More than 230 home-based caregivers from Penang and Kedah were recognised today at Himpunan Gala Pesona Kasih Madani, marking their progress through training and professional development aimed at strengthening the quality of early childcare within their communities. 

Held at PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth, the gathering brought together approximately 600 caregivers, family members, mentors, programme partners and stakeholders. The event was attended by Minister of Education Malaysia YB Puan Fadhlina Sidek, alongside Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) Chief Executive Officer Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin and Merdeka Centre Programme Director Ibrahim Suffian. 

Since its launch in August 2025, Kasih Madani has reached more than 1,000 caregivers across four states — Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Kedah and Pulau Pinang. Managed by Merdeka Center with the support of the Ministry of Finance Malaysia through Yayasan Sime Darby, Kasih Madani is a government-driven initiative aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s childcare ecosystem by empowering and capacity-building home-based and community caregivers.  

Through programmes such as Kursus Rintis Asuhan Madani (KARISMA), Seminar Asuhan Madani (SEMAI), caregivers are equipped with knowledge and skills to strengthen the quality and safety of childcare they provide. Around 200 participants have been selected for the Bimbingan Keterampilan Profesionalisasi Asuhan Madani (BITARA) Professionalisation Programme, providing a pathway for caregivers to further develop their capabilities and professional standing. 

Dr Yatela said that strengthening the capabilities of caregivers is fundamental to supporting children's development and wellbeing in their earliest years. 

“Caregivers play a vital role in shaping a child’s early development, and families place immense trust in them every day. Through Kasih Madani, we aim to equip caregivers with the knowledge, skills and professional support needed to provide safe, nurturing and high-quality care. 

By investing in caregivers, we are also strengthening the support system that surrounds children and families. Equally important, the experiences and insights shared by caregivers through this programme provide valuable perspectives on the realities of home-based childcare, helping to inform improvements in policy and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive caregiving ecosystem in Malaysia.” 

Himpunan Gala Pesona Kasih Madani serves as a culmination of the Kasih Madani journey for participants in the Northern Zone. Beyond recognising caregivers for their dedication and progress, the gathering provides a platform to discuss wider issues affecting the sector through a townhall on Malaysia’s caregiving ecosystem and a forum examining the realities and future of childcare in the country. 

The programme also recognises the families, mentors, trainers and partners who have supported caregivers throughout their development, reflecting the wider network needed to strengthen the quality of home-based childcare. 

Beyond individual skills development, Kasih Madani seeks to strengthen connections among caregivers by creating opportunities for them to exchange experiences, learn from one another and build support networks within their communities. 

“Kasih Madani is a pioneering initiative that supports Malaysia’s home-based childcare community in building a safer, more professional and high-quality childcare ecosystem, even within the home. The effectiveness of this programme is expected to serve as a benchmark for future care economy initiatives, while creating greater opportunities for continued government support and efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s childcare ecosystem,” said Athirah Izzati, Kasih Madani Research Officer.  

The initiative also seeks to strengthen connections among caregivers, creating a community where they can continue sharing experiences, supporting one another and developing their knowledge and capabilities beyond the programme. 
Moving forward, the knowledge, experiences and insights gathered through Kasih Madani are expected to contribute towards continued efforts to strengthen caregiver development, improve the quality of childcare and build a stronger caregiving ecosystem for Malaysian children and families.