recognition &Amp; Awards - Grace Home Klang, n.d.-a). Besides that, Grace Home Klang has also participated in community events and public campaigns, such as charity festivals like Centro Klang Bak Kut Charity Festival 2023.

5. What challenge is the NGO currently facing?

like many nonprofits today, Grace Home Klang is facing serious funding uncertainty. Rising costs, reduced grants, and the economic climate have placed immense strain on their resources, putting essential services at risks. Without consistent financial support, The organisation faces difficulty in providing the meals and medical care the elderly desperately need.

 

CORE CAUSE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

1.     1. What is the NGO’s core cause?

Grace Home accommodate those left without support such as the abused, neglected and homeless so that those in need can have a safe and caring place to stay (Grace Home Klang, n.d.). Their work supports the notion of creating a kind and loving community as well as addresses the lack of family or community support for senior citizens who can no longer care for themselves.

 

2.    2.  Who benefits from the NGO’s core cause?

Grace Home benefits elderly individuals who are underprivileged. Many residents are from vulnerable backgrounds and have no means to care for themselves due to financial or health-related reasons. These residents include those who have been abused, neglected, homeless, physically handicapped, mentally under-developed and terminally ill.

 

3.     3. What specific SDG(s) does the NGO align with?

Grace Home aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 1: No Poverty

Grace Home directly contributes to the eradication of poverty by providing free shelter, food and healthcare to elderly individuals who are financially destituted due to neglect, abandonment or having no remaining people to turn to. This aligns strongly with SDG 1’s goal which is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere (Goal 1 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.). With the absence of institutions like Grace Home, there would likely be more elderly that are struggling with homelessness and in a severely vulnerable state. By meeting their basic needs and offering holistic support, Grace Home does not only alleviate hardships but also upholds dignity and hope for these individuals.

 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The goal of SDG 3 is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (Goal 3 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.). Grace Home aligns with this because it strives to ensure that the elderly receive holistic care that goes beyond just providing shelter. This includes ensuring that the residents get enough medical attention as well as managing their overall physical health as the home strives to meet the health and environmental standards and regulatory health requirements set by government authorities. Besides that, the organisation also provides emotional and psychological support to its residents through companionship, counselling, spiritual building and meaningful social activities.

 

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The goal of SDG 10 is to reduce inequalities within and among countries (Goal 10 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.). Grace Home supports SDG 10 by Reducing Inequalities by addressing the growing disparity faced by one of society’s overlooked and vulnerable groups which are the elderly who are abandoned, neglected, or without family support. According to Kash (2024) In Hospital Kuala Lumpur, cases of abandoned elderly patients rose by 50% over three years, from 239 cases in 2020 to 358 in 2023. If these numbers continue to increase, it may potentially turn into a major social issue. Grace Home plays a role in combating this inequality by offering its residents a sustainable environment where basic needs like shelter, food, healthcare, and companionship are consistently met regardless of background.

 

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

1.     1.What is the NGO’s mission

Grace Home’s mission is to manage the home by continually improving the living conditions and the spiritual well-being of each resident and to ensure that the health and environment of the home meets the standard regulatory health requirements set by government authorities.

 

2.    2. What is the NGO’s objective

Grace Home’s objectives are to provide shelter to the homeless and destitute women along with food and clothing. Other than that, to provide a loving and caring environment that ignites hope and dignity for its residents. Finally, to provide medical care and counselling.

 

3.    3. Why are the mission and objective relevant today?

Rising Elderly population, neglect and Abandonment:

Malaysia is currently experiencing an aging population. The UN defines an ageing society as one where more than 7 per cent of the population is aged 65 and above and as of 2024, 8.1 per cent of Malaysia’s population is aged 65 and above (Mahmud, 2025). According to an article in the Straits Times Asia, there are about 2.5 million people aged 65 and above in Malaysia in 2023 and is expected to rise by 4.5 million in 2030 (Saieed, 2024). Besides that, there is also a noticeable increase in elderly neglect and abandonment, particularly in hospitals with patients claiming that they have no family (“Malaysia Hospitals See Increase in Patient Abandonment as Society Ages,” 2024). Grace Home’s mission objectives are to provide shelter, care, and dignity to the elderly which can directly combat this social issue.

 

Human Dignity and Hope Must Be Preserved:

In a time where older individuals are often overlooked, Grace Home’s objective to restore hope and dignity is a powerful and compassionate commitment that brings a renewed sense of purpose to these individuals. It reminds society that everyone deserves to age with compassion, respect, and care. We should also be reminded that those who are now in the aged group had once been an active participant in the workings of society and that we should not overlook their past contributions.

 

SWOT ANALYSIS

1.     1.What are the NGO’s strengths

One of the Grace Homes strengths would be that it is a long-established organisation that has been around for 29 years from its official establishment in 1996 and 45 years since it was just a rented home in 1980. The organisation has also received a few notable awards and recognitions as featured in its official website. For example, Grace Home received Special Award for Excellent Senior Citizens – Voluntary Welfare Organization from The Selangor Social Welfare Department in conjunction with Selangor State Level Senior Citizens Day Celebration held on 27 December 2013 (Recognition &Amp; Awards - Grace Home Klang, n.d.-b). With a long-standing presence and certified acknowledgement, it has built a certain degree of credibility and trust within the local community.

2.     2.What are the NGO’s weaknesses

One of the main weaknesses of the organisation is that it primarily depends on public donations (Admin, n.d.). Some donations can be inconsistent and potentially insufficient for long-term planning and sustainability. Other than that, it has low public visibility. The NGO is not widely known outside Klang area, and it has a weak online presence. The organisation posts frequently on Facebook to showcase their recent activities however, it may have low visibility and engagement as the number of followers on its Facebook page is below 50 and the average likes in a single post are 5 and below.  

 

3.     3.What are the NGO’s opportunities

Grace Home can improve its current potential through engaging in more collaborations and Partnerships. For example, engaging with universities, corporations, or local community groups. This allows for new resources, volunteers, and expertise that can aid in fulfilling the organisations mission and ease its daily operations. Besides that, Grace home could take steps to improve their online presence. Improving its online presence could increase community awareness, engagement and fundraising. The organisation can run awareness campaigns through social media to raise awareness about its cause. If the campaign information is distributed and advertised well, social media has the potential to reach much more people beyond Grace Home’s local vicinity.

 

4.     4.What are the NGO’s threats

One of Grace Home’s potential threats would be the unpredictable economic climate. According to Bank Negara Malaysia (2025), Malaysia’s 2025 growth will be affected by the escalation in trade tensions and the heightened policy uncertainties. Economic tensions such as these may affect local corporations, groups or individuals and potentially reduce their earnings. With an unstable financial position, donations may need to be cut down as well. Besides that, Inflation will cause the prices of essential items needed for residents to go up, thus increasing the cost of operations. Other than that, Grace Home also lacks long term funding security as it is mainly dependent on donors. This makes the organization vulnerable to fluctuations in donor interests especially during economic downturns and leaves it in a precarious financial position if donors were to withdraw their financial support.

 

Latest Creative Campaigns (Last 2 Years)

1.     1.What was the campaign and where did it take place?

The name of the campaign is Centro Klang Bak Kut Teh Charity Festival 2023 and was a fundraising food festival that celebrated Klang’s famous dish, Bak Kut Teh, while raising money for local charity homes. It took place at Forecourt, Centro Mall Klang. As stated in the Home's Website “It was more than just an event, it was a reminder of how food can bring people together while giving back to the community” (Admin, 2025a).

2.     2.Who was involved in the campaign?

Those who were involved included Centro Mall Klang who were the event host and organizer and 13 Local Bak Kut Teh vendors that participated by setting up booths and selling dishes. Other than that, there were 8 Local NGOs and welfare homes that attended the event, including Grace Home Klang (Centro Mall, 2024).

3.     3.What were the objectives and outcomes of the latest campaigns?

The campaigns objectives were to raise funds to support the needs of local charity homes so that these homes may continue with their mission in aiding the local community. Besides that, the event also uses food to lift and uphold community spirit, culture, and compassion. This festival brought together people from all walks of life to enjoy Klang’s beloved signature dish, while contributing to a meaningful cause (Admin, 2025b).

 

REFLECTION

Conducting this market research on Grace Home allowed me to better understand the needs and real-life struggles experienced by vulnerable elderly individuals and the challenges NGOs face in making sure their operation survives. Other than that, I learned how important proper citations are in forming arguments or statements that are both credible and convincing. It also taught me that it’s important to consider ‘why’ when doing extensive research because there is always something deeper to uncover. All in all, this research has taught me that the iceberg runs deep, and it takes much time and effort to look more into it. However, in the end the journey is rewarding.

 

 

 

REFERENCES

Admin. (2025, June 23). Centro Klang Bak Kut Teh Charity Festival 2023 - Grace Home Klang. Grace Home Klang. https://www.gracehomeklang.org/centro-klang-bak-kut-teh-charity-festival-2023/

Admin, G. a. K. (n.d.). Grace Home - Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Grace Klang | Grace Assembly Klang Church. https://www.graceklang.com/social_work/Grace_Home__Persatuan_Kebajikan_Rum            ah_Grace_Klang

Bank Negara Malaysia. (2025). Economic and Financial Developments in Malaysia in the First Quarter of 2025. Kuala Lumpur: Bank Negara Malaysia. https://www.bnm.gov.my/-/qb25q1_en_pr

Centro Mall. (2024, August 30). Centro Klang Bak Kut Teh Charity Festival 2023 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATQArBEHBsM

Dr. Henry Pillai. (n.d.). Grace Community Services. https://gracecommunityservices.my/who-we-are/dr-henry-pillai/

Goal 1 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal1

Goal 3 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3

Goal 10 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal10

Grace Home Klang. (n.d.). Grace Home Klang. https://www.gracehomeklang.org/

Kash, S. (2024, December 27). Elderly abandonment on the rise in Malaysia. Medical Channel Asia. https://medicalchannelasia.com/elderly-abandonment-on-the-rise-in-malaysia/

Mahmud, A. H. (2025, March 13). IN FOCUS: Is it too late to defuse the ‘ticking time bomb’ of Malaysia’s fast-ageing population? CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-ageing-population-white-paper-elderly-retirement-nursing-home-epf-4989341

Malaysia hospitals see increase in patient abandonment as society ages. (2024, July 12). The           Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-hospitals-see-increase-in-patient-abandonments-as-society-ages

Recognition & Awards - Grace Home Klang. (n.d.). Grace Home Klang. https://www.gracehomeklang.org/recognition-awards/

Saieed, Z. (2024, July 30). ‘They did not want to deal with me’: Rise in elderly in Malaysia

abandoned by families. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/they-did-not-want-to-deal-with-me-rise-in-elderly-in-malaysia-abandoned-by-their-families