Projects for Happiness 2.0 is a collaborative initiative jointly implemented by My Starfish Foundation (MSF) and the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation (MSEF), with SULAM under the Ministry of Higher Education serving as the academic partner.
Established in 2014, Projects for Happiness empowers university students to design and lead impactful community projects across Malaysia. In its 2.0 edition, the programme focuses on Uplifting Community Livelihoods, Enhancing Wellbeing, and Promoting Arts & Culture, with the aim of creating sustainable and meaningful social impact.
Projects for Happiness 2.0 empowers Malaysian undergraduates to develop grassroots programs nationwide. We aim to promote sustainable community initiatives nationwide, using innovative approaches to support socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. We believe everyone can contribute to society in their own way.
Objectives
- Cultivate KINDNESS and spirit of ‘giving back’ to the community.
- Grow students’ leadership, empathy and problem-solving skills.
- Deliver happiness to the community.
Project for Happiness 2.0 is open to all Malaysian undergraduates.
Theme
“Delivering Happiness Through Youth-led Community Action”
Focus Areas
- Uplifting Community Livelihoods
- Enhancing Wellbeing
- Promoting Arts & Culture
From launch to final showcase, follow the step-by-step journey that guides students in turning ideas into impactful community projects.
- Attend PFH Application Briefings (online/offline).
- Learn about programme themes, evaluation criteria, and important dates.
- Ideating & building impactful project
- Proposal writing & budgeting
- Fundraising strategies
- Presentation & pitching skills
- Submit a complete Project Proposal & Budget via the PFH official website.
- 10-minute presentation in English, supported by visuals and a short video.
- Judges provide real-time feedback and immediate decisions.
- Successful teams are awarded grants and receive a crowdfunding target.
- Crowdfund x% of total project budget, involving at least 10 individual supporters.
- Register the Project on the official MIVA website.
- Register as a volunteer under MIVA-PFH Volunteer Actions to earn MIVA star coins*.
- Project Grants disburse to student’s university bursary.
- Execute the approved project within the designated timeline.
- Submit periodic progress updates as required.
- Submit a completion report
- Prepare a 3-minute outcome video
- Set up a project booth at the PFH Final Exhibition
- Deliver a 10-minute final presentation
Earning Star Coins
All registered MSEF MIVA volunteers earn 10 Star Coins (SC) for every hour of verified service. Currently, 10 SC is equivalent to approximately RM5–RM10 in value. Star Coins have a validity period of 1 year and can be accumulated over multiple service activities. Volunteers must accumulate a minimum of 500 SC (around 50 hours of service) before the coins can be redeemed, donated, or used.
1. Team Registration
Every PFH team member must register as a MSEF MIVA volunteer (registration is free).
The Project Lead may also register their Projects for Happiness initiative as an official MSEF MIVA Partner Project.
2. Earn Star Coins Through Projects for Happiness
When a PFH project conducts any community activity, it should be posted on the MSEF MIVA platform.
Team members then sign up for the posted activity as volunteers.
Upon completing the activity, each participant earns Star Coins based on the number of validated service hours.
3. Using Star Coins for Project Continuity
After completing the PFH cycle, if the team wishes to continue their project beyond the first year, they may:
- Apply to MSEF MIVA for continuation funding, and
- Submit a proposal outlining their expansion plan and projected community impact.
Accumulated Star Coins can strengthen the team’s application, demonstrating sustained service commitment and volunteer engagement.
| Key Objectives | Description | Relevant SDGs & Topics |
| Uplift Community Livelihoods Through Meaningful Impact |
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| Enhance Wellbeing for Individuals and Communities |
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| Celebrate and Promote Arts & Culture |
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