KUALA LUMPUR. The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia (HFEM) has announced new opportunities for its members and collaborators to apply for a range of community-based grants offered by government agencies and foundations across Malaysia.

In a recent announcement, HFEM informed members that several funding schemes are currently open for application under registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs). As a registered NGO, HFEM is able to serve as a host organisation for selected grant proposals that align with fields such as ergonomics, human factors, occupational safety and health, well-being, community development, education and digital inclusion.

Opportunities for Researchers, Industry and Startups

HFEM is encouraging participation from a wide range of applicants, including researchers, academics, industry practitioners, consultants, companies, startups and individual HFEM members. Collaborative teams are also welcomed to submit proposals.

According to HFEM, proposed projects should demonstrate clear relevance to ergonomics or human factors, either directly or indirectly. This may include initiatives related to workplace health and safety, accessibility, digital skills, ageing populations, persons with disabilities (OKU), community resilience, sustainability and inclusive design.

Governance Through HFEM Special Interest Groups

To ensure proper oversight and accountability, HFEM stated that all grant applications must be registered under one of its Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Applicants may suggest a suitable SIG for their project, or the HFEM Executive Committee may assign one based on the project scope.

The designated SIG will act as the monitoring and reporting platform should the project receive funding. HFEM currently hosts several SIGs covering areas such as transportation ergonomics, engineering ergonomics, human–computer interaction, occupational ergonomics, organisational ergonomics, inclusive design and student engagement.

Wide Range of Grant Categories Available

HFEM highlighted that the available grants span multiple sectors including community development, youth empowerment, education, technology and environmental sustainability.

Among the key funding opportunities are community and NGO grants such as the Geran Komuniti MADANI administered by the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia, which offers funding between RM50,000 and RM300,000 for community development and poverty reduction initiatives.

Programmes promoting social harmony can apply for the Geran Perpaduan Nasional by the Ministry of National Unity Malaysia, while health-focused NGOs may consider the MySihat NGO Grant under the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

Other available grants include youth and volunteer funding through the Geran Belia Malaysia under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, education and TVET grants from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, and social research funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia.

Digital transformation initiatives can also seek support through the Digitalisation for Community programme by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, while environmental projects may apply for the MyHijau Grant from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Malaysia.

Additional community funding opportunities are also available through corporate foundations such as the Yayasan PETRONAS, which offers community grants of up to RM1 million.

How to Apply Through HFEM

HFEM members and collaborators interested in applying under the society are encouraged to prepare a brief project concept of one to two pages outlining the proposed initiative.

Applicants should also indicate the target grant scheme and, where applicable, the preferred Special Interest Group for project affiliation. The proposal will then be reviewed and coordinated by the HFEM Executive Committee prior to submission.

For further information and coordination, interested applicants may contact:

Radin Zaid Radin Umar – radinzaid@gmail.com

Hajar Mariah Hashim – mariahhajar@gmail.com

HFEM Secretariat – hfemsecretary@gmail.com

HFEM expressed hope that members will take advantage of these opportunities to translate ergonomics and human factors expertise into impactful community programmes, while strengthening the society’s national visibility and contribution to societal well-being.

Collab with us in leading the ergonomics and human factors for industries in future!