The Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2040 at the 11th National Convention held from April 24 to 26 at Tamu Hotel & Suites here, marking a pivotal step in the organisation's push towards digital integration and long-term strategic planning.

The 15-year roadmap, unveiled during the convention themed 'Digital Integration and Strategic Planning: Driving Sustainable Impact', outlines MRA's direction in leveraging technology and data-driven approaches to strengthen its humanitarian operations both domestically and internationally.

The strategic plan was presented in detail by Mohd Hasan Mohd Saaid from the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).

The convention was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, who also launched the Strategic Plan 2025-2040 and a memoir by MRA co-founder and President Dr. Mohd Daud Sulaiman titled 'Jalan Panjang Kemanusiaan' (The Long Road of Humanitarianism).

The three-day convention brought together nearly 100 MRA members from across the country.

Dr. Mohd Daud said the convention's focus on digital transformation and strategic planning was timely given the increasingly complex humanitarian landscape.

"Digital transformation is no longer an option, but a necessity in strengthening aid delivery systems and data management. This convention serves as an important platform for us to strengthen the organisation's strategic planning, empower leadership capabilities at all levels, and align MRA's direction to be more systematic and sustainable," he said.

In line with the convention's digital-forward theme, five expert presentations were delivered covering key areas of organisational transformation. Associate Professor Dr. Azlyn Ahmad Zawawi spoke on building a data-driven NGO culture, while Dr. Farah Hazirah Shahrul Azhar presented on strategic decision-making guided by technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Brigadier General Prof. Dr. Mohd Arshil Moideen addressed disaster crisis management from a military perspective, and Dato' Dr. Ustaz Shakir Husein Kalid discussed MRA's strategy in navigating challenges over the next 30 years.

Representatives from all 13 state chapters were also given the opportunity to share their respective developments and achievements, further reinforcing the convention's goal of aligning the organisation's direction nationwide.