While a majority of Malaysian Indians have benefited from the socio-economic development in Malaysia there is, however a section within this community who are facing the negative impact of social change and urbanization. Our Prime Minister said recently “the increase in urban population has resulted in a new phenomenon, that is the expansion of squatter settlements and the emergence of relative poverty in the urban areas among Bumiputera and the Indian community”.

The Yayasan Strategik Sosial which was established by the Malaysian Indian Congress has developed a holistic, systematic and an integrated approach in addressing the social problems faced by the Indian community.

This project entitled ‘Enhanced Potential, Empowered Lives’ is being funded through a special allocation made available through the ‘Cabinet Committee on Addressing Social Ills’ and monitored by the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development.

The attempt here is to mobilize the community, creating awareness and encouraging direct involvement in addressing the many problems faced by a section of the Indian Community. The aim is to enable the target groups overcome their problems and experience upward social mobility.