It’s time we as Malaysians finally set aside all of our differences and focus on being more accepting towards the various unique and interesting groups of individuals out there. I’m pretty sure we’re all tired and exhausted from the unnecessary discrimination and exclusivity that has been the status quo for the longest time. There needs to be a change, and diversity needs to be embraced. After all, isn’t diversity what makes Malaysia, Malaysia?
So, if you are all for this movement, then boy, will you be glad to hear this! Throughout the month of September, SEED Malaysia is teaming up with W Kuala Lumpur and Dusun | OpenHouse to host a celebration centering around diversity and inclusivity. But before we get deeper into this awesome celebration, let’s dive a little into SEED Malaysia and W Kuala Lumpur, as well as Dusun | OpenHouse.
SEED MALAYSIA
SEED Malaysia, also known as Pertubuhan Pembangunan Kebajikan dan Persekitaran Positif Malaysia (SEED), is the first ever Trans-Led community-based organisation in Malaysia. Hell, yeah!
Officially established in 2014, SEED was created to ensure that there are support services available for those who are socially excluded, especially the transgender community. Understanding the stigma and discrimination faced by the trans community, SEED, whose tagline is Nobody Gets Left Behind, aims to ensure that the transgender community is able to access food, basic services and support in a safe space, just like everyone else.
Another awesome fact about SEED is that they also run a home for the elderly transgender community that not only protects elderly transwomen, but also those that are seeking refuge due to violence or abuse. It is a home for the desolate and it is a home for those who are discriminated against.
W Kuala Lumpur
The iconic brand’s first-ever hotel in Malaysia, W Kuala Lumpur opened its doors in August 2018 in the
heart of the capital, a stones-throw away from the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers. W Kuala Lumpur features 150 stylish guest rooms and suites with diverse beverage and food venues, bringing a flawless synergy to Kuala Lumpur’s booming, multicultural food and drink scene.
Dusun | OpenHouse
A fine-dining Malaysian restaurant specialising on lost recipes and heritage dishes, Dusun is vibrant and experimental when it comes to its menu. Combining hyper-local produce and jungle ingredients with familiar comfort food, together with a unique spin on Western and local favorites like pizza and chicken rice, Dusun fuses flavors using traditional kampung cooking techniques with its ember-fire grills and ovens.
Part of Dusun’s ethos is to advance a more sustainable industry by recycling, using chemical-free products where possible, and promoting long-term social responsibility programs such as supporting Malaysian Nature Society by donating parts of their proceeds to social foundations and charities.
Since Malaysia is basically a multiculturalism of various cultures and beliefs, this movement stands for fair treatment and opportunity for all; while aiming to eliminate prejudice and discrimination based on an individual or a certain group of individuals’ protected characteristics.
With the title #NOLABELS, the month-long campaign aims to raise funds to support this bold and laudable initiative by SEED Malaysia, as well as supporting particularly under-represented groups towards providing a multitude of services, resources and even provisions to the marginalized communities within the city. Besides that, the campaign’s goal is to raise awareness surrounding human rights like equality, diversity, and
inclusivity issues.
Nisha Ayub from SEED Malaysia says:
“Forming a partnership with W Kuala Lumpur and Dusun| OpenHouse for #NOLABELS was an easy decision to make, working in tandem with each respective stakeholder’s vision, mission and values. The goal we want to achieve is to provide an empowering environment based on building meaningful, enduring and respectful relationships across different cultures that bring together people with different experiences and backgrounds’
views on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity in today’s society.” – Nisha Ayub, SEED Malaysia.
Nisha adds that SEED Malaysia is utterly dedicated to working for the benefit of local and marginalized communities to improve their quality of life, which will further enable them to contribute back to society.
#NOLABELS will feature a series of events to provide a free and empowering space in hopes of encouraging individuals to passionately push past ridiculous boundaries, and create a platform to listen to voices that need to be heard – all whilst celebrating what makes each individual special and unique.
“W Kuala Lumpur regards itself as a longstanding partner dedicated to promoting equality and giving a megaphone to inspiring voices that deserve to be heard. From collaborations and celebrations to events and speaker series, we are all about breaking boundaries and living out loud. We are proud to partner with SEED Malaysia and to work hand in hand with Dusun | OpenHouse to raise awareness and to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity within the community,” commented Volker Burth, W Kuala Lumpur’s General Manager.
Supporting SEED Foundation’s #NOLABELS initiative was a simple decision to make, says Andrew Wong – the founder of Dusun | OpenHouse – as their efforts to bring real and positive changes to the community correlates strongly with Dusun | OpenHouse’s message of spreading kindness where they can. One of the creative partners involved in the #NOLABELS campaign is photographer Daniel Adams, who is well-known for his unique and emotive portrait photos.
As part of the movement, a selection of his work will be showcased around Kwai Chai Hong from the 15th to the 22nd of September. Whilst viewing his eye-capturing art, the public can also enjoy special promotions from participating outlets around the area – including Kapitan Haus, G-String, Concubine, Small Shifting Place and Baiju. A portion of sales during this period from these partner bars will also go towards SEED Malaysia’s initiatives.
During the week on the 15th of September, #NOLABELS will be hosting a panel discussion featuring leaders and prominent figures who will be discussing the topic of diversity in Malaysia, and how we can work together to build a more inclusive community. Titled the #NOLABELS Chatter, the event will be hosted by Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, where the topics of diversity and inclusion in the various industries and societies in Malaysia will be discussed.
Invited speakers include Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, JJ Fernandez and Datin Mina Cheah-Foong of The Body Shop. The #NOLABELS Chatter is open to the public who can reserve their seats by emailing
nisha.ayub@seedMalaysia.com.my or calling Dian at +60 13-619 2915.
To end this fabulous celebration, the main finale event – #NOLABELS @ WET® Deck – which will be held at W Kuala Lumpur on the 24th of September, will feature live performances and entertainment, an auction of portrait prints by Daniel Adams, giveaways, as well as F&B offerings that capture the best of the hotel’s “Loud and Proud” authentic offerings. You can RSVP via email at bf.wkualalumpur@whotels.com.
In a nutshell, the goal for #NOLABELS is to feature thought leaders sharing their views on issues of inclusivity in today’s society, and projects that bring together people with different experiences and background views on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity in today’s society; as well as artists and thought leaders expressing their definition of #NOLABELS through their craft.
If you would like to participate, you may attend any of the supporting events throughout the month by simply purchasing entry tickets and selected products where proceeds will be contributed to SEED Malaysia. Moreover, you also stand a chance to win attractive prizes via lucky draw by purchasing an entry ticket and attending the finale event at WET® Deck on 24 September 2022.
For more information on #NOLABELS, please visit https://www.nolabels.news.
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