EXERCISE 1:Market Research ( Adam Arief bin Hanizam 0139293 )
Market Research
(submitted on 3/7/2025 5:25 a.m)
A.
Introduction to the Organisation
B. Organisation’s Evolution Journey
C. The Organisation’s Core Cause and Related SDGs
D. The Mission and Vision of the Organisation
E. A SWOT Analysis on the Organisation
F. The Organisation’s Latest Creative Campaigns (Last 2 Years)
A. Brief Introduction of the NGO Chosen
1. When and why was Pusat KOMAS founded?
Pusat KOMAS was established in August 1993 by
community organiser Tan Jo Hann as a communications-based initiative to empower
marginalised Malaysians through media, education, and grassroots engagement. It
was created in response to rising inequalities and the lack of inclusive
narratives in mainstream discourse. From its inception, KOMAS aimed to
challenge systemic racism and promote democracy by equipping the urban poor,
workers, and indigenous communities with tools for expression and civic participation
(Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
2. What is Pusat KOMAS’s organisational structure and
leadership?
KOMAS is chaired by Jerald Joseph, a former
SUHAKAM commissioner, with Tan Jo Hann remaining as an advisor. The team is
based in Petaling Jaya and operates through a flat structure where
responsibilities are shared across programme areas (Pusat KOMAS, 2024f;
SUHAKAM, 2024).
B. The Organisation’s Evolution Journey
3. What programs or campaigns has Pusat KOMAS run to
combat racism?
Pusat KOMAS has led national initiatives such as
the Non-Discrimination Programme (since 2005), the Freedom Film Festival (since
2003), and the Ratify ICERD campaign (2009). More recent digital efforts
include the “AkuBangsaMalaysia” campaign and the “Race to Equality” virtual
run, which combine community organising with media advocacy (Pusat KOMAS,
2024a; Malaysiakini, 2021).
4. How has Pusat KOMAS engaged in policy advocacy on
racial issues?
KOMAS plays an active role in legal and policy
advocacy. It was a key driver of the 2009 push for Malaysia to ratify ICERD. It
continues to hold conferences, contribute to reform discussions, and partner
with institutions like SUHAKAM and CIVICUS to push for systemic changes (Pusat
KOMAS, 2024b; SUHAKAM, 2025).
5. What role does the Freedom Film Festival (FFF) play
in KOMAS’s work?
FFF is a key educational tool for KOMAS. It raises
awareness on issues like race, indigenous rights, and democracy through film.
Though now under the Freedom Film Network, the festival remains closely linked
to KOMAS’s mission (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
6. What are some notable achievements or recognitions
of Pusat KOMAS?
KOMAS received the EAEA’s adult education award
in 2008 and the Third Civil Society Award in 2011. Its Racism Reports have been
cited by SUHAKAM and used in policymaking debates. Its leadership in ASEAN
rights platforms highlights its regional credibility (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a;
SUHAKAM, 2025).
C. The Organisation’s Core Cause and Related SDGs
7 . What core issues and causes does Pusat KOMAS focus
on?
Pusat KOMAS prioritises racial equality, indigenous
rights (especially the Orang Asli), civic participation, and democratic reform.
Key programmes include the Non-Discrimination Programme, Orang Asli Empowerment
Programme, and youth civic education workshops. These align with the
Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG
16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
8. How does Pusat KOMAS define and approach
anti-racism?
KOMAS defines anti-racism as a structural and
personal commitment to dismantling discriminatory norms, laws, and public
discourse. It runs campaigns like “Race to Equality” and “Aku Bangsa Malaysia,”
advocating a shared national identity and encouraging grassroots education on
recognising and challenging systemic bias (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
9. How does Pusat KOMAS support the rights of the
Orang Asli (indigenous peoples)?
Since the 1990s, KOMAS has collaborated with Orang
Asli organisations like JKOASM to defend land rights and empower indigenous
voices. The Orang Asli Empowerment Programme supports leadership training,
community radio, and participatory research (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
10. What challenges in Malaysian society has Pusat
KOMAS identified?
KOMAS highlights systemic racism, political division,
and corruption as persistent challenges. These are especially evident in
election-related rhetoric and policies. SUHAKAM (2025) echoes this concern,
noting that inequality remains deeply entrenched despite decades of
independence (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a; SUHAKAM, 2025).
D. The Mission and Vision of the Organisation
11. What is the mission and vision of Pusat KOMAS?
The mission of Pusat KOMAS is to promote
democracy and non-discrimination, with a vision of a Malaysian society where
equality transcends race, religion, or class. KOMAS communicates this vision
through anti-racism work, civic education, and inclusive programmes, aligning
its work with global human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
12. How does Pusat KOMAS envision a more inclusive
Malaysia?
KOMAS imagines a Malaysia built on shared values and
equal dignity, not ethnic divisions. It promotes inclusive language,
needs-based policies, and solidarity across communities. On Human Rights Day
2024, KOMAS reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and justice (Pusat KOMAS,
2024a).
E. A SWOT Analysis on the Organisation
13. What coalitions and networks is Pusat KOMAS part
of?
KOMAS is active in global and regional
coalitions like CIVICUS, FORUM-ASIA, and the ASEAN Peoples’ Forum. It also
co-founded COMANGO and the CSO Platform for Reform, enhancing its advocacy
reach and influence (Pusat KOMAS, 2024e).
14 . How does Pusat KOMAS measure its impact?
Impact is measured through event participation, the
number of facilitators trained, media reach, and policy influence. For
instance, the Freedom Film Festival draws 10,000 attendees annually, and its
reports are used by policymakers and SUHAKAM (Pusat KOMAS, 2024d; SUHAKAM,
2025).
15. What are Pusat KOMAS’s plans and priorities for
the future?
Future goals include youth mobilisation,
enhanced digital advocacy, and legislative reforms like a National Harmony Act.
KOMAS also seeks to link anti-racism with anti-corruption and expand its role
in ASEAN forums (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a; Twentytwo13, 2024).
F. The Organisation’s Latest Creative Campaigns (Last
2 Years)
16. Can you describe the collaborations Pusat KOMAS
has undertaken for Orang Asli rights?
In April 2019, KOMAS co-organised a roundtable
with the Malaysian Bar and Orang Asli leaders, leading to a joint memorandum
calling for reforms to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954. This collaborative
effort aimed to increase indigenous autonomy in policymaking (Pusat KOMAS,
2024c).
17. How does Pusat KOMAS use digital media and
communications tools?
As a media-focused NGO, KOMAS produces films, online
campaigns, animations, and educational videos. Projects such as Saya
Bangsa Malaysia and Jaguh Rasis di Kampung tackle
racial stereotypes, and the organisation uses e-learning platforms to train the
public in identifying and reporting hate speech (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
18. What recent digital campaigns or initiatives has
Pusat KOMAS organised?
In 2021, KOMAS launched the “Race to Equality”
virtual run during the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging Malaysians to pledge
against racism through a fitness-based activity. This campaign, under the
broader #AkuBangsaMalaysia movement, was supported by fitness tracking apps and
online outreach (Pusat KOMAS, 2024d; Malaysiakini, 2021).
19. What significant public events or festivals does
Pusat KOMAS organise?
KOMAS runs the Freedom Film Festival (FFF), Malaysia’s
first human rights film festival, launched in 2003. It attracts around 10,000
viewers annually and serves as a platform for dialogue on race, human rights,
and democracy (Pusat KOMAS, 2024a).
20. How does Pusat KOMAS involve youth and communities
in its advocacy?
KOMAS incorporates youth through workshops, digital
campaigns, and the Bangsa Malaysia Youth Ambassadors initiative. Young
participants help organise film screenings and lead discussions, with the goal
of fostering critical thinking about race and equality (Pusat
KOMAS, 2024a).
Summary:
Learning
about Pusat KOMAS has deepened my understanding of how grassroots activism can
influence national discourse on equality and human rights. I was especially
inspired by how the organisation uses media and education to fight racism and
empower marginalised groups, particularly the Orang Asli. Their approach to
promoting unity through campaigns like “Aku Bangsa Malaysia” showed me the
importance of inclusive narratives in a diverse society. I also gained insight
into how NGOs can shape policy by engaging with both local communities and
international frameworks. Overall, this exploration made me more aware of the
ongoing challenges in Malaysia related to race and democracy, and it
strengthened my belief in the power of civil society to drive social change.
References
Malaysiakini. (2021, March
24). Race to Equality: A pledge to stand up against racial discrimination
and hate speech.https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/567886
Pusat KOMAS. (2024a). Our
Story. https://komas.org/about-us/
Pusat KOMAS. (2024b). International
Standards & Policies. https://komas.org/our-work/international-standards-policies/
Pusat KOMAS. (2024c). Minister
YB Waytha Moorthy receives a memorandum to reform the Aboriginal Peoples’ Act
1954. https://komas.org/memorandum-to-reform-apa/
Pusat KOMAS. (2024d). Virtual
Run: Race to Equality. https://komas.org/virtual-run-race-to-equality/
Pusat KOMAS. (2024e). Memberships.
https://komas.org/memberships/
Pusat KOMAS. (2024f). Our
People. https://komas.org/our-people/
SUHAKAM. (2024). Mr. Jerald
Joseph. https://suhakam.org.my/about-us/mr-jerald-joseph/
SUHAKAM. (2025, May 3). Media
Statement No. 20-2025: Strengthening Racial Harmony – A Call to Action for a
More United Malaysia. https://suhakam.org.my/2025/05/media-statement-no-20-2025_strengthening
racial-harmony-a-call-to-action-for-a-more-united-malaysia/
Twentytwo13. (2024, December
10). Corruption, racism in Malaysia must be addressed urgently, says NGO. https://twentytwo13.my/corruption-racism-in-malaysia-must-be-addressed-urgently-says-ngo/
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