Our journey with Jacqueline began on the ground at Itah Campsite, a community supported by the work of Acumen Fellow, Ayu. Having recently been electrified through Ayu’s initiatives, the village stands as a powerful testament to what happens when 'the last mile' is no longer left behind.

The campsite itself has also become an important community gathering space. With electricity, people now gather there for activities such as arts and crafts, community meetings, and social events. It also operates as a homestay, welcoming visitors to stay in the chalets as an additional source of income.
While Malaysia reports a 99% electrification rate, the stories we heard from the Batin (village chief) and his community remind us that the final 1% represents real people and untapped potential.

We met a woman who has opened a salon serving neighboring villages, and Bahsemar, whose new grocery store is equipped with three freezers, now helps local farmers preserve their produce and provides the village with fresh meals. It was a moving reminder that electricity is more than just light; it is the foundation for livelihoods, safety, and community gathering.

We launched the Foundry Connect, a new initiative designed to bring our community together in deeper, more intentional ways. This inaugural gathering was a milestone for our Malaysia Foundry, drawing 27 Fellows from across five different cohorts. For many, it was a long-awaited reconnection; for others, it was the beginning of a new bridge.

Moving away from the formality of traditional panels, the evening was centered on honest dialogue. With Jacqueline Novogratz in the room, the conversation dove into the "messy" realities of social impact. We explored the inherent tensions of our work: how to scale a mission without losing the pulse of the community, and how to build on a foundation of trust when the path forward is unclear.

The evening underscored a profound truth that the work of change is long, and it can often be lonely. What stood out most was the strength of this community; leaders showed up with an openness and vulnerability that reminded us why these spaces are essential. Foundry Connect is more than just a meeting—it is a commitment to ensuring that no builder has to do this work alone.

In collaboration with AVPN and the NAMA Foundation, we convened 50 social investors, philanthropic leaders, and policy-makers in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the future of social investment in Asia.

Dato’ Kathleen Chew joined Jacqueline and leaders from Porticus, Creador Foundation, Bank Islam, and NAMA Foundation to explore how capital can move with more courage. The consensus was clear: we must prioritise building "investable pipelines" and foundational capacity over sheer speed.

Whether in the closed-door dialogues in Malaysia or the fireside chat in Singapore, the message remained consistent— investment tools must be a means to solve poverty, not an end in themselves.

In Singapore, Jacqueline joined a session co-convened with The Majurity Trust and our Singapore Foundry. This dialogue focused on the "proximity" of leadership and the idea that those building change must remain close to the communities they serve. 

The session created space for founders to reflect on the realities of building change close to communities. A recurring theme was the power of community among builders, and the idea that meaningful systems change requires collaboration across entrepreneurs, government, and ecosystem partners.

Vietnam Acumen Day brought together our Vietnam Foundry community for a 3-day immersive experience, centred on reconnection, reflection, and solidarity.

The turnout itself was a testament to the strength of the network, with 26 of 32 Foundry members coming together — many reconnecting after time apart, and showing up for one another beyond programs or structures.

Across deep-dive sessions and a welcome dinner with ecosystem partners, the gathering reflected something deeper than a convening. It was a reminder that what we are building is not just a network, but a community — one grounded in trust, shared purpose, and a long-term commitment to the work.

As the week came to a close, one thing became clear: while the challenges of poverty and exclusion remain complex, the community of builders across Southeast Asia is growing stronger, more connected, and more determined than ever.

We are thrilled to announce that the application window for the 2026 YTL Foundation Scholarship Programme is now officially closed. This year, we received over 8,000 applications —nearly doubling the 4,388 we received last year!

To everyone who shared our posts, encouraged students to apply, and championed our mission - Thank you! Your support has ensured that we reached more aspiring candidates than ever before.

The YTL Foundation Scholarship is more than financial aid; it is a gateway for future leaders who embody academic excellence and a heart for community service. We are now beginning the difficult but inspiring task of reviewing these applications.