Embracing volunteerism: A path to community empowerment
In a world where individual actions can spark widespread change, volunteerism emerges as a powerful force for community empowerment and social transformation. The spirit of volunteerism is rooted in the simple yet profound act of giving – giving time, skills, and energy for the greater good. It is through this selfless contribution that communities find strength, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose.
Baiduri Bank, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), recognises this transformative power of volunteerism. Through our collaborative effort in developing and continuously enhancing the Mengalinga app, we are not just creating a tool but fostering a platform that bridges the gap between intention and action.
Mengalinga is a mobile application that serves as a platform for event organisers from government and non-government organisations to promote volunteering opportunities and for volunteers to sign up through the app. It is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to connect hearts and hands, enabling people from all walks of life to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
Over 140 organisations and 3700 volunteers have registered on Mengalinga to date, with almost 430 events successfully sourcing volunteers through the app since its launch in 2021.
The app will undergo further enhancement, a development formalised in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), and Pg Azaleen bin Pg Dato Haji Mustapha, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Business Development of Baiduri Bank, at the Baiduri Community Space last November.
“Mengalinga amplifies the impact of volunteerism and charitable endeavours. This platform has become a catalyst for substantial community involvement and can enrich volunteers’ lives with purpose and connection,” said Pg Azaleen during the MoU signing.
In alignment with Wawasan Brunei 2035, Baiduri Bank’s support in developing the Mengalinga app demonstrates a shared commitment to co-creating a sustainable future, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.
Dayang Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, Director of Youth and Sports at MCYS, lauds this public-private partnership as a catalyst for empowering youth and communities, stating, ”Baiduri Bank’s continuous support and contribution towards the ongoing development and enhancement of the Mengalinga app is evidence of a strong collaboration between the government and private sector. This strategic partnership plays a vital role in empowering the youth and communities through a whole-of-nation approach.”
The app’s role in recruiting volunteers for COVID-19 relief efforts in 2021 exemplifies its capacity to mobilise community action in critical times. Its reach extends from youth development and green education to green initiatives, showcasing the diverse impact of volunteerism.
“Our commitment to Mengalinga aligns perfectly with Baiduri Bank’s core values, especially in terms of giving back to the community. Through Mengalinga, we hope to empower people who have a passion for helping others and making a difference,” added Pg Azaleen.
The app’s innovative features, such as leaderboards and awards, incentivise participation and foster a culture of recognition and appreciation for volunteers. Organisations (highflyers) and individuals (trailblazers) are awarded points for their activity, which can be used to redeem vouchers and other rewards in-app from participating companies.
In conjunction with International Volunteer Day, the Day of Action will be launched tomorrow, 10 December 2023, at the Youth Hub, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, by MCYS. In the event, top 5 performers from 2023 in each category will be presented with awards, celebrating their volunteering efforts and encouraging others to take action to positively impact their communities.
Mengalinga is free to download from the Google Play Store and App Store. During the day of launch, there will also be a walkthrough workshop from Nextacloud – the developers of Mengalinga – on how to use the app as an individual seeking more volunteering opportunities or as an organisation wanting to secure volunteers. The virtual workshop will be broadcast at all four districts – the Youth Hub, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Brunei-Muara and the Youth Centres in Tutong, Kuala Belait and Temburong – at 10am tomorrow. For more information and updates on Day of Action and the Mengalinga workshop, please follow dayofaction.brunei on Instagram.
As we continue to engage with Mengalinga, let’s remember the impact of these small acts in shaping a cohesive and caring community.
