About Us
HOST International Foundation Malaysia (HOST Malaysia) is a dedicated organization within a global network committed to improving the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. We offer holistic, practical support focused on long-term empowerment and integration. Guided by the principles of humanity, hope, and dignity, our programs address the unique challenges faced by refugees, providing sustainable solutions that foster self-reliance and community harmony.
Malaysia: Responding to Growing Needs
Recognizing Malaysia’s growing refugee population primarily from Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia. HOST International’s expansion was made with the aim to find local, community based and contextually appropriate solutions to growing needs of refugees being hosted in the country. As Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, and does not have a legal framework on refugees, refugees are unable to access services and are often at risk of arrest and detention, leaving them vulnerable.
HOST Malaysia officially began its operations on 19 December 2019, focusing initially on the child protection sector, working on community-based case management initiatives to provides essential child protection services that empower refugees, fostering pathways toward self-reliance and integration, and resettlement.
Our Journey: Global Beginnings
HOST International began in Australia in 2016, with a mission to provide immediate support and promote long-term integration for refugees and asylum seekers. Early initiatives were driven by a commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care. The success of this approach led to the expansion of operations into Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Malaysia, where HOST’s services helped individuals rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.
A New Chapter: Independent Operations
Since 2020, HOST Malaysia has worked closely with various stakeholders to address gaps and challenges within the refugee child protection sector, expanding our projects to include capacity building initiatives for refugee youths, advocacy on alternatives to detention and community outreach and aid services outside of the Klang Valley.
In January 2024, following the closure of HOST International’s operations in Australia, HOST International Foundation Malaysia became an independent entity. Registered under the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), HOST Malaysia continues its vital work, aligned with the global mission of fostering humanity, hope, and dignity. Like its counterparts in New Zealand and Thailand, HOST Malaysia operates independently, leveraging shared expertise to maximize impact locally.
Our Mission
We envisions a world where displaced individuals and host communities work together to build better futures. Our mission is to:
Our Trusted Partners
Real Impact Begins With Us
We welcome collaborations with organisations, communities, and individuals who believe in building protection, inclusion, and empowerment for refugees in Malaysia.