Completed bamboo-featured rejuvenation project is part of YTL’s community impact initiative in conjunction with the Group’s 70th Anniversary
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Masyarakat Yellow House (“Yellow House”), a not-for-profit grassroots community organisation dedicated to improving the lives of marginalised groups, officially opened its newly rejuvenated premise at Kampung Ampang Campuran. The rejuvenation project, sponsored by YTL Foundation and YTL Construction, transformed the 40-year-old house into a sustainable building catering to Yellow House’s activities for the homeless, urban poor and refugee communities.
Prior to the renovation, the ageing Yellow House building was in constant need of repair, which had severely limited the organisation’s functionality to continue operating and running its social programmes. Recognising that Yellow House is a beacon space for its community, YTL came onboard to refurbish the building – which now provides an optimised space to cater for more activities, as well as for beneficiaries and volunteers to connect and grow.
Guided by sustainability, the design of Yellow House incorporates bamboo for its strength, durability and beauty, reducing environmental impact while adding warmth. A raised roof is built to bring in natural light and ventilation, while a central courtyard allows space flexibility for an open and inviting atmosphere.
Shyam Priah, Founder & President of Yellow House said, “The new face of Yellow House today is a standing reality thanks to the incredible support of YTL Foundation and YTL Construction, as well as corporate partners and individual donors who share our vision for the betterment of marginalised communities. With the renovated space, Yellow House is now able to significantly enhance our impact and offer a wider range of programmes to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
One of the immediate projects Yellow House is embarking on is the Farmer’s Market, where small farmers in Ampang will have an opportunity to sell their produce directly to consumers without going through middlemen. The Farmer’s Market will also serve as a platform for Yellow House’s beneficiaries, especially the homeless, to sell their farm produce – such as herb salt, microgreens and sprouts and dried herbs – which they grow at Yellow House’s one-acre Farm School.
Dato’ Kathleen Chew, Programme Director of YTL Foundation said, “We are excited for the new era of Yellow House and the impact on surrounding communities through the revitalised premises. Together with YTL Construction, we were inspired to preserve this shelter that has served the community for over a decade and prepare it for the future. The rejuvenation of Yellow House is close to our hearts as we endeavour to provide a place of opportunity and hope for the marginalised – where people can rebuild their lives, rediscover their potential, and find the strength to dream again.”
The official opening of the rejuvenated Yellow House is a reflection of YTL Beyond 70, commemorating YTL Group’s 70-year journey of Building The Right Thing for the nation and communities – not just with built structures, but by uplifting communities and improving lives.
Besides taking on the design and construction of Yellow House, YTL Construction worked with its network of partners to sponsor building materials and products. Alongside YTL Foundation, it also extended support through its employees to raise funds and contribute to the rejuvenation initiative through internal events like the Yellow House Charity Bazaar and the YTL Construction Family Day. Furthermore, employees of YTL Construction continued their support by volunteering their weekends to help paint the building as part of the renovation works.
Shyam added, “We are now focused on building stronger relationships with stakeholders and community organisations to collaborate on programmes and initiatives. We have an exciting programme for corporate volunteering as part of employee engagement to drive community impact under their CSR initiatives. We also welcome donations and sponsorships to support our ongoing operations and programme development.”
First built in the 1980s by Shyam’s father and grandfather, the Yellow House premises in Ampang, Selangor, has served nearly 36,000 people as a shelter for the needy, livelihood projects and as a distribution hub for food aid to underserved families. It has also hosted over a thousand international volunteers since Yellow House’s inception in 2011.
