Celebrating 100 Readers: A Milestone for Projek BacaBaca

What does it mean for a child to become a reader?

For the 100 children celebrated at Projek BacaBaca: The 100 Readers Celebration – Every Child a Reader, it represented more than the completion of a programme. It signified the development of confidence, the discovery of voice, and a meaningful step towards fuller participation in school and society. Held on 18 April 2026 at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, the celebration brought together young learners, parents, teachers, reading coaches, education partners, and representatives from the Ministry of Education to recognise and honour the reading journeys of children from the 2025 cohort. The event featured an address by Dr. Rusmini Ku Ahmad, Deputy Director General of Education (Policy & Curriculum) from the Ministry of Education and was officiated by Prof. Dr. Barry Winn, Vice-Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University.

Now in its sixth year, Projek BacaBaca has reached more than 700 children through structured reading interventions in both English and Bahasa Melayu. Led by the School of Education under the Education for All Impact Lab, the initiative supports children aged 6 to 9 who require additional assistance to achieve age-appropriate reading proficiency. A key highlight of the celebration was the student reading showcase, where children demonstrated not only improved literacy skills, but also notable confidence, resilience, and pride in their progress. These achievements were made possible through the sustained commitment of volunteer reading coaches, teachers, families, and strategic partners, including Yayasan Hasanah and the Mah Sing Foundation.

The celebration served as a powerful reminder that foundational literacy extends beyond academic achievement; it is a gateway to confidence, curiosity, and future opportunity. For Projek BacaBaca, the milestone of 100 readers does not mark an endpoint, but rather reinforces a continued commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive.