UNHCR and Tulus Launch Partnership to Support Refugees in Malaysia

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd have launched a strategic partnership to strengthen support for refugee communities in Malaysia. Through this agreement, Tulus – a leading Islamic Social Finance crowdfunding application – pledges to raise USD600,000 from 2021 – 2023 to benefit the most vulnerable refugees in the areas of health, education, and gender-based violence. 

This pledge is all the more critical today in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations like refugees. There are some 178,000 refugees registered with UNHCR in Malaysia. Approximately 45% are women and children, many of whom are vulnerable and impacted socially and economically by the pandemic.

“One of the greatest tools to solve inequalities amidst a COVID-19 pandemic is FinTech. FinTech connects users in such a way so that transactions are transparent, easy to perform, and allows donors to connect more closely to causes they can relate to,” said Datuk Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar, Chairman of Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd. 

“The meaning of tulus is sincerity in the Malay language, and this app was built with that sole notion in mind – to be clear and sincere in everything that we do for our donors, beneficiaries, and partners, including UNHCR. 

“Philanthropy has no religion, has no home address, is no flagship of any country. It is about humanity. And for that, we are motivated to use our digital platform to serve these communities better.”

In recent years, UNHCR has continued to strengthen partnerships in Islamic Philanthropy, tapping into Islamic Social Finance to assist the most vulnerable refugees in Malaysia. 

“Onboarding Tulus as the first UNHCR Islamic FinTech Partner is a major milestone in connecting Islamic Finance to reducing inequalities and poverty amongst the refugee population in Malaysia,” said Thomas Albrecht, UNHCR Representative. 

“FinTech is also an innovative solution in this regard. Turning to technology to mobilise public support, especially during times of social distancing, makes practical sense.

“UNHCR is honoured to have Tulus as our first UNHCR Islamic FinTech Partner and we look forward to a long relationship that will significantly benefit vulnerable refugees in Malaysia.”